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Visiting Lutsen Mountains and Snowriver Mountain Resort
How The Y2K Era Changed The World With Colette Shade
In the same way that we use B.C. and A.D. to describe time and eras, I think we should have a new way to describe pre-2000 and post-2000. The world started to shift in ways that were never imaginable when we entered into the 21st century. We never got our flying cars and hoverboards (well, REAL hoverboards). Instead we got social media, fake news and consumerism at insane levels.
I want to continue my pop culture run this week with a conversation with author Colette Shade. She's written a really interesting book called 'Y2K: How the 2000's Became Everything (Essays On The Future That Never Was).' As someone who was 18 as the clock turned to January 1, 2000, it was fun to take a trip down memory lane. I read this through the lens of 'if I knew then what I know now' and some of the things really blew my mind.
I hope you enjoy our conversation and I highly suggest her book.
Visiting Wilmington, DE
About 10 years ago I decided that I wanted to run a half marathon in every state. I had run a race in Nashville and then done another in San Diego. During my run in Southern California I had this epiphany that running a half marathon was a great way to see a city and the areas around it. Over the next few years I visited a variety of states from Idaho, Pennsylvania and Wyoming. They all had a different beauty and charm. But one of them really stood out, and that was my weekend in Wilmington Delaware.
Yeah, I was surprised too. No shade on Wilmington, or Delaware, but it was always a city that I had driven through to go north or south up the 95 corridor. I’ve driven through Wilmington countless times and never had the thought to stop. But when I was running through the streets and trails I realized how incredible Wilmington is.
In this podcast we’ve discussed the history that a traveller can find all along the north east coast or mid-atlantic region. Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley are no different. There’s an incredible amount of history there as well as some over the top and ostentatious estates that date back to the 1800’s. And I say ostentatious with love. These estates are remarkable and stunning.
Today I’m speaking with Jennifer Boes. She’s the executive director for the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau. There are so many great options for ways to explore and discover the Wilmington area. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Yeah, I was surprised too. No shade on Wilmington, or Delaware, but it was always a city that I had driven through to go north or south up the 95 corridor. I’ve driven through Wilmington countless times and never had the thought to stop. But when I was running through the streets and trails I realized how incredible Wilmington is.
In this podcast we’ve discussed the history that a traveller can find all along the north east coast or mid-atlantic region. Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley are no different. There’s an incredible amount of history there as well as some over the top and ostentatious estates that date back to the 1800’s. And I say ostentatious with love. These estates are remarkable and stunning.
Today I’m speaking with Jennifer Boes. She’s the executive director for the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau. There are so many great options for ways to explore and discover the Wilmington area. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Visiting The Omni Homestead Resort and Spa
One of the things I’ve really loved about doing this podcast is discovering the hidden gems. Sometimes it’s a particular attraction in a city I’m already familiar with, like a museum or something. And sometimes it’s a beautiful, and historic resort, that’s tucked away in the mountains of Virginia.
On this week’s episode we are heading to let’s say north central Virginia into the Allegheny Mountains to discuss the Omni Homestead Resort. The Homestead has been getting visitors long before it was ever a thing. The hot springs in that part of Virginia have been an attraction for locals for probably thousands of years. The waters were believed to have special powers. But it was in 1766 when someone finally put a building on it.
The Homestead has gone through a lot of changes over the last couple centuries, but that hasn’t taken away from its charm. The spa is second to none and it’s family friendly atmosphere has brought generations of visitors back for visits over and over again. There’s an elegance to it that I feel like you only see in movies. But you could see it in person at the Homestead. It was a real pleasure to learn more about this legendary destination.
With me today is Lynn Swann. She’s the director of marketing and communications for the Omni Homestead Resort and Spa. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
On this week’s episode we are heading to let’s say north central Virginia into the Allegheny Mountains to discuss the Omni Homestead Resort. The Homestead has been getting visitors long before it was ever a thing. The hot springs in that part of Virginia have been an attraction for locals for probably thousands of years. The waters were believed to have special powers. But it was in 1766 when someone finally put a building on it.
