Travels with Darley

What do a thousand Buddha statues, a historic fire lookout, a luxury lakeside lodge and a grizzly bear have in common? They're all part of an unforgettable road trip through Western Montana's Glacier Country!

Join Emmy-winning travel host Darley Newman as she explores Montana for the first time, traveling from Missoula to Whitefish and into spectacular Glacier National Park. Along the way, discover unexpected hidden gems, fascinating history, local culture and some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the American West.

Near Missoula, Darley visits the new National Conservation Legacy Center at the National Museum of Forest Service History, where Amanda Wickel, director of operations, shares stories of America's conservation movement, Theodore Roosevelt, Smokey Bear and the people protecting our national forests. Darley then visits the peaceful Garden of One Thousand Buddhas in Arlee before continuing north past Flathead Lake to the charming mountain town of Whitefish.

Inside Glacier National Park, Darley explores with Anthony Nelson, executive director of the Glacier Institute, enjoying a scenic drive along the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road and a hike to the less-traveled Piegan Pass. Along the way, they share hiking tips, wildlife conservation insights, bear safety advice and recommendations for exploring beyond the park's most popular trails. The adventure includes a memorable encounter with a wild grizzly bear—observed safely from a distance!

Darley also shares where to stay, eat and explore in Western Montana. Discover lakeside luxury at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, cozy accommodations at Paddle Ridge Cabins near Glacier National Park, and the boutique Larch House in downtown Whitefish, where Kayla Cornelius shares what makes this mountain retreat special. Explore Whitefish's local shops, including The Toggery, and sample huckleberry pastries at Fleur Bake Shop and homemade pies at Loula's Cafe.

Whether you're planning a Montana road trip, dreaming of visiting Glacier National Park or searching for unique things to do in Western Montana, this episode offers travel inspiration, practical tips and a few surprises. Discover why some of the best travel experiences happen between the places you've planned to visit.

This episode of Travels with Darley is supported by Western Montana's Glacier Country.

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

What do a secret bonsai room, a paddle along the Huron River, and a stringless laser harp have in common? Discover Ann Arbor, Michigan, with Darley Newman in this Travels with Darley podcast exploring accessibility, inclusivity, and unexpected adventures. At the University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum, join bonsai specialist Carmen Leskoviansky to explore the Melvin C. Goldstein Bonsai Garden and its behind-the-scenes collection. Meet horticultural lead Doug Conley and the greater “green thumb" team—including intern Aiden. Visitor Experiences Lead Andy Traugh discusses tools for exploring the gardens and trails.

At Gallup Park, Scott Spooner introduces the Border-to-Border Trail, Universal Access Playground, and opportunities to paddle the Huron River, including a universally accessible boat launch equipped with an EZ-launch transfer system for safe and easy boarding into canoes and kayaks. Melissa Westlake shares accessibility features at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, while Charlie Reischl explains the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum’s Access for All initiatives and partnership with Wheel the World. Darley also tests out the stringless laser harp and Lift pulley chair, realizing that the Hands-On Museum is great for adults, too! Darley’s home base during her stay is a hotel that offers accessible features, the Graduate by Hilton Ann Arbor, with the Residence Inn Ann Arbor Downtown, Weber’s Hotel & Restaurant, Bell Tower Hotel and others also highlighted as lodging options.

Local flavors bring more welcoming spaces into focus: Lisa Ann Schultz introduces comfort food at Zingerman’s Roadhouse; Phyllis Engelbert shares the community mission behind Detroit Street Filling Station near Kerrytown Market & Shops; and Jessica Krueger serves up Cuban-inspired flavors at Frita Batidos, founded by chef Eve Aronoff. Add a stroll through historic Nickels Arcade, and discover the people and places opening up more ways to experience Ann Arbor. Learn more about Ann Arbor and get resources to plan your trip at AnnArbor.org. 

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

Sip a coffee called “Lobster Butter Love,” leave a message on a bookstore typewriter and meet a shop owner whose wedding story reaches the heights of Mount Everest. Join Darley Newman in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for unexpected discoveries, global flavors and a little musical adventure in this creative college town.

Local guide Ashley Schafer leads the way through downtown, with stops at art-filled RoosRoast, Literati Bookstore and Ferne Boutique. At Himalayan Bazaar, Pem Sherpa introduces Darley to the resonant world of singing bowls. Then it’s off to Kerrytown, where Heather O’Neal helps Darley turn a shopping stop into a community concert on the towering Kerrytown Chime.

Bring your appetite as Chef Ji Hye Kim shares the Korean heritage and Michigan-grown ingredients behind Miss Kim and Little Kim, and Chef Joseph VanWagner serves up his vision of Michigan and fine dining at Echelon. Finish the journey with Wendy Jackson and live music at Blue Llama Jazz Club. Along the way, meet the people whose ideas, passions and personal stories make Ann Arbor a deliciously unexpected place to explore.

Learn more about Ann Arbor in our next podcast, “Ann Arbor: Open to Explore,” and find trip llanning tools and resources at AnnArbor.org.

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

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