Sip, Savor & Travel

Big Blend Radio Network

From wine tasting in the Pacific Northwest to High Tea in London, travel writer Linda Kissam, the ‘Food, Wine & Shopping Diva’, shares stories about her food, wine, and travel adventures across the country and around the world.

  1. 2d ago

    Katharine Cato – Wine, Wellness & Wandering in Ashland, Oregon

    Think Ashland, Oregon is only about Shakespeare? Think again! On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Sip, Savor & Travel" Podcast, producerLisa D. Smith and travel writer Linda Kissam, the Food, Wine & Shopping Diva, sit down with Katharine Cato, Director of Travel Ashland, to explore everything Ashland offers beyond the famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Katharine shares how a town of about 21,000 residents welcomes more than 300,000 visitors a year, and why Ashland's spot right off I-5, where the Cascade and Siskiyou mountain ranges meet, makes it both an easy stop and a true destination. Linda brings her food, wine and shopping expertise to the conversation, and Lisa asks about the best seasons to visit. In this episode: - Where to start your morning, from a marshmallow in your latte at Case Coffee to afternoon tea at Lovejoy's Tea Room - Independent shops, 100+ restaurants, and the Oregon Chocolate Festival - Rogue Valley wines, with 70+ varietals, plus Rogue Creamery cheese and Oregon Wine Month in May - Lithia Park's 93 acres, including the newly renovated Japanese garden - Skiing, summer fun and a drive-in movie night on Mount Ashland, Klamath River rafting, and Crater Lake just two hours away - Wellness, spas and the healing Lithia water - The Playwrights Walk, 365 days of theater, and the Festival of Light Read Linda's article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/ashland-oregon-you-havent-discovered-yet  LEARN MORE: - Plan your visit:  https://www.travelashland.com  - Linda Kissam: https://foodwinetravelchix.com/  - Sip, Savor & Travel Podcast: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/sip-savor-travel-podcast  - Sip, Savor & Travel Digital Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/sip-savor-travel-magazine

  2. May 2

    Cody Yellowstone: Wild West & National Park Adventures

    Celebrate the spirit of the American West with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Sip, Savor & Travel” podcast featuring travel writer Linda Kissam, aka “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva,” and special guest Katrina Southern, Marketing Manager for Cody Yellowstone. Discover the breathtaking region of Cody Yellowstone—home to the towns of Cody, Powell, and Meeteetse, along with vast landscapes that include the Shoshone National Forest and the eastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park. From iconic Western heritage and world-class museums to outdoor adventures, wildlife watching, and authentic cowboy culture, this destination offers an unforgettable travel experience. In this engaging conversation, learn about Cody’s deep roots in Western history, its connection to Buffalo Bill Cody, and why it’s known as the “Rodeo Capital of the World,” hosting nightly rodeos all summer long. The discussion also highlights scenic routes like the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, cultural landmarks such as the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center, and immersive experiences ranging from hiking and rafting to art galleries and local cuisine. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, romantic getaway, or outdoor adventure, Cody Yellowstone delivers a true taste of the Wild West. 👉 Plan your trip: https://www.codyyellowstone.org/  👉 Read Linda’s article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/discover-cody-yellowstone  👉 Follow the “Sip, Savor & Travel” podcast: https://lindakissam-foodwinetravel.podbean.com/  👉 Explore the "Sip, Savor & Travel" digital podcast magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/bssg/  👉 Follow Linda’s adventures: https://foodwinetravelchix.com/

  3. Apr 4

    Epic Pacific Northwest Road Trip: Bellingham, Washington to Golden, British Columbia

    Celebrate the spirit of adventure with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Sip, Savor & Travel" Show featuring travel writer Linda Kissam, the Food, Wine & Shopping Diva, alongside special guests Becky Mandelbaum of Visit Bellingham and Andy Brown of Tourism Golden. Together, they explore the scenic beauty, outdoor adventures, and local culture of Bellingham and Golden—two vibrant destinations perfect for a memorable Pacific  Northwest road trip. From hiking and wildflower viewing in North Cascades National Park to skiing near Mount Baker, and from exploring charming downtown districts to discovering Golden’s mountain landscapes and national parks, this episode is packed with inspiration for outdoor lovers and curious travelers alike. Get tips on scenic drives, unique lodging experiences—from cozy cabins to luxury stays—and insights into the local food scenes, breweries, and community culture that make both destinations so special. TRAVEL PLANNING LINKS & RESOURCES 📖 Read Linda’s article on Substack: https://vacationstationtravel.substack.com/p/epic-pacific-northwest-road-trip  🌐 Visit Bellingham Whatcom County: https://www.bellingham.org/  🌐 Explore Golden, British Columbia: https://www.tourismgolden.com/  🎙 Listen to more episodes featuring Linda Kissam: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1LoD5wiSJu4NM4KZxuJYoj  🌍 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station," Parks & Travel," and "Road Trip Radio" Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

  4. Mar 8

    Winemaking in Oregon’s Umpqua Valley with Paul O’Brien Wines

    In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Sip, Savor & Travel" Show, host Linda Kissam, the "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," sits down with Scott Kelley, winemaker and co-founder of Paul O’Brien Winery, to explore the distinctive wines and terroir of Oregon’s Umpqua Valley. Often considered one of Oregon’s hidden wine gems, the Umpqua Valley offers diverse microclimates and soils that allow winemakers to produce a remarkable range of varietals—from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to Tempranillo and Fumé Blanc. Scott shares the story behind Paul O’Brien Winery, born from a decades-long friendship and a shared passion for crafting balanced, expressive wines. The conversation dives into vineyard site selection, dry farming practices, the role of oak in winemaking, and how terroir shapes the character of each bottle. Linda and Scott also discuss wine education, tasting experiences, and the growing recognition of the Umpqua Valley as a destination for wine lovers and travelers alike. RESOURCE LINKS:  📖 Read Linda’s article on Paul O’Brien Wines: https://bigblendfooddrink.substack.com/p/winemaking-in-oregons-umpqua-valley  🍷 Learn more about Paul O’Brien Winery: https://paulobrienwines.com/  📚 Explore Linda’s NEW Big Blend "Sip, Savor & Travel" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/bssg/  🌐 Visit Linda’s website: https://foodwinetravelchix.com/  🎙 Follow the "Sip, Savor & Travel" Podcast: https://lindakissam-foodwinetravel.podbean.com/  🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" and "Vacation Station" Travel Podcast. Discover more shows on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

About

From wine tasting in the Pacific Northwest to High Tea in London, travel writer Linda Kissam, the ‘Food, Wine & Shopping Diva’, shares stories about her food, wine, and travel adventures across the country and around the world.