Authors – Trip Explorers Guide

Meet the voices behind Trip Explorers Guide, a collective of local experts dedicated to uncovering the soul of the places they call home. Our authors aren’t just passing through; they are the neighbors, historians, and hikers who know which gravel roads lead to the state’s best-kept secrets. By blending diverse generational perspectives with deep-rooted local knowledge, they bring you stories that go far beyond the typical tourist traps. We’ve assembled this team to help you see the familiar with new eyes and discover wonder in your own backyard. Explore their profiles below to find your next local guide and start your journey of discovery right where you are.

Amara Okafor

Amara is a landscape architect who is obsessed with the state’s “water-centric” urban design. She writes about the intersection of public parks and the thousands of lakes that define the regional identity. Having moved here for graduate school, she offers a “convert’s” perspective on the beauty of the harsh winters and the vibrant cultural festivals of the Twin Cities. Amara is a winter sports enthusiast who believes the state is at its most beautiful when the ground is frozen. Her writing is analytical yet passionate, often highlighting the state’s commitment to public art.

Favorite Hidden Gem about my state: The underground “Lost Forest” located within the Mystery Cave State Park.
Favorite Food of my State: Walleye cakes served with wild rice pilaf.

Chloe Moreau

Chloe is a maritime historian who lives near the Straits of Mackinac. She spent her childhood on the water and has a deep respect for the power and unpredictability of the Great Lakes. Her writing often centers on the lighthouses, shipwrecks, and the rugged, isolated beauty of the Upper Peninsula. Chloe is an advocate for “dark sky” tourism and spends her winter nights documenting the Aurora Borealis from remote shorelines. She prefers the crisp, biting air of the north to the humid summers of the southern counties.

Favorite Hidden Gem about my state: The colorful, glass-like stones known as Leland Blue found on the Leelanau Peninsula.
Favorite Food of my state: Traditional Finnish-style Pasties, savory meat pies originally made for copper miners.

David Cho

David is an urban planner who lives in Chicago but spends his time exploring the vast agricultural stretches of the central plains. He is fascinated by the industrial history of the Great Lakes and how it shaped the transit systems he studies today. His articles often blend data-driven insights with personal anecdotes about the diverse communities found in the state’s smaller river towns. David is an avid cyclist who recently completed a cross-state tour on forgotten secondary roads. He writes with a dry wit and a deep appreciation for the state’s “prairie school” aesthetic.

Favorite Hidden Gem about my state: The surreal, moss-covered sandstone canyons of Giant City State Park.
Favorite Food of my state: Horseshoe Sandwiches, an open-faced specialty originating from Springfield.

Dominic Rossi

Dominic is a restorer of historic masonry who lives in the coal region. He has a fascination with the state’s geological diversity and the heavy industrial infrastructure that built the country. His writing is tactile and detailed, focusing on the stonework of old bridges and the hidden valleys of the Alleghenies. Dominic is a traditionalist who enjoys the quiet rituals of small-town life and the state’s deep-seated sporting traditions. He often writes about the “forgotten corners” of the state where time seems to have stood still since the 1950s.

Favorite Hidden Gem about my state: The Ringing Rocks County Park, where the boulder field literally chimes when struck.
Favorite Food of my state: Scrapple, a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch savory loaf seasoned with sage.

Elena Ruiz

Eli is an architectural photographer who finds beauty in the harsh contrasts of the desert landscape. She spent her youth hiking the Mogollon Rim and now focuses her writing on the intersection of sustainable design and arid environments. When she isn’t scouting locations, she is usually experimenting with drought-resistant gardening in her backyard. Her prose is precise and observant, aiming to move beyond the typical desert heat tropes. She believes that the true heart of the state is found in its quiet, rocky canyons rather than the crowded tourist hubs.

Favorite Hidden Gem about my state: The architectural remains and “lunar” landscapes of the Painted Desert’s Black Hills.
Favorite Food of my state: Tepary bean stew, a resilient and nutty-flavored indigenous staple.

Hana Nakamura

Hana is a digital illustrator and hiker who captures the mood of the Pacific Northwest through her art and writing. She focuses on the temperate rainforests and the rugged coastline of the Olympic Peninsula, often writing about the psychological benefits of “forest bathing.” Her perspective is modern and eco-conscious, highlighting the importance of leave-no-trace travel. Hana enjoys documenting the small, independent coffee roasters and bookstores that define the state’s urban culture. She writes with a minimalist style that emphasizes the misty, atmospheric quality of her surroundings.

Favorite Hidden Gem about my state: The Mima Mounds, a mysterious geological phenomenon of undulating earth waves.
Favorite Food of my state: Geoduck (pronounced “gooey-duck”), a giant, sweet-flavored saltwater clam. (“Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!”)

Julian Vance

Julian is a tech researcher who escaped the Silicon Valley bubble to document the state’s rugged northern wilderness. He focuses his work on the volcanic landscapes and the hidden alpine lakes that most coastal residents never see. His perspective is shaped by a love for high-altitude trekking and the preservation of the state’s gold-rush era ghost towns. Julian’s writing is evocative and sensory, often describing the scent of cedar and the silence of the high sierra. He balances his love for the outdoors with a deep interest in the state’s evolving viticulture.

Favorite Hidden Gem about my state: The boiling mud pots and hydrothermal vents of Bumpass Hell in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Favorite Food of my state: Santa Maria-style tri-tip, slow-cooked over red oak coals.

Linda Miller

Linda is a lifelong educator who transitioned into travel writing to document the craftsmanship of the Midwest. She has a keen eye for limestone architecture and the traditional furniture-making communities scattered throughout the southern hills. Linda’s writing style is warm and invitational, often focusing on the value of slow travel and local artisan markets. She dislikes the “flyover country” label and works hard to highlight the sophisticated arts scene found in the state’s university towns. She is currently working on a book about the history of the state’s covered bridges.

Favorite Hidden Gem about my state: The subterranean boat tours through the Bluespring Caverns.
Favorite Food of my state: Persimmon pudding, a dense, spiced dessert made from native wild fruit.

Marcus Thorne

A former environmental consultant, Marc brings a seasoned perspective to the Florida wetlands. He grew up on the Gulf Coast and has witnessed the state’s rapid transformation over the decades, giving his writing a nostalgic yet realistic edge. Marcus enjoys documenting the quiet life of the state’s inland springs and the history of its cattle ranching heritage. He is a firm believer that Florida is best experienced away from the coastline and the humidity of the theme parks. In his spare time, he restores vintage binoculars for birdwatching.

Favorite Hidden Gem about my state: The ancient cypress domes of the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park.
Favorite Food of my state: Smoked mullet, traditionally prepared over oak or cedar wood.

Maya Wright

Maya is an aspiring marine biologist who focuses on the delicate ecosystems of the Sea Islands. She writes about the Gullah-Geechee heritage and the importance of preserving the coastal marshes from overdevelopment. Her work often balances scientific observation with a lyrical appreciation for the Lowcountry’s unique light and atmosphere. Maya is an avid kayaker who spends her weekends navigating the blackwater rivers that wind through the interior of the state. She hopes her writing inspires travelers to look past the resort towns and see the raw, tidal beauty of the coast.

Favorite Hidden Gem about my state: The “Boneyard Beach” on Bull Island, filled with bleached, ancient driftwood trees.
Favorite Food of my state: Frogmore Stew (also known as Lowcountry Boil), featuring shrimp, corn, and sausage.

Rachel Stein

Rachel is a former librarian and history buff who explores the state’s industrial ruins and revitalized riverfronts. She has a passion for the “Rust Belt Chic” movement and writes extensively about the adaptive reuse of 19th-century warehouses. Her perspective is shaped by her upbringing in the manufacturing heartland, giving her a gritty but hopeful outlook on the region’s future. Rachel spends her free time visiting the state’s numerous prehistoric earthworks and mounds to understand the ancient history of the Ohio Valley. She prides herself on finding the most eccentric small-town museums in the state.

Favorite Hidden Gem about my state: The glacial grooves on Kelleys Island, the largest easily accessible ice-sculpted grooves in the world.
Favorite Food of my state: Goetta, a German-American breakfast sausage made with pin-head oats.

Sarah Jenkins

Sarah is a freelance journalist based in Savannah who focuses on the “New South” cultural movement. She explores the evolution of small-town main streets and the growing film industry that has taken over the local landscape. Her writing is energetic and often highlights the juxtaposition of colonial history with modern urban art. Sarah spends her weekends visiting regional archives to find forgotten stories about the state’s textile mill era. She aims to show that her state is a hub of innovation, not just a place of historical preservation.

Favorite Hidden Gem about my state: The pocket of “Little Grand Canyon” formations found in Providence Canyon State Park.
Favorite Food of my state: Fried green tomatoes topped with pimento cheese and crab meat.

Samual Rivers

Sam is an outdoor guide and writer who specializes in the biodiversity of the Appalachian highlands. He has spent years mapping old-growth forests and documenting the oral histories of the mountain communities. His writing is deeply rooted in the concept of “place-memory” and the ethical stewardship of the land. Sam is a quiet individual who prefers a campfire to a computer screen, resulting in prose that feels grounded and timeless. He is particularly interested in the transition zones where the mountains meet the rolling hills of the Piedmont.

Favorite Hidden Gem about my state: The ancient, wind-sculpted dwarf forests of the Black Mountains.
Favorite Food of my state: Livermuss, a regional breakfast specialty often served crispy with grits.

Thomas Sterling

Tom is a retired naval officer who now writes about the state’s colonial maritime history and the rolling horse country of the interior. He has a scholarly approach to travel, often digging into the genealogy of the families who have farmed the same land for centuries. Tom’s writing is formal and sophisticated, reflecting a deep respect for the state’s role in early American politics. He enjoys exploring the quiet country lanes and the hidden vineyards of the Blue Ridge foothills. He is a firm believer that the best way to see the state is through its historic taverns and backroads.

Favorite Hidden Gem about my state: The “Natural Chimneys” of Mt. Solon, towering limestone towers in the Shenandoah Valley.
Favorite Food of my State: salt-cured country ham served on handmade sweet potato biscuits.