American Road Trip Talk: Recent Episodes
KKNW | Hubbard Radio
Join Thomas and Becky Repp as they team up with Gary Mantz to bring you a new road trip adventure each week. American Road Trip Talk is your chance to discover the backroads that embody true Americana. As the owners and producers of award-winning American Road magazine, Thomas and Becky want your future road trip to be both interesting and exciting. By teaming up with veteran radio broadcaster, Gary Mantz, they offer up valuable road trip planning information.
The wild, rustic and sometimes offbeat beauty of the Sunshine State is yours to enjoy along the system of two-lane roads that have helped to shape the destiny of Florida. For many, today’s roadtrip adventure becomes tomorrow’s nostalgia. Jamie Jensen is on hand to guide the ride.
Flagstaff was named the world’s first International Dark Sky City by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) on October 24, 2001. Skywatchers are always welcome here and so are Astrotourism aficionados. Hear about the 5 reasons why that term holds special significance as we talk with Lori Pappas of the City of Flagstaff Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Betty Boop inspires fans around the world with her looks, voice, and style. Now, in BOOP! The Musical, Betty’s dream of a day off from the super-celebrity in her black-and-white world leads to an extraordinary adventure of color, music, and love in New York City— reminding the world, “You are capable of amazing things.” Mark Fleischer reveals the story behind the show, coming to CIBC Theatre in Chicago November 19–December 31, 2023.
Abbott and Costello are receiving their rightful due at The Hollywood Museum with a new exhibit which opened to the public on Friday July 21, 2023. The display features original costumes, scripts, merchandise from Abbott & Costello films and photos from the collection of Lou’s daughter, Chris Costello. Geoffrey Mark joins us with the inside story.
In the pristine Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, near a National Park, Luray Caverns invites you to explore beneath the tableau of beauty and discover the largest and most popular caverns east of the Mississippi. A world of magic and majesty, a “fairyland in stone,” the caverns started forming 400 million years ago!
Founded in 1773, The Charleston Museum, America's First Museum, has been discovering, preserving, interpreting, celebrating, and sharing ever since. The collections, exhibitions, educational programs, and events are designed to inspire curiosity and conversation - about the South Carolina Lowcountry - and the stories that have taken two-and-a-half centuries to tell. Susan McKellar, Chief of Museum Operations, is our guest.
Port Angeles, Washington is the Gateway to Olympic National Park and a destination in its own right; one that includes other natural wonders and recreational opportunities plus the rustic allure of a traditional downtown core. Matt Shea returns with news of places to visit and stay when you visit this jewel of the PNW.
The WAAAM Air & Auto Museum has one of the largest collections of still-flying antique aeroplanes and still-driving antique automobiles in the country. The items on display at this museum are not only full of history, they're full of LIFE! So we learn from Stephanie Hatch who manages the Oregon attraction.
Route 66 is a long story that is still being told. The glory of The Mother Road endures with a resilience underscored by her responsiveness to movements of not only the countless people she has carried but also of turbulent American racial history. Joey Madia returns with tales of the Green Book and notorious “Sundown Towns” that once posed a menacing threat to African-Americans who traveled with the burden of bigotry in mind.
Bigfoot may be ever-elusive but as Sasquatch researcher and balladeer Tom Yamarone can attest, museums dedicated to the subject are dotted around America and not hard to find if you know where to look. In this edition, we talk with Tom about the North American Bigfoot Center in Oregon and Bigfoot Discovery Museum in northern California. You could visit both in a single road trip!
Move over, Boomers! In American auto culture, the trend toward younger enthusiasts with upwardly mobile careers and a taste for the finer things in life has become increasingly evident. Mark Greene, host of the Cars Yeah podcast, reveals the dynamics behind the mood and the market for cars newer generations find most appealing.
Summertime is prime time for Springfield, Illinois. The heart of the Land of Lincoln beats with an exciting patriotic vibe. Museums, Lincoln historic sites and numerous special events create a celebratory air that attracts visitors from all over the nation and beyond. Amy Beadle has the scoop for travelers wanting to be where Honest Abe began his trek to immortality.
Elvis Presley, The King of Rock and Roll, left a great legacy of popular songs, hit movies and his beautiful sprawling home which is still a top tourist destination in Memphis, Tennessee. From hardscrabble roots in the delta town of Tupelo, Mississippi to the heights of fame and fortune, the journey of Elvis can be traced from boyhood home to his ultimate home in a single day. Cory Cooper guests. (encore presentation)
There is a doughnut shop and bakery in Clare, Michigan that has been in constant operation since 1896. This heritage business was just weeks from closing when members of the Clare Police Department came to the rescue. All nine of them. They saved a beloved local enterprise. We meet two of these heroes in this episode. (Encore presentation)
Welcome to Seneca Falls, the Real Bedford Falls! Each year, the town celebrates It's A Wonderful Life Festival the second weekend in December. But the Museum is open all year round. Memorabilia abounds in this magical place of seasonal mirth and endless goodwill no matter when you come to town. (Encore presentation)
Christmas in Detroit takes a backseat to nobody as The Motor City rolls out a new vision of its wintry self year after year. The festive lights and artistic displays at venues across the Metro area inspire large crowds of eager locals and visitors alike. Amy S. Eckert joins us to report on the highlights of this year’s celebration!
Have you made a pilgrimage to the heritage sites of your favorite musical performers? Lots of us have and will continue to make the trek to the birthplaces, homes, studios, and commemorative locations of our tuneful idols. Geoffrey Mark has lots to share about a sprawling informal trail of appreciation for legends of song.
Wherever you go around Puget Sound, a blaze of electric glory is close by and ready to enhance your enjoyment of the Season. Matt Shea scouted some of the best venues for Holiday Lights displays and found dazzling arrays along a veritable Christmas corridor between Seattle and Tacoma. Get the details before you get in the car!
Erika Nelson, when she is not gracing the American landscape with her popular art projects, curates the Worlds Largest Collection of the Worlds Smallest Versions of the Worlds Largest Things. “Roadside Yuletide” is a phrase we coined to describe public monuments erected for when ‘Tis the Season. They are seen around the country. Erika shares about several of the best.
Autumn in New England sets a table of natural splendor for modern pilgrims who find something close to heaven on the winding roads of a heritage region. Jamie Jensen has been there and done that more than once. He joins us with tales from his travels.
This season, see Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum near Chicago! From Nov. 19 through Jan. 7, 2023, guests can explore 18 different features along a tree-lined one-mile walking trail immersed in color and light. What better time to visit than during the Centennial celebration of a suburban arboreal paradise? Dec. 14 is the date of the Arboretum’s founding in 1922.
After many years of sharing their passion for style and performance with the world, some very bright lights of car culture have passed on in 2022. Their departure leaves a void, yes, but their brilliance remains behind to inspire the advance of automotive technology. Mark Greene of Cars Yeah is on hand to share their stories.
For those who dare, the Halloween fright season has arrived! With it comes a plethora of choices for enjoying a darned good scare thanks to ghoulishly creative folks around Seattle and Puget Sound. Matt Shea visits to share the spooky details.
Meet author Fred Carlisle. His work, The Lake Effect, is grounded in personal experiences but moves to wider considerations that include the aesthetic, emotional, historic, economic, and social effects of Lake Michigan. The book captures the lake’s mesmerizing beauty in summer and winter.
The tiny community of Grovers Mill, New Jersey was made famous by Orson Welles’ October 30, 1938 radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds, where it was depicted as the first landing site of a Martian invasion. The Martians never actually showed up but that didn’t stop much of the nation from becoming terrified as the fictional attack was accepted as real by thousands of listeners. Karl Petry knows the spot and shares the story of The Night That Panicked America.
