Visit Chicago Southland: Nature, Food, Sports, and Community Spirit.

In today’s Outdoor Adventure Series episode, we sit with Mary Patchin, President and CEO of Visit Chicago Southland, to spotlight the vibrant communities just south and southwest of Chicago.

Mary shares a behind-the-scenes look at how her organization connects visitors to the region’s diverse offerings, from bustling town centers and family-friendly attractions to expansive forest preserves and trails perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

You’ll hear what sets the Chicago Southland apart as a destination—whether you’re a meeting planner, a sports team, or a family searching for adventure—and get a taste of its unique mix of urban, suburban, and rural experiences.

So, whether you’re a lifelong Chicagoan or simply scouting your next getaway, this episode is packed with ideas and inspiration for your next outdoor adventure in the Chicago Southland.

DISCUSSION

1. Overview of Visit Chicago Southland

2. Demographics and Coverage Area

3. Attracting Meetings, Events, and Tourism

4. Collaboration and Integration with Chicago-Based Attractions

5. Evolution of the Meetings and Tourism Industry

6. Unique Qualities of Southland Communities

7. Outdoor Recreation and Natural Amenities

8. Vision and Future Plans for the Organization

9. Website Demonstration and Visitor Planning Tools

10. Accessibility and Inclusivity

11. Food and Beverage Scene

12. Reflections on Tourism, Community, and Ambassadorship

13. Recognition of the Visit Chicago Southland Team

CONNECT WITH VISIT CHICAGO SOUTHLAND

Learn more about Visit Chicago Southland on their website at https://www.visitchicagosouthland.com, and follow their social sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoSouthland

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visitsouthland

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ChicagoSouthlandCVB

x: https://twitter.com/VisitSouthland

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-southland-convention-&-visitors-bureau

NEXT STEPS

Visit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes.

KEYWORDS

Mary Patchin, Visit Chicago Southland, Chicago Southland, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast

#MaryPatchin #VisitChicagoSouthland #ChicagoSouthland #OutdoorAdventureSeries #Podcast

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Discover Birch Bay, Washington: Seasonal Fun and Small-Town Charm.

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, we we're chatting with Sacha Sanguinetti, the Event Coordinator for the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Center. Nestled just seven miles south of the Canadian border in Washington’s beautiful Pacific Northwest, Birch Bay is a hidden gem known for its breathtaking sunsets, accessible shoreline, and vibrant small-town community.

You’ll also hear about the welcoming spirit of the businesses and organizations that bring the community together, and why Birch Bay is truly a four-season destination. Whether you’re planning your next family getaway, searching for great food and local brews, or simply looking for a peaceful spot to unwind by the water, this episode is packed with inspiring stories and practical tips to make your visit to Birch Bay unforgettable.

DISCUSSION

1. Overview of Birch Bay
2. Geographic Location of Birch Bay
3. Role and Daily Activities of the Chamber & Visitor Information Center
4. Birch Bay Chamber Membership and Community Partners
5. Four Seasons and Climate of Birch Bay
6. Signature Events and Activities in Birch Bay
7. Online Resources and Visitor Planning
8. Dining, Coffee, and Local Food Scene
9. Social Media and Community Engagement

CONNECT WITH THE BIRCH BAY CHAMBER

Learn more about Birch Bay, WA, visit the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Information Center website at https://birchbaychamber.com/, and follow them on their social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BirchBayChamber/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birchbaychamberofcommerce

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgitvosY3roaQYwY1nLEYjQ

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/birch-bay-chamber-of-commerce-19694135/

NEXT STEPS

Visit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes.

KEYWORDS

Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, Birch Bay WA, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast

#BirchBayChamberofCommerce #BirchBay WA #OutdoorAdventures #Podcast

My Favorite Podcast Tools:

1. Production by Descript
2. Hosting Buzzsprout
3. Show Notes by Castmagic
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5. Be a Podcast Guest by PodMatch

Visit Cullman: Festivals, Outdoor Adventures, and Southern Charm.

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series. In today's episode, we're chatting with Harmony Heard, the Executive Director of Visit Cullman in Alabama.

Harmony shares about the area’s rapid growth, award-winning festivals, unique agritourism experiences, and endless outdoor adventure opportunities. From the famous Alabama Strawberry Festival and authentic German Christkindlmarkt, to skydiving, glamping, and world-class bass fishing on Smith Lake, Cullman has something for everyone.

DISCUSSION

1. Location and Community Overview

• Emphasis on Cullman’s Southern hospitality and welcoming atmosphere
• Formation of the tourism bureau through legislation in 2022.
• Senator Garlan Gudger’s role in advancing Cullman tourism.

2. Attractions and Popular Events

• Festivals:
  • Alabama Strawberry Festival
  • Oktoberfest: celebration of Cullman’s German heritage.
  • Rock the South
  • German Christkindl Market
• Tourism growth: A “Hallmark town” reputation.
• Religious sites: Ave Maria Grotto and the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament
• Smith Lake

3. Hospitality and Accommodations

• Local hotels, Boutique options, and unique Airbnbs.

4. Sports and Recreation Facilities

• The Omniplex, a multi-use, state-of-the-art sports facility
• Field of Miracles (adaptive baseball field)
• Wild Water Water Park

5. Outdoor Adventure Opportunities

• Skydiving
• Water and forest activities include ziplining, boating, camping, hiking, and glamping at the Palomino Resort.
• The historical Clarkson Covered Bridge and Duck River trails are for hiking and outdoor exposure.
• Agritourism: local farms, fresh produce, and local meats.

6. Fishing and Sporting Events

• Hosting of Bassmasters and Major League Fishing tournaments
• Future events with the Alabama Bass Trail.

7. Local Food and Coffee Scene

• Historic dining: Busy Bee Café (since 1919) and Duchess Donuts
• Coffee shops: Karmas (locally roasted coffee) and Jubilee

8. Arts and Community Initiatives

• Southern Accents & Community Art Projects

CONNECT WITH VISIT CULLMAN

Visit the Cullman, AL website at https://visitcullman.com/ and follow their social sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visitcullman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Visitcullmanal

NEXT STEPS

Visit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes.

KEYWORDS

Visit Cullman, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast

#VisitCullman #OutdoorAdventureSeries #Podcast

My Favorite Podcast Tools:

1. Production by Descript
2. Hosting Buzzsprout
3. Show Notes by Castmagic
4. Website powered by Podpage
5. Be a Podcast Guest by PodMatch