The Homestead has gone through a lot of changes over the last couple centuries, but that hasn’t taken away from its charm. The spa is second to none and it’s family friendly atmosphere has brought generations of visitors back for visits over and over again. There’s an elegance to it that I feel like you only see in movies. But you could see it in person at the Homestead. It was a real pleasure to learn more about this legendary destination.
With me today is Lynn Swann. She’s the director of marketing and communications for the Omni Homestead Resort and Spa. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Visiting Richmond, VA
I spent a great weekend in Richmond, Virginia. It was the summer of 2019. My wife and I went down for a wedding and ended up having a blast. And we had some random incidents that made the trip one that we will never forget. I tell the story in my conversation today. I’m laughing about it right now just thinking about it.
Richmond is one of those cities that I think gets overlooked. It’s a couple hours south of Washington DC and right on interstate 95. For a lot of folks on the east coast, Richmond is a city they drive through as they’re going down to Florida, or one of the Carolina beaches. But I’m here to let you know that it’s a region that you need spend some time in.
We can start with the history of the region. Major events in the creation of this country took place in, and around Richmond. It’s got a vibrant city experience in Richmond, tons of parks and outdoor spaces all around, a world class theme park in Kings Dominion, and an adorable pygmy hippo. That’s right, Poppy the Pygmy Hippo that took over the world earlier this year lives at the Metro Richmond Zoo.
So, let’s make our way to Richmond. This week I’m speaking with Tom Loftus. He’s the vice president of marketing for Richmond Region Tourism.
Richmond is one of those cities that I think gets overlooked. It’s a couple hours south of Washington DC and right on interstate 95. For a lot of folks on the east coast, Richmond is a city they drive through as they’re going down to Florida, or one of the Carolina beaches. But I’m here to let you know that it’s a region that you need spend some time in.
We can start with the history of the region. Major events in the creation of this country took place in, and around Richmond. It’s got a vibrant city experience in Richmond, tons of parks and outdoor spaces all around, a world class theme park in Kings Dominion, and an adorable pygmy hippo. That’s right, Poppy the Pygmy Hippo that took over the world earlier this year lives at the Metro Richmond Zoo.
So, let’s make our way to Richmond. This week I’m speaking with Tom Loftus. He’s the vice president of marketing for Richmond Region Tourism.
Visiting Hagerstown and Washington County, MD
Sports can unite a community. When a local team is doing well, people are excited. They’re happy and they want to invest in that team. But can a sports venue change a community? Hagerstown, Maryland may be the blueprint for other communities around the country.
In this week’s episode we’re heading to Western Maryland to discuss Hagerstown and Washington County.
One thing you’ll hear us talk about is the brand new, state of the art, minor league ballpark that opened about a year ago in Hagerstown. The community has hinged some rebuilding and revitalization hopes around this stadium, and it seems to be working. People are coming back to Hagerstown. They’re hanging around, investing in local business and in a lot of cases, even moving there. Hagerstown, and Washington County, is seeing a boom in new residents.
This podcast isn’t all about the growth of communities. We’re about giving you a reason to go visit a city or area. And we will give you plenty of reasons why you’re going to want to visit Washington County. From their national parks, to the ballpark and perfect small town feel, they have plenty for you to see.
With me this week is Dan Spedden. He’s the president of the Hagerstown and Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
In this week’s episode we’re heading to Western Maryland to discuss Hagerstown and Washington County.
One thing you’ll hear us talk about is the brand new, state of the art, minor league ballpark that opened about a year ago in Hagerstown. The community has hinged some rebuilding and revitalization hopes around this stadium, and it seems to be working. People are coming back to Hagerstown. They’re hanging around, investing in local business and in a lot of cases, even moving there. Hagerstown, and Washington County, is seeing a boom in new residents.
This podcast isn’t all about the growth of communities. We’re about giving you a reason to go visit a city or area. And we will give you plenty of reasons why you’re going to want to visit Washington County. From their national parks, to the ballpark and perfect small town feel, they have plenty for you to see.
With me this week is Dan Spedden. He’s the president of the Hagerstown and Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Veronica Litt On The Cultural, And Lasting, Impact Of Clueless
I'm still not comfortable with referencing things from my youth as 'nostalgia.' But here we are. I'm taking us on a trip down memory lane to a magical time called 'The 90's.'
With me today is educator, and author, Veronica Litt. She's penned a new book about the classic pop culture gem Clueless. The book is called, 'Ugh! As If?' Can you even think of a better title?
Despite on its face looking like a teen rom-com set in wealthy Los Angeles in the mid-90's, Clueless has stood the test of time because it is much deeper than most people think. And I'm not just talking about it's roots being based on the Jane Austen classic 'Emma.'
I hope you enjoy this conversation, and I hope you check out the book when it comes out on June 3rd, 2025.
Finding New Passion In Music With Ray Harkins
I've been trying for a long time to find an excuse to have this guest back on the show. I'm excited to welcome back singer and podcaster Ray Harkins. He's the host of the '100 Words Or Less' podcast and he's the frontman of the new hardcore band Bloodguilt.
Bloodguilt kind of popped up out of nowhere. I just started seeing Ray posting about it on social media one day and I was shocked. But the music is great. It has a sense of urgency and it feels like it needs to be heard.
In this conversation, Ray and I discuss how Bloodguilt came together, what it's like to grow up in the hardcore scene, and how important the recommendations your friends make on social media are.
Visiting Indiana County, PA
There’s a phrase that I’ve used during my previous interviews that sometimes sets my guests off. I guess I can understand. It could come across as being insulting, but I never mean it that way. That phrase is ‘Middle of Nowhere.’ Or sometimes I’ll say ‘Off The Beaten Path.’ Some guests take that as my way of saying it’s boring or slow.
But today’s guest gets it and they even pride themselves on that label. We’re heading out to Western Pennsylvania to visit Indiana County. They hang their hat on being in the middle of nowhere. In fact, they say that’s a big reason why people come to visit them. People want to disconnect, unplug and touch grass.
But don’t start thinking that there isn’t anything to do in Indiana County. It’s quite the opposite. There’s a lot happening there from music festivals, performance art and plenty of Christmas celebrations.
Joining me today is Laura Herrington. She’s the Executive Director of the Indiana County tourist bureau. We had a great conversation about all the things someone can do while visiting the Christmas Tree capital of the world.
But today’s guest gets it and they even pride themselves on that label. We’re heading out to Western Pennsylvania to visit Indiana County. They hang their hat on being in the middle of nowhere. In fact, they say that’s a big reason why people come to visit them. People want to disconnect, unplug and touch grass.
But don’t start thinking that there isn’t anything to do in Indiana County. It’s quite the opposite. There’s a lot happening there from music festivals, performance art and plenty of Christmas celebrations.
Joining me today is Laura Herrington. She’s the Executive Director of the Indiana County tourist bureau. We had a great conversation about all the things someone can do while visiting the Christmas Tree capital of the world.
Visiting Perryville, MD
Most of the conversations I’ve had for this podcast have been with representatives from counties, states or major cities. But I think it’s time we swing through a small town near my home. I live in Baltimore Maryland. I always say Baltimore is a major city but it kind of feels like a small town since it’s sandwiched between Philadelphia and Washington DC. We are part of an area called the 95 Corridor since the highway Interstate 95 runs right through the center of the major cities on the east coast.
There are a lot of great small towns scattered along that route in between the major cities. If you’re driving from Baltimore north to Philly, you could easily stop off in Perryville, MD. Perryville is a town just south of Delaware. It has a couple of big destinations: The Hollywood Casino and Great Wolf Lodge. I think most people know Perryville because of those spots. But Perryville has a lot to offer besides that. There’s lots of nature, some great food and a lot of Maryland history to check out.
Joining me for this week’s episode of Delightful Destinations is Ashley Hennessy. She’s the community development coordinator for the town of Perryville. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
There are a lot of great small towns scattered along that route in between the major cities. If you’re driving from Baltimore north to Philly, you could easily stop off in Perryville, MD. Perryville is a town just south of Delaware. It has a couple of big destinations: The Hollywood Casino and Great Wolf Lodge. I think most people know Perryville because of those spots. But Perryville has a lot to offer besides that. There’s lots of nature, some great food and a lot of Maryland history to check out.
Joining me for this week’s episode of Delightful Destinations is Ashley Hennessy. She’s the community development coordinator for the town of Perryville. I hope you enjoy our conversation.