School
Finlandia University
Expertise
Rural America, Spanish Culture, European Travel
- A bit of a nomad, he's lived in seven different cities outside the United States over the last ten years, finally settling on the Atlantic coast in northern Spain.
- He's visited nineteen European nations and written dozens of food scene reviews, always searching for the next perfect falafel.
- In 2023-2024, he traveled throughout America to spend time with each of his small-town 18 Uncles; those adventures, conversations, and 'coming together in a divided America' will all be themes of his first book, entitled "18 Uncles."
Experience
Mitch has been passionate about writing and blogging since 2018, building three successful pages into multi-thousand-follower platforms. Drawing inspiration from Anthony Bourdain, his first focused on food, his second on travel, and the third chronicles his time in rural America with his 18 uncles and large extended family. Alongside his freelance writing pursuits, he has also gained valuable experience teaching ESL throughout Spain and in Prague, combining his love for language and cultural exchange.
Education
He got a BBA in international business, was the only business major in the Advanced Creative Writing class, and studied abroad twice, one semester in Barcelona and another in San Jose, Costa Rica.
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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Ohio
By Mitchell Peterson
Not every small town in the Midwest is home to a neon-marquee theater and presidential pedigree. But this Ohio community isn't every small town.
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Michigan
By Mitchell Peterson
One of the best things about the Midwest is how easily you can get lost in quaint small towns surrounded by world-class nature. This community is one of them.
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Wisconsin
By Mitchell Peterson
When you're ready to get out on the water and relax, which spot should you turn to? If you're in Wisconsin, here are the top places being recommended online.
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New York
By Mitchell Peterson
Hidden in New York's charming Catskill Mountains is a little village with multiple beloved and unique restaurants populating its downtown area.
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Beaches
By Mitchell Peterson
Kick back and relax at the beach and the lake at the same time. These five of Lake Michigan's best coastal escapes make that idyllic vacation dream possible.
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Colorado
By Mitchell Peterson
If you've ever driven along Interstate 25 in Colorado, you might have passed right by this low-key community that makes for a great base for exploring.
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Illinois
By Mitchell Peterson
Illinois, like much of the Midwest, is often overlooked in favor of flashier travel destinations, but it's full of beautiful little communities like this one.
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Michigan
By Mitchell Peterson
From delicious local brunch spots to family-friendly festival fun, this little Michigan town just "may be" one of the best hidden gems in the state.
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Wisconsin
By Mitchell Peterson
This tiny village in Wisconsin is home to a unique display of religious folk art, designed by a local priest who had a creative artistic vision.
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North Dakota
By Mitchell Peterson
North Dakota is home to a lot of frontier history, and this small city offers that, in addition to hiking, camping, and a beautiful waterfall.
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Travel Guides
By Mitchell Peterson
Often overlooked in favor of their coastal cousins, the Midwest's scenic byways are hidden gems home to pristine natural landscapes. Here are five of the best.
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Ohio
By Mitchell Peterson
If you're in the Midwest and want to get out in nature, this little Ohio town has access to golf, hiking trails, camping, and a gorgeous waterfall.
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United States
By Mitchell Peterson
If you're dreaming of a winter getaway with skiing, ice fishing, and other cold-weather fun, consider traveling to one of these five Midwestern destinations.
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United States
By Mitchell Peterson
Discover charming lakefront festivals, sprawling vineyards, blueberry farms, and national lakeshores in these little towns that are situated on the Great Lakes.
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Colorado
By Mitchell Peterson
Colorado is an outdoor adventurer’s playground, and this quiet mountain town is the perfect base to explore the state’s gorgeous nature in peace.
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Michigan
By Mitchell Peterson
While it's far from Michigan's most famous college town, this small city is a student hub that elevates the local scene from the everyday to the lively.
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Michigan
By Mitchell Peterson
Michigan is full of bustling big cities and charming small towns alike, but this small city unfortunately tends to get overlooked by tourists.
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Michigan
By Mitchell Peterson
One of the best things about Michigan is that its small towns often surprise visitors with just how lively they are. This community is no exception.
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Colorado
By Mitchell Peterson
This underrated reservoir located about halfway between Denver and Steamboat Springs has spectacular camping, solitude, a nearby dude ranch, and fishing.
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Wisconsin
By Mitchell Peterson
The phrase "small-town Wisconsin" might not pique everyone's travel interest, but the state's laid-back towns are as enjoyable as their reputation is mistaken.
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United States
By Mitchell Peterson
Lake Superior is a summer stunner, but winter brings out another face of the world's largest freshwater lake. Head to these 5 destinations when the temps drop.
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Michigan
By Mitchell Peterson
Don't mistake Michigan for Midwestern fly-over territory. The state is full of lively little places like this one that will make you rethink small-town America.
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Wisconsin
By Mitchell Peterson
The lush valleys of the Midwest are the perfect backdrop for getting out of town and reconnecting with nature. Add this small Wisconsin village to your list.
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Michigan
By Mitchell Peterson
Michigan is known as the Great Lakes State for a reason. Swap your hiking boots for a kayak to see some of the best shoreline in the state on this watery trail.
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Wisconsin
By Mitchell Peterson
This welcoming town in northern Wisconsin is the best place to enjoy outdoor recreation year-round. Visitors can go camping, ice fishing, and horseback riding.
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Michigan
By Mitchell Peterson
Enjoy a lakefront vacation in a city near Lake Michigan featuring a walkable downtown, a waterfront with park trails, and a top-rated disc golf course.
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Wisconsin
By Mitchell Peterson
Though it might be tiny, this cozy Wisconsin town offers dramatic views of the Mississippi River, charming shops, and plenty of fun festivals.
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