Cozy Fireplaces in PNW Lodges
Posted on 11/24/2025
This episode of American Road Trip Talk, hosted by Matt Shea, explores historic and cozy Pacific Northwest lodging, focusing on the comforting tradition of finding a “good cozy fire” after[…]
Traditional Christmas in St. Charles, Missouri
Posted on 11/17/2025
With a history full or pioneers, early legislators, and adventurers, Saint Charles, Missouri has the distinction of being one of the must-see holiday destinations in the country. For half a[…]
Confessions of a Prairie “Rhymes with Witch”
Posted on 11/10/2025
New York Times Best Selling author of “Confessions of A Prairie Bitch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being Hated”, Alison Arngrim is best known to viewers[…]
Happy Halloween 2025 with Karl Petry
Posted on 11/03/2025
A good scare is the goal on this night of nights; the spirits would not have it otherwise! Author (Absent Witness) Karl Petry joins us for a particularly eerie angle[…]
Glory of the Old South Glows Along the Natchez Trace
Posted on 10/27/2025
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic drive that runs through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, following a historic travel corridor. It is a designated National Scenic Byway popular for[…]
Now Comes the Terror and the Good Times
Posted on 10/20/2025
This is the time of year when we are enticed and horrified by the nocturnal frights that beckon us into the mysterious realm. Seattle and Puget Sound are perfect for[…]
Springfield, Illinois: Where Yesterday Joins Today in Welcoming You
Posted on 10/17/2025
Visiting the Capital of Illinois affords a rare opportunity to see into the past with all the perspective of the ensuing years on glorious display. Here is the Land of[…]
Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches Celebrate Autumn in Western Washington
Posted on 10/06/2025
They are a version of Legends of the Fall: Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches. In this episode, guest host Matt Shea offers a survey of the places where we love[…]
Stunning Natural Nevada Awaits Your Discovery
Posted on 09/30/2025
Travel Nevada, officially the Nevada Division of Tourism, is a state government agency responsible for marketing Nevada as a tourism destination to domestic and international visitors. It promotes the state’s[…]
Lift a Stein and Raise Your Spirits at Ocktoberfest
Posted on 09/22/2025
Oktoberfest celebrations in Washington state vary, with popular events like the massive, Munich-style Oktoberfest Northwest in Puyallup featuring authentic food, beer, and traditional and rock music, and the Bavarian-themed Leavenworth[…]
Spectacular Summer Fun Finales for the Whole Family
Posted on 09/16/2025
This episode focuses on children and parents around the Puget Sound enjoying an end-of-summer vacation. We will cover many venues designed for children of all ages. This will include: The[…]
Sampling the Eateries on Route 66
Posted on 09/11/2025
Joey Madia is our guest for a look at the cafes and restaurants that made their name with good food and friendly service on The Mother Road. Whether you like[…]
Happy Labor Day Weekend!
Posted on 09/01/2025
As Wikipedia states, Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday of September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the[…]
Harriet Baskas Captures the Magic of The Emerald City
Posted on 08/25/2025
Our guest this week is Harriet Baskas, author of 111 Places in Seattle That You Must Not Miss,”a guidebook… that explores the hidden gems and unique attractions of Seattle. It’s[…]
Monroe and West Monroe Louisiana Welcome You
Posted on 08/18/2025
Monroe and West Monroe, Louisiana, are known for their twin-city dynamic, blending culture, outdoor recreation, and local attractions. They are particularly known for the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge,[…]
PNW Beaches: A Scenic Wonderland
Posted on 08/11/2025
Guest host Matt Shea takes you on a whirlwind tour of the rugged coastline in Oregon and Washington in this episode. There is unspoiled beauty here that does not overlook[…]
History Comes Alive Happening Now in Springfield, Illinois
Posted on 08/04/2025
“History Comes Alive” 2025 is a summer program in full swing from June 6 through August 9 in Springfield, Illinois, bringing the city’s history to life through interactive events, reenactments,[…]
Cool Summer Wonderland: Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Posted on 07/28/2025
An article appeared in American Road magazine featuring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.) titled “A Superior Road Trip” in the March 23, 2021 issue. The article highlights the region’s natural beauty[…]
You Can See Heaven from Here: Mountain Majesties in Washington State
Posted on 07/21/2025
Guest host Matt Shea has spent countless hours hiking, camping and fishing historic lands of The Evergreen State and in this episode, he surveys a few of the best to[…]
The Superman Saga Continues with a Summer Blockbuster
Posted on 07/14/2025
American Road magazine has featured drive-in movie theaters in multiple issues, with a notable “A Night at the Drive-In” series focusing on these outdoor cinemas. The magazine’s Summer 2014 issue,[…]
Western Washington Independence Day Celebrations
Posted on 07/07/2025
Happy Independence Day! Join guest host Matt Shea for a survey of July 4th celebrations in Puget Sound and Western Washington. Large or small, there is a venue you and[…]
Fallon, Nevada Takes the Lonely Out of the Loneliest Road
Posted on 06/30/2025
Fallon, Nevada is known as the “Oasis of Nevada” due to its fertile agricultural land and vibrant community, despite being located in a desert environment. It’s also famous for Naval[…]
The Stars Shine Brightest in Ely, Nevada
Posted on 06/23/2025
The DSA-2000 project, what will be the world’s most powerful radio telescope, is being built by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) outside of Ely, NV. Chosen because White Pine[…]
History Comes Alive Turns 16 this Summer in Springfield, Illinois
Posted on 06/18/2025
“History Comes Alive” 2025 is a summer program from June 6 through August 9 in Springfield, Illinois, bringing the city’s history to life through interactive events, reenactments, and costumed interpreters.[…]
Nevada’s Indian Territory Invites Exploration
Posted on 06/02/2025
Twenty-eight federally recognized tribes stretch across Nevada. These tribes are all unique, with traditions that span many generations. But like the intricate strands that form a beautiful basket, these tribes[…]
Memorial Day Weekend Commemorations in Western Washington
Posted on 05/27/2025
Western Washington is ready to honor the courageous men and women who gave their lives to defend and protect America in wartime. Again this Memorial Day weekend, gratitude, pride and[…]
Pigeon River: A Natural Wonder is Back from the Brink
Posted on 05/19/2025
In late September of 2024, Hurricane Helene struck, reaching Category 4 intensity in the Big Bend region of Florida and making landfall as a Category 4 storm. As it moved[…]
Tony from Jersey on How to Avoid the Road Trip from Hell
Posted on 05/12/2025
Tony Clemente aka Tony from Jersey has worked on all manner of cars for decades. His word is his bond and his skill is legendary. Ask the legions of drivers[…]
The Comeback Trail: Appalachia After Helene
Posted on 05/05/2025
Hurricane Helene severely impacted the Appalachian Trail, requiring extensive efforts to clear downed trees, repair infrastructure, and restore impacted areas. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), along with partner organizations like[…]
Before Nevada Was the Battle-Born State: the Story of the Pony Express
Posted on 04/28/2025
The Pony Express was a fast mail service operating from 1860 to 1861 that used relays of horse-mounted riders to deliver mail between St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California in[…]
Iconic Rides at The Hollywood Museum
Posted on 04/21/2025
In this edition, we feature a new exhibit at The Hollywood Museum. Iconic Rides: A Drive Through Time brings the past forward with famous cars that were like family friends[…]
Mark Greene and Ginger Baker Rust on American Car Culture
Posted on 04/14/2025
In this episode, we visit with Mark Greene, Founder of the Cars Yeah podcast and first-time guest Ginger Baker Rust who has succeeded him as host. You’ve heard Mark on[…]
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival 2025
Posted on 04/07/2025
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival 2025 is underway in Washington state and frequent contributor Matt Shea joins us for his annual survey of the venues and activities that have made[…]
Springfield, Illinois: Preserving History and Making History
Posted on 03/31/2025
Amy Beadle, Marketing and Advertising Manager for Visit Springfield, returns with news of upcoming events that demonstrate why the Illinois Capital city is where “History Comes Alive.” The 63rd Annual[…]
What is Old is New Again: Reimagined Classics
Posted on 03/24/2025
An emerging trend in the car collector world features vehicles reimagined by builders who bring famous marques into the 21st century including Mustang, Camaro, Shelby Cobra, Porsche 911, Broncos, Toyota[…]
APRIL FOOLS-A-PALOOZA in Lucas, KS
Posted on 03/17/2025
Lucas, Kansas is preparing to host APRIL FOOLS-A-PALOOZA, a vibrant local art festival, where the town’s artists and organizations come together to showcase their work. This event is held annually[…]
100 Things to Do on Mackinac Island
Posted on 03/10/2025
Take a ferry ride back in time to Michigan’s Mackinac Island, the car-free destination in the Straits of Mackinac where the Great Lakes Huron and Michigan meet. Here, the streets[…]
Route 66: Neon Nights and Mother Road Monuments
Posted on 03/03/2025
Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985 after being replaced by the interstate highway system. Nevertheless, The Main Street of America’s hold on several generations of road-trippers, including people not yet[…]
Where Did They Go? Legendary Cars Gone Missing
Posted on 02/24/2025
Famous cars owned (or driven) by famous people: how could they disappear? An aura of mystery shrouds the fate of some legendary autos; all with a unique story to tell[…]
Valentine’s Day 2025 (Part II) Love is All Around
Posted on 02/20/2025
For Valentine’s Day, we include a bonus episode for your enjoyment. Suzanne Mitchell joins us as co-host, having discovered towns whose name says it all. Then we acknowledge the Commonwealth[…]
Looking for Love in All the Right Places
Posted on 02/17/2025
On Valentine’s Day, we turn to our friend and regular contributor Matt Shea for examples of romantic artistic creations to be found at various locations around America. They offer proof[…]
When I Love Lucy Hit the Road
Posted on 02/10/2025
“California, Here We Come!” The Ricardos and Mertzes began their cross-country drive to the Golden State on the January 10, 1955 episode of I Love Lucy. What could possibly go[…]
What Mechanics Know: Meet Tony From Jersey
Posted on 02/03/2025
This week, we tackle the topic of how to form a mutually trusting relationship with your auto mechanic. Tony Clemente, owner of Silver Lake Auto Service in Belleville, New Jersey[…]
Winter Fun in the Wilds of Western Washington
Posted on 01/27/2025
Whether your tastes run to roughing it in the evergreen wild, packing up the RV for a long weekend trip or indulging in the rustic luxury of “glamping,” wintertime in[…]
Making Ready for Mardi Gras 2025 in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou
Posted on 01/20/2025
“Throw Me Something, Mister!” This phrase is famous in Bayou country; it is what people say as they get caught up in the Mardi Gras spirit. On this edition of[…]
Springfield, Illinois
Posted on 01/13/2025
This week’s episode features historic Springfield, Illinois and another star turn for Amy Beadle, Marketing Manager of the Springfield Illinois Convention & Visitors Bureau. Tune in or download and hear[…]
President Jimmy Carter: Citizen of Plains, GA
Posted on 01/07/2025
Our first episode of 2025 is a tribute to Jimmy Carter, America’s 39th President and beloved citizen of Plains, Georgia. Erika Nelson joins us to share her memories of visiting[…]
In Memoriam Tributes and Cars Yeah Memories with Mark Greene
Posted on 01/02/2025
Our last episode of 2024 features Mark Greene of Cars Yeah fame with In Memoriam tributes to four car culture legends who passed away this year. Also, we offer a[…]
Stories Galore in Jonesborough, Tennessee
Posted on 12/23/2024
Cameo Waters, Tourism Director of Jonesborough, Tennessee is our guest this week. Rich in regional history, Jonesborough attracts heritage tourism because of its status as Tennessee’s oldest town and its[…]
Yikes! Some of the Worst Cars EVER Made
Posted on 12/16/2024
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[…]
Year-round Splendor in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho
Posted on 12/09/2024
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[…]
