The Mayor
Founder & Travel Writer | 25+ Years of Experience
The Mayor is the founder and editor of City Unknown, with more than 25 years of travel experience exploring hidden gems, road trips, independent restaurants, small towns, unusual attractions and overlooked destinations across America.
Meet The Mayor
Behind City Unknown is The Mayor, a travel writer with more than 25 years of experience discovering destinations, unusual attractions, local restaurants, scenic road trips, and places that deserve a little more attention.
The mission is simple: help travelers go beyond the obvious attractions and discover the character of each destination.
Our Travel Philosophy
City Unknown combines destination research, local resources, travel experience, and practical recommendations to help readers plan memorable adventures.
We favor independent businesses, overlooked destinations, authentic neighborhoods, and memorable experiences.
Articles by The Mayor
Best Christmas Lights in Michigan: 2026 Holiday Lights Guide
Discover the best Christmas lights in Michigan, including Rochester's Big, Bright Light Show, Greenfield Village, Wild Lights, Grand Rapids, Frankenmuth and some of...
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12 Small-Town Washington Day Trips Worth Taking This Fall
Trade Seattle traffic for mountain roads, waterfront villages and colorful forests. These 12 Washington small towns make fantastic fall day trips and weekend...
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Best Christmas Lights in Oregon: 2026 Holiday Lights Guide
Discover the best Christmas lights in Oregon, including Shore Acres, Silverton Christmas Market, ZooLights, Peacock Lane, Christmas Ships and festive displays across the...
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15 Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants in Alabama you should try
Skip the chains and discover 15 hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Alabama serving smoky BBQ, Southern comfort food, tamales and unforgettable local favorites.
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15 Haunted Places in Oregon With Stories That Still Linger
Oregon's foggy coast, historic hotels, old theaters and former mining towns have collected plenty of ghost stories. These 15 haunted Oregon places combine...
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12 Hidden Gems Around Phoenix Worth the Drive
Escape the usual Phoenix attractions and hit the road. These 12 hidden gems around Phoenix include desert lakes, historic mining towns, ancient sites,...
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Best Christmas Lights in Arizona: 2026 Holiday Lights Guide
Discover the best Christmas lights in Arizona, including Phoenix ZooLights, Christmas at the Princess, Prescott, Winterhaven in Tucson, Sedona and some of the...
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15 Michigan Small Towns That Are Perfect in the Fall
When Michigan turns red, orange and gold, its small towns become some of the best fall destinations in America. Here are 15 charming...
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