Vacation Station

Big Blend Radio Network
  • 3.5 (2)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

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

  1. 1d ago

    Charles Dickens' England: From Debtor's Prison to Poets' Corner

    Forget the Christmas Carol postcard version of Charles Dickens. On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" Podcast, Glynn Burrows digs into the real story — a childhood shaped by his father's debtor's prison, a stint in a blacking warehouse, and a writing career so prolific it basically invented the serialized soap opera decades before television existed. Along the way, he digs into what Victorian England was really like for the poor, why Dickens' novels mattered as social record as much as entertainment, and the genuine mystery still surrounding his personal life — including a young actress named Ellen Ternan and a sister-in-law who moved in three years after his separation. Glynn also makes the case for why doing your own research matters, whether you're tracing Dickens' story or your own family history. It all wraps up with where you can actually go in England today to walk in Dickens' footsteps — from his Portsmouth birthplace to his grave in Westminster Abbey's Poets' Corner — and a reminder that gratitude looks a little different once you know what people were living through less than 200 years ago. 📖 Read Glynn's article, "A Dickens Tour of England: From Portsmouth to Poets' Corner": https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/dickens-tour-of-england  🌐 Visit English Connection: https://EnglishConnection.uk  📚 Explore Glynn's English Connection Digital Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/english-connection-magazine  🎙️ Listen to more episodes: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/english-connection-podcast

  2. 2d ago

    Glamping vs. 5-Star Luxury: Two Ways to Experience Halifax, Nova Scotia

    What's better: a glamping dome in the woods, or a five-star hotel on the boardwalk? Travel journalist and certified sommelier Darla Hoffmann didn't have to choose — she did both, fifty minutes apart, in Nova Scotia. On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Podcast with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Darla takes us inside Nalu Retreat, a geodesic dome on the North Shore with a hot tub, a fire pit, and a chef-prepared dinner waiting in the fridge, before heading into Halifax for the total opposite: Muir, a five-star hotel in the Queen's Marque District with a hidden speakeasy you have to knock to enter, an on-site restaurant called Drift, and boardwalk views from every room. Along the way, we talk Nova Scotia wine (crisp Tidal Bay whites, a standout red from the Lucie Kuhlmann grape), local food (buttery Wolffish, a proper Halifax donair), and the city's history, from Citadel Hill to the 1917 Halifax Explosion.  Darla also shares how a career in wine led her into travel writing, what she's working on next, and news on her upcoming book — a multi-year project pairing one wine with one signature dish from all fifty U.S. states. READ DARLA'S HALIFAX ARTICLES: - Salt Air, Scenic Hikes, and a Vibrant Food Scene:  https://fwtmagazine.com/salt-air-scenic-hikes-and-a-vibrant-food-scene-halifax-nova-scotia/  - Nalu Retreat: Your Next Serene Getaway Awaits https://luxebeatmag.com/nova-scotias-glamping-escape-into-nature-nalu-retreat/  RESOURCE LINKS: - More About Darla: https://www.aboutwineinaz.com  - Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/  - Follow the Food, Wine & Travel Podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/  - Big Blend Radio's "Travel Food & Wine: Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1

  3. 5d ago

    Cody, Wyoming: Western Art, Cowboy Culture & the Old West

    In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Journey Jukebox" travel podcast, travel writer Lisa Evans takes us to Cody, Wyoming, a fascinating Western destination where the spirit of the Old West is still very much alive. Located just outside Yellowstone National Park, Cody combines Western history, art, craftsmanship, music, rodeo, and living history in a destination that's worth more than just a quick overnight stop. Lisa shares her experiences exploring the city's many layers, from the extraordinary Western functional art at By Western Hands to the historic buildings and frontier stories of Old Trail Town. The episode also takes us to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Cody Cattle Company, and the Cody Stampede Rodeo, where Lisa experienced her first "real" rodeo. She also discovers the city's lively music scene and talks about the musicians she added to the Journey Jukebox playlist. With American Adventures Month and America 250 as part of the conversation, this episode is an invitation to explore a destination where American history, Western heritage, artistry, entrepreneurship, and entertainment come together. As Lisa discovered, Cody is much more than a gateway to Yellowstone—it's a destination worth spending several days exploring. 🗺️ Cody, Wyoming Travel Planning Resources - Lisa's article on By Western Hands:  https://www.seegreatart.art/discovering-cody-wyomings-legacy-of-western-art-at-by-western-hands/  - Irma Emporium: https://www.irmahotel.com/  - The Chamberlin Inn - https://chamberlininn.com/  - Heart Mountain WWII Japanese American National Historic Landmark: https://www.heartmountain.org/  - Buffalo Bill Center of the West: https://centerofthewest.org/  - The Cody Cattle Company: https://thecodycattlecompany.com/  - Cody Stampede Rodeo: https://www.codystampederodeo.com/  - Cody Firearms Experience: https://www.codyfirearmsexperience.com/  - By Western Hands: https://www.bywesternhands.org/  - Old Trail Town: https://oldtrailtown.org/  🎵 Journey Jukebox Music Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7humUf03LIW04t8LiJSSN9?si=71c11c52c77c4596  Lisa's Cody playlist includes artists such as Righteous Vendetta, Kaylen Beasley, and Luke Bell, giving the episode its own musical Western soundtrack.  🎧 More about the Journey Jukebox Podcast:  - New episodes air every 3rd Tuesday at 6pm CST:  https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/  - Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/JOURNEY-JUKEBOX---2026/#p=1

  4. 6d ago

    Discover Shelby County, Kentucky: Horses, Bourbon, Food, Farm & Outdoor Adventures

    Discover Shelby County, Kentucky, just east of Louisville, with Janette Marson, President and CEO of ShelbyKY Tourism, on this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). Known as the Saddlebred Horse Capital of the World, Shelby County offers an authentic Central Kentucky experience where horses, bourbon, food, farms, history, shopping and outdoor adventures come together. Janette takes us inside the region's remarkable horse culture, including more than 100 Saddlebred farms, Thoroughbred farms and the largest Icelandic horse farm in North America. We also explore the area's bourbon heritage, including Bulleit and the special mother-daughter team behind Jeptha Creed Distillery. Food is another big part of the story, from Kentucky barbecue and bourbon mash-fed livestock to Talon Winery, local restaurants, farm-to-table dining and family farms such as Mulberry Orchard and Gallrein Farm. We also talk about historic downtown Shelbyville and Simpsonville, antique shopping, family attractions, horseback riding, lakes, fishing, camping, golf, festivals and the region's growing appeal for road trippers and pet-friendly travelers. And because Shelby County is a four-season destination, Janette shares ideas for visiting throughout the year—from bourbon tours and horse farms to fall pumpkins, winter shopping and spring and summer horseback riding. - Explore Shelby County, Kentucky: https://www.visitshelbyky.com/   - Learn More About IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/   - Follow the Podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/   - Check out the "Travel, Food & Wine" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1

  5. Aug 16

    End-of-Summer & Fall Fun in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana: Fairs, Food, Music & More

    End-of-summer and fall are a wonderful time to experience Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana! From church and school fairs and live music to Bunkie Trade Days, Halloween fun, local food and seasonal events, there are plenty of reasons to visit. In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel Avoyelles" podcast, hosts Lisa D. Smith talks with Wilbert Carmouche and Mary Guillory of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism about what's happening throughout Avoyelles Parish as summer winds down and fall begins. They talk about upcoming fairs, community events, live Cajun and Zydeco music, Halloween celebrations, shopping, art, food and local traditions—including the church and school fairs that bring communities together throughout the fall. You'll also hear about some of the food that makes Avoyelles special, from gumbo and jambalaya to homemade cakes, cochon de lait, locally grown produce, sweet potatoes and those wonderful fair plate lunches. As always, the best way to experience Avoyelles is to get out and meet the people, enjoy the food and become part of the community. * Plan Your Avoyelles Parish Visit & Get Event Info: https://travelavoyelles.com/  * Listen to new episodes and follow the Travel Avoyelles podcast: https://travel-avoyelles.podbean.com/

  6. Aug 13

    Cruising France on the Rosa with European Waterways

    In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" podcast, travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer takes us aboard the Rosa, a luxury hotel barge operated by European Waterways, for a leisurely journey through the beautiful Gascony region of southern France. This is slow travel at its best—cruising quietly along France's historic canals, cycling shaded towpaths, exploring medieval villages and UNESCO-listed sites, enjoying exceptional local food and wine, and simply having time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Rose describes the intimate experience of traveling with just six guests and a four-person crew aboard the Rosa, which accommodates a maximum of eight passengers. The journey begins in the Toulouse area and follows approximately 70 miles of the Canal de Garonne, with excursions into historic towns and the countryside. Rose visits the UNESCO-listed Abbey of Saint Pierre, explores one of France's designated "Most Beautiful Villages," visits a working cheese farm, samples regional Armagnac, and joins the chef at a local farmers market to select fresh ingredients for the day's meals. Food is a major part of the experience. Rose describes multi-course meals featuring local cheeses, fresh produce, regional wines, and ingredients purchased directly from local farmers—including strawberries, cherries, apricots, meats, vegetables, and more. As Lisa puts it during the conversation, it's "farm to barge." Rose also explains why barge cruising can be such a wonderful option for solo travelers: you can travel independently without being alone, while leaving the driving, navigation, meals, sightseeing logistics, and daily planning to the crew. The small-group atmosphere makes it easy to form connections with fellow travelers and crew members. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a friends' or family charter, a solo travel experience, or simply a peaceful way to discover rural France, this episode offers an enticing look at the pleasures of small-ship cruising, authentic cultural experiences, and slow travel. 📖 Read Rose Palmer's Featured Article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/cruising-france-on-the-rosa-barge  🚤 Learn More About European Waterways: https://www.europeanwaterways.com/  🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/     📰 Check Out the "Quiltripping Travel" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/QUILTRIPPING-TRAVEL-WITH-ROSE-MAG/#p=1  🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/

  7. Aug 11

    Sustainable Food & Farm Adventures in the San Juan Islands

    On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel Show "with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Amy Nesler of the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau invites us to Eat Local First and discover the food, farms, producers, and sustainable traditions that make Washington's San Juan Islands so special. Beyond the spectacular scenery and outdoor adventures, the San Juan Islands offer a rich agricultural and culinary experience. Amy shares stories of family farms, heritage fruits, local wineries and cideries, sustainable seafood, farm-to-table dining, and the connections between island farmers, chefs, artisans, and visitors. We also explore the region's deep food heritage, including Coast Salish traditions, heritage agriculture, shellfish, reef-net fishing, and efforts to preserve and celebrate local foodways. The conversation highlights how choosing locally grown and produced foods can help visitors connect more meaningfully with a destination while supporting the communities they visit. Amy also shares details about Savor the San Juans, an annual celebration of local food and agriculture featuring farm tours, farm dinners, wine experiences, restaurant events, artisan producers, and opportunities to meet the people behind the food. If you're passionate about sustainable travel, farm-to-table experiences, local food, culinary adventures, and authentic community connections, this episode offers plenty of inspiration for your next San Juan Islands getaway. 👉 Visit the San Juan Islands: https://www.visitsanjuans.com/  🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/  🌐 Follow the Food, Wine & Travel 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

  8. Aug 11

    The National Hotel – Oklahoma City’s Historic Art Deco Gem

    Step inside one of Oklahoma City’s most remarkable historic restorations with this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Podcast. In Part 1 of our three-part Oklahoma City series, Travel Journalist Terri Guthrie takes us inside The National Hotel, a luxurious Marriott Autograph Collection property housed within Oklahoma City’s historic First National Center. Originally opened in 1931 as First National Bank, this Art Deco and Neoclassical landmark has been transformed into a sophisticated hotel while preserving its soaring Great Hall, historic murals, marble columns, original architectural details, and massive bank vault — now home to The Vault cocktail bar. Recorded on-site at The National, this episode also features Terri’s conversations with Amanda Clark, Director of Sales & Catering, who shares the building’s history and restoration, and Chef Jason Jonilonis, Director of Culinary, who talks about the hotel’s restaurants, dining experiences, Stock & Bond Steakhouse, and the impressive beverage program. We explore the Great Hall, Tellers, Stock & Bond, The Gilded Acorn, The Vault, the hotel’s guest rooms and Presidential Suite, its weekend high teas, shopping and amenities, and why The National is more than a hotel — it’s a destination within downtown Oklahoma City. The episode also highlights Oklahoma City as an easy getaway from the Dallas-Fort Worth area and a walkable destination filled with museums, parks, gardens, dining, culture, and entertainment. What a way to celebrate America 250 and American Adventures Month (August)! Plan your stay: https://www.thenationalokc.com/  Stay tuned for more of Terri’s Oklahoma City adventures! 🏨 Visit The National Hotel: https://www.thenationalokc.com/  🎙️ Travel with Terri: https://www.travelwithterri.com/  📻 Travel with Terri airs every other Tuesday: https://www.travelwithterri.com/podcast  📰 The Luxe Explorer Magazine: https://www.travelwithterri.com/magazine  🌎 Travel with Terri highlights on Big Blend Media House: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/t/terri-guthrie

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3.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

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

Information

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