Big Blend Radio

End-of-summer and fall are a wonderful time to experience Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana! From church and school fairs and live music to Bunkie Trade Days, Halloween fun, local food and seasonal events, there are plenty of reasons to visit.In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel Avoyelles" podcast, hosts Lisa D. Smith talks with Wilbert Carmouche and Mary Guillory of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism about what's happening throughout Avoyelles Parish as summer winds down and fall begins.They talk about upcoming fairs, community events, live Cajun and Zydeco music, Halloween celebrations, shopping, art, food and local traditions—including the church and school fairs that bring communities together throughout the fall.You'll also hear about some of the food that makes Avoyelles special, from gumbo and jambalaya to homemade cakes, cochon de lait, locally grown produce, sweet potatoes and those wonderful fair plate lunches.As always, the best way to experience Avoyelles is to get out and meet the people, enjoy the food and become part of the community.* Plan Your Avoyelles Parish Visit & Get Event Info: https://travelavoyelles.com/ * Listen to new episodes and follow the Travel Avoyelles podcast: https://travel-avoyelles.podbean.com/ 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" podcast, travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer takes us aboard the Rosa, a luxury hotel barge operated by European Waterways, for a leisurely journey through the beautiful Gascony region of southern France.This is slow travel at its best—cruising quietly along France's historic canals, cycling shaded towpaths, exploring medieval villages and UNESCO-listed sites, enjoying exceptional local food and wine, and simply having time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Rose describes the intimate experience of traveling with just six guests and a four-person crew aboard the Rosa, which accommodates a maximum of eight passengers.The journey begins in the Toulouse area and follows approximately 70 miles of the Canal de Garonne, with excursions into historic towns and the countryside. Rose visits the UNESCO-listed Abbey of Saint Pierre, explores one of France's designated "Most Beautiful Villages," visits a working cheese farm, samples regional Armagnac, and joins the chef at a local farmers market to select fresh ingredients for the day's meals.Food is a major part of the experience. Rose describes multi-course meals featuring local cheeses, fresh produce, regional wines, and ingredients purchased directly from local farmers—including strawberries, cherries, apricots, meats, vegetables, and more. As Lisa puts it during the conversation, it's "farm to barge."Rose also explains why barge cruising can be such a wonderful option for solo travelers: you can travel independently without being alone, while leaving the driving, navigation, meals, sightseeing logistics, and daily planning to the crew. The small-group atmosphere makes it easy to form connections with fellow travelers and crew members.Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a friends' or family charter, a solo travel experience, or simply a peaceful way to discover rural France, this episode offers an enticing look at the pleasures of small-ship cruising, authentic cultural experiences, and slow travel.📖 Read Rose Palmer's Featured Article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/cruising-france-on-the-rosa-barge 🚤 Learn More About European Waterways: https://www.europeanwaterways.com/ 🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/ 📰 Check Out the "Quiltripping Travel" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/QUILTRIPPING-TRAVEL-WITH-ROSE-MAG/#p=1 🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ 

Who was Enheduanna — the woman often recognized as the world’s first known named author?On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward, we welcome award-winning poet and debut historical fantasy novelist Ellen Rachlin, author of Enheduanna’s Song From the Sands, coming August 25, 2026 from Histria Fiction.Set in ancient Mesopotamia around 2300 BCE, "Enheduanna’s Song From the Sands" brings to life Enheduanna, daughter of Sargon the Great and High Priestess of Ur, whose name is associated with some of the earliest known literary works to identify an author. Rachlin discovered Enheduanna while researching overlooked historical figures and was captivated by her poetry, power, struggles and enduring mystery.In our conversation, Ellen discusses researching ancient Mesopotamia, the challenge of reconstructing a world with limited surviving evidence, and the fascinating process of blending historical fact, mythology and imagination. We also explore Enheduanna's role as a powerful religious and economic leader, her exile and struggle to regain her position, and the importance of reclaiming women's stories that have been overlooked or reduced to historical footnotes.We also talk about Ellen's transition from poetry to historical fantasy, the importance of preserving women's voices, ancient writing and literature, the mythology surrounding Inanna and Ereshkigal, and why Enheduanna's story still resonates today.- Check out the Big Blend Book Review by Nancy J. Reid: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/enheduannas-song-from-the-sands - Learn more about Ellen Rachlin and her books at https://www.ellenrachlin.com/ - Learn more about Books Forward and its authors at https://booksforward.com/ 

Join Big Blend Radio for a Getting to Know You conversation with author Tara Badstubner, whose debut novel, "Every Room Remembers," is forthcoming from Sibylline Press on September 25, 2026.In this warm and insightful conversation, Tara talks about her journey as a writer, what inspired her to create stories, her love of interior design, the places and experiences that shape her creative work, and the role of the natural world in her storytelling.Tara also gives us a preview of "Every Room Remembers," a lyrical work of literary fiction about love, loss, memory, grief and finding a way forward. The novel follows interior designer SJ Monroe after the sudden death of her husband, Wyatt, as she returns to her hometown of Beaufort, South Carolina, takes on the restoration of the historic Osprey House, reconnects with family and friends, and begins noticing signs from the natural world. Meanwhile, Wyatt, trapped in a liminal state, faces his own journey of regret, unresolved emotions and healing.Tara shares why she wanted to explore “the other side of grief,” how animals and signs from nature became meaningful elements of the story, and why she believes home can be a refuge. She also discusses how writing during the COVID era helped her explore fear and loss through fiction, and what she hopes readers experiencing grief will take away from the novel.This is our first conversation with Tara, so stay tuned for our follow-up Books & Authors interview next month, when we'll take a deeper dive into "Every Room Remembers."📚 Pre-order "Every Room Remembers" and learn more about Tara: https://www.tarabadstubner.com/ 🎙️ Visit the Big Blend Media House: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/ 

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/