Big Blend Radio

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel Show "with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Amy Nesler of the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau invites us to Eat Local First and discover the food, farms, producers, and sustainable traditions that make Washington's San Juan Islands so special.Beyond the spectacular scenery and outdoor adventures, the San Juan Islands offer a rich agricultural and culinary experience. Amy shares stories of family farms, heritage fruits, local wineries and cideries, sustainable seafood, farm-to-table dining, and the connections between island farmers, chefs, artisans, and visitors.We also explore the region's deep food heritage, including Coast Salish traditions, heritage agriculture, shellfish, reef-net fishing, and efforts to preserve and celebrate local foodways. The conversation highlights how choosing locally grown and produced foods can help visitors connect more meaningfully with a destination while supporting the communities they visit.Amy also shares details about Savor the San Juans, an annual celebration of local food and agriculture featuring farm tours, farm dinners, wine experiences, restaurant events, artisan producers, and opportunities to meet the people behind the food.If you're passionate about sustainable travel, farm-to-table experiences, local food, culinary adventures, and authentic community connections, this episode offers plenty of inspiration for your next San Juan Islands getaway.👉 Visit the San Juan Islands:https://www.visitsanjuans.com/🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA:https://www.ifwtwa.org/🌐 Follow the Food, Wine & Travel 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

Step inside one of Oklahoma City’s most remarkable historic restorations with Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Podcast.In Part 1 of our three-part Oklahoma City series, Travel Journalist Terri Guthrie takes us inside The National Hotel, a luxurious Marriott Autograph Collection property housed within Oklahoma City’s historic First National Center.Originally opened in 1931 as First National Bank, this Art Deco and Neoclassical landmark has been transformed into a sophisticated hotel while preserving its soaring Great Hall, historic murals, marble columns, original architectural details, and massive bank vault — now home to The Vault cocktail bar.Recorded on-site at The National, this episode also features Terri’s conversations with Amanda Clark, Director of Sales & Catering, who shares the building’s history and restoration, and Chef Jason Jonilonis, Director of Culinary, who talks about the hotel’s restaurants, dining experiences, Stock & Bond Steakhouse, and the impressive beverage program.We explore the Great Hall, Tellers, Stock & Bond, The Gilded Acorn, The Vault, the hotel’s guest rooms and Presidential Suite, its weekend high teas, shopping and amenities, and why The National is more than a hotel — it’s a destination within downtown Oklahoma City.The episode also highlights Oklahoma City as an easy getaway from the Dallas-Fort Worth area and a walkable destination filled with museums, parks, gardens, dining, culture, and entertainment. What a way to celebrate America 250 and American Adventures Month (August)!Plan your stay: https://www.thenationalokc.com/ Stay tuned for more of Terri’s Oklahoma City adventures!🏨 Visit The National Hotel: https://www.thenationalokc.com/ 🎙️ Travel with Terri: https://www.travelwithterri.com/ 📻 Travel with Terri airs every other Tuesday: https://www.travelwithterri.com/podcast 📰 The Luxe Explorer Magazine: https://www.travelwithterri.com/magazine 🌎 Travel with Terri highlights on Big Blend Media House: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/t/terri-guthrie 

Victoria, British Columbia, offers a wonderful mix of gardens, castles, history, culture, waterfront scenery and easygoing family adventure. Celebrate Family Fun Month with this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wanderer's Compass" Travel Podcast, travel writers Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough continue their adventures with Ryan’s son—this time crossing the border from the Pacific Northwest to Vancouver Island.From taking the Victoria Clipper from Seattle and exploring the Inner Harbour to discovering the world-famous Butchart Gardens, enjoying afternoon tea, visiting the Royal BC Museum and exploring Victoria’s fascinating castles, this episode shows just how much can be packed into a short getaway.They talk about Victoria’s British and European influences, First Nations history and cultural heritage, Chinatown, the city’s walkability, family-friendly attractions, waterfront neighborhoods and the relaxed pace that makes Victoria such a memorable destination. They also share the stories behind Hatley Castle and Craigdarroch Castle—and why castle hunting doesn't have to end when you leave Europe.For Ryan’s son, the trip offered another opportunity to learn through travel, explore history and culture, and add another country to his growing list of adventures.- Read their companion article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/victoria-british-columbia - And if you missed their previous adventure, listen to "Traveling Europe Across Generations: Castles, Culture & Curiosity," featuring Ryan, his son and Joelle: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/traveling-europe-with-a-child  - Follow Wanderer's Compass: https://wandererscompass.com - Listen to More Wanderers Compass Podcast Episodes: https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/ - Check out the Wanderers Compass Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/WANDERERS-COMPASS-MAG-2026/ 

