Oneika Raymond travels to the Mile High City and hits the trail at Denver’s Genesee Mountain Park to learn more about how we can make the outdoors a more welcoming place for all.

She’ll lace up her hiking boots to join Denverite Beth Bradley for a short trek along the Genesee Summit Trail, a short drive from downtown Denver. Beth is a plus-sized hiker whose relationship with her body and her hometown were transformed forever when she went for her first hike. We’ll hear how Beth didn’t always feel included in Denver’s vibrant outdoor scene, but how claiming time on the trail for herself helped her tap into the community and motivated her to want to share the benefits of nature with more people.

Using the Denver Sheraton Downtown as basecamp, Beth shared her recommendations for best day hikes along with other outdoor adventures to consider like kayaking the rapids at Confluence Park or cycling the Cherry Creek Regional Trail, but at over 8,000 feet elevation and with views of 14,000 foot Mount Evans, Genesee Park was the perfect place to spend a breezy afternoon.

Since Beth was born and raised in Denver, she gave Oneika lots of insider insights about her city, including why it’s worth standing in line at Little Man Ice Cream for a post-hike treat and why any food slathered with green chiles is quintessentially Colorado.

About the Journey is a podcast produced by Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, AT WILL MEDIA, MNTRA, and Oneika Raymond. Listen and follow the show here.

To read full episode transcripts from About the Journey and see photos of each featured destination, head to About the Journey on Marriott Bonvoy Traveler. Starting this season, you can watch full videos of each episode on the Marriott Bonvoy YouTube channel.

Oneika Raymond heads to Anacostia, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Washington D.C., to visit Mahogany Books, the community's first Black-owned bookstore in over two decades selling works by Black authors. 

She'll meet with co-founders Derrick and Ramunda Young – partners in business and life – to discuss the impact of selling Black literature in a predominantly Black neighborhood, their own ties to Southeast D.C. and how their community has warmly embraced their shop tucked inside the Anacostia Arts Center. Here, we'll get a more holistic view of our nation's capital by leaving the typical circuit of museums and monuments to dive into Black stories in this historic area and on Mahogany’s bookshelves.

While in Anacostia, we'll also take a look at the CROWN Act mural by Candice S. Taylor, depicting four Black women with different natural hairstyles to symbolize the ongoing campaign to prevent discrimination based upon hairstyle and hair texture. And Oneika will bookend her day at Black Lives Matter Plaza near the St. Regis Washington, D.C. and the historic site of Fredrick Douglas's final home at Cedar Hill.

About the Journey is a podcast produced by Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, AT WILL MEDIA, MNTRA, and Oneika Raymond. Listen and follow the show here.

To read full episode transcripts from About the Journey and see photos of each featured destination, head to About the Journey on Marriott Bonvoy Traveler. Starting this season, you can watch full videos of each episode on the Marriott Bonvoy YouTube channel.

About the Journey is back! This season, host and travel journalist Oneika Raymond takes us on a six-city journey around North America to chat with locals and ask them what it means to travel better. Join us every Friday through September 30th as we see the world in more meaningful ways.  

About the Journey is a podcast produced by Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, AT WILL MEDIA, and Oneika Raymond. Listen and follow the show here. 

About the Journey is a podcast produced by Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, AT WILL MEDIA, MNTRA, and Oneika Raymond. Listen and follow the show here.

To read full episode transcripts from About the Journey and see photos of each featured destination, head to About the Journey on Marriott Bonvoy Traveler. Starting this season, you can watch full videos of each episode on the Marriott Bonvoy YouTube channel.

Jamaican Jerk Chicken in Toronto, towering museums in Ottawa, and matcha eclairs in Montreal. Join Host Oneika Raymond on a road trip from Ontario to Quebec to see some of the diversity of people, places, and foods that Canada has to offer. 

We start our journey in Toronto, where Oneika grew up. On Eglinton Avenue, we meet up with Oneika’s friend and local newscaster Brandon Gonez to learn about the neighborhood of Little Jamaica. We hear about some of the best food on this strip at places like Randy’s andSunlight Bakery, along with the historic significance of the neighborhood, and what travelers can do to help this area thrive.

Next, we head northeast towards Ottawa to visit the Canadian Museum of History. Here, standing under the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles, we speak with Dean Oliver, the museum’s head of research. Oliver shares why it’s important to acknowledge the stories of hundreds of Indigenous identities that shape Canada today. 

Then it’s off to our last stop: Montreal. Here we sample pastries that are born out of a mixture of French and Japanese culinary traditions. We meet Hiroko Fukuhura and Carolle De Boisvilliers, the owners of Fous Desserts, a well-known patisserie in the heart of Plateau Mont-Royal. 

Finally, we end our journey at the Humaniti Hotel Montreal, an Autograph Collection hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy. This hotel features stunning architecture and an art collection of over 150 works throughout the building.

Thanks to our guests on this episode for sharing their stories along the route. Check out Brandon Gonez’s show at https://brandongonezshow.com, take a virtual tour of the Canadian Museum of History at https://www.historymuseum.ca, and for mouth-watering pictures of Fous Desserts pastries, follow them at instagram.com/fousdesserts. 

Special thanks to Z Bar & Grille for hosting our conversation in Little Jamaica. Check out their menu at https://zbarandgrille.ca/. For more about this route —and to get other road trip ideas —visit Marriott Bonvoy Traveler at traveler.marriott.com/road-trip-ideas. To learn more and book a room at the Humaniti Hotel Montreal, visit the hotel’s website: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yulak-humaniti-hotel-montreal-autograph-collection/.

This is our last episode of the season, so thank you for coming along with us for the ride. If you like the show, please give us a rating and subscribe, and travel well.

About the Journey is a podcast produced by Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, AT WILL MEDIA, MNTRA, and Oneika Raymond. Listen and follow the show here.

To read full episode transcripts from About the Journey and see photos of each featured destination, head to About the Journey on Marriott Bonvoy Traveler. Starting this season, you can watch full videos of each episode on the Marriott Bonvoy YouTube channel.

It’s known as the birthplace of the blues. An area that helped define American sound. And if you travel through the Mississippi Delta today, you’ll find this musical tradition still runs strong here. Join Host Oneika Raymond on a road trip along the Blues Highway,  from Memphis to New Orleans, as we uncover the vibrant music history that sustains the region and its culture. Along the way we’ll take in a classic juke joint, a Mexican dish with Southern flair and a music store for music people.

We start our journey in Clarksdale to learn about the legacy of the blues in the Mississippi Delta. Emmy nominated local blues artist Christone “Kingfish” Ingram shares what it’s like to grow up in a community so closely connected to blues music.

Then, we’ll grab lunch at Big Apple Inn in Jackson, Mississippi, to enjoy a lesser known Southern delicacy, hot tamales. Big Apple Inn has been serving up hot tamales with a Southern flair for generations, and we’ll discover what sets the Mississippi version apart. 

Finally, our last pitstop will be in Biloxi, Mississippi to browse Marley’s Music. This family owned and operated vinyl record shop offers just about any record you’re on the hunt for while also staying tapped into the local music scene.

Then, it’s time to pull up to our final destination, the New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District hotel. This property is housed in a converted 19th century cotton mill. While in the Arts District we'll be surrounded by industrial warehouses that have been transformed into trendy galleries and performance venues, and only a five minute cab ride from the French Quarter. 

Thanks to our guests on this episode for sharing their stories along the route. You can listen to some more tunes from Christone “Kingfish” Ingram on his website https://www.christonekingfishingram.com/. 

Check out the menu and more from Big Apple Inn on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BigAppleInn/. 

Browse some rare vinyl records at Marley’s Music’s website here https://marleysmusic.net/.

For more about this route — and to get other road trip ideas — visit Marriott Bonvoy Traveler at traveler.marriott.com/road-trip-ideas. To learn more and book a room at the New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District hotel, visit the hotel’s website: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/msymc-new-orleans-marriott-warehouse-arts-district/.

About the Journey is a podcast produced by Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, AT WILL MEDIA, MNTRA, and Oneika Raymond. Listen and follow the show here.

To read full episode transcripts from About the Journey and see photos of each featured destination, head to About the Journey on Marriott Bonvoy Traveler. Starting this season, you can watch full videos of each episode on the Marriott Bonvoy YouTube channel.

An iconic lighthouse, storied blueberries and the freshest lobster you can eat. Join Host Oneika Raymond on a road trip up the Maine coast to get a sense of the endearing character that northern New England has to offer.

Our first stop is in York, Maine to enjoy one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine, the Nubble Lighthouse. We’ll hear from locals just what makes the Nubble so special — beyond its reputation as a tourist attraction.

Then, we’ll make a stop in Kennebunk, Maine to hear from the loyal customers of Wallingford Farm about what sets Maine blueberries apart, and how best to enjoy them.

Finally, no Maine coast road trip is complete until we get our hands on some fresh lobster! On this last leg of the road trip we’ll be stopping at Casco Bay for a cruise on the lobster fishing boat the Lucky Catch. On this cruise we’ll learn the ins and outs of lobster fishing and how Maine lobstermen have been on the forefront of crustacean conservation.

Once we arrive in Portland, we recommend the AC hotel by Marriott which has a breathtaking view of the Casco Bay. There’s tons to do nearby like exploring the Old Port District or if you want to stay indoors, the AC lounge is the ideal restaurant to enjoy the Portland sunset while snacking on some tapas and cocktails.

To get a look at the Nubble Lighthouse, you can see it at http://nubblelight.org, or just search #NubbleLighthouse on Instagram. For a taste of Wallingford Farm, visit WallingfordFarm.com. To book a trip with Lucky Catch, go to LuckyCatch.com.

For more about this route — and to get other road trip ideas — visit Marriott Bonvoy Traveler at traveler.marriott.com/road-trip-ideas. To learn more and book a room at the AC Hotel Portland Downtown Waterfront, visit the hotel’s website: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pwmac-ac-hotel-portland-downtown-waterfront-me/

If you liked this episode of About the Journey, please be sure to rate, review and subscribe.

About the Journey is a podcast produced by Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, AT WILL MEDIA, MNTRA, and Oneika Raymond. Listen and follow the show here.

To read full episode transcripts from About the Journey and see photos of each featured destination, head to About the Journey on Marriott Bonvoy Traveler. Starting this season, you can watch full videos of each episode on the Marriott Bonvoy YouTube channel.

Sailing on Lake Michigan, a sweet treat in dairy country and authentic Chicago blues. Join host Oneika Raymond on a trip along the west coast of Lake Michigan for a refreshing spin on the Midwest.

We'll start our road trip off in the “Malibu of the Midwest”, Sheboygan, Wisconsin to learn about sailing from SEAS, a local organization that's making the sport accessible to all. There, we’ll speak to visually impaired local teen Mayah McWherter about how she takes to the open waters. 

Then, we’ll cool off at the oldest frozen custard stand in Wisconsin. Gilles Frozen Custard has been a family owned joint since the 70s. We’ll talk to owner Tom Linscott about the wonders of frozen custard, how it differs from ice cream and the way Gilles has brought generation after generation of families together.

Finally, we’ll make our way to Rosa’s Lounge in Chicago where the legacy of blues music runs deep. Bus driver by day and Chicago bluesman by night, musician Toronzo Cannon is the perfect ambassador for this storied venue and the iconic music scene that calls Rosa’s Lounge home.

Our road trip will end in Chicago, Illinois at the Sheraton Grand Chicago hotel. You’ll notice that this hotel is right on Lake Michigan and just steps away from Navy Pier and Millenium Park in the famous Streeterville neighborhood. Made the trip during the winter but still want to enjoy the Chicago River? You’ll have a beautiful view of it right from the hotel's heated swimming pool. You can book your stay at https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/chigs-sheraton-grand-chicago/.

Thanks to our guests on this episode for sharing their stories along the route. Check out the Sailing Education Association of Sheboygan’s website at 

https://www.seasheboygan.org/#boatingforeveryone

To learn more about their sailing classes. Check out Gilles Frozen Custard’s Flavor of the Day calendar at 

https://gillesfrozencustard.com/flavor-of-the-day/2021-09

Can’t get enough of Toronzo’s music? Find the rest of his discography at https://toronzocannon.com/.

About the Journey is a podcast produced by Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, AT WILL MEDIA, MNTRA, and Oneika Raymond. Listen and follow the show here.

To read full episode transcripts from About the Journey and see photos of each featured destination, head to About the Journey on Marriott Bonvoy Traveler. Starting this season, you can watch full videos of each episode on the Marriott Bonvoy YouTube channel.

From roller skates to birria tacos, this episode takes us southbound on the 5 from Los Angeles to sunny San Diego. Join Host Oneika Raymond on a road trip down one of the most famous coastlines in America to get a taste of southern California culture.

We start our journey heading south down Whittier Boulevard to catch a glimpse of the iconic low-riders of LA. We’ll park on a stretch of Long Beach called Junipero Beach. There we’ll speak with roller skater Rubina Bernabe, best known for her roller skating on Instagram, and her organization of the “Don’t Hate, Let’s Skate” anti-Asian violence event.

Next, it’s off to Santa Ana to take in a unique music scene that’s growing right next door to the goliath music industry of LA. We’ll stop at GCS Clothing Store and Art Gallery, a store, venue, and cultural center for the Santa Ana scene where we’ll speak with DJ Great Daine about what makes the Orange County music scene so eclectic.

After a few hours along the 5, we’ll hit Agave Birrieria for some birria tacos. These tacos served with meat soaked in consomé are making mouths water across the United States after first gaining popularity stateside in southern California.

Finally, it’s time to ditch the car when we make it to our destination, The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. With its proximity to all there is to see and do downtown, this hotel makes it easy for guests to see San Diego on foot. And for those looking to explore further out or hit the boardwalk, the hotel offers a fleet of bikes to its guests, free of charge.

Thanks to our guests on this episode for sharing their stories along the route. Check out Rubina’s Instagram account at Instagram.com/rollercoastinrubes. We recommend checking out nearby Pigeon’s Roller Skate Shop to try a pair on for yourself: https://pigeonskates.com. You can see more about GCS Clothing Store and Art Gallery at https://www.gcssantaana.com/. To try some birria tacos, head over to Agave Birrieria at https://agavebirrieria.com/. 

For more about this route — and to get other road trip ideas — visit Marriott Bonvoy Traveler at traveler.marriott.com/road-trip-ideas. Learn more and book a room at the Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter at https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sanwi-the-westin-san-diego-gaslamp-quarter/. 

If you liked this episode of About the Journey, please be sure to rate, review and subscribe.

About the Journey is a podcast produced by Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, AT WILL MEDIA, MNTRA, and Oneika Raymond. Listen and follow the show here.

To read full episode transcripts from About the Journey and see photos of each featured destination, head to About the Journey on Marriott Bonvoy Traveler. Starting this season, you can watch full videos of each episode on the Marriott Bonvoy YouTube channel.

World class glassblowing, a diverse farmers market and even a bit of kayaking: join Host Oneika Raymond on a road trip through the Pacific Northwest, exploring the local communities between Seattle and Portland. We’ll hear stories from area insiders along the way as we stop in Tacoma, Washington; Olympia, Washington; and Estacada, Oregon. 

First, we’ll head south from Seattle to Tacoma, Washington to visit the Museum of Glass. There, we’ll speak with glass artist Benjamin Cobb who’s been creating glass art for a live audience at the Museum of Glass for 19 years.

Next, we’re stopping in Olympia, Washington to visit the Olympia Farmers Market. We’ll chat with some of the local vendors and their faithful shoppers about just what makes this farmers market special.

Last, we’ll head inland to Estacada, Oregon to meet Clackamas River Outfitters owner Luke Spencer. We’ll get some kayaking tips and learn about how we can help the town recover from a recent wildfire.

We’ll end our journey in Portland, Oregon where we get familiar with the city by visiting one of the many waterfront festivals off the Willamette River. Finally, we head to the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront hotel restaurant, the Proof Reader, to taste local flavors from nearby farmers, cheesemongers and brewers.

Thanks to our guests on this episode for sharing their stories along the route. You can view the collection at the Museum of Glass by visiting their website: https://www.museumofglass.org/our-permanent-collection.

You can see some of the public works of legendary glass sculptor Dale Chihuly here: https://www.chihuly.com/work/installations.

Check out the schedule and which vendors are available at the Olympia Farmers Market at https://www.olympiafarmersmarket.com/vendors.

If you’re curious about what the kind of waterfalls Luke Spencer tackles on the Clackamas River visit https://www.opb.org/news/article/kayaking-the-mount-everest-of-oregon-rivers/.

For more about this route and to get other road trip ideas visit Marriott Bonvoy Traveler traveler.marriott.com/road-trips/. If you enjoyed this episode of About The Journey, please be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.

About the Journey is a podcast produced by Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, AT WILL MEDIA, MNTRA, and Oneika Raymond. Listen and follow the show here.

To read full episode transcripts from About the Journey and see photos of each featured destination, head to About the Journey on Marriott Bonvoy Traveler. Starting this season, you can watch full videos of each episode on the Marriott Bonvoy YouTube channel.

Legendary grizzlies and a sanctuary for mustangs. In this episode, we’re driving around Wyoming’s National Parks in search of some serious wildlife. Join Host Oneika Raymond as we practice sustainable tourism throughout some of the most dramatic landscapes in the United States. 

We’ll base our trip at the Springhill Suites Jackson Hole in the mountain ski town of Jackson, Wyoming. There we’ll explore the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, Persephone’s, and Snake River Brewing. 

We’ll meet Mark Labelle, wildlife photographer from the band Dirty Honey who takes his photos in Yellowstone National Park’s Lamar Valley. He’ll give us some tips and tricks to master photographing Yellowstone’s animals, including wolves, grizzly bears, and the famous Grizzly 399. 

Next we head to the Grand Tetons for a lesson on sustainable travel from Denise Germann of Grand Teton National Park. She’ll teach us about the importance of “Leave No Trace,” and shares helpful tips on getting around the park — like using the National Park Service app. We’ll recommend the Phelps Lake hike, Death Canyon, Jenny Lake, Timberland Island, The Grand Teton Scenic Loop, Mormon Row Road and Elk Ranch Flats.

Finally, we speak with Jess Oldham of the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary off Route 26 in the Wind River Reservation. Here, Jess and his family look after wild horses, continuing the tradition of indigenous tribes acting as stewards of the land and wildlife.

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Thanks to our guests on this episode for sharing their stories along the route. For more information and travel tips for our National Parks head to nps.gov. For more on Wind River Horse Sanctuary head to windriverwildhorses.com. To see Mark LaBelle’s band, check out https://www.dirtyhoney.com/. 

For information on the Springhill Suites Jackson Hole, visit the hotel’s website https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/jacsh-springhill-suites-jackson-hole/.

For more about this route — and to get other road trip ideas — visit Marriott Bonvoy Traveler at traveler.marriott.com/road-trips/.

And if you liked this episode of About the Journey, please be sure to rate, review and subscribe.

About the Journey is a podcast produced by Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, AT WILL MEDIA, MNTRA, and Oneika Raymond. Listen and follow the show here.

To read full episode transcripts from About the Journey and see photos of each featured destination, head to About the Journey on Marriott Bonvoy Traveler. Starting this season, you can watch full videos of each episode on the Marriott Bonvoy YouTube channel.