In this episode, we’re going to explore a different side to California. We all know the glittering beaches and iconic coastal cities of the Golden State, but today we’re going to let you in on a little secret called Fresno County.

Located in California’s Central Valley, Fresno County is the base camp for three of America’s most beautiful national parks.

Just over an hour away are Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park, home to some of the largest trees on Earth. And in just 90 minutes, you’ll be driving into Yosemite Valley and the view that one of America’s most celebrated photographers Ansel Adams called “a glitter of green and golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space.”

Plus, with its unique Mediterranean climate, Fresno is one of the top foodie destinations in the country with a bounty of year-round, fresh farm-to-table food. Not to mention one of the most unique attractions on the planet, the Forestiere Underground Gardens.

Easily accessible from most US airport hubs, if you’re planning a multi-state visit, or a long weekend stop-off on your California road trip, we think Fresno County should be on your list.

Our guests today are:

Shera Franzman, Executive Director of Forestiere Underground Gardens underroundgardens.com

Ryan Jacobsen, CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau fcfb.org

Vikkie Calderon, from Yosemite Fresno International Airport flyfresno.com

Highlights include:

• Walking in the Land of Giants at Sequoia National Park, home to some of the largest trees on Earth
• Exploring the little-known King’s Canyon National Park, home to an 8,200ft deep gorge, roughly 2,000ft deeper than the Grand Canyon
• Getting seriously hungry listening to the bounty of fresh, farm-to-table food available in Fresno County
• Discovering the fascinating history behind the one-of-a-kind Forestiere Underground Gardens
• Driving into Yosemite Valley, one of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet

FIND OUT MORE

Experience an authentic side to California in Fresno County. To plan your journey head to VisitFresnoCounty.org

WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE

Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure!

WANDERLUST MAGAZINE

Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com

Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member-only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits.

CREDITS

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the host and producer; audio editing and sound design by Charles Tyrie.

Sitting on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano, the Ecuadorian capital of Quito is renowned for being a melting pot of Indigenous and European culture. Step beyond the northwest city limits, however, and it is draped in natural beauty and brimming with wildlife, much of which can be seen here, and nowhere else on Earth.

From hummingbirds to condors, the cock-of-the-rock to the spectacled bear, today we’re travelling to the Andean Chocó, to explore the cloud forests on Quito’s doorstep.

Joining host Aaron Millar are:

Karen Edwards, a regular Wanderlust contributor, and sustainability consultant, who just returned from an assignment there. Instagram: @karennedwards_writer

Klaus Fielsch, a Quito local and product manager at Metropolitan Touring, Ecuador’s destination experts. www.metropolitantouring.com

Highlights include:

• Exploring the wildlife-rich cloud forests of the Mashpi Reserve, Bellavista, Santa Lucia and more

• Watching the dancing cock-of-the-rock displays, one of the most unusual birding experiences on the planet

• Discovering the ‘culuncos’ of Yunguilla: the ancient trekking paths of the Yumbo people

You’ve probably heard about Quito’s history and culture before, but not many people know about the natural beauty that surrounds the city on all sides. We think the Andean Chocó is one of the most special regions in the country, and should be on the list of any Ecuadorian adventure. Listen to hear why!

For more inspiration, go to: www.visitquito.ec

WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE

Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure!

WANDERLUST MAGAZINE

Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com

Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits.

CREDITS

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the interviewer and script editor. Audio production by Charles Tyrie.

Historic, cultured, and delicious. Wetlands, bayous and the glittering Gulf coast. Today we’re going to Mobile, Alabama, otherwise known as the ‘Paris of the South’.

This pioneering port city has a deep cultural history, a buzzing food scene and the oldest Mardi Gras in the States – that’s right, Mobile’s Carnival pre-dates New Orleans’.

But, it’s still largely unknown to visitors outside of the States. If you haven’t thought about Mobile as a travel destination before, then good! Introducing you to new places that we love, and think you will too, is what this show is all about. And today we have three expert guests – all Mobile locals – to show us around.

Ester de Aguiar: Executive Director of the Mobile International Festival

Cart Blackwell: Historian and curator for the Mobile Carnival Museum

Chris Andrews: Founder of Bienville Bites, Mobile’s tastiest food tour company

Highlights include:

• Learning the history of the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the country – 300 years and counting!

• Heading out on a food tour to try local delicacies such as Gulf Coast oysters, West Indies salad, King Cake and more.

• Discovering the Clotilda heritage in Africatown, and the story of the last transatlantic slave ship.

We think Mobile, Alabama should be on the itinerary of every Deep South road trip. Listen in to hear why and get inspired for your next USA adventure.

For more inspiration, go to: mobile.org

WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE

Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure!

WANDERLUST MAGAZINE

Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com

Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits.

CREDITS

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the interviewer and script editor. Audio production by Charles Tyrie.