What happens when a musical duo brings you along on their adventures for 250 episodes? Magic, laughter, and a whole lot of wanderlust!

Our podcast journey began as a way to share genuine behind-the-scenes moments from our traveling musician lifestyle. While watching us write songs or record vocals might not make for riveting content, the towns we pass through, people we meet, and moments we experience absolutely do. That's our version of behind-the-scenes – letting you feel, see, taste, and experience it all alongside us.

We've recorded from hotel rooms, beaches, cars, and yes, even under blanket forts (surprisingly good acoustics, by the way). Throughout this journey, we've maintained our core message – travel doesn't have to be extravagant or expensive. Whether you're juggling family commitments, working long hours, or living on a tight budget, adventure is still within reach.

In this special 250th episode, we take a nostalgic trip through our favorite podcast moments, from searching for chocolate scents on the highway near Hershey, Pennsylvania, to nearly falling off cliffs while admiring ocean views. We're celebrating this milestone with exciting giveaways of products we genuinely use on our travels – Para'Kito mosquito repellent bundles and samples of Alexa's travel-inspired tea blends from Vegabond Teas (vegabondteas.com)

Looking ahead, we're thrilled to announce that we'll be bringing The ROAMies Podcast to YouTube later this year, starting with season one episodes reimagined for video. Plus, our next adventure takes us to Belize, where we'll explore caves, coastlines, and cacao farms in what promises to be an "un-Belize-able" journey.

Ready for your next dose of travel inspiration? Follow us on Instagram @TheROAMies to enter our giveaway and join us next week as we kick off our Belize series. Here's to 250 episodes of living free, loving deep, and traveling light!

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Alexa and Rory
The ROAMies
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Thanks to Ryan with Dad Travel Blog DadTravelBlog.com 

Visit him on Socials @DadTravelBlog

And this episode is brought to you with love from QGolf.Com

Parenting doesn't mean the end of adventure - it's just the beginning of a different kind of journey. In this heartwarming Father's Day episode, Ryan from Dad Travel Blog joins The Romies to share his wisdom on creating unforgettable family travel experiences that strengthen bonds and shape young worldviews.

When Ryan's family discovered the magical Swiss town of Lauterbrunnen, with its spectacular waterfalls and mountain trails, it made such an impression they returned the following summer. But the true magic happened after coming home - his children spontaneously began learning French and German, demonstrating how travel plants seeds of curiosity that continue growing long after the suitcases are unpacked.

"Working full-time, you lose that connection. They're in school, I'm at work, we're doing activities at night... You don't always get to know your kid fully," Ryan explains, highlighting perhaps travel's greatest gift: uninterrupted time together. Those shared adventures - whether navigating foreign transit systems or simply watching a sunset in a new place - create a special kind of family glue that withstands the test of time.

For parents hesitant about the logistics of traveling with young ones, Ryan offers practical wisdom: start small with local adventures, build in downtime between activities, always pack extra snacks, and embrace the unexpected moments (like when his toddler began distributing their snacks to fellow airline passengers!). The goal isn't Instagram-perfect memories but authentic experiences that help children develop adaptability, curiosity, and openness.

This episode also features Scott from Q Golf, showcasing their innovative all-in-one adjustable golf club that breaks down to fit in a suitcase - perfect for the traveling dad who wants to squeeze in a round without lugging a full set of clubs- Perfect for Father's Day!

Whether you're planning your first family trip or your fiftieth, this conversation will inspire you to create adventures that strengthen your family's bonds while nurturing the next generation of curious, open-hearted travelers. Subscribe, rate, and follow @TheROAMies to join us on future journeys!

Thanks for your ongoing support!
http://paypal.me/TheROAMies
Alexa and Rory
The ROAMies
Please subscribe, rate and share our podcast!
Follow us at:
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The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram
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The Olympic Peninsula beckons with its captivating blend of lavender-scented fields, historic coastal towns, and magical gardens just waiting to be discovered. Join us, The ROAMies, as we unpack our adventures through this Pacific Northwest gem, starting in Sequim—North America's lavender capital—where purple fields and blueberry farms inspired a special tea blend bearing the town's name.

Sequim proved the perfect launch point for our peninsula explorations. The quaint town buzzes with lavender culture, featuring shops like Sunshine Herb and Lavender Farm where everything from culinary seasonings to home goods carries the signature scent. Though we missed the Olympic Game Farm's drive-through safari experience, we'll definitely return for close encounters with bison, bears, and llamas.

