Locals Know Best

33: Leavenworth, Washington, Christmas Town Year-Round

Today, on the Locals Know Best podcast, I'll be speaking with Tom Potter about all of his favorite outdoor adventures in a town you may know as one of the most picturesque Alpine-style villages in the United States, Leavenworth, Washington! I'm very excited for this episode because Leavenworth has always been in the back of my mind as an excellent fit for this podcast, and even more so for one of our holiday episodes. Leavenworth is not only incredibly jam-packed with outdoor activities, it boasts tons of holiday cheer to boot! We will, of course, talk a bit about the holiday season and how it affects and influences this Christmas-loving town. But Tom also does a fantastic job explaining why Leavenworth is so much more than an adorable Bavarian town engulfed in holiday lights! About Tom Potter (Aka: T-Pot) Tom is a local Leavenworth entrepreneur. When he first arrived in the area, he spent several years working in the bars and restaurants throughout the village to fund his recreational habits.  During that time, he inadvertently found himself planning vacations for people, so they wouldn't waste a minute of their stay. Eventually, The T-Pot Experience was born, an all-inclusive trip planning service he operates that focuses on bringing you the best of the best of Leavenworth. With this host and concierge service, he helps visitors make the most of their time in the area, specializing in unique experiences based around outdoor recreation, food, wine, and scenery. Learn more about Tom Potter and how to plan Leavenworth excursions with him at thetpotexperience.com. What We Cover in This Episode What makes Leavenworth so picturesque and unique and "the recreation Mecca of Washington." Why people are drawn to Leavenworth for the holidays. A pro tip on the ideal time to see the Leavenworth holiday lights. What time of the year Christmas-town is in full effect. How you can see the Leavenworth lights from your couch. The best and worst times of year to visit Leavenworth. What each season in Leavenworth has to offer visitors. Which part of town is optimal for an Airbnb rental. The best spot in town for coffee and biscuit breakfast sandwiches, and what time you should be there to make sure you get a biscuit. The best spots to ski and snowboard near Leavenworth, and how to fit in a whitewater kayaking adventure on the way back! The best part of the river for a more relaxed inner tube float or standup paddleboarding with incredible views. A fantastic sandwich spot you won't walk away from hungry. The best sausage garden in town to get a bratwurst. All of the incredible professionally maintained mountain biking trail options available in town and a few of Tom's favorites. A historically prominent ski hill area that hosts bikers in the summer and skiers and tubers in the winter. The nordic skiing that is also available in the area. The "buffet of hiking" offered in Leavenworth. Two of my favorite hikes around this area (and one ends at the view seen in the cover image for this podcast!) The optimal spots in town for beer, dinner, and craft cocktails. The music scene in Leavenworth. The best Instagram spot in town. Two underrated spots in town you should be sure not to miss. Quotables "Come to Leavenworth to enjoy the mountains, enjoy the recreation here, get a little taste of Bavaria. It's a unique gem in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains of Eastern Washington. As you pull into town, you'll just be amazed by how they've stuck to the Bavarian theme, and the mountain access is about as good as I've ever experienced." Tom Potter Links to Places Mentioned in this Episode How to see the Leavenworth, WA Holiday Lights from Anywhere: Leavenworth Live Webcams Where to Stay in the Leavenworth, WA Area: Airbnb Rental Homes Leavenworth, WA Area Outdoor (& One Indoor) Activities Mentioned in the Episode: Stevens Pass Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort Tumwater Canyon Leavenworth Ski Hill Freund Canyon Mountain Bike Trail Rosy Boa Mountain Bike Trail Ribbed Mountain Bike Trail Colchuck Lake Trailhead Icicle Ridge Trail Snow Lakes Trailhead Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum Leavenworth Reindeer Farm Leavenworth, WA Area Restaurants, Breweries, & Speakeasies Mentioned in this Episode: Argonaut Espresso Bar Parsley's Pantry München Haus Icicle Brewing Company Sulla Vita Wok About Mongolian Grill Pika Provisions Thanks for Listening! We love our listeners! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a comment below and let me know about your favorite part! If you've been enjoying the show, please also consider leaving me a review in Apple Podcasts. It's super easy; click here and go to "ratings and reviews." I read and appreciate every single one! Each review helps new listeners find the podcast. Thank you!! Follow Cinders Travels on Facebook or Locals Knows Best Podcast on Instagram for Locals Know Best updates.

32: Portland, Maine, The Way Life Should Be

Today, on the Locals Know Best podcast, I'll be speaking with Kristan Vermeulen about how to make the most of a day outdoors in Portland, Maine. Join Kristan and me as we visit Portland, Maine, during both the off and on-season, eating tons of tasty treats along the way! Activities we discuss in this episode include hitting the water in multiple vessel options, skiing, dog sledding, oyster shucking, hiking, and more! About Kristan Vermeulen Kristan is originally from Maryland and was a Director of Public Relations for the Department of Defense for six years while living there. However, a full-time job opportunity, as well as her husband, ended up bringing her to the great state of Maine, and she hasn't looked back since! She now runs her own public relations business and is also the host of a podcast called Makers of Maine, which has recently expanded into Makers of the USA. On her podcast, she interviews various makers and small business owners, including artists, glass blowers, potters, woodworkers, fashion designers, and more. And as a publicist, she has featured her small business clients on national media outlets, including Forbes, Health, Real Simple, Redbook, TODAY, Good Morning America, and FOX Business News. In both roles, she's had to quickly learn what Maine means to outsiders and locals regarding the attractions and lifestyle it offers, which has swiftly turned her into an authority on both Portland and Maine as a whole. Throughout this episode, you'll notice that her background in the great outdoors, public relations, and podcasting has uniquely set her up as an expert on why the area's entrepreneurial spirit goes hand in hand with adventuring in and around Portland. Learn more about Kristan and her podcast Makers of the USA. What We Cover in This Episode Many of the outdoor products created, and small businesses run, in Maine. Maine's outdoor-focused lifestyle. Maritime life, the sailing scene in Portland, and a nonprofit focused on affordably introducing people to the sport. What makes running a small business in Maine so unique, and why Maine is a great place for aspiring entrepreneurs! The best and worst times of year to visit Portland, Maine. The difference between Maine's on and off-season, and why there's something to be appreciated in both. Where to ski near Portland. A noteworthy winter dog sledding excursion you don't find everywhere. A winter festival focused on exposing locals to experiences instead of shopping. A distinctive historical hotel to stay at in Portland. The ultimate spots in town to stroll and watch the ferries. Where to get the finest cup of coffee in the city. What part of town is ideal for scenery, and which part is best for nightlife. The best destinations for breakfast, seafood, drinks, and snacks! Why you should consider enjoying the water via a hands-on historic tall ship tour instead of the typical powerboats. The optimal restaurant in town to have a cocktail and lobster roll by the water. How climate change is affecting the lobster industry and how the industry is pivoting. What wine and oysters have in common. Where to go oyster shucking! The best family and pet-friendly hiking options nearby. Portland's music scene. The most beautiful place for an Instagram picture in Portland. An overrated spot in Portland, and how to avoid it. Quotables The ongoing saying of Maine in general: it's the way life should be. And I truly believe in that statement, because it is a place where you can go and see everything in terms of environment and outdoors, from, you know the sailing, being on the water, to going and hiking, to canoeing down the Allagash or you know skiing at a ski resort close by, or go dog sledding. It is a way for folks to see life and this world so differently. … Like if you want to go and travel, you could do it right in your backyard. Like, you don't have to go to Europe. You don't have to go to the Bahamas. You can come right here to Maine. So I would say that. Come to Maine to experience the way life should be. Kristan Vermeulen Links to Places Mentioned in this Episode Where to Stay in the Portland, ME Area: The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection   Portland, ME Area Outdoor Businesses, Destinations & Activities Mentioned in the Episode: Sugarloaf Mountain Ski Resort Sunday River Ski Resort Dog sledding with the Mahoosuc Guide Services Tours and Tickets by Portland Tall Ship Cruise Maine Windjammer Association Maine Maritime Museum Peaks Island Eastern Promenade Trail Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Sea Bags Flagship Store Mere Point Oyster Company Bradbury Mountain State Park Custom House Wharf Portland, ME Area Music Venues Mentioned in the Episode: State Theatre One Longfellow Square Thompson's Point Portland, ME Area Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Bars & Breweries Mentioned in the Episode: Coffee by Design Commercial Street Bayside American Cafe The Holy Donut Luke's Lobster Portland Pier The Portland Hunt & Alpine Club Maine Beer Company Eventide Oyster Co. Thanks for Listening! We love our listeners! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a comment below and let me know about your favorite part! If you've been enjoying the show, please also consider leaving me a review in Apple Podcasts. It's super easy; click here and go to "ratings and reviews." I read and appreciate every single one! Each review helps new listeners find the podcast. Thank you!! Follow Cinders Travels on Facebook or Locals Knows Best Podcast on Instagram for Locals Know Best updates.

31: Hiking Above the Clouds in Mount Rainier National Park

Today, on the Locals Know Best podcast, I'll be speaking with Michelle Stelly about how to make the most of a weekend at Mount Rainier National Park! In this episode, Michelle and I will first discuss Washington's three beautiful national parks. Then, we'll backpack, hike, and snowshoe throughout all four seasons in Mount Rainier National Park, as well as touch on a few of the surrounding areas. We'll be sure to see tons of epic waterfalls, lakes, and fire lookouts along the way, and of course, also have plenty of opportunities to view the incredible Mount Rainier! About Michelle Stelly Michelle runs The Wandering Queen, a travel blog to help fellow women adventurers travel the globe. She's a Texan-Panamanian who is passionate about adventure travel, as well as an expert on all things hiking, backpacking, and camping. Michelle has been to 23 U.S. National Parks and has a goal in life that is very similar to my own, to inspire and help get people outdoors! Learn more about Michelle Stelly at TheWanderingQueen.com. What We Cover in This Episode All of Michelle's favorite hikes in Mount Rainier National Park. That it's possible to get into hiking at any point in life. Two great pro tips for anyone who's looking to start getting more into backpacking. The allure of the PNW for a Texan-Panamanian, and why she made the move up north. What makes each of Washington's three national parks (Olympic, Rainier, and North Cascades) unique, and the pros of visiting each one. What it's like visiting Mount Rainier National Park during each of the seasons throughout the year. How to be aware of avalanche zones in the winter and spring snowshoeing seasons. The hike in Mount Rainier National Park where Barrett and I have gotten some of our most epic photos ever! What breakfast, lunch, and dinner look like for a backpacker. How to best spend day one of our trip in the Paradise area. The best waterfalls to hit up on your drive from Seattle to the Paradise Visitor Center area. The 360-degree Mount Rainier views you can get from the most popular trail in Washington, and what makes this trail so unique when compared to most of the trails in the state. The spot where all the photographers like to shoot sunset photos of Mount Rainier. Cabin, camping, and RV lodging options around the park. Why Packwood is an excellent town to home base from while you're visiting the park, and where you should eat and drink while in the area. How to best spend day two of our trip in the Sunrise area. Michelle's favorite hike in the entire park, where you might be lucky enough to experience a cloud inversion! The best trail to hit up during wildflower season and the best one for seeing an alpine lake. What you should do if you're in the area for one more day. The three best Instagram spots in the park. How to make the most of a day in the park if Mount Rainier is cloud covered, as well as tips on how to avoid visiting on those days. An overrated trail and the nearby underrated trail you should hike instead! Quotables There's so many epic hikes there. Mount Rainier is just fantastic! It's my favorite mountain in the world. Even if you don't go hiking, you can still just enjoy a day in paradise, having a family picnic with these amazing views. The waterfalls there are some of my favorite in the whole state. I feel like this is the perfect outdoorsy getaway with just outstanding views. I'm honestly gonna keep on going to it for years upon years. Michelle Stelly Links to Places Mentioned in this Episode Where to Stay in the Mount Rainier National Park Area: Little Owl Cabin Summit Lake Camping Crystal Mountain Resort for RVs Mount Rainier National Park Area Outdoor Activities that are Mentioned in this Episode: Comet Falls Narada Falls Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center Skyline Loop Trail Myrtle Falls Reflection Lakes Pinnacle Peak Trail Wonderland Trail Mount Fremont Lookout Trail Burroughs Mountain Trail Naches Peak Loop Trail Emmons Moraine Trail Grove of the Patriarchs Trail Silver Falls Loop Trail Mount Fremont Fire Lookout Tolmie Peak Trail Bench and Snow Lake Trail Mount Rainier National Park Area Restaurants and Brewery that are Mentioned in this Episode: Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center Packwood Brewing Co. Cliff Droppers Sunrise Day Lodge Spots in Washington's Three National Parks that are Mentioned in this Episode: Olympic Beaches Hoh Rainforest Hurricane Ridge Hurricane Hill Trail Mount Rainier North Cascade Diablo Lake Hidden Lake Lookout Trail Maple Pass Loop Thanks for Listening! We love our listeners! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a comment below and let me know about your favorite part! If you've been enjoying the show, please also consider leaving me a review in Apple Podcasts. It's super easy; click here and go to "ratings and reviews." I read and appreciate every single one! Each review helps new listeners find the podcast. Thank you!! Follow Cinders Travels on Facebook or Locals Knows Best Podcast on Instagram for Locals Know Best updates.

30: Alexandria, Virginia, a Nice Mixture of Old and New

Today, I'll be speaking with Cecilia and Scott Fix about how to spend a fantastic day outdoors in Alexandria, Virginia. Join Cecilia, Scott, and me as we start off our day, waking up in a spooky spot. Then we continue adventuring outdoors via boating the Potomac and geocaching. All while also appreciating old architecture, waterfront parks, art installations, Cherry Blossoms, and all of the best eating and drinking Alexandria has to offer along the way. About Cecilia and Scott Fix Scott and Cecilia are a travel blogging married couple who travel both locally and internationally. They have an insatiable desire for outdoor adventure, not necessarily just in the adrenaline junkie sense of the word, but for anything exciting and new. Cecilia has a background in humanitarian work, a Master's degree in International Development, and has served as a Peace Corps volunteer for 2 years in Cape Verde, giving her a keen interest in human relationships and connectedness. Scott has a background in physics and math. His love for travel is driven more by an intense curiosity to discover the history and theories of why things are the way they are. Together Scott and Cecilia have climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, scuba-dived in the Philippines, safari'd in Tanzania, and slept in a yurt in the mountains of West Virginia. But it's their love for "micro-adventure" that has led them to many of their new favorite experiences, including geocaching, camping in their backyard, sleeping in treehouses, and exploring haunted and abandoned locations. Learn more about Cecilia and Scott Fix at lovicarious.com or on Instagram. What We Cover in This Episode What makes Alexandria worth a visit for both outdoor explorers and history buffs. What keeps Alexandria feeling small. The best (and worst) times of year to visit Alexandria, VA. Why Alexandria is a great place to visit during Christmas time. A few spots to see the Cherry Blossoms bloom, where you can avoid the crowds. A haunted historical hotel worth staying at in Alexandria. Where the locals eat breakfast, lunch, dinner and go out for drinks in Alexandria. The best ways to spend a day on the Potomac River, including an option sure to be appreciated by your dog! A location that is sure to be an art lover's delight. A few beautiful parks and spots along the waterfront that should be visited. Why geocaching is worth your time in Alexandria, and how to do it! Which local tours are the best, which are overrated, and a way to get a tour of the town for free! The best spots in Alexandria for Instagram photos. Quotables There are very few places in the U.S. that you can go to that genuinely feel old, that you can look around and there's unique architecture. There's something unique about the town. I think a lot of places in the U.S. either tend to look the same or look very modern. Alexandra is someplace that definitely looks historical and it's that way, because it genuinely is.  So that history mixed with little bits of Modern cuisine, modern culture, with live performances, and pop up boutiques, it's a nice mixture of old and new. Scott & Cecilia Fix Links to Places Mentioned in this Episode Where to Stay in Alexandria, VA: The Alexandrian Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection Alexandria, VA Outdoor Activities Mentioned in the Episode: Old Town Free Trolley Stand, King Street Mount Vernon Georgetown Waterfront Park Old Town Waterfront Park Torpedo Factory Art Center Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge Jones Point Lighthouse Mount Vernon Trail Gravelly Point Be the Change / Butterfly Effect Mural City Cruises Alexandria Water Taxi Green Spring Gardens River Farm Alexandria, VA Restaurants, Pubs & Speakeasies Mentioned in this Episode: Gadsby's Tavern Table Talk Restaurant Jack's Place Bob & Edith's Diner Fish Market Restaurant Myron Mixon's Pitmaster Barbeque Chop Shop Taco Le Refuge Restaurant Daniel O'Connell's Irish Restaurant & Bar Murphy's Grand Irish Pub Captain Gregory's Thanks for Listening! We love our listeners! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a comment below and let me know about your favorite part! If you've been enjoying the show, please also consider leaving me a review in Apple Podcasts. It's super easy; click here and go to "ratings and reviews." I read and appreciate every single one! Each review helps new listeners find the podcast. Thank you!! Follow Cinders Travels on Facebook or Locals Knows Best Podcast on Instagram for Locals Know Best updates.

29: Kenai, Alaska, You've Entered the Real Alaska

Today, on the Locals Know Best podcast, I'll be speaking with Jon Taylor about how to make the most of an outdoorsy trip throughout the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska. This episode is sure to put you under the spell of the north. Join Jon and me as we enjoy the Kenai peninsula as an adventure-loving local would! Our discussion is chock full of outdoor experiences, including sea kayaking, flying ourselves to epic fishing locations, hiking, and fat tire biking the beach! Also, as you would expect, there's tons of mountain, glacier, bear, and Alaskan National Park chat along the way! About Jon Taylor Jon is a pilot, traveler, musician, and the Creative Director for the Strategic Marketing Agency known as Divining Point. He started his career as a commercial photographer. During that time, he discovered the camera often unlocked access to some of the most beautiful places. His talents include brand strategy, photography, videography, and graphic design for businesses in multiple industries. He is known for his vision and creative eye, which give him the ability to conceive stunning visuals and rich storytelling that are sure to evoke emotion from the viewers. Also, being a pilot, Jon gets to go where no roads will take you, which, turns out, is actually most of Alaska!  He has a lot of passion for hiking, camping, biking, bourbon tasting, and snow machining, and he says he's married the most beautiful Alaskan that's ever emerged from the snow.  If you've ever dreamt of exploring Alaska like a local, don't miss this episode! He does an incredible job of explaining why Kenai is the perfect place to home base from for all of your future Alaskan adventures! Follow Jon on Instagram and learn more about Kenai, Alaska at ILoveKenai.com. What We Cover in This Episode The draw to Alaska that's stronger than moose, bears, and mountains. What makes Alaskans "the most independent people in America," and why it matters. Why Alaska is a great place to start a business. How photography can open doors for creatives. What makes the Kenai peninsula stand out from anywhere else in Alaska! Kenai's sister cities on the peninsula, and what each one has to offer. How traveling in Alaska compares to how you are probably used to traveling, and what makes it so different. Where to go to see otters, seals, and to sea kayak. Why Kenai is "the perfect place to start your Alaskan adventure." What it's like to live in Alaska in the winter. How to book an early morning fishing excursion – the quintessential Alaskan experience – where you also get to fly the plane! The best way to view mountains, glaciers, and bears. How cruising Alaska is different than seeing Alaska via the car or a small plane. What times are better for a car in Alaska, and what times are better for a small plane. The best way, and time of day, to view Denali. A local's favorite Alaskan national park – with tips – including – why, the best way to get there, and what to do when you arrive. The best place to stay in Kenai, Alaska. The best restaurant to get breakfast in Kenai, Alaska, and what to order. "The most intense one and a half mile hike you have ever done in your life." A great lunch spot near the above-mentioned intense hike. A few recommended beach activities to take part in back in Kenai. A delicious locally sourced bistro recommended for dinner, and "the only place [Jon] recommend[s] getting a cocktail in Alaska." Another dinner option, perfect for anyone who wants an excursion combined with their dinner. Why you should be careful going to Alaska in July. Where to get the best Instagram photos in Kenai. What Jon thinks people most miss out on when visiting the Kenai peninsula. A few additional hike recommendations on the Kenai peninsula. How to best prepare for hiking in Alaska. How to protect yourself from Alaskan bears and moose. Quotables The real draw for Alaska wasn't necessarily the mountains or the bears or the moose or the rivers. It was the people. As a very independent people, they consider themselves the most independent in America, and that's debatable, but really, I mean, they're furthest away from everybody else, and there's certain self reliancy, but with that comes a certain dependence on other people. And so you'll never be turned down if you need help. Jon Taylor I tell anybody that's planning to live in Alaska, don't be afraid to just put yourself out there because everybody's waiting for you. Jon Taylor So when people are going to be going to Alaska, they're planning a vacation, a lot of times they'll send me a quick message. Hey, got any tips, any plans, anything. And I always tell them the same thing. You're going to land in Anchorage, and as you are starting your descent (flying up from the lower 48) look out the window. It's absolutely beautiful. And then you land in Anchorage and all those beautiful things you saw when you were landing, that's all down on the Kenai peninsula. That's where it's at. Jon Taylor In Alaska, there is a very high possibility that things won't go the way you planned. Alaska does want to kill you. So you have to come prepared for that. And don't just wander off into the wilderness. Stay on the trails, hike with a friend, bring your bear spray. Even if you have a GPS beacon, even for the easy trails, just bring it because I've had too many friends that have had very close encounters. So, my suggestion is, play it safe. If you're going to hike in Alaska, it's not like hiking in other places. … I think that sometimes there's an effort to say, you know, come to Alaska it's for everybody, and it is. But I think it's also important to say, come to Alaska and please be careful. This isn't like your normal tour of Carlsbad Caverns, where you've got a tour guide, and you're riding in a Jeep. This is a serious place where serious things can happen. And that's why you should come here in the first place because you're actually getting the real experience of nature. Jon Taylor Links to Places Mentioned in this Episode Kenai, AK Area Itinerary Destinations Mentioned in the Episode: Miller's Landing Sea Kayaking – The company Cindy went out with from Seward Tanalian Falls Trailhead Kenai Aviation Alaska West Air Inc. Cooper Landing Skyline Trail Quartz Creek Airport-Jia Kenai Beach Ismailof Island Old Town Kenai Park Holy Assumption Russian Orthodox Church Russian Lakes Trail Upper & Lower – Designated backcountry campsites at Russian River Rendzvous, Barber Cabin Trail, mile 5.7, mile 7.7, Upper Russian Lake (mile 11.9), mile 17, and mile 19.2 (distances from lower end). Russian River Falls Trailhead Kenai, AK Area Restaurants Mentioned in this Episode: Louie's Steak & Seafood Custom Seafoods Sunrise Inn The Flats Bistro Kenai Joe's Taphouse Seven Glaciers Restaurant Captain Pattie's Fish House The Saltry Restaurant Veronica's Cafe Other Further Away Destinations Mentioned in this Episode: Kenai Fjords National Park Denali National Park and Preserve Wonder Lake Campground – Where Cindy Camped in Denali NP Lake Clark National Park and Preserve Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Thanks for Listening! We love our listeners! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a comment below and let me know about your favorite part! If you've been enjoying the show, please also consider leaving me a review in Apple Podcasts. It's super easy; click here and go to "ratings and reviews." I read and appreciate every single one! Each review helps new listeners find the podcast. Thank you!! Follow Cinders Travels on Facebook or Locals Knows Best Podcast on Instagram for Locals Know Best updates.