Samantha visits one of the most diverse and underrated cities in the United States: Houston, Texas. From art cars to craft beer to soul-inspiring music, Samantha meets some of the most extraordinary people who guide her through the city's unique offerings, like GONZO247, a graffiti artist turned local celebrity; and 2017 James Beard Award Winner, Chef Hugo Ortega.
From an Alpine Garden on an idyllic mountaintop to going deep underground experiencing the Cheese Grotto in Gstaad, biking through the waterfall covered valley of Lauterbrunnen and finally floating down the icy cold Aare River in Bern: Samantha has a most adventurous journey.
Samantha finds out the difference between a Brooklyn egg cream and a Manhattan egg cream when she visits Brooklyn and meets a "jerk" at a local soda fountain. From visiting the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard to sampling whiskey at New York City's oldest distillery, to tasting unique foods at the largest weekly open-air food market in the USA, Samantha takes the opportunity to understand Brooklyn.
There is a certain mystique about the Far East, as Samantha soon discovers when she travels to Shanghai, China. Samantha visits the ancient water town of Feng Jing and she takes an Art Deco walking tour along the historic Bund, where she visits a knife and scissor shop on Nanjing Road and learns the art of paper cutting. She ends her trip with a visit to the historic Peace Hotel.
Samantha has the pleasure to travel to one of the most unassuming cities in that of Huntsville, Alabama, where she gets to float in space like an astronaut, see a full-scale Apollo rocket and meets Alex McCool, a national treasure who helped put man on the moon. Samantha also ventures out to a soul food restaurant, serving arguably the best fried chicken in the South.
Samantha starts her trip to Vancouver off trekking beautiful Stanley Park. From there, she takes flight in a classic floatplane to enjoy a stunning tour of the city, followed by landing on a mountain lake. Back into the city, Samantha visits the unique shops of Granville Market, and gets a chance to taste the local salmon at a First Nations restaurant.
There is a big difference between Texas and Texas Hill Country, and Samantha finds this out quickly when she takes to the road exploring these legendary lands in search of her favorite wildflowers, gets to taste fine cuisine at a farm-to-table German bistro, and shakes-a-leg the historic Gruene Hall, Texas' oldest dance hall.
From Monterey to Big Sur, Samantha travels through the Central Coast of California. She learns about underwater sea life at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, visits the “Artichoke Center of the World”, dines at a Mexican restaurant serving up sustainable seafood and local organic produce, enjoys wine tasting at a boutique vineyard, and ends her trip on an electric bike ride along California's Route 1.
Samantha travels to the ancient city of Xi’an, China. Feeling a little jet-lagged, Samantha stops off a local health clinic that has been practicing for over 500 years using traditional Chinese medicine. Along her journey, Samantha rides a bike atop the ancient City Wall, visits the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Terracotta Warriors and attends a spectacular outdoor performance.
Samantha travels to the Northwest coast of Ireland where she starts an epic adventure in County Donegal. She hikes up the sea cliffs of Slieve League, herds sheep on a local farm, and learns about the dying craft of wool-weaving. Topping off her County Donegal experience, Samantha visits famous Leo’s Tavern, where she meets Irish celebrity, Moya Brennan of the band Clannad
Samantha travels to Orange County in Southern California and meets legendary surfer, PT Townend, who discusses the origins of surfing. Along her journey, Samantha takes a ride to Balboa Island on the oldest privately owned ferry in the USA, learns about the vibrant Vietnamese community in Westminster, and visits the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach.
From immersive to interactive, Montréal is a city that puts on a show of sheer artistry in practically everything that this city is involved with. From hidden-alleyway bicycle tours to the French-Canadian version of Little Italy to its world famous Cirques Festivals to a distiller making gin out of locally sourced botanicals, Montréal both surprised and inspired Samantha in her travels.
From Hood River to Fossil to Bend, Samantha and her family take in the magnificent scenery and explore some of the most intriguing stops along the way. She also learns how to drive an authentic Model T car, and visits a real-working ranch, where she gets to herd Black Angus cattle while her husband and twins get to dig for fossils.
Traveling to a city with so much to see is often a challenge, but not for Samantha. She starts her journey through Hong Kong by first visiting PMQ, a venue for local arts and design. After visiting various shops, Samantha meets designer Douglas Young at his popular Goods of Desire shop (and plays Mahjong!). She also visits an East meets West tea shop, ventures outside the busy city for a tranquil hike, and much more.
What Art Deco is to Miami is what Mid-Century Modern is to Palm Springs. Samantha finds this out first-hand by taking a tour of several iconic homes, then visits Gypsyland, a local furniture shop that specializes in Mid-Century furniture. At The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Samantha volunteers to help assemble some of the unique enrichment meals with an Animal Care Curator. She also takes a course in stunt driving, visits Shields Date Garden, and ventures out to the historic Joshua Tree National Park.
Of all the magnificent parts of Switzerland, the Valais Region is special. It’s home to Barryland, where Samantha visits a living museum that serves as a hospice for the famed St. Bernard dogs. She also visits the historic Beau Rivage Geneva Hotel, takes a stroll through Old Town, and boards a steamship to take in the stunning views along Lake Geneva. She also visits Chaplin’s World, the estate turned museum-studio of Charlie Chaplin. Add in fabulous wine, a popular music festival, a gondola ride to the top of the Alps, and a lesson in playing the iconic alphorn instrument, and you’ll see why Lake Geneva is a place to love.
Follow Samantha as she explores one of her favorite places in the United States: Santa Fe. She gets a lesson in breakfast burritos at popular Tia Sophia’s, and meets the renown cartoonist, Ricardo Caté, whose Native American inspired cartoons combine politics with humor. Next, it’s on to the New Mexico Capitol Art Collection, followed by a breathtaking hike to the peak of Dale Ball Trail #9. After that, a deserved margarita at legendary Cowgirl BBQ. No trip to Santa Fe could be complete without a massage at Ten Thousand Waves. All this and more make Santa Fe a place to love.
Seoul is a huge metropolis and the capital of South Korea, where high-tech and pop culture meet palaces and street markets. Samantha starts her journey by taking a tour in Yeonnam-Dong. This neighborhood has been re-purposed into a green space filled with a resurgence of diverse restaurants, and most importantly, coffee shops. Next, Samantha samples some of the popular banchan (side dishes) at an authentic restaurant, and learns about the proper etiquette of eating and drinking. Add in a lesson in Jogakbo, a style of patchwork; a day at the Korean Stone Art Stone Museum; and a stunning stroll through the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival, and you’ll fall in love with Seoul, too.
It’s not all about the food at the annual Crawfish Festival (but that’s the big draw!). Samantha also gets engulfed in dance and music (Cajun and Zydeco), and watches band favorites jam before packed crowds. After the festival, Samantha ventures off to Martin Accordions, who have been crafting custom accordions for decades. Next, it’s off to Glide Studios to learn how the locals dance, Cajun-style. No trip to the bayou could be complete without a kayak tour through the swamp, where she learns about the natural habitats and geological importance. You may not know much about Lafayette, but after watching this episode, you’ll be ready to go.
Samantha takes an epic trip along the Rhine River, first stopping at Freiburg, Germany, the gateway to the Black Forest. Next, Samantha visits a workshop, whose craftspeople work on restoration pieces for the Strasbourg Cathedral in Strasbourg, France. Then it’s on to Heidelberg Castle, the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, and takes a gondola ride to a vista atop Rudesheim, Germany. The trip wraps with a visit to the magnificent Dom Cathedral, and a stop at a Kölsch brewery. You’ll daydream about this river adventure (and maybe need to book one for yourself!).
Samantha kicks off her Florida adventure with a kayak tour in the salt-waters of Everglades National Park. Back on land, Samantha visits the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens and meets Uno, a rescued blind Florida Panther. Next, a visit to Bayshore Arts District, followed by craft cocktails and a gorgeous Florida sunset. Add in a trip on a dolphin tracking boat; a fantastic meal at Grouper and Chips; and a photography lesson in Big Cypress swamp, and you’ll see why they call this place the Paradise Coast.
Innovative art installations temporarily fill the gaps of the earthquake devastated city of Christchurch, New Zealand. Samantha explores it all, encountering fun distractions like the Dance O Mat, where you can plug in your digital device into an old washing machine, blast your music and dance to your favorite tunes with your friends on a dance floor. Leaving Christchurch, Samantha visits Akoroa Harbor stopping off at the Giants House, a mosaic art collection utilizing porcelain. Next, it’s on to a penguin colony, a foraged lunch, local wine, and much more.
Samantha starts her visit in Charm City at the American Visionary Art Museum. Then, it’s off to the Sunday farmers’ market with Chef Thomas, who picks up some local ingredients for his soul food restaurant, Ida B’s Table. Samantha then fulfills her dreams of getting a full Hon makeover at one of the wildest festivals in town. Next, it’s on to the Treason Toting Company, followed by a tour of historic Fells Point. In a wonderful finish, Samantha joins a local dance “step” team, the Lethal Ladies. You’ll see why this east coast city is a place to love.
Samantha learns the art of chocolate making in Interlaken, Switzerland; tries her hand at making duck schnitzel in Texas Hill Country; makes a “Christmas” enchilada in Santa Fe; experiences a traditional “Hangi” feast in Whakatane, New Zealand, and discovers the secrets of making gin in Montreal.
The Holy City has quite the history, and Samantha takes a walking tour through its hidden alleyways and the French Quarter, including a tour of the haunted Old City Jail. She also visits the City Market to learn about the Gullah tradition of sweetgrass basket weaving.
Samantha explores the natural beauty of Lake Taupo; hikes the magnificent Huka Falls, and then learns how to cook in boiling hot geo-thermal pools in Te Puia. Traveling by helicopter, she gets a firsthand view of White Island (an active volcano) before hiking into the bush to learn about the national Kiwi bird.
Samantha takes in the stunning views overlooking the entire city atop Fisherman’s Bastion on the Buda side of the Danube.
Samantha takes a local food tour in Key West starting off with authentic Cuban food at El Siboney, then heads to the historic Speakeasy Inn & Rum Bar for a rum runner, the house specialty.
Samantha takes to the Sonoma coastline on a road trip stopping off at various beaches and talks to a local guide about sustainability in Sonoma, the Pacific coast and what to look for off the beaten path.
Samantha goes sailing around the historic British Virgin Islands with Capt. Lisa Roland and learns sailing essentials while at sea.
Samantha meets up with an old friend to sample some of the best barbecue in town at Pecan Lodge.
Visiting her hometown state, Samantha arrives on Lake Winnipesaukee aboard the M/S Mount Washington and goes straight to Funspot, the world’s largest arcade.
Walking the Sonoran Desert trails at the Desert Botanical Garden; The Breadfruit & Rum Bar; Cosanti Originals; Taliesin West; The Tamale Store; the Musical Instrument Museum features more than 7,000 instruments; The Farm at South Mountain.
At the 3rd Man Museum, Samantha joins Gerhard to learn about his passion for the Oscar-winning film, The 3rd Man, and also gets some insight into Vienna’s fascinating history.
At the Corning Museum of Glass, Samantha starts off her visit to Crystal City by learning about the history of glass and why Corning is the center of the glass world.
Samantha sails Auckland Harbor aboard the 2007 America’s Cup winning Team New Zealand sailboat and talks with Peter Lester, a former cup competitor, coach and current sailing commentator.
Samantha takes a road trip to Bar Harbor, enjoys breath-taking views from Acadia National Park and takes a cruise through Bass Harbor soaking in the sights of Desert Island and Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.
At Wynwood Walls, Samantha tours this unique outdoor destination featuring huge, colorful street murals by artists from around the globe.
During Quebec Winter Carnival, Samantha starts her trip off ice canoeing on the frigid waters of the St. Lawrence River. From there she visits a popular Sugar Shack, where she learns about making maple syrup, and has a traditional Quebec meal with the owners.
Samantha starts off her trip to historic Dutchess County on the “Walkway Over the Hudson,” taking in dramatic views over the Hudson River and surrounding Hudson Valley.
A cafe ran by grandmothers who make their own homemade cakes in Vienna; La Taniere Restaurant in Quebec City; The Tamale Store in Phoenix; sampling key lime pie in the Florida Keys; touring a food market in Budapest.
Samantha kicks off her trip with a boat ride to the remote island of Cayo Costa. Hopping islands, Samantha meets Rob Wells, Co-owner of the family owned Cabbage Key, who talks to her about being a steward of the island. Back on the main land, Samantha takes a tour of Edison Ford Winter Estates, where Thomas Edison once had a laboratory
There’s no doubt that recently we have experienced a loss of travel, but that has only reinforced our deep need for it. Going forward, there’s going to be even greater importance put on our travels: making up for lost time, reconnecting with love ones, and creating memories that we put on hold. This episode is all about how I make the most of every trip– no matter the location, the people I’m with, or how long I’m there.
Samantha kicks off her visit with a drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stops include a visit to the Biltmore, the Eda Rhyne Distillery and an area known as The Block, the heart of the African American community. At Chai Pani, Samantha learns about spices from Chef Meherwan Irani. Samantha tours Citizen Vinyl, a historic space that houses a recording studio and a record pressing facility.
Samantha kicks off her visit to the Garden State in Cape May, and discovers how it played a pivotal role in the fight to end slavery. Samantha visits Beach Plum Farm and talks with a conservationist at the Wetlands Institute about the ground-breaking research they are doing. Other stops include Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Source Farmhouse Brewery and legendary music venue, The Stone Pony.
Samantha learns the history of the Abbey of the Genesee and the popular Monks’ Bread that the Trappist monks make. Samantha visits Chef Melanie Alvarez Santiago, to sample authentic Puerto Rican dishes. Samantha explores the "Grand Canyon of the East" and takes in the sights of Letchworth State Park then joins a community paint day and crafts a bucket at the Genesee Country Village & Museum.
Samantha visits historic churches of Houston to learn about Jack Yates and how Juneteenth led to Freedmen’s Town. Samantha stops by a traditional Hindu temple for a discussion on Hinduism and the history of Mandir. Samantha finds live music at the White Rhino and visits Blood Bros. BBQ where Texas Meets China Meets Vietnam. Finally a visit to Space Center Houston.
Samantha talks all things Bourbon at Buffalo Trace Distillery and learns how a German immigrant used his fortune from Bourbon to buy land for a research forest. Samantha learns about making stoneware at the oldest business in Kentucky, visits retired racehorses, celebrates the life of the Louisville-born and "greatest of all time" boxer Muhammad Ali and heads to the "Bourbon capital of the world."
Explore "Olympic City US" at the interactive US Olympic & Paralympic Museum. At the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, Samantha discusses the centers’ mission of providing a home to wolves and foxes. Samantha explores Garden of the Gods and then hangs with the first Latina Brewery Owner in Colorado. Samantha visits Manitou Springs and a shop that repurposes old skis and snowboards into furniture.
The Mission Reach project in San Antonio provides walking trails and bike paths and will use portals to connect the San Antonio River to the four historic missions along the river. Samantha tours several of its stops including a visit to Mission Concepcion and learns the history of the river and the impact of this urban ecosystem restoration project.
Samantha joins the Boston University Women’s Lightweight Rowing team and learns the craft of shucking oysters at The Union Oyster House. Along the Freedom Trail, Samantha visits the Old South Meeting House and learns the importance of its roots as the planning place for the Boston Tea Party. Samantha tours the Roxbury neighborhood and discusses Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s connection to Boston.
Samantha begins her tour of Northern Ireland with a moving stop at the Peace Wall in East Belfast. From there, she heads to Titanic Quarter where she learns about what made the shipbuilders and ships of Belfast famous―including the most famous ship in history, the Titanic. Sam heads to Glenarm Castle for high tea, followed by an afternoon of Blokarting on the ruins of the Dunlace Castle.
Samantha and her family set sail on an Alaska Cruise stopping in the capital city of Juneau, where they experience how dogs are trained at the Sled Dog Discovery & Musher Camp. From there, they visit Sitka to learn about Tlingit culture and the historic totem poles. Back at sea, they take in the beauty of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve before experiencing whale-watching and salmon fishing.
Kicking off her visit to the Capitol of the Badger state, Samantha explores ice fishing on the frozen Monona Bay. From there, Samantha tastes sophisticated Wisconsin cheeses, becomes a judge in the 2022 World-Wide Mustard Competition, discovers the history of a Frank Lloyd Wright designed church and learns about the sport of curling and its Madison roots from US Olympian Becca Hamilton.
Samantha begins her visit to St. Augustine by helping sail a 27’ Catamaran while learning about the surrounding ecosystem and our need to protect it. From there she visits Castillo De San Marcos to learn about the fort’s incredible history. Samantha strolls the historic and beautiful streets of St. Augustine before ending up at Lincolnville, where a Civil Rights struggle took place.
Samantha starts off her Montana experience at Big Sky Resorts to learn about Avalanche Dogs and their rescue program. In Bozeman, Samantha visits with the curator of the Museum of the Rockies, where she learns about their dinosaur collection. At the Lone Mountain Ranch, Samantha joins a group group for a gorgeous sleigh ride. Back at Big Sky Resort, Samantha meets US Olympian, Bode Miller.
Samantha visits Savannah and stops by to see the beautiful artwork of Amelia Jamerson, at her quaint gallery. She visits Congregation Mickve Israel to learn about its deep roots in Georgia. Samantha discovers the achievements of the Historic Savannah Foundation in saving the city’s most revered buildings. At the Wyld Dock Bar, Samanth learns how to forge an oyster shucker out of a railroad spike.
Samantha takes a Southern California Road Trip by electric car heading to Barrio Logan, a thriving Mexican-American neighborhood in San Diego. Samantha’s journey continues in the quaint desert town of Borrgo Springs. She then goes on a tour of the Sky Art Sculptures in Galleta Meadow, visits a few local wineries by motorcycle, and drives a dune buggy through the forest in Big Bear Lake.
Samantha explores the Tennessee River and Northshore areas with travel writer Cory Lee. She joins Naturalist Haley Hamblen through the Reflection Riding Arboretum. At the Chattanooga Aquarium, Samantha visits one of the world’s largest freshwater aquariums where she learns about the fascinating sturgeon, and then high atop Lookout Mountain, Samantha takes in the stunning views of seven states.
An episode devoted to food, clothing, musical instruments and other wonderful products specially made by craftspeople across the country. From a master luthier in Savannah, to a specialized soy sauce condiment made in Kentucky that’s now sold in Japan, the U.S. is full of creative crafts people working to make wonderful products we all can enjoy.
Samantha leaps into her Limerick adventure at King John’s Castle, where costumed historians relate the colorful history of this fortress. Sam gets a lesson in the ancient game of hurling before moving on to the village voted Ireland’s most beautiful, Adare. She then travels to Foynes to explore the history of the golden age of air travel and the origin stories of Irish coffee.
A traditional Aboriginal didgeridoo performance; Darwin Bay; Australian creatures like wallabies & 20-foot termite mounds; how the telegraph line in Darwin connected Australia to the rest of the world; a meal influenced by Southeast Asian food.
The old Joliet Prison on the Illinois stretch of Route 66; Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum; Arcadia; America's Playable Arcade Museum; Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum; Ace Sign Museum; the Cohakia Mounds.
Exploring the Chinese immigrant experience in Victoria; Loy Sing Meat Market; a bike tour ends at Fisherman's Wharf; tea time at the Fiarmont Empress Hotel; Butchart Gardens.
A rehearsal of "RENT" at the Palace Theatre in Manchester; a walk down Cat Alley; Millyard Museum; the Museum of Dumb Guy Stuff in Portsmouth; New Castle; beach day.
The City of Roses proves true to its name after a visit to Portland's International Rose Test Garden. The city cultivates American-made crafts, as Samantha discovers at Steelport Knives, Freeland Distillery, and Orox Leather. An inspiring trip down the Tualatin River shows off the region's beautiful scenery, and the visit wraps up at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.
Melbourne, Australia, known as one of the world's "most livable cities," has a rich history as a gold rush town and has now become a mecca for artists and foodies. After a walk down the picturesque Yarra River, she attends a match of the Women's Australian Football League then travels to the breathtaking Yarra Valley and encounters kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas.
In Newport, history is found in every plot of ground. Samantha learns about the hidden history of a Colonial-era cemetery whose gravestones tell the story of the African American experience in Rhode Island. The famous Cliff Walk reveals spectacular views of windswept Atlantic and Gilded Age mansions. Then, it's out on the water so Samantha can try her hand at harvesting clams.
Samantha explores unique establishments worldwide. Collinsville, Illinois, offers horseradish vodka. In Shannon, Ireland, she learns about Irish Coffee's origins. Madison, Wisconsin's organic brewery hosts a beer-tasting class. Victoria, Canada, showcases a cider maker using their apples and in Portland, Oregon, Samantha delves into sake-making.
In Part One of a special journey to Jerusalem, a city considered holy and essential to three of the world’s major religions. Samantha takes a deep dive into the Old City with a walking tour down the Via Dolorosa recounting Jesus’ journey. Samantha visits the most important site of Judaism, the Western Wall, and the adjacent excavated tunnels that dig deep into thousands of years of Jewish history.
To start the second part of this two-part journey to Jerusalem, Samantha enters the Church of the Holy Sepulchre - renowned by Christians as the place where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected. A visit to Jerusalem's Machane Yehuda market reveals fabulous food and exotic spices. For her final visit, Samantha tastes wine made in a region that has been producing wine for thousands of years.
