Vacation Station

Celebrate Great Outdoors Month with episode of Big Blend Radio's "Jo Goes Everywhere" Travel Podcast that takes us to the Beaufort area of South Carolina, where travel writer and photographer Jo Clark explored two stunning barrier islands: St. Phillips Island and Hunting Island. 

Jo shares the story of billionaire conservationist Ted Turner, who once owned St. Phillips Island and built a five-bedroom house there that visitors can actually rent today. She also talks about South Carolina's old-growth forests, the historic Hunting Island Lighthouse, the eerie beauty of Boneyard Beach, and the CCC's role in building the state park system. 

The conversation also covers Civil War and Spanish-American War history, the charm of downtown Beaufort (including where to eat and stay), the Port Royal Cypress Wetlands, and a visit to Pat Conroy's grave near Penn Center, a cornerstone of Gullah history and culture. Plus, wildlife lovers will hear about ospreys, alligators, egrets, pelicans, and more.

Read Jo's full article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/st-phillips-island-hunting-island-state-park-sc 

📖 Check out Jo's New "JO GOES EVERYWHERE!" Digital Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/kkbr/ 

📲 Follow Jo: https://haveglasswilltravel.com/  | https://recipestravelculture.com/ 

🎧 New episodes air every 2nd Sunday at 7pm ET. Listen: https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/ 

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Petula Brown shares some of her favorite summer festivals, cultural and arts experiences across Southeast Michigan.

From jazz and Celtic festivals to outdoor art events, aviation history celebration, Pride festivities, and lavender-filled wellness retreats, Petula highlights the people, places, and activities that make Southeast Michigan a rewarding destination for travelers seeking authentic local culture and community connections.

The conversation explores communities including Ypsilanti, Chelsea, Dexter, and Milan, showcasing how festivals support local businesses, celebrate heritage, inspire creativity, and encourage healthy outdoor living.

Highlights include the Chelsea Sounds & Sights Festival, Dexter Summer Festival, First Fridays in Ypsilanti, the John E. Lawrence Jazz Festival, Celtic Festival celebrations, the Milan Lavender Harvest Festival, Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival, Thunder Over Michigan, and Ipsy Pride.

Read Petula Brown's article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/southeastern-michigan-summer-festivals 

About Petula Brown:

Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 

Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 

Check out the Big Blend Radio "Travel Food & Wine" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 

Celebrate Great Outdoors Month with this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's Quiltripping Travel" Podcast. Travel expert, photographer and host Rose Palmer joins producer Lisa D. Smith from France — where she's in between trips — to share her unforgettable experience aboard Windstar's brand-new Star Seeker on its inaugural Alaska cruise. 

Unlike the big-ship experience, the Star Seeker's small size unlocked a side of Southeast Alaska most travelers never see.

Rose takes us deep into Misty Fjords National Monument by zodiac, up close to the Dawes Glacier in Endicott Arm, and through the authentic streets of Wrangell — one of Alaska's last truly uncrowded towns. She shares wildlife encounters including humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles, and even a mother black bear and her cubs in Ketchikan.

Along the way, Rose explores the Tongass National Forest — one of Earth's last great coastal temperate rainforests — and reflects on why slow travel is the only way to truly experience Alaska's wild, pristine beauty.

📰 READ ROSE'S ARTCILES:

🎙️ Rose Palmer shares her travel adventures every second Thursday on Big Blend Radio. Find her at:

Get ready for National Herbs & Spices Day (June 10) with this shared flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), featuring Spuddy Faucheux — Cajun cook, instructor, entrepreneur, and owner of the Cajun Cooking Experience in Vacherie, Louisiana. 

Located right along the historic Jefferson Highway between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Spuddy's place is one of those rare finds that turns a road trip into a memory.

Spuddy breaks down Louisiana's renowned cuisine — why gumbo is the ultimate multicultural dish (African okra, French roux, German sausage, Spanish seasoning, and indigenous filé all in one pot), the real difference between gumbo and jambalaya, and why the best seasoning always starts with salt and pepper.

Along the way, he shares the story behind his legendary nickname (hint: it involves Sputnik), why he traded 27 years in the restaurant business for cooking classes, and what happens when a UK couple, a pep rally of sixth graders, or an 8-year-old girl walks into his kitchen and takes over.

This is Louisiana food culture at its warmest — history, community, storytelling, and a whole lot of flavor! 

LINKS & RESOURCES

Some islands invite you to relax. This one invites you to discover.

In Part Two of their Caribbean series, Big Blend Radio's "Wanderers Compass" hosts Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough sit down with three extraordinary voices who have made Sint Maarten their home — each one a living thread in the cultural fabric of the Friendly Island.

Former and first Prime Minister and current President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams shares her lifelong journey of public service and her deep passion for the island she has helped shape since its first days as a constituent country within the Dutch Kingdom.

May-Ling Chun, Director of Tourism, pulls back the curtain on Sint Maarten's bold new direction — from Carnival preservation and the St. Martin Flavors culinary platform to sustainable tourism and quality over quantity.

And in an unplanned but unforgettable conversation, five-decade resident, musician, composer, and entrepreneur Clarence Derby takes us inside the story of Arrow's global hit "Hot Hot Hot" — and shares why giving back will always matter more than the money. Stay tuned to the end for a special music clip from Clarence himself.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Milwaukee is having a moment — and the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) is heading there for their 2026 Professional Development Conference, October 18–21!

Big Blend Radio host Lisa D. Smith sits down with three IFWTWA board members to give you the inside scoop on everything that awaits at this year's conference.

GUESTS:

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS:

Open to all IFWTWA members and non-members, the Conference will be hosted at the non-smoking Pottawatomi Hotel & Casino. Day passes available for local Milwaukee writers!

LEARN MORE & REGISTER: https://www.ifwtwa.org/2026-ifwtwa-conference/ 

Celebrate the beauty, culture, and adventure of Washington State on this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Sip, Savor & Travel" Podcast with travel writer Linda Kissam, the "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva." Featured guest Matt Wakefield of Visit Tacoma-Pierce County shares insider tips on exploring Pierce County, a diverse destination where mountains, waterfront communities, vibrant cities, charming small towns, and outdoor adventures come together.

From the iconic Mount Rainier to Tacoma's thriving arts scene, unique museums, scenic hiking trails, local culinary experiences, and hidden treasures, discover why Pierce County is an ideal destination for road trippers, outdoor enthusiasts, food lovers, and culture seekers alike.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

FOLLOW LINDA'S ADVENTURES

Video and photo footage courtesy of Visit Tacoma-Pierce County. 

Celebrate summer in California’s Sequoia Country, where outdoor adventures, fresh local produce, community festivals, and iconic public lands come together in the heart of Tulare County.

In this episode, learn about seasonal activities in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, family-friendly parks and trails, picnic destinations, and ways to enjoy the region responsibly through Leave No Trace principles and wildlife safety practices. The conversation also highlights Tulare County's agricultural bounty, from farmers markets and fruit stands to locally grown treats and summertime flavors.

Along the way, discover community events, art, and cultural experiences in Visalia, Exeter, and beyond, along with practical travel tips for visiting Crystal Cave, navigating park shuttles, and making the most of summer in California's Sequoia Country.

FEATURED GUESTS FROM THE SEQUOIA TOURISM COUNCIL:

PLAN YOUR VISIT: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast, award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz explores the growing trend of solo travel and the unique charm of boutique hotels in Palm Springs.

Joining Sharon are Robert Hunt of Alcazar Palm Springs, and Kimberli Munkres of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels. Together, they discuss why Palm Springs has become a favorite destination for solo travelers, wellness seekers, and anyone looking to relax and recharge in a welcoming desert setting.

The conversation covers the area's boutique hotel culture, renowned dining scene, arts and architecture, celebrity history, healing springs, outdoor recreation, and year-round festivals. Hear why Palm Springs' independently owned small hotels provide a personalized experience that keeps visitors returning year after year.

Whether you're planning a solo getaway, a wellness retreat, or a road trip through Southern California, this episode offers valuable insights into one of America's most beloved desert destinations.

📝 Read Sharon's accompanying article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/palm-springs-solo-travelers-guide 

🌴 Learn more about Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels: https://palmspringspreferredsmallhotels.com/ 

🏨 Discover Alcazar Palm Springs: https://alcazarpalmsprings.com/ 

📖 Check out Sharon's Big Blend Radio "Wander the World" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/gyoy/#p=1 

🌍 Learn more about travel writer & photographer Sharon K. Kurtz:

🎙️ Tune in on the first Wednesday of every month at 12pm CST:

In celebration of Great Outdoors Month, this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast features cohosts Steve and Karen Wilson, owners of the Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, sharing their favorite ways to experience Asheville's natural beauty. From spectacular waterfalls and colorful wildflowers to fascinating mushrooms, butterflies, and wildlife encounters, this conversation highlights why Western North Carolina is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Known for its stunning mountain scenery, Asheville is surrounded by incredible outdoor destinations including the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, and the North Carolina Arboretum. Steve and Karen discuss seasonal highlights, the best times to see rhododendrons and native wildflowers in bloom, where to discover some of the region's most beautiful waterfalls, and how visitors can responsibly enjoy Western North Carolina's outdoor treasures.

Along the way, they also touch on local music, community events, and why Asheville remains one of America's most beloved destinations for nature lovers, hikers, photographers, birdwatchers, and outdoor adventurers.

Whether you're planning a summer getaway or simply looking for inspiration to spend more time outside, this episode celebrates the beauty, adventure, and wonder of the great outdoors in and around Asheville.

LINKS & RESOURCES