Vacation Station

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Tuesday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA features Benjamin J. Berthelot, President & CEO of Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission, who shares what to experience in Lafayette, Louisiana including the food, music, history and culture, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly fun.

Lafayette is known as the Happiest City in America, where people visit from all over the world for an immersive experience. This vibrant city has a distinct culinary identity as the epicenter of Cajun & Creole cuisine, earning them the title Best Culinary Town in the South by The Local Palate. No matter what time of year you visit Lafayette, they will have something for you to celebrate. More: https://www.lafayettetravel.com/ 

Save the date for the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) 2025 Professional Development Conference in Lafayette, Louisiana from October 12-16, 2025 and learn more about the organization, here: https://www.ifwtwa.org/  

From experiencing the world famous giant sequoia trees, wildflowers, waterfalls, and the reopening of Crystal Cave, to exploring charming agricultural communities and enjoying their seasonal events, activities, shopping, and dining destinations, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast focuses on spring adventures in Tulare County, California.

Located in Central California, Tulare County is home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest, and charming art and agricultural communities including Visalia, Tulare, Exeter, Dinuba, Porterville, Three Rivers, Lindsay, and Woodlake.  

Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include 

Plan your visit to Tulare County, at https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's WANDER THE WORLD WITH SHARON podcast, travel writer Sharon K. Kurtz talks about moving to from Dallas to the southwest side of Austin, Texas.

Sharon's discovered a whole different side of Austin beyond downtown—where legendary BBQ, scenic wineries, and live music venues create a uniquely Texan experience. Hear about Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the Mercer Dance Hall in Driftwood, Austin City Live, the annual Bat Fest, and the iconic bluebonnet bloom in the spring. 

Whether you're a longtime Austinite or just curious about what makes this city special, this episode will highlight both the well-known attractions and the hidden gems that make Austin such a great place to live.  

Sharon Kurtz is an accomplished travel writer and award-winning photographer based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to exploring the world and sharing her adventures through compelling storytelling. Her travels have taken her to more than 50 countries on six continents—her carry-on is always packed, ready for the next adventure. Enjoy Sharon’s writing at https://sharonkkurtz.com/. 

Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast features award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz. New episodes air every first Wednesday at 12pm CST at https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com/  

This episode is also being shared and featured on other Big Blend Radio Network Channels including "Vacation Station." Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Happy National Fun Day! Asheville, North Carolina is rebuilding after Hurricane Helene and is welcoming visitors back with open arms. Airing live from The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, this episode focuses on some of the unique experiences you can enjoy in Asheville such as the WNC Nature Center, Axeville Throwing Club, Asheville Pinball Museum, and more.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show focuses on the upcoming Annual Jefferson Highway Conference 2025 happening June 4-7 in McAlester, Oklahoma, with the Sociability Caravan running June 2-4. Plus, hear about the formation of the Jefferson Highway, as well as some of the McAlester's fascinating history.

FEATURED GUESTS:

Learn more about the upcoming Jefferson Highway Travel Guide project and be part of the effort, here: https://jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/ 

This Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except on holidays). Follow the show here: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/  

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" Podcast is all about her experiences in Coastal Mississippi. This beautiful region spans 62 miles along the Gulf of Mexico and overlooks the Mississippi Sound.  

From art and live music to regional cuisine, historic sites, coastal activities, and lodging destinations, check out Debbie's article that shares her adventures in Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis. Story: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/journey-through-coastal-mississippi/ 

Follow this podcast here: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ 

It's all about The Calgary Stampede on this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel with Terri" Podcast featuring Terri Guthrie, a travel journalist based in Dallas, Texas.   

Known as, The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth, this Alberta, Canada, event has been wowing audiences since 1912. The number of things to do, see, and experience at the Calgary Stampede is mind-boggling. This is the place to go for a unique and fascinating first-class vacation. Read Terri's articles about her experiences at the various events at the rodeo, and within the city of Calgary itself, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/calgary-stampede-the-greatest-outdoor-show-on-earth/ 

Follow Terri’s adventures: 

Celebrate Daffodil Day (March 22) and the start of the spring travel season with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" show with Glynn Burrows who talks about his adventures in Anglesey, Wales. 

You can read Glynn's article about the daffodils, beautiful scenery, and historic sites like Beaumaris Castle in Anglesey, here:  https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/anglesey-wales-daffodils-scenery-and-historic-sites/ 

Glynn Burrows is the owner of Norfolk Tours in England. He appears on Big Blend Radio every fourth Saturday covering England as a travel destination as well as family history research. Follow his podcasts here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm2IK_1Zfh-xJ9eEVYhqqC3Z 

Learn more about Norfolk Tours at https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ 

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend," "Way Back When," "Garden Gossip," and "Vacation Station" shows. Check out our network of podcasts here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

From gardens and historic sites to animal encounters and cultural hotspots, it's all about Portland, Oregon on this episode of Big Blend Radio's travel podcast "Journey Jukebox with Lisa." Hear about Lisa's experiences in The City of Roses including the International Rose Test Garden, Portland Japanese Garden, Pittock Mansion, The Grotto, Mississippi Studios, and Powell's Books, and the Oregon Zoo.

LINKS TO LISA'S PORTLAND ARTICLES

LINKS TO PORTLAND SITES

JOURNEY JUKEBOX MUSIC PLAYLIST on SPOTIFY (updated each episode):  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7humUf03LIW04t8LiJSSN9?si=54c7630328284648 

Portland Photos by Lisa Evans, and courtesy of Travel Portland. 

LISA EVANS is a travel writer and photographer, travel advisor, and author of "100 Things to Do in Coastal Mississippi Before You Die."  More at https://writerlisa.com/ and https://www.gosmart.travel/advisors/lisa/evans 

New episodes of Big Blend Radio’s ”Journey Jukebox with Lisa” Podcast air every 3rd Tuesday at 12pm CST. Follow the podcast from your favorite platform here:  https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/ 

This episode is also featured on our Big Blend Radio "Garden Gossip" and "Vacation Station" Channels.  Check out our Big Blend Radio Network of podcasts here:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA, travel writers Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough talk about their castle hunting adventures around the world. What started as a visit to Trim Castle in Ireland sparked an obsession that would take them to 432 castles and counting. Read their story about their castle adventures, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-thrill-of-castle-hunting/ 

Joelle and Ryan are the founders of WanderersCompass.com, a blog that is rooted in immersive travel, and where history, culture, and adventure intertwine to create meaningful experiences. Visit: https://www.wandererscompass.com/ 

Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) at https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 

Follow this podcast here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m