In this festive episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” Podcast, travel writer Jo Clark celebrates the magic of the holiday season through Christmas traditions, winter travel, and comforting seasonal flavors. The conversation explores the fascinating history of nutcrackers, including a visit to A’ Tuscan Estate B&B in McMinnville, Oregon, where the innkeeper Erin has a nutcracker collection.

The episode also highlights winter escapes in Myrtle Beach and Charleston, the sparkle of New York City in winter, and beloved holiday recipes like oyster stew, chocolate bark, and festive cocktails. Plus, hear about the 2026 launch of Big Blend's "Jo Goes Everywhere" podcast magazine, the importance of experiences over material gifts, supporting small businesses, and enjoying culinary and cultural traditions during the holidays.

🔗 Links & Resources * History of Nutcrackers Article https://bigblendmedia.substack.com/p/exploring-christmas-traditions * A’ Tuscan Estate B&B in McMinnville: https://a-tuscanestate.com/ * Christmas in Myrtle Beach: https://recipestravelculture.com/myrtle-beach-style-christmas/ * Winter in Charleston: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/winter-in-charleston-south-carolina/ * Winter in New York City: https://recipestravelculture.com/incredible-during-new-york-city-winters/ * Oyster Stew – Food for the Heart: https://recipestravelculture.com/oyster-stew-christmas-food-traditions/ * Rudolph Christmas Cocktail: https://recipestravelculture.com/the-rudolph-christmas-cocktail/ * Chocolate Bark Recipe: https://recipestravelculture.com/chocolate-bark/

🎧 New episodes air every 2nd Sunday. Listen: https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/

🎙️ this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Big Daily Blend," "Vacation Station," and "Eat, Drink & Be Merry: podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Barbara Redding explores the unexpected dual legacy of Jamestown, New York—a town shaped by both global justice and iconic comedy.

The conversation highlights Jamestown native Robert H. Jackson, whose work as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice and chief prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials helped establish international accountability for war crimes. Balancing this powerful history is Jamestown’s beloved connection to Lucille Ball, whose legacy lives on through the National Comedy Center and the town’s vibrant cultural scene.

From historic institutions like the Chautauqua Institute to local wineries and food experiences, Barbara shows how travel brings history, culture, and storytelling together in meaningful ways.

🌐 Read Barbara’s article, “Justice and Comedy: Jamestown, New York’s Surprising Dual Legacy,” on Big Blend’s "Vacation Station" Travel Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/vacationstationtravel/p/justice-and-comedy

🌐 Follow Barbara’s adventures: https://barbararedding.com/ 🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org 🌐 Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/

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

The conversation also highlights the importance of planning additional activities, managing expectations, and embracing the unpredictability that comes with chasing natural wonders. Whether you're a photographer, a dreamer, or an adventurer, this episode offers both awe and actionable advice.

📖 Read Rose’s Article "Tips to See the Northern Lights": https://quiltripping.com/tips-to-see-the-northern-lights/

🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/

🎧 Subscribe on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/

📲 Also Featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Nature Connection," and "Parks & Travel" Podcast Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork