Food + Flights

EP 43: The Wine Grotto

From ancient vineyards to modern-day wineries, the history of wine is rich and woven through history. Dating back farther than 4000 BCE, wine was a divine drink used for royalty, uniqueness, and trade. Today, wine continues to evolve, blending tradition with innovation as vineyards explore new techniques to create another symbol of celebration and culture.

Ally and Shelby explore the unique experience wine has brought to Michigan by visiting The Wine Grotto at St. John’s Resort in Plymouth, MI. A 2023 Award of Excellence venue with a robust wine list and exceptional atmosphere. You will want to visit The Wine Grotto for National Wine Day on May 25th.

EP 42: The Windy City

CHICAGO! Being the 3rd largest city in the United States, Chicago is a staple for good food and lots to do. The city's architecture alone will have you mesmerized as you float down the Chicago river.

Ally and Shelby talk about their experiences in Chicago, famous tourist attractions, and some of the famous Chicago style food that so many people adore. From the largest Starbucks in the world to walks along Millennium Park, you won't want to miss all that there is to do, in Chicago!

EP 41: Easter Eggs

Easter is coming early this year in March! With the weather in Michigan being as warm as it has been, the sun might be shining when everyone wakes up to do their Easter Egg hunts. But what about other Easter traditions around the world?

Ally and Shelby explore the fun facts revolving around Easter Eggs, how to prepare them, Gunnison World Records, and the ways different cultures share their Easter traditions. Tune in now and see if some of your Easter traditions stem from across the globe!

EP 40: Cruises

Let’s cruise on into 2024 and talk about the luxury of traveling on sea. From first class tickets to modern day mega ships, cruise lines have dated back to the 1800s.

Ally & Shelby discuss how the world has transformed mail carrier and cargo ships to leisure cruises sailing all over. Mixed in with their own experiences, there are plenty of stories and activities to hear about aboard a ship.

And what would 2024 be without mentioning Taylor Swift? There is even a cruise designated to the Swifties. Tune in this month and decide for yourself if you’re taking your next family vacation via cruise.

EP 39: Blake’s Cider Mill

When you think of a cider mill you are most likely thinking of the fall leaves, pumpkins, hayrides, and freshly picked apples. Not many people would think of hot apple cider with the snow falling, Christmas tree cutting, an ice skating rink, and the grinch but that is exactly what Blake’s Cider Mill offers this holiday season!

Ally and Shelby explore this snowy season at the popular Michigan cider mill, Blake’s. As many Michiganders have heard or even visited the cider mill for tasty treats and brews, it truly is a magical experience all year round. Tune in now to hear about the upcoming events and activities Blake’s Cider Mill has for you and your family and hear about the history that made Michigan’s most well-known cider mill.

EP 38: Coastal Maine

Vacationland, the Pine Tree State, Bigfoot Territory, whatever you want to call it, Maine has a diverse east coast landscape perfect for all seasons. 

Ally and Shelby traveled east to experience all the lobster rolls, lighthouses, and salt air this state had to offer and it did not disappoint.

Listen now to hear about the home of L.L. Bean, the trek through Acadia National Park, and peacefulness this state offers. Come fly into Boston, hop in the car, and drive up the coast with Ally and Shelby.

EP 37: Paranormal Tour at The Whitney

What better way to celebrate October 1st than with a paranormal tour at one of Michigan's most haunted places, The Whitney. Take a stroll back in time to 1890 when David Whitney Jr and his family built the mansion in the heart of Detroit. His stories are not the only thing that still haunts the grounds.

Ally and Shelby take a step into the afterlife with a 4 course meal, ghost stories, and a paranormal investigation with Dye Paranormal in the carriage house. Listen now to hear the history of the iconic Detroit family, their beloved home, and decide for yourself. Do you believe in ghosts?

EP36: Hawaii & Alaska Part 2

In 2022, Ally and Shelby shared their experiences in episode 22 about Hawaii and Alaska. While Ally was hiking the Napali Coast, Shelby was sleeping in a Yurt near Denali. But the tables have turned. Ally is now traveling North to the Last Frontier while Shelby is headed for the Aloha State.

Are helicopter rides over Hawaiian mountain ranges, salt water fishing, and visiting the historic memorial of Pearl Harbor on your bucket list? Or would you rather be hiking on a glacier, watching the whales at sunset, and take a train ride back in time on the White Pass Trail? The choice is yours!

Tune in to hear each of their experiences and decide for yourself. Is your next flight to Hawaii or Alaska?

EP35: Astronaut Appetite 

Ever wonder what astronauts snack on when on a mission to outer space? This month, Ally & Shelby talk about how food has been changed and modified over time so it can be consumed in space. For the full experience, the pair also samples some freeze dried ice cream, which was allegedly created as a sweet snack for astronauts. Tune in now to explore the food in space! 

EP34: Film Tourism

Have you ever watched a tv show or movie and said "I want to go there"? If so, you are not alone. Many people flock to specific destinations just to see where their favorite show or movie was filmed. This is called film tourism.

Whether it's Forks, Washington, where the famous vampire family, the Cullens, once lived or the rolling hills of Westeros featured in Game of Thrones, Ally and Shelby break down some of the most popular filming locations they have been to and what their experience was like.

Listen now to let Ally and Shelby give you a peak behind the scenes of film tourism!

EP32: Travel Credit Cards

When you’re looking to open a credit card, what interests you most? The cash back? The reward points? What about free flights? This month Ally and Shelby dive deep into the best travel credit cards in 2023.

From free checked bags, to inflight purchases, to companion passes, learn about all the perks and which cards can possibly get you your next free flight. Tune in now and decide what credit card you will be applying for!

April is here! Spring is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate spring then to talk about one of the most notable sweet and nutty picnic sandwich? That's right, it's peanut butter jelly time!

Ally and Shelby explore the fun facts of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches right before National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day, April 2nd. But is there more to a PB&J than peanut and jelly spread pressed between two slices of bread? You'll find out in this episode.

Available on Spotify, Google Podcast, Apple Podcast, RadioPublic, Breaker, and Pocket Cast.

Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

EP 28: Airbnb Experiences Part 2

Happy New Year! 2023 is here and it’s been almost two years since Ally and Shelby discussed the different Airbnb experiences they have stayed at. It’s time for an update!

From treehouses, castles, trains, yurts, and wigwams, they cover Airbnb’s all across the United States. See some of their best stays below and decide for yourself. Will you visit any of these Airbnb’s in 2023?

California Castle (Long Beach, CA) 

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/21650456?source_impression_id=p3_1672518999_DZbC7WZB45Us027t

Apple Ridge Farm Caboose (Copper Hill, VA) 

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/21501655?source_impression_id=p3_1672518804_mKJu89uym4EByeRD

Historic Wigwam Village No 2 (Cave City, KY) 

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/46393302?source_impression_id=p3_1672518976_Gd%2FWMhoHaTgJe5h2

Serene Ravine Private RRG Treehouse (Stanton, KY)

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/52931253?source_impression_id=p3_1672520664_sTmEmpnqYZ3wyrez

"Experience Alaska" Yurt Rental #2 Open Year-Round (Cantwell, AK)

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/23991017?source_impression_id=p3_1672520637_tfoOB854nZE2axyO

Available on Spotify, Google Podcast, Apple Podcast, RadioPublic, Breaker, and Pocket Cast.

Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

The holidays are just around the corner! Jingle bells, stockings by the fire place, egg nog at the ready, and KFC? You heard that right. Everyone has their Christmas traditions but not everyone celebrates with gingerbread houses and cookies. Ally and Shelby review some of the popular Christmas feasts around the world from Russia to Australia. Whether you’re sipping hot chocolate on a cold winters night or grilling outside on the barbie, find out all the interesting traditions people incorporate while awaiting for Saint Nick.

Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

EP: Views in Vancouver Part 2

Now that you have heard about suspension bridges, the sea bus, and Virgin River, it’s time to head north to Whistler! The vodka is cold, the gondolas are high, and the views are breath taking. It wouldn’t be a good story though without some hiccups along the way.

Listen to the rest of Ally and Shelby’s trip to Vancouver and the unfortunate mishap they encountered at the end of the their trip. Did the amazing hiking in Whistler outweigh the trip to Bowen Island? You decide in Views in Vancouver Part 2.

Available on Spotify, Google Podcast, Apple Podcast, RadioPublic, Breaker, and Pocket Cast

Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Stretching across 6 different time zones, Canada is the second largest country in the world. With its vast landscape and long shorelines, there are many different cities and terrain to visit when you choose to come to the Great White North.

