By: Staff Writers

Grant, MI

By: Alex Angelini

“Sporting a population of 987 as of the 2024 census, Grant was a city built off of saw mills and railroads back in 1882. While no longer the wood hotspot that it was, the railroad still runs frequently (when all the leaves are gone, I can see the train go by behind my house!). If you were to make your right hand into the shape of the lower peninsula of Michigan (pretty easy, as it’s the shape of a mitten), Grant would be about where your pinkie and ring finger meet, maybe a bit below. It’s a charming place, the kind you see in those schlocky Hallmark movies where the big business woman comes back home for the holidays and has some kind of magical Christmas that shows her the meaning of love or something. There’s only one stoplight in Grant, and at 10:00 PM it becomes just a blinking yellow light. There’s a diner based entirely off of the train station that made the city what it was, a family grocery store with the best house-made brats, and a farmer’s market run by the apple orchard, all within relative walking distance from my house.”

Carson City, NV

By: Neva Mellow

“Home for me is 2,584 miles away from Salem. To put it in perspective, that is roughly a day and a half of straight driving without stopping for gas, food, or for a stretch break. But, if you ever find yourself with a week of free time, I promise you that it’s very important you take a trip out West. Once you see the terrain change and can spot snow-capped mountains through your windshield, you’re close. Eventually, you will hit the capital of Nevada — a city filled with approximately 58,000 people. Despite the large population, the city feels quite small. I was born and raised here, in the heart of the Nevada desert. I spent 19 years of my life sleeping under the Milky Way, as I laid on my hammock in the backyard during the warm summer months. There were months I also spent swimming up at Lake Tahoe, sandboarding down Sand Mountain, hiking through the sage up C-hill, and mountain biking the Sierras. In the winters, I’d go snowshoeing around Spooner Summit, snowboarding Mt. Rose, and tobogganing down Davis Creek.”

Sante Fe, NM

By: Maryem Hamdouni

“Santa Fe, to me, is a place like no other; our downtown area is one of the most lovely places to visit. Even after the hundreds of times I’ve walked the brick sidewalks and explored the adobe buildings, alleyways, and structures, it never ceases to amaze me. Though I didn’t get many pictures, I managed to capture the stunning cathedral that sits at the center of the town. It was dedicated and finished in 1887. It’s a beautiful reminder of all the culture that makes my hometown such a unique place. Really, though, the downtown area as a whole is a reminder of the mix of cultures that makes Santa Fe, Santa Fe. Every inch of the place is dedicated to the Indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican cultures that built the city from the ground up. As my break comes to an end, I’ve been trying to let myself stay in these moments instead of counting down the days until I have to leave again. The music I’ve shared has been on repeat—playing during late-night drives, quiet mornings, and the in-between moments that somehow feel the most important. Being home has reminded me that I don’t always need something big to look forward to; sometimes it’s enough to exist here, under the painted skies, with the people who know me best. For now, I’m holding onto this feeling for as long as I can, letting New Mexico do what it always does — make me feel like myself again.”

Apex, NC

By: Sydney Halsey

“Some traditions unique to Apex include the Peak City Pig Fest and the Olde-Fashioned Fourth of July. In the heart of the town lies a unique history and charm, with spots listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can visit the Apex Union Depot, as well as the Halle Cultural Arts Center upon visiting downtown. A short distance from downtown, nearby recreation areas include Jordan Lake State Recreation Area and the American Tobacco Trail.”

Linden, NC

By: Emma De Noble

“Linden was chartered in 1913, and to this day, the town limits have not changed much. Most of its development is limited by its small borders — which could perhaps be expanded if the town annexed more land in the future, which Linden officials have seemingly considered but have not yet decided on. There are a few local businesses in Linden, but the closest grocery stores are 10 minutes away in either Erwin or Lillington or, if you live on the southern outskirts of Linden, Fayetteville.” 

St. Lucia

By: Jessea James

“Saint Lucia isn’t called the Helen of the West for nothing; the island literally switched political allegiances seven times between French and the British rules. Only in 1814 did the British take definitive control, something that would leave a lasting mark on the island…One of the most unique things St. Lucia is known for is its drive-in volcano. The Sulphur Springs Park in Soufrière is a unique geothermal area with bubbling mud pools and hot springs. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the volcano’s history, and end their trip with a therapeutic mud bath, renowned for its healing properties…Saint Lucia is anything but an ordinary island. Her mountains, jungles, beaches, and historic sites radiate history, beauty, and a sense of living poetry.”