Food, Wine, and Travel with IFWTWA

Exploring the Hidden Gems of Birmingham with Cherith Glover Fulker

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer and author Cherith Glover Fulker talks about her upcoming book, Secret Birmingham: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure (Reedy Press, Aug. 1, 2025).
From jazz legends and civil rights history to cast iron giants and century-old baseball fields, Cherith shares fascinating and lesser-known stories that make Birmingham, Alabama a truly unforgettable destination. Learn about the city's vibrant food scene, family-friendly attractions, and the power of community connection. Cherith also opens up about her journey into travel writing and how personal history and curiosity fuel her work.
🎧 Listen in for:- Birmingham’s unique cultural legacy and quirky landmarks- The story behind the Vulcan—the world’s largest cast iron statue- Hidden gems like Rickwood Field, the oldest baseball park in the U.S.- Cherith’s travel writing origins and the inspiration behind her book- Why local voices and community engagement matter
📘 Get the book: "Secret Birmingham" – https://reedypress.com/author/fluker/cherith-fluker/ 🌍 Follow Cherith’s adventures: https://whatcherithinks.com/ 🍷 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://ifwtwa.org 🎙️ Subscribe for more episodes: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com 

A Taste of Reims: Fabulous Champagne Houses & Acclaimed Restaurants

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Scott Kendall shares highlights from his journey through Reims, the heart of France’s Champagne region. From visiting historic champagne houses and attending educational tastings to savoring an unforgettable meal at the Michelin-starred Arbane Restaurant, Scott talks about the region’s rich history, its unique winemaking traditions, and the value of cultural connections while traveling.
Scott Kendall is a Texas-based travel writer, photographer, and videographer. He’s the editor of PlayStayEat.com and has been published in EuropeUpClose, Epicurean Traveler, Food Wine Travel Magazine, and more. Visit his site: https://playstayeat.com 
- Read Scott’s article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/reims-fabulous-champagne-houses-and-dining-at-michelin-starred-arbane-restaurant/ - Learn more about IFWTWA: https://ifwtwa.org - Subscribe to the show: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com - Explore more Big Blend shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

CityPASS: Save Big and Travel Smart on Family Adventures

Celebrate National Family Reunion Month on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel Show” with IFWTWA, featuring Meg Heinen of CityPASS. Discover how CityPASS helps families save big on top attractions across North America’s most iconic cities.
Meg shares the evolution of CityPASS, the diversity of attractions to experience, and the benefits of using the CityPASS app for easy reservations and ticket management. Perfect for families and group travel, CityPASS offers convenience, flexibility, and serious savings!
🗺️ Featured destinations include: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Southern California (includes LA), Tampa Bay, and Toronto.
From historic sites and botanical gardens to thrilling amusement parks and museums, CityPASS caters to all ages—and even makes a great gift for students and frequent travelers.
🎟️ Learn more: https://www.citypass.com 🍷 Discover IFWTWA: https://ifwtwa.org 🎧 Subscribe & Listen: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com 

Family Adventures: Theme Parks, Cruises & Multigenerational Travel

Happy National Family Month! This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), fatures travel writer Sarah Gilliland who shares tips for planning meaningful and fun-filled family vacations—especially to theme parks, on cruises, and through multi-generational travel.
From budgeting and bonding to immersive attractions and educational takeaways, Sarah highlights how travel builds lasting memories and helps kids connect with new cultures. The conversation also touches on Alabama’s family-friendly offerings and the evolution of theme parks into rich, interactive experiences.
🎧 Listen and find all related links and resources (and a fun jigsaw puzzle): https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/family-adventures-theme-parks-cruises-multigenerational-travel/ 
Sarah Gilliland is a freelance travel journalist and family travel expert. She’s a member of IFWTWA, a Travel Media Showcase journalist, and the voice behind Sarah in the Suburbs.🌍 Keep up with Sarah’s adventures at: https://ontheroadwithsarah.com 
🍷 Discover IFWTWA: https://ifwtwa.org 🎙️ Subscribe for more episodes every 2nd Tuesday, Friday & 3rd Monday:https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station and Big Dail Blend Channels.

Exploring Vicksburg, Mississippi: History, Culture & Culinary Delights

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Susan Lanier-Graham returns to share her recent experiences in historic Vicksburg, Mississippi. From the powerful stories behind the Civil War to the vibrant arts and culinary scenes, Susan highlights what makes this Southern city such a meaningful and engaging destination.
The conversation dives into the impact of the Civil War on Vicksburg, the importance of the Vicksburg National Military Park, and the city’s rich blend of history, culture, and modern charm.
📖 Read Susan’s article:“Vicksburg National Military Park & Beyond”👉 https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/vicksburg-national-military-park-and-beyond 
Susan Lanier-Graham is an experienced journalist, editor, storyteller, and author with a passion for purposeful travel and meaningful connection. Along with being the managing editor of an Arizona lifestyle publication, and an editor and contributor to Newsweek, Susan is the publisher and founder of Wander With Wonder: https://www.wanderwithwonder.com/ 
🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://ifwtwa.org 
🎙️ Subscribe for new episodes every 2nd Tuesday, Friday & 3rd Monday: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com 
🎧 This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station," "Parks  & Travel," and "Way Back When" Channels. Check out our network of shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Road Trip to Bisbee in Southeast Arizona

Get ready to hit the road and discover one of Arizona’s most charming hidden gems! On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Tuesday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we explore beautiful and historic Bisbee, Arizona with special guests Heather Andrews and Janet MacDonald of Discover Bisbee.
Nestled in Southeast Arizona, Bisbee is a vibrant destination packed with history, culture, and character. From guided tours through its historic district to specialty local shops, art galleries and murals, natural attractions, and unique and historic lodgings—Bisbee offers something for every kind of traveler.
🧭 Did you know?- Bisbee is home to America’s first baseball field, Warren Ballpark.- It boasts Arizona’s smallest and longest continuously operating bar.- At 5,538 feet, it’s higher in elevation than Denver, making it the southernmost mile-high-plus city in the U.S.!
Plan your ultimate Bisbee adventure: https://www.discoverbisbee.com/ 
🔗 Subscribe & Explore More:👉 Subscribe on Podbean: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 👉 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🎧 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station” and “Road Trip Radio” podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Cruising the West Coast of Africa with Crystal Cruises

From Cape Town, South Africa to Tema, Ghana—join us on this fascinating episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) as award-winning food and travel writer Sucheta Rawal shares highlights from her luxury cruise journey aboard the Crystal Symphony up the stunning West Coast of Africa.
Discover what it’s like to explore Namibia, Angola, São Tomé and Príncipe, Benin, and Ghana in comfort and style. Sucheta dives into the ship's elegant accommodations, world-class dining, onboard entertainment and expert lectures, and culturally rich shoreline excursions.
A prolific writer and speaker, Sucheta Rawal has visited 126 countries across all 7 continents. She contributes to National Geographic, CNN, TIME Magazine, and more, and is the author of five travel-themed children's books. Her nonprofit, Go Eat Give, promotes responsible and meaningful travel. She’s also a TEDx speaker and will deliver her fourth TEDx talk this year in Manila.
✨ Read more about her West Africa experience: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/West-Africa-is-open-for-tourism--Here-s-how-you-can-visit-comfortably---.html 
🌍 Learn more about Sucheta Rawal: https://suchetarawal.com 
🍷 Discover IFWTWA: https://ifwtwa.org 
🎙️ Subscribe for more episodes every 2nd Tuesday, Friday & 3rd Monday:https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's Vacation Station Travel Channel.

Outdoor Adventures in Steuben County, New York

Get ready to explore the breathtaking landscapes and exciting outdoor experiences of Steuben County in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York! In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Tuesday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we chat with Dave DeGolyer from Explore Steuben about all the fun and adventure you can have in this scenic destination.
From kayaking on Keuka Lake and fishing the Chemung River, to hiking the 1000-mile Finger Lakes Trail, wildlife watching at Erwin Wildlife Management Area, and cycling the Keuka Gravel routes, Steuben County is a nature lover’s dream. You'll also hear about top outdoor attractions like Letchworth State Park, Stony Brook State Park, Mossy Bank Park, Birdseye Hollow State Forest, Spencer Crest Nature Center, and the Susquehanna Basin Water Trail.
Beyond outdoor adventure, Steuben County offers award-winning wineries, locally inspired cuisine, world-renowned art (like at the nearby Corning Museum of Glass), and a welcoming, small-town vibe that makes it the perfect travel destination for families, couples, and solo explorers alike.
🎧 Listen now to plan your ultimate Finger Lakes outdoor getaway:👉 http://www.exploresteuben.com/ 👉 Subscribe on Podbean: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 👉 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station” and “Parks & Travel” podcast channels. Discover more travel inspiration at the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork