Parks & Travel

Exploring Sidney, BC: Nautical Adventures and Local Delights

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Diva Saturday,” travel writer Linda Kissam, the “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva,” shares her recent adventures in Sidney, British Columbia—a lovely seaside town on Vancouver Island that’s rich with culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty.
This lively conversation highlights the charm of Sidney, from strolling the waterfront walkway and exploring local bookstores to savoring delicious pastries from the town’s famed bakery. Linda also spotlights the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, multicultural dining experiences, and the area’s vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
Linda also shares insights on the local transit system that connects Sidney to nearby attractions like Victoria and Butchart Gardens—where high tea, boutique shopping, and beautiful gardens await. Whether by land or sea, Sidney offers a delightful mix of adventure and relaxation that makes it a must-visit destination.
🔗 Read the article: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/nautical-adventures-exploring-the-beauty-of-sidney-british-columbia/ 
🎧 Follow Linda’s podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1LoD5wiSJu4NM4KZxuJYoj 
🌐 Linda’s travel blog: https://allingoodtaste.info/ 
🎙️ Also hear this episode on Big Blend’s “Parks & Travel” and “Vacation Station” podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Tijuana Ricks and Anthony Pirro: Artists-in-Residence in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Arts & Parks” Show features Tijuana Ricks and Anthony Pirro, who recently completed a National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) artist-in-residence program at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Known for her roles in Billions and Marvel’s Luke Cage, Tijuana is an acclaimed actress, writer, and director. Her partner, Anthony, brings a unique perspective as an education leader, genomics researcher, along with a background in creative production. More: https://www.tijuanaricks.com/ 
In this insightful conversation, Tijuana and Anthony share their experiences and insights from their time on the Big Island. They discuss the vital role of storytelling, the profound connection between humanity and nature, and how their immersive experience in Hawaiian culture inspired their creative process. The episode also explores the evolving landscape of the arts in the face of new challenges, emphasizing that authenticity and the human experience are more vital than ever.
🌐 Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation’s artist residencies:https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts" and "Parks & Travel" Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork   

Fall in California’s Sequoia Country: Outdoor Adventures and Festive Family Fun

Experience the beauty and bounty of fall in California’s Sequoia Country with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “California Sequoia Country” podcast! 
Explore the vibrant outdoor activities, seasonal wildlife, and lively community events of Tulare County, California—home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, and the Giant Sequoia National Monument.
Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include:* Holly Streit – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm * Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/ * Alida Verduzco Silva – Tulare County Economic Development: https://discovertularecounty.com/ * Julia Dix – Tulare Chamber of Commerce: https://www.tularechamber.org/ * Sandy Blankenship – Exeter Fall Festival / Kiwanis Club: https://www.exeterkiwanis.org/ * Magdalena Salazar – City of Porterville: https://www.ci.porterville.ca.us/ 
From fall colors in Mineral King and active wildlife in the parks to local celebrations like the Dark Sky Festival, Taste of Downtown Visalia, Exeter Fall Festival, Springville Apple Festival, Tulare County Fair, Porterville Pioneer Days, and foodie favorites like the Taco Trail, this conversation highlights the best of Tulare County during the fall season.
📍 Download the free Tulare County Visitor Guide: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 
🎧 Listen & Subscribe to the Podcast: https://discover-the-sequoias.podbean.com/ 
📡 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s "Parks & Travel," "Vacation Station," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Anchorage to Seward: Glaciers, Trains, Culture & Culinary Adventures

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Wander the World with Sharon”, we explore Anchorage, Alaska as the perfect gateway to adventure, and follow the journey south to Seward by scenic train.
From biking the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail to savoring local seafood and Wild Scoops’ unique ice cream flavors, this conversation highlights Anchorage’s vibrant blend of nature, culture, and cuisine. We also take you aboard the Coastal Classic train ride to Seward, the breathtaking Kenai Fjords tour, and cultural experiences like the Iditarod race and the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Plus, there’s a peek at exciting future travels to Quebec City!
📝 Read Sharon’s related articles:- Alaska Railroad GoldStar Service – Coastal Classic: https://shebuystravel.com/alaska-railroad-goldstar-service-coastal-classic/ - Anchorage Stopover Itinerary: https://shebuystravel.com/anchorage-stopover-itinerary/ - Anchorage in Focus: A Smart Stopover Between Cruise and Land: https://www.vaxvacationaccess.com/the-compass/posts/anchorage-in-focus-a-smart-stopover-between-cruise-and-land/ 
🎙️ Learn more about travel writer and award-winning photograher Sharon K. Kurtz: https://sharonkkurtz.com 
📅 Tune in on the first Wednesday of every month at 12pm CST:https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com 
🎧 This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station and Parks & Travel podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Fall Adventures Await in Asheville, North Carolina

Get ready to embrace the colors, flavors, and festivities of autumn in Asheville! This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Adventures in Asheville” Podcast highlights the best ways to experience fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains—from leaf peeping and haunted tours to festivals, food, and art.
Co-hosted by Steve & Karen Wilson—aka “Mr & Mrs Wild” and innkeepers of the beautifully restored Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in the Montford Historic District—this lively conversation covers:
🍂 Breathtaking fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway👻 Haunted tours that dive into Asheville’s history and spooky side🚶 Outdoor adventures like hiking and ziplining in crisp autumn air🎨 Cultural festivals and Art in the Park featuring local artists🎶 Seasonal events that showcase Asheville’s vibrant community🍷 Food and drink experiences that celebrate fall flavors🎃 Halloween festivities that bring the city together in fun, festive ways🛏️ Cozy fall stays and unique hospitality at The Lion & The Rose B&B
🎧 From fall color drives and haunted history walks to art festivals, food, and Halloween fun—this episode is your seasonal guide to Asheville’s autumn charm.
🛏️ Learn more about Steve & Karen Wilson and their beautiful B&B: www.lion-rose.com 
🎙️ More Fall-Fun Asheville Episodes to Enjoy(Note: some interviews are pre-Hurricane Helene)* Ziplining: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/zipline-asheville/ * Montford Historic District: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/the-montford-historic-district-of-asheville-north-carolina/ * WNC Nature Center: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/wnc-nature-center/ * Chimney Rock State Park: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/adventures-at-chimney-rock-north-carolina/ * Ghostly Adventures: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/ghostly-adventures-in-asheville-north-carolina/ * 23 Must-Do Experiences: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/23-must-do-experiences-in-asheville-in-2023/ 
🎧 "Adventures in Asheville" airs every 1st Tuesday of the month. Listen and follow the show on PodBean: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/ 
🌐 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Parks & Travel" and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore more Big Blend Radio podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Family Nature Adventures in San Antonio Hill Country

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show, travel writer Terri Guthrie shares her family’s multi-generational adventures in the San Antonio Hill Country. From exploring the awe-inspiring Natural Bridge Caverns and experiencing the breathtaking bat emergence at Bracken Bat Cave, to interacting with giraffes and exotic birds at the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, Terri highlights the wonder and joy of connecting with nature.
The conversation showcases the beauty, excitement, and educational value of outdoor experiences, and how they create unforgettable family memories. A perfect feature for Intergeneration Month, this episode reminds us of the value of shared travel experiences across all ages.
📖 Read Terri’s article: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/texas-hill-country-travel-surprises 
🛎️ Plan your San Antonio trip: https://www.visitsanantonio.com/ 
🎙️ Listen weekly: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ 
🎧 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Nature Connection, Parks & Travel, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

California Coastal Adventures

Celebrate American Adventures Month on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" podcast with travel writer and author Linda Ballou, who shares her coastal California adventures visiting both new and familiar destinations featured in her book, "Lost Angel in Paradise."
From Malibu’s resilience and Santa Barbara’s cultural charm to Morro Bay’s birding hotspots, Cambria’s elephant seals, and the rugged trails of Big Sur, this episode highlights the beauty, recovery, and hidden gems of California’s breathtaking coastline. Linda also emphasizes the importance of preserving nature while enjoying outdoor adventures like hiking, birdwatching, and exploring scenic byways.
📝 Read Linda’s Articles:🔗 Untamed Beauty of Big Sur: https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/linda-ballou-samples-the-untamed-beauty-of-big-sur-along-the-pacific-coast-highway-from-point-lobos-to-pacific-grove/ 🔗 Bird’s Eye View of Morro Bay: https://travelscope.net/birds-eye-view-of-morro-bay-on-the-central-coast-of-california/ 🔗 Whale Trail Stops on Hwy 1: https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/whale-trail-stops-on-the-hwy-1-discovery-route/ 🔗 Lollygagging at the Olallieberry Inn: https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/lollygagging-at-the-olallieberry-inn/ 
🌍 Follow Linda’s travel adventures & books:🔗 https://lostangeladventures.com 🔗 http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/ 
🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Wednesday at Noon PST🎙️ Subscribe to Big Blend Radio: https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com 
🎤 Also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station", "Big Daily Blend", "Road Trip Radio," and "Parks & Travel" Podcast Channels. Explore the full network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Exploring the Wild: Alaska and Yukon Road Trip

Celebrate American Adventures Month and National Parks Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" podcast!
Travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares her epic three-week road trip through Alaska and the Yukon. From bear viewing at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park to exploring the rugged beauty of Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Kluane National Park, Rose’s journey is filled with adventure, wildlife, and unforgettable scenery. She also talks about navigating the legendary Alcan Highway, making the most of car rentals in Alaska, and her stay at the luxurious yet remote Tincup Wilderness Lodge. Along the way, she samples surprising culinary delights and offers practical tips for planning travel in these vast and wild destinations.
🌐 Read Rose's article about her stay at the Tincup Wilderness Lodge: https://quiltripping.com/tincup-wilderness-lodge-review/ 
🔗 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/ 
🎧 Subscribe to the Quiltripping Travel with Rose Podcast on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ 
📲 Also Featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, Road Trip Radio, and Big Daily Blend Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork