Historic Main Streets, Downtowns, Villages & Plazas

This episode of Big Blend Radio features a fascinating panel discussion with five seasoned travel writers who share stories and insights from charming historic destinations across the U.S. and abroad. From the soulful streets of Coimbra, Portugal, to the haunted hotels of Granbury, Texas, the conversation celebrates the value of small businesses, historic preservation, cultural richness, and community vitality.

🎙️ Featured Guests 

* Kathleen Walls – Travel writer & author: https://americanroads.net/ 

* Debbie Stone – Travel writer & global adventurer: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/debbie-stone-travel-writer/ 

* Sharon K. Kurtz – Travel writer & award-winning photographer: https://sharonkkurtz.com/ 

* Joelle Machia – Award-winning travel writer & photographer: https://www.wandererscompass.com/ 

* Judy Karnia – Travel writer & Nature Therapist: https://travelingnature.com/ 

🔗 Explore the Places Mentioned

* Americus, Georgia: https://americanroads.net/americus_11292024.htm 

* Santa Fe, New Mexico:

- Eat Like O'Keeffe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/eat-like-okeeffe/ 

- Margarita Trail: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/sip-and-savor-your-way-along-santa-fes-margarita-trail/ 

- Savor Santa Fe Magazine Feature: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/oapd/#p=46 

- La Posada Magazine Feature: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/etyq/#p=28 

* Granbury, Texas: https://fyi50plus.com/granbury-voted-best-historic-small-town-of-2025/ 

* Fredericksburg, Texas: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-visit-to-fredericksburg-in-the-texas-hill-country/ 

* Kennett Square, Pennsylvania: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/discovering-chester-countys-brandywine-valley/ 

* Snoqualmie & Suncadia, Washington:

- https://www.facebook.com/share/1AvvPJAymE/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

- https://www.facebook.com/share/1AfBAcKRBa/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

- https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AnxG3vhAP/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

* Coimbra, Portugal: https://travelingnature.com/5-best-towns-to-explore-on-your-trip-to-lisbon/ 

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Downtown Main Street Villages

00:57 Exploring Historic Destinations and Supporting Local Businesses

01:45 Exploring Americus, Georgia: A Historic Journey

06:51 Ghost Stories and Historic Hotels

12:04 Architectural Wonders of Main Streets

14:36 The Charm of Local Hardware Stores

14:57 Exploring Santa Fe's Historic Plaza

25:16 Cultural Significance and Community Hub

26:11 Exploring Granbury: A Historic Gem in Texas

28:57 Charming Downtown and Haunted History

31:48 Culinary Delights and Unique Shopping Experiences

33:33 Exploring Snoqualmie: A Hidden Gem in Washington State

40:07 Cultural Significance and Community Spirit

42:49 Film and Television Connections: Twin Peaks and Northern Exposure

43:18 Exploring Roslyn: A Charming Village Experience

46:03 The Economic Balance of Small Towns

47:48 Preserving Authenticity in Community Development

48:11 Exploring Coimbra: A Journey Through History

01:01:22 The Vibrant Culture of Coimbra

01:02:46 Fado Music: The Soul of Portugal

📰 This is the final episode in our July series celebrating Independent Retailer Month, but stay tuned — we’ll continue exploring more historic downtowns, main streets, and village destinations in upcoming shows. Be sure to sign up for the newsletter at https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/join-our-newsletter/ to get updates and our special digital magazine coming in November.