Celebrate Pittsburg, Kansas' 150th Anniversary Year with this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast exploring the history, culture, food, music, and heritage of Crawford County in Southeast Kansas—just in time for America 250, the Route 66 Centennial, and the upcoming Crossroads of America Centennial Conference.

Featured guest is Chris Wilson, Marketing & Communications for Explore Crawford County and Treasurer of Southeast Kansas Tourism.

Travel the original Jefferson Highway through Crawford County as Chris shares stories about historic road alignments, original concrete pavement, century-old iron bridges, Lincoln Park's Jefferson Highway campsite, and the remarkable preservation efforts taking place throughout the region.

The conversation also explores Pittsburg's rich coal mining heritage, the famous Amazon Army march, Big Brutus, colorful murals, public art, museums, genealogy research, and the diverse immigrant cultures that helped shape Southeast Kansas. Discover why the area is famous for its legendary fried chicken restaurants, live music, local breweries, scenic backroads, and authentic small-town experiences.

Don't forget the Crossroads of America Centennial Conference, taking place September 19–22, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, including the conference's popular Sociability Caravan motor tours celebrating the Jefferson Highway and Route 66, including Crawford County!

Learn more about Crawford County in Southeast Kansas: https://explorecrawfordcounty.com/

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. More: https://jeffersonhighway.org/

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

📰 Subscribe to the Jefferson Highway Dispatch: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/

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

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer, columnist, and author Cindy Ladage discusses her new book, "True Farm Girl Adventures," and shares stories celebrating rural America, agricultural heritage, small-town communities, and the people who keep these traditions alive.

From antique tractors and agri-tourism experiences to Route 66 road trips, hidden museums, historic figures, county fairs, and unexpected backroad discoveries, Cindy highlights the authentic experiences that connect travelers to America's heartland.

As part of National Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Month, this conversation also celebrates the farmers, agricultural traditions, and rural communities that help feed the nation while preserving an important part of America's cultural heritage. The episode also ties into the spirit of America 250, showcasing the stories, landscapes, and local histories that help tell America's ongoing story.

LINKS & RESOURCES: - New Book, "True Farm Girl Adventures": https://travelingadventuresofafarmgirl.com/2026/05/30/true-farm-girl-adventures-in-a-book-form/

- Story: "My Encounter with James Dean": https://travelingadventuresofafarmgirl.com/2020/09/24/my-encounter-with-james-dean/

- Follow Cindy's adventures: https://travelingadventuresofafarmgirl.com/

- Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/

- Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/

- Big Blend Radio's "Travel Food & Wine" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1

Celebrate the beauty, culture, and adventure of Washington State on this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Sip, Savor & Travel" Podcast with travel writer Linda Kissam, the "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva." Featured guest Matt Wakefield of Visit Tacoma-Pierce County shares insider tips on exploring Pierce County, a diverse destination where mountains, waterfront communities, vibrant cities, charming small towns, and outdoor adventures come together.

From the iconic Mount Rainier to Tacoma's thriving arts scene, unique museums, scenic hiking trails, local culinary experiences, and hidden treasures, discover why Pierce County is an ideal destination for road trippers, outdoor enthusiasts, food lovers, and culture seekers alike.

PLAN YOUR VISIT - Read Linda's article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/pierce-county-tacoma-summer-travel-guide - Plan Your Visit to Pierce County: https://www.visitpiercecounty.com/

FOLLOW LINDA'S ADVENTURES - More about Linda: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/travel-writer-linda-kissam - Explore Linda's "Sip, Savor & Travel" Digital Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/sip-savor-travel-magazine - Listen to more episodes of Big Blend Radio's "Sip, Savor & Travel" Podcast: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/sip-savor-travel-podcast

Video and photo footage courtesy of Visit Tacoma-Pierce County.

Just in time for National Road Trip Day (May 22), this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show explores the history, heritage tourism, and community spirit of Butler, Missouri, a vibrant destination along the historic Jefferson Highway.

As always, the show features Roger Bell, Co-Host and President of the Jefferson Highway Association, along with host and producer Lisa D. Smith. Featured guests are Samantha Stump of the Butler Chamber of Commerce and Doris Fuller of the Butler Historic Preservation Commission.

From colorful murals and historic downtown sites to upcoming celebrations and classic car culture, this engaging conversation highlights how Butler is preserving its Jefferson Highway legacy while welcoming modern travelers and road trippers.

Learn about the upcoming Jefferson Highway Car Show in Butler on June 13, along with the community’s efforts to promote heritage tourism through storytelling, signage, preservation projects, and downtown revitalization.

The episode also explores Butler’s fascinating history, including its recognition as the first city west of the Mississippi River to have electricity, its connection to Americana travel culture, and the importance of small-town experiences along America’s historic highways.

Roger Bell also shares updates on the upcoming Crossroads of America Centennial Celebration taking place in Joplin, Missouri, from September 19–22, 2026, including details about the event’s sociability caravan motor tours. Registration is now open at https://jeffersonhighway.org/

The discussion also highlights how communities along the Jefferson Highway continue to attract visitors through local events, murals, dining experiences, and authentic hospitality that celebrates the spirit of the open road.

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/

Learn more about Butler, Missouri: - Butler Chamber of Commerce: https://butlerchamber.com/ https://www.facebook.com/butlerchamberofcommerce

Butler Historic Preservation Commission: - https://www.facebook.com/butlerhistoricpreservationcommission/

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

Subscribe to the Jefferson Highway Dispatch: - https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.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/

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Victoria Burch of the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau shares what makes Chautauqua County a memorable year-round destination for travelers of all ages.

Located in Western New York near Lake Erie, Chautauqua County offers a unique mix of outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, history, wine country experiences, and family-friendly fun. The conversation highlights the region’s scenic lakes, hiking trails, winter sports, and charming small towns, along with its thriving craft beverage scene through the Grape & Grain Trail.

Discover attractions such as the National Comedy Center, the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, and the renowned Chautauqua Institution, known worldwide for its arts, education, and cultural programming.

The episode also explores outdoor adventures like boating on Chautauqua Lake, discovering the natural beauty of Panama Rocks Scenic Park, and experiencing local history at destinations like the Robert H. Jackson Center.

Whether you’re interested in wine tasting, comedy, history, arts, or nature escapes, Chautauqua County offers something for every traveler.

LINKS & RESOURCES - Plan your visit: https://www.tourchautauqua.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

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