Food, Wine, and Travel with IFWTWA

True Farm Girl Adventures: Exploring Rural & Small Town America

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer, columnist, and author Cindy Ladage discusses her new book, "True Farm Girl Adventures," and shares stories celebrating rural America, agricultural heritage, small-town communities, and the people who keep these traditions alive.
From antique tractors and agri-tourism experiences to Route 66 road trips, hidden museums, historic figures, county fairs, and unexpected backroad discoveries, Cindy highlights the authentic experiences that connect travelers to America's heartland.
As part of National Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Month, this conversation also celebrates the farmers, agricultural traditions, and rural communities that help feed the nation while preserving an important part of America's cultural heritage. The episode also ties into the spirit of America 250, showcasing the stories, landscapes, and local histories that help tell America's ongoing story.
LINKS & RESOURCES:- New Book, "True Farm Girl Adventures":https://travelingadventuresofafarmgirl.com/2026/05/30/true-farm-girl-adventures-in-a-book-form/ 
- Story: "My Encounter with James Dean":https://travelingadventuresofafarmgirl.com/2020/09/24/my-encounter-with-james-dean/ 
- Follow Cindy's adventures: https://travelingadventuresofafarmgirl.com/ 
- Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
- Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
- Big Blend Radio's "Travel Food & Wine" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 

Showcasing Summer in Southeast Michigan: Festivals, Culture & The Arts

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Petula Brown shares some of her favorite summer festivals, cultural and arts experiences across Southeast Michigan.
From jazz and Celtic festivals to outdoor art events, aviation history celebration, Pride festivities, and lavender-filled wellness retreats, Petula highlights the people, places, and activities that make Southeast Michigan a rewarding destination for travelers seeking authentic local culture and community connections.
The conversation explores communities including Ypsilanti, Chelsea, Dexter, and Milan, showcasing how festivals support local businesses, celebrate heritage, inspire creativity, and encourage healthy outdoor living.
Highlights include the Chelsea Sounds & Sights Festival, Dexter Summer Festival, First Fridays in Ypsilanti, the John E. Lawrence Jazz Festival, Celtic Festival celebrations, the Milan Lavender Harvest Festival, Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival, Thunder Over Michigan, and Ipsy Pride.
Read Petula Brown's article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/southeastern-michigan-summer-festivals 
About Petula Brown:For more than a decade, Petula has written about wellness, family travel, and multicultural experiences for publications including AAA Michigan, Pathfinders Magazine, Spa Magazine, and Crazy Wisdom Journal. Drawing on her perspectives as a woman of color, parent, technologist, educator, and entrepreneur, she creates immersive travel stories that encourage readers to broaden their horizons and discover meaningful travel experiences. Follow Petula Brown: https://www.facebook.com/PYBJourneys/ 
Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
Check out the Big Blend Radio "Travel Food & Wine" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 

Cooking Louisiana: Cajun Culture, Gumbo Secrets & the Spuddy Experience

Get ready for National Herbs & Spices Day (June 10) with this flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), featuring Spuddy Faucheux — Cajun cook, instructor, entrepreneur, and owner of the Cajun Cooking Experience in Vacherie, Louisiana. 
Located right along the historic Jefferson Highway between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Spuddy's place is one of those rare finds that turns a road trip into a memory.
Spuddy breaks down Louisiana's renowned cuisine — why gumbo is the ultimate multicultural dish (African okra, French roux, German sausage, Spanish seasoning, and indigenous filé all in one pot), the real difference between gumbo and jambalaya, and why the best seasoning always starts with salt and pepper.
Along the way, he shares the story behind his legendary nickname (hint: it involves Sputnik), why he traded 27 years in the restaurant business for cooking classes, and what happens when a UK couple, a pep rally of sixth graders, or an 8-year-old girl walks into his kitchen and takes over.
This is Louisiana food culture at its warmest — history, community, storytelling, and a whole lot of flavor! 
LINKS & RESOURCES- Visit Spuddy: https://www.cajuncookingexperience.com/ - Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ - Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ - Big Blend Radio "Food, Wine & Travel" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 - Big Blend Media House: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com 

International Food Wine & Travel Writers Conference 2026 in Milwaukee

Milwaukee is having a moment — and the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) is heading there for their 2026 Professional Development Conference, October 18–21!
Big Blend Radio host Lisa D. Smith sits down with three IFWTWA board members to give you the inside scoop on everything that awaits at this year's conference.
GUESTS:- Cori Solomon — IFWTWA President & Conference Co-Chair: https://www.writtenpalette.com - Susan Lanier-Graham — Press Trips Committee Chair & Conference Co-Chair: https://www.wanderwithwonder.com - Andrew Harris — Culinary Advisor & Conference Co-Chair: https://socalrestaurantshow.com 
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS:- Exclusive private dinner at High Stakes — Chef Paul Bartolotta's brand-new restaurant, opened just for conference attendees- Cheese workshops, Bloody Mary demos & opening reception at Milwaukee Public Market-  Professional development panels — Inside the Industry, Media Kits That Work, No Stupid Questions & more- Milwaukee Day — art museum, Harley-Davidson Museum, brewing history, Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, African American history tour, spy bar lunch & more- Closing reception at the historic Women's Club of Wisconsin- Pre & post trips: Shipshewana, Indiana & New Glarus, Wisconsin and more.
Open to all IFWTWA members and non-members, the Conference will be hosted at the non-smoking Pottawatomi Hotel & Casino. Day passes available for local Milwaukee writers!
LEARN MORE & REGISTER: https://www.ifwtwa.org/2026-ifwtwa-conference/ 

Discover Chautauqua County: Wine, Comedy, History & Outdoor Adventures

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Victoria Burch of the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau shares what makes Chautauqua County a memorable year-round destination for travelers of all ages.
Located in Western New York near Lake Erie, Chautauqua County offers a unique mix of outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, history, wine country experiences, and family-friendly fun. The conversation highlights the region’s scenic lakes, hiking trails, winter sports, and charming small towns, along with its thriving craft beverage scene through the Grape & Grain Trail.
Discover attractions such as the National Comedy Center, the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, and the renowned Chautauqua Institution, known worldwide for its arts, education, and cultural programming.
The episode also explores outdoor adventures like boating on Chautauqua Lake, discovering the natural beauty of Panama Rocks Scenic Park, and experiencing local history at destinations like the Robert H. Jackson Center.
Whether you’re interested in wine tasting, comedy, history, arts, or nature escapes, Chautauqua County offers something for every traveler.
LINKS & RESOURCES- Plan your visit: https://www.tourchautauqua.com/ - Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ - Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ - Check out the Big Blend Radio "Travel Food & Wine" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 

Culinary Adventures in Cayuga County: Finger Lakes Wine, Food & Road Trips

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Noah Howard of Tour Cayuga shares the flavors, history, and scenic beauty that make Cayuga County a standout destination in the Finger Lakes region.
Known as “History’s Hometown,” Cayuga County offers a rich blend of wine tourism, craft beverages, local cuisine, outdoor recreation, and community-driven experiences. The conversation explores the area’s wineries, breweries, distilleries, and artisan food producers, while highlighting the growing importance of sustainable tourism and authentic local connections.
Hear about charming small towns, scenic road trip routes, lakeside picnics, fishing adventures, culinary festivals, and farm-to-table dining experiences that showcase the region’s creativity and hospitality. Noah also shares insights into the Finger Lakes wine culture, local craft beer scene, and why travelers are increasingly drawn to slower, more meaningful travel experiences.
The episode even imagines what a culinary journey through Cayuga County might have looked like for Anthony Bourdain, celebrating the stories and passion behind the region’s food culture.
🌐 Plan your Cayuga County getaway: https://tourcayuga.com/ *** Listen to Last Year's Episode on Harriet Tubman: https://youtu.be/Ypwug8wo_hM?si=g-pHCQL8N1fYtO7_  *** Watch the Foodie Fun in Cayuga County: https://www.tourcayuga.com/cayuga-cuisine/ 🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🎧 Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 📰 Check out the Big Blend Radio "Travel Food & Wine "Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 

Discover Small Town Michigan with Author & Travel Writer Amy Piper

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel Show" with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer, photographer, and author Amy Piper shares some of the hidden gems, scenic waterfronts, historic sites, and charming small towns that make Michigan such a rewarding travel destination.
From Great Lakes adventures and shipwreck history to culinary experiences, festivals, and outdoor recreation, Amy highlights the authentic character and beauty found throughout the state. The conversation explores destinations like Mackinac Island, known for its car-free charm and historic atmosphere, along with unique attractions such as Kitch-iti-kipi, the state’s largest freshwater spring.
You will also hear about Michigan’s maritime heritage, picturesque lighthouses, local food and wine experiences, and the importance of small-town storytelling in travel writing.
Amy is the author of "Secret Michigan: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure," and her new book, "Small Town Michigan," releases on May 15, 2026.
📰 Read Amy’s article “Small Town Michigan”:https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/small-town-michigan 
🌐 Discover more of Amy’s adventures and books: https://followthepiper.com/ 
🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
🎧 Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
📰 Check out the Big Blend Radio Travel Food & Wine Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 

Castle Hunting in Southern Wales - Travel Tips, History & Hidden Gems

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writers Ryan Slough and Joelle Machia, founders of WanderersCompass.com, share their unforgettable adventure exploring more castles across Southern Wales.
From dramatic ruins perched on cliffs to well-preserved fortresses steeped in centuries of history, Ryan and Joelle dive into the cultural and historical significance of Welsh castles. Along the way, they uncover layers of history shaped by Roman influence, medieval conflicts, and evolving Welsh identity.
The conversation also highlights practical travel tips for exploring Wales and the UK, including the benefits of off-season travel, taking scenic detours, and navigating the countryside by car. Hear about standout sites like Raglan Castle, along with insights into the English Heritage Pass that makes visiting multiple castles more affordable.
Beyond castles, the episode touches on the charm of the Welsh people, the beautiful landscapes, local cuisine, and vibrant cities like Cardiff, offering a well-rounded look at what makes Wales a must-visit destination.
Whether you're a history buff, photography enthusiast, or curious traveler, this episode is packed with inspiration for discovering Wales—one castle at a time. 
🌐 EXPLORE MORE WITH RYAN & JOELLE:- Blog: https://www.wandererscompass.com/ - Podcast: https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/ - Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/WANDERERS-COMPASS-MAG-2026/#p=1 
🌐MORE ABOUT IFWTWA:- Website: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ - This Podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ - Travel Food & Wine Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1