Discovery Map Travel Podcast: Recent Episodes

Mark Ciociola

The Discovery Map Travel Podcast takes you on a journey each week to a unique destination through the eyes of someone who is an expert on that area. Join us as we dissect each locale and get down to what each place is really about and exactly why we would want to experience it. You never know what you might find out, you might just be inspired to add a destination to your bucket list that you have never considered before.

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This is part two of our conversation with Francis Tapon about Russia. We not only talk about visiting Russia, but we also talk about its culture, its politics, its relationship with the west and so much more. Francis is the author of The Hidden Europe - What Eastern Europeans Can Teach Us, Hike Your Own Hike and he is currently working on a book entitled The Unseen Africa due out in 2020.

Francis Tapon’s Websites:

http://francistapon.com

http://TheHiddenEurope.com

http://Africa54.com

Links to things mentioned in the episode:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masha_and_the_Bear

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaliningrad

http://www.hermitagemuseum.org/wps/portal/hermitage/?lng=en

https://www.rt.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazan

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yekaterinburg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Siberian_Railway

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamchatka_Peninsula

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladivostok

https://www.couchsurfing.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borscht

https://www.bolshoi.ru/en/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Josef_Land

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svalbard

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On this episode we are going to be talking with Francis Tapon about Russia. We not only talk about visiting Russia, but we also talk about its culture, its politics, its relationship with the west and so much more. Francis is the author of The Hidden Europe - What Eastern Europeans Can Teach Us, Hike Your Own Hike and he is currently working on a book entitled The Unseen Africa due out in 2020.

Francis Tapon’s Websites:

http://francistapon.com

http://TheHiddenEurope.com

http://Africa54.com

Links to things mentioned in the episode:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masha_and_the_Bear

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaliningrad

http://www.hermitagemuseum.org/wps/portal/hermitage/?lng=en

https://www.rt.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazan

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yekaterinburg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Siberian_Railway

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamchatka_Peninsula

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladivostok

https://www.couchsurfing.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borscht

https://www.bolshoi.ru/en/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Josef_Land

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svalbard

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On this episode, we travel to the old west of Carefree & Cave Creek, Arizona with our guests Diane Schure & Evelyn Johnson.

Links to this episode's sponsors:

http://www.sanderson-ford.com

http://haroldscorral.com

Links to things mentioned in the episode:

http://cavecreekmuseum.org

http://haroldscorral.com

http://www.bigearlsgreasyeats.com

http://oreganos.com/locations/cave-creek/

http://www.bryansbarbecue.com

https://buffalochipsaloon.com

http://cartwrightsmoderncuisine.com

https://carefreepumpkingarden.com

https://wildwestdayscavecreek.com

http://www.sonoranartsleague.org/hidden_in_the_hills_studio_tou.php

http://carefreetea.com

http://cafebink.com

Follow Mark:

https://www.instagram.com/markmapstheworld/

Follow Discovery Map:

https://www.instagram.com/discovery_map/

Upload your travel photos to Instagram and use the #DiscoveryMap

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On this episode of the Discovery Map Travel Podcast we learn about the second oldest settlement in South Carolina, we talk about authentic vs. contrived tourist destinations and we learn what makes Grand Live Oaks so special…as we talk to Billy Keyserling, the mayor of Beaufort, SC.

Links to things mentioned in the episode:

Billy Keyserling’s site - http://mayorbilly.com

http://www.cityofbeaufort.org

http://www.beaufortsc.org

http://spanishmosstrail.com

https://www.bftwaterfestival.com

http://www.downtownbeaufort.com/beaufort-shrimp-festival

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Sheldon_Church_Ruins

http://breakwatersc.com

https://www.facebook.com/TheOldBullTavern/

http://www.saltusrivergrill.com

http://redrooster.letseat.at

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Steamer-Oyster-and-Steakhouse/117325684951864

Follow Mark:

https://www.instagram.com/markmapstheworld/

Follow Discovery Map:

https://www.instagram.com/discovery_map/

Upload your travel photos to Instagram and use the #DiscoveryMap

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On this episode we talk with Elise Swearingen from GoProvidence.com. We talk to her about this capital city located in the smallest state in the USA. You can follow them here:

Twitter: @ProvidenceRI

Instagram: @GoProvidence

Links mentioned in the episode:

http://www.pvdairport.com

http://www.goprovidence.com

http://www.july4thbristolri.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Baptist_Church_in_America

http://whitehorsenewport.com

http://risdmuseum.org

http://www.alexandanicitycenter.com/ice-skating

http://www.childrenmuseum.org

http://www.rwpzoo.org

http://federalhillprov.com

http://waterfire.org

http://bignazo.com

http://www.frogandtoadstore.com

http://homestyleri.com

http://www.olneyvillenewyorksystem.com

http://losandesri.com

http://providencecoalfiredpizza.com

https://www.scialobakery.com

Follow Mark:

https://www.instagram.com/markmapstheworld/

Follow Discovery Map:

https://www.instagram.com/discovery_map/

Upload Your Travel Photos to Instagram using #DiscoveryMap for a chance to win $100!

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On this episode we talk with Carol Lohr from the Crystal Coast Tourism Authority about this picturesque region along the North Carolina coast.

Crystal Coast Tourism Authority

http://www.crystalcoastnc.org

Episode Sponsors:

http://ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com

http://www.hungrytowntours.com

Links mentioned in the episode:

http://beaufortncevents.com

http://beauforthistoricsite.org

http://www.crystalcoastlady.com

https://www.nps.gov/calo/index.htm

http://www.ncparks.gov/fort-macon-state-park

http://www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores

http://www.tryonpalace.org

http://www.circa-81.com

http://ncseafoodfestival.org

http://www.newportpigcooking.com

https://mumfest.com

http://www.swansborofestivals.com

http://www.thebigrock.com

Follow Mark:

https://www.instagram.com/markmapstheworld/

Follow Discovery Map:

https://www.instagram.com/discovery_map/

Follow Discovery Map of the Crystal Coast:

https://www.instagram.com/discoverymap_crystalcoast/

Upload Your Travel Photos to Instagram using #DiscoveryMap for a chance to win!

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On this episode I talk to Leena Karppinen who is the Public Relations coordinator with Visit Helsinki. She is here today to talk with us about her hometown of Helsinki, Finland.

Visit Helsinki’s site:

http://www.visithelsinki.fi

Links for places mentioned in the episode:

https://www.finnair.com

http://www.korkeasaari.fi/helsinki-zoo/

http://www.kiasma.fi/en/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porvoo

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turku

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallinn

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockholm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Petersburg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kallio

http://www.seahorse.fi

http://www.suomenlinna.fi/en/

Follow Mark:

https://www.instagram.com/markmapstheworld/

Follow Discovery Map:

https://www.instagram.com/discovery_map/

Upload Your Travel Photos to Instagram using #DiscoveryMap for a chance to win!

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On this episode we talk to Megan Jerrard who runs the blog Mapping Megan. We talk to her about her native Austraila. You can read more about her travels at MappingMegan.com. Her site has won numerous awards definitely worth checking out. We talk about platypus, kangaroo, & kuala. We tell you how you can climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge and we learn where the reference to down under came from.

Meg’s site:

https://www.mappingmegan.com

Links for places mentioned in the episode:

https://www.qantas.com

https://www.virginaustralia.com

https://tigerair.com.au

http://taronga.org.au

http://www.bridgeclimb.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coober_Pedy

https://tasmania.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegemite

Follow Mark:

https://www.instagram.com/markmapstheworld/

Follow Discovery Map:

https://www.instagram.com/discovery_map/

Upload Your Travel Photos to Instagram using #DiscoveryMap for a chance to win!

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Today we talk to Nancy Tallman about Park City, Utah. Nancy moved to Park City in 2003 from Los Angeles. For the past 13 years she has specialized in Park City Real Estate strategies. You can read more about her at InsideParkCityRealEstate.com. We have a fantastic conversation about skiing, homemade ice cream, moose, the Sundance Film Festival and celebrity sightings.

Nancy’s sites:

http://www.insideparkcityrealestate.com

https://www.facebook.com/insideparkcityrealestate

Links for places mentioned in the episode:

http://www.parkcitymountain.com

http://www.snow.com/epic-pass.aspx

http://www.deervalley.com

http://www.gorgoza.com

http://soldierhollow.com

https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/jordanelle/

http://hebervalleyrr.org

http://utaholympiclegacy.org/park/

https://www.montagehotels.com/deervalley/

http://www.stregisdeervalley.com

http://www.steinlodge.com

http://www.waldorfastoriaparkcity.com

http://www.hotelparkcity.com

http://www.parkcityrestaurants.com/savor-the-summit

https://www.sundance.org/festivals/sundance-film-festival

http://www.riverhorseparkcity.com

http://primeparkcity.com

http://www.ruthschris.com/restaurant-locations/park-city/

http://www.chimayorestaurant.com

http://www.thesilverstarcafe.com

https://www.facebook.com/Java-Cow-Cafe-Bakery-121637753224/

https://www.facebook.com/I-Love-Moo-1495752697384033/

http://www.parksillysundaymarket.com

http://foxschoolofwine.com

http://www.highwest.com

Follow Mark:

https://www.instagram.com/markmapstheworld/

Follow Discovery Map:

https://www.instagram.com/discovery_map/

Upload Your Travel Photos to Instagram using #DiscoveryMap for a chance to win!

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On this episode we talk to Sara-Jane Begonja who runs the Croatian blog Chasing the Donkey. She goes by SJ, she is Austrailian and has been living in Croatia for 3 years now with her husband and son. You can read more about Croatia and their experiences there at ChasingTheDonkey.com.

SJ’s site:

http://www.chasingthedonkey.com

Links for places mentioned in the episode:

Plitvice Lakes National Park - http://www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr/en/

Roman Amphitheater in Pula - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pula_Arena

Zadar - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zadar

Split - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Split,_Croatia

Istria - http://www.istra.hr/en/home

Zagreb - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zagreb

Dubrovnik - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubrovnik

Zagorje - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hrvatsko_Zagorje

300 year old medieval knights tournament - http://www.chasingthedonkey.com/travel-croatia-sinjska-alka-sinj/

400 year old monetary - http://www.chasingthedonkey.com/blaca-hermitage-brac-island-bol-croatia/

http://www.booking.com

Follow Mark:

https://www.instagram.com/markmapstheworld/

Follow Discovery Map:

https://www.instagram.com/discovery_map/

Upload Your Travel Photos to Instagram using #DiscoveryMap for a chance to win!

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Our guest for today’s episode is Max Fultz, the Manager of the Bush's Visitor Center & Community Relations for Bush Brothers. We talk to Max about the Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, Tennessee area.

Our sponsors for this episode:

Bush’s Visitor Center - http://www.bushbeans.com/en_US/visitors-center

Anchor Down RV Resort - http://www.anchordownrvresort.com

Hidden Mountain Resort - http://www.hiddenmountain.com

Links mentioned in the episode:

http://www.pigeonforgetrolley.org

http://www.dollywood.com

https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cadescove.htm

http://www.old-mill.com/info/the-old-mill-restaurant

https://parkgrillgatlinburg.com

https://peddlergatlinburg.com

Follow Mark:

https://www.instagram.com/markmapstheworld/

Follow Discovery Map:

https://www.instagram.com/discovery_map/

Upload Your Travel Photos to Instagram using #DiscoveryMap for a chance to win!

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On this episode, as we release it on Independence Day in the USA, we look at the National Days of the USA, Sweden, Italy, Slovenia & Austria. 

Follow Mark:

https://www.instagram.com/markmapstheworld/

Follow Discovery Map:

https://www.instagram.com/discovery_map/

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On this episode we are pleased to have two guests. First we talk to Dr. Božo Cerar who is the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the United States. Following my conversation with Dr. Cerar I talk to Mattej Valencic with Luxury Slovenia. They provide custom tours in Slovenia and are based in the capitol of Ljubljana. We talk to both gentlemen about this picturesque country located in the heart of Europe bordering Italy and Austria. It is a country with great natural beauty, ranging from Alps in the north to plains, rolling hills, forest and Adriatic coast line.

Luxury Slovenia:

http://www.youfeelslovenia.com

Links mentioned in the episode:

https://www.kempinski.com/en/istria/palace-portoroz/

http://www.ljubljanafestival.si/en/

http://www.odprtakuhna.si/en/

http://www.postojnska-jama.eu/en/home/

http://www.park-skocjanske-jame.si/en

https://www.virtuoso.com

Follow Mark:

https://www.instagram.com/markmapstheworld/

Follow Discovery Map:

https://www.instagram.com/discovery_map/

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On this episode we talk to Erin Bagnell, she is the public relations manager for Visit Richmond.

Visit Richmond:
https://www.visitrichmondva.com

Links mentioned in the episode:

http://henricus.org

http://historicstjohnschurch.org

https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/richmond/MonumentAveHD.html

http://www.fireflourandfork.com

http://www.dominionriverrock.com

http://www.venturerichmond.com/events/venture/easter.html

http://www.smv.org

https://maymont.org

http://www.lewisginter.org

https://www.kingsdominion.com

https://www.destinationhotels.com/quirk-hotel

http://www.jeffersonhotel.com

http://www.jamesriverpark.org/visit-the-park/getting-there.php

http://www.virginiacapitol.gov

http://www.metzgerbarandbutchery.com

http://www.heritagerva.com

https://www.monticello.org

https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com

http://www.richmondfolkfestival.org

http://blackhistorymuseum.org

http://www.poemuseum.org

Follow Mark:

https://www.instagram.com/markmapstheworld/

Follow Discovery Map:

https://www.instagram.com/discovery_map/

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On this episode we welcome Eric Friedman, marketing director at Mad River Glen in Waitsfield, Vermont. We talk to him about the Mad River Valley and a quintessential Vermont get away.

Links mentioned in the episode:

http://www.madriverglen.com

http://www.madriverbarn.com

https://www.hydeawayinn.com

http://www.sugarbush.com

http://www.madrivervalley.com/4th

http://www.benjerry.com/about-us/factory-tours

http://alchemistbeer.com

https://www.lawsonsfinest.com

http://americanflatbread.com

http://www.pitcherinn.com

http://www.peasantvt.com

http://www.mixcupcakerie.com

http://www.warrenstore.com

Follow Mark:

https://www.instagram.com/markmapstheworld/

Follow Discovery Map:

https://www.instagram.com/discovery_map/

Upload Your Travel Photos to Instagram using #DiscoveryMap for a chance to win!

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Today we talk about the City of Brotherly Love with Michael Milne who, along with his wife Larissa, runs the website ChangesinLongitude.com, it was the winner of the 2013 Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Silver Award for Best Travel Blog. They have been traveling the world in search of the tasty, the historic and the quirky.

Join us today as we talk about all things Philadelphia! We discuss everything from Independence Hall & the Liberty Bell to the Penn Relays & the Mummers Parade.

Links to places talked about in the episode:

http://www.readingterminalmarket.org

https://www.nps.gov/inde/index.htm

http://www.franklinfountain.com

http://bassettsicecream.com

http://www.monaco-philadelphia.com

http://morrishousehotel.com

http://www.barnesfoundation.org

http://www.fortmifflin.us

http://www.simeonemuseum.org

http://muttermuseum.org

http://www.theyorockyfilmtour.net

http://www.phillymummers.com

http://www.delawareriverwaterfront.com/places/spruce-street-harbor-park

Michael & Larissa’s Site

http://www.changesinlongitude.com

Follow Michael & Larissa on Twitter

https://twitter.com/Changes_Long

Follow Michael & Larissa on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/ChangesInLongitude/

Michael & Larissa Milne Photos with Rocky

https://www.flickr.com/photos/changesinlongitude/sets/72157654058613034/

Follow Mark:

https://www.instagram.com/markmapstheworld/

Follow Discovery Map:

https://www.instagram.com/discovery_map/

Upload Your Travel Photos to Instagram using #DiscoveryMap for a chance to win!

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On this episode we finish our conversation with Jessica Spiegel of ItalyExplained.com. We talk about Italian breakfasts, farm stays, agri turisom, festivals, cultural differences between the US and Italy, Italian soccer and of course Italian food.

Links:

Jessica’s Site - http://italyexplained.com

Red Rooster - http://www.redrooster.it/en/

Hotel Star System in Italy - http://italyexplained.com/hotel-stars-in-italy-what-they-mean/

Dining In Italy - http://italyexplained.com/eating-in-italy-menu-dining-tips/

Follow Mark:

https://www.instagram.com/markmapstheworld/

Follow Discovery Map:

https://www.instagram.com/discovery_map/

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On this episode we talk about all things Italy with Jessica Spiegel, who runs the website ItalyExplained.com. She has been writing about Italy for nearly 10 years including two ebooks. We talk about Italian trains, gelato and much, much more as the Discovery Map Travel Podcast goes to Italy!

Links:

Jessica’s Site - http://italyexplained.com

Isola Bella - http://www.isoleborromee.it/eng/isola-bella.html

Dining In Italy - http://italyexplained.com/eating-in-italy-menu-dining-tips/

Hotel Star System in Italy - http://italyexplained.com/hotel-stars-in-italy-what-they-mean/

Follow Mark on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/markmapstheworld/

Follow Discovery Map on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/discovery_map/

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On today's episode we talk to Christine Quigley from the Narragansett, Rhode Island. We talk about a wide range of topics relating to this costal city, which is a part of the smallest state in the US.  We even dive into the difference between New England and Manhattan clam chowder. 

http://narragansettcoc.com

Our sponsor for this episode:

http://narrowriverkayaks.com

Links to things mentioned in the episode:

http://aquabluehotels.com

http://narragansettlionsclub.com/sub_category_list.asp?category=16

http://www.blockislandferry.com

http://adventurelandri.com

http://www.gilbertstuartmuseum.org

http://www.sevenbs.com

http://www.francesfleet.com

Follow Mark:

https://www.instagram.com/markmapstheworld/

Follow Discovery Map:

https://www.instagram.com/discovery_map/

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On this week's super-sized episode we talk with James Ward, owner of Epic Tours about the Big Island of Hawaii.  James talks with Mark about how diverse this island is, featuring everything from green sand beaches, to black lava rock fields, to maybe even some snow. 

https://www.epicbigisland.com

http://www.discoverymap.com

Sponsors

https://www.islandnaturals.com

http://htbg.com

http://www.cribhawaii.com 

Follow Mark:

https://www.instagram.com/markmapstheworld/

Follow Discovery Map:

https://www.instagram.com/discovery_map/

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On today's episode we talk with Michelle Hrvat. She is anAmerican living in Vienna, Austria. She has the highlysuccessful and informative blog American in Vienna. Join us asMichelle shares her take on this wonderful Central Europeancity.

http://americaninvienna.com

https://www.instagram.com/michelle_terese

https://twitter.com/americanvienna

https://www.facebook.com/americaninvienna

Links mentioned in the episode:

http://www.motel-one.com/en/hotels/vienna/hotel-wien-westbahnhof/

http://www.prater.at/GeneralInformation.php?LI=1

https://www.wien.info/en/sightseeing/green-vienna/parks-gardens-center

http://www.austria.info/uk/things-to-do/skiing-and-winter/christmas-markets/christmas-markets-in-vienna

http://www.discoverymap.com

Follow Mark on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/markmapstheworld

Follow Discovery Map on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/discovery_map

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Today we talk with Pat Richardson who is a volunteer at GreatSmoky Mountains National Park and is the owner of Santa's Claus-etin Gatlinburg, TN.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

www.DiscoveryMap.com

www.Gatlinburg.com

www.SantasClaus-et.com

www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm

Follow Mark Ciociola at:

www.instagram.com/markmapstheworld

Follow Discovery Map at:

www.instagram.com/discovery_map/

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On this episode we talk with Jessica Willi of the Block IslandTourism Council.

www.BlockIslandInfo.com

www.DiscoveryMap.com

www.blockislandstay.com

Follow Mark Ciociola at

www.instagram.com/markmapstheworld

Follow Discovery Map at:

www.instagram.com/discovery_map

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On this episode we talk with Munchan Magan about his nativeIreland. He is a travel writer and is a regular contributor to TheRight Hook in Ireland.

www.manchan.com

www.twitter.com/manchanmagan

Links mentioned in the show:

www.elegant.ie

www.ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/eden/

www.greatlighthouses.com

Follow Mark Ciociola:

www.instagram.com/markmapstheworld/

Follow Discovery Map:

www.instagram.com/discovery_map/