American Road Trip Talk

In this episode, meet Kyle Horvath, Director of Tourism for all of White Pine County, Nevada which includes Ely and the gateway community to Great Basin National Park, Baker. Listen and you will learn much about this four-season mountainous destination with a deep connection to the Silver State and American History that also maintains a strong appreciation for arts and culture, major events, and great outdoor recreational opportunities.

Stretching from Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California, Route 66, also known as the “Mother Road” and the “Main Street of America,” was one of the country’s major thoroughfares for nearly half a century. Route 66 became one of the most famous roads in America, having been popularized in American culture through books, songs, music, magazines, movies, and television shows… The construction of the Interstate Highway System resulted in the eventual decline of Route 66, and correspondingly, many of the roadside attractions. Portions of the road have now been designated as National Scenic Byways or as “Historic Route 66” in several states including Arizona, New Mexico, Illinois, and Missouri. (Text credit: U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration) Joey Madia, an avid researcher, joins us to reveal a time of profound national transition and its continuing impact on American society.

Planning a 2024 summer road trip? Our guest Amy Beadle is the marketing manager at the Springfield (Illinois) Convention and Visitors Bureau. In this episode, we hear about a plethora of events and venues that make Springfield a great place to visit. History comes alive in the Land Of Lincoln!

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival celebrates the glory of Spring and the abundant splendor of Mother Nature from April 1st to April 30th, 2024. In this episode, Matt Shea provides specifics regarding what you can expect and how to get maximum enjoyment from your experience at this dazzling Washington State destination.

The Total Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024 is approaching fast and Jamie Jensen, who is celebrating publication of the 10th Edition of his Road Trip USA travel guide, joins us to talk about the best cities and towns to view the celestial event.

Henry Martyn Leland was an American machinist, inventor, engineer, and automotive entrepreneur. He founded the two premier American luxury automotive marques, Cadillac and Lincoln. His motto was, “Craftsmanship a creed, accuracy a law.” In this episode, we hear much about his determination and innovative genius from Karl Petry, a graduate of the Lincoln Technical Institute and admirer of Mr. Leland.

Erika Nelson joins us to recount a pop-up show at TeePee Junction in Lawrence, Kansas. Erika responded to the “Hillbilly Halfwit”, Armando Minjarez responded to "La Salsa Man", and Mona Cliff responded to the teepees. The purpose was to examine caricatures of people in our roadside attractions and what they might mean to the traveling public.

Mark Greene of Cars Yeah says, “For me an adventure drive is when you go off the freeway and onto the back roads, or no roads, out into the wilderness. Away from cities and on roads in unique locations where tourists rarely venture.” Mark is our guest and he has stories of remarkable men and women who have done it.

Washington State has more than her fair share of small towns with plenty of charm to lure visitors away from the city life of Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma et al as well as from out-of-state to the natural beauty and town culture that offer a unique experience in each locale. Contributor Matt Shea has lots to share about these mellow destinations.

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 discusses “Sundown Towns” that once posed a menacing threat to African-Americans who traveled with the burden of bigotry in mind. (Encore Presentation)

Seaside Aquarium is one of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast. Founded in 1937, the aquarium is privately owned and the descendants of some of the founders still are active in its operation. Manager Keith Chandler fills us in on the star attractions and many activities awaiting you at a legendary place in Oregon’s oldest resort town.

On February 9, 1964, The Beatles made their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show and on that electrifying night, Beatlemania swept across America. Geoffrey Mark is our guest for a discussion of the places where the Fab Four performed, stayed and visited during their initial trip to the USA. Which locations still can be seen today?

Travel author Jessica Dunham has driven from Phoenix to Vermont and back again six times; the people and places she has had the privilege of experiencing are treasured memories. In this interview, we learn about some of them. Get ready to be inspired!

A road trip from southern Nevada to Arizona (or vice-versa) will bring spectacular desert vistas and stunning historic places into view. Hoover Dam and Laughlin in Nevada; Bullhead City, Arizona and the sprawling glory found in and around Phoenix are some elements of what might turn out to be the trip of a lifetime. Jamie Jensen is with us again; this time to share his boundless enthusiasm for the open road, Southwest-style.

They seemed like a great idea at the time: cars that were produced with big ambitions in mind but that failed to win over the public while others went through various modifications for years until they finally went extinct on the assembly line. Karl Petry brings his automotive expertise (and nostalgia) to this episode.

Western Washington is home to many vintage venues for dining and socializing that proudly maintain their links to the past. Matt Shea is back with first-hand experiences to share about some of the region’s favorite heritage places for food and fun.

The Muskegon Museum of Art, founded on a tradition of aesthetic excellence, is committed to fostering the life-long study and appreciation of the visual arts. We visit with Art Martin, Director of Collections & Exhibitions/Senior Curator, to learn more about this inspiring destination.

In this episode, Mark Greene joins us to memorialize several highly esteemed gentlemen of the automotive world who passed away in 2023. Each leaves a beautiful legacy and all will be sorely missed.

The Bear Lake Valley is a recreational paradise! Bear Lake on the Idaho-Utah border is often called “Caribbean of the Rockies” for its intense turquoise blue water. Jet ski, go sailing, boating, fish, swim and play on our sandy beaches. Wintertime offers snowmobiling, ice fishing and snow skiing. Enjoy bird watching & wildlife too. Tami Leonhardt joins us to share her expertise.

In this episode, we talk with Destiny Egley, an authority on Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. The city has become a popular resort location, noted for its numerous hot springs suitable for bathing and featuring a turbulent inner tube run through part of the town.