Way Back When

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Journey Jukebox" travel podcast, travel writer Lisa Evans explores the hidden gems, fascinating history, and scenic beauty of Vancouver, Washington—a destination that deserves a spot on every Pacific Northwest itinerary.
Located along the Columbia River just across from Portland, Oregon, Vancouver blends rich American history with vibrant waterfront experiences, beautiful parks, and easy access to some of the Northwest's most spectacular landscapes. 
Lisa shares highlights from visiting Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, the first U.S. military post in the Pacific Northwest, strolling historic Officer's Row, exploring Pearson Field, one of America's oldest operating airfields, and taking in breathtaking views throughout the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
The episode also includes a day trip into Portland to experience the famous International Rose Test Garden and historic Pittock Mansion, along with recommendations for riverfront dining, local wineries, and a stay at the stylish Hotel Indigo Vancouver Waterfront. 
Whether you're planning a Pacific Northwest road trip, exploring destinations for America's 250th birthday, or simply looking for a city that blends history, nature, music, and culinary experiences, Vancouver, Washington offers an unforgettable adventure.
🗺️ Vancouver, Washington Travel Planning Resources- Visit Vancouver Washington: https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/ - Hotel Indigo Vancouver Waterfront: https://www.vancouverwaterfronthotel.com/ - Fort Vancouver National Historic Site: https://www.nps.gov/fova/index.htm - Pearson Field at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site: https://www.nps.gov/fova/learn/historyculture/pearson.htm - Officer's Row: https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/things-to-do/historic-sites-and-museums/officers-row/ - Whipple Creek Regional Park: https://clark.wa.gov/public-works/whipple-creek-regional-park - Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/columbiarivergorge - Cape Horn Overlook: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/columbiarivergorge/recreation/cape-horn-overlook 
🌹 Continue Your Pacific Northwest Adventure- Lisa's companion episode, "Exploring Portland, Oregon: The Rose City": https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/e/portland-oregon-rose-city/ 
KEEP UP WITH LISA- Follow Lisa's Stories: https://writerlisa.com/  - Follow Lisa on Substack: https://substack.com/@allabouttravelwithlisa - Subscribe to Journey Jukebox: https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/  - Journey Jukebox Music Playlist on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7humUf03LIW04t8LiJSSN9?si=71c11c52c77c4596  - Journey Jukebox Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/JOURNEY-JUKEBOX---2026/#p=1 

Step inside one of America's most legendary luxury hotels!
Recorded on-site, this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel with Terri" Podcast features travel journalist Terri Guthrie in conversation with Les Patin, Marketing Manager of The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
Since opening in 1893, The Roosevelt has welcomed presidents, celebrities, Mardi Gras royalty, and generations of travelers seeking timeless elegance in the heart of New Orleans. Originally opened as The Grunewald Hotel, this iconic property has survived fires, Prohibition, the Great Depression, Hurricane Katrina, and today shines following its spectacular restoration as part of the Waldorf Astoria collection.
From Huey P. Long's famous suite and secret passageway to the legendary Sazerac Bar, elegant Fountain Lounge, historic Blue Room, rooftop pool, luxurious Waldorf Astoria Spa, beautifully restored guest rooms, and the beloved Waldorf Wonderland holiday display, discover why The Roosevelt remains the Crown Jewel of the Crescent City.
Whether you're planning your next New Orleans getaway, love historic hotels, or simply enjoy fascinating stories of American hospitality and architecture, this episode offers an insider's look at one of the country's most iconic destinations.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, this episode also celebrates one of the nation's most storied historic hotels and its enduring place in American history, hospitality, and culture.
Learn more about The Roosevelt New Orleans:https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/msyrhwa-the-roosevelt-new-orleans 
Learn more about Terri's travels:- Travel with Terri: https://www.travelwithterri.com/ 
- Travel with Terri Podcast (airs every other Tuesday):https://www.travelwithterri.com/podcast 
- The Luxe Explorer Magazine:https://www.travelwithterri.com/magazine 

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Robin O'Neal Smith shares her unforgettable journey along the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail, exploring legendary Old West towns, fascinating museums, historic landmarks, and the stories that helped shape the American frontier.
Travel through iconic destinations including Dodge City, Abilene, Wichita, and Hays, where you'll discover attractions like Boot Hill Museum, Old Cowtown Museum, the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Keeper of the Plains, Fort Hays, and more. Robin also discusses how television classics like Gunsmoke helped preserve interest in America's western heritage while highlighting the real history behind these remarkable communities.
Perfect for history lovers, road trippers, and anyone planning an unforgettable Kansas adventure, this episode celebrates the people, places, and stories that continue to define the American West—making it a fitting listen as America commemorates its 250th anniversary.
Read Robin O'Neal Smith's article:https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/kansas-gunsmoke-trail 
Plan your own Kansas Gunsmoke Trail adventure:https://www.kansasgunsmoketrail.com/ Learn more about Robin O'Neal Smith: https://robinonealsmith.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 

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" podcast, travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares her unforgettable journey through southern France aboard a luxury hotel barge with French Waterways. 
Cruising along the historic Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre World Heritage Site, Rose discovers the joys of slow travel while exploring charming villages, remarkable engineering marvels, regional cuisine, celebrated wines, and authentic French culture.
Traveling aboard an intimate hotel barge, Rose enjoys exceptional hospitality while cruising through one of France's most picturesque regions. Along the way, she visits centuries-old locks and aqueducts, samples local vermouth, wines, and olive oils, explores the magnificent medieval fortress of Cité de Carcassonne, and uncovers hidden gems that many travelers never experience.
This immersive journey celebrates the beauty of slowing down, connecting with local communities, and discovering the history, traditions, and flavors that make southern France so unforgettable. Whether you're dreaming of a European canal cruise, love French food and wine, or enjoy exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this episode is sure to inspire your next adventure.
Celebrate French-American Heritage Month by discovering the history, culture, cuisine, and timeless beauty of France through one of Europe's most memorable slow travel experiences.
📖 Read Rose's Articles:- A Luxury Barge Cruise Through History, Wine & Good Food: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/barge-cruise-french-waterways - Athos Barge Cruise Review: https://quiltripping.com/athos-barge-cruise-review/ 
🚤 Learn More About French Waterways: https://www.french-waterways.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 
🎧 Subscribe to Quiltripping Travel with Rose Podcast: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ 

As part of Big Blend Radio's America 250 celebration, this special episode of Way Back When explores one of the most pivotal moments leading to the American Revolution.
Travel writer Debbie Stone shares her immersive visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, where interactive exhibits, costumed interpreters, authentic replica tea ships, and fascinating Revolutionary War artifacts bring the events of December 16, 1773 vividly to life. From tossing tea into Boston Harbor to discovering the stories behind the patriots who helped shape American history, Debbie explains why this engaging museum experience is a must for history lovers of all ages.
The conversation also explores the significance of the Boston Tea Party, remarkable artifacts including one of the only surviving tea chests from the original protest, Abigail's Tea Room, and how visitors can connect this experience with nearby Revolutionary War sites in Lexington and Concord.
Whether you're commemorating America's 250th Anniversary, or planning a history-filled trip to Boston, this episode offers inspiration to experience one of America's defining stories firsthand.
📖 Read Debbie's articles:- https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/boston-tea-party-ships-museum - https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/history-comes-alive-in-lexington-concord-part-1 
🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Global Adventures with Debbie Stone:https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ 
📚 Explore Debbie's Global Adventures Digital Magazine:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qiqy/ 

Journey through the history of California's Sequoia Country as we explore the parks, people, and places that have shaped Tulare County—from giant sequoias and Indigenous heritage to military history, railroads, agriculture, and the communities that continue to preserve the region's remarkable legacy.
In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's California's Sequoia Country podcast, discover the fascinating stories behind Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, the General Grant Tree, Colonel Allensworth, Native American tribes, historic communities, museums, and the agricultural traditions that continue to define this remarkable region. Learn how nature, history, and culture come together to create one of California's most inspiring destinations.
Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include:* 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/ * Dwight Miller – Exeter Historian
📍 PLAN YOUR VISIT: * Sequoia Tourism Council: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ * Museum Alliance of Tulare-Kings Counties: https://matkc.org/ * California's Sequoia Country Podcast: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/california-s-sequoia-country-podcast * Big Blend Radio's "California's Sequoia Country" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/california-s-sequoia-country-magazine 
📡 This episode celebrates America 250 and Parks & Recreation Month (July 2026). 

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World" Podcast, award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz explores the timeless beauty of Charleston, South Carolina, Kiawah Island, and Savannah, Georgia, sharing highlights from an unforgettable Lowcountry journey filled with history, nature, coastal charm, and Southern hospitality.
Beginning in Charleston, Sharon discovers the city's rich colonial history, vibrant arts scene, historic neighborhoods, beautiful gardens, and acclaimed restaurants before attending a family wedding at the luxurious Sanctuary on Kiawah Island. She then heads south to Savannah, where charming public squares, centuries-old architecture, fascinating museums, rooftop bars, and scenic riverfront views reveal why the city remains one of America's most romantic destinations.
Along the way, Sharon shares memorable wildlife encounters—from dolphins and bald eagles to herons and alligators—along with recommendations for historic walking tours, harbor sailing excursions, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Bonaventure Cemetery, exceptional Lowcountry cuisine, and the welcoming culture that makes this region so special.
As America commemorates its 250th anniversary, Charleston, Kiawah Island, and Savannah offer unforgettable opportunities to experience the history, culture, landscapes, and hospitality that have helped shape our nation's story.
📝 Read Sharon's "Low Country Escape" article:https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/low-country-escape 
📖 Check out Sharon's Big Blend Radio "Wander the World" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/gyoy/#p=1 
🌍 Learn more about travel writer & photographer Sharon K. Kurtz:https://sharonkkurtz.com 
🎙️ Tune in on the first Wednesday of every month at 12pm CST:https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com 

The Bayeux Tapestry is coming to England for the first time in nearly 1,000 years — and today we're diving into why this magnificent medieval embroidery is so much more than a war story. It's a record of cultures colliding, merging, and ultimately transforming a nation.
Historian and Norfolk Tours owner Glynn Burrows joins Lisa on this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" Podcast to unravel the remarkable story behind the tapestry — from the Norman invasion of 1066 and the fate of poor King Harold, to what the tapestry reveals about everyday life: boats, horses, armor, farming, and even a few naughty bits in the border.
Glynn and Lisa also explore how the Norman Conquest layered onto the Romans, the Vikings, and the Anglo-Saxons to create the England we know today — and how that same thread of cultures mixing, clashing, and merging runs through American history too.
🗓️ Don't miss it in person: The Bayeux Tapestry will be on display at the British Museum in London from September 2026 through July 2027 — the first time it has been in the UK since it was made. Tickets are limited, so book early!
RESOURCE LINKS📖 Read Glynn's companion article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/the-bayeux-tapestry 
📖 Related Reading: Touring Battlefields of Britain (including the Battle of Hastings): https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/touring-battlefields-of-britain 
🌐 Visit English Connection to listen to more episodes and to read Glynn's magazine: https://EnglishConnection.uk