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Chez Chesak on Muck Rack

Chez Chesak

(He/Him)
Cincinnati
As seen in: MSN, Issuu, USA TODAY 10Best, Los Angeles Times, The Extra Mile (AAA), Matador Network, Fodor's Travel, Fatherly, Cruise Critic (U.S.), Yoga Journal and
Covers:  outdoor, adventure, adventure travel, family travel, spirits
ED of OWAA.org, SATW volunteer, and travel writer. Avid skier (when I can), hiker, writer, and football fan. Proud dad. Iraq vet. Hoo-ah! Habitual gadabout.

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Chez Chesak’s Biography

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‘Chez’ Chesak is an award-winning adventure travel writer, 20+ year veteran of the outdoor industry, Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America and Past President of the Society of American Travel Writers.

His works have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Good Housekeeping, Rachel Ray Every Day, Family Fun, Fatherly, Ohio magazine, (soon) Cincinnati magazine, Yahoo Travel, Family Vacation Critic, Elevation Outdoors, Everett Potter’s Travel Report, TheFamilyBackpack.com, Ci…

Chez Chesak’s Journalist Portfolio

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A Dreadnought, Cottonclad Gunboats and One Concrete Tanker

A Dreadnought, Cottonclad Gunboats and One Concrete Tanker

The Rich & Surprising Naval History of the Oleander City "[T]he naval history of Galveston is rich, deep and…

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'You'll Never Walk Alone': Why You Should Find a Fan Club if You Follow Your Team on the Road

'You'll Never Walk Alone': Why You Should Find a Fan Club if You Follow Your Team on the Road

Finding a local sports fan club, or expat club, can help enhance the game-day experience when you're followin…

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Guess Where This Is?

Guess Where This Is?

Wrote the copy for an array of locations for a destination-sponsored guessing game

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Unexpectedly Santa Barbara | AAA Club Alliance

Unexpectedly Santa Barbara | AAA Club Alliance

[T]his compact Southern California city (a mere hour-and-a-half drive from LA) is easily walkable and bikeabl…

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Is 'Trail Tourism' Officially Cringey?

Is 'Trail Tourism' Officially Cringey?

Don't let the headline fool ya, because themed trails in destinations are alive and well - as Bandwango and A…

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Asking for a Three-Way in Cincinnati Isn't What You Think It Means

Asking for a Three-Way in Cincinnati Isn't What You Think It Means

Fodor's provides expert travel content worth exploring so you can dream up your next trip. The world is a wei…

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Articles

‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’: Why You Should Find a Fan Club if You Follow Your Team on the Road

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By Chez Chesak
| Matador Network Verified
Sporting Events Solo Travel by Chez Chesak Oct 24, 2025 Just after I started my NFL team fan club in 2010, I secured a spot for our group at a local bar and arrived early on the day of the season opener. As a native New Englander who’d relocated to Cincinnati, I was rocking my Patriots jersey when I opened the door to the massive sports bar.
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25 Great Hiking Trails to Conquer This Summer

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By Chez Chesak, Erin Finan, Gracie Metz Verified, Kristina Smith, Mady Stoner, Jim Vickers Verified, Ilona Westfall
| Ohio Magazine Verified
This collection of hikes provides a snapshot of some of the trail experiences Ohio has to offer. They are a delightful mix of easy and difficult, hilly and flat, walks deep into the woods and ones along the Lake Erie shore, showcasing a small portion of the adventures awaiting you across the state. This guide is meant to be an overview, and we suggest checking with any park system you plan to visit beforehand to learn about any park closures in effect and to confirm trail information.
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Have Themed Trail Tours Become Oversaturated?

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By Chez Chesak
| Fodor's Travel Verified
Thematic trails are everywhere–but have they become passé? We don’t get a lot of visitors to my Cincinnati gym, but whenever a “drop-in” shows up, the instructor always announces them. I make a point to introduce myself and say hello. I did just that with the young woman from D.C. who now stood alone, ready to knock out burpees and squats. I asked her what brought her to our fair city. “Well, there’s a donut trail here.
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Interview

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What was your first job as a journalist?

Times Free Press, Ayer Massachusetts, Reporter/Photographer. 1993.

Have you ever used a typewriter?

LONG ago...

How is social media changing news?

Oh man, there isn't enough space here. It's truly a double-edged sword, for sure. Lots of benefits - and lots of things wrong with it too.

Awards

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Society of American Travel Writers (SATW)'s Central States Chapter

2020 - Best Newspaper Travel Article Featuring U.S./Canadian Destination - 1st Place

“How one Kentucky town almost became Las Vegas” (The judge said, "A fascinating tale that takes us off the beaten path to a place we’d never go otherwise. Expertly written and fun to read.")

Society of American Travel Writers (SATW)'s Central States Chapter

2020 - Best Travel Article Featuring Central States Meeting Sites - 1st Place

“How one Kentucky town almost became Las Vegas”

Society of American Travel Writers (SATW)'s Central States Chapter

2020 - Best Travel Article in a Digital Medium - 2nd Place

“A Museum Holding Millions of Comics & Cartoons Awaits You 2 Hours North”

Greater Cincinnati Society of Professional Journalists

2020 - Written Communication category for best Arts/Entertainment Reporting, Finalist

“How one Kentucky town almost became Las Vegas”