Exploring America State by State

PassTheBrockly
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Discover America One State at a Time takes listeners on an unforgettable journey across the United States — uncovering hidden gems, iconic attractions, scenic road trips, RV adventures, tourist traps, local favorites, and unforgettable destinations along the way. From Route 66 to small-town backroads, each episode explores a new state with travel tips, must-see experiences, unique stays, transportation options, and the stories that make America worth exploring. Whether you travel by RV, plane, train, or automobile, your next adventure starts here.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    New York - The Empire State: Skyscrapers, Waterfalls, and Everything In Between

    New York is so much more than one city — it's a whole state with two completely different rhythms. In this episode of Exploring America State by State, we cover both: the electric pulse of Manhattan and the wide-open, slower landscape that surrounds it for hundreds of miles. We drive the Taconic Parkway and Hudson Highlands, uncover hidden gems like Letchworth State Park (the "Grand Canyon of the East") and Watkins Glen's nineteen waterfalls, and stand at the roaring edge of Niagara Falls. In the city, we hit Times Square, Central Park, the Empire State Building, and walk the Brooklyn Bridge, then take the ferry out to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island before a solemn stop at the 9/11 Memorial. Of course, no New York episode is complete without a real slice of pizza and a proper New York cheesecake. We also cover the tourist traps to avoid, RV travel logistics (spoiler: leave the rig outside Manhattan), free and paid RV camping in the Adirondacks and at Letchworth, where to stay from Brooklyn boutique hotels to Niagara resorts, getting around by subway and the free Staten Island Ferry, unique experiences like Broadway and Finger Lakes wine tasting, summer travel tips, honest budget expectations, and cell coverage advice for the backcountry. Next stop: New Jersey, a state full of hidden beaches, historic small towns, and a personality far bigger than its size would suggest. Chapters (00:00:00) - Exploring America: New York(00:01:19) - Introducing New York's natural wonders(00:04:45) - Visit Manhattan(00:07:28) - Introducing New York City & the Finger Lakes

    16 min

  2. 6d ago

    Connecticut - The Constitution State: Tall Ships, Ivy League Charm, and the Best Pizza In America

    Most people drive through Connecticut on their way to somewhere else — and that's a mistake. In this episode of Exploring America State by State, we slow down in the Constitution State, where colonial stone walls meet Ivy League history and old whaling towns still smell like salt air. We cruise the art deco bridges of the Merritt Parkway, wind through the Quiet Corner along Route 169, and hug the coastline through Mystic and Stonington. Climb aboard a real tall ship at Mystic Seaport Museum, wander Yale's Gothic campus in New Haven, and stand beneath the fairytale towers of Gillette Castle above the Connecticut River. We'll also flag the tourist traps worth skipping around the casino resorts and Mystic's movie-famous pizza scene. Plus: RV travel notes (including which parkways to avoid with a taller rig), the best free and paid RV camping at Hammonasset Beach, Kettletown, and Pachaug State Forest, where to stay from coastal inns to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, getting around by Metro-North and ferry, and the food that makes Connecticut a serious culinary destination — New Haven apizza, warm-butter lobster rolls, and Ted's legendary steamed cheeseburgers. Summer travel tips, honest budget expectations, and cell coverage advice for the quieter hills round out the episode. Next stop: New York, a state so massive it holds skyscrapers, mountains, vineyards, and endless small towns all under one name. Chapters (00:00:00) - Exploring Connecticut(00:00:52) - Introducing Connecticut(00:08:12) - Connecticut and New York

    9 min

  3. Jul 2

    Route 66 Turns 100 — Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier, State by State

