My Town Travels My Town Travels

In this episode, I have the absolute pleasure of talking with Bill Clevlen From Bill On The Road And Around The World! Bill’s knowledge and stories as a Travel Writer, Broadcaster, Author, and Journalist are incredibly insightful and a ton of fun. Plus, he is among the nicest and most sincere humans I have encountered! You're going to love this one!

I invite you to learn more about Bill and the Content of the Episode below.

Meet Bill On The Road:

“Bill On The Road” was born in 2013 after long time St. Louis radio broadcaster Bill Clevlen became fed up with reading negative travel stories. Bill decided to launch a website to focus on road trips and highlight only the positives.

Clevlen’s Bill On The Road stories can be heard on popular syndicated radio programs like RMWorld Travel and The Travel Planners Radio Show as well as television stations and traditional media outlets across the U.S. Bill is also a regular contributor to a national audience on SiriusXM satellite radio. He is the author of five travel books, including The Ultimate American Music Bucket List. He’s a frequent guest speaker for conferences and a lecturer on travel topics for The Smithsonian.

Bill regularly produces digital video content for major tourism organizations and has worked with hundreds of destinations across the country. From Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco and everywhere in-between, Bill On The Road has helped roadtrippers find unique and interesting things to do while driving across America. (https://billontheroad.com/about-bill-clevlen/).

In addition, you will hear:

*Bill’s Favorite Small Town Destinations and Stories

*A Little Small Town Economic Development Insight & Why Small Towns are GREAT for Content Creators

*Have You Heard of The Way of American Genius? You Will Today!

*Featured Small Towns: Bay St. Louis, MS -  Winterset, IA - Hamilton, MO.

*Bill’s Truth About Travel- Story. A Throw Back from Season 3 when we recorded.

 *As always, We Highlight Advice from our Guest Experts if this is an Area of Interest!

Follow Bill On The Road:

Facebook: @billontheroad Instagram: @billaroundtheglobe




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Recently, I have been spending a lot of time with several other travel professionals who, frankly, are fed up! With what? Well, there are a number of individuals claiming to have some sort of experience in the travel industry, with absolutely nothing to back it up. These are people who range from accounts with fake followers - to absolutely no long-term website presence - to now having to compete with AI for traffic numbers. But, with all the fast changes in the industry, I believe that true one-on-one experiences are still the best in the tourism space and cannot be manufactured. Of course, these individuals are not everyone, as there are amazing creators in the space of travel & tourism, and I also have a belief that there are many who have talent but have no idea where to begin or how to communicate.

So, I have decided instead of fighting the battle or simply just being angry about it, that I would help. I will share my travel experiences- not just the locations, but the “How To” with those who want to hear and learn. Learning is a lifelong journey, and I am always gathering and processing new information. It makes me sad how many friends I have made in tourism positions who, as I said, are frankly fed up with individuals who are giving Travel Writers, Content Creators, and Influencers a bad name.  So, if you’re willing to learn, I am going to start sprinkling in the “How To” for those of you out there having trouble connecting in the tourism space into episodes of the My Town Travels Podcast, equipping you with practical knowledge to navigate the industry more effectively.

So, where to begin? The travelpreneur side of My Town is always asked the big broad question: “How do you do what you do?” And the broad answer is always… “with a lot of work.” Like any profession, there is a lot of behind-the-scenes real work that goes into the end product. With Travel & Tourism, I would venture to say that 80% of what goes into the finished product is on the back end. Content Gathering, Content Creation/Writing, Editing, Website and Social Presence and Maintenance, and Coordinating Visits with Destinations all go into making a simple post where the end user gets to see the pretty pictures, captions, and stories.  So, whether you’re new to how this works and want to learn, you’re in the industry and want to hear a refresher, or you’re just genuinely curious, we invite you to listen in as we start this conversation, making sure everyone feels included and part of the journey!

In addition, you will hear:

 *Background on Host, Kristy Burns

* How To set your Purpose & Intention Regarding *Becoming a Travelpreneur

 *Intro to Engagement, Mission & Vision








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In this episode, we have the pleasure of talking with Emily Dark and Anna Grace Agnini with Explore Natural Martin. Today’s Podcast is in 2 parts: Part 1- Information on Explore Natural Martin and Ecotourism Part 2- The
Best Small Town Places in Martin County, FL, which is “an under-the-radar slice of paradise” and tips you don’t want to miss if you are looking to get into Ecotourism or do Voluntourism Projects.

In addition, you will hear:🎧
✔️Information about Big Conservation Efforts in a Small Town✔️Why the Destination of Martin County is such a  Special & Unique Small Town Haven

 ✔️All the Amazing things you can do in Martin County for FREE!

 ✔️Where to Find that Perfect Photo Spot

 ✔️ As always, We Highlight Advice from our Guest Experts if this is an Area of Interest!

✔️Small Towns & Activities Highlighted in this Episode from Martin County, FL: Jensen Beach, Historic Stuart, Port Salerno, Hobe Sound,
Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Halpatiokee Regional Park, The Dolphin Bar, The Elliott Museum, The House of Refuge, The Florida Bird Trail, Uncrowded Surf
Spots, Florida Scrub Hikes

 

Guest Bios: Emily Dark & Anna- Grace Agnini:

 

Emily Dark:

Emily is the Environmental Resource and Ecotourism Coordinator for Martin County, working for the Public Works Environmental Resource Division and the Office of Tourism and Marketing. Before Martin County, Emily worked for the State of Florida in the Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves Office for seven years, focusing
on natural resource management, research, and sustainable public use.
Emily is a proud rescue dog and cat owner, surfer, SCUBA diver and outdoor enthusiast.

