Parks & Travel

Join this special episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show, featuring Tanya Ortega, acclaimed photographer and founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). In honor of Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Tanya shares inspiring stories and insights about NPAF’s exclusive month-long artist residency programs at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island and Haleakalā National Park on Maui.

These fully supported residencies are open to artists of all disciplines — including painters, photographers, sculptors, filmmakers, composers, musicians, writers, and more — offering a unique opportunity to live and create while surrounde...

From Cinco de Mayo to Memorial Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast highlights the best seasonal experiences in Tulare County, California — the gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, and the Giant Sequoia National Monument.

Discover what to see and do in this stunning region known for its towering giant sequoia trees, outdoor adventures, vibrant agricultural towns, and cultural events.

Featured Guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council:
🌮 Alida Verduzco Silva – Tulare County Resource Management Agency
Alida shares details about the new Tulare County Travel App, th...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's ROAD TRIP RADIO, travel writer Mimi Slawoff shares highlights from her new book, "Historic Los Angeles Roadsides" (Reedy Press). 

Discover quirky and historic spots along Route 66, Pacific Coast Highway, Mulholland Highway, and more—from Redondo Beach and Malibu to Hollywood and downtown LA. Get the inside scoop on LA’s fascinating roadside history and hidden gems. Learn more at https://mimislawoff.com/ 

This episode is also featured on Big Blend’s "Parks & Travel," "Vacation Station," and "Way Back When" podcast channels. Subscribe:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel with Terri" podcast, travel writer Terri Guthrie shares her insider tips on what to see and do at Lake Murray State Park—the oldest and largest state park in Oklahoma, located in the beautiful Chickasaw Country. Covering over 12,500 acres with a stunning 5,700-acre man-made lake, Lake Murray is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers alike.

Terri recounts decades of family adventures in this lush area known for its mature trees, rolling hills, and abundance of activities. Learn about the park's diverse amenities, including scenic hiki...

Think New York City is just skyscrapers and sidewalks? Think again! 🗽🌳 On this special Arbor Day (April 25) and National Go Birding Day (April 26) episode of Big Blend Radio, we chat with Ryan Mandelbaum—naturalist, science writer, and author of the beautifully illustrated new book, "Wild NYC: Experience the Amazing Nature In and Around New York City" (art by Chelsea Beck).

From red-tailed hawks in Manhattan to horseshoe crabs in Brooklyn, "Wild NYC" reveals over 130 species and shares insider tips for spotting them across all five boroughs. Part field guide, part trip planner, and part love letter to urban na...

In this special Earth Day episode of the Big Blend Radio, we’re joined by Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, to dive into the growing lifestyle trend of “backyarding” – the shift of indoor activities like dining, working, exercising, and entertaining to our outdoor spaces.

Kris shares how this powerful movement is encouraging communities across the country to invest in urban parks, public green spaces, and sustainable outdoor living areas. With over 15 years of advocacy, the TurfMutt Foundation continues to champion the health, environmental, and social benefits of getting outside and caring for our green spaces.<...

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Tuesday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA features Benjamin J. Berthelot, President & CEO of Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission, who shares what to experience in Lafayette, Louisiana including the food, music, history and culture, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly fun.

Lafayette is known as the Happiest City in America, where people visit from all over the world for an immersive experience. This vibrant city has a distinct culinary identity as the epicenter of Cajun & Creole cuisine, earning them the title Best Culinary Town in the South by The Local Palate. No matter...

Artist Lakin Epaloose joins Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday” Toast to The Arts & Parks” Podcast to talk about his paintings, photography, fashion design, and being the latest National Parks Arts Foundation artist-in-residence for Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.  

Lakin Epaloose, a painter and cultural bearer of the Zuni Tribe, works at Grand Canyon National Park in the cultural demonstration program. From 9:30am-1:30pm, on April 19, 2025, Lakin will offer a hands-on painting demonstration that follow his presentation at Kahuku Visitor Contact Station in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Watercolor supplies will be provided. The park’s Artist in Residence p...

From experiencing the world famous giant sequoia trees, wildflowers, waterfalls, and the reopening of Crystal Cave, to exploring charming agricultural communities and enjoying their seasonal events, activities, shopping, and dining destinations, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast focuses on spring adventures in Tulare County, California.

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 C...

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA features Mary Grace Kauffman of Destination Gettysburg who gives a spring and summer overview of what you can experience in beautiful and historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, including Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site. 

Spring and summer highlights include the Adam County Blossom Belt, Blossom Festival (April 26); Adams County Festival of Races (April 26-27), Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival (May 15th-18th & Aug. 14th-17th), Gettysburg Film Festival (May 8-11),  Battle of Gettysburg anniversary (July 1-3) and re-enactments (July 4-6), Gettysburg Bike Week motorcycle rally (July 10-1...

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio's PARKS & TRAVEL Podcast features travel writer Sharon K. Kurtz who shares her whale watching adventures in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Baja California Sur is a premier whale-watching destination, home to both the blue whales of Loreto Bay National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the gray whale nursery of Magdalena Bay. Read Sharon's article about her whale watching experiences in Loreto, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/top-whale-watching-spots-in-loreto-baja-california-sur/ 

Host of Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World" with Sharon Podcast, Sharon K. Kurtz is an accomplished travel w...

Celebrate Women's History Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Friday "Toast to The Parks & Arts" Show with Tanya Ortega, photographer and founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). From musicians, poets and writers to painters and textile artists, Tanya talks about the various women NPAF artists-in-residence over the years, and you can hear their Big Blend Radio interviews in this playlist here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/women-artists-in-parks/ 

National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) is known for offering unique month-long artist residencies in locations like Loggerhead Key in Dry Tortugas National Park, Hawai’i Volcanoes Nat...

From outdoor adventures and spring flower power to museums, restaurants, events, and family-friendly activities, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast focuses on spring fun for everyone in Tulare County, California.

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 
- Holly Streit - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, https://www.nps.go...

Celebrate World Conservation Strategy Day with this special episode of Big Blend Radio focusing on Sustainable Travel and Tourism. Hear what destinations are doing around the world to promote sustainable and eco-friendly practices to safeguard the planet for their local community and future generations, and the ways travelers can be part of sustainable solutions. 

FEATURED GUESTS:
- Dan Howard – VP of Communications at Visit Park City: https://www.visitparkcity.com/ 
- Cheryl Leutjen – Environmental author and speaker: https://cherylleutjen.com/ 
- Maria Chamberlain –  The Inn at Oxbow Acres: https://www.oxbowacresnh.com/ 
- Barbara Red...

North Lake Tahoe, California, offers a retreat into nature, history, and adventure, far from the neon lights and casinos of the southern shore. Lake Tahoe is the second-deepest alpine lake in the U.S., with strikingly clear waters and a fascinating geological history.   

Ohis episode of Big Blend Radio's WANDER THE WORLD WITH SHARON podcast, travel writer Sharon K. Kurtz shares her North Lake Tahoe experiences including Granlibakken Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, Donner Memorial State Park, and Vikingsholm Castle, along with the area's Winter Olympic legacy, and indigenous history of the Washoe Tribe. Learn more: https://www.gotahoenorth.co...

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station" Travel Show features innkeeper Maria Chamberlain. Maria and her husband Brian own and run The Inn at OxBow Acres which is a newly renovated and eco-friendly, Bed & Breakfast/Equestrian Center in Northern New Hampshire.

Fields, flowers, orchards, and a gorgeous view of the Mahoosuc Range offer a peaceful setting to relax and unwind.  Located in the Great North Woods, this unique destination is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast, New England traveler,  and couples seeking uninterrupted time together. 

The inn is also available for weddings, retreats, and family gat...

As summer draws near and the call of nature beckons, campers are looking for ways to elevate their outdoor dining experience beyond the standard fare of hot dogs and s’mores.

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," talks with Robert Schueller about how Melissa’s World Variety Produce is changing the game with their innovative approach to upscale campsite cuisine. Melissa’s diverse selection of fresh produce and culinary inspiration is a beacon for outdoor enthusiasts seeking flavorful and nutritious meal ideas to fuel their escapades. 

Read Linda's article...

In honor of Black History Month, we're revisiting this Big Blend Radio interview with Dana Dierkes, former Public Affairs Specialist for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, who shares the history of Brigadier General Charles Young, Charles Young, who was appointed acting superintendent of Sequoia and General Grant national parks in 1903, becoming the first black superintendent of a national park.  Learn more about Charles Young and the Giant Sequoia Tree named in his honor, here: https://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/historyculture/young.htm 

From Alaska to Hawai'i and California, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures with Linda Ballou" podcast focuses on the life of famous writer Jack London.

Linda's essay "Jack London and Me" is included in the 2024 San Francisco Writer’s Conference Anthology. In it she shares her deep connection to a man considered to be our nation’s greatest adventure writer. As Linda shares, "Our lives intersected in mysterious ways that leave me feeling a special connection with him." The anthology "How We Change" is available on Amazon in e-book and print format here: http...

This special live stream (Aired Feb 13, 2025) of Big Blend Radio’s ADVENTURES IN ASHEVILLE Show with Steve and Karen Wilson, owners of The Lion and The Rose Bed & Breakfast, focuses on the rebuilding of Asheville, North Carolina, post-Hurricane Helene, and the many experiences you can enjoy today as visitors to region. 

Big Blend Radio hosts Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith are currently in Asheville and during their stay at The Lion & The Rose B&B, took a driving tour of Downtown Asheville and the Riverside Arts District with Steve & Karen. There is still evidence of des...

It's all about Parks, Plantations, and Gardens in Charleston, South Carolina, on this episode of Big Blend Radio's JO GOES EVERYWHERE! Podcast with travel writer and photographer Jo Clark. 

Hear all about Jo's adventures at Hampton Plantation State Historic Site, Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, Magnolia Plantation, Middleton Place, and Hampton Park, plus, where to eat, sip, and stay. Check out her article about it all here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/winter-in-charleston-south-carolina/ 

Jo Clark is a travel writer and photographer based on South Carolina’s Grand Strand. She has a thirst for knowledge, history, grea...

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show with the National Parks Arts Foundation features acclaimed illustrator Andrés Vera Martínez whose artistic focus is on illustrating and writing graphic novels for middle school and young adult readers. 

Andrés is best known for his work on his wife's graphic memoir, "LIttle White Duck: A Childhood in China," and Neal Shusterman’s YA graphic novel, "Courage to Dream: Tales of in the Holocaust." Watch for his middle grade graphic novel series with Jorge Aguirre, "Monster Locker" and the adaptation of "Esperanza Rising", plus...

It's all about the historic Petroglyphs of Pony Hills in remote Southwest New Mexico on this episode of Big Blend Radio's WORLD OF ART Podcast with artist Victoria Chick. Read Victoria's article about Pony Hills, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/petroglyphs-of-pony-hills/  

Along with a great discussion about the potential meanings and symbolism behind the petroglyphs, we also chat about the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center project that she has spearheaded in local Silver City. More here: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ 

Also see her stories and podcasts covering:
- Prehistoric Rock Art: https://nat...

From Yellowstone and Bryce to Death Valley and the Grand Canyon, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" Podcast with travel writer Rose Palmer focuses on the wonderful and different winter experiences you can in America's National Parks. Check out Rose's National Park Stories: https://quiltripping.com/category/travel/north-america/usa/national-parks/ 

Follow Rose's adventures on her site: https://quiltripping.com/  

Follow Big Blend Radio's "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" Podcast here: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ 

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel" and "Vacation Station" Channels. Che...

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Friday "Toast to The Parks & Arts" Show features Tanya Ortega, photographer and founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF).

Hear about the organization's unique month-long artist residencies in locations like Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida, and Hawai'i Volcano National Park. Plus, this year's opportunities for park destinations and artists of all genres to be part of their programming. 

NPAF is a non-profit offering unique Artist-in-Residence Programs, Museum In-Loan Programs, and Workshops inspired by our National Parks, National Monuments, and World Heritage S...

Are seeing those iconic Giant Sequoia Trees in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest, on your bucket list? 

From hiking and wildlife watching to chasing waterfalls, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast focuses on what you can experience in these must-visit parks and forests, as well as their charming local art and agricultural communities that make up Tulare County, California including Visalia, Tulare, Exeter, Dinuba, Porterville, Three Rivers, Lindsay, and Woodlake.  

Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include 
- Holly Streit - S...

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show focuses on the new digital Jefferson Highway Travel Guide being produced in partnership between Big Blend Magazines and the Jefferson Highway Association.

Featured guests are Roger Bell - President of the Jefferson Highway Association, and Nancy Reid & Lisa Smith, the mother-daughter travel team who have owned and run Big Blend Magazines since 1997. Learn more about this exciting project and be part of the effort, here: https://jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/ 

The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway is also known as "T...

It's all about Petroglyphs on this episode of Big Blend Radio's WORLD OF ART Podcast with artist Victoria Chick. There is hardly a country in the world where petroglyphs do not exist. The United States is rich in petroglyph art, especially within National Park or National Monument boundaries or within National Forests and public lands where they are protected.

Read Victoria's article about Petroglyphs, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/petroglyphs-prehistoric-rock-art/ 

Also see her stories and podcasts covering:
- Petroglyphs of Pony Hills: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/petroglyphs-of-pony-hills/ 
- Early Pottery of the Southwest: ht...

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA, travel writer Jo Clark talks about her top four park destinations in Sonoma County, California.

Hear about Point Reyes National Seashore, Jack London State Historic Park, Sonoma Botanical Garden, and Sonoma State Historic Park, and read Jo's article about these parks here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/top-4-parks-to-visit-in-sonoma-county/ 

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

Follow this podcast here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kz...

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features acclaimed trumpeter Delbert Anderson, the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) artist-in-residence in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

A Diné jazz trumpet artist, composer, and educator, Delbert stands at the forefront of a vibrant Native American jazz scene. His work, deeply rooted in his Diné heritage, seamlessly integrates Navajo "spinning songs" of love, healing, and courtship with jazz and funk, thus marking him as a community-minded Indigenous individualist. Through his Delbert Anderson Quartet, Anderson revives the improvised sounds of the Diné circle, blending them with jazz, fun...

From outdoor adventures and snow play to seasonal shopping, events and festivities, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast focuses on winter and holiday fun in Tulare County, California.

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 
- Holly Streit - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, https://www.nps.gov/seki/in...

'Tis the Season of Giving and this episode of Big Blend Radio explores the myriad of ways to support our parks, the arts, military, kids and families, and more. Enjoy these inspiring conversations that offer practical ideas for giving back. 

ON THIS EPISODE:
- IVAN LEVIN gives an overview of the preservation and educational programs that the National Park Trust offers. Established in 1983, this non-profit dedicates 86% of its resources to park preservation and its youth, family, and military programs. Visit https://parktrust.org/  

- CHRISTY WOOD, world champion horse trainer and author,  talks about her...

From visiting Georgia O’Keeffe’s Home and Studio in Abiquiú to exploring Bandlier National Monument, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures with Linda Ballou" podcast focuses on day trips and attractions you can experience when visiting Santa Fe in Northern New Mexico, known as The City Different.

Read her article on day trips here:  https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/awesome-day-trips-in-northern-new-mexico-linda-ballou/ 

Read her article about Georgia O'Keefe here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/georgia-okeefe-to-run-wild-and-free/ 

Listen to Linda's previous podcast about her visit to Santa Fe, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/explorin...

Part 2 of today's National Hiking Day or Take a Hike Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio focuses on unique and easy hiking experiences in England, Scotland, and Wales. Hear Part One that focuses on America, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/hiking-destinations-across-america-and-beyond/ 

FEATURED GUESTS & THEIR ARTICLES: 
 - TRAVEL WRITER DEBBIE STONE talks about Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail an
Articles:
- Hadrian’s Wall Path: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/walking-hadrians-wall-path-national-trail/  
- The Wales Coast Path: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/a-walk-on-the-wild-side-in-wales/ 

- GLYNN BURROWS OF NORFOLK TOURS talks about walking and easy hikin...

In honor of National Hiking Day, also known as Take a Hike Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio focuses on various hiking destinations across America from Delaware and Maryland to Texas and Arizona, Arkansas and Hawai'i, plus, some global trail adventures that include the Cayman Islands and Slovenia!

FEATURED GUESTS:
- JUDY KARNIA - Travel writer and nature therapy guide at https://judykarnia.com/ 
- JULIE DEE SUMAN - Travel writer and photographer at https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/julie-dee-suman-travel-writer-and-photographer/ 
- SHARON K. KURTZ - Travel writer and photographer at https://sharonkkurtz.com/ 
- E...

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio's WORLD OF ART Podcast with artist Victoria Chick focuses on early pottery of the southwest including Arizona, New Mexico, West Texas, Southern Colorado, Southern Utah, and Northern Mexico. Read Victoria's article about it here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/early-pottery-of-the-southwest/ 

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://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ 

This epi...

From honoring Native American Heritage Month and Veterans Day to Holiday Shopping, Events & Activities, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast focuses on End-of-Fall experiences in 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 
- Holly Streit - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.ht...

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features acclaimed astrophotographer and photojournalist Stan Honda, the National Parks Arts Foundation's Fall 2024 artist-in-residence at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Stan Honda is an experienced photojournalist who now works with natural landscapes — usually night-time panoramas — that fuse sky and earth. Based in New York-based, he worked as a photojournalist for 34 years including Agence France-Presse (AFP) (the French news agency) where he photographed news and sports in New York City and around the U.S., including the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the aftermath; post...

From bears fishing for salmon at Brooks Falls to the volcanic Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" Podcast is all about Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska.

At 3.4 million acres, Katmai National Park is a vast wilderness on the Alaska Peninsula, stretching from the Bristol Bay lowlands to the volcanic center of the Aleutian Range and to the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Known for its plentiful wildlife, dramatic geological features, and remoteness, the park is a land of spectacular scenic beauty. Read Debbie's story about...

Celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's WORLD OF ART Podcast with artist Victoria Chick. Hear how wilderness exploration and science converged with the assistance of art in the 19th century to spread the fame of that giant among trees, the Sequoia. Read Victoria's article about it all, including how art helped protect and conserve what is now Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/the-art-of-the-giant-sequoia/ 

Victoria Chick is a contemporary figurative artist and early 19th/20th century print collector based in Silver City, New Mexico. V...