Food, Wine, and Travel with IFWTWA

Author Emily Molina - The Extraordinary Journey of the Odyssey

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA features travel writer and author Emily Molina who discusses her book, "Tacoma's Tall Ship: The Extraordinary Journey of the Odyssey," out now through Arcadia Publishing. 
In 1978, the Odyssey, a 90-foot wooden yawl, arrived in Tacoma to serve as a training vessel and beloved landmark, standing tall in the harbor. Launched in 1938 off Nevins Boatyard in City Island, New York, the Odyssey spent four years traveling the world under the ownership of Barklie Henry. The ship hosted the Vanderbilt family and famous names like Ernest Hemingway before being donated to the cause during World War II. One name change later, it began service as a top-secret research vessel for the U.S. Navy, working in places like San Diego and Woods Hole until finding a home in Tacoma. Now, under new ownership, the Odyssey is docked in San Francisco and being renovated to be able to sail to France. There's some women's history story in the Odyssey's lifespan too! 
Emily Molina is a freelance writer who lives in the South Puget Sound region of Washington with her retired army veteran husband and two children. Molina is a former international flight attendant, and her work has been published in numerous magazines. Visit: https://molinawriter.wordpress.com/ 
Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) here: https://www.ifwtwa.org/  
Follow this Podcast Channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m  
This episode is also featured on our Big Blend Radio "Way Back When" History and "Women Making History" Channels. Check out our Big Blend Radio Network of podcasts here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

Castle Hunting Around the World

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA, travel writers Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough talk about their castle hunting adventures around the world. What started as a visit to Trim Castle in Ireland sparked an obsession that would take them to 432 castles and counting. Read their story about their castle adventures, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-thrill-of-castle-hunting/ 
Joelle and Ryan are the founders of WanderersCompass.com, a blog that is rooted in immersive travel, and where history, culture, and adventure intertwine to create meaningful experiences. Visit: https://www.wandererscompass.com/ 
Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) at https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
Follow this podcast here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m  

Spring and Summer in Historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA features Mary Grace Kauffman of Destination Gettysburg who gives a spring and summer overview of what you can experience in beautiful and historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, including Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site. 
Spring and summer highlights include the Adam County Blossom Belt, Blossom Festival (April 26); Adams County Festival of Races (April 26-27), Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival (May 15th-18th & Aug. 14th-17th), Gettysburg Film Festival (May 8-11),  Battle of Gettysburg anniversary (July 1-3) and re-enactments (July 4-6), Gettysburg Bike Week motorcycle rally (July 10-13), Gettysburg National 19th Century Base Ball Festival (July 20-21), plus, the new scenic summer train excursions. Visit Gettysburg and Make Monumental Memories! Filled with welcoming residents and diverse experiences, this quaint town is filled with stories to tell. Discover how Gettysburg captures the imagination, stirs the soul, and continues to draw visitors from around the world to its hallowed ground and beautiful countryside. More: https://destinationgettysburg.com/  
Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), here: https://www.ifwtwa.org/  

International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association 2025

Calling all food, wine, and travel writers! From networking and educational webinars to contests and the upcoming annual professional development conference, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) shines a spotlight on the organization and its many member benefits. 
IFWTWA BOARD MEMBERS ON THE SHOW:- CORI SOLOMON - President, Membership Chair, and Conference Co-Chair: https://www.writtenpalette.com/ - DAVE NERSHI - 1st Vice President, and Professional Development Chair: https://www.vino-sphere.com/ - ANDREW HARRIS - 2nd Vice President, Director, and Culinary Advisor: https://socalrestaurantshow.com/ - AMY PIPER - Director, and FWT Magazine Editor: https://followthepiper.com/ - ROBIN O'NEAL SMITH - Treasurer and Social Media Assistant: https://robinonealsmith.com/ - SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM -  Director and Co-Chair of Media Trips Committee: https://www.wanderwithwonder.com/ - DEBBRA DUNNING BROUILLETTE - Director, Associate Editor at FWT Magazine, Co-Chair of Media Trips Committee: https://www.tropicaltravelgirl.com/ - KAT ANDERSON - Director and Social Media Committee Chair: https://coffeeandmascara.org/ - JUDI COHEN - Board Secretary and Canadian Liaison: https://travelingjudi.com/ 
Save the date for the IFWTWA 2025 Professional Development Conference in Lafayette, Louisiana from October 12 – 16, 2025 and learn more about the organization, here: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
Follow this Podcast Channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m 
This episode is also featured on our Big Blend Radio "Vacation Station" Travel Channel and Success Express Channel.  Check out our Big Blend Radio Network of podcasts here:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Family-friendly Wineries in Greater Seattle

