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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Canada
By Mitchell Peterson
Calling Canada's world-class state-funded parks "provincial" is to do them a great injustice. This one on Lake Superior's north shore is a veritable haven.
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Wisconsin
By Mitchell Peterson
The Midwest's state parks are fantastic getaways, but perhaps none feature such a famously presidential pedigree as this one in northern Wisconsin.
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Michigan
By Mitchell Peterson
There's so much to explore in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, with small towns and outdoor delights galore, and this little gem is a great place to start.
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Michigan
By Mitchell Peterson
Hike peaceful waterfront trails, eat at a local pub in the charming downtown, and sleep under the stars at this off-the-beaten-path campground in Michigan.
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Wisconsin
By Mitchell Peterson
Often overshadowed by its Minnesota and Michigan neighbors, Wisconsin is a premier destination for charming and down-to-earth lakeside towns like this one.
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Michigan
By Mitchell Peterson
We know — Michigan has some amazing lakeside parks. This state park is one of the oldest in the state, and offers well-maintained facilities for campers.
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Michigan
By Mitchell Peterson
Despite having the longest shoreline of all the Great Lakes, Lake Huron flies under the radar. But the beauty of just this one bay could change that.
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This quiet corner of Wisconsin is hiding a seriously underrated state park worth seeking out for an outdoorsy escape just an hour from Madison or Dubuque.
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Michigan
By Mitchell Peterson
Enjoy Michigan’s outstanding natural beauty with your furry friend at an underrated state park with pristine beaches and plenty of camping opportunities.
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Michigan
By Mitchell Peterson
The Great Lake State is home to more than 100 state parks, meaning some are less frequented than others. This one is a lakeside gem in Michigan's east.
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Ohio
By Mitchell Peterson
With hundreds of miles of Great Lakes shoreline, Ohio is home to waterfront towns that are as laid back as it gets. This quaint community is one of them.
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Michigan
By Mitchell Peterson
If you're exploring Detroit and want to get a sense of what small-town Michigan is like, head to this easy-going town just an hour and a half away.
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Minnesota
By Mitchell Peterson
When getting out into the great outdoors becomes expensive, something's gone wrong. This low-key city near Grand Rapids is easy on the wallet and the eyes.
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Michigan
By Mitchell Peterson
Visit this charming small town in Michigan, an hour from Detroit or Lansing, with historic downtown streets, green spaces, and rural character.
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Wisconsin
By Mitchell Peterson
Wisconsin's Lake Michigan shore region is a treasure trove of cool small towns and cities. And this one comes with a heartwarming backstory.
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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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