Tourism Episodes

Route 66 Centennial: Bagdad Cafe Interview with John Wease. Discovering Newberry Springs - Community,  Jam-Making, Festivals, and Desert Life. Welcome back to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series. In this episode, recorded from the Historic Bagdad Café in Newberry Springs, California, a gem nestled right along the iconic Route 66, we're joined by longtime resident and community leader John Wease, who shares his deep-rooted connection to this unique desert community.

Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In this special episode, host Howard Fox takes us on a journey to Newberry Springs, California, home of the legendary Bagdad Café and a true gem along historic Route 66. Recording from the heart of the Mother Road, Howard Fox sits down with Jim Conkle—affectionately known by many as the “Mayor of Route 66”—to dive into the unique history and spirit of this iconic highway.

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...

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...

Exploring Ireland’s Beauty, Health, and Wellness with Leafy Green Tours. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In today’s episode, we're chatting with Ruth O’Meara, a hiking guide, surf instructor, and the director of Leafy Green Tours—a bespoke adventure company based in Ireland. Ruth shares her fascinating journey from the world of international business to her passion for outdoor wellness and guiding visitors through Ireland’s lush landscapes, as well as the transfor...

Exploring Small Ship Cruises: Adventures with Mikkel and Dan Woodruff In today’s episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series, we sit down with dynamic travel duo Mikkel and Dan Woodruff, the creative minds behind the "Small Ship Cruise Talk" podcast and founders of the travel sites Sometimes Sailing and Sometimes Home. Mikkel and Dan share stories from their unconventional journey—into how travel has shaped their relationship, recount adventures from memorable destinations like Belize, Cambodi...

Outdoor Exploration and Photography With Mike Hillman, Natural Habitat Adventures. On today's episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series, we’re thrilled to introduce Mike Hillman, the Photo Expeditions Director for Natural Habitat Adventures—known to many as Nat Hab. Mike’s story is a true outdoor enthusiast’s dream: from running wild in the woods of Michigan as a kid to becoming a zoologist and eventually leading extraordinary wildlife expeditions across the globe. Mike shares his fascinating j...

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...

Angel Island Tiburon Ferry Experience: History, Wildlife, and Sunset Cruises. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series. In today’s episode, we set sail in the San Francisco Bay with Captain Maggie McDonogh, fourth-generation captain and owner of the Angel Island Tiburon Ferry Company. Captain Maggie shares her unique story of growing up on the water, running a beloved family business that connects generations of locals and visitors to the natural wonders of Angel Island. We’ll hear ...

Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce: Supporting Business, Community, and Outdoor Activities in Washington. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, host Howard Fox sits down with Dawn Bell, President, and Jessica Kipp, Vice President, of the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce in Ridgefield, Washington. Nestled in the beautiful Pacific Northwest just north of Vancouver, Ridgefield is a rapidly growing community that’s becoming a hub for business and outdoor recreation. Dawn and...

Visit Muskegon: Your Guide to Michigan’s Four-Season Outdoor Playground. Welcome back to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series. In today’s episode, we’re heading to one of Michigan’s hidden gems with guest Bob Lukens, Community Development Director for Visit Muskegon and the Muskegon County Parks Department. Bob gives us a true insider’s tour of Muskegon County, a destination boasting three state parks, over 27 miles of spectacular beaches, impressive dunes, and a vibrant blend of h...

Rio Linda Elverta Chamber: Promoting Small-Town Charm and Outdoor Fun. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series. In today's episode, we chat with Tonia Silva, a Rio Linda/Elverta Chamber of Commerce board member. Tonia gives us an inside look at this charming, rural community just north of Sacramento, California. Filled with wide open spaces, horse ranches, family-owned businesses, and a remarkable small-town camaraderie. We’ll hear about how the Chamber supports main street staples and h...

Meet the Sequim Chamber: Promoting Outdoor Wonders, Businesses, and Community Spirit Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In this episode, we chat with Beth Pratt, the executive director of the Sequim Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Center. Nestled in the stunning upper left corner of Washington state, Sequim is a community that boasts an incredible mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and vibrant local culture. Beth takes us on a journey...

Discover Kamiah, ID: Tourism, Community Events, and Outdoor Fun Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series. In today’s episode, we sit down with Janet Brennan, the Kamiah Chamber of Commerce vice president in northern Idaho. Janet shares the rich history of Kamiah—a community that reinvented itself from its logging roots to a vibrant outdoor recreation and tourism destination. DISCUSSION 1. Kamiah, Idaho: Location and Overview 2. History and Evolution of Kamiah 3. The Kamiah Chamber of Commerce...

Visit Chicago Southland: Nature, Food, Sports, and Community Spirit. In today’s Outdoor Adventure Series episode, we sit with Mary Patchin, President and CEO of Visit Chicago Southland, to spotlight the vibrant communities just south and southwest of Chicago. Mary shares a behind-the-scenes look at how her organization connects visitors to the region’s diverse offerings, from bustling town centers and family-friendly attractions to expansive forest preserves and trails perfect for outdo...

Discover Birch Bay, Washington: Seasonal Fun and Small-Town Charm. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, we're chatting with Sacha Sanguinetti, the Event Coordinator for the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Center. Nestled just seven miles south of the Canadian border in Washington’s beautiful Pacific Northwest, Birch Bay is a hidden gem known for its breathtaking sunsets, accessible shoreline, and vibrant small-town community. You’ll also h...

Visit Cullman: Festivals, Outdoor Adventures, and Southern Charm. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series. In today's episode, we're chatting with Harmony Heard, the Executive Director of Visit Cullman in Alabama. Harmony shares about the area’s rapid growth, award-winning festivals, unique agritourism experiences, and endless outdoor adventure opportunities. From the famous Alabama Strawberry Festival and authentic German Christkindlmarkt, to skydiving, glamping, and world-class bass...