Celebrate American Adventures Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel Show” with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). Travel writer Melody Pittman shares highlights from her scenic and delicious road trip through the heart of Mississippi River Country, covering memorable stops in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

In this lively conversation, Melody talks about exploring national parks, roadside attractions, and family-friendly casinos, plus enjoying local cuisine, architectural marvels like Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs, and charming Midwest towns. The discussion touches on everything from the Mall of America to cheese curds, whiskey tastings, and the hospitality that makes the Midwest a must-visit for road trippers.

🎧 Listen in for tips on culinary stops, cultural gems, and fun, budget-friendly activities for all ages!

Read Melody's article: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/exploring-the-heart-of-mississippi-river-country/ Learn more about IFWTWA: https://ifwtwa.org Subscribe to the show: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend,” “Vacation Station,” “Road Trip Radio,” and “Parks & Travel” channels.

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer and author Cherith Glover Fulker talks about her upcoming book, Secret Birmingham: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure (Reedy Press, Aug. 1, 2025).

From jazz legends and civil rights history to cast iron giants and century-old baseball fields, Cherith shares fascinating and lesser-known stories that make Birmingham, Alabama a truly unforgettable destination. Learn about the city's vibrant food scene, family-friendly attractions, and the power of community connection. Cherith also opens up about her journey into travel writing and how personal history and curiosity fuel her work.

🎧 Listen in for: - Birmingham’s unique cultural legacy and quirky landmarks - The story behind the Vulcan—the world’s largest cast iron statue - Hidden gems like Rickwood Field, the oldest baseball park in the U.S. - Cherith’s travel writing origins and the inspiration behind her book - Why local voices and community engagement matter

📘 Get the book: "Secret Birmingham" – https://reedypress.com/author/fluker/cherith-fluker/ 🌍 Follow Cherith’s adventures: https://whatcherithinks.com/ 🍷 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://ifwtwa.org 🎙️ Subscribe for more episodes: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Scott Kendall shares highlights from his journey through Reims, the heart of France’s Champagne region. From visiting historic champagne houses and attending educational tastings to savoring an unforgettable meal at the Michelin-starred Arbane Restaurant, Scott talks about the region’s rich history, its unique winemaking traditions, and the value of cultural connections while traveling.

Scott Kendall is a Texas-based travel writer, photographer, and videographer. He’s the editor of PlayStayEat.com and has been published in EuropeUpClose, Epicurean Traveler, Food Wine Travel Magazine, and more. Visit his site: https://playstayeat.com

- Read Scott’s article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/reims-fabulous-champagne-houses-and-dining-at-michelin-starred-arbane-restaurant/ - Learn more about IFWTWA: https://ifwtwa.org - Subscribe to the show: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com - Explore more Big Blend shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork