Recorded on location in St. Augustine, Florida, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Travel with Terri" explores the rich history, vibrant culture, and living heritage of America’s oldest continuously occupied city. Travel writer Terri Guthrie discusses St. Augustine’s Spanish colonial roots and iconic landmarks, including the Fountain of Youth and Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, both of which play a major role in understanding the city’s early military, cultural, and colonial history.

The conversation highlights St. Augustine’s strategic importance as a Spanish stronghold, the stories behind its massive stone fort overlooking Matanzas Bay, and how these sites connect to the city’s broader narrative of exploration, defense, and cultural exchange. The episode also emphasizes the importance of acknowledging indigenous history and preserving untold stories as the nation approaches America’s 250th anniversary.

Special guests Bob and Maria Alvarez, COO and CFO of the Historic Florida Militia, share how historical reenactment brings the past to life through immersive education and storytelling. They discuss their involvement in reenactments, their work on the PBS documentary America’s Untold Story, and why keeping history alive is essential for future generations. The discussion also explores the deep Spanish connections between St. Augustine and the Camino de Santiago, reinforcing the city’s global and historical significance.

Plan your visit to St. Augustine, Florida: https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/

FOLLOW TERRI’S ADVENTURES - https://travelwithterri.net/ - https://www.instagram.com/travelwithterri/

LISTEN - New episodes air every other Tuesday – Listen: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ - As part of our America 250 programming, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station,” “Way Back When,” “Parks & Travel,” and “Big Daily Blend” podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we welcome back Dave DeGolyer of Explore Steuben to explore the rich wine culture, fascinating history, and small-town charm of Steuben County in New York’s Finger Lakes region.

The conversation traces the evolution of winemaking in the Finger Lakes — from early table grape production in Hammondsport dating back to 1829 to today’s award-winning wineries that are earning national and international attention. Dave emphasizes the philosophy of “sip and savor,” encouraging travelers to slow down, engage with winemakers, and appreciate the stories, people, and sense of place behind every bottle.

Beyond wine, the episode highlights Steuben County’s notable historical legacy, including its connection to aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss, who helped shape American aviation from Hammondsport, and author Mark Twain, whose presence adds a literary thread to the region’s cultural story. These layers of history underscore why the Finger Lakes is not only a wine destination, but also a place where innovation, creativity, and community intersect.

Listeners will also discover how Steuben County offers scenic outdoor adventures, welcoming small towns, vibrant local cuisine, and meaningful human connection — making it an ideal getaway for travelers seeking authenticity, reflection, and renewal.

🌐 Plan your Finger Lakes adventure with Explore Steuben: https://exploresteuben.com/

🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/

🌐 Follow the Food, Wine & Travel Show: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/

📰 Check out the brand-new Big Blend Radio Travel Food & Wine Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1

Author Michael G. Colburn joins Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Arts” show to discuss his Lady Black Mystery Series and the inspiration behind his gripping historical novel, "Asylum Murders."

In this engaging conversation, Colburn shares his journey from a successful business career into fiction writing and explores how real historical events — including the disturbing history of 19th-century asylums — shape his storytelling. Set in Australia in the 1800s, "Asylum Murders" blends mystery, suspense, and historical truth as investigator Lady Edith Black uncovers conspiracy, abuse of power, and long-buried secrets within the asylum system.

The discussion also dives into Colburn’s research process, the challenge of writing from a female perspective, and how creativity — including walking — fuels his writing. The episode highlights how books invite readers to co-create meaning, spark imagination, and examine the darker corners of history through fiction.

🔗 Visit: https://michaelgcolburn.com/

🎙️ Part of our National Book Blitz Month programming, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" and "Way Back When" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork