Parks & Travel

Big Blend Radio Network
  • 3.5 (4)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

A Big Blend Radio Travel Podcast covering Parks and Public Lands, Historic Sites and Landmarks, and their local communities, destinations, and recreational opportunities.

  1. Jun 14

    Beautiful and Historic Beaufort, South Carolina: St. Phillips Island and Hunting Island

    Celebrate Great Outdoors Month with this shared 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/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JoGoesEverywhere  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaveGlassWillTravel/  🎧 New episodes air every 2nd Sunday at 7pm ET. Listen: https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/

    37 min

  2. Jun 12

    Wild, Wonderful Alaska: A Windstar Cruise Through The Last Frontier

    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: 🔗 Sailing Off the Beaten Path on a Windstar Cruise to Alaska: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/windstar-cruise-to-alaska  🔗 Windstar Star Seeker Review: https://quiltripping.com/windstar-star-seeker-review/  🔗 Rose's Full Alaska Cruise Article: https://quiltripping.com/windstar-cruise-to-alaska/  🎙️ Rose Palmer shares her travel adventures every second Thursday on Big Blend Radio. Find her at: https://quiltripping.com  https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/rose-palmer-travel-writer-photographer

    33 min

  3. Jun 7

    When Travel Becomes a Pilgrimage: Lessons from the White Lions of South Africa

    What happens when you travel — not for sightseeing, but for the soul? In this shared and heartfelt episode of Big Blend Radio's "Soul Diving Sunday" Show, Live & Die Happy Coach Shelley Whizin shares her extraordinary pilgrimage to South Africa, where she spent time on the sacred land of the White Lion Global Protection Trust alongside lionhearted leadership author Linda Tucker and spiritual activist Andrew Harvey. Shelley traveled in real physical pain — dealing with a bulging disc and sciatica — yet refused to stay home. What unfolded was a profound journey of healing, stillness, grief, and transformation. From a shattering 40-minute ceremony invoking Mother Earth and the white lions, to sitting in silence with wild lions on the African savanna, to confronting the brutal reality of canned hunting farms, this conversation goes deep into what it means to truly be present. Big Blend Radio host Lisa Smith — who has lived in both South Africa and Kenya — joins Shelley for a richly layered conversation about the cycle of life, the web of nature, trophy hunting, and the healing power of stepping outside your comfort zone. LINKS & RESOURCES - Shelley's Article: https://shelleywhizin.substack.com/p/the-lionesses-the-mothers-and-me  - Shelley's Substack: https://shelleywhizin.substack.com  - Shelley's Website: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/  - Shelley's Podcast: https://www.liveanddiehappy.com/podcast  - More from Big Blend Radio: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/

    33 min

  4. Jun 6

    Discover Tacoma & Pierce County: History & Art, Mount Rainier & The Salish Sea

    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 - Read Linda's article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/pierce-county-tacoma-summer-travel-guide  - Plan Your Visit to Pierce County: https://www.visitpiercecounty.com/  FOLLOW LINDA'S ADVENTURES - More about Linda:  https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/travel-writer-linda-kissam  - Explore Linda's "Sip, Savor & Travel" Digital Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/sip-savor-travel-magazine  - Listen to more episodes of Big Blend Radio's "Sip, Savor & Travel" Podcast: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/sip-savor-travel-podcast  Video and photo footage courtesy of Visit Tacoma-Pierce County.

    37 min

  5. Jun 6

    Getting to Know Tanya Ortega: Art, Parks & Creative Legacy

    This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features Tanya Ortega, founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF), discussing the ongoing NPAF Retrospective project that celebrates a decade of artist residencies, creative partnerships, and inspiring stories from national parks across America. In this engaging conversation, Tanya reflects on the impact artists have had on parks and surrounding communities over the past ten years, sharing how the residency program has grown to include painters, photographers, writers, musicians, filmmakers, dancers, and multidisciplinary artists. She discusses the importance of making the arts accessible, fostering creative opportunities for artists of all ages, and building meaningful connections between people and public lands. The episode also highlights Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and the unique opportunities offered through NPAF artist residencies, while exploring the role of art in preserving cultural heritage, inspiring environmental stewardship, and helping people experience national parks in new and meaningful ways. Enjoy a special “Getting to Know Tanya Ortega” segment, where she shares personal insights about her favorite parks, travel experiences, artistic inspirations, and the passion that continues to drive the National Parks Arts Foundation forward. Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation and its artist residency programs at: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/  Listen to more Toast to The Parks & Arts episodes: https://parks-arts.podbean.com/

    40 min

  6. Jun 4

    Summer Adventures in California’s Sequoia Country

    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: - Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/  - Holly Streit – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm  - Shannon Schroth– Exeter Chamber of Commerce: https://www.exeterchamber.com/  PLAN YOUR VISIT: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/

    36 min

  7. Jun 3

    Waterfalls, Wildflowers & Wonders: Exploring Asheville's Outdoor Paradise

    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 -  The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast: https://www.lion-rose.com/  - Big Blend Radio "Adventures in Asheville" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ADVENTURES-IN-ASHEVILLE/  - Adventures in Asheville Podcast: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/

    36 min

  8. May 18

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

    On this 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
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Ratings & Reviews

3.5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

A Big Blend Radio Travel Podcast covering Parks and Public Lands, Historic Sites and Landmarks, and their local communities, destinations, and recreational opportunities.

Information

  • Creator
    Big Blend Radio Network
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Big Blend Radio and Magazines
  • Show Website
    Parks & Travel

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