Ally and Shelby decided to explore the west coast of Canada in and around Vancouver. From the bike rides around Stanley Park, to the mountainous views in Whistler, this episode needed two parts to show all its glory. Listen and decide for yourself, is Vancouver your next travel destination?

Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Pets are like family and when it comes to traveling, some of them are ready to take to the skies so they can go on every adventure with their humans. The idea of traveling with your pet might sound fun and exciting or it might sound stressful. Either way, you have to be aware of the restrictions on a plane when traveling with an animal. Whether it is the required documentation, booking process, or fees for mans best friend to fly in the skies, this episode has you covered! Ally and Shelby talk about some of the best pet friendly airlines in the United States, one international airline, and the perks/limitations you will receive with your pet. Grab your furry, scaled, or feathered friend and find out if they will be embark on your next adventure in first class as we take off for this episode.

Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Would you sip wine in France? Cucumber sake in Japan? Or Margaritas in Mexico? This month Ally and Shelby drink around the world...Disney world. The most magical place on earth could not be perfected without some delicious food and speciality drinks. If you ever thought about taking a trip to epcot, here is your guide. From dusk until dawn, hear about the 11 countries you could visit in one day and decide. Would you take on the challenge, and drink around the world?

Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

When you go on vacation, are you looking for sandy beaches or snow capped mountains? Snorkeling next to sea turtles or salmon fishing along the riverbanks? Do you want Denali in the background of your photos or the Napali Coast? The choice is yours, Alaska or Hawaii?

These vastly different states share one thing in common, many people want to cross them off their bucket list. Ally and Shelby compare and contract their experiences visiting the last frontier and the aloha state.

If you could only visit one, which would you choose? Tune in to episode 22 and make your decision.

Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Have you ever walked through an airport wondering what is on the menu for your next 8 hour plane ride? Usually the thoughts aren't good, however, there is more planning to airline food than you may think. This month Ally and Shelby talk about the food on your flights, that's right, airplane food! 

Did you know the first recorded airline food meal took place in 1919 costing a passenger a total of 3 shillings? We have come along way since then, with many airlines offering complimentary snacks on every flight. What food to you forward to most on your flights?

Listen now to hear all the facts & Ally's unfortunate mishap with her first meal in the sky. 

Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Knowing what documents you need to travel domestically and internationally can get confusing-a REAL ID, a passport, a visa? When will you need these? How do you get these documents? This month Ally & Shelby explore the most important documents needed to be able to fly to your destination. They also talk about TSA Pre-Check, Global Entry, and CLEAR which are programs that can speed up the security process at the airport. So, if you're looking to book a trip but not sure what documents you need, consider this episode your one-stop shop for travel information.

Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Remember a time when you couldn't get your favorite food delivered? Today it seems that we can get almost anything delivered to our doorsteps with just a few clicks of a button. This month Ally & Shelby talk about food delivery apps like Grubhub, Doordash and UberEats just to name a few. They talk about the history of food delivery and even some of their predictions of what food delivery might look like in the years to come. So, order your favorite meal and sit back, this episode has just been delivered!

Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, Ally & Shelby revisit their study abroad trip to Ireland in 2017. They go in-depth about their interactions living with Irish families, favorite activities they got to experience, and revisit some of the common Irish words that may be a little different than what these American girls were used to.

Take an deep dive into the trip that inspired the Food + Flight podcast and celebrate the joys of St. Patrick's day with this fun episode!

Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

It's that time of the year again.. Girl Scout Cookies! Starting back in 1912, 18 girls joined together to form the first Girl Scout troop in savannah Georgia. This organization grew over the years to form some of the most well known cookies in America.

This month Ally & Shelby talk about the history of girl scout cookies, Shelby's time as a former girl scout, and their favorite cookie. You'll be surprised at some of the Girl Scout Cookies flavors over the years and the flavors that have stood the test of time.

To support Girl Scouts and order your favorite cookies visit girlscouts.org

Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Ally & Shelby start out the year by talking about America's National Parks. There are 63 national parks spread out all over America. Did you know The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular national park? The hosts review some of their experiences in national parks and give tips for you next trip.

Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

October 1st is International Coffee Day and what better way to celebrate than an episode about coffee? Coffee dates back to the 15th century and has become a staple around in the world. This month Ally & Shelby head downtown Detroit and get caffeinated at two coffee shops: The Roasting Plant & MadCap Coffee. So, pour a cup of your best roast and tune in now because this episode was brewed just for you! 

Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Do you have a personal bucket list of all the things you would like to do and everywhere you would like to go? Maybe see the Eiffel Tower? Take an African Safari? Go sky diving in Australia? This episode Ally and Shelby talk about what’s on their bucket list and all the exciting things they hope to do in their lifetime. Listen to this episode on September 8th to hear why Shelby wants to visit the Pyramids and why Ally wants to ski in the Swiss alps. Who knows, maybe you will want to add some of these to your bucket list!

Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Food is a big reason why people go to the movies--the freshly popped buttery popcorn, the ice cold soft drinks, and chocolatey or chewy candy just doesn't taste the same when you aren't in front of a big screen. This month Ally & Shelby share their experience seeing a movie at an all inclusive theater. The hosts also talk about how the recent pandemic and availabilty of new movies on streaming platforms has changed the way movie theaters are doing business. So, pop in to this episode and see what all the movie theater madness is about! 

Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

When you walk into a restaurant, do you ever wonder how the place got its name? How do they pick the menu choices? Why did the owners decide to buy a restaurant in the first place? Ally and Shelby are taking you behind the scenes at the Lewiston Lodge where they talk to owners Tim and Shannon about the ups and downs of the restaurant industry. Listen to some of their greatest memories, why they decided to move to Northern Michigan to buy a restaurant, and what it is like to own a business in the food industry. Tune in now, and don't forget if you are in northern Michigan to stop by this little place on the lake.

Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Are you ready to get out and travel again? We can't blame you! It's been a little over a year since travel restrictions went into place and this month Ally & Shelby discuss what states and countries are starting to open back up for visitors. Many people have lots of vacation time and money saved up since they were not able to travel in 2020. This episode will fill you in on all the requirements needed to fly both domestically as well as internationally. So, buckle up and get ready to plan a trip, because this episode is ready for take off! 

Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggety dog, it's time for another food review! Shelby and Ally visit Junk Yard Dog in downtown Jackson, Michigan this month where they sample 12 beer steamed hot dogs loaded with delicious and interesting toppings. Did you know Mickey Mouse's first words were "hot dogs"?  Let's be frank, this place is a must-ard if you're in the Jackson area! 

Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

This month Ally & Shelby talk about their most notable Airbnb experiences. They have been staying in Airbnbs all across the world since 2017 and prefer staying in Airbnbs over hotels for a variety of reasons. But they have had their fair share of odd encounters.. from the host that kept crystal water in the kitchen to the time the host lived in the basement during their stay.. they cover the good, the bad and the ugly of staying in Airbnbs. Tune in now!

Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Let’s slide on into a food review of Green Dot Stables!

Although Michigan still has in door dining restrictions, Ally and Shelby decided to review the Detroit slider restaurant, Green Dot Stables. Located in Detroit and Lansing, Green Dot Stables is owned by inlaws hospitality and is the perfect place to order one of everything. Don’t want to order everything on the menu? Not a problem because these girls have you covered. Before you make your next slider purchase, you’ll know the menu, prices, and of course the satisfying and odd tastes they encountered.

Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

The first food focused episode was supposed to be a review of a local restaurant here in Michigan. However, with recent restrictions in Michigan shutting down indoor dining Ally & Shelby decided to review some of their prior sweet shop experiences around the world.  They talk about some of their favorite spots in Ireland, Seattle, Austin, Las Vegas and Michigan. They also encourage listeners to support small businesses during these hard times by ordering to go or pick up orders.  If you have a sweet tooth, you won't want to miss this episode! 

Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Ally & Shelby jump right into episode 2 and talk about their first dark tourism experience, The Waverly Hills Sanatorium. They took the trip to Louisville, Kentucky  in October to partake in the haunted ghost tour. In this episode, they cover some of the history, their expectations and how the tour actually went. If you like spooky adventures and ghost stories, listen now!

Music:‌ ‌Higher‌ ‌Up‌ ‌by‌ ‌Shane‌ ‌Ivers‌ ‌-‌ ‌https://www.silvermansound.com‌

Welcome to Food + Flights podcast! This first episode is dedicated to introducing your hosts, Allison Nickert & Shelby Ensign. They explain why they wanted to start this podcast and what the podcast will cover. The duo talks about how they met in Ireland and how their friendship has grown over the past three years. So, buckle up and get ready because Food + Flights is ready for take off! 

Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com