Celebrate American Adventures Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel podcast featuring writer Jo Clark who takes us into the wild and wonderful world of Audubon’s Francis Beidler Forest Center and Sanctuary in Harleyville, South Carolina—an extraordinary old-growth forest and swamp ecosystem filled with ancient trees, wildlife, birds, waterways, and fascinating history.Jo shares her experience exploring this remarkable sanctuary, which is home to 1,000-year-old bald cypress trees, more than 150 bird species, hundreds of vertebrate and plant species, alligators, and other unique wildlife. The conversation also explores the history behind the forest, including the Santee River Cypress Lumber Company and how land once threatened by logging was ultimately preserved. The sanctuary and nearby Congaree National Park trace part of their history to the same former timberland holdings.The episode also highlights the many ways visitors can experience the forest, from its elevated boardwalk and guided bird walks to seasonal paddling, nighttime excursions, UV flashlight adventures, and spectacular synchronized firefly viewing. Jo explains why timing your visit matters, including how spring's higher water levels can make kayaking possible and how different seasons offer different wildlife experiences.Accessibility and trip planning are also part of the conversation, including available wheelchairs and binoculars, nearby lodging at Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Santee, dining at the long-established Clark's Restaurant, and the importance of checking current hours and booking special programs in advance.Whether you're interested in nature travel, birding, wildlife, South Carolina road trips, old-growth forests, conservation, or unique outdoor adventures, this episode offers plenty of inspiration—and another destination to add to Jo's ever-growing travel list.📖 Read Jo's companion article:https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/audubon-francis-beidler-forest-center-sanctuary 📖 Check out Jo's New "JO GOES EVERYWHERE!" Digital Magazine:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/kkbr/ 📲 Follow Jo:https://haveglasswilltravel.com/ | https://recipestravelculture.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JoGoesEverywhere Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaveGlassWillTravel/ 🎧 New episodes air every 2nd Sunday. Listen:https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/ 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “ABC's of Horses” equestrian podcast, World Champion horse trainer Christy Wood kicks off Volume 2 with the letter A, exploring Action & Agility and what these qualities reveal about a horse's movement, balance, conformation, and athletic ability.Christy explains why observing a horse in motion is so important—whether you're evaluating a horse before purchase, watching it move freely, observing it on the lunge line, or seeing it under saddle. She discusses how proper conformation, alignment, hoof placement, balance, and physical structure all contribute to a horse's ability to move efficiently and stay sound.The conversation also explores the importance of “form to function” and choosing a horse that matches its intended purpose and the rider's needs. A horse suited for trail riding may have different athletic requirements than one destined for jumping, racing, rodeo, or other demanding disciplines.Christy also shares insights into evaluating horses remotely through video and why having a trained eye can make a difference when purchasing a horse.🔗 EXPLORE MORE📖 Check out Volume 1 of the ABC's of Horses Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ABCS-OF-HORSES/ 📚 Connect with Christy & get her books: http://wdnhorse.com 🎧 Listen to more episodes of the ABC's of Horses Podcast:https://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com/ 

Celebrate the flavors of late summer with Donna George, owner of The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona, as she shares delicious ways to elevate sandwiches, charcuterie boards, brunches, and everyday meals using gourmet pickles, preserves, fruit butters, salsas, olives, local honey, and more. From peach butter and cherry butter to stuffed olives, pickled vegetables, artisan salsas, and classic peanut butter combinations, discover easy entertaining ideas and creative flavor pairings perfect for National Sandwich Month, National Peach Month, and National Goat Cheese Month.Donna also shares memories of homemade peaches, favorite sandwich combinations, charcuterie inspiration, freeze-dried ice cream updates, and simple ways to create gourmet meals without spending hours in the kitchen.Learn more about The Peanut Patch:https://thepeanutpatch.com Listen to more episodes: https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/ Browse Donna's FREE "Wine & Bites" digital recipe magazine:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/fmlb/