Anna-Grace Agnini:

Anna-Grace works for the Martin County Office of Tourism and Marketing as the Environmental Resource and Ecotourism Specialist. Before moving to Florida in
January 2023, she attended NC State University and earned her bachelor’s in environmental science and sustainable tourism. Motivated by a love for nature,
travel, and sustainability, Anna-Grace has been able to gain knowledge in the environmental field through a variety of experiences, from leading kayak tours
to building trails on public lands. In her free time, Anna-Grace enjoys hiking, photography, and reading!

 

Explore Natural Martin Summary:

Explore Natural Martin is an award-winning ecotourism program that connects visitors and residents to
unforgettable outdoor experiences throughout Martin County. With over 100,000 acres of parks and conservation lands, 22 miles of beaches, 5 state
parks, and 2 aquatic preserves, there is no shortage of outdoor adventures.
Proudly developed in partnership with Leave No Trace, this experiential ecotourism program was designed as a way to foster environmental stewardship and promote responsible recreation.



Guest Website: https://discovermartin.com/ecotourism/















































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Holiday Travel is Here! So, Let’s Embrace it!

In This Episode:

Listen in for a few Holiday Stats you may want to know before
you Fly or Drive this season. Hear the End of The Year Wrap Up for The My Town
Travels Podcast. Plus, DON’T MISS THE THREE EASIEST TIPS to keep yourself full of Holiday Cheer if you’re feeling the stress of the season. Sometimes, we just need little reminders & encouragement, even if it’s something we already
know!



Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year From The My Town Travels Podcast!!













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In this episode, we have the pleasure of talking with Howard McCann. Howard is a former Vanceburg, Kentucky Resident, Cold War Veteran, and the Architect of the current "Military Heros Banner Project" in Vanceburg.

Today’s Podcast
is in 2 parts: Part 1- Information, background, and how you can visit Vanceburg’s Military Heroes Banner Project. Part 2- a Small Town story from Howard McCann.

In addition, you will hear:

-Information on Vanceburg's Veterans Park

-How Vanceburg, KY, is a wonderful stop on Kentucky's AA Highway and Route 8. 

- Small Towns & Activities Highlighted in this Episode:

-Vanceburg, KY - Augusta KY- Maysville, KY

Information on Vanceburg, Kentucky's Military Heroes Banner Project:

When traveling on Kentucky's Route 8 or The AA Highway, you need to check out Small Town
Vanceburg. This adorable town of 1,300 residents sits on the Ohio River- and is near other Small Town Destinations such as Augusta, KY. But what makes Vanceburg so unique is its dedication to the Veterans of Lewis County and their current enthusiasm & potential for growth.

Many towns currently have some sort of "Hometown Heroes" program. But Vanceburg takes this concept much further as they continue to develop their "Military Heros Banners Project."

Below is a quick
synopsis from the City of Vanceburg, and link to an official press release.

The vision began back in 2022 when the Traveling Vietnam Wall visited Vanceburg. Former resident
and Cold War Veteran Howard McCann helped organize the banners, which included 14 Lewis County Veterans who were killed in action in the Vietnam War. This was
a challenging task. Howard researched each Veteran for their military records; he contacted the family members and went to great lengths to find each soldier's photograph. No one realized how large this project would become a year and a half later.

Now, of the over 216 banners hanging in the City of Vanceburg, they represent 19 wars or
conflicts, 4 Pearl Harbor Survivors, 2 Civil War Veterans, 1 Spanish American War Veteran, 3 Veterans who served in 3 different wars, 3 Veterans who were Prisoners of War, 14 Veterans who were killed in action during the Vietnam War, 2 Veterans who were killed in action during World War II and 1 Veteran who was
killed in action in Korea. In addition, we have Veterans ranked from Private E1 to General.

The City of Vanceburg receives weekly calls from Veterans and/or family members asking questions about the banners.

 

 


































 







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Listen in to this great Small Town Story from Nicole Mitchell, Owner and Quality Control for Manchester Hill Winery.

Recently, My Town Travels had the absolute pleasure of spending
a bit of time at the beautiful location of Manchester Hill Winery. It's been a joy getting to know Nicole and her husband, Patrick. I can't wait to share more with you about these two small town business owners and the great destination they have
created in Pickaway County, Ohio.  

In This Episode You Will Hear:


-How a Small Town Community
Comes Together to Help Its Residents
-Why Labor of Love
and the Hand-On-Hand Experience is so Important. -Manchester Hill's Award-Winning Blackberry Wine- 100% Made Local.
-Manchester Hill Ferments, Corks, Bottles, & Labels all by Hand On-Site.
-While talking about where Manchester Hill is situated in the county, Nicole was immediately reminded
of how the crosswinds of a recent tornado came right through the Manchester Hill property. She held back tears as she began to tell me her experience of being a
business in the Small Town Pickaway County Community.

 About Guest:

Follow Our Guest: Facebook:@ManchesterHill Instagram: @manchesterhillwinery Web: Manchesterhill.com

About Manchester Hill Winery:

Established in 2011, we are a family-owned

and operated Winery and Vineyard.

We pride ourselves on handcrafting National and International Award-Winning
Wines and Hard Ciders from local fruit.

All of our products are fermented, created, bottled, corked, and
labeled here on-site, along with our estate vineyard grapes.

Patrick, the Winemaker, is a graduate of Columbia University
with a degree in Environmental Science. Nicole, Owner and Quality Control,
holds a master's in fine arts from Virginia Tech.

We hope you enjoy our Artistic Creations

as much as we do. Cheers!

The McGrath Family

 















































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