American Road Trip Talk

World War I still is referred to as the Great War or more ironically, “the war to end all wars.” Influences of that great military conflict resonate today. An historical presentation, with unrivaled exhibits and an unsurpassed collection of artifacts, are deployed in Kansas City, Missouri at The WWI Memorial and Museum. It is monumental in every sense. CEO Matt Naylor and Curator of Education Lora Vogt share their perspectives

Over 80 years after Dorothy discovered, “There’s no place like home,” the world returns to Oz every so often nonetheless and thus to a magical place that remains close in heart and mind. Classic Hollywood historian Geoffrey Mark has a wealth of knowledge to share about The Wizard of Oz and its boundless legacy which revives itself with each new generation.

Erika Nelson returns with more stories of the artistic gems and roadside attractions she has discovered in her continuing travels as creator and curator of the World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things. This time, we turn our attention to America’s heartland and the magical legacy of Oz.

Something new under the Mojave Desert sun! Camel Safari announces three distinctive experiences for viewing the property’s exotic desert animals. Visiting 176 acres under wide-open skies 80 minutes north of Las Vegas, guests can choose from the Feed With A Keeper Safari, Day Glamp Camp Safari and VIP Sunset Safari. Resident zoologist Allie Singer has all the details.

From coast to coast, they move the country forward while driving big rigs with 18 wheels. The life of a long-haul trucker can be lonesome but seldom is short of adventure. Matt Shea, who made his living for many years in the industry, talks about places seen and people met while he crisscrossed the storied road of American commerce.

The National Corvette Museum was established in 1994, with a mission of celebrating the invention of America’s Sports Car; preserving its past, present and future; and educating the public. The 115,000 sq. ft. facility is located on a 55-acre campus in Bowling Green, Kentucky which also is home to the world’s only General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant.

Americans by the millions are planning to take to the highways this year; especially when they can do so safely and conveniently. Hollywood long has celebrated road travel and revealed a nomadic streak in our national character. Geoffrey Mark, popular curator of cinematic and television knowledge, shares about movies and TV shows with themes of living large and finding America on the open road.

Vaccinations are rolling out and warm weather is approaching, enticing many to travel for the first time since the pandemic began. Millions of us are opting for road trips this spring. Those who left their cars sitting in the garage throughout the pandemic need to anticipate maintenance needs now or risk costly repairs. Tim Clay, Chief Business Development Officer at DigniFi, shares insights gained from more than 20 years of getting results in the automotive retail world.

The resort town of Seaside, Oregon offers some of the state’s most stunning ocean vistas and ample opportunities for windswept walks, on the sands or along the Seaside Promenade. Recently, the city has become home to the annual Oregon Ghost Conference. Nicole Strickland, paranormal author and featured presenter, joins us to share her experiences.

Ashley Waymouth is a park ranger and the Anniversary Coordinator for Hot Springs National Park. In this episode, we'll be exploring natural features of the park, its social history and of course, the centennial celebration underway.

Mount Airy, North Carolina and the famous Mayberry Inn harken back to a simpler time, when CBS’ The Andy Griffith Show brought gentle laughter and wholesomeness to America from 1960-1968. Today, the community is a shrine to the still-popular program and its many memorable characters. Step back in time as Matt Shea, a Mayberry aficionado, reflects on the town’s heritage as chronicled for American Road Magazine by Tony Craig.

Pacific Northwest chronicler Harriet Baskas surveys some of the better-known films and TV shows set in or near the Emerald City. Some have been filmed there entirely while others capitalized on the stunning scenery and urban chic of Seattle to frame memorable dramas and comedies.

Anson Williams, famous for his role as Potsie Weber on Happy Days, keeps faith with the idea that happy days are still “yours and mine” in the here and now. Nostalgia will always have its special place and today, Williams is also passionate about helping highway drivers stay safe by warding off drowsy driving.

Frequent “Trip Talk” contributor Erika Nelson is back, this time with lots to share about COVID-safe roadside attractions. Included are Butch Anthony's drive through museum in Alabama; the Enchanted Highway in North Dakota; and Porter Sculputre Park. All are outdoor venues that you can road trip to and through. And hear about those Mardi Gras House Floats!

St. Joseph is identified by the slogan, "Where the Pony Express started and Jesse James ended." Beth Conway, Communications Director at the local Convention & Visitors Bureau, draws from a trove of historical fact and lore in telling the story of “St. Joe,” voted the top true western town in 2007. The townsfolk continually revel in living up to that award.

Hickory Corners, Michigan is home to the sprawling Gilmore Car Museum. Within, you can find motorized totems from every avenue of American life, including the TV Highway. Coming in 2021, the return of a Happy Days icon: Fonzie’s 1952 Triumph motorcycle. Hear the obscure story behind the famous bike.

Classic TV actor Hank Garrett joins us for a round of nostalgic talk about his improbable rise from childhood poverty in Harlem to a rewarding life in Hollywood. Mr. Garrett is the only surviving cast member of the still-beloved Car 54, Where Are You?

The 4077th took up prime time on American television for 11 memorable seasons. The set for the legendary M*A*S*H series also took up some prime real estate in Malibu, California. To think that it all could have gone up in flames! The harrowing story behind the famous finale of a still-beloved TV show is revealed by American Road contributor Jess Winfield.

Until 1960’s tales of the macabre “Mothman” scared the dickens out of the locals, Point Pleasant, West Virginia was exactly what you might expect: an historic riverside town with bucolic vistas and friendly people. Today, the town is still small but with an outsized legend and lots of early American lore to attract throngs of visitors every year. Tonya and Joey Madia are Point Pleasant pilgrims with plenty to share.

In honor of Elvis Presley’s birthday, Cory Cooper stops by to share his expertise on locations and sets where The King’s feature films were shot. Including settings as diverse as New Orleans, Seattle, Hawaii and Las Vegas, hear the details of where, when and how Elvis made movie magic.