Vacation Station

Big Blend Radio Network

Big Blend Radio travel podcast featuring expert interviews and conversations covering Travel and Leisure, Destinations, and Event News.

  1. 21 May

    Discovering Butler, Missouri: The Heart of Jefferson Highway History

    Just in time for National Road Trip Day (May 22), this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show explores the history, heritage tourism, and community spirit of Butler, Missouri, a vibrant destination along the historic Jefferson Highway. As always, the show features Roger Bell, Co-Host and President of the Jefferson Highway Association, along with host and producer Lisa D. Smith. Featured guests are Samantha Stump of the Butler Chamber of Commerce and Doris Fuller of the Butler Historic Preservation Commission. From colorful murals and historic downtown sites to upcoming celebrations and classic car culture, this engaging conversation highlights how Butler is preserving its Jefferson Highway legacy while welcoming modern travelers and road trippers. Learn about the upcoming Jefferson Highway Car Show in Butler on June 13, along with the community’s efforts to promote heritage tourism through storytelling, signage, preservation projects, and downtown revitalization.  The episode also explores Butler’s fascinating history, including its recognition as the first city west of the Mississippi River to have electricity, its connection to Americana travel culture, and the importance of small-town experiences along America’s historic highways. Roger Bell also shares updates on the upcoming Crossroads of America Centennial Celebration taking place in Joplin, Missouri, from September 19–22, 2026, including details about the event’s sociability caravan motor tours. Registration is now open at https://jeffersonhighway.org/  The discussion also highlights how communities along the Jefferson Highway continue to attract visitors through local events, murals, dining experiences, and authentic hospitality that celebrates the spirit of the open road. The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway—also known as “The Pines to the Palms Highway”—runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/  Learn more about Butler, Missouri: - Butler Chamber of Commerce: https://butlerchamber.com/  https://www.facebook.com/butlerchamberofcommerce  Butler Historic Preservation Commission: - https://www.facebook.com/butlerhistoricpreservationcommission/  Plan your journey with the Jefferson Highway Travel Guide: - https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/  Subscribe to the Jefferson Highway Dispatch: - https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/  The Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday (except on holidays). Follow the show at https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/

    46 min
  2. 19 May

    Natchez, Mississippi: Adventures in History, Culture & Cuisine

    In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Journey Jukebox" travel podcast, travel writer Lisa Evans explores the timeless beauty, layered history, and Southern charm of Natchez, one of the oldest settlements along the mighty Mississippi River. From elegant antebellum homes and historic landmarks to river cruises, live music, and memorable culinary experiences, Natchez offers travelers a rich blend of culture and hospitality. Lisa shares stories about the city’s Indigenous heritage, architectural treasures, and pivotal role in early American history, including visits to historic sites like Ellicott's Hill and nearby plantation properties that help tell the complex story of the region’s past. The episode also highlights local museums, Southern cuisine, and the charm of staying at historic inns like the Devereaux Shields House. Whether you're interested in heritage travel, Mississippi River culture, music history, or classic Southern hospitality, Natchez is a destination filled with unforgettable experiences—and a meaningful stop for travelers exploring America’s history ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday. READ LISA'S NATCHEZ TRAVEL ARTICLES: - Discover Beautiful Natchez, Mississippi:  https://playstayeat.com/2023/02/01/discover-beautiful-natchez-mississippi/  - Natchez, MS Restaurants Guide: lhttps://www.foodieflashpacker.com/natchez-ms-restaurants/  - Natchez Mississippi: History, Antebellum Homes & Southern Hospitality: https://writerlisa.com/2025/10/03/natchez-mississippi-history-antebellum-homes-southern-hospitality/  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/     - https://www.gosmart.travel/advisors/lisa/evans  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelsoothesthesoul  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisae_travel  FOLLOW JOURNEY JUKEBOX 🎵 Journey Jukebox Music Playlist on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7humUf03LIW04t8LiJSSN9?si=71c11c52c77c4596  📖 Journey Jukebox Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/JOURNEY-JUKEBOX---2026/#p=1  🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Tuesday at 6pm CST: https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/

    44 min
  3. 18 May

    Discover Chautauqua County: Wine, Comedy, History & Outdoor Adventures

    On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Victoria Burch of the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau shares what makes Chautauqua County a memorable year-round destination for travelers of all ages. Located in Western New York near Lake Erie, Chautauqua County offers a unique mix of outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, history, wine country experiences, and family-friendly fun. The conversation highlights the region’s scenic lakes, hiking trails, winter sports, and charming small towns, along with its thriving craft beverage scene through the Grape & Grain Trail. Discover attractions such as the National Comedy Center, the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, and the renowned Chautauqua Institution, known worldwide for its arts, education, and cultural programming. The episode also explores outdoor adventures like boating on Chautauqua Lake, discovering the natural beauty of Panama Rocks Scenic Park, and experiencing local history at destinations like the Robert H. Jackson Center. Whether you’re interested in wine tasting, comedy, history, arts, or nature escapes, Chautauqua County offers something for every traveler. LINKS & RESOURCES - Plan your visit: https://www.tourchautauqua.com/  - 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

    23 min
  4. 17 May

    Family-Friendly Festivals & Louisiana Culture: Summer Fun in Avoyelles Parish

    This shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel Avoyelles" Podcast dives into the rich culture, history, and heart of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, with cohosts Mary Guillory and Wilbert Carmouche of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism. Featured guests include Joan Botts of Paragon Casino Resort who talks about their first annual Paragon Stampede & Rodeo, Van Roy of Bailey’s on the Square and the Avoyelles Arts & Music Festival, and LeLe Soileau of the Louisiana Corn Festival. The conversation spotlights the vibrant festivals, live music, culinary traditions, rodeo excitement, and strong community spirit that make Avoyelles Parish a must-visit destination in Central Louisiana. Hear about upcoming events at Paragon Casino Resort, the history and growth of the Avoyelles Arts & Music Festival, and the family-friendly fun of the Louisiana Corn Festival in Bunkie. Listeners will also discover how local traditions—from Cajun and Zydeco music to agricultural celebrations and the unique Charivari custom—help preserve the parish’s rich cultural heritage while bringing the community together. From art and entertainment to food, farming, and family fun, this episode showcases the welcoming atmosphere and creative energy that define Avoyelles Parish. LINKS & RESOURCES 🔗 Travel Avoyelles: https://travelavoyelles.com/  🔗 Paragon Casino Resort: https://www.paragoncasinoresort.com/  🔗 Bailey’s on the Square: https://www.facebook.com/p/Baileys-on-the-Square-100057371271609/  🔗 Avoyelles Arts & Music Festival: https://www.facebook.com/avoyellesartsandmusicfestival/  https://www.avoyellesarts.com/  🔗 Louisiana Corn Festival: https://www.bunkiechamber.org/corn-festival  https://www.facebook.com/lacornfest/  🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Sunday. Listen: https://travel-avoyelles.podbean.com

    42 min

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Big Blend Radio travel podcast featuring expert interviews and conversations covering Travel and Leisure, Destinations, and Event News.

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