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Private Notes
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 Fengjing 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.
Welcome to Rocket City, home of Space Camp and the US Space and Rocket Center. 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.
The cosmopolitan city located on the edge of wilderness, Samantha travels to Vancouver and gets to experience firsthand the true beauty of this bustling Canadian west coast seaport. Samantha starts her trip 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 wildflower, the Texas bluebonnet. In her quest, Samantha visits a wildflower seed farm that produces fields of stunning wildflowers, gets to taste fine cuisine at a farm-to-table German bistro, and shakes-a-leg at 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, and then visits the “Artichoke Center of the World”. In Carmel, she learns about bees from a 14-year old entrepreneur who supplies honey to multiple prominent restaurants. She ends her trip on an electric bike ride along California’s Route 1 high atop the Pacific Ocean.
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 of The Song of the Everlasting Sorrow.
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 woolweaving. 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 renowned 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.
Budapest is about classical music, and Samantha dives deep into its history with world-class violinist Joshua Bell. Of course, there’s also Hungarian Goulash to be sampled, mineral pools to be discovered, historic buildings to be seen and a live performance of gypsy violinists to take in before Samantha is off to her next location.
Samantha kicks off her Keys adventure with a local ethnic food tour in Key West. From there, she visits the summer home of President Harry S. Truman, takes a literary tour past the home of Tennessee Williams and then makes a special visit to the Turtle Hospital in Marathon. She then learns about lionfish hunting and what this invasive species is doing to the local reef systems and how they are trying to fix it
Samantha’s adventures on the South Island, New Zealand, include a bicycle ride through vineyards, a boat ride expedition through the Marlborough Sounds, a walk along Awaroa Beach, and a helicopter tour to the peak of Mount Olympus where the Lord of the Rings was filmed.
A road trip along the Sonoma coastline enables Samantha to learn about sustainability efforts along the Pacific coast and what to look for off the beaten path. From there it’s a visit to the Charles M. Schulz Museum where Samantha talks “Peanuts” with Charles’ widow, Jeannie. She also gets to meet a local wine maker’s family and learn about the famous Sonoma wine.
Samantha goes sailing around the historic British Virgin Islands with Capt. Lisa Roland and learns sailing essentials while at sea. During her island visit, Samantha plants coconut trees in Spring Bay, hikes through the Baths, (a Caribbean natural wonder), and experience freshly made conch ceviche from “Conch Island”. Finishing off her trip, Samantha and Capt. Lisa snorkel at one of BVI’s top snorkel sites, the Indians.
It’s all about food and art in Dallas. Samantha samples some of the best barbecue in town at Pecan Lodge, and some imaginative chocolate at Dude, Sweet Chocolate. Then it’s off to explore the downtown Arts District strolling through Klyde Warren Park and enjoying the powerful sculptures at Nasher Sculpture Center. Of course, her visit to Dallas also includes special gift from local artist Travis Austin – a custom designed cowboy hat!
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. From here, she continues her tour of the Lakes Region by taking a loon-spotting cruise on Squam Lake. Samantha concludes her trip on a Cog Railway ride to the summit of Mount Washington.
At the Desert Botanical Garden, Samantha takes in the stunning beauty of wildflowers and blooming cactus along the Sonoran Desert trail. Then it’s a visit to the popular Breadfruit & Rum Bar, where Samantha samples unique Jamaican dishes and carefully concocted rum cocktails. From there, Samantha heads to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Taliesin West, which served as Frank Lloyd Wright’s breath-taking winter home and architectural school.
Samantha begins her visit to Vienna at the 3rd Man Museum, where she learns about the city’s fascinating history. From there she visits the Imperial Library, part of the Hapsburg history of the city. A boat ride on the Old Danube River allows Samantha to take in the sights of this historic city before hiking up the hills and sampling wine with views of the city below.
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. Heading to Bath, Samantha goes on a cemetery tour, get introduced to “English-cut” donuts, and discovers why the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum is a little-known American treasure.
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.
Samantha visits this historic city during the Quebec Winter Carnival. She kicks things off ice canoeing on the frigid waters of the St. Lawrence River. From there, Samantha visits a popular Sugar Shack, tastes maple syrup and joins the band playing the wooden spoons. At the iconic Le Château Frontenac, Samantha tours the historic hotel and takes a nighttime toboggan ride. Samantha explores the picturesque streets of Petit Champlain, where she stops in a woodcarving shop and discusses the history of the storied neighborhood. There’s also a visit to the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel), a seasonal hotel built out of ice, the only one of its kind in North America. She also meets Bonhomme, the legendary snowman Ambassador of the Quebec Winter Carnival, and learns of the Carnival’s history and importance in Canada.
Samantha starts off her trip to historic Dutchess County on the Walkway Over The Hudson. She visits Chef Brandon Walker at his nearby Essie’s Restaurant, where she samples some of his Caribbean/Southern dishes. Heading to McEnroe Organic Farm, Samantha learns how this revolutionary farm converted itself into one of NY’s first fully organic farm and compost recycle hub. At Orvis Sandanona Shooting Resort, Samantha takes aim at shooting sporting clays. Next, it’s on to one of her personal favorite tea shops, Harney & Sons. Samantha also visits the Barrett Art Center and talks with Ransome about his art influence. At Innisfree Garden, Samantha enjoys the beauty of one of the top 10 gardens in the world. Finishing off her trip, Samantha discusses the accomplishments of Eleanor Roosevelt with a National Park Ranger at at Roosevelt’s former home, Val-Kill.
Food is a powerful connector to the world we live in. It’s a source of joy that helps strengthen the bonds of family, friends and even strangers. It has always played an important part of the travel experience. Some people feel food completely defines it. Along with enjoying meals, we are also taking in the sights, smells and sounds of a place. Together, travel and food offer a total sensory experience that no recipe cooked at home can quite capture. From a cafe that embodies the love and warm fuzzies you can only get from a grandma’s cooking; to a 3.5-hour prix fixe meal that’s full of surprises; and quite possibly the best tamales in the United States, exploring culture through food is one of the best parts of my job. Here are a few of the most memorable food experiences from filming Places to Love.
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. At ECHO Global Farm, she learns about sustainable plants. Exploring the funky artist community of Matlacha, Samantha visits various local galleries and colorful shops. At the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge Samantha tours the grounds with a Ranger and gets the insight into this revered Sanibel destination. Heading to the Sanibel Community House, Samantha joins a shell crafting class to make a keepsake with the shells she has collected on her trip.
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 beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and into the creative community of Asheville, NC. Follow her as she engages in conversations with local artists, learns about historic sites, tastes local spirits, and more!
Samantha travels to the Garden State’s Cape May, the only US city designated as a National Historic Landmark. Watch as she learns about the deep connection the area has to important American history and about other fantastic Jersey spots you shouldn’t miss!
From a historic abbey to a majestic garden, to the “Grand Canyon of the East”, follow Samantha as she explores Upstate New York’s Genesee River Valley.
Samantha travels to Houston, TX, and connects with the generational communities, inspiring artists, and creative tastemakers helping to make this fabulous city a must-visit destination.
Kentucky is synonymous with Bourbon and in this episode, Samantha will take us deeper into the history, the flavors, and the must-see spots for Bourbon fans, and those who love them, around the world.
Follow Samantha as she travels to Colorado Springs, the “Olympic City USA”, and takes in everything from wilderness views to time with wild wolves, and more!
Samantha gets a taste of the best San Antonio, TX has to offer, from authentic Mexican carnitas to river adventures to live Tejano music, and so much more!
Watch as Samantha heads to Boston, Massachusetts, where she learns about everything from a celebrated sport to a celebrated restaurant and in the process, finds her roots.
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, Samantha 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, unique Australian creatures, and a history lesson on how the telegraph line connected Australia to the rest of the world.
The iconic Polk-a-dot Drive-in, the Pontiac Oakland Auto Museum, America's Playable Arcade Museum, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, the Ace Neon Sign Museum, the Cahokia Mounds, diner food, and the mighty Mississippi River.
Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest commercial street in North America; Loy Sing Meat Market, the oldest Chinese-owned business on the continent; bike tour; whale-watching excursion; tea time at the iconic Fairmont Empress hotel; and Butchart Gardens, a former rock quarry transformed into a beautiful garden.
Samantha joins a rehearsal of RENT at Manchester's historic Palace Theatre; walks down Cat Alley, a one-of-a-kind feline fiesta of street art and good vibes; and explores the city's history of innovation during the Industrial Revolution at the Millyard Museum. In Portsmouth, she visits the Museum of Dumb Guy Stuff then enjoys coffee, dumplings and a pint enroute to her former hometown of New Castle and a "beach day" with her mom, Ellie Mae Brown.
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.
Rose Island Lighthouse; God's Little Acre, a Colonial-era cemetery whose gravestones tell the story of the African American experience in Rhode Island; the famous Cliff Walk views of windswept Atlantic and Gilded Age mansions; Marble House, the "cottage" owned by Alva Vanderbilt, a champion of the American suffragette movement; and harvesting clams.
Samantha highlights the delicious beer, wine and spirits she has encountered across the world.
Why the city is considered holy to three of the world's major religions; a variety of foods; a shop that provides precious textiles to the Pope; the Jerusalem library where Palestinian women are learning to raise honeybees on the roof; and at the Western Wall, excavated tunnels with thousands of years of Jewish history.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected; Jerusalem Bird Observatory; fabulous food and exotic spices at the traditional and extensive Machane Yehuda market; and wine made in a region that has been producing wine for thousands of years.