Seattle and its surrounding areas are known for their stunning landscapes, thriving culinary scene, and world-class wines. But did you know that many wineries in this region welcome families, offering kid-friendly spaces and experiences that ensure a great time for both adults and children? 
On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA, travel writer Phylicia Stitzel, "The Backpacker Mom," shares some of her favorite family-friendly wineries in the greater Seattle region, and discusses her wine and travel writing background. Check out her article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/seattle-family-friendly-wineries/  
Phylicia Stitzel is an adventurous travel blogger, professional photographer, and wine enthusiast who explores the world with her children in tow. She’s on a mission to inspire and empower moms to embrace travel—proving that you can have incredible experiences, enjoy great wine, and make lasting memories with kids by your side. Keep up with her adventures here: https://thebackpackermom.com/ 
Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) at https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
Follow this podcast here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m 

Vibrant and Flavorful Santa Ana, Southern California

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station “Food Wine & Travel Show” with IFWTWA features Wendy Haase, President & CEO of Travel Santa Ana, who shares what visitors can experience in Santa Ana. Hear about this vibrant city's Public Art Guide of over 200 murals, plus its Culinary Passport and Michelada Guide. 
Centrally located in Orange County, Santa Ana is an ideal destination to stay in while experiencing all Southern California has to offer. Here you’ll discover a community rich in culture and pride. An art scene that is a mix of funky and folk. Restaurants serving authentic flavors of Mexico, along with plant-based recipes. Attractions that are hands-on and those that teach. Shopping for brand names and homemade. And events that celebrate all! More at: https://www.travelsantaana.com/ 
This Big Blend Radio show is in partnership with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). Learn more at: https://www.ifwtwa.org/

Cruising Adventures With Virgin Voyages

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA features travel writer and travel advisor Janice Sakata-Schultze who talks about her Southern Caribbean cruising adventures with Virgin Voyages. 
Check out Janice's blog posts about Virgin Voyages, here: - San Juan, British Virgin Islands, Guadeloupe: https://www.sanseitraveler.com/article/virgin-voyages-southern-caribbean-san-juan-bvi-guadeloupe - Barbados, St Lucia & Antigua: https://www.sanseitraveler.com/article/virgin-voyages-southern-caribbean-barbados-st-lucia-antigua 
Janice Sakata-Schultze is a travel writer, blogger, content creator and certified advisor. She specializes in culinary, active adventure and wellness travel. More at: https://www.sanseitraveler.com/ 
Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) here: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
Follow this Podcast Channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m 
This episode is also featured on our Big Blend Radio "Vacation Station" Travel Channel.  Check out our Big Blend Radio Network of podcasts here:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

So Much to Experience in New York State

Celebrate Travel Tuesday and National Shop for Travel Day with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA that features Ross D. Levi, Executive Director of the New York State Division of Tourism. 
From the Adirondacks and the Finger Lakes to Saratoga and the Big Apple, hear about the Empire State's seasonal activities and attractions throughout its eleven travel regions, and some of the big celebrations and events coming up including the 2025 Bicentennial of the Erie Canal Completion, 2025 PGA Ryder Cup, Great Gatsby 100th Anniversary, America 250, and 2026 FIFA World Cup. Plan your New York State experience here: https://www.iloveny.com/ 
For more about the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) visit https://www.ifwtwa.org/