Episodes

  • Celebrate National Walking Month and Small Business Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's Vacation Station "Hey Wanna Go" Travel Show with travel advisor Cheryl Ogle. From getting a local's lay of the land and an insider's lowdown on the best shops, restaurants, events, and places to visit, to being kind on the wallet and a healthy activity inbetween culinary indulgences, hear about the myraid of ways walking tours can amp up your vacation experience.

    Check out Cheryl's blog on Walking Tours, which includes some great (and free) recommendations: https://heywannago.wordpress.com/2024/04/30/walking-tours-to-celebrate-national-walking-month/

    On Big Blend Radio every third Wednesday, Cheryl is a world traveler, accredited travel advisor, and owner of Hey Wanna Go that specializes in travel to Europe and the UK, as well as river and ocean cruises. More: https://heywannago.com/

  • From the Andes to Patagonia, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures with Linda Ballou" covers her 17-day sojourn into South America with Overseas Adventure Travel. You can read her stories on her South American experiences on NABBW.org here:* Chile: https://tinyurl.com/5n8caxzj* Patagonia: https://tinyurl.com/33ffa7be

    When Linda visited Chile and Patagonia, conservation efforts spearheaded by Kristine Tompkins were underway. When her husband, Doug Tompkins, died in a kayaking accident in 2015, she picked up the pieces of their shared dream to purchase millions of acres in Patagonia and Chile with the plan to give the land to the government to create a national park system that would rival the one we enjoy here in the U.S. In this Ted Talk she provides all the details with images of the transformation she is leading in Patagonia and Chile. https://youtu.be/UWothcLpazU?si=pwm6HXxkzWnjcnzM

    In 2023 National Geographic produced the film "Wild Life" spotlighting Tompkins efforts. Trailer: https://films.nationalgeographic.com/wild-life

    Follow Linda Ballou's adventures at https://lostangeladventures.com/ and learn more about her books at http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/

    Listen to Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" Show every 3rd Wednesday at High Noon PST, here on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm3Bmktgu8osUzx2VOF35dgO&feature=shared

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  • On this episode of Big Blend Radio's JO GOES EVERYWHERE! Podcast with travel writer and photographer Jo Clark, we hear about her roots travel experiences in Gettysburg, where she literally stepped in the footsteps of her ancestors. Read her article about it here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/gettysburg-in-the-footsteps-of-ancestors/

    Jo Clark is a travel writer and photographer based on South Carolina’s Grand Strand. She has a thirst for knowledge, history, great food, and wine! Her Big Blend Radio podcast "Jo Goes Everywhere!" airs every 2nd Sunday at 7pm EST. Follow the show on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yfkjm8sd

  • This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features Rick Makanaaloha Kia'imeaokekanaka San Nicolas (Kanaka Maoli) who returned for the fifth time as the National Parks Arts Foundation artist-in-residence at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

    Recognized as Ke Kumu Hulu Nui, meaning "Master of Hawaiian Featherwork of Old Hawai‘i," San Nicolas is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating this art form. Through his expertise and passion, he ensures that the traditions of feather lei making continue for generations to come. San Nicolas draws inspiration directly from the landscape of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, feeling a deep connection to the environment and its historical significance. He finds inspiration in the ancient Hawaiian featherwork tradition, particularly in the regalia worn by Hawaiian Royalty and warriors.

    This year Rick travels to Washington D.C. to present his featherwork for inclusion in the collection of the Museum of the Department of Interior as well as having it on display in the office of Secretary Deborah Haaland (Laguna Pueblo). He is also a consulting advisor in historical featherwork on the upcoming TV Series "Chief of War," starring Jason Momoa. More at: https://www.hawaiianfeathers.com/

    Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation's unique artist residency programs in parks across the country at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/

  • From hiking and cycling to kayaking and downtown public art and history walks, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast focuses on the various ways to explore and experience Tulare County.

    Located in Central California, Tulare County is home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest, and charming art and agricultural communities including Visalia, Tulare, Exeter, Dinuba, Porterville, Three Rivers, Lindsay, and Woodlake.

    Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include Sintia Kawasaki-Yee - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Suzanne Bianco - Visit Visalia, Cassidy Collins - Tulare Chamber of Commerce, and Kristy Martin - Porterville Chamber of Commerce

    Plan your visit with these websites mentioned in the podcast:- Sequoia Tourism Council: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm - Visit Visalia - https://www.visitvisalia.com/ - Tulare Chamber of Commerce - http://www.tularechamber.org/ - Porterville Chamber of Commerce - https://www.portervillechamber.org/

  • It's all about winter adventures in Jasper National Park on this episode of Big Blend Radio's WANDER THE WORLD WITH SHARON podcast with Sharon K. Kurtz. Here she uncovered the magic of winter in the Canadian Rockies, from the captivating Maligne Canyon Icewalk to the tranquil allure of snowshoeing on Pyramid Lake.

    Nestled in the heart of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, Jasper National Park is the largest national park in Canada and covers more than 4,000 square miles of natural wonders. Known for its abundant wildlife and extensive trail network; visitors from all over the world travel here to experience this very special place in all seasons. Read Sharon's article about her adventures here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/winter-adventure-in-jasper-national-park

    Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast features award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz. New episodes air every first Wednesday at 12pm CST at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1ALXeV1vR6H10EtkPvgDW5

    Enjoy Sharon’s writing at https://sharonkkurtz.com/ or follow her on https://www.instagram.com/shar_kurtz/

  • From Joshua Tree National Park to the fascinating Integratron, it's all about Great Road Tripping Adventures on this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's 4th Saturday “Palm Springs Sunshine Stays” Show.

    FEATURED GUESTS:* KIMBERLI MUNKRES from Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, a consortium of independently-owned boutique hotels in the desert resort community of Palm Springs, in Southern California. View the hotels and sign up the the monthly Boutiquely Palm Springs newsletter here: https://www.palmspringspreferredsmallhotels.com/

    * SANDI HEMMERLEIN is a writer and photojournalist. Based in L.A. but constantly on the prowl for new adventure, she spends most of her time nurturing her interest in birds, animals, neon, historic theaters, puppets, folk art, trains, and stained glass. Sandi documents everything on her own website https://www.avoidingregret.com which complements her work for PBS SoCal (as producer of the digital series SoCal Wanderer), Atlas Obscura, Los Angeles Magazine, Stacker, and many others.

    * KEVIN CARLOW has been a seeker of the strange and mysterious since his early childhood, spent reading in dusty corners of libraries and running amok in the woods of Massachusetts. While making a living in the service industry full-time in the Coachella Valley these days, he also has years of experience blogging and writing professionally about topics as varied as cocktails, movies, and tarot-reading. More: https://crypticcocktails.com/

    Follow this Big Blend Radio Podcast here: https://palm-springs-sunshine-stays.podbean.com/

  • In celebration of National Park Week, this episode of Big Blend Radio features travel writer Debbie Stone who shares her adventures in New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. New River Gorge National Park conserves over 70,000 acres of land along the New River between the towns of Hinton and Fayetteville within the central part of southern WVA. This is the newest National Park in the U.S., having been granted this status in 2020, bringing the total number of National Parks to 63. Read Debbie's article about her experiences here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/exploring-west-virginias-new-river-gorge-national-park/

  • In Celebration of National Park Week, we are featuring this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" Podcast, where Debbie talks about her hiking adventures in El Chaltén, a small, Patagonian mountain town known as the “National Capital of Trekking” in Argentina. Located in the Southern Andes, in Los Glaciares National Park, El Chaltén is set amid a valley between two rivers, at the foot of the unmistakable Cerro Chaltén or Mt. Fitz Roy. Check out Debbie's article and photos, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/el-chalten-hiking-adventures-in-argentine-patagonia

    And, learn more about her experiences at Estancia Cerro Guido that borders the eastern side of Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chilean Patagonia: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/immerse-yourself-in-the-soul-stirring-landscape-of-patagonia/

    Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" podcast airs every 4th Tuesday. Follow the podcast here: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/

  • In Celebration of National Park Week, we are featuring this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" Podcast, where Debbie shares her adventures in Southern Patagonia, Chile.

