Destination Marketing Episodes

Welcome to a special episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! Host Howard Fox brings you right onto the historic Route 66 in Barstow, California, where Main Street Murals have to create a walking gallery of historic murals along Route 66's Last Existing Main Street. Joining Howard is Mayor Tim Silva, a longtime Barstow resident and recently elected mayor, who shares his insights into the city’s attractions, its vibrant art scene, and the deep-rooted history woven into both the murals and the iconic Harvey House. Together, they discuss Barstow’s role in American history, the centennial celebrations of Route 66, the city’s vision for tourism and growth—including the major new Barstow International Gateway project—and what makes Barstow a unique stop for travelers and new residents alike. Get ready to discover the stories and future of this fascinating desert town.

Exploring Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula: Hidden Gems and Local Heritage with Brad Barnett Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In this episode, Howard Fox sits down with Brad Barnett, the executive director of Visit Keweenaw, the destination marketing organization for Michigan's picturesque Keweenaw Peninsula. Known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, vibrant Finnish-American heritage, and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, the Keweenaw Peninsula is a hidden ...

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In this episode, Howard sits down with Melissa Pierick, Director of Marketing and Community Relations for the Ice Age Trail Alliance. Melissa shares her personal journey of discovering the Ice Age National Scenic Trail—an incredible 1,200-mile adventure that winds through Wisconsin, right past the state capital of Madison.

Protecting Midwest Flyways and Local Habitats with the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance - Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, we’re joined by Matt Reetz, Executive Director of the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance. Sponsored by Destination Madison—host of the 2026 Outdoor Writers Association of America annual conference—we’re shining a spotlight on why Madison, Wisconsin, and the surrounding Dane County communities are such exceptional destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, family getaways, and nature lovers alike.

Williams Route-66 Car Show - Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In today’s episode, host Howard Fox sits down with Judith Sell, the director of the American Legion Historic Route 66 Car Show in Williams, Arizona. As the town gears up to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Route 66 and the 11th annual car show, Judith shares insights into what makes this event truly special. Whether you’re a classic car enthusiast or simply love small-town Americana, this episode offers ...

Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In this episode, we're chatting with Andy Chapman, President and CEO of Travel North Tahoe, Nevada. As part of our special series with the Reno Tahoe Territory, Andy shares his deep local roots and lifelong love for the Lake Tahoe region. We discuss the unique challenges and rewards of managing a world-renowned outdoor destination that spans two states, five counties, and multiple jurisdictions. From fostering stewardship and conservation to ad...

Visit Lake Tahoe: Four-Season Playground, Outdoor Adventures, Events, and Sustainability Initiatives. Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series, where we dive into the people, places, and organizations committed to making the outdoors accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable. In this episode, we're joined by Ryn Muat, Communications and PR Manager for Visit Lake Tahoe. Together, we unpack what makes Lake Tahoe a truly unique, bi-state destination nestled between California and ...

Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! Today, we welcome back Cody Johnston, CEO and content creator for the Weird Canadian podcast, and now the Tourism Coordinator for the town of Lewisporte, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. In this conversation, Cody shares his journey into his new role, the rich outdoor experiences Lewisporte offers—from hiking trails and ATV routes to stunning birdwatching and beluga whale viewing—and the town’s efforts to promote itself as a premier t...

Rails, Trails, and the New Adventure Hub: Exploring Boulder City. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In this episode, our Host, Howard Fox, caught up with Jill Lagan, CEO of the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce and host of the Best Dam Podcast. Together, they dive into the exciting developments happening in Boulder City—from a brand new state-of-the-art indoor Nevada State Railroad Museum, to the eagerly anticipated Travel Nevada Adventure Center, a one...

The Outdoor Adventure Series welcomes Lydia Beck, the Communications Chair for Reno-Tahoe Territory and Marketing & PR Manager for Visit Carson City. Together, they dive into the vibrant, collaborative world of the Reno-Tahoe Territory—a unique, grant-funded organization of the Nevada Commission on Tourism that brings together six amazing Nevada destinations, including historic Carson City, Carson Valley, North Lake Tahoe, The Reno-Sparks region, South Lake Tahoe, and Virginia City. Lydia sha...

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In today’s episode, we’re heading north to explore the beauty, history, and welcoming spirit of the Carson Valley communities (Genoa, Minden, Gardnerville, and Topaz Lake) in Nevada. We're joined by Keith Lewis, Executive Director of Visit Carson Valley, and Josh Rudelbach, Destination Marketing and Data Strategist, for an insider’s look at the region that sits just 45 miles south of Reno and 15 miles east of Lake Tahoe. Together, Keith an...

Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! In this episode, we chat with Scott Dahl, the Director of Visit Springfield Illinois, to explore everything that makes Springfield a legendary destination for adventurers and history buffs alike. With 37 years in tourism and a deep love for his “heart of Illinois” hometown, Scott shares insights into Springfield’s vibrant tourism scene, the city’s rich Abraham Lincoln heritage, and its central role along historic Route 66. From world...