    This year, Route 66 turns one hundred years old. In this special centennial episode of Exploring America State by State and Pass the Brockly, we drive the entire Mother Road — all roughly 2,400 miles of it — from its official starting sign in downtown Chicago to the End of the Trail marker on the Santa Monica Pier. Chapter by chapter, state by state: Illinois' Gemini Giant and Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket, Missouri's Gateway Arch and Meramec Caverns, Kansas's short-but-mighty 13-mile stretch through Galena, Oklahoma's Blue Whale of Catoosa and POPS 66, Texas's Cadillac Ranch and the 72-ounce Big Texan steak challenge, New Mexico's neon-lit Blue Swallow Motel, Arizona's concrete-teepee Wigwam Motel and the wild burros of Oatman, and California's Mojave crossing through Amboy's Roy's Motel before reaching the Pacific. We also cover the route-wide essentials: hidden ghost towns and detours, tourist traps to watch for, RV travel logistics alongside I-40, the best free BLM and paid KOA-style camping along the corridor, historic motor-court hotels, transportation options, the food that defines each stretch, unique bucket-list experiences, peak summer travel timing, honest budget expectations, and cell coverage advice for the remote desert sections. We close with a full trip summary and a countdown of the top 10 unmissable attractions on the entire route. Chapters (00:00:00) - Route 66: Celebrating Its 100th Birthday(00:09:20) - Route 66(00:15:54) - Top 10 Hits on Route 66

    17 min

  4. Jul 1

    Rhode Island - The Ocean State: Mansions, Bonfires, and the Best Clam Cakes in America

    The smallest state in the country packs the biggest surprises. In this episode of Exploring America State by State, we cross into Rhode Island — the Ocean State — where Gilded Age mansions line the cliffs of Newport, floating bonfires light up the rivers of Providence, and quahog stuffies are practically a religion. We drive Ocean Drive and Route 1A along the coast, walk the legendary Cliff Walk between the Vanderbilt mansions and the Atlantic, and step inside Providence's historic Union Station. You'll learn the schedule behind WaterFire, Providence's magical nighttime bonfire spectacle on the river, plus which tourist traps to skip near the Newport waterfront. We also cover RV travel across this compact state, the best free and paid RV camping options (Fishermen's Memorial, Burlingame, and Arcadia Management Area), where to stay from historic resorts to budget-friendly hotels, how to get around by bus, rail, and ferry, and the local food you can't leave without trying — clam cakes, chowder, stuffies, Del's Frozen Lemonade, and a classic New York System hot wiener. Plus: summer travel tips, honest budget expectations, and what to expect from cell coverage out on Block Island and the rural interior. Next stop: Connecticut, the land of quiet New England towns, ivy-covered campuses, and historic seaports. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introducing Rhode Island(00:02:41) - Introducing Rhode Island

    9 min

  5. Jun 2

    Exploring Massachusetts

    Join Exploring America State by State as we discover Massachusetts, the birthplace of the American Revolution and one of the most historically significant destinations in the United States. From the cobblestone streets of Boston and the Freedom Trail to the beaches of Cape Cod and the fall atmosphere of Salem, this episode explores the history, culture, sports, food, and scenic beauty that define the Bay State. Walk Boston’s legendary Freedom Trail and visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Explore iconic landmarks including Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Plymouth Rock, and the USS Constitution Discover scenic drives along Cape Cod, the Mohawk Trail, and Cape Ann Experience hidden gems like the Berkshires, Marblehead, Northampton, and Tanglewood RV travel tips and camping recommendations for Cape Cod and greater Boston Local food favorites including clam chowder, lobster rolls, Boston cream pie, cannoli, and Dunkin’ Transportation advice for using Boston’s MBTA subway system and avoiding city traffic Summer travel recommendations for Cape Cod beaches, whale watching, harbor cruises, and coastal New England road trips Seasonal travel strategies for Salem in October and fall foliage in western Massachusetts Unique experiences including whale watching in Provincetown, concerts at Tanglewood, and walking historic Boston neighborhoods Resources mentioned: Freedom Trail, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Cape Cod National Seashore, Salem Witch Trials Memorial, Plymouth Rock, Mayflower II, Nickerson State Park, Tanglewood, Legal Sea Foods, Chatham Bars Inn, Cape Flyer train, and the MBTA subway system.

    10 min

  6. May 26

    Vermont Hidden Gems, Scenic Drives & Route 100 | Exploring America State by State

    Join Exploring America State by State as we discover Vermont, a uniquely preserved corner of New England that banned billboards in 1968 and maintains its authentic character through maple farms, covered bridges, and scenic mountain roads. This episode explores why Vermont is the only continental state without a Walmart and how it rewards travelers who slow down to experience its genuine charm. Route 100: Vermont's signature 200-mile scenic drive through the Green MountainsIconic attractions including Stowe, Ben and Jerry's factory, and Shelburne MuseumHidden gems like Lake Willoughby, Quechee Gorge, and Warren Falls swimming holeRV travel tips and camping recommendations at state parksLocal food scene featuring maple syrup, Vermont cheddar, and craft breweriesTransportation advice and cell coverage warnings for rural areasSummer travel strategies to avoid crowds while experiencing county fairs and farmers marketsUnique experiences like visiting working sugarhouses during maple seasonResources mentioned: Ben and Jerry's factory tour, Shelburne Museum, Trapp Family Lodge, Groton State Forest, Burlington Farmers Market, The Alchemist brewery, Hill Farmstead Brewery, Grafton Village Cheese, Cabot Creamery, Vermont Country Store

    8 min

  7. May 21

    New Hampshire's Scenic Drives, White Mountains & Hidden Gems | Exploring America State by State

    Join the hosts of Exploring America State by State as they take you on a scenic journey through New Hampshire, revealing why this northeastern gem deserves to be a destination, not just a drive-through state. Discover the hidden treasures, scenic routes, and authentic experiences that make New Hampshire a traveler's paradise. The legendary Kancamagus Highway - 34.5 miles of pristine New England sceneryMount Washington's extreme weather and multiple ways to reach the summitNew Hampshire's surprising 18-mile coastline and Hampton BeachLake Winnipesaukee and the charming Lakes Region townsHidden gems like Sculptured Rocks Natural Area and Lost River GorgePortsmouth's emerging food scene and authentic New England diningBest camping spots, RV-friendly routes, and seasonal travel tipsUnique experiences from loon watching to zip-lining through mountain canopiesResources and Places Mentioned: Kancamagus Highway, Mount Washington Cog Railway, Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, Wolfeboro Inn, Canterbury Shaker Village, Strawbery Banke Museum, Black Trumpet Bistro, Tuckerman Brewing, Franconia Ridge Loop, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport

    13 min

  8. May 19

    Black Fly Season - SPECIAL EPISODE | Exploring America State by State

    Ever planned the perfect northern road trip only to discover the bugs are trying to carry you away? In this special episode of Exploring America State by State, we uncover the truth about black fly season across the northern United States and eastern Canada. From the forests of Maine and Vermont to the Adirondacks of New York and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, we explain when black flies emerge, why they’re so aggressive, and — most importantly — the BEST times to visit these beautiful destinations without having your camping, hiking, RV travel, or outdoor adventures ruined by swarming biting flies. If you love: RV travel scenic drives hiking camping waterfall chasing road trips national parks New England travel fall foliage hidden gems …this episode will help you plan smarter and travel at the right time of year. We’ll also share: the peak black fly months to avoid the ideal travel windows for northern states practical survival tips if you must travel during swarm season why July through October is often the sweet spot for outdoor adventures Whether you’re planning your next summer vacation, content creation trip, or RV journey, this episode could save your trip from becoming a buzzing nightmare. Join us as we continue Exploring America… State by State.

    4 min

  9. May 17

    Maine's Hidden Gems, Coastal Drives & Lobster Shacks | Exploring America State by State

    Join us as we explore Maine, the Pine Tree State, revealing why it's one of America's most scenic and unforgettable summer destinations. This episode takes you on a journey through coastal highways, hidden island villages, and local traditions that make Maine truly special. Driving the legendary U.S. Route One coastal highway from Portland to RocklandDiscovering Maine's Bold Coast region near Cutler and Lubec for dramatic sceneryExploring quirky roadside attractions like Eartha, the world's largest rotating globeExperiencing Maine's islands including Monhegan Island and the Cranberry IslesNavigating Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain's famous sunrise viewsFinding authentic Maine food beyond tourist traps, from lobster shacks to potato donutsUnderstanding the great lobster roll debate: butter versus mayonnaiseRV travel tips and campground planning for Maine's coastal regionsResources mentioned: L.L.Bean flagship store in Freeport, The Holy Donut in Portland, Island Explorer shuttle system, John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s carriage roads in Acadia

    9 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

Discover America One State at a Time takes listeners on an unforgettable journey across the United States — uncovering hidden gems, iconic attractions, scenic road trips, RV adventures, tourist traps, local favorites, and unforgettable destinations along the way. From Route 66 to small-town backroads, each episode explores a new state with travel tips, must-see experiences, unique stays, transportation options, and the stories that make America worth exploring. Whether you travel by RV, plane, train, or automobile, your next adventure starts here.

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