    Hear about her experiences at Estancia Cerro Guido that borders the eastern side of Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chilean Patagonia. The ranch covers an area of roughly 250,000 acres and is the largest estancia in the area. Torres del Paine National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the Eighth Wonder of the World. Read her story here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/immerse-yourself-in-the-soul-stirring-landscape-of-patagonia/

    Check out Debbie's adventures in El Chalten, Argentine Patagonia: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/el-chalten-hiking-adventures-in-argentine-patagonia/

    Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" podcast airs every 4th Tuesday. Follow the podcast here: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In celebration of National Park Week, this episode of Big Blend Radio with artist Victoria Chick is all about the art, life and legacy of George Catlin.

    George Catlin was an American painter, author, and traveler, who specialized in portraits of Native Americans in the American frontier. Many of the places he traveled through are parts of our National Park Service today. He explored the American West five times during the 1830s, and wrote about and painted portraits that depicted the life of the Plains Indians. Read Victoria's article about him here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/american-artist-author-traveler-george-catlin

    VICTORIA CHICK is a contemporary figurative artist and early 19th/20th century print collector based in Silver City, New Mexico. Visit: https://victoriachick.com/

    Victoria appears on Big Blend Radio every 3rd Saturday. Follow the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3an38624

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • With National Park Week (April 20-28), Earth Day (April 22), Arbor Day (April 27), Junior Ranger Day (April 27), and Kids to Parks Day (May 18) coming up, this episode of Big Blend Radio's 3rd Tuesday "Go to Natchitoches" show is all the various parks, historic sites and trails, and events you can experience in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

    Featured guest is K. Nicole Connell, Communication Manager of Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau, who talks about events and destinations such Cane River Creole National Historical Park, Melrose Plantation, Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, El Camino Real de las Tejas National Historic Trail, the historic Jefferson Highway, Briarwood Nature Reserve, and Kisatchie National Forest.

    Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and oldest settlement in Louisiana. Celebrating a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole cultures, this charming city is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area and Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. More about Natchitoches and its current events at https://natchitoches.com/

    Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show here: http://tinyurl.com/yc8csn8b

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • South Africa offers a unique blend of nature, culture, ocean, and unique thrill-seeking experiences. On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA, travel journalist Bernie van der Linde shares why South Africa is known as "a world in one country," and discusses its diverse landscapes and experiences. Read her article that highlights some of her recommended must-dos when you visit the country: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/must-do-experiences-in-south-africa/

    Bernie founded the travel blog https://travelbuddieslifestyle.com/ with her best friend and business partner, Petra, where they share their travel experiences of unique and luxurious destinations. Bernie’s love for exploring has taken her to many exotic locations around the world. Her passion for writing and travel has made her a trusted source of information and inspiration for the discerning traveller looking to explore the world in style.

    Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) at https://www.ifwtwa.org/

    Follow Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Shows with IFWTWA Here: https://shows.acast.com/big-blend-radio-ifwtwa

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • It's all about what to experiences on Whidbey and Camano Islands on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Tuesday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA. Featured guest is Inge Morascini who talks about the area's nature and outdoor adventures, farms and regional flavors, history and cultural arts, seasonal events, and unique lodging destinations.

    Located in the middle of Puget Sound, Whidbey and Camano Islands are an easy drive from Seattle. A great antidote for big city pressures, these rural islands feature wide-open beaches, scenic vistas, outdoor adventures, great art, fine dining, and more. See: https://whidbeycamanoislands.com/

    For more about the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) visit https://www.ifwtwa.org/

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Friday "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show with the National Parks Arts Foundation features Carissa "Lucky" Garcia, the Spring 2024 NPAF artist-in-residence in Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

    Carissa “Lucky” Garcia is an Indigenous/Chicana writer, performing artist, community organizer, anti-oppression educator and Indigenous Justice advocate. She is a founding member of the La Resistencia publishing press and poetry collective amplifying LGBTQ+ voices of color. Carissa’s storytelling communicates ideas that focus on her experience as an Iraq War veteran, Native American culture, love, politics, and her appreciation for comic books and science fiction. Her work has been featured at the University of Missouri Latinx Graduate Program, Rhode Island School of Design, UMKC Women of Color Leadership Conference, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Flatland KC, Prescott College, Redline Contemporary Arts Center, Dairy Arts Center, Denver Art Museum, and on the streets all across America.

    Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation's unique artist residency programs in parks across the country at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/

    Learn more about Chaco Culture National Historical Park at https://www.nps.gov/chcu/index.htm

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In time to plan for National Park Week (April 20-28), Earth Day (April 22), Junior Park Ranger Day (April 27), and Kids to Parks Day (May 18), this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast focuses on park and outdoor experiences in Tulare County. Hear about the region's giant sequoia trees, waterfalls, and wildflowers, along with picnics and cultural celebrations in beautiful community parks, preserves, gardens, and more.

    Located in Central California, Tulare County is home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest, and charming art and agricultural communities including Visalia, Tulare, Exeter, Dinuba, Porterville, Three Rivers, Lindsay, and Woodlake.

    Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include Sintia Kawasaki-Yee - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, and Suzanne Bianco - Visit Visalia. Plan your visit with these websites mentioned in the podcast:

    - Sequoia Tourism Council: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/

    - Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/

    - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks:

    * https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm

    * https://nps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=9f33fa32af394a129b0b548429dced01

    * https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/road-construction.htm

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Celebrate National Wildlife Week with this inaugural episode of Big Blend Radio's WANDER THE WORLD WITH SHARON podcast with Sharon K. Kurtz, who shares her experiences at the annual Whooping Crane Festival in Port Aransas, Texas.

    Nestled between Mustang Island and the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, Port Aransas unfolds as a Texas Gulf Coast sanctuary of small-town charm and endless activities. The 18 miles of pristine beaches, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, and encounters with diverse wildlife create a haven where the Texas Coastal Bend barrier islands and estuaries play the leading roles. Dolphins gracefully navigate the waters, sea turtles find refuge, and migrating birds paint a kaleidoscope of nature’s beauty. Read Sharon's article about it all here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/discover-the-timeless-allure-of-port-aransas/

    Plan your adventure in Port Aransas at https://www.portaransas.org/

    Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast features award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz. New episodes air every first Wednesday at 12pm CST at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1ALXeV1vR6H10EtkPvgDW5

    Sharon Kurtz is an accomplished travel writer and award-winning photographer based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to exploring the world and sharing her adventures through compelling storytelling. Her travels have taken her to more than 50 countries on six continents—her carry-on is always packed, ready for the next adventure. Enjoy Sharon’s writing at https://sharonkkurtz.com/ or follow her on https://www.instagram.com/shar_kurtz/

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • From the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone to Devils Tower National Monument and Mount Rushmore, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA features travel writer Susan Lanier-Graham, who shares some of her RV adventures through America's Western National Park Country, along with some great advice for those just getting started in RV travel.

    Susan Lanier-Graham is the publisher and founder of https://www.ifwtwa.org/

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This episode of Big Blend Radio's 2nd Thursday "New Mexico Bed & Breakfast Association" Show features John & Veronica Bush, owners and innkeepers of The Victorian Bed & Breakfast in Chama, which is north of Santa Fe and just south of the Colorado border. Hear about the historic inn (est. 1880), and what to experience in the greater Chama region including the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, the nature and outdoor recreational opportunities, and even some local folklore and unexplained mysteries!

    Book your stay at https://www.thevictorianchama.com/

    Stay New Mexico True and Visit: https://www.nmbba.org/

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.