Vacation Station

Get ready to hit the open road in celebration of National Road Trip Day (May 23)! In this special episode of Big Blend Radio’s Jefferson Highway Show, we take you on a Southern Minnesota adventure along the historic Jefferson Highway, spotlighting the charming Minne-Roadtrip destinations of Owatonna, Faribault, and Northfield.

Our featured guests—Glenda Smith, Devin Winjum, and Rachel Trnka—share insider tips, hidden gems, and can’t-miss experiences across these three scenic towns. From historic museums and art centers to hand-rolled candies, cave-aged cheeses, and scenic trails, this episode is your guide to small-town charm, rich history, unique shopping, and delicious dining in Southern Minnesota.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or your next great American road trip, you'll see why this stretch of the “Pines to Palms” Jefferson Highway is a must-visit.

🎧 Listen now and start planning your perfect road trip!

🛣️ Learn More & Start Planning

📅 Tune in every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except holidays) to the Historic Jefferson Highway Podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com 

Get ready to hit the open road! In this special episode of Big Blend Radio's Jefferson Highway Show, we're gearing up for National Road Trip Day (May 23) with guest Beth Hilburn, co-owner of the retro-charming Hi-Way Cafe and Western Motel in Vinita, Oklahoma. Nestled on both the historic Jefferson Highway and legendary Route 66, these roadside gems are must-stops for travelers seeking nostalgia, great food, and unique attractions.

From the towering 24-ft “Big Bill” Muffler Man and the iconic Mohawk Trail “Big Indian” statue, to their famous Guinness World Record-holding car, Beth shares the story behind these beloved landmarks and how they keep the spirit of American road trips alive. Hear what makes Hi-Way Cafe a family-friendly destination with hearty meals and retro flair, and why the newly renovated Western Motel is a top choice for a clean, comfortable, and affordable stay.

Explore the charm of Vinita, Oklahoma, and discover why this community is a shining stop along the "Pines to Palms" Jefferson Highway—stretching from Winnipeg to New Orleans.

🎧 Listen now and start planning your next great American road trip!

🛣️ Learn More:

📅 Tune in every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except holidays) to the Historic Jefferson Highway Podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 

In honor of Pacific Islander Heritage Month, this Big Blend Radio episode of Lost Angel Travel Adventures with Linda Ballou explores the sacred sites of Hawai’i and the ancient legends and history that surround them.

✈️ Visit incredible Hawaiian locations like:

📚 Learn about Linda’s historical novel "Wai-nani: A Voice from Old Hawai’i," inspired by the legendary wife of the warrior-chief who united the islands:

🌍 Follow Linda’s travel adventures & books:

🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Wednesday at Noon PST

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  

In honor of Military Appreciation Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wanderers Compass" Travel Podcastwith Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough—founders of Wanderers Compass Travel Blog—takes listeners on an immersive journey through The Presidio in San Francisco. Spanning 1,500 acres next to the Golden Gate Bridge, this unique National Park Service site blends natural beauty, historic landmarks, and cultural intrigue into one unforgettable destination.

From crashing Pacific waves to towering eucalyptus groves, The Presidio is a place of quiet wonder and powerful storytelling. Joelle and Ryan dive into its rich history and share personal highlights, including their Top 14 Things to Do, dining favorites, and lodging tips.

📝 Read their article:  https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/exploring-the-presidio-san-franciscos-best-kept-secret/ 

📅 New Episodes:

🎧 Also featured  on “Vacation Station," "Big Daily Blend,” "Parks & Travel" and "Way Back When" podcast channels. Listen on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Jo Goes Everywhere!" podcast, travel writer and photographer Jo Clark shares her flavorful and fun-filled journey through Penn Yan, a charming town nestled in New York’s Finger Lakes region. Founded by Pennsylvania Yankees, Penn Yan is rich in history and known for its scenic lakes, historic mills, and lush dairy pastures.

Jo takes listeners on a culinary adventure along the Keuka Lake Wine Trail and Seneca Lake Wine Trail, with memorable stops at top wineries, breweries, and eateries. Highlights include tastings at Kemmeter Wines, Ravines Wine Cellars, and Herman J. Wiemer Vineyard, plus visits to Sans Dumplings, Tabora Farm and Winery, Climbing Bines Craft Ale Company, and Laurentide Beer Company, located on the picturesque grounds of the historic Laurentide Inn and Carriage House. Jo also reviews her stay at the cozy and elegant Aubergine Inn, a Victorian-era B&B.

📍 Plan your Finger Lakes trip: Read Jo’s full article here:  https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/where-to-eat-drink-and-stay-in-penn-yan-ny/ 

🗓️ "Jo Goes Everywhere!" airs every 2nd Sunday at 7pm EST on Big Blend Radio. Listen & Subscribe: https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/ 

🌍 Follow Jo’s travels and food adventures at: 

🎙️ This episode is also featured on the Vacation Station and Eat, Drink & Be Merry channels of 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 

Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week with this special episode of Big Blend Radio’s Quiltripping Travel with Rose podcast! 

Travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares her favorite experiences and travel tips for visiting London, England—from watching performances at the iconic Royal Albert Hall and enjoying afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason, to strolling the Thames River, exploring Kew Gardens, and taking day trips to Stonehenge. Get inspired to plan your next UK getaway!

📖 Read her article “Seven Reasons Why I Love Visiting London”:  https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/seven-reasons-why-i-love-visiting-london/ 

🌐 Explore more at: https://quiltripping.com/ 

🎧 Subscribe on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/  

📲 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Big Daily Blend and Vacation Station channels. Check it out: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

Celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon," where award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz takes you on a journey through Galveston, Texas—a vibrant coastal city shaped by its rich history, powerful storms, ghostly legends, and Gulf Coast charm.

From walking The Strand and sailing the historic Elissa, to honoring the roots of Juneteenth, visiting haunted hotels, and indulging in local seafood, Sharon shares insider tips and captivating stories from her return trip to this fascinating destination—one of the busiest cruise ports in the U.S.

📍 Plan your Galveston getaway: https://www.visitgalveston.com 

📝 Read Sharon’s article on Galveston: https://shebuystravel.com/things-to-do-in-galveston/ 

🎙️ Sharon has explored over 50 countries across six continents, and brings each destination to life through her compelling storytelling and photography. Discover more of her work at https://sharonkkurtz.com. 

📅 New episodes of Wander the World with Sharon air the first Wednesday of every month at 12pm CST: https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com 

🎧 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s channels including Big Daily Blend, Way Back When, and Vacation Station: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork