Travel writer and author Kathleen Walls joins Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station Travel" Podcast to explore the fascinating history, natural beauty, and modern-day appeal of Jekyll Island, Georgia.

Once an exclusive winter retreat for America’s wealthiest families, Jekyll Island is now a state park destination offering historic hotels and cottages, scenic biking trails, wildlife encounters, cultural tours, and seasonal events. Kathleen shares insights into the island’s Gilded Age past, its transformation into a public treasure, and why it remains a favorite for both day trips and extended stays.

From turtle conservation and nature programs to high tea, holiday celebrations, and coastal dining, this episode highlights what makes Jekyll Island a truly unique Southern travel experience.

Plan your visit: https://www.jekyllisland.com/

Read Kathleen Walls’ "Winter in Jekyll Island" article on Substack: https://vacationstationtravel.substack.com/p/exploring-jekyll-island

Visit Kathleen Walls online: https://www.americanroads.net/ https://katywalls.com/

As part of our America 250 programming, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When," "Parks & Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s "English Connection" Podcast explores the enduring power of education through England’s ancient colleges and universities—places where history, culture, libraries, and global connections intersect. Historian, tour guide, and Norfolk Tours owner Glynn Burrows reflects on how universities have long served as centers of learning, inspiration, and cultural exchange, shaping societies far beyond their walls.

The conversation highlights how historic universities preserve knowledge through libraries and archives, support genealogy and family history research, and foster lifelong learning across generations. From public lectures and community events to gardens, architecture, and centuries-old traditions, these academic institutions are revealed as living heritage sites—places to visit, explore, and experience firsthand.

The episode also examines access to education around the world, the social fabric of university life, and the value of experiential learning, showing how education connects people globally while remaining deeply rooted in local history. Whether viewed through the lens of scholarship, travel, or cultural curiosity, England’s ancient colleges continue to inspire discovery, reflection, and connection.

🔗 Read Glynn’s accompanying article on Substack: https://bigblendmedia.substack.com/p/the-halls-of-heritage

🔗NEW! Check out Big Blend Radio's ENGLISH CONNECTION Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/English-Connection/ 🔗This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Big Daily Blend," "Way Back When," and "Vacation Station" podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Tales of Ted DeGrazia" Podcast, we spotlight the exciting new spring exhibitions at the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum in Tucson, Arizona. The conversation explores the cultural, spiritual, and landscape-driven works of renowned Southwest artist Ted DeGrazia, highlighting rarely seen pieces now on public display.

Opening with a special reception on Friday, January 30, from 5:00–7:00 p.m., the new exhibits include “DeGrazia Paints the Seri Indians,” “Ted DeGrazia’s Unseen Landscapes,” and the annual Lenten presentation of “The Way of the Cross.” Executive Director Lance Laber shares insight into DeGrazia’s prolific career, the importance of cultural preservation through art, and the gallery’s role as a National Historic Landmark dedicated to Southwest history and heritage.

NEW EXHIBITS INCLUDE: * DeGrazia Paints the Seri Indians: Featuring more than a dozen paintings documenting the Comcaac (Seri) people of coastal Sonora, Mexico, many shown publicly for the first time. On display through Sept. 2, 2026.

* Ted DeGrazia’s Unseen Landscapes: Watercolors, ink drawings, and oil paintings of the Sonoran Desert and beyond, some hidden in storage for more than 70 years. On display through Sept. 2, 2026.

* The Way of the Cross: Fifteen original oil paintings depicting the Passion of Christ, including the Resurrection as the fifteenth station, accompanied by DeGrazia’s recorded narration. On display through May 28, 2026.

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum is a 10-acre historic landmark designed and built by the artist himself, housing thousands of original works that reflect the people, landscapes, and cultural traditions of the Southwest. Learn more: http://www.degrazia.org

New Tales of Ted DeGrazia episodes air every 4th Sunday. Follow the podcast: https://ted-degrazia.podbean.com

This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend,” “Way Back When,” and “Toast to The Arts” podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork