Location
Salem, Massachusetts
School
Emerson College, University Of Vermont
Expertise
Central/Eastern Europe & Turkey, Hotels & Resorts, The Expat Experience
- Mike has written for dozens of print and online travel publications.
- He has reviewed more than 50 hotels.
- He's also written and edited more than a dozen guidebooks.
Experience
Mike discovered journalism while living in Istanbul. From there he returned to USA and earned a master's degree in publishing and writing at Emerson College. Since then he has served as writer and editor at dozens of print and online travel publications. He also teaches travel writing at Gotham Writers Workshop.
Education
Mike has an MA in publishing and writing from Emerson College and a BA in English from University of Vermont. Mike also won a scholarship to study a year at the University of Kent in Canterbury, UK.
Islands content is created by a team of veteran writers and editors passionate about travel. Outside experts with deep field knowledge sometimes inform our work with additional context and perspectives by way of exclusive commentary. Our goal is to offer readers well-rounded and diverse articles that inform, entertain, and inspire.
Our editors consistently review and update articles to ensure they're providing current, relevant, and useful information. Complete information on our editorial process is available here.
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Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
In an unsuspecting Wexford, Pennsylvania park lies the Fountain of Youth. Here’s what "miracles" to expect, how to find it, and the story behind its creation.
By Mike Dunphy
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Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
Visit the only tea plantation in the United States! Explore the 127-acre property in South Carolina on a tour and savor its unique American Classic tea.
By Mike Dunphy
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Travel Guides
By Mike Dunphy
A glass mosaic in Pennsylvania is an iconic artwork with a rich and controversial history, with easy public access inside a historic apartment building lobby.
By Mike Dunphy
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Travel Guides
By Mike Dunphy
Cincinnati's oldest park is one you could stroll through without ever knowing its historical significance. It was meant as a market, but took another form.
By Mike Dunphy
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Travel Guides
By Mike Dunphy
The biggest art heist in history, valued at $500 million, happened at this iconic Massachusetts museum. Here’s the story and why it’s a must-visit destination.
By Mike Dunphy
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Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
The village of Fabbriche di Careggine in Tuscany is fully submerged under Lago di Vagli but every once in a while it makes a ghostly appearance above the water.
By Mike Dunphy
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Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
For a sanctuary of music and art, look no further than this hidden gem in Indianapolis with themed rooms, funky installations, and an eclectic community spirit.
By Mike Dunphy
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Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
Traveling 4,440 miles to England is quite a journey; why not visit Alliance, Nebraska instead to see America’s own Stonehenge, made from 38 gray-painted cars?
By Mike Dunphy
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Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
In Canada's Yukon Territory, you'll find a peculiar attraction dating back to 1942, featuring over 77,000 signs ranging from street names to speed limits.
By Mike Dunphy
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This underground natural wonder is an amazing spectacle that resembles the awe-inspiring cascades of Niagara Falls within Mammoth Cave National Park.
By Mike Dunphy
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Travel Guides
By Mike Dunphy
Despite travelers regularly ranking it among the rudest places in America, this state remains one of the most visited destinations in the entire world.
By Mike Dunphy
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Travel Guides
By Mike Dunphy
A bloody battle took place at one of Pennsylvania's most historic travel destinations, where travelers can explore a field and town where battle scars remain.
By Mike Dunphy
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Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
Hidden in the Nevada desert, there’s a little-known micro-nation with its own currency, self-proclaimed dictator, flag, and a whole "country" you can visit.
By Mike Dunphy
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Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
In New York, time is money. Save your cash for sightseeing and fun adventures with these affordable ways to navigate the Big Apple like a travel-savvy pro.
By Mike Dunphy
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Travel Guides
By Mike Dunphy
This unique hotel near Auckland Airport in New Zealand is a destination in itself, offering exceptional service, contemporary design, and world-class amenities.
By Mike Dunphy
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Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
The oldest flea and farmer's market in Vermont is a treasure trove of food, antiques, and unique specialties offered by over 100 vendors. This is a must-visit!
By Mike Dunphy
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Travel Guides
By Mike Dunphy
Not everyone thinks of the cemetery as a tourist destination, but this hidden treasure near Atlanta, Georgia is home to some iconic works of art and history.
By Mike Dunphy
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Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
This 200-foot 19th-century bridge crossing the Souhegan River in New Hampshire is on the National Register of Historic Places and a scenic walk to behold.
By Mike Dunphy
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Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
In the Mad River Valley in central Vermont, there are a number of charming inns that visitors and locals alike can book for an escape in the Green Mountains.
By Mike Dunphy
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Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
Those looking for crowd-free slopes of fresh powder should head to this resort in Vermont. It has 260 acres of mountainside to ski for affordable prices.
By Mike Dunphy
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Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
A must-visit for anyone interested in American history is this Civil War battlefield in North Carolina, which was the site of a major turning point.
By Mike Dunphy
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Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
Instead of Paris, visit this Baltic city for fewer crowds and more money in your wallet. Explore its Old Town, historic monuments, art galleries, and markets.
By Mike Dunphy
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Travel Guides
By Mike Dunphy
Grab some of the best bites that this Boston neighborhood has to offer on a guided food tour. Walk the area with local experts to eat and drink the day away.
By Mike Dunphy
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Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
Two museums in Asheville, North Carolina, celebrate the history of American-made goods. Appreciate early automobiles and fine textiles in this unique village.
By Mike Dunphy
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Travel Guides
By Mike Dunphy
This one-of-a-kind hotel in Midtown Manhattan makes guests feel like they are at home. Book a room and be in walking distance to iconic sites in New York City.
By Mike Dunphy
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Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
Connecticut is home to one of the oldest museums in the country. This quirky collection of oddities puts visitors in the minds of people over 200 years ago.
By Mike Dunphy
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Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
An old inn in Berkshire County, Massachusetts is a lovely place to stay when visiting. The natural beauty of the region inspired the works of many artists.
By Mike Dunphy
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