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Historic Main Streets, Downtowns, Villages & Plazas
This episode of Big Blend Radio features a fascinating panel discussion with five seasoned travel writers who share stories and insights from charming historic destinations across the U.S. and abroad. From the soulful streets of Coimbra, Portugal, to the haunted hotels of Granbury, Texas, the conversation celebrates the value of small businesses, historic preservation, cultural richness, and community vitality.
🎙️ Featured Guests
* Kathleen Walls – Travel writer & author: https://americanroads.net/
* Debbie Stone – Travel writer & global adventurer: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/debbie-stone-travel-writer/
* Sharon K. Kurtz – Travel writer & award-winning photographer: https://sharonkkurtz.com/
* Joelle Machia – Award-winning travel writer & photographer: https://www.wandererscompass.com/
* Judy Karnia – Travel writer & Nature Therapist: https://travelingnature.com/
🔗 Explore the Places Mentioned
* Americus, Georgia: https://americanroads.net/americus_11292024.htm
* Santa Fe, New Mexico:
- Eat Like O'Keeffe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/eat-like-okeeffe/
- Margarita Trail: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/sip-and-savor-your-way-along-santa-fes-margarita-trail/
- Savor Santa Fe Magazine Feature: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/oapd/#p=46
- La Posada Magazine Feature: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/etyq/#p=28
* Granbury, Texas: https://fyi50plus.com/granbury-voted-best-historic-small-town-of-2025/
* Fredericksburg, Texas: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-visit-to-fredericksburg-in-the-texas-hill-country/
* Kennett Square, Pennsylvania: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/discovering-chester-countys-brandywine-valley/
* Snoqualmie & Suncadia, Washington:
- https://www.facebook.com/share/1AvvPJAymE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- https://www.facebook.com/share/1AfBAcKRBa/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AnxG3vhAP/?mibextid=wwXIfr
* Coimbra, Portugal: https://travelingnature.com/5-best-towns-to-explore-on-your-trip-to-lisbon/
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Downtown Main Street Villages
00:57 Exploring Historic Destinations and Supporting Local Businesses
01:45 Exploring Americus, Georgia: A Historic Journey
06:51 Ghost Stories and Historic Hotels
12:04 Architectural Wonders of Main Streets
14:36 The Charm of Local Hardware Stores
14:57 Exploring Santa Fe's Historic Plaza
25:16 Cultural Significance and Community Hub
26:11 Exploring Granbury: A Historic Gem in Texas
28:57 Charming Downtown and Haunted History
31:48 Culinary Delights and Unique Shopping Experiences
33:33 Exploring Snoqualmie: A Hidden Gem in Washington State
40:07 Cultural Significance and Community Spirit
42:49 Film and Television Connections: Twin Peaks and Northern Exposure
43:18 Exploring Roslyn: A Charming Village Experience
46:03 The Economic Balance of Small Towns
47:48 Preserving Authenticity in Community Development
48:11 Exploring Coimbra: A Journey Through History
01:01:22 The Vibrant Culture of Coimbra
01:02:46 Fado Music: The Soul of Portugal
📰 This is the final episode in our July series celebrating Independent Retailer Month, but stay tuned — we’ll continue exploring more historic downtowns, main streets, and village destinations in upcoming shows. Be sure to sign up for the newsletter at https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/join-our-newsletter/ to get updates and our special digital magazine coming in November.
View all episodes
By Big Blend Radio NetworkThis episode of Big Blend Radio features a fascinating panel discussion with five seasoned travel writers who share stories and insights from charming historic destinations across the U.S. and abroad. From the soulful streets of Coimbra, Portugal, to the haunted hotels of Granbury, Texas, the conversation celebrates the value of small businesses, historic preservation, cultural richness, and community vitality.
🎙️ Featured Guests
* Kathleen Walls – Travel writer & author: https://americanroads.net/
* Debbie Stone – Travel writer & global adventurer: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/debbie-stone-travel-writer/
* Sharon K. Kurtz – Travel writer & award-winning photographer: https://sharonkkurtz.com/
* Joelle Machia – Award-winning travel writer & photographer: https://www.wandererscompass.com/
* Judy Karnia – Travel writer & Nature Therapist: https://travelingnature.com/
🔗 Explore the Places Mentioned
* Americus, Georgia: https://americanroads.net/americus_11292024.htm
* Santa Fe, New Mexico:
- Eat Like O'Keeffe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/eat-like-okeeffe/
- Margarita Trail: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/sip-and-savor-your-way-along-santa-fes-margarita-trail/
- Savor Santa Fe Magazine Feature: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/oapd/#p=46
- La Posada Magazine Feature: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/etyq/#p=28
* Granbury, Texas: https://fyi50plus.com/granbury-voted-best-historic-small-town-of-2025/
* Fredericksburg, Texas: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-visit-to-fredericksburg-in-the-texas-hill-country/
* Kennett Square, Pennsylvania: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/discovering-chester-countys-brandywine-valley/
* Snoqualmie & Suncadia, Washington:
- https://www.facebook.com/share/1AvvPJAymE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- https://www.facebook.com/share/1AfBAcKRBa/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AnxG3vhAP/?mibextid=wwXIfr
* Coimbra, Portugal: https://travelingnature.com/5-best-towns-to-explore-on-your-trip-to-lisbon/
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Downtown Main Street Villages
00:57 Exploring Historic Destinations and Supporting Local Businesses
01:45 Exploring Americus, Georgia: A Historic Journey
06:51 Ghost Stories and Historic Hotels
12:04 Architectural Wonders of Main Streets
14:36 The Charm of Local Hardware Stores
14:57 Exploring Santa Fe's Historic Plaza
25:16 Cultural Significance and Community Hub
26:11 Exploring Granbury: A Historic Gem in Texas
28:57 Charming Downtown and Haunted History
31:48 Culinary Delights and Unique Shopping Experiences
33:33 Exploring Snoqualmie: A Hidden Gem in Washington State
40:07 Cultural Significance and Community Spirit
42:49 Film and Television Connections: Twin Peaks and Northern Exposure
43:18 Exploring Roslyn: A Charming Village Experience
46:03 The Economic Balance of Small Towns
47:48 Preserving Authenticity in Community Development
48:11 Exploring Coimbra: A Journey Through History
01:01:22 The Vibrant Culture of Coimbra
01:02:46 Fado Music: The Soul of Portugal
📰 This is the final episode in our July series celebrating Independent Retailer Month, but stay tuned — we’ll continue exploring more historic downtowns, main streets, and village destinations in upcoming shows. Be sure to sign up for the newsletter at https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/join-our-newsletter/ to get updates and our special digital magazine coming in November.