Vacation Station

Big Blend Radio travel podcast featuring expert interviews and conversations covering Travel and Leisure, Destinations, and Event News.

Marni Patterson - A Walk Through Ancient & Modern History in Northern Greece

Celebrate National Walking Month on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA, travel writer Marni Patterson talks about her 10-day experience in Northern Greece where she traveled through centuries of history.   Hear how she walked in the footsteps of Alexander the Great and Paul the Apostle, saw monasteries that date back to the 11th century, monuments to World War I, met revolutionary heroes, and saw tragic reminders of Nazi occupation. She also discovered some fascinating women's history. You can read her article about it all here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/ancient-northern-greece/  Marni Patterson is a freelance travel writer, photographer and videographer in Phoenix, AZ who writes about destination travel, local customs and cultures, and history. Keep up with her at https://mptravelwriting.com  Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) at https://www.ifwtwa.org/  Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 

05-10
34:32

Wine Tours, Brews & Photography Adventures in Asheville

Celebrate National Tourism Day with episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Tuesday "Adventures in Asheville" Show focuses on wine and photography tours, plus, the city's famous brewery scene. Featured Guests: - Steve & Karen Wilson - Owners and innkeepers of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, a stunning pink lady in the Montford Historic District. More: https://www.lion-rose.com/ - Chris & Bonnie Allen - Asheville Photo Tours: https://ashevillephoto.tours/ - Ryan & Terri Watts - Asheville Wine Tours: https://www.ashevillewinetours.com/ Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Show airs every 1st Tuesday. Follow the show on PodBean: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/

05-07
51:02

Wonderful Ways to Experience and Explore California's Sequoia Country

From hiking and cycling to kayaking and downtown public art and history walks, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast focuses on the various ways to explore and experience Tulare County.  Located in Central California, Tulare County is home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest, and charming art and agricultural communities including Visalia, Tulare, Exeter, Dinuba, Porterville, Three Rivers, Lindsay, and Woodlake.   Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include Sintia Kawasaki-Yee - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Suzanne Bianco - Visit Visalia,  Cassidy Collins - Tulare Chamber of Commerce, and Kristy Martin - Porterville Chamber of Commerce  Plan your visit with these websites mentioned in the podcast: - Sequoia Tourism Council: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/  - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm  - Visit Visalia - https://www.visitvisalia.com/  - Tulare Chamber of Commerce - http://www.tularechamber.org/  - Porterville Chamber of Commerce - https://www.portervillechamber.org/ 

05-02
31:38

Sharon K. Kurtz - Winter Adventures in Jasper National Park

It's all about winter adventures in Jasper National Park on this episode of Big Blend Radio's WANDER THE WORLD WITH SHARON podcast with Sharon K. Kurtz. Here she uncovered the magic of winter in the Canadian Rockies, from the captivating Maligne Canyon Icewalk to the tranquil allure of snowshoeing on Pyramid Lake. Nestled in the heart of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, Jasper National Park is the largest national park in Canada and covers more than 4,000 square miles of natural wonders. Known for its abundant wildlife and extensive trail network; visitors from all over the world travel here to experience this very special place in all seasons. Read Sharon's article about her adventures here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/winter-adventure-in-jasper-national-park  Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast features award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz. New episodes air every first Wednesday at 12pm CST at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1ALXeV1vR6H10EtkPvgDW5  Enjoy Sharon’s writing at https://sharonkkurtz.com/  or follow her on https://www.instagram.com/shar_kurtz/ 

05-01
23:35

Faye Brenner - Collywobbles: Tales of Travel, Life, and Anxiety

An irresistible compulsion to travel and a nervous affliction: put these together and you get the collywobbles, that jittery feeling one gets from anxiety.  This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station" Travel Show features author and world traveler Faye Brenner who chats about some of her travel experiences and her book "Collywobbles: Tales of Travel, Life, and Anxiety."  Part memoir and part travelogue, "Collywobbles" takes readers on amusing journeys from climbing up to the gargoyles atop Notre Dame to crawling through the Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam, all the while wrought with multiple anxieties - from the fear of heights to the fear of getting lost. As she seeks ways to overcome her angst, Faye continues to pursue worldly pleasures in the arts, food, phalluses, and, oddly enough, toilets. More at https://www.fayebrenner.com/

04-30
39:43

Glynn Burrows - Exploring Historic Edinburgh, Scotland

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" show with Glynn Burrows, he shares some of the historic highlights not to be missed in Edinburgh, Scotland including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and Mary King's Close. Read Glynn's article about his visit to Edinburgh here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/over-the-border-to-historic-edinburgh-scotland/    Glynn Burrows is the owner of Norfolk Tours in England. He appears on Big Blend Radio every fourth Saturday covering England as a travel destination as well as family history research. Follow his podcasts here: https://tinyurl.com/4bjzn3um   Learn more about Norfolk Tours at https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/

04-27
31:58

Palm Springs Road Trip Adventures

From Joshua Tree National Park to the fascinating Integratron, it's all about Great Road Tripping Adventures on this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's 4th Saturday “Palm Springs Sunshine Stays” Show. FEATURED GUESTS: * KIMBERLI MUNKRES from Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, a consortium of independently-owned boutique hotels in the desert resort community of Palm Springs, in Southern California. View the hotels and sign up the the monthly Boutiquely Palm Springs newsletter here: https://www.palmspringspreferredsmallhotels.com/  * SANDI HEMMERLEIN is a writer and photojournalist. Based in L.A. but constantly on the prowl for new adventure, she spends most of her time nurturing her interest in birds, animals, neon, historic theaters, puppets, folk art, trains, and stained glass. Sandi documents everything on her own website https://www.avoidingregret.com which complements her work for PBS SoCal (as producer of the digital series SoCal Wanderer), Atlas Obscura, Los Angeles Magazine, Stacker, and many others.  * KEVIN CARLOW has been a seeker of the strange and mysterious since his early childhood, spent reading in dusty corners of libraries and running amok in the woods of Massachusetts. While making a living in the service industry full-time in the Coachella Valley these days, he also has years of experience blogging and writing professionally about topics as varied as cocktails, movies, and tarot-reading. More: https://crypticcocktails.com/  Follow this Big Blend Radio Podcast here: https://palm-springs-sunshine-stays.podbean.com/ 

04-27
46:23

Debbie Stone - Exploring New River Gorge National Park

In celebration of National Park Week, this episode of Big Blend Radio features travel writer Debbie Stone who shares her adventures in New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia.  New River Gorge National Park conserves over 70,000 acres of land along the New River between the towns of Hinton and Fayetteville within the central part of southern WVA.  This is the newest National Park in the U.S., having been granted this status in 2020, bringing the total number of National Parks to 63. Read Debbie's article about her experiences here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/exploring-west-virginias-new-river-gorge-national-park/

04-25
17:22

Debbie Stone - Experience Southern Patagonia, Chile

In Celebration of National Park Week, we are featuring this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" Podcast, where Debbie shares her adventures in Southern Patagonia, Chile. Hear about her experiences at Estancia Cerro Guido that borders the eastern side of Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chilean Patagonia. The ranch covers an area of roughly 250,000 acres and is the largest estancia in the area. Torres del Paine National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the Eighth Wonder of the World. Read her story here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/immerse-yourself-in-the-soul-stirring-landscape-of-patagonia/ Check out Debbie's adventures in El Chalten, Argentine Patagonia: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/el-chalten-hiking-adventures-in-argentine-patagonia/ Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" podcast airs every 4th Tuesday. Follow the podcast here: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

04-23
38:12

Cheryl Ogle - Is Escorted Travel for You?

Is escorted travel for you? On this episode of Big Blend Radio's Vacation Station "Hey Wanna Go" Travel Show with travel advisor Cheryl Ogle, hear about the good, the bad, and the ugly about escorted travel. See her blog post that outlines it all here: https://heywannago.wordpress.com/2024/04/09/benefits-of-escorted-travel On Big Blend Radio every third Wednesday, Cheryl is a world traveler, accredited travel advisor, and owner of Hey Wanna Go that specializes in travel to Europe and the UK, as well as river and ocean cruises. More: https://heywannago.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

04-17
35:31

Linda Ballou - Adventures in Africa

From the Okavango Delta in Botswana to Zambia and Zimbabwe, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures with Linda Ballou" podcast highlights some of Linda's amazing adventures in Southern Africa. You can read her story about the Botsawana elephants in Linda's book, "Lost Angel Unleashed," and about her safari adventures on NABBW.org here: https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/botswana-highlights-on-the-ultimate-safari/ Follow Linda's adventures at https://lostangeladventures.com/ and learn more about her books at http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/ Listen to Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" Show every 3rd Wednesday at High Noon PST, here on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm3Bmktgu8osUzx2VOF35dgO&feature=shared Photos featured are by Linda Ballou and Tom Schwab. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

04-17
41:07

Experience the Parks and Historic Sites of Natchitoches, Louisiana

With National Park Week (April 20-28), Earth Day (April 22), Arbor Day (April 27), Junior Ranger Day (April 27), and Kids to Parks Day (May 18) coming up, this episode of Big Blend Radio's 3rd Tuesday "Go to Natchitoches" show is all the various parks, historic sites and trails, and events you can experience in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Featured guest is K. Nicole Connell, Communication Manager of Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau, who talks about events and destinations such Cane River Creole National Historical Park, Melrose Plantation, Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, El Camino Real de las Tejas National Historic Trail, the historic Jefferson Highway, Briarwood Nature Reserve, and Kisatchie National Forest. Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and oldest settlement in Louisiana. Celebrating a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole cultures, this charming city is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area and Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. More about Natchitoches and its current events at https://natchitoches.com/ Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show here: http://tinyurl.com/yc8csn8b Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

04-16
28:59

Author Amy Piper - Secret Michigan

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA we discover some of the hidden gems and forgotten stories of Michigan with Amy Piper, author of "Secret Michigan: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure" (Reedy Press). Amy Piper is a freelance travel writer, blogger, and photographer who specializes in luxury and multigenerational travel. She travels through the lens of a food lover and has been to 41 countries and 45 states around the world. A native Michigander, she is also the author of “100 Things to Do in Lansing Before You Die” (Reedy Press) and is published in the book "Midwest Road Trip Adventures." More at https://followthepiper.com/ Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) here: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

04-15
33:28

Experience Historic Georgetown, South Carolina

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's JO GOES EVERYWHERE! Podcast with travel writer and photographer Jo Clark, we hear all about beautiful and historic Georgetown, South Carolina. Named the Best Coastal Small Town by USA Today in 2018, Georgetown is rich in history, nature and outdoor adventures, good food, and friendly people. READ JO'S ARTICLES ABOUT GEORGETOWN: * RecipesTravelCulture.com: https://tinyurl.com/swpnvvfp * FoodieFlashpacker.com: https://tinyurl.com/ybedf5r5 * SheBuysTravel.com: https://tinyurl.com/y5ez47ef Jo Clark is a travel writer and photographer based on South Carolina’s Grand Strand. She has a thirst for knowledge, history, great food, and wine! Her Big Blend Radio podcast "Jo Goes Everywhere!" airs every 2nd Sunday at 7pm EST. Follow the show on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yfkjm8sd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

04-14
39:25

Bernie van der Linde - Must-Do Travel Experiences in South Africa

South Africa offers a unique blend of nature, culture, ocean, and unique thrill-seeking experiences. On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA, travel journalist Bernie van der Linde shares why South Africa is known as "a world in one country," and discusses its diverse landscapes and experiences. Read her article that highlights some of her recommended must-dos when you visit the country: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/must-do-experiences-in-south-africa/ Bernie founded the travel blog https://travelbuddieslifestyle.com/ with her best friend and business partner, Petra, where they share their travel experiences of unique and luxurious destinations. Bernie’s love for exploring has taken her to many exotic locations around the world. Her passion for writing and travel has made her a trusted source of information and inspiration for the discerning traveller looking to explore the world in style. Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) at https://www.ifwtwa.org/ Follow Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Shows with IFWTWA Here: https://shows.acast.com/big-blend-radio-ifwtwa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

04-12
43:44

Celebrate Farming and Agriculture in Tulare, California

From the upcoming California Antique Farm Equipment Show (April 19-21, 2024) and next year's famous World Ag Expo (February 2025), to family-friendly attractions and activities, this episode of Big Blend Radio Celebrates Farming and Agriculture in Tulare, California. FEATURED GUESTS: - Donnette Silva Carter, CEO of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce. Visit: http://www.tularechamber.org/ - Megan Lausten from the International Agri-Center. Visit: https://www.internationalagricenter.com/ Tulare is a gateway city to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. The city thrives on agricultural, and is internationally known for the Annual World Ag Expo which is held at the International Agri-Center which also features unique event spaces, and the AgVentures Learning Center for Kids and Ag Museum. Tulare has a charming historic downtown district with a beautiful series of murals, and is also home to the Tulare Outlet Shopping Center, and Tulare Historic Museum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

04-12
28:17

Stay at Bottger Mansion and Experience Albuquerque, New Mexico

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Thursday “New Mexico Bed & Breakfast Association” Show features innkeeper Kathy Hiatt, who owns and runs the historic Bottger Mansion of Old Town with her husband Steve, plus assistant innkeeper Jake Dunlap. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this romantic Bed & Breakfast is the perfect home base for an amazing variety of activities. Bottger Mansion features easy access to any area destination, comfortable accommodations, and modern amenities. From hot air ballooning and hiking, to wine tasting and sampling regional cuisine, visiting museums and gardens, and experiencing the arts and entertainment of the local cultures, as well as shopping for items unique to New Mexico, you’ll find there is never a shortage of things to do in Albuquerque. More: https://bottger.com/ Stay New Mexico True and Visit: https://www.nmbba.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

04-11
38:44

Embrace Beautiful Whidbey and Camano Islands in Washington State

It's all about what to experiences on Whidbey and Camano Islands on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Tuesday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA. Featured guest is Inge Morascini who talks about the area's nature and outdoor adventures, farms and regional flavors, history and cultural arts, seasonal events, and unique lodging destinations. Located in the middle of Puget Sound, Whidbey and Camano Islands are an easy drive from Seattle. A great antidote for big city pressures, these rural islands feature wide-open beaches, scenic vistas, outdoor adventures, great art, fine dining, and more. See: https://whidbeycamanoislands.com/ For more about the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) visit https://www.ifwtwa.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

04-09
49:21

Parks & Outdoor Experiences in California’s Sequoia Country

In time to plan for National Park Week (April 20-28), Earth Day (April 22), Junior Park Ranger Day (April 27), and Kids to Parks Day (May 18), this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast focuses on park and outdoor experiences in Tulare County. Hear about the region's giant sequoia trees, waterfalls, and wildflowers, along with picnics and cultural celebrations in beautiful community parks, preserves, gardens, and more. Located in Central California, Tulare County is home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest, and charming art and agricultural communities including Visalia, Tulare, Exeter, Dinuba, Porterville, Three Rivers, Lindsay, and Woodlake. Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include Sintia Kawasaki-Yee - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, and Suzanne Bianco - Visit Visalia. Plan your visit with these websites mentioned in the podcast: - Sequoia Tourism Council: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ - Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/ - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: * https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm * https://nps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=9f33fa32af394a129b0b548429dced01 * https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/road-construction.htm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

04-04
32:52

Sharon K. Kurtz - Nature Adventures in Port Aransas, Texas

Celebrate National Wildlife Week with this inaugural episode of Big Blend Radio's WANDER THE WORLD WITH SHARON podcast with Sharon K. Kurtz, who shares her experiences at the annual Whooping Crane Festival in Port Aransas, Texas. Nestled between Mustang Island and the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, Port Aransas unfolds as a Texas Gulf Coast sanctuary of small-town charm and endless activities. The 18 miles of pristine beaches, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, and encounters with diverse wildlife create a haven where the Texas Coastal Bend barrier islands and estuaries play the leading roles. Dolphins gracefully navigate the waters, sea turtles find refuge, and migrating birds paint a kaleidoscope of nature’s beauty. Read Sharon's article about it all here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/discover-the-timeless-allure-of-port-aransas/ Plan your adventure in Port Aransas at https://www.portaransas.org/ Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast features award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz. New episodes air every first Wednesday at 12pm CST at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1ALXeV1vR6H10EtkPvgDW5 Sharon Kurtz is an accomplished travel writer and award-winning photographer based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to exploring the world and sharing her adventures through compelling storytelling. Her travels have taken her to more than 50 countries on six continents—her carry-on is always packed, ready for the next adventure. Enjoy Sharon’s writing at https://sharonkkurtz.com/ or follow her on https://www.instagram.com/shar_kurtz/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

04-03
33:11

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