Travels with Darley Darley Newman

Amid the Prairie State, street art, sparling wine and starved rock? Venture beyond popular Starved Rock State Park to discover the Illinois wine industry at August Hill Winery in Utica. Entrepreneur and vintner Mark Wenzel shares the secrets behind Illinois sparkling wine and its unique character shaped by the region's soil and climate. Delve into the vibrant street art scene in Streator, where over 40 pieces of public art adorn the cityscape thanks to the efforts of the Walldogs. Mayor Tara Bedei gives insight into Streator's transformation and the community's unwavering spirit. From sipping sparkling wine to marveling at larger-than-life murals, this episode highlights the passion of locals who are shaping the cultural landscape of their communities, inviting travelers to experience the heart and soul of LaSalle County.

How many times have had happy hour, bellied up to an Airstream travel trailer and surrounded by wildflowers? Or gone camping in a tent with high security? Explore luxury camping or “glamping” in Illinois by touring Camp Aramoni with entrepreneur Jennifer Bias. Located in LaSalle County close to popular Starved Rock State Park, travelers venture here to unwind in safari style tents, complete with s’mores and local spirits made from Illinois corn and popular for weddings. Learn about Camp Aramoni's transformation from a 19th-century brickyard to a haven for relaxation and adventure. Inside the camp’s luxe barn, meet Bob Windy of Star Union Spirits to taste a signature brandy old fashioned and learn about how he helped transform an old factory into the first licensed distillery in Peru in over 100 years.

Illinois may be called the Prairie State, but in this Travels with Darley podcast episode, you’ll discover parts of the state where rock canyons, waterfalls and rivers remind us of the diversity of the terrain in Illinois. Less than an hour and a half southwest of Chicago, join Darley Newman to explore Starved Rock Country with Kathy Casstevens, who has frequented the park since childhood. Uncover the cultural and geological history of this park, where canyons are named after French explorers and frozen waterfalls in the winter serve as a playground for ice climbers. Get practical tips on where to stay, eat and other attractions in LaSalle County, as you take an immersive hike through Starved Rock State Park. 

Learn more about the "Travels with Darley" series on PBS and streaming and visit darley-newman.com for more on how to listen to other content and watch the Emmy Award-nominated series.

Travel back to Colonial Virginia with site interpreter Nate McDonald as we tour Rippon Lodge, a historic home dating back to 1747 in Prince William County, just outside Washington, D.C. Discover how the Blackburn family, prominent during the American Revolution, shaped the region's history. Explore the significance of Rippon Lodge along the King's Highway and its role in supporting the American and French armies on their march to Yorktown.  

Delve into the Blackburns' political and military contributions, and wander through the preserved rooms adorned with family portraits. Learn about Rippon Lodge's place on the Washington Rochambeau National Historic Trail and its resilience through challenges like the War of 1812 and the Civil War.  

Join us on this journey through time in a special episode of "Travels with Darley," as we uncover Rippon Lodge's rich heritage and celebrate its enduring legacy. Thank you for joining us as we preserve history for future generations. Watch for this content in video format in the "Travels with Darley" TV series on PBS and streaming.

Step back in time to the Civil War era as you learn about Ben Lomond Historic Site’s transformation from a plantation to a Confederate hospital, complete with tales of hauntings and Civil War graffiti. Your guide, historian and author Kevin Pawlak, leads the way through this hidden gem nestled near Manassas Battlefield National Park, just outside of Washington, D.C. Marvel at the resilience of the Pringle family, who witnessed the turmoil of battle from their home turned hospital. Learn about the lives of the enslaved people who called Ben Lomond home and delve into the complexities of their daily existence. Step into a world where history resonates not just through sights and sounds but through smells, as podcast creator and PBS TV host and producer Darley Newman takes you to discover the past in Prince William County in Northern Virginia.

Discover a national park where spies once trained, a brewery with a spy theme and Turkish simit, all within a short drive of Washington, D.C. in Prince William County in Virginia. Explore the intriguing history of Prince William Forest Park with Ranger Brendan Bonner, including its role in military intelligence operations during WWII. Journey along the trails where General Washington and his troops marched during the American Revolution along the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail. 

Head to spy-themed Eavesdrop Brewery in Manassas, Virginia, where entrepreneur Sam Madden shares the brewery's unique story and diverse beer offerings during Darley's 10am beer tasting. Have a Turkish meal in Manassas complete with simit, Turkish bagels, with Serhat Yildizci at My Cravingz, a family-owned bakery and restaurant.  

Experience a delightful blend of history, culture, and craft beer as PBS TV host Darley Newman joins locals to uncover the hidden treasures of Prince William County in Northern Virginia