Join us for Part 1 of "Handlebar Highlights," an exhilarating journey into American Cycling Adventures! In celebration of National Parks & Recreation Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show features renowned travel writer Terri Guthrie. She shares her personal experiences and insights from some of the most iconic bike rides across America.

Discover the unparalleled joys and unique challenges of cycling through diverse landscapes – from the breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge to the serene paths of Austin’s Lady Bird Lake and Northern Michigan’s beautiful Leelanau Trail. Terri also delves into the historical significance of routes like the Natchez Trace Parkway and highlights the vibrant cycling cultures found in major cities such as Washington D.C. and New York City.

Whether you're an avid cyclist or simply love to explore, this episode offers inspiration and practical tips for experiencing the beauty of America on two wheels.

Key Takeaways: - Cycling provides a unique and immersive perspective on exploring American destinations. - Experience iconic landmarks and breathtaking scenery, like the Golden Gate Bridge and Lady Bird Lake. - Discover peaceful and historically rich routes, such as the Natchez Trace Parkway. - Learn how e-bikes can make cycling more accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels. - Gain insights into the rewarding, yet sometimes challenging, aspects of urban cycling in cities like NYC and Washington D.C. - Understand how cycling connects you more deeply with nature and local culture.

Where to Learn More: - Read Terri’s accompanying article: Find more details and photos in "Handlebar Highlights: American Cycling Adventures" on our site: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/handlebar-highlights-american-cycling-adventures - Listen to more from Travel with Terri: Tune in weekly to the podcast: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ - Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Part 2 of 3 in our “Main Streets, Villages, Historic Downtowns & Plazas” series celebrating Independent Retailer Month!

This episode of Big Blend Radio features a lively panel discussion exploring the vital role of Main Streets and historic downtowns in shaping community identity, boosting local economies, and enhancing cultural tourism. From the preservation of architecture and museums to the rise of food trails, local bookstores, and festivals, our guests highlight how small-town authenticity and community engagement drive revitalization and lasting impact.

🎧 Panel Guests: - Jeffrey Spear – Food Writer & Award-Winning Cookbook Author: https://spearwrites.com/ - Clifford Garstang – Award-Winning Author & Editor: https://cliffordgarstang.com/ - Matt Cost – Award-Winning Author: https://www.mattcost.net/ - Diane Dobry – Travel Writer: https://gettinghungary.com/ & https://discoverydaze.com/

🕰️ Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 02:47 – Community & Tourism 05:32 – Authenticity in Downtowns & Villages 08:11 – Personal Experiences in Downtowns 10:51 – Historical Significance of Villages 13:31 – Balancing Modern Needs with Historical Integrity 16:05 – The Role of Bookstores in Community 18:55 – Culinary Experiences in Downtowns 21:30 – Conclusion and Future of Main Streets 26:46 – Exploring Bardstown: The Bourbon Capital 28:44 – Culinary Delights of Staunton 30:25 – Brunswick, Maine: A Seafood Paradise 32:06 – Sag Harbor: A Taste of the Hamptons 35:20 – The Great Bagel Debate 36:52 – Winter Park: Art and History 38:20 – Museums in Downtowns 43:16 – Libraries: The Heart of the Community 47:53 – Hammond: Cajun and Creole Influences 51:17 – Revitalization Success Stories 54:08 – Culinary Adventures in Historic Downtowns 56:29 – Future Destinations & Final Thoughts

🔗 Explore the Places Mentioned: - Main Street America: https://mainstreet.org/ - Brunswick, Maine: https://mainstreetmaine.org/brunswick-me/ - Hammond, Louisiana: https://www.downtownhammondla.com/visitors - Sag Harbor, New York: https://discoverydaze.com/2021/11/15/sag-harbor-li-a-walk-through-history/ - Staunton, Virginia: https://visitstaunton.com/ - Park Avenue District, Florida: https://parkavenuedistrict.com/ - Bardstown, Kentucky: https://www.visitbardstown.com/

📌 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's “Vacation Station” and “Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore more Big Blend shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork