Recorded onsite in Central Louisiana, this fun and shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel Avoyelles" Podcast features hosts and producers Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith alongside Wilbert Carmouche and Mary Guillory of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism.

Hear about Nancy and Lisa’s experiences exploring Avoyelles Parish—from local food and cultural traditions to historic sites, festivals, and the welcoming spirit of the community. The conversation highlights the region’s rich heritage, including stories connected to Solomon Northup, the historic Jefferson Highway, local traditions, and the pride residents have in sharing their culture with visitors.

Listeners also get to know Wilbert and Mary on a more personal level through Big Blend’s signature “Getting to Know You” questions, covering passions, life lessons, bucket-list dreams, creativity, and community connection.

From Cajun and Creole influences to art, agriculture, festivals, and storytelling, this episode captures the heart and soul of Avoyelles Parish—where heritage, hospitality, and community come together.

🔗 Plan your visit: https://TravelAvoyelles.com

🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Sunday. Listen: https://travel-avoyelles.podbean.com/

🔗 Explore Big Blend Radio & Media: https://BigBlendMediaHouse.com

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Noah Howard of Tour Cayuga shares the flavors, history, and scenic beauty that make Cayuga County a standout destination in the Finger Lakes region.

Known as “History’s Hometown,” Cayuga County offers a rich blend of wine tourism, craft beverages, local cuisine, outdoor recreation, and community-driven experiences. The conversation explores the area’s wineries, breweries, distilleries, and artisan food producers, while highlighting the growing importance of sustainable tourism and authentic local connections.

Hear about charming small towns, scenic road trip routes, lakeside picnics, fishing adventures, culinary festivals, and farm-to-table dining experiences that showcase the region’s creativity and hospitality. Noah also shares insights into the Finger Lakes wine culture, local craft beer scene, and why travelers are increasingly drawn to slower, more meaningful travel experiences.

The episode even imagines what a culinary journey through Cayuga County might have looked like for Anthony Bourdain, celebrating the stories and passion behind the region’s food culture.

🌐 Plan your Cayuga County getaway: https://tourcayuga.com/ *** Listen to Last Year's Episode on Harriet Tubman: https://youtu.be/Ypwug8wo_hM?si=g-pHCQL8N1fYtO7_ *** Watch the Foodie Fun in Cayuga County: https://www.tourcayuga.com/cayuga-cuisine/ 🌐 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

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel Show" with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer, photographer, and author Amy Piper shares some of the hidden gems, scenic waterfronts, historic sites, and charming small towns that make Michigan such a rewarding travel destination.

From Great Lakes adventures and shipwreck history to culinary experiences, festivals, and outdoor recreation, Amy highlights the authentic character and beauty found throughout the state. The conversation explores destinations like Mackinac Island, known for its car-free charm and historic atmosphere, along with unique attractions such as Kitch-iti-kipi, the state’s largest freshwater spring.

You will also hear about Michigan’s maritime heritage, picturesque lighthouses, local food and wine experiences, and the importance of small-town storytelling in travel writing.

Amy is the author of "Secret Michigan: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure," and her new book, "Small Town Michigan," releases on May 15, 2026.

📰 Read Amy’s article “Small Town Michigan”: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/small-town-michigan

🌐 Discover more of Amy’s adventures and books: https://followthepiper.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

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show explores the rich history, culture, and enduring appeal of two of America’s iconic roadways — the Jefferson Highway and Route 66.

As always, the show features Roger Bell, Co-Host and President of the Jefferson Highway Association, along with host and producer Lisa D. Smith. Their featured guest is Jeremy Morris, President of the Route 66 Association of Missouri and owner of The Parsonage at Red Oak II.

From historic sites and roadside attractions to outlaws, musicians, and local legends, this engaging conversation highlights the unique stories that define travel along these legendary routes. Learn how small businesses, community pride, and preservation efforts keep the spirit of Americana alive, while also learning about upcoming centennial celebrations and special events in places like Joplin, Missouri.

You will also hear about the Crossroads of America Centennial Conference taking place September 19–22, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, and why this event is a must for history enthusiasts, road trippers, and anyone passionate about preserving and exploring America’s historic highways.

Whether you're drawn to the scenic beauty of the Ozarks, intrigued by haunted highways and historic buildings, or inspired by the people you meet along the way, this episode celebrates the timeless experience of road tripping through America’s heartland.

Learn more about Route 66 in Missouri: https://www.missouri66.org/

The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway—also known as “The Pines to the Palms Highway”—runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/

Plan your journey with the Jefferson Highway Travel Guide: https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/

Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday. Follow the show at https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/

Celebrate the spirit of adventure with this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Sip, Savor & Travel" Show featuring travel writer Linda Kissam, the Food, Wine & Shopping Diva, alongside special guests Becky Mandelbaum of Visit Bellingham and Andy Brown of Tourism Golden.

Together, they explore the scenic beauty, outdoor adventures, and local culture of Bellingham and Golden—two vibrant destinations perfect for a memorable Pacific Northwest road trip.

From hiking and wildflower viewing in North Cascades National Park to skiing near Mount Baker, and from exploring charming downtown districts to discovering Golden’s mountain landscapes and national parks, this episode is packed with inspiration for outdoor lovers and curious travelers alike.

Get tips on scenic drives, unique lodging experiences—from cozy cabins to luxury stays—and insights into the local food scenes, breweries, and community culture that make both destinations so special.

TRAVEL PLANNING LINKS & RESOURCES 📖 Read Linda’s article on Substack: https://vacationstationtravel.substack.com/p/epic-pacific-northwest-road-trip 🌐 Visit Bellingham Whatcom County: https://www.bellingham.org/ 🌐 Explore Golden, British Columbia: https://www.tourismgolden.com/ 🎙 Listen to more episodes featuring Linda Kissam: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1LoD5wiSJu4NM4KZxuJYoj 🌍 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station," Parks & Travel," and "Road Trip Radio" Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show features Roger Bell, President of the Jefferson Highway Association, who shares insights on the connections between the historic Jefferson Highway and Route 66, along with a glimpse of the upcoming Crossroads of America Centennial Conference in Joplin, Missouri.

As always, the show features Roger Bell, Co-Host and President of the Jefferson Highway Association, along with host and producer Lisa D. Smith.

From early 20th-century road development to modern-day road trip adventures, this conversation explores how these iconic highways helped shape American travel, culture, and tourism. Roger highlights Joplin’s role as a historic crossroads, discusses the evolution of highway systems, and shares why every community along these routes has a unique story to tell.

Hear about the Crossroads of America Centennial Conference taking place September 19–22, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, and why this event is a must for history enthusiasts, road trippers, and anyone passionate about preserving America’s historic highways.

The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway—also known as “The Pines to the Palms Highway”—runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/

Plan your journey with the Jefferson Highway Travel Guide website: https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/

The Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday (except on holidays). Follow the show at https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com

Discover the dazzling history of Las Vegas through its iconic neon lights on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Road Trip Radio” Podcast. Travel writer Debbie Stone shares fascinating insights from her visit to the Neon Museum— home to the famous Neon Boneyard and a remarkable collection of restored and preserved signs that tell the story of the city’s vibrant past.

From legendary hotels like the Flamingo Las Vegas and El Cortez Hotel and Casino to the cultural significance of neon as an art form, this episode explores how Las Vegas evolved from a desert stopover into an entertainment capital. Debbie also highlights preservation efforts that keep the city’s glowing history alive for future generations.

🎧 Read Debbie’s article: https://bigblendmedia.substack.com/p/the-neon-museum

🔗 Plan your visit to the Neon Museum: https://www.neonmuseum.org

🎙️ Listen to Debbie’s Big Blend Radio “Global Adventures” Podcast: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/

📰 Explore Debbie's Big Blend Radio "Global Adventures" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qiqy/#p=1

Welcome back to Day 2 of our special Jefferson Highway 4-part series, "Find Your Heart in Greenville, Texas." After exploring the incredible history at the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum in Part 1, today we look at the living, breathing pulse of this Northeast Texas community.

Recorded in the heart of downtown at Prairie Coffee House, we sit down with local leaders and residents to discuss how Greenville is growing—and doing it with integrity.

In this episode: * Stacey Foley (Greenville Tourism Manager): Our "tour guide" shares the inside scoop on Greenville’s attractions and community spirit. * Randy Tarpley (Tarpley Realtors): Insights into the booming housing market and why people are flocking to Greenville. * Hannah Bywater (Greenville Chamber of Commerce): Discussing local business growth and the town's welcoming atmosphere. * Local Perspectives: Residents Xachary Aguilar and Natalie Pegg share why this city is the perfect place to live, work, and visit.

We also highlight how Greenville is preserving its past while building its future, including the amazing Lofts on Lee vacation rentals right above us!

Links Mentioned: * Greenville Tourism: http://travelgreenvilletx.com/ * The Route: https://jeffersonhighway.org/ * Plan Your Texas Trip: https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/travel-directory/texas * Part 1 of the Podcast Series: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/p/greenville-texas-part-one * Prairie Coffee House:https://prairiecoffeeco.com/ * Tarpley Realtors: https://www.tarpleyrealtors.com/ * Greenville Chamber of Commerce: https://www.greenvillechamber.com/ * Stay Updated: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/