In the pristine Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, close by a National Park, Luray Caverns invites you to explore beneath the tableau of beauty and discover the largest and most popular caverns east of the Mississippi. A world of magic and majesty, a “fairyland in stone” has been 4,000,000 centuries in the making.
Everyone has a favorite car from the sensational (or campy) days of television in the 60's, 70's and 80's. The Batmobile, perhaps? How about that jalopy The Monkees drove around town? Or The General from The Dukes of Hazzard? Geoffrey Mark visits with stories of the rides that brought style and muscle to TV shows of days gone by.
We chat with Muscogee (Creek) National Council Speaker Will Lowe about exciting places to visit in the tribe's eleven-counties. From the Nation's original capitol built in Indian Territory to exciting nightlife at the renowned River Spirit Casino Resort, it's a road trip to remember!
In the hotly competitive world of pro football, NFL tailgating is big-time fun and serious business. On game day, throngs of fans meet and greet to drink and eat in anticipation of the day’s gridiron clash. There is even a Tailgating Hall of Fame! Matt Shea reports on how things play out each week in parking lots around the league.
Donelle Dadigan (Founder/President of The Hollywood Museum) visits again with news of current Special Exhibits of famous Film and Television autos that most of us will recall lovingly and with a good dose of nostalgia.
There is a doughnut shop and bakery in Clare, Michigan that has been in constant operation since 1896. This heritage business was just weeks from closing when members of the Clare Police Department came to the rescue. All nine of them. They saved a beloved local enterprise. We meet two of these heroes in this episode.
Driving toward the Manhattan skyline, you can see it for the first time only once. After that, it pays to be in the company of a streetwise friend who knows New York City intimately when you venture into the Big Apple. Karl Petry is back, this time to help road trippers prepare for a visit to the crossroads of the world.
Every make of automobile has its aficionados. For lovers of style and performance, ask any fan of the Pontiac lineage about the now-defunct GM make and you will see stars (and maybe a tear) in their eyes. Passion for Pontiac is our topic as we speak with enthusiasts Karl Petry and Ken Ulrich. (Encore Presentation)
Harriet Baskas returns as her brand new book, 111 Places In Seattle That You Must Not Miss, comes off the presses. From the magnificent to the quaint and quirky, Seattle is a realm unto itself with endless appeal and plenty of intrigue. A sharp-eyed journalist, Harriet puts it all into perspective.
California has a uniquely expansive claim on a road-tripper’s imagination, with plenty of two-lane magic unfolding before an eager driver’s eyes. With so much to see and do, we sought the best advice from ever-reliable Jamie Jensen, author of Road Trip USA.
Jamie Jensen, growing up in Southern California when car culture was ready to ride the wave of the future, became permanently enchanted with the open road early on; especially the lure of two-lane highways. With the publication of a ninth edition of Road Trip USA, Jamie has risen to the status of motoring maven. (Encore presentation)
The grandeur of the National Parks and Monuments has been on display in feature films for generations. Geoffrey Mark joins us with the backstory of iconic movies that made a location out of some of the most stunning scenery in the world.
Situated at the south end of Whidbey Island in Washington state, Langley is the land of lovely vistas and frequent festivals. The Whidbey Island Fair this year runs July 28th thru the 30th at the Fairgrounds and Events Center, being one example of a year-round penchant for celebration. Dena Marie of the local Chamber of Commerce has the inside scoop.
Observing the Do’s and Don’ts of making your car, truck or SUV ready for a memorable summer trek aka The Big Road Trip is serious business. Karl Petry of the Garden State Pontiac Club is a go-to guy for advice on how to prevent costly automotive trouble from hampering your next open-road adventure.
Where will you go this year to celebrate Independence Day? All around the Sound, you can find a safe and spectacular 4th of July fireworks display to create memories for the whole family. Matt Shea joins us with some timely suggestions.
From July 22-31, visitors to Wyoming’s famous Cheyenne Frontier Days return to the Cowboy state for the 126th year – kicking up dust and bringing 10 days of nonstop rodeo action and live entertainment. You can enjoy the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration – from a thrilling carnival and chuckwagon cookoff to world-class country music acts and bull riding.
In the land that Patrick Henry and the Green Mountain Boys once called home, a vibrant heritage of outdoor activity alongside gracious living continues in Vermont. Haley Rice of Come Alive Outside reveals a burgeoning grassroots movement with personal health and enjoyment in mind. Vermont is famous for more than just maple!
Mark Greene of CarsYeah fame recently parted with his beloved “Orange Crush” and in the process, discovered little-known insights into today’s superheated automotive market. He has lots to share about the process of buying and selling cars in the midst of persistent inflation and pent-up demand.
Back in 1922, a future legend known as The Cherry Hut opened as a roadside pie stand. To the founders, it was a way to sell homemade cherry pies baked with fresh cherries straight from the family orchard. In 1937, the Cherry Hut moved to its present-day location on US 31 in cozy Beulah, MI. Throughout its long and storied history, The Cherry Hut has been celebrated for their down-home quality pies and jams.
Things can look downright mystical in misty Forks, Washington and otherworldly 100 miles away in Olympic National Park. Don’t forget to have a soak in Sol Duc Hot Springs while you visit! Matt Shea shares highlights and his personal insights from years of trekking to a region that many call God’s Country.
Over 80 years after Dorothy discovered, “There’s no place like home,” the world returns to Oz every so often and thus to a magical place that remains close in heart and mind. Classic Hollywood historian Geoffrey Mark has a wealth of knowledge to share about The Wizard of Oz and its boundless legacy which revives itself with each new generation. Originally aired May 14, 2021.
The Nevada Northern Railway was built over a century ago to service one of the largest copper mines of the era. A museum in Ely, NV celebrates the men and workhorse machines of a rugged frontier time. We wanted to know more about all of it
Erika Nelson is an independent artist and educator, exploring the fringes of art and culture she experienced on back roads and at offbeat roadside attractions that dot the American landscape. She travels in a permanently altered Art Car, exhibiting the World's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Versions of the World's Largest Things. Erika loves bringing us word of new and exotic places she has discovered.
Escape Rooms, combining elements of mystery, adventure and intricate teamwork, have become very popular destinations across America. Joey and Tonya Madia are aficionados of these eerie attractions and Joey is currently in high demand as a designer of them! Originally aired 8/6/2021
On the 52nd annual Earth Day, we talk with chronicler Harriet Baskas about cities and sites around Seattle and Puget Sound that celebrate our planet as well as the people whose environmental stewardship sets an example for us all.
Washington's beloved annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is back for 2022, and mainstays RoozenGaarde and Tulip Town, both visitor favorites, welcome you to feast your eyes on their gorgeous fields. Matt Shea has returned from another tour with fresh insights into a region renowned for its annual explosion of inspiring springtime colors.
Virginia Phillippi, Director of North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association, has made a career of connecting travelers with over a thousand museums under their coast-to-coast umbrella. If it has cultural or historical significance, it is important to the NARM membership. Aficionados, unite!
The wild, rustic and sometimes offbeat beauty of the Sunshine State is yours to enjoy along the system of two-lane roads that have helped to shape the destiny of Florida. For many, today’s roadtrip adventure becomes tomorrow’s nostalgia. Jamie Jensen is on hand to guide the ride.
Part nostalgia trip, part urban archeology, The Neon Museum in Las Vegas is an immense striking tableau of iconic Sin City. Aaron Berger, Executive Director of the museum, shares how neon signage and eye-popping architecture helped establish a unique patch of desert in the world consciousness.
Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Mansion in Las Vegas has been voted #1 Haunted Destination in America. With over 30 rooms of thrills and chills, visitors enter a portal to the ghoulish wonders of Sin City: a world apart from the glitzy casinos. Our correspondent Matt Shea took the tour and survived! Listen to his tales of the macabre in this eerie edition.
Planning a vacation? Don’t get ripped off! Adam K. Levin is a consumer advocate with more than 40 years of experience and is a nationally recognized expert on security, privacy, phishing schemes and identity theft. He is the founder of CyberScout and author of the book “Swiped: How to Protect Yourself in a World Full of Scammers, Phishers, and Identity Thieves.” Before you venture out, listen to this episode for great advice on outwitting the con artists.
In West Tennessee, the adventure starts in soulful Memphis but does not end there. The rural areas beyond the famous city are uncrowded, tranquil and inextricably linked to American history. You can feel the connection in this episode.
Everyone has a favorite car from the sensational (sometimes campy) days of television in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. The Batmobile, perhaps? How about that jalopy The Monkees drove around town? Or maybe The General from The Dukes of Hazzard? Geoffrey Mark visits with inside stories of the rides that brought style and muscle to TV shows of days gone by.
When “kitsch” was first considered by art critics and historians, the prevalent view was that gaudy roadside attractions were good for a laugh and a bit of banal gratification thanks to sentimentality. Motoring visitors to the Pacific Northwest, however, are inclined to perceive such icons as a quirky welcome to the neighborhood. Harriet Baskas shares her appreciation of these beckoning behemoths.
An ingenious tech generation is hard at work developing alternative fuels for zero net carbon emissions on the highways. Mark Greene of Cars Yeah, our car culture maven, briefs us on a bold sector of science that is helping to shape the future out of thin air.
Utah has long been celebrated for having the “Greatest Snow on Earth and the Greatest Earth on Show”. Erika Nelson went there to find out for herself. What she discovered was a land of ancient grandeur and spellbinding wonders. Her tour of Capitol Reef National Park and elsewhere revealed miracles of Nature, some retouched by human hands.
Planning to travel with your pet this year? Dr. George Melillo believes results reward research. There are many pet carriers on the market and the best depend on what meets the individual needs of your companion. Good carriers should be waterproof and easy to clean; they should also be clearly marked with emergency contact information for the owner. Dr. Melillo joins us with expert advice on mastering the challenges of taking off while taking your pet along for the ride.
JoAnne Worley's instinctive comedic timing and irrepressible laugh make her a favorite of audiences everywhere. Her work includes television, movie and stage productions to game shows, talk shows, commercials, cartoons and opera. For more than 40 years she has been involved with the organization Actors and Others for Animals (founded 1971), which funds spay-and-neuter programs, and provides veterinary financial assistance to pet guardians in Southern California. Since 2007, JoAnne has served as president of the organization. Her expertise in safe, enjoyable travel with pets is well-trusted. Encore Presentation.
In honor of Elvis Presley's birthday, Cory Cooper shares his authoritative knowledge on the places where The King's feature films were shot. Including settings as diverse as New Orleans, Seattle, Hawaii and Las Vegas, hear the details of where, when and how Elvis made movie magic. (Encore presentation)
Happy New Year! In our last episode of 2021, we look back for inspiration to beloved literature with its roots in the American saga as we anticipate open-road adventures to come. As always, the highway is calling!
Holiday light displays in Puget Sound are a blend of the traditional and the downright quirky. Matt Shea returns with his first-hand account of some of the outstanding works created by neighbors who never stop trying to outdo each other, in the spirit of Christmas of course.
Welcome to Seneca Falls, the Real Bedford Falls! Each year, the town celebrates an It's A Wonderful Life Festival the second weekend in December. But the Museum is open all year round. Memorabilia abounds in this magical place of seasonal mirth and endless goodwill no matter when you come to town. We wanted to know more about The 75th Anniversary Celebration of “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
Festive holiday magic has returned with Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, running through Jan. 2. The South Puget Sound tradition boasts more lights than ever, with more than 800,000 lights illuminating the zoo at night. Tessa Miller, Media Relations and Communications Coordinator, is our guest.
The driving distance between Oatman and Bisbee in Arizona is 433 miles. It takes a little over 7 hours. In between, you traverse the vibrant center of the state including Phoenix and Tucson. Jamie Jensen, one of America’s foremost Road Warriors, has stories to tell and advice to offer for rugged individuals who want to motor their way through starkly contrasting views of the West, old and new.
Labor economists were right. The prediction of a drastic shortage of drivers in the trucking industry has been borne out. This crisis has long-term implications for American consumers and the overall economy. Will a large increase in wages be enough to lure men and women into the rigs that bring goods to our communities?
World War I is referred to as the Great War or more ironically, 'the war to end all wars.' Influences of that terrible conflict resonate today. An historical presentation, with unrivaled exhibits and an unsurpassed collection of artifacts, are found in Kansas City, Missouri at The WWI Museum and Memorial. CEO Matt Naylor and Curator of Education Lora Vogt share their perspectives. An Encore Presentation
Everything old is new again with the rapid rise in electric cars. Actually, the visionary history of their development goes back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Mark Greene of Cars Yeah joins us to survey the timeline of an automotive revolution; one that continues accelerating at a startling pace.
From Maine to Florida and on the Pacific Coast as well, historic lighthouses shine their beacon to safely beckon sailors home. According to maritime lore, however, many of them house spectral residents who prefer the darkness. Matt Shea researched legendary lighthouse ghosts for this episode. Pictured: St. Augustine Lighthouse in Florida.
Approaching the December 14th Centennial celebration of The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL near Chicago, holiday-themed beauty abounds at this famous public garden. The lights of Illumination are a warm diversion from chilly nights and other special displays make for a glorious family-friendly trek in the suburban woods during the most glorious time of year. Preston Bautista, Vice President of Learning and Engagement, is our guest.
Celebrating the lives, careers, and legacies of the “First Couple of Comedy,” and their incredible impact on the world, the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum has welcomed thousands of visitors from across the globe for over 25 years. I Love Lucy premiered 70 years ago. Gary Hahn of The National Comedy Center guests.
The Hollywood Museum, official museum of Hollywood, has the most extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia in the world. It features 35,000 square feet, 4 floors of breathtaking exhibits and is the home of more than 10,000 authentic Showbiz Treasures. Founder Donelle Dadigan is our guest.
Chances are, that orange beauty you turned into a delicious pie or impressive jack-o’-lantern came from one of three Pumpkin Capitals of America, located in Floydada, Texas, Morton, Illinois or Half Moon Bay, California. Eric Spitznagel joins us to celebrate the most famous of pumpkin patches.
Where would you go for a stunning ride into the fiery brilliance of Autumn in America? Jamie Jensen, author of Road Trip USA, has some ideas. He is a troubadour of two-lane highways and his stories will inspire you to go mobile and experience the season like never before.
Every make of automobile has its aficionados. For lovers of style and performance, ask any fan of the Pontiac lineage about the now-defunct GM make and you will see stars (and maybe a tear) in their eyes. Passion for Pontiac is our topic as we speak with enthusiasts Karl Petry and Ken Ulrich.
The September 11th National Memorial Trail, 1,300 miles long, stretches through 6 states and DC, connecting three 9/11 Memorial sites through DC, VA, PA, NJ, NY, MD, and Delaware. To remember, discover and connect is essential. In Part 2, David Brickley, founder of the trail alliance and advisory board member Mike Dannemiller guest.
The September 11th National Memorial Trail is 1,300 miles long, stretching through 6 states and DC, connecting the three 9/11 Memorial sites through DC, VA, PA, NJ, NY, MD, and Delaware. It’s a multi-use trail that you can hike, bike or motor through. To remember and be inspired is essential to the experience. Debby Borza and Tim Brown, instrumental in the development of this active memorial, share their perspectives.
In Lucille Ball’s hometown, celebrate the comedic arts with a visit to The National Comedy Center. This is not quite so much a Hall of Fame as it is an innovative gathering place for professional and amateur comedians, aficionados and every person who ever laughed at a well-told joke. Gary Hahn, VP of Marketing and Communications, is our guest.
On the highway to Hollywood, funny and films travel well together in rollicking tales of the human predicament. Geoffrey Mark, a go-to sage of screens large and small, joins us with his nuanced appreciation of life and laughter on the open road.
Escape Rooms, combining elements of mystery, adventure and intricate teamwork, have become very popular destinations across America. Joey and Tonya Madia are aficionados of these eerie attractions and Joey is currently in high demand as a designer of them!
Jamie Jensen, growing up in Southern California when car culture was then standing up to ride the wave of the future, became permanently enchanted with the open road early on; especially the lure of two-lane highways. With the publication of a ninth edition of Road Trip USA, Jensen has been elevated to the status of motoring maven.
“Heyyyyy, Mrs. C!” Marion Ross aka Mrs. Cunningham from the iconic "Happy Days" sitcom, hails from Albert Lea, MN. The town is so proud of their famous TV mom that they have named a theatre after her and a street also bears her name. Now, the community has dedicated a bronze statue of their favorite citizen, unveiled on July 2nd. We are fortunate to speak with her about her life and career.
We all want our road trips to go just right. Much of the success (and joy) comes from smart preparation done when there is still adequate time. Vinnie Richichi of DRIVETIME With New York Vinnie shares his Do’s and a few of the Don’ts derived from his numerous highway adventures.
Erika Nelson, professional artist and Curator of The World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things, visits us again; this time with the story behind her mural in celebration of Women’s Suffrage and her recommendations of outstanding murals in the Midwest.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is organized into Mission Zones where attractions and tours are grouped by chronological era. From the dawn of space exploration to current and ongoing missions, you can get an up-close, hands-on feel for the story of humans in space. Rebecca Shireman, Manager of Communications and Public Relations at the Complex, is our guest.
The cities of Blaine, Lynden and Sumas in Washington state are gateways to Canada, fortified by mutual friendship along an undefended border that separates the USA from our neighbors to the north. Each has its own appeal and all welcome travelers with a warmth that belies the cool PNW. Matt Shea surveys the scenery for us.
Mark Greene of Cars Yeah fame is back to survey an elegant array of automobile museums located in New England and also share a story about one of the world’s most famous car aficionados who once took a drive in Rhode Island and ended up buying a dream house.
The Long Beach City Council recently approved $2.5 million for the Queen Mary to facilitate plans for urgent repair work as the city contemplates the venerable vessel’s future. It is not the first time the “Ship of Woods” (or “the Grey Ghost” during WWII) has faced daunting challenges to its survival. Nicole Strickland joins us to share the saga. Thanks to Kelly Puente of the Long Beach Post.
As pandemic restrictions ease their grip on the traveling public, there is an RV craze underway. The Who, What, When, Where and Why of vacationing with your home on wheels is the topic for this episode. Guest Brian Demo is a retired U.S. Marine helicopter mechanic who has transitioned to a mobile Master RV technician. When COVID hit, he joined JustAnswer as an online way to answer hundreds of questions a week from RV owners and renters around the world.
The Mob Museum, officially the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, is a history museum located in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. Opened on February 14, 2012, the Mob Museum features the artifacts, stories, and history of organized crime in the United States, as well as the dedicated efforts by law enforcement to prevent such crimes. Geoff Schumacher, vice president of exhibits and programs, is our guest.
World War I still is referred to as the Great War or more ironically, “the war to end all wars.” Influences of that great military conflict resonate today. An historical presentation, with unrivaled exhibits and an unsurpassed collection of artifacts, are deployed in Kansas City, Missouri at The WWI Memorial and Museum. It is monumental in every sense. CEO Matt Naylor and Curator of Education Lora Vogt share their perspectives.
Over 80 years after Dorothy discovered, “There’s no place like home,” the world returns to Oz every so often nonetheless and thus to a magical place that remains close in heart and mind. Classic Hollywood historian Geoffrey Mark has a wealth of knowledge to share about The Wizard of Oz and its boundless legacy which revives itself with each new generation.
Erika Nelson returns with more stories of the artistic gems and roadside attractions she has discovered in her continuing travels as creator and curator of the World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things. This time, we turn our attention to America’s heartland and the magical legacy of Oz.
Something new under the Mojave Desert sun! Camel Safari announces three distinctive experiences for viewing the property’s exotic desert animals. Visiting 176 acres under wide-open skies 80 minutes north of Las Vegas, guests can choose from the Feed With A Keeper Safari, Day Glamp Camp Safari and VIP Sunset Safari. Resident zoologist Allie Singer has all the details.
From coast to coast, they move the country forward while driving big rigs with 18 wheels. The life of a long-haul trucker can be lonesome but seldom is short of adventure. Matt Shea, who made his living for many years in the industry, talks about places seen and people met while he crisscrossed the storied road of American commerce.
The National Corvette Museum was established in 1994, with a mission of celebrating the invention of America’s Sports Car; preserving its past, present and future; and educating the public. The 115,000 sq. ft. facility is located on a 55-acre campus in Bowling Green, Kentucky which also is home to the world’s only General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant.
Americans by the millions are planning to take to the highways this year; especially when they can do so safely and conveniently. Hollywood long has celebrated road travel and revealed a nomadic streak in our national character. Geoffrey Mark, popular curator of cinematic and television knowledge, shares about movies and TV shows with themes of living large and finding America on the open road.
Vaccinations are rolling out and warm weather is approaching, enticing many to travel for the first time since the pandemic began. Millions of us are opting for road trips this spring. Those who left their cars sitting in the garage throughout the pandemic need to anticipate maintenance needs now or risk costly repairs. Tim Clay, Chief Business Development Officer at DigniFi, shares insights gained from more than 20 years of getting results in the automotive retail world.
The resort town of Seaside, Oregon offers some of the state’s most stunning ocean vistas and ample opportunities for windswept walks, on the sands or along the Seaside Promenade. Recently, the city has become home to the annual Oregon Ghost Conference. Nicole Strickland, paranormal author and featured presenter, joins us to share her experiences.
Ashley Waymouth is a park ranger and the Anniversary Coordinator for Hot Springs National Park. In this episode, we'll be exploring natural features of the park, its social history and of course, the centennial celebration underway.
Mount Airy, North Carolina and the famous Mayberry Inn harken back to a simpler time, when CBS’ The Andy Griffith Show brought gentle laughter and wholesomeness to America from 1960-1968. Today, the community is a shrine to the still-popular program and its many memorable characters. Step back in time as Matt Shea, a Mayberry aficionado, reflects on the town’s heritage as chronicled for American Road Magazine by Tony Craig.
Pacific Northwest chronicler Harriet Baskas surveys some of the better-known films and TV shows set in or near the Emerald City. Some have been filmed there entirely while others capitalized on the stunning scenery and urban chic of Seattle to frame memorable dramas and comedies.
Anson Williams, famous for his role as Potsie Weber on Happy Days, keeps faith with the idea that happy days are still “yours and mine” in the here and now. Nostalgia will always have its special place and today, Williams is also passionate about helping highway drivers stay safe by warding off drowsy driving.
Frequent “Trip Talk” contributor Erika Nelson is back, this time with lots to share about COVID-safe roadside attractions. Included are Butch Anthony's drive through museum in Alabama; the Enchanted Highway in North Dakota; and Porter Sculputre Park. All are outdoor venues that you can road trip to and through. And hear about those Mardi Gras House Floats!
