Join us on Big Blend Radio’s "English Connection" podcast, airing every 4th Saturday, as historian, tour guide, and Norfolk Tours owner Glynn Burrows shares his recent experiences in Dublin, Ireland. From visiting the Jeannie Johnston ship, which never lost a passenger during its famine voyages, to exploring the General Post Office, the site of the 1916 Easter Rising, Glynn delves into Dublin’s powerful legacy and cultural significance.

This conversation also celebrates World Tourism Day and Ancestor Appreciation Day, reflecting on how travel fosters cultural understanding and how exploring our roots deepens our connection to history. From music as a soulful storytelling tradition to the flavors that shape community identity, this episode highlights how heritage lives on in everyday experiences.

🔗 Learn more: - Read Glynn's article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/dublin-a-short-visit-a-long-history/ - Norfolk Tours: https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ - English Connection Podcast: https://english-connection.podbean.com/

✨ Takeaways: - Dublin is a welcoming city with a deep, layered history. - The Jeannie Johnston ship symbolizes hope, as it never lost a passenger. - The Easter Rising of 1916 reshaped Ireland’s future. - Understanding history helps us navigate the present and build unity. - Music and food serve as vital threads of cultural identity. - Exploring ancestry enriches personal and cultural understanding.

👉 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Big Daily Blend, and Way Back When podcast channels. Explore the podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

It’s time for Fall Fun on the Historic Jefferson Highway! In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” Show, we celebrate autumn travel along the “Pines to Palms Highway”, stretching from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana.

Featured guests share the unique charm, seasonal beauty, and vibrant community spirit that make the Jefferson Highway an unforgettable fall road trip experience:

- Beth Hilburn – Owner of the Hi-Way Café & Western Motel in Vinita, Oklahoma. * Hi-Way Café: https://hi-waycafe.com/ * Western Motel: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/western-motel-in-vinita-oklahoma-2/

- Aaron Perry & Cassandra Ringel – Owners of Gearhead Curios & Petrol Motor Quart in Galena, Kansas. Visit: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/gearhead-curios-and-petrol-motor-quart/#

- Glenda Smith – Owatonna Chamber of Commerce & Tourism in Minnesota. Visit Owatonna: https://visitowatonna.org/

From local cafes and culinary events to vintage roadside attractions, community festivals, and fall landscapes, this conversation highlights how small towns along the Jefferson Highway bring together history, culture, and hospitality. The guests also share their stories of community engagement, historic preservation, and the creative ways they attract travelers looking for authentic, nostalgic road trip experiences.

🚗 The Jefferson Highway, known as the “Pines to Palms Highway,” stretches from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana, weaving through communities with deep historical roots and cultural pride.

🔗 Learn more: Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org/

🔗 Sign up for updates on Jefferson Highway maps, the travel directory, and the upcoming travel guide: https://jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/

📅 This podcast airs every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except holidays). Follow the show here: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/

Travel journalist and author Kristy Tolley joins Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station podcast to talk about her new book, 100 Things to Do in North Carolina Before You Die. From fall foliage and food trails to hidden gems, historic landmarks, music heritage, and coastal escapes, Kristy shares highlights from across the Tar Heel State and insider tips for creating unforgettable adventures.

We first connected with Kristy on our Adventures in Asheville podcast with Steve & Karen Wilson, owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, when she released 100 Things to Do in Asheville Before You Die. Listen to that episode here: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/e/23-must-do-experiences-in-asheville-in-2023/

👉 Get Kristy’s Book: https://www.reedypress.com/shop/100-things-to-do-in-north-carolina-before-you-die

👉 Follow Kristy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristytolley

✨ Takeaways from this episode: - North Carolina has must-do seasonal activities all year. - The Biltmore Estate is a key holiday destination. - Fall foliage and Krispy Kreme are NC icons. - NASCAR, moonshine, music, and history shape the state’s culture. - Hidden gems like the Museum of the House Cat make NC unique. - Supporting local businesses is vital, especially after disasters.