Vacation Station

From the 98th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival to the Christmas Tour of Homes, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Go to Natchitoches” Podcast focuses on what to experience this holiday season in Natchitoches, the oldest city in Louisiana. Featured guest is Paige Alost, the Executive Director of the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and oldest settlement in Louisiana. Celebrating a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole cultures, this charming city is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area and Louisiana’s No Man’s Land.  Plan Your Visit to Natchitoches and check out the event calendar at https://natchitoches.com/ and learn more about the Christmas Festival of Lights at https://www.natchitocheschristmas.com/ 

Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show and check out the past episodes here: https://natchitoches-louisiana.podbean.com/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA features travel writer Tamara MC who shares her adventures exploring comedic icon Lucille Ball's hometown in Chautauqua County, New York. 

Offering a unique blend of nostalgia, entertainment history, and small-town charm this adventure included a visit to the Lucy Desi Museum in Jamestown, along with the National Comedy Center, the Lucille Ball Memorial Park, Lucy's childhood home at 59 Lucy Lane, and Lake View Cemetery, Lucy's final resting place. More at: https://lucydesi.com/ 

Dr. Tamara MC is a seasoned travel journalist and cultural linguist from the United States with a track record of publications in high-profile lifestyle and travel outlets. With a keen focus on ecotourism, sustainability, wildlife, hiking, t cycling, gastronomy, and cultural tourism, Tamara brings a unique depth to her storytelling. Tamara has an impressive command of over eight languages and has ventured to nearly 80 countries, primarily solo. More at  https://tamaramc.com/ 

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

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

This episode is also featured on our other Big Blend Radio channels: "Vacation Station," "Toast to The Arts," and "Women Making History." Check out our Big Blend Radio Network of podcasts here:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Celebrating the first episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" Podcast, Rose Palmer talks about her life as an award-winning travel writer and photographer after a diverse 25-year career as a PhD chemist. As she explores the world, she likes to focus her traveling lens on history, art, architecture, nature, soft adventures, and cruising in all its forms.

Read her Success Insider Q&A and see some of her photography, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/travel-writer-success-insider-with-rose-palmer/ 

Follow Rose's adventures on her site: https://quiltripping.com/ 

Follow Big Blend Radio's "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" Podcast here: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ 

This episode is also featured on our other Big Blend Radio channels: "Big Daily Blend," "Vacation Station," "Success Express," and "Women Making History."  Check out our Big Blend Radio Network of podcasts here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

From Winter and Holiday Festivities to Historic Sites, Outdoor Adventures, and Where to Sip, Dine and Sleep, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA features Andrea Ryan who gives an overview of what to experience in beautiful York County, Pennsylvania. 

With its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant culture, York County, PA, is the perfect destination for your next adventure. Whether you're exploring the charming streets of downtown York or immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the countryside, you'll find something to captivate your senses at every turn. More: https://www.yorkpa.org/ 

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

It's all about Riding Wild in Sonoma, California's Wine Country on this episode of Big Blend Radio's JO GOES EVERYWHERE! Podcast with travel writer and photographer Jo Clark. Hear all about her adventures with Jérôme Ribeiro, tour guide extraordinaire and owner of Rides by Me Classic Sidecar Tours, who encourages visitors to “Take a ride on the wild side(car)!”  

Jo enjoyed a winery picnic, tasting fun at Landmark Winery, Gundlach Bundschu (GB) Winery, and Pomme Cider Shop & Tap Room. She stayed at El Pueblo Inn, and dined at Los Molcajetes and The Girl & The Fig restaurants. Read her story about her Rides By Me adventures in Sonoma County here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/riding-on-the-wild-sidecar-of-sonomas-wine-country/ 

Jo Clark is a travel writer and photographer based on South Carolina’s Grand Strand. She has a thirst for knowledge, history, great food, and wine! Her Big Blend Radio podcast "Jo Goes Everywhere!" airs every 2nd Sunday at 7pm EST. Follow the show on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yfkjm8sd 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA, travel writer Linda Milks talks about her one week adventure during Fashion Week in Paris, The City of Lights. 

Hear about the historic sites, restaurants, markets and shopping destinations she experienced while bonding with new and old friends, and how they lived like Parisians, and celebrated the joys in life. Read about her visit here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/traveling-to-paris-to-celebrate-live-like-a-parisian-and-strengthen-friendships/ 

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 

From honoring Native American Heritage Month and Veterans Day to Holiday Shopping, Events & Activities, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast focuses on End-of-Fall experiences in Tulare County.

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/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's WANDER THE WORLD WITH SHARON podcast with Sharon K. Kurtz shines the spotlight on Niagara Falls, Ontario. World-renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls, this Canadian destination features a rich tapestry of history, nature, and culinary experiences that offer layers of exploration. Check out Sharon's article about her experiences: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-visit-to-niagara-falls-canada/ 

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/ 

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/. 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," talks with Captain Cy Evans about the sightseeing and dinner cruises with True North Charters LLC in Tacoma, Washington.

As Linda shares, "Whether you choose to savor a romantic evening for two or revel in the company of friends and family, a daytime or dinner cruise offers a unique and unforgettable experience that is sure to leave you with a sense of joy and wonder long after you’ve returned to shore." Read her story, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/unforgettable-sightseeing-and-dinner-cruising-in-tacoma/ 

Learn more about True North Charters at https://www.truenorthchartersllc.com/ 

Travel writer Linda Kissam appears on Big Blend Radio every first Saturday. Follow her podcasts here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1LoD5wiSJu4NM4KZxuJYoj 

Follow Diva Linda's adventures here: https://allingoodtaste.info/ 

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

From Murder Mystery Fun on the Orient Express to Soaking Up the Views on Canada's Rocky Mountaineer, and Experiencing America on Amtrak, this episode of Big Blend Radio's VACATION STATION Travel Podcast explores the world of train travel! 

FEATURED GUESTS WHO ARE ALL TRAIN TRAVEL ENTHUSIASTS:

- ROSE PALMER - Travel writer and photographer. See her train travel stories from Europe and England:

- DIANE DOBRY - Travel, food, and wine writer. Follow her adventures at https://gettinghungary.com/ and http://discoverydaze.com/ 

- EVA ELDRIDGE - World Traveler, writer, and editor. More: https://evaeldridge.com/ 

- VICTORIA CHICK - Contemporary figurative artist and early 19/20th century print collector. More: https://victoriachick.com/ 

- DAVID KRISO - Travel writer and speaker at https://dektraveljournal.com/. Hear his interview about Amtrak travel: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-joys-of-amtrak-travel/ 

PLUS, we close the show with Steve Schneickert's Hollywood History segment covering Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in the historic California gold rush town of Jamestown.