Our wanderings took us to the stunning Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, where a rugged trail stretches 11 miles round-trip to a distant lighthouse. We ventured to Port Townsend, a Victorian seaport brimming with maritime charm, art galleries, and the starting point of the ambitious Olympic Discovery Trail—a 130-mile pathway being built along a former railroad corridor connecting communities across the peninsula.

The most unexpected adventure came during our cross-border journey to Victoria, British Columbia. A forgotten passport meant one of us explored alone while the other uncovered Port Angeles's hidden gems. Victoria's crown jewel, Butchart Gardens, revealed its century-old splendor through the Sunken Garden (transformed from an abandoned quarry), the star-shaped pond originally designed for ornamental ducks, and meticulously maintained Japanese, Italian, and Rose gardens.

• Sequim serves as the perfect home base with its relaxing atmosphere and status as North America's lavender capital
• Lavender and blueberry fields inspired a special tea blend named "Sequim"
• Sunshine Herb and Lavender Farm offers everything lavender from seasonings to home goods
• The Olympic Game Farm provides drive-through wildlife viewing opportunities for families
• Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge features an 11-mile round trip beach walk to a lighthouse
• Port Townsend charms with Victorian architecture, art galleries, and maritime history
• The Olympic Discovery Trail spans from Port Townsend to La Push along a former railroad corridor: https://olympicdiscoverytrail.org/
• Victoria's Butchart Gardens showcases stunning themed gardens including the Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden, and Star Pond
• Travel mishaps can lead to unexpected adventures, as when one forgot their passport for Canada

Whether you're chasing Twilight filming locations, seeking tranquil lavender rows, or craving coastal hikes, the Olympic Peninsula grounds you in Pacific Northwest beauty while feeding your wanderlust. Ready to experience this perfect blend of floral, coastal, and forest mystery for yourself? Subscribe now to join our next adventure to Belize!

Thanks for your ongoing support!
http://paypal.me/TheROAMies
Alexa and Rory
The ROAMies
Please subscribe, rate and share our podcast!
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Make sure to check out our episode on PORT ANGELES! Episode 224!

You can also read our blog on the Port Angeles site here: 

https://www.visitportangeles.com/roam-with-the-roamies-as-they-explore-port-angeles-on-a-winter-vacation/

As well as our previous 2 episodes to catch up with all our stories from  the Olympic Peninsula to inspire you to create your own stories on YOUR adventure there! 

 Waterfalls have a way of taking your breath away. Just ask Alexa, who fondly recalls being literally breathless when turning a corner during a Swiss hike to discover a magnificent cascade appearing out of nowhere. That magical moment sparked a passion that led us on an unforgettable journey through Washington's Olympic Peninsula, armed with nothing but a waterfall brochure and an appetite for natural wonder.

The peninsula reveals itself as a wonderland of diverse cascades, each with its own distinct personality. Near Port Angeles, we discovered Madison Falls, a peaceful 60-foot drop nestled in a mossy grove perfect for quiet contemplation, and Marymere Falls, where a winding trail through ancient forest rewards hikers with a spectacular 90-foot waterfall. Venturing into the Hoh Rainforest transported us to an otherworldly landscape where everything drips with moisture and vibrant green moss hangs like curtains from towering trees. Here, smaller cascades like Mineral Creek Falls reveal themselves along misty trails, surrounded by the greenest forest floor imaginable.

The Quinault Rainforest offered its own waterfall treasures, from roadside-accessible Merriman Falls to the wild beauty of Bunch Creek Falls with its dramatic 60-foot drop over rocky ledges. Though we couldn't make the 13-mile trek to the legendary "Valley of 10,000 Waterfalls" in Enchanted Valley, it's firmly on our bucket list for our next peninsula adventure. For waterfall chasers planning their own Olympic Peninsula journey, we recommend visiting during spring snowmelt or rainy months for maximum flow, and don't miss coastal falls like Strawberry Bay where cascades meet the sea at low tide. Whether you're an avid hiker seeking backcountry wonders or prefer easy access viewing points, the Olympic Peninsula's waterfalls will leave you, like us, a little more in love with the natural world. Check our show notes for helpful links to plan your own waterfall adventure! 

Thanks for your ongoing support!
http://paypal.me/TheROAMies
Alexa and Rory
The ROAMies
Please subscribe, rate and share our podcast!
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Native Whispers: Our Journey Through Washington's Indigenous Lands Olympic Peninsula's Cultural Tapestry
Twilight Territory: Exploring La Push and Quileute Heritage
The Real Magic Behind Twilight Country
Standing at the Edge: Discovering America's Corner at Neah Bay

Venture beyond the Twilight-famous town of Forks as we dive deep into the cultural tapestry of Washington's Olympic Peninsula in this immersive journey through ancient tribal lands.

The misty Hoh Rainforest welcomes solo hikers with moss-draped trees and the legacy of the Hoh tribe, whose name derives from "Hox-wool" – referring to the river's fast-moving waters. Walking these ancestral paths feels almost sacred; the forest once provided indigenous communities with materials for shelter, clothing, tools, and the massive cedar canoes that connected their maritime way of life.

Our adventure continues to La Push, where the Quileute Nation's history stretches back thousands of years along spectacular driftwood-strewn beaches. This isn't just Jacob Black's fictional homeland – it's a place of genuine cultural resilience, featuring one of the world's few languages without nasal sounds and a community actively preserving their heritage while facing climate challenges. Those massive timber pieces scattered across the shoreline? Remnants of a 1921 storm that leveled nearly 8 billion feet of timber – enough to build 600,000 homes.

Perhaps most breathtaking is our journey to Neah Bay, territory of the Makah tribe and home to the northwesternmost point of continental America. The trail feels transported from fantasy – twisted trees forming natural benches, wooden planks guiding travelers across otherworldly terrain, and dramatic cliffs overlooking ocean caves. The Makah Cultural Center houses treasures from one of North America's most significant archaeological discoveries: the ancient village of Ozette, where a mudslide perfectly preserved 55,000+ artifacts of pre-contact indigenous life.

When visiting these special places, remember to purchase tribal recreation permits – they're affordable ways to support ongoing cultural preservation while experiencing some of America's most enchanting landscapes. Ready to explore the Olympic Peninsula's indigenous heritage for yourself? Subscribe now and follow our journey across America's most captivating destinations!

Thanks for your ongoing support!
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Alexa and Rory
The ROAMies
Please subscribe, rate and share our podcast!
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https://forkswa.com/

Thanks for sponsoring us, lorissaskitchen.com

Hear all about PORT ANGELES, WA (Episode 224)  HERE.

Ever wanted to walk in the footsteps of Bella Swan? Join us, Alexa and Rory—married musical nomads known as The ROAMies—as we finally check Forks, Washington off our travel bucket list! This small, rainy town captivated our imagination ever since it became the backdrop for the Twilight saga.

What we discovered might surprise you. Despite being the heart of Twilight country, almost none of the movies were actually filmed in Forks! But that hasn't stopped this charming logging town of 5,000 from embracing its literary fame. We explore the visitor center's dedicated Twilight museum, complete with movie memorabilia and the actual truck from the film sitting right outside. Armed with a free Twilight-themed map, we hit all the hotspots—from the Swan House (now an Airbnb) to Dr. Cullen's parking space at the hospital.

Beyond vampire lore, the Olympic Peninsula reveals itself as an outdoor paradise. We venture to La Push Beach on the Quileute Reservation where massive driftwood decorates the shoreline and the moody atmosphere instantly reminds us why Stephenie Meyer chose this setting. The region boasts over 100 miles of beaches, 200 miles of wild rivers, mysterious rainforests, and alpine meadows—all within easy reach of Forks. Whether you're a Twilight fan or nature lover, this corner of Washington delivers  adventure and wonder.

Ready to experience the real Olympic Peninsula? Subscribe to our podcast for more travel tales, including our upcoming episodes about Sequim and more hidden gems in this remarkable region. And don't forget to pack smart snacks like our sponsor Lorissa's Kitchen jerky and meat sticks—perfect fuel for exploring the rainiest town in the continental US!

Please subscribe, rate and share our podcast, and follow us on social media @TheRoamies or visit our website at www.theroamies.com.

Thanks for your ongoing support!
http://paypal.me/TheROAMies
Alexa and Rory
The ROAMies
Please subscribe, rate and share our podcast!
Follow us at:
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Find Emily Kraus at AMomExplores.com and on socials @amomexplores

Check out Voyager Toddler Milk – USDA organic powdered milk in convenient single-serving packets perfect for travel with little ones. @voyagermilk

Emily's Podcast is called "The Travel With Kids Podcast." 

Travel with kids doesn't have to be a headache or budget-buster. Emily Krause, founder of A Mom Explores blog, shares her hard-won wisdom from years of adventuring with her four children across America and around the world.

Emily reveals her top family-friendly destinations, both domestic and international. The Black Hills region offers abundant wildlife and outdoor spaces perfect for kids, while Washington DC provides free museums and monuments that make it surprisingly affordable for larger families. For those ready to venture abroad, Emily explains why Costa Rica and Italy consistently deliver memorable experiences for all ages, from sloth tours to gondola rides.

The conversation tackles the real challenges of family travel head-on. Emily candidly discusses her transition from spontaneous solo adventures to the structured planning required with children. She offers practical budgeting strategies, from using flight comparison tools to packing food that significantly reduces dining expenses. Her approach to packing light – one packing cube per child – demonstrates how organization and minimalism can make family trips far less stressful.

What sets this discussion apart is Emily's balanced perspective on creating trips that work for everyone. Rather than exclusively catering to children's interests or forcing adult activities, she describes their family "team" approach where everyone gets experiences they enjoy. By involving kids in planning and teaching them to celebrate others' interests, travel becomes a powerful tool for building character and consideration.

Ready to plan your next family adventure? Listen now and discover how travel with children can be not just manageable, but one of life's most rewarding experiences. Check out Emily's blog at amomexplores.com for more inspiration and practical guides.

• Black Hills and Badlands in South Dakota offers exceptional outdoor spaces and wildlife viewing perfect for children
• Washington DC provides free museums and monuments, making it budget-friendly for larger families
• Costa Rica and Italy rank as top international destinations with universal kid appeal and diverse activities
• Switch from spontaneous travel to having structured plans when traveling with children
• Book accommodations well in advance when traveling with larger families
• Use tools like Google Flights with open destinations to find affordable options for fixed dates
• Save on food by packing snacks and limiting restaurant meals to once daily
• Take advantage of programs like "Every Kid Outdoors" which gives fourth graders free national park passes
• Involve children in planning to build excitement and investment in the trip
• Balance adult interests (museums, hikes) with kid-friendly activities and treats
• Consider multi-generational travel to create memories and have extra helping hands
• Pack light using packing cubes – one per child with complete outfits
• Remember you can purchase most forgotten items at your destination

Thanks for your ongoing support!
http://paypal.me/TheROAMies
Alexa and Rory
The ROAMies
Please subscribe, rate and share our podcast!
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You might hear my stomach growling as you listen to this delicious episode. Join us as we eat our way through Mineral Wells, Texas, a small town with a big reputation as "The Wellness Capital of Texas."

Our culinary adventure begins at Fro Pro Cafe, where breakfast comes with an unexpected bonus—a sophisticated body composition scan that reveals far more than your weight. The cafe owner explains how this technology helps customers understand their true health metrics beyond BMI, tracking everything from muscle mass to hydration levels. While Alexa enjoys a colorful acai bowl, Rory discovers the unique purple sweet potato flavor of ube in a protein-packed breakfast shake.

The day continues at City Meats and Market, where wellness takes on a distinctly Texan twist with high-quality, locally-sourced meats and specialty grocery items. This multipurpose establishment flows seamlessly into connecting boutique shops, creating an immersive small-town shopping experience. We meet passionate local business owners who reveal their community-first approach to commerce—rather than competing, they actively send customers to each other's shops.

At The Market at 76067 (named for the local zip code), we discover an innovative approach to supporting local artisans. Instead of each vendor having a separate space, products are organized by category, creating a cohesive shopping experience while still celebrating individual makers. The owner shares how this collaborative model has transformed their downtown, with over 70% of sales now coming from tourists.

We grabbed Rose's book here! You can learn more about her from her podcast here:  and www.BeneathTheFigTree.org

Our day culminates with dinner at Second Bar and Kitchen inside the historic Crazy Water Hotel. Under the direction of a New York chef, the restaurant maintains its Texas roots through locally-sourced ingredients proudly listed on the menu. Don't miss their "fire cider" shot—a non-alcoholic wellness elixir that packs flavor and health benefits in equal measure.

Through our food-focused exploration, we uncover the true meaning of wellness in this unique Texas town—it's about quality ingredients, strong community connections, and businesses that lift each other up rather than competing. Ready to taste it for yourself? Visit minerallwells.org to plan your own foodie adventure.

Also mentioned in this episode: Vegabond Tea : vegabondteas.com 

Thanks for your ongoing support!
http://paypal.me/TheROAMies
Alexa and Rory
The ROAMies
Please subscribe, rate and share our podcast!
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VisitMineralWells.org 

Trading pavement for pedals, paddles, and parks, our journey through Mineral Wells revealed a Texas treasure trove of natural wonders waiting to be explored. From the moment we stepped into Clark Gardens Botanical Park, we were captivated by its magic – wheelchair-accessible pathways winding through vibrant displays, waterfalls sparkling in sunlight, and ponds where black and white swans glide gracefully alongside strutting peacocks.

What makes this garden extraordinary is its humble origins as Max Clark and his wife's private yard, gradually transformed into a botanical paradise now recognized as an official best public garden in Texas. During our visit, we experienced their annual Grow Festival, a month-long celebration of art, wellness, and Texas heritage featuring themed weekends, hands-on activities, and special events like crawfish boils. The Quanah Parker "One Man, Two Worlds" exhibit tucked inside the on-site chapel, powerfully chronicled the story of Cynthia Ann Parker and her son Quanah, the last Comanche chief – a fascinating glimpse into the cultural collisions that shaped frontier America.

Our adventure continued at Lake Mineral Wells State Park, where we hiked through the aptly named Penitentiary Hollow with its impressive sandstone cliffs and hidden caves. Rock climbers, hikers, campers and mountain bikers all find their paradise here, with access to a 20-mile trailway connecting to neighboring Weatherford. The highlight came when we partnered with Spartan Adventure and Rentals for some lake exploration – though one of us learned the hard way that "stand-up paddleboarding" can quickly become "stand-up splashboarding" when attempting to model a new shirt! Despite the unexpected swim, being surrounded by herons, ducks, and the gentle lap of water against our boards provided that perfect reset that only nature can deliver.

Ready to answer nature's call? Plan your own outdoor escape at visitmineralwells.org and discover why this charming Texas town deserves a prominent spot on your travel wishlist. Subscribe to our podcast for more adventures, and follow us @TheROAMies on all social platforms to join our journey!

Thanks for your ongoing support!
http://paypal.me/TheROAMies
Alexa and Rory
The ROAMies
Please subscribe, rate and share our podcast!
Follow us at:
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VisitMineralWells.com

Tucked away in the heart of Texas lies Mineral Wells, a town whose identity was forever shaped by a peculiar discovery in 1877. When Judge Alvis Lynch and his wife settled in this then-barren land, they struck something more valuable than gold – mineral-rich water with seemingly miraculous healing properties.

With Rose Jordan as our expert guide, we journey through time to uncover how this unassuming place transformed into "America's Great Health Resort" where people would flock to "drink their way to health." The story behind the famous "Crazy Water" name proves particularly fascinating – originating from a local woman whose mental health noticeably improved after regularly drinking from the town's third well. What was once dismissed as superstition is now understood through the lens of modern science as potentially addressing severe mineral deficiencies affecting brain chemistry.

The architectural treasures of Mineral Wells tell their own compelling stories. With over 100 historic buildings preserved in its nationally registered historic district, the town stands as a testament to resilience and preservation. We explore the magnificent Baker Hotel, constructed in 1929 just after the stock market crash, which hosted celebrities like Judy Garland and The Three Stooges before closing its doors in 1972. After sitting vacant for decades, this architectural marvel is now undergoing a painstaking restoration that symbolizes the town's rebirth – a project locals jokingly said would happen "when pigs fly."

The story of Mineral Wells is ultimately one of reinvention and hope. From its decline following FDA restrictions and the closure of Fort Walters military base to its recent designation as the "Wellness Capital of Texas," the community demonstrates how honoring heritage while embracing modern wellness can breathe new life into a historic destination. Join us as we discover how this remarkable town is reclaiming its identity through water, wellness, and a community that refused to give up on their flying pigs.

Also mentioned on this episode: Episodes 211, 212, & 224

Thanks for your ongoing support!
http://paypal.me/TheROAMies
Alexa and Rory
The ROAMies
Please subscribe, rate and share our podcast!
Follow us at:
http://www.TheROAMies.com
The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram
YouTube and X.