Lincoln County, Nevada: Stargazing, Tourism, and Dark Sky Preservation at Spring Valley State Park. On today’s episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series, we're chatting with Marcia Hurd, Executive Director for the Lincoln County Authority of Tourism in Nevada, and Dawn Andone, an Interpretive Ranger with Nevada State Parks. Together, they shine a light on Lincoln County’s remarkable dark sky preservation and awareness initiative—a passionate community effort to have Spring Valley State Park des...

Discover Festival Country Indiana: Outdoor Adventures, Community Events, and Hidden Gems - Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series. In this episode, we're chatting with Ken Koskey, Executive Director, and Mackenzie Steagall, Director of PR & Events, from Festival Country Indiana—a destination organization dedicated to showcasing the vibrant communities of Johnson County, just south of Indianapolis. Festival Country is more than just a collection of towns; it’s a hub for live music, farmers' markets, family-friendly festivals, and inventive outdoor experiences that attract ...

IDA Membership Meeting: Attracting Large-Scale Tournaments to Your Destination Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In this special episode, recorded at the Illinois Destinations Association Fall Meeting in Danville, IL. Today's learning is about attracting Large-Scale Tournaments to Your Destination. We're chatting with an all-star panel to spotlight the remarkable legacy of the NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball Tournament, which has been hosted in Danville for an impressive 3...

IDA Membership Meeting: Danville Stadium Outing Welcome back to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series, where today we’re taking you out to the historic Danville Stadium, home of the Danville Dans, for a unique blend of networking, community, and baseball nostalgia. Whether you love travel, tourism, or just a good old-fashioned ballgame, today’s episode celebrates local pride, hidden treasures, and the beauty of enjoying what's in your own backyard. INTERVIEWS 1. Kristen Ball - Il...

Illinois Destinations Association Fall Membership Meeting: Tracey Fentem, Danville Area Visitors Bureau, at the David S. Palmer Arena. Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! Today, we're back in beautiful Danville, Illinois, where we're chatting with Tracey Fentem, Sales and Event Coordinator for the Danville Area Visitors Bureau. We explore what makes Danville a unique destination—highlighting its central location in Illinois, vibrant community, and the incredible outdoo...

Illinois Destinations Association Fall Member Meeting: Mayor's Reception at the Historic Fischer Theater. Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! This multi-episode series takes us to Danville, Illinois, for the Illinois Destinations Association Fall Membership Meeting. Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. is our host for the kick-off event at the beautifully restored Fischer Theatre. DISCUSSION 1. Interview with Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. The Mayor’s tenure and background.Fischer Theater Re...

Discover Madison Wisconsin: Outdoor Adventures, Lakes, and Local Flavor with Destination Madison. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In this episode, we're chatting with Rob Gard, the Director of Communications and Public Affairs for Destination Madison. We dive into what makes Madison, Wisconsin, a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking to explore vibrant city life intertwined with nature. Rob shares the story behind Madison's unique location—an urban...

Explore Riverton: The Rendezvous City’s Outdoor Experiences, Small-Town Charm, and Community Spirit. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, we chat with Cindy Olson Roden, the Executive Director of the Riverton Chamber and Visitor Center in Wyoming. Join us as we journey to the heart of Fremont County—known as the Rendezvous City—where rivers, history, and adventure converge. Cindy shares what makes Riverton a unique destination, from its friendly small-town charm a...

Tacoma-Pierce County: Outdoor Adventure, Economic Growth, and Vibrant Community. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, we chat with Andrea Reay, President and CEO of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, and Dean Burke, President and CEO of Visit Tacoma-Pierce County. Together, they share the inside story of how their organizations collaborate to fuel economic development, promote vibrant small businesses, draw world-class conventions ...

Visit Nome, Alaska: 4-Season Beauty, Culture, and Heritage. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series. In today's episode, we're taking you to the far reaches of Western Alaska for a conversation with Shauntel Bruner-Alvanna, Executive Director of the Nome Convention & Visitors Bureau. Shauntel shares her journey from Chicago to the rugged, off-grid heart of Nome—a community shaped by breathtaking landscapes, rich indigenous cultures, and a unique, subsistence-based lifestyle. DIS...

Visit Leadville - Twin Lakes: History, Adventure, and Community in Colorado’s High Country Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! Today, we’re taking you to the rugged heart of the Rockies as we sit down with Adam Ducharme, the Tourism Director for Visit Leadville- Twin Lakes in Lake County, Colorado. Adam joins us to share the rich tapestry of history, adventure, and community that defines this authentic mountain destination. In this episode, Adam tells us ...

Pendleton County CVB: Dark Skies, Rugged Trails, and Hidden Gems in West Virginia. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, we’re heading deep into the ridges and valleys of Pendleton County, West Virginia, with Annie Humes, Executive Director of the Pendleton County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Pendleton County is an area that stands apart for its untouched natural beauty, rugged mountains, and a quiet charm that’s becoming rare in our world of constant connectivity. An...