Food, Wine, and Travel with IFWTWA

The Rougarou Fest: Celebrating Louisiana’s Culture, Cuisine & Coastal Conservation

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Merle Rosenstein shares her experiences at the Rougarou Fest in Houma, Louisiana, part of the Annual IFWTWA Conference in Lafayette (October 2025).
Merle highlights the rich culinary culture, the legendary Rougarou in local folklore, and the importance of coastal and environmental conservation in Louisiana’s unique communities. The conversation explores how food, festivals, and local traditions connect people to heritage while fostering awareness of sustainable practices. Listeners also learn about Merle’s journey as a travel writer and her vision of SuperBubbie, celebrating active senior travel and cultural exploration.
🌐 Read Merle’s article about the festival: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/haunting-good-fun-and-coastal-preservation-at-houmas-rougarou-fest/ 
🌐 Visit Merle’s website: https://superbubbie.ca/ 
🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
🌐 Follow this podcast, also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Nature Connection," "Big Daily Blend," and "Way Back When" channels: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m 

Discover Whidbey & Camano Islands: Nature, Community & History in Washington State

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s Food, Wine & Travel Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) features Inge Morascini, Executive Director of Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism, who shares what makes these two Pacific Northwest gems so special.
From the dramatic coastal scenery and rich military and maritime history to the islands’ deep-rooted sense of community and sustainability, this conversation explores what makes Whidbey and Camano ideal for travelers seeking both connection and discovery. Listeners will hear about local artisans, small businesses, foraging and local food experiences, and the growing trend of road tripping through the islands.
Whether it’s the off-season serenity, the local farm-to-table culture, or the scenic drives from Seattle, Whidbey and Camano Islands offer transformative travel experiences where nature and community thrive together.
🌐 Learn more: https://whidbeycamanoislands.com/ 
🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
🌐 Follow this podcast, also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Way Back When," "Road Trip Radio," and "Parks & Travel" channels: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m 

Beyond Tuscany: Exploring Family History, Culture and Everyday Life in Italy

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) celebrates Italian-American Heritage Month and Family History Month with Valerie Fortney-Schneider—writer, author, genealogist, and expat living in Italy.
Valerie shares her experiences from nearly 20 years of living in Italy, from her ancestral region of Basilicata to her current home in Ascoli Piceno (Le Marche). Listeners will discover what life is really like beyond Tuscany, as Valerie explores the heart of Italian culture—where hospitality is sacred, community is central, and every meal tells a story. She also discusses her work as a professional genealogy researcher, helping Americans trace their roots and rediscover ancestral connections through travel.
Valerie authored "52 Things to See and Do in Basilicata," the first English-language guidebook dedicated solely to the region. Together with her husband Bryan Schneider, author of "Italian Ancestral Journeys: A DIY Guide to Visiting Your Ancestors’ Towns," she has helped hundreds of travelers rediscover their roots and experience Italy through local eyes.
From the ancient city of Matera to the local markets, vineyards, and kitchens of small Italian towns, this conversation captures the rhythm, warmth, and authenticity that define life in Italy.
🌐 Learn more about Valerie’s work: http://www.myancestralitaly.com 
📚 Explore her books: https://www.myancestralitaly.com/books 
🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
🌐 Follow this podcast, also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Big Daily Blend, and Way Back When History channels: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m 

Exploring Louisiana's Cajun Coast

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA, Allison Ledet from Cajun Coast Tourism shares insights about the unique attractions, natural beauty, and cultural heritage of Louisiana’s Cajun Coast. From bird watching and swamp tours to family-friendly Mardi Gras celebrations, ghost tours, and mouthwatering local cuisine, listeners are invited to discover a destination where history, culture, and nature come together.
🌐 Plan your Cajun Coast adventure at: https://cajuncoast.com/ 🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA at https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🌐 Follow this podcast, also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, and Way Back When channels: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m 

Exploring History and Culture In and Around Istanbul

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel Show” with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) features travel writer and photographer Marni Patterson, who shares her experiences exploring the fascinating history and culture of Istanbul, Turkey, and its surrounding regions.
From the iconic crossroads of East and West to the poignant battlefields of Gallipoli and the legendary city of Troy, Marni delves into the stories, myths, and cultural layers that make this part of the world so compelling. She also discusses the importance of respecting local customs, offers travel tips for exploring Turkey, and reflects on the realities and rewards of being a travel writer.
📖 Read Marni’s article, Exploring History and Culture In & Around Istanbul:https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/exploring-history-and-culture-in-and-around-istanbul/ 
🌐 Follow Marni’s adventures: https://mptravelwriting.com/ 
🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
🌐 Follow this podcast, also featured on Big Blend Radio's “Vacation Station,” “Parks & Travel,” and “Way Back When” channels: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m 

Exploring Indonesia: Beyond Bali with Inga Aksamit

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel Show” with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) features award-winning author, globe-trotting adventurer, and veteran oncology nurse Inga Aksamit. She shares her insights into the rich cultural diversity, natural beauty, and culinary wonders of Indonesia beyond Bali.
With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia offers travelers vibrant marine life, coral reefs, unique cultural traditions, and regional cuisines that make every destination an adventure. Inga highlights lesser-known islands, the importance of sustainable tourism, and the value of respecting local cultures while traveling. She also shares her perspective on travel writing, managing inter-island logistics, and the role of organizations like IFWTWA in supporting travel writers.
📖 Read Inga’s stories about exploring Indonesia:- Beyond Bali: Your Indonesia Island Itinerary Guide – https://ingasadventures.com/2025/08/04/beyond-bali-your-indonesia-island-itinerary-guide/ - Thinking of Visiting Indonesia? Don’t Stop at Bali — Here’s Where to Go Next – https://medium.com/batw-travel-stories/thinking-of-visiting-indonesia-dont-stop-at-bali-here-s-where-to-go-next-3d99da23854c 
🌐 Follow Inga’s adventures: https://ingasadventures.com/ 🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🌐 Follow this podcast, also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station" and "Parks & Travel" channels: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m 

Cruising North America's Great Lakes with Victory Cruise Lines

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel Show” with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) features travel writer, photographer, and IFWTWA Board Secretary Judi Cohen, also known as Traveling Judi. Judi shares her experience cruising all five Great Lakes with Victory Cruise Lines, highlighting the unique aspects of small ship cruising, the region’s cultural and historical significance, and local flavors discovered along the way.
From the historic charm of Mackinac Island and the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, to the engineering marvel of the Soo Locks, the roaring thunder of Niagara Falls, the cityscapes of Chicago and Toronto, and the seasonal beauty of the waterways, Judi emphasizes how the Great Lakes connect Canada and the United States while offering travelers an unforgettable journey of discovery.
📖 Read Judi’s article, I Cruised All Five Great Lakes with Victory Cruise Lines: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/i-cruised-all-five-great-lakes-with-victory-cruise-lines/ 
🌐 Follow Judi at https://travelingjudi.com/ 🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA at https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🌐 Follow this podcast which is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station" travel channel, here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m 

Tour Cayuga County: Harriet Tubman’s Legacy, Culinary Trails & Finger Lakes Adventures

Discover everything Cayuga County has to offer, from seasonal outdoor activities and unique culinary experiences like the Sweet Treats Trail, to art and music festivals, wineries, and community events. We dive into the area’s stunning landscapes shaped by its unique geography and agricultural roots, especially in wine, apple, and agricultural production. Whether you're interested in lakeside adventures, historic sites, or charming B&Bs, this episode has something for every traveler.
Our conversation also highlights the Erie Canal bicentennial, the enduring legacy of Harriet Tubman and women’s history, and how Cayuga County continues to inspire travelers with its blend of culture, cuisine, and outdoor beauty.
🗺️ Plan your visit: https://www.tourcayuga.com/ 🍷 Discover IFWTWA: https://ifwtwa.org 🎧 Subscribe & Listen: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to IFWTWA01:52 - Cayuga County's History & Harriet Tubman04:38 - Celebrating Women's History07:22 - A Legacy of Generosity and Care08:00 - The Role of Quilts in History10:45 - Experiential Learning Through Travel13:21 - Exploring the Great Lakes14:08 - New York's Hidden Gems16:56 - The Beauty of the Finger Lakes19:47 - Seasonal Activities (Autumn & Winter)22:25 - Culinary Delights: Sweet Treats & Local Produce25:12 - Wineries and Craft Beverages28:04 - The Arts and Music Scene30:49 - Festivals and Community Events33:43 - Lodging and Local Hospitality36:24 - Historical Significance & The Future of the Region
📢 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station," "Parks & Travel," "Eat, Drink & Be Merry," "Way Back When," and "Women Making History" podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork