What seemed like good ideas at the time to motor moguls in Detroit and other car capitals sometimes turned out to be star-crossed cars that were so unpopular, they have become infamous legends in their own right. It wasn’t just the Edsel or Yugo either. Many famous brands have suffered in the marketplace as the result of wayward imagination and misbegotten technology. Karl Petry, classic car and auto industry aficionado, is our guest and he has numerous examples to share. Oh, the inanity! See Pr...
Dec 13, 2024•27 min
In this encore episode, we talk with Destiny Egley, an authority on Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. Open year-round, the city has become a popular resort location, noted for its five hot pools suitable for bathing and featuring a turbulent inner tube run coursing through part of the town. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Dec 06, 2024•27 min
Erika Nelson, when she is not gracing the American landscape with her popular art projects, curates the Worlds Largest Collection of the Worlds Smallest Versions of the Worlds Largest Things. “Roadside Yuletide” is a phrase we coined to describe public monuments erected for when ‘Tis the Season. They are seen around the country. Erika shares about several of the best. (encore presentation originally aired November 25, 2022) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy N...
Nov 29, 2024•25 min
Seattle and Puget Sound are shaking off the effects of a bomb cyclone, undeterred in their preparations for Thanksgiving weekend and the traditional kickoff of the Christmas holiday season. Matt Shea, a frequent contributor to American Road Trip Talk, stops by with his detailed report on a variety of ceremonies and activities that offer family-friendly options for celebrating the “most wonderful time of the year.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at h...
Nov 22, 2024•27 min
Bodega Bay in California found immortality as the setting for Alfred Hitchcock’s natural horror-thriller, The Birds (1963) and continues to draw cinephiles, Hitchcock fans and curiosity seekers by the thousands more than 60 years later. The seaside village combines laid-back charm with the echoes of its cinematic past and permanent association with Hollywood’s Master of Suspense. Geoffrey Mark guests with stories and perspective regarding the area, the film, the stars and the man who conjured te...
Nov 15, 2024•27 min
From It Happened One Night to The Grapes of Wrath to Easy Rider to Thelma and Louise, some of the most iconic films ever made celebrate the dynamics of memorable characters taking to the open road. On this edition of American Road Trip Talk, we visit with classic Hollywood expert Geoffrey Mark to get the inside story of movies that took audiences on a vicarious ride to destiny. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-...
Nov 08, 2024•27 min
Jamie Jensen, seasoned road trip warrior and author of Road Trip USA: Cross-Country Adventures On America’s Two-Lane Highways, is our guest for an exploration of Highway US-2 in Washington state. Listen and learn more about 325 miles of some of the finest scenery the Pacific Northwest has to offer from someone who knows whereof he speaks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Nov 01, 2024•27 min
For our pre-Halloween episode, author and researcher Joey Madia joins us again; this time with a compilation of spectral thrills straight from the Mother Road! “Supernatural 66” is his term for a paranormal tradition that dots all eight states of Route 66 landscape. Haunted hotels, theatres and museums will be the focus of our interview. Joey is a raconteur so relax, listen and enjoy his recounting of the sites and frights found on the Main Street of America. See Privacy Policy at https://art19....
Oct 25, 2024•27 min
The RMS Queen Mary turned 90 on September 26th, 2024 and she has never looked more resplendent. Located in Long Beach, California since its purchase by the city in 1967, the legendary vessel is permanently moored as a tourist attraction, hotel, museum and event facility. As our guest Nicole Strickland can attest, the Queen Mary over the decades also has accrued a reputation for being among the most haunted ships in the world. Listen as Nicole shares her on-board encounters with the spirits of pa...
Oct 18, 2024•27 min
Matt Shea opens the creaky gates of Halloween Road Thrills in the Pacific Northwest! Everything from scary to fun for both kids to adults, he won't trick you into anything so you can treat yourself to some spooky Halloween excitement. These are the places you want to hit the road to in your Boo-ick or whatever you are driving! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Oct 11, 2024•27 min
Fall is among us, which means many of the green trees over the summer are now turning to their Autumn colors as Summer ends. New York Vinnie has been on more road trips across the country than he can count, and he shares his experiences on where and what makes the best road trip adventures during the Fall season in Washington State and other parts of the country. He also provides the information you need to gear up and plan properly, no matter where you may be in the United States. See Privacy P...
Oct 04, 2024•27 min
In this edition of American Road Trip Talk, we pay a visit to the Totem Pole Trading Post in Rolla, Missouri before it closes its doors on September 30. Since its grand opening in 1933 and opening the current store in 1977 from what used to be a Shell gas station, the Totem Pole Trading Post stocks its shelves with handcrafted gifts and merchandise that represent the image of Route 66. The owner of the shop, Tim Jones, joins us to reminisce on the legacy of Totem Pole Trading Post as he heads in...
Sep 27, 2024•26 min
Brian Gushue is a man who has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and needs a wheelchair for his mobility. Despite his disability, Brian didn't let that hold him down and began taking road trips to the nation's NFL stadiums. He set a goal to attend 500 games and has quickly exceeded that goal. Find out more about his inspirational travel adventures in and between the stadiums as he joins us for this edition of American Road Trip Talk! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California...
Sep 20, 2024•27 min
While the Big Leaguers are busy rounding the bases, we’ll be rounding the MLB ballparks in road trips designed just for baseball fans. From New York to Los Angeles and everything in between, Timothy Malcolm takes plots out routes that makes the most out of every mile and keep everything easy for your planning needs in his book, “Baseball Road Trips: The Complete Guide to All the Ballparks, with Beer, Bites, and Sights Nearby”! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privac...
Sep 13, 2024•27 min
A great road trip doesn’t have to be done entirely by automobile. In fact, some of the best views can only be witnessed by parking your vehicle along the scenic drives and stepping foot where your vehicle can’t go to make it to the best possible viewpoints. Today it is a ride along Michigan's famous Route M22 with outdoor writer Jim DuFresne author of "Trails of M22". One of America's great drives, Jim will let us know the best spots to get out of your car and immerse yourself in color as summer...
Sep 06, 2024•27 min
Our guest for this episode is Amy Beadle, Marketing Manager of the Springfield Illinois Convention & Visitors Bureau. She has exciting news to share about the upcoming 23rd Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival. With a plethora of activities and venues to offer, this is one of the signature events celebrated every year in the Land of Lincoln. When putting Route 66 on glorious display, nobody does it better than the folks in Springfield! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pr...
Sep 02, 2024•32 min
This week on American Road Trip Talk, meet New York Vinnie, filling in for Gary Mantz as he takes some time away from the show. In this edition, he chats with automotive adventurer Jeff Zurschmeide who took a road trip through America's Last Frontier in Alaska. It's much different than taking a road trip within the continental United States, and is an experience that should not be missed! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#d...
Aug 30, 2024•26 min
In this episode, artist and frequent contributor Erika Nelson shares her deep appreciation of Art Cars. An art car is a vehicle that has had its appearance modified as an act of personal artistic expression. Among the highlights of our interview: Houston's Art Car Parade, Seattle’s art car inclusion in the Fremont Fair/Solstice event, Art Car World in Douglas, Arizona and Minnesota's passionate group of art car creators. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Noti...
Aug 23, 2024•25 min
47 years ago, Elvis Presley passed into history. The King of Rock and Roll “left the building” at the age of 42. Today, we remember his too-short life and celebrate his incredible legacy with Cory Cooper, widely regarded Elvis expert. In addition to Graceland and Tupelo, where else can fans of The King visit to pay homage? Cory has select recommendations to offer. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Aug 16, 2024•25 min
On this edition of American Road Trip Talk, discover Louisiana's Cajun Bayou, just 35 miles south of New Orleans and home to the unapologetic Cajun culture of Lafourche Parish. The bayou stretches over 100 miles, flowing through communities and defining traditions. Festivals, charter fishing trips, tours through mysterious swamps, classic regional architecture and restaurants that offer you a chance to dine like a local: there is plenty to see and do "up the Bayou" and "down the Bayou." Our gues...
Aug 02, 2024•27 min
Matt Shea is the guest host of American Road Trip Talk this week. Listen as he interviews Kristen Brandel and Christa O’Brien, two ladies that are living their road trip dream by crossing the country in an RV. Their journey started June 3 in Florida; so far, they have traveled west and north to Washington state, experiencing a variety of popular RV resorts along the way and collecting plenty of good stories to share. You’ll hear some of the best and also get sound advice on planning a similar no...
Jul 26, 2024•26 min
Want to get far away from the noise and haste of daily life on your next vacation? Isle Royale National Park is a great destination for those seeking unspoiled beauty and unhurried adventure in the wild. Our guest is Jim DuFresne, a Michigan travel and outdoor expert who has been writing on where to go and what to do in the Great Lakes State for over 30 years. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Jul 19, 2024•26 min
The AAA Route 66 Road Fest was held June 22-23, 2024 in Tulsa, Oklahoma and our guest, Joey Madia, was a featured speaker. If you were in attendance, lucky you! For the rest of us, Joey offers a vicarious experience of the event including sights and sounds, encounters with Mother Road experts and a brief recap of his “Weird 66” presentation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Jul 12, 2024•26 min
The great outdoors and western Washington are synonymous in the minds of fishers, hikers and campers who make the most of the mildest time of year. There are plenty of places you can enjoy for a couple of days or longer if you know where to look, reports our contributor, Matt Shea. These lakes and campgrounds are “little gems” in The Evergreen State and Matt has experienced many of them. In this episode, let him guide you to where you might find your piece (and peace) of paradise in sweet summer...
Jul 05, 2024•27 min
Cruising Pacific Coast Highway in Oregon from Cannon Beach to Gold Beach offers road-trippers a sizable stretch of scenic wonders and an opportunity to get acquainted with the easygoing hospitality of small towns along the way. Jessica Dunham, author of The OPEN ROAD: 50 BEST ROAD TRIPS in the USA, will be with us to share her enthusiasm for this famous route and details of several unique places for you to enjoy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at ht...
Jun 28, 2024•27 min
“Rainbows end down that highway where ocean breezes blow,” according to The Grateful Dead. When Mark Greene of Cars Yeah fame fulfilled a road trip dream alongside Blake, his then 8 year-old son, the two adventurers bonded unforgettably as they basked in the glory of the open air. Their journey stretched 1,328 miles along Highway 101 and took 6 days to complete. As you hear the stories that Mark shares, take them as encouragement to bring your own dream on wheels to life! See Privacy Policy at h...
Jun 21, 2024•27 min
On Flag Day in America, we dedicate this episode to three sites that celebrate the story of the Star-Spangled Banner: Fort McHenry, the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail and a reference to the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House. Visitors have an opportunity to feel a personal connection with these venerable locations through a fuller understanding of their significance. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-...
Jun 14, 2024•27 min
Don’t you wish you could dine where legends of Hollywood’s Golden Age loved to meet, greet, drink and eat? Good news: you still can! In this episode, Geoffrey Mark, a “walking encyclopedia” of show business history, shares classic stories from Tinseltown and insights about what to expect if you make a pilgrimage to extant eateries where fine food and drink plus classy ambience have traditionally awaited a star-studded clientele. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Priv...
Jun 07, 2024•27 min
In advance of the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, we feature The National D-Day Memorial, located in Bedford, VA. It has been called “a must visit for anyone interested in World War II or American military history." Though it serves as the national memorial for American D-Day veterans, its scope is international as expressed in the statement, "In Tribute to the valor, fidelity and sacrifice of Allied Forces on D-Day, June 6, 1944.” Our guest is President & CEO of the National D-Day Memorial Found...
May 31, 2024•27 min
We often hear the phrase, “All gave some, some gave all.” Today’s episode is in honor of Memorial Day, dedicated to the brave Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in wartime. Our guest, Matt Shea, a frequent contributor to this program, has researched the history of Memorial Day and will share some of what he discovered. In addition, Matt is going to tell us about various places you can visit in Western Washington where America’s fallen heroes will be solemnly remembered. See Privacy Policy...
May 24, 2024•27 min
