Travels with Darley

Why are couples, wellness seekers, and travelers from around the world flocking to Santa Fe? Join travel expert, author and TV host Darley Newman as she explores the people, places, and experiences that have made Santa Fe County one of the Southwest's most captivating destinations. From weddings aboard Sky Railway and historic venues like El Rancho de las Golondrinas and Bonanza Creek Ranch to luxury escapes at Bishop's Lodge, Auberge Collection and Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado, discover why Santa Fe has become a top destination for romance and celebration. 

Along the way, Darley speaks with Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin aboard Sky Railway, explores Bonanza Creek Ranch where weddings and movie sets mix, learns about New Mexico's living history from Pedro Martinez at El Rancho de las Golondrinas, samples historic chocolate elixirs with Bonnie Bennett at Kakawa Chocolate House, and experiences wellness traditions at Ten Thousand Waves, Ojo Santa Fe, and Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado. From mountain sunsets and healing waters to historic railways and unforgettable landscapes, discover why so many visitors leave Santa Fe already planning their return.

Get more trip itineraires, travel advice, Darley's Revolutionary Road Trip book and more at darley-newman.com

Follow the legacy of Route 66 through Santa Fe to see what has long inspired artists, storytellers, seekers, and travelers from around the world. Join travel expert, author and TV host Darley Newman to uncover centuries of history, remarkable architecture, Native traditions, and a thriving arts scene. From the historic Plaza, Loretto Chapel, and the Barrio de Analco to the famed San Miguel Chapel, discover how Santa Fe's past and present intersect in one of America's most fascinating destinations.

Along the way, Darley speaks with Loretto Chapel curator Richard Lindsley, Preserve San Miguel's David Blackman, and travels outside of downtown to learn about the Lightning Boy Foundation founded by George Rivera and Felicia Rivera. She also explores artist Kevin and Jennifer Box’s Origami in the Garden, and the Allan Houser Sculpture Garden with director David Redding. Discover Route 66 landmarks, Pueblo traditions, hoop dancing in Pojoaque Pueblo, contemporary sculpture, and hidden historic neighborhoods while uncovering the stories, people, and places that make Santa Fe a cultural crossroads unlike anywhere else in America.

Get more trip itineraires, travel advice, Darley's Revolutionary Road Trip book and more at darley-newman.com

Step onto the hallowed ground of Gettysburg and discover a powerful story that goes far beyond the battlefield. In this episode of the Travels with Darley Podcast, Darley explores General Robert E. Lee’s Headquarters—once the home of widow Mary Thompson, later transformed by war, development, and ultimately, preservation. Joined by American Battlefield Trust President David Duncan, this journey reveals how a site once overtaken by a motel and restaurant has been painstakingly restored to reflect its Civil War-era significance, offering visitors a rare chance to truly visualize history where it happened.

But this episode isn’t just about the past—it’s about the ongoing work to protect it. From the surprising story of a weathered doghouse to large-scale efforts to reclaim threatened land, Darley uncovers the human side of history and the modern heroes working to preserve it. Through immersive storytelling and expert insight, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for why places like Gettysburg matter—not only as sites of memory, but as living classrooms that connect us to the people, stories, and defining moments that shaped America. 

Get more trip itineraires, travel advice, Darley's Revolutionary Road Trip book and more at darley-newman.com

As America marks 250 years of independence, journey through South Carolina’s Upcountry and the historic Old 96 District—one of the most important regions of the Revolutionary War’s Southern Campaign. In this podcast episode, Darley Newman and expert locals guide you along a scenic road trip itinerary that you can follow on your own vacation from Kings Mountain to Ninety Six, connecting iconic battlefields like Cowpens National Battlefield Park with lesser-known but powerful sites like Musgrove Mill State Historic Site and Walnut Grove Plantation. Along the way, you’ll hear stories from park rangers and locals that bring this history to life.

This travel adventure isn’t just about the past—it’s also about experiencing the present-day culture of the Upcountry. From charming Spartanburg with the Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens, Wade’s Restaurant, The Kennedy and Rick Irwin’s Level 10 Rooftop to exploring local bookstores and enjoying standout Southern cuisine, to hidden gems like Wilson’s Curb Market and 96 Pecan Company, this itinerary blends history, food, and small-town discoveries.

Whether you’re planning your own Revolutionary Road Trip or simply love American history and travel, this episode offers inspiration, storytelling, and a practical guide to exploring one of the South’s most fascinating regions—where the fight for independence played out and where those stories still resonate today.

Get more trip itineraires, travel advice, Darley's Revolutionary Road Trip book and more at darley-newman.com

Continue the journey down Illinois Route 66 with Darley Newman in Part 2 of this two-part road trip podcast, picking up in Pontiac and heading south toward St. Louis. Along the way, discover colorful murals, preserved service stations, and the passionate locals keeping the spirit of the Mother Road alive. From the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac to the beautifully restored Sprague’s Super Service Station in Normal, this stretch of the road is packed with stories, small-town charm, and the nostalgic appeal that makes Route 66 one of America’s most beloved drives.

This episode also serves up some of Illinois’ most iconic roadside flavors and attractions, including a stop for a famous Cozy Dog in Springfield, classic Americana at Motorheads with Ron Metzger, the historic Auburn Brick Road, old-fashioned treats at Doc’s Just Off 66 with Casey Claypool, and a prime rib meal at the legendary Ariston Cafe. As Darley gets closer to St. Louis, the adventure continues with quirky photo ops like the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle, a visit to Cahokia Mounds, and a walk across the Chain of Rocks Bridge. Recorded on location during filming for Travels with Darley, this immersive audio road trip brings the sounds, people, history, and flavor of Route 66 in Illinois to life.

