Melissa Gaskill
An independent journalist for 25 years, Melissa has degrees in zoology and journalism and specializes in science, nature, and outdoor-oriented travel. She grew up in Texas, raised three children in Austin, and enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, and scuba diving. Her work has appeared in Men’s Journal, Alert Diver, PBS News, Wildflower, The New York Times, Texas Highways, Texas Parks & Wildlife, the Austin American-Statesman, and many other publications. She is the author of Best Hikes with Dogs: Texas Hill Country and Gulf Coast, A World-wide Travel Guide to Sea Turtles, and Pandas to Penguins: Ethical Encounters with Animals at Risk.
Happy Trails
100-mile nature trail connecting Austin to San Antonio springs closer to reality
May 2, 2022 | 9:50 am
Texas travel
A quintessential Texas road trip to Shiner beckons with beer and barbecue
Mar 11, 2022 | 9:31 am
Dripping with drinks
6 intoxicating breweries and distilleries to spirit away to in Dripping Springs
Oct 21, 2021 | 4:30 pm
Texas travel
5 Texas road trips for a fun and easy spring getaway from Fort Worth
Mar 9, 2021 | 4:25 pm
Nothing but Beach
This remote destination is home to one of Texas' least crowded beaches
Jun 19, 2020 | 2:45 pm