St. Joseph is identified by the slogan, "Where the Pony Express started and Jesse James ended." Beth Conway, Communications Director at the local Convention & Visitors Bureau, draws from a trove of historical fact and lore in telling the story of “St. Joe,” voted the top true western town in 2007. The townsfolk continually revel in living up to that award.
Hickory Corners, Michigan is home to the sprawling Gilmore Car Museum. Within, you can find motorized totems from every avenue of American life, including the TV Highway. Coming in 2021, the return of a Happy Days icon: Fonzie’s 1952 Triumph motorcycle. Hear the obscure story behind the famous bike.
Classic TV actor Hank Garrett joins us for a round of nostalgic talk about his improbable rise from childhood poverty in Harlem to a rewarding life in Hollywood. Mr. Garrett is the only surviving cast member of the still-beloved Car 54, Where Are You?
The 4077th took up prime time on American television for 11 memorable seasons. The set for the legendary MAS*H series also took up some prime real estate in Malibu, California. To think that it all could have gone up in flames! The harrowing story behind the famous finale of a still-beloved TV show is revealed by American Road contributor Jess Winfield.
Until 1960’s tales of the macabre “Mothman” scared the dickens out of the locals, Point Pleasant, West Virginia was exactly what you might expect: an historic riverside town with bucolic vistas and friendly people. Today, the town is still small but with an outsized legend and lots of early American lore to attract throngs of visitors every year. Tonya and Joey Madia are Point Pleasant pilgrims with plenty to share.
In honor of Elvis Presley’s birthday, Cory Cooper stops by to share his expertise on locations and sets where The King’s feature films were shot. Including settings as diverse as New Orleans, Seattle, Hawaii and Las Vegas, hear the details of where, when and how Elvis made movie magic.
Cars Yeah creator and host Mark Greene has an unquenchable passion for automobile technology and the countless places it can take us. To start 2021, we talk with Mark once again about the array of museums and exhibits that put automotive ingenuity on proud display from coast-to-coast.
Fantasy Lights is a drive-through Christmas light display located just south of Tacoma. It's the largest holiday drive-through event in the Northwest, featuring nearly 300 elaborate displays and thousands of sparkling lights. An eye-popping variety of displays are found around Puget Sound, as detailed by guest Matt Shea.
Edgar Cayce's Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) was founded by Edgar Cayce (1877–1945) in 1931 to research and explore a wide variety of spiritual subjects. His headquarters, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is still going strong as a center of inquiry and metaphysical tourism. Josie Varga and Kathy Lamm share their appreciation of a unique man and his legacy.
Chances are, that orange beauty you turned into a delicious pie or impressive jack-o’-lantern came from one of three Pumpkin Capitals of America, located in Floydada, Texas, Morton, Illinois or Half Moon Bay, California. Eric Spitznagel joins us to celebrate the most famous of pumpkin patches.
(Originally aired 2-28-20) Cynthia Schreiner Smith is an actor/writer who was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota where she still lives. Since 1998, she has worked at the Wabasha Street Caves in St. Paul, researching, writing scripts and acting as a guide for their historical tours. Cynthia shares her knowledge of the town's Gangster Era and talks about why the Twin Cities are hardly identical.
The holiday feast dates back to November 1621, when the newly arrived Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians gathered at Plymouth for an autumn harvest celebration, an event regarded as America’s “first Thanksgiving.” History merges with our personal recollections in this episode dedicated to America’s perennial time of gratitude.
The World’s Only Corn Palace is Mitchell’s premier tourist attraction. Some 500,000 tourists come from around the nation each year to see the uniquely designed corn murals. The city’s first Corn Palace was built as a way to prove to the world that South Dakota had a healthy agricultural climate. Today, the Palace is a cultural showpiece of the Prairie with cleverly designed themes. Thanks to cornpalace.com for their information.
Tom Yamarone lives in California and has been researching Bigfoot for a long time. He is beloved in the Sasquatch community of believers and seekers. As a balladeer, Tom is sometimes referred to as the Bob Dylan of Bigfoot songs! In this Trip Talk episode, he shares from his comprehensive store of insights and experiences.
Harry Thomason is the Hollywood award-winning producer & director best known for the tremendously popular and iconic TV hits Designing Women, Evening Shade and Hearts Afire. His TV Miniseries,The Blue and The Gray won the prestigious People's Choice Award. In his riveting podcast series, The Story You Never Heard, Harry vividly brings to life fascinating moments, intriguing events and thrilling if lesser known stories about people and places in history.
Built in 1853 as a company owned logging town, Port Gamble, Washington today is a Victorian vision out of time, a fun getaway with friendly locals and more than its share of resident ghosts. Matt Shea chronicles paranormal activity in the Pacific Northwest; he joins us to share a brief history of the town that once was home to sailors and society folk alike. Apparently some citizens liked it far too much to leave.
JoAnne Worley’s instinctive comedic timing and irrepressible laugh make her a favorite of audiences everywhere. Her work runs the gamut from television, movie and stage productions to game shows, talk shows, commercials, cartoons and opera. For more than 40 years she has been involved with the organization Actors and Others for Animals (founded 1971), which funds spay-and-neuter programs, and provides veterinary financial assistance to pet guardians in Southern California. Since 2007, JoAnne has served as president of the organization. Her expertise in safe and enjoyable travel with pets is known and trusted far and wide.
Once the proverbial phrase for hunting, now “Sport of Kings” typically is used to exalt the world of thoroughbred horse-racing, although the earliest uses of the expression related to war, as in the days of King Arthur. We talk with Marie D. Jones about the Kentucky Derby, Triple Crown and famous racing venues from coast to coast that have been elevated to shrine status.
Erika Nelson is back again with the highlights of her latest foray into the wilds of artistic expression. Being an independent artist and educator, Erika is always up for a new cultural safari as she explores contemporary art forms in the public realm. Next stop: Wisconsin.
encore- Erika Nelson is an independent artist and educator, exploring the fringes of art and culture as experienced on the back roads and offbeat roadside attractions that dot the American landscape. Her recent exploration of Tulsa, Oklahoma got her up close and personal with a celebrated statue known as the Golden Driller and other memorable landmarks deep in oil country.
With an explosion of wildfires consuming millions of acres and threatening lives in the Western United States, travelers are forced to reconsider their plans for dreamed-of road trips to the region. Mark Greene of Cars Yeah discusses the enormous impact on residents and visitors alike.
David Gessner discusses the most celebrated legacy of the first President Roosevelt, referred to admiringly as TR by millions of tourists who annually traverse a gorgeous labyrinth of National Parks, Forests and Lands that Roosevelt championed as America’s gift to the world
Picturesque and blissfully removed from the traffic and haste of the big city, Camano Island treats visitors to a plethora of rustic natural wonders along with some of the finest crab (and crabbing) to be found in the Pacific Northwest. Recent arrival Sig Hess shares his story of retiring from Boeing and Seattle to his version of Eden.
David Crockett, affectionately referred to as Davy, today remains an American icon of courage and patriotism. There is much more to his story than his celebrated stand at the Alamo. Seven sites endure as living memorials to a man for whom history and legend compete in defining a frontier hero and uncompromising lover of freedom. Jess Winfield, American Road editor, joins us to discuss his article, King Of The Wild Frontier.
Route 66 is part of the native range for Tom Cotter aka The Barn Find Hunter. He and his BBF (best barn finder) pal Brian Barr sought rusted gold in every state The Mother Road passes through. Along the way, ace lensman Michael Alan Ross documented their finds, mishaps, and various adventures. Starting in the Midwest and barreling through Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico, the barn-find bunch drove on to Arizona before completing their quest in Santa Monica, California. You'll never guess what automotive treasures they discovered peeking out from corroded garages and behind weary buildings along the way!
Nowhere is devotion to The Mother Road more evident than in Mohave County, Arizona where the Arizona Route 66 Museum beckons you to Kingman with a soft glow of neon and the kind of hospitality you only find where past meets present, sprawled out on the rugged desert floor. Nikki Seegers, Director of Operations for almost 3 years now at the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona shares with us, joined by Joshua Noble, a local county historian whose appreciation of the Road and surrounding area is unsurpassed.
Indulge in a bit of time travel with us as we are joined by Jerry Mathers aka Theodore Cleaver aka the Beaver. Countless Americans grew up (and still enjoy) following the wholesome adventures of a sweet-faced kid from childhood to adolescence. As Jerry reveals, his road stretches from child star to lifelong status as a TV legend.
Detroit native and travel writer Amy S. Eckert recently packed up the bare essentials and headed to the U.P. Her trek to the wondrously wooded region in Michigan, bounded by three of the Great Lakes, rewarded Amy with the experience of getting away from big city pressures and encountering the rich natural beauty that stokes the pride of every Michigander.
Meet NY Vinnie, a longtime auto aficionado with as many stories as miles under his belt. He hosts DriveTime Radio, an entertaining weekly look at the fascinating world of automobiles from the classics to the latest styles and technology. Nostalgia meets modern road life when Vinnie is behind the wheel!
Greater Miami's Coral Castle (Homestead, FL.) is rated by TripAdvisor as one of the Top 35 museums in the nation. The unique complex built by the remarkable Edward Leedskalnin (by himself!) stands as one of the most mystical and architecturally baffling wonders of the modern world. Ken the Tour Guide shares his expertise and local history.
From the stately Palace of the Governors to myriad cultural and scenic venues, Santa Fe is a burnished jewel of the Southwest. We spoke with Hersch Wilson, known as The Zen Firefighter and a local newspaper columnist, about his ardent love for New Mexico’s capital and all it has to offer
Visitors are rewarded with a look backward in the town of Litchfield, one of the premier locations along historic Illinois Route 66; we talked earlier this year with local expert Carol Sneed to get the details about its fascinating history and contributions to the enduring mystique of The Mother Road.
In this episode, we trek to legendary Long Beach, Washington. Laying claim to The World’s Longest Beach, this stretch of shoreline is a genteel oasis for retirees and beach bums but also home to Jake The Alligator Man, Rubberneck Row, The World’s Largest Chopsticks and The Whale Skeleton on Long Beach Trail. Matt Shea shares stories from his four decades of pilgrimages to this enticingly offbeat patch of the Pacific Coast.
Need a break from the grinding turmoil and stress of daily life? Climb in and join us on a rollicking tour de force of the wildest, wackiest, most outrageous people, places, and things the Evergreen State has to offer! Harriet Baskas returns with plenty to say about places you will want to visit and can never forget.
Join us on a trip to The Historic Indian Agency House in Portage, Wisconsin for insights into the cultural and historical context surrounding John H. Kinzie's 1830s commission as United States Indian Agent to the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) Nation. Built in 1832, the house was opened as a museum in 1932 by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Wisconsin. This historic site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. (Adapted from agencyhouse.org)
Erika Nelson is an independent artist and educator, exploring the fringes of art and culture as experienced on the back roads and offbeat roadside attractions that dot the American landscape. Her recent exploration of Tulsa, Oklahoma got her up close and personal with a celebrated statue known as the Golden Driller and other memorable landmarks deep in oil country.
With small crowds and social distancing in mind, iconic Graceland is once again open to the public. Elvis Presley aka The King of Rock and Roll, left a great legacy of popular songs, hit movies and his beautiful sprawling home which is still a top tourist destination in Memphis, Tennessee. From hardscrabble roots in the delta town of Tupelo, Mississippi to the heights of fame and fortune, the journey of Elvis can be traced from home to home in a single day. In January we discussed the pilgrimage millions have made with Elvis expert, Cory Cooper.
For the past two decades, Marie D. Jones has been researching and writing her way to literary stardom through non-fiction and fiction genres alike. Marie is also a screenwriter and producer, with a science fiction feature film titled "AURORA," in development with Bright Frontier Films, as well as numerous other projects in various stages of development. She is the author of more than 20 books including Celebrity Ghosts and Notorious Hauntings, a compendium of places to visit (if you dare) that are accessible by road.
Joey and Tonya Madia are renowned for sharing their love of North Carolina, including the Crystal Coast which is an 85-mile stretch of coastline extending from the Cape Lookout National Seashore with 56 miles of protected beaches, southwestward to the New River. The Crystal Coast is a popular area with tourists who revel in the sand, surf and sensational lore of legendary pirates who once plundered the region.
As America gradually reopens to road-trip travel, the dangers of drowsy driving return as well. Thankfully there is a simple and affordable remedy, invented by actor Anson Williams of Happy Days fame, offering quick relief to tired motorists. Hear him describe the benefits of Alert Drops before you set out on your next highway adventure.
For this episode, we talk with prolific author and veteran radio producer Harriet Baskas. Her book, Oregon Curiosities offers a definitive collection of odd, wacky, and decidedly offbeat people, places, and things found uniquely in the Beaver State.
Kim Marcille Romaner, founder of Possibilities Amplified, is an expert on the science of amplifying possibility into reality. Author of The Science of Making Things Happen, Kim helps people, organizations and communities tap into the power of possibility. Until quite recently, you would have found her living fulltime and traveling the continent in her RV with her husband Michael.
Car Culture expert Mark Greene, host of the Cars Yeah podcast, describes himself as an incurable automotive enthusiast. He has spent thousands of hours meeting and interviewing people who have woven their passion for cars, trucks and motorcycles into their businesses and lives. In this episode, Mark shares stories of auto aficionados he admires and discusses some choice car museums just waiting to be discovered when Americans hit the road again.
The city of Savannah proudly claims to be a Top 10 historic place to visit in the United States, welcoming hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. Some people, like celebrated Rock journalist Susan Masino, decide to relocate there and embrace the soul of the South. In this edition, we list some not-to-be-missed places to enjoy when you arrive in the town that charmed even a relentless Civil War General.
We are talking about a world-class vacation! Idaho offers excitement and scenery galore in the southeast sector of The Gem State. When Road Warriors are on the move again, they will be eager to relish some “world’s only” destinations that invite visitors to step back in history or revel in timeless natural beauty. Listen to an inspiring inventory of all that Southeast Idaho promises to those who pursue adventure in the rugged West.
The National Scenic Byway Foundation is the “National Voice of Scenic Byways and Roads.” Experts and volunteers work to strengthen the Byways, advocating for critical funding and promoting increased awareness throughout America. Executive Director Sharon Strouse shares with listeners her longtime experience of supporting concerted efforts to protect and enhance this national treasure.
Cowboys, guns, oil, a big blue whale, the world’s largest totem pole, Will Rogers and the true nut house...experience Oklahoma hospitality, the legends of Claremore and Historic Route 66 and all her glory in beautiful northeast Oklahoma! Get the skinny on all the adventure waiting for you when it is time again to venture out on the open road.
The Fort Lewis Military Museum, now the Lewis Army Museum, is a revered (and haunted) stalwart of Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Tacoma, WA. In 1918 it was the 'Red Shield Inn.’ An actor apparently died when filming the 1927 film 'The Patent Leather Kid' on this site. It is believed that he was murdered on the 2nd floor. Many sightings of an angry spectral actor in a cowboy outfit have been reported. The sound of soldiers marching has been heard on vacant lots. Lights and alarms go off for no apparent reason. Matt Shea reveals more spooky tales from The Evergreen State.
Erika Nelson has been called an “eccentric Kansan” but aficionados of roadside attractions and grassroots artistic endeavors love her for curating the World's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Versions of the World's Largest Things. Erika exhibits them across America and has a bounty of quirky revelations to share.
Cynthia Schreiner Smith is an actor/writer who was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota where she still lives. Since 1998, she has worked at the Wabasha Street Caves in St. Paul, researching, writing scripts and acting as a guide for their historical tours. Cynthia shares her knowledge of the town’s Gangster Era and talks about why the Twin Cities are hardly identical.
Carol Sneed shares her intimate connection with the town of Litchfield, one of the premier locations along historic Illinois Route 66, including details about its fascinating history and impact of the community on the world beyond The Mother Road.
Meet Bryan Yadon. In the spring of 2003, Bryan created Intermountain Guide Service (IGS) and that year on July 4th he began operations as a concessionaire of Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, offering Fly-Fishing, Horseback Rides, and sightseeing tours. Bryan knows a lot about taking a ride on the wild side!
What if you could morph your car into a mobile work of art, and drive it down the road for all to see? What would it look like? What would the world think of you? How would you be changed? These are questions we have for artist and documentarian Harrod Blank whose Camera Van attracts intense interest everywhere he goes.
Dena Marie is a versatile teacher and author of the book "Our Energy Matters". She is also a well-traveled facilitator of retreats to Kauai, Hawaii and now includes Whidbey and Camano Islands in beautiful Washington state to her portfolio. There is a quaint magic to Whidbey Island and Dena Marie enjoys helping visitors discover it.
Stephanie Stuckey recently became the shepherd of her family’s brand. And now, since taking over as CEO last November, she has been on a mission to visit all of Stuckey’s current locations: more than 90, mostly concentrated in the South. As she notes, people on the road still have to stop for gas, a restroom and a snack. Stephanie wants to reignite the retro feel of the ‘60s and ‘70s for which the stores were famous.
Donald R. Schmitt, among the world’s best-known researchers into the Roswell UFO Incident, shares his enthusiasm for the lively town 75 miles from the site of the alleged crash of extraterrestrial “flying saucers” during a violent New Mexico thunderstorm in July of 1947. Roswell has since become a mecca for UFO investigators and otherworldly curiosity-seekers. The desert town has more mundane attractions to offer as well. (Photo credit Pinterest.com)
Tom Cotter is a legend among car culture enthusiasts and his love of “barn finding” has attracted a following around the globe. He shares stories of discovering obscure collections that surprised him and made him wish these languishing beauties were already restored and back on the road.
Elvis Presley aka The King of Rock and Roll, left a great legacy of popular songs, hit movies and a beautiful home called Graceland which is still a top tourist destination in Memphis, Tennessee. From hardscrabble roots in the delta town of Tupelo, Mississippi to the heights of fame and fortune, the journey of Elvis can be traced from home to home in a single day. We discuss the pilgrimage millions have made by auto with Elvis expert, Cory Cooper.
Our last program of 2019 fondly recalls a wonderful man named Foster Braun who passed away in February: he was a warm-hearted professional whose love of broadcasting and long support of the American Road family left an inspiring Trip Talk legacy. Some honorable mentions of stories from the magazine round out an appreciation of 2019 even as we look ahead to the open road and more adventures to come in 2020.
Exploring the back roads in a state like North Carolina reveals an endless treasure trove of inspiration for artists and photographers like Tony Craig and his buddy on the road, Cotton Ketchie. For them, the next great discovery is just up the road or around the bend.
100 Dream Cars: The Best of "My Ride" is the latest book by car culture aficionado, New York Times best-selling author and Wall Street Journal "My Ride" columnist, A.J. Baime. It was hard to choose but A.J. selected one hundred cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles to fill the dream garage.
Road trips offer an endless array of amazing encounters. Write them down! Book publicist and Road Warrior Julia Brown maintains a journal of all the places she and her husband visit in North America. More than a keepsake, her copious notes prevent memories of great times and great places from fading. (San Antonio Riverwalk scene at aarp.org)
A landmark that takes visitors back to Early California days, Rancho Buena Vista Adobe is a beautiful legacy of the Mission-to-Rancho transition period in what is now the Golden State. Nicole Strickland guides tours of the historic (and reportedly haunted) locale in the city of Vista, 30 minutes north of San Diego.
Stephen Fagin, curator of The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, shares his scholarly insights into the history and lore of the November 22, 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy and describes what visitors can explore at the site today.
Erika Nelson is a Department Editor at American Road Magazine and the founding curator of The World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things. In this episode, Erika brings her latest stories from the road.
Edward McClelland, author of Folktales and Legends of the Middle West, details the tragic story of Resurrection Mary, celebrated for more than 80 years as Chicago’s most famous ghost. Her identity and untimely death in a car accident are the subject of extensive research and much speculation.
Mark Greene of Cars Yeah pays tribute to beloved Car Culture luminaries who departed this world in 2019, leaving behind legacies of their passion and commitment to quality automotive experiences. Time also is spent discussing the future of electric vehicles.
Tour owner and host Ross Allison brings over 30 years of paranormal investigation to his eerie repository in The Emerald City, where curious visitors and veteran ghost hunters alike find a treasure trove of macabre items, each with a hair-raising history.
Kirk McKnight, sports culture chronicler and author of The Voices of Baseball and The Voices of Hockey, describes a variety of dazzling venues for big-league fans in cities as diverse as the Motor City of Detroit and glitzy Las Vegas where he resides.
Detroit’s Hunter House Hamburgers was established in 1952 in Birmingham, Michigan, featuring the original type of slider – a little hamburger with some sweet juicy onions packed into the meat and with the buns steamed. The unassuming white pillbox diner is a family-run mainstay on Woodward Avenue, the first paved road in America.
Author and researcher Nicole Strickland, whose knowledge of the Queen Mary as a legendary luxury ocean liner is nonpareil, shares the rich and poignant history of a ship that occupies a remarkable niche in world history. Docked in Long Beach, California since 1967, the “QM” has bid an elegant (many say haunted) welcome to countless visitors from around the world.
The Reviving America’s Scenic Byways Act of 2019 directs the Secretary of Transportation to start the application process for new byways within 90 days and designate a new round of National Scenic Byways within one year. The implications for road travelers across the nation are far-reaching, heralding a resurgence of support for beautiful places off the beaten path. Mark Falzone, President of Scenic America since April 2017, describes the profound significance of this legislation. Photo by northofboston.org
New England is rich in historical significance and cultural influences harkening back to colonial and Revolutionary War days. From Boston, Massachusetts to Acadia National Park in Maine, history blends with some of North America’s most spectacular scenery to entice road trippers from sea to shining sea as Trip Talk host Gary Mantz recently discovered for himself.
David L. Scott and Kay W. Scott have spent over thirty summers touring the United States and Canada, including six summers exclusively devoted to the national park lodges. They are experts in planning affordable enjoyment of the U.S. National Park system and the wide variety of lodging options it offers.
Author Kim Romaner and her retired husband decided over two years ago to sell their home and most of their possessions to embark on a cross-country RV adventure that continues to this day with stays at famous places like National Parks as well as small towns and roadside attractions that can accommodate their big rig. Kim is an inspiration to those who hope to pursue their own dreams someday by hitting the open road.
Manresa Castle in Port Townsend, WA is both a haunted hotspot and a landmark hotel boasting Victorian-era elegance. Several other popular lodgings in the Evergreen State have a ghostly reputation as well, including The Tokeland Hotel in the town of Tokeland. It is the oldest hotel in Washington.
Jess Winfield, American Road editor, L.A. based author and screenwriter talks about his feature article “Star Trek Original Movie Locations” in the Summer 2019 issue revealing a gorgeous array of natural settings that filmmakers used in developing the franchise.
Paranormal investigator Marie D. Jones researched the tragic history of numerous American roads and bridges for a chapter in her book, Celebrity Ghosts and Notorious Hauntings. From Hwy. 41 on which James Dean met his untimely (though predicted) demise to infamous bridges where apparitions are frequently spotted, the lure of the haunt compels many of us to seek out spectral scenes as revealed in this edition of Trip Talk.
Tom Cotter has gained a large and loyal following among classic car enthusiasts with his Barn Find Hunter series on YouTube and by forging a career promoting the collection and restoration of these coveted automobiles. He shares experiences and insights gathered during his many Barn Find road trips in this episode. Photo credit Hagerty.com
Trip Talk recently hosted an interview with the amiable and informative Greg Peerbolte, executive director of the Joliet Area Historical Museum. Enjoy this "Best Of" episode again and listen for news of American Road Magazine's 2019 "Picture Perfect" photography contest. You could win $500! Visit americanroadmagazine.com for details and entry instructions.
Hidden away like a palace fashioned of magic and artistic genius, Solomon’s Castle in the lush wet wilds of central Florida is Howard Solomon’s dream of paradise. The creator’s daughter and current keeper of the Castle flame, Alane Solomon articulates the vision her father lovingly constructed from 1972 until his death in 2016.
For over a century, Detroit has been established as a major urban and industrial center. Yet the Motor City has a surprisingly large and impressive array of outdoor adventures for locals who are in on the secret and countless visitors who discover and revel in The D’s striking open-air pursuits. Travel writer Amy S. Eckert shares her firsthand knowledge of a hundred exciting venues in and around Motown.
The nocturnal joys of taking in a movie (or two) at a Drive-In Theatre are still available across North America. We talk with Wes and Brian Neal, owners and operators of The Boulevard in Kansas City, Kansas about the enduring appeal and evolution of the Drive-In Theatre experience in the digital era.
This episode sends you to prison in Joliet but luckily in a good way, with a fascinating survey of local crime and punishment legacy courtesy of Greg Peerbolte, executive director of the Joliet Area Historical Museum. Other attractions along the Heritage Corridor in Illinois also are included.
Erika Nelson is an independent artist and educator who explores the fringes of art and culture on the back roads and at offbeat roadside attractions that dot the American landscape. Erika travels the USA in a permanently altered Art Car, exhibiting the World's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Versions of the World's Largest Things. In this episode, Erika offers a survey of quirky Colorado attractions and iconic artwork.
American Road Magazine co-founders Thomas Arthur Repp and Becky Repp deliver a preview of our Summer 2019 Issue including a tribute to numerous Drive-In Theaters that still dot the USA with nostalgic pride, now accentuated by modern amenities. And take in the glories of Detroit’s fabled Woodward Avenue, a magnet of the Motor City celebrated in the Spring issue.
Meet Erika Nelson, Pretty Smart Cookie and Creator of the World's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Versions of the World's Largest Things Traveling Roadside Attraction and Museum, trains her visionary eye on quirky attractions of Seattle and environs.
Local historian and preservationist Mary Truitt details the remarkable history of Vandalia, Illinois as a crossroads of 19th Century America, a town rich with Midwest history and a significant location for the study of Abraham Lincoln’s early public life. 2019 is Vandalia’s Bicentennial with lots of celebrations planned, peaking from June 13-16.
Dr. Cori Convertito, Curator of Collections for the Key West Art & Historical Society, presides over a treasure trove from her office at the Custom House, flagship of four renowned museums in town and an interpretive center of local culture brimming with “southernmost” heritage. Cori shares her insights on a wealth of displays celebrating the freewheeling character of a unique American city under the shimmering sun.
Anyone who spends time in Key West, Florida will discover as Ernest Hemingway himself did that this four-mile long stretch of paradise gets into your soul and never leaves. Key West Rebecca, a very popular concierge with seemingly unlimited facts and figures at her fingertips, offers history and advice to travelers headed for the southernmost place in the United States.
Austin, Minnesota is home to Hormel Foods and the colorfully interactive SPAM Museum that welcomes many thousands of loyal consumers each year to a veritable shrine that celebrates a product introduced to Depression Era families and American soldiers in World War II, thereafter gaining a global reputation as one of the most versatile food items ever.
Veteran travel writer Amy S. Eckert introduces first-time visitors to the Motor City while helping Detroit residents explore their hometown in the full bloom of its cultural rebirth with an engaging and indispensable guide to enjoying all that Detroit has to offer.
Author, artist and photographer Tony Craig details the venerable history of country stores in North Carolina and then with equal passion guides listeners into the highly competitive (and lucrative) culture of duck decoy artistry.
Tom Cotter is a bucket-list “highway and byway” dreamer who envisions extraordinary road trips and then looks for ways to make his dreams come true. Hear his story of traveling the length of the Lincoln Highway in a classic Ford Model T speedster.
From Troll Hunts to a massive LEGO display this spring and summer, the Morton Arboretum 25 miles from downtown Chicago offers a destination for nature lovers and day-trippers with exercise and environmental education on the brain. Lots to see, do and learn!
Inspiring Automotive Enthusiasts is the trademark and mantra of Mark Greene whose passion for classic automobiles and the adventures to be had in them can be traced back to his car-crazy boyhood and a surprise visit to the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas.
Erika Nelson, roadside attraction warrior and consummate curator of The World’s Largest Things, returns to share her insights into the Big Tire in Michigan, The House on the Rock in Wisconsin and American Gods, a STARZ network series for the road-tripper in all of us.
Host Gary Mantz and his well-traveled guest Suzanne Mitchell reminisce about their “Great American Road Trip of 2017” from Sarasota to Seattle and back including details of amazing places they encountered.
Holly Barker and her partner Tully Garrett rescued and lovingly restored the legendary Launching Pad restaurant on Route 66 in Wilmington, IL. The massive Gemini Giant statue is the guardian of this grandly reopened treasure featured in the Spring, 2018 issue of American Road Magazine.
Artist Tony Craig shares tales from his prolific career in Disney cartoon and digital animation/production, now entering a third decade; he also reveals a passionate gift for preservation of roadside Americana through his exceptional watercolor art.
Lecompton, Kansas is known as the “Birthplace of the Civil War and Where Slavery Began to Die.” The desperate, even vicious political and military saga of the free-state vs. slave-state division that led to the Civil War is explained in detail by Paul Bahnmeier, President of the Lecompton Historical Society.
A highly regarded artist and photographer, Jerry McClanahan shares his love for and vast experience of Route 66 dating back to the family treks of his childhood nearly six decades ago up to the present. The Mother Road is deep in his soul and lovingly rendered in his popular artwork, commissioned by people around the world.
This episode offers a decidedly peculiar assortment of The World’s Smallest Version of The World’s Largest Things, an incredible traveling roadside attraction. Special attention is given to what curator Erika Nelson calls “some of the best offbeat sites in Washington state.” Erika’s versatile brainchild fascinates crowds from coast to coast.
Greater Miami’s Coral Castle, rated one of the Top 35 museums across the U.S. by TripAdvisor, is featured. The unique complex built by Edward Leedskalnin (working alone!) comprises one of the most mystical and scientifically baffling wonders of the modern world. Ken the Tour Guide shares his expertise and some local history.
American Road Trip Talk on 1150 KKNW Seattle debuts with an interview of co-founders Thomas Arthur Repp and Becky Repp. Host Gary Mantz talks with the Repps about their partnership both in life and on the open road. Route 66 gets special attention in this episode.