Get more trip itineraires, travel advice, Darley's Revolutionary Road Trip book and more at darley-newman.com

Kick off an all-American road trip along the legendary Route 66 as Darley Newman travels from Chicago toward St. Louis through the heart of Illinois in this two-part series. In Part 1, discover where the historic Mother Road begins in downtown Chicago before hitting the highway to explore nostalgic stops, family-run eateries, and iconic roadside attractions that have defined American road trips for nearly a century. From the famous Route 66 sign near the Art Institute of Chicago to classic breakfast at Lou Mitchell’s and the story behind the original Palmer House brownie, this journey blends history, culture, and great food.

Along the way, Darley meets locals who are preserving Route 66’s legacy and shares tips for travelers planning their own adventure. Stop for legendary fried chicken at Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket or White Fence Farm, explore the hauntingly historic Joliet Prison, snap photos with the Gemini Giant, and cruise past classic diners and vintage service stations that capture the spirit of the open road. Recorded on location during filming for the PBS series Travels with Darley, this immersive audio road trip brings the sights, sounds, and stories of Route 66 to life—perfect inspiration for your own Illinois road trip.

Get more trip itineraires, travel advice, Darley's Revolutionary Road Trip book and more at darley-newman.com

Explore Bordeaux, France’s legendary wine region, on this episode of the Travels with Darley Podcast. From cycling through the Médoc wine route to riding through Bordeaux in a retro sidecar, Darley Newman shares how to experience the best of the region—plus tips for savoring its food, culture, and historic charm.Using a river cruise as your floating home base, you’ll step off to discover the walkable streets of Bordeaux, sip wines in Saint-Émilion, enjoy scenic châteaux views along the water, and even taste cognac in the surrounding region.

Darley also highlights a can’t-miss local treat: canelés, the rum-and-vanilla pastry that’s a Bordeaux classic. France expert Loic Bailly of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises joins the episode to share why Bordeaux is ideal for slow travel—think local markets, curated regional wines, and immersive excursions that connect you with the place. 

Uniworld is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and travelers can find 50th anniversary specials and savings on select cruises, making it a great time to plan a Bordeaux and France river cruise adventure.

Get more trip itineraires, travel advice, Darley's Revolutionary Road Trip book and more at darley-newman.com

Discover the magic of river cruising in France on this episode of the Travels with Darley Podcast. Darley is joined by France expert Loic Bailly of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, who shares insider tips for exploring the country’s iconic waterways — from Paris and Normandy to Bordeaux, Provence, and the Rhône Valley.Loic grew up in the French Alps and offers a local perspective on what makes cruising France’s rivers so special.

Imagine gently sailing past vineyards and historic villages, docking steps from charming town centers, and experiencing exclusive cultural access along the way.Darley also shares highlights from her own Uniworld journeys through Bordeaux and the Rhine River, including vineyard visits, unique city tours, and memorable culinary experiences.This year marks Uniworld’s 50th anniversary, and you can celebrate their journey with special travel offers — including 50th anniversary savings on select cruises, making it an exciting time to plan a river cruise adventure.In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What makes river cruising in France so unique
• Top itineraries including Paris & Normandy, Bordeaux, and Provence
• Special cultural experiences you can access along the rivers
• Tips for planning your first river cruise
• Where else to cruise with Uniworld around the world

If you love wine, history, great food, and immersive travel experiences, a river cruise through France may belong on your travel list.

Get more trip itineraires, travel advice, Darley's Revolutionary Road Trip book and more at darley-newman.com

Festival International de Louisiane turns downtown Lafayette into a global celebration—and this year marks 40 years of magic. Darley Newman goes behind the scenes with Festival International’s Carly Viator Courville and meets locals like the Cajun Hatter to uncover what makes this volunteer-powered, community-driven, free event so special: five stages, international sounds, unforgettable bites, surprise street performances, and the culture that keeps French and Cajun roots alive. It’s like traveling the world without leaving downtown Lafayette.

Listen to the podcast to get the lowdown on diverse food, pop-up street performers, and local tips for planning your days, getting around, where to stay and pairing the festival with Lafayette, Louisiana's arts and Acadian culture.

Get more trip itineraires, travel advice, Darley's Revolutionary Road Trip book and more at darley-newman.com

Planning a cruise out of Port Canaveral? This Travels with Darley podcast episode is your essential guide to making the most of your pre- or post-cruise time in Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral. Just 45 minutes from Orlando, this affordable, space-inspired beach destination is not only convenient for cruisers boarding ships like Carnival Mardi Gras and RCL Utopia of the Seas, but it’s also full of opportunities to relax and explore. From family-friendly resorts and surf shops to tiki bars and rocket launch viewing spots, Darley Newman shares her weekend experience discovering where to eat, stay, and play before setting sail.

Darley rides the Cocoa Beach Express shuttle from Orlando International Airport to the Radisson Resort at the Port, meeting fellow travelers like Lisa and Michael Carso, who’ve taken 35 cruises, and newcomers like Denise and Terry Cochran from Knoxville. She explores shuttle options, hotel packages, and accessibility services. She chats with locals like Jonathan Bloomfield, a top-rated bellman who knows the ins and outs of parking, luggage, and hospitality. Darley also connects with solo female traveler Caretta Campbell of New York and a multigenerational group from Missouri to hear real cruiser tips—what to pack, where to eat (like Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar), and how to make the most of an overnight stay.

Whether you’re headed out on your first cruise or your fifteenth, this episode offers insider insights and real traveler stories to help you navigate Port Canaveral and your Cocoa Beach vacation with confidence. From breakfast buffets and bike rides to beach days and sunset cocktails at Fishlips, it’s a relaxed yet informative listen to help you launch your next voyage smoothly—and with style.

Get more trip itineraires, travel advice, Darley's Revolutionary Road Trip book and more at darley-newman.com