Celebrate American Adventures Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel Show” with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). Travel writer Melody Pittman shares highlights from her scenic and delicious road trip through the heart of Mississippi River Country, covering memorable stops in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

In this lively conversation, Melody talks about exploring national parks, roadside attractions, and family-friendly casinos, plus enjoying local cuisine, architectural marvels like Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs, and charming Midwest towns. The discussion touches on everything from the Mall of America to cheese curds, whiskey tastings, and the hospitality that makes the Midwest a must-visit for road trippers.

🎧 Listen in for tips on culinary stops, cultural gems, and fun, budget-friendly activities for all ages!

Read Melody's article: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/exploring-the-heart-of-mississippi-river-country/ 

This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend,” “Vacation Station,” “Road Trip Radio,” and “Parks & Travel” channels. 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer and author Cherith Glover Fulker talks about her upcoming book, Secret Birmingham: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure (Reedy Press, Aug. 1, 2025).

From jazz legends and civil rights history to cast iron giants and century-old baseball fields, Cherith shares fascinating and lesser-known stories that make Birmingham, Alabama a truly unforgettable destination. Learn about the city's vibrant food scene, family-friendly attractions, and the power of community connection. Cherith also opens up about her journey into travel writing and how personal history and curiosity fuel her work.

🎧 Listen in for:

📘 Get the book: "Secret Birmingham" – https://reedypress.com/author/fluker/cherith-fluker/ 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Scott Kendall shares highlights from his journey through Reims, the heart of France’s Champagne region. From visiting historic champagne houses and attending educational tastings to savoring an unforgettable meal at the Michelin-starred Arbane Restaurant, Scott talks about the region’s rich history, its unique winemaking traditions, and the value of cultural connections while traveling.

Scott Kendall is a Texas-based travel writer, photographer, and videographer. He’s the editor of PlayStayEat.com and has been published in EuropeUpClose, Epicurean Traveler, Food Wine Travel Magazine, and more. Visit his site: https://playstayeat.com 

- Read Scott’s article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/reims-fabulous-champagne-houses-and-dining-at-michelin-starred-arbane-restaurant/ 

Celebrate National Family Reunion Month on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel Show” with IFWTWA, featuring Meg Heinen of CityPASS. Discover how CityPASS helps families save big on top attractions across North America’s most iconic cities.

Meg shares the evolution of CityPASS, the diversity of attractions to experience, and the benefits of using the CityPASS app for easy reservations and ticket management. Perfect for families and group travel, CityPASS offers convenience, flexibility, and serious savings!

🗺️ Featured destinations include: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Southern California (includes LA), Tampa Bay, and Toronto.

From historic sites and botanical gardens to thrilling amusement parks and museums, CityPASS caters to all ages—and even makes a great gift for students and frequent travelers.

🎟️ Learn more: https://www.citypass.com 

Happy National Family Month! This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), fatures travel writer Sarah Gilliland who shares tips for planning meaningful and fun-filled family vacations—especially to theme parks, on cruises, and through multi-generational travel.

From budgeting and bonding to immersive attractions and educational takeaways, Sarah highlights how travel builds lasting memories and helps kids connect with new cultures. The conversation also touches on Alabama’s family-friendly offerings and the evolution of theme parks into rich, interactive experiences.

🎧 Listen and find all related links and resources (and a fun jigsaw puzzle): https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/family-adventures-theme-parks-cruises-multigenerational-travel/ 

Sarah Gilliland is a freelance travel journalist and family travel expert. She’s a member of IFWTWA, a Travel Media Showcase journalist, and the voice behind Sarah in the Suburbs.

🍷 Discover IFWTWA: https://ifwtwa.org 

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station and Big Dail Blend Channels.

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Susan Lanier-Graham returns to share her recent experiences in historic Vicksburg, Mississippi. From the powerful stories behind the Civil War to the vibrant arts and culinary scenes, Susan highlights what makes this Southern city such a meaningful and engaging destination.

The conversation dives into the impact of the Civil War on Vicksburg, the importance of the Vicksburg National Military Park, and the city’s rich blend of history, culture, and modern charm.

📖 Read Susan’s article:

Susan Lanier-Graham is an experienced journalist, editor, storyteller, and author with a passion for purposeful travel and meaningful connection. Along with being the managing editor of an Arizona lifestyle publication, and an editor and contributor to Newsweek, Susan is the publisher and founder of Wander With Wonder: https://www.wanderwithwonder.com/ 

🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://ifwtwa.org 

🎙️ Subscribe for new episodes every 2nd Tuesday, Friday & 3rd Monday: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com 

🎧 This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station," "Parks  & Travel," and "Way Back When" Channels. Check out our network of shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Get ready to hit the road and discover one of Arizona’s most charming hidden gems! On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Tuesday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we explore beautiful and historic Bisbee, Arizona with special guests Heather Andrews and Janet MacDonald of Discover Bisbee.

Nestled in Southeast Arizona, Bisbee is a vibrant destination packed with history, culture, and character. From guided tours through its historic district to specialty local shops, art galleries and murals, natural attractions, and unique and historic lodgings—Bisbee offers something for every kind of traveler.

🧭 Did you know?

Plan your ultimate Bisbee adventure: https://www.discoverbisbee.com/ 

🔗 Subscribe & Explore More:

From Cape Town, South Africa to Tema, Ghana—join us on this fascinating episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) as award-winning food and travel writer Sucheta Rawal shares highlights from her luxury cruise journey aboard the Crystal Symphony up the stunning West Coast of Africa.

Discover what it’s like to explore Namibia, Angola, São Tomé and Príncipe, Benin, and Ghana in comfort and style. Sucheta dives into the ship's elegant accommodations, world-class dining, onboard entertainment and expert lectures, and culturally rich shoreline excursions.

A prolific writer and speaker, Sucheta Rawal has visited 126 countries across all 7 continents. She contributes to National Geographic, CNN, TIME Magazine, and more, and is the author of five travel-themed children's books. Her nonprofit, Go Eat Give, promotes responsible and meaningful travel. She’s also a TEDx speaker and will deliver her fourth TEDx talk this year in Manila.

✨ Read more about her West Africa experience: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/West-Africa-is-open-for-tourism--Here-s-how-you-can-visit-comfortably---.html 

🌍 Learn more about Sucheta Rawal: https://suchetarawal.com 

🍷 Discover IFWTWA: https://ifwtwa.org 

🎙️ Subscribe for more episodes every 2nd Tuesday, Friday & 3rd Monday:

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's Vacation Station Travel Channel.

Get ready to explore the breathtaking landscapes and exciting outdoor experiences of Steuben County in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York! In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Tuesday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we chat with Dave DeGolyer from Explore Steuben about all the fun and adventure you can have in this scenic destination.

From kayaking on Keuka Lake and fishing the Chemung River, to hiking the 1000-mile Finger Lakes Trail, wildlife watching at Erwin Wildlife Management Area, and cycling the Keuka Gravel routes, Steuben County is a nature lover’s dream. You'll also hear about top outdoor attractions like Letchworth State Park, Stony Brook State Park, Mossy Bank Park, Birdseye Hollow State Forest, Spencer Crest Nature Center, and the Susquehanna Basin Water Trail.

Beyond outdoor adventure, Steuben County offers award-winning wineries, locally inspired cuisine, world-renowned art (like at the nearby Corning Museum of Glass), and a welcoming, small-town vibe that makes it the perfect travel destination for families, couples, and solo explorers alike.

🎧 Listen now to plan your ultimate Finger Lakes outdoor getaway:

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station” and “Parks & Travel” podcast channels. Discover more travel inspiration at the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week with this exciting episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show in partnership with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). Travel writer Mary Farah takes us on a journey through Southern Delaware, uncovering the region’s hidden gems and unexpected West Coast vibes.

From a luxurious stay at Avenue Inn and Spa to a wine tasting at Nassau Valley Vineyards, Mary shares her experience exploring Delaware’s “Culinary Coast.” Highlights include dining at One Coastal, enjoying a classic “drive on” beach lunch with Chef Hari Cameron, sweet indulgence at Dessert in Delaware, and visiting top attractions like the Delaware Botanic Gardens, Story Hill Farm, Funland, and the iconic Jolly Trolley.

📖 Read the full travel feature: "A Summer Getaway to Southern Delaware" here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-summer-getaway-to-southern-delaware/ 

This episode is also featured on our Big Blend Radio “Vacation Station,” “Eat, Drink & Be Merry,” and “Big Daily Blend” channels. Discover more travel, food, and lifestyle content on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork