My Town Travels

In this episode, we have the pleasure of talking with Emily Dark and Anna Grace Agnini with Explore Natural Martin. Today’s Podcast is in 2 parts: Part 1- Information on Explore Natural Martin and Ecotourism Part 2- The Best Small Town Places in Martin County, FL, which is “an under-the-radar slice of paradise” and tips you don’t want to miss if you are looking to get into Ecotourism or do Voluntourism Projects.

In addition, you will hear:🎧
✔️Information about Big Conservation Efforts in a Small Town
✔️Why the Destination of Martin County is such a  Special & Unique Small Town Haven

 ✔️All the Amazing things you can do in Martin County for FREE!

 ✔️Where to Find that Perfect Photo Spot

 ✔️ As always, We Highlight Advice from our Guest Experts if this is an Area of Interest!

✔️Small Towns & Activities Highlighted in this Episode from Martin County, FL: Jensen Beach, Historic Stuart, Port Salerno, Hobe Sound, Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Halpatiokee Regional Park, The Dolphin Bar, The Elliott Museum, The House of Refuge, The Florida Bird Trail, Uncrowded Surf Spots, Florida Scrub Hikes

Guest Bios: Emily Dark & Anna- Grace Agnini:

Emily Dark:

Emily is the Environmental Resource and Ecotourism Coordinator for Martin County, working for the Public Works Environmental Resource Division and the Office of Tourism and Marketing. Before Martin County, Emily worked for the State of Florida in the Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves Office for seven years, focusing on natural resource management, research, and sustainable public use. Emily is a proud rescue dog and cat owner, surfer, SCUBA diver and outdoor enthusiast.

Anna-Grace Agnini:

Anna-Grace works for the Martin County Office of Tourism and Marketing as the Environmental Resource and Ecotourism Specialist. Before moving to Florida in January 2023, she attended NC State University and earned her bachelor’s in environmental science and sustainable tourism. Motivated by a love for nature, travel, and sustainability, Anna-Grace has been able to gain knowledge in the environmental field through a variety of experiences, from leading kayak tours to building trails on public lands. In her free time, Anna-Grace enjoys hiking, photography, and reading!

Explore Natural Martin Summary:

Explore Natural Martin is an award-winning ecotourism program that connects visitors and residents to unforgettable outdoor experiences throughout Martin County. With over 100,000 acres of parks and conservation lands, 22 miles of beaches, 5 state parks, and 2 aquatic preserves, there is no shortage of outdoor adventures. Proudly developed in partnership with Leave No Trace, this experiential ecotourism program was designed as a way to foster environmental stewardship and promote responsible recreation.

In this episode, we have the pleasure of talking with Howard McCann. Howard is a former Vanceburg, Kentucky Resident, Cold War Veteran, and the Architect of the current "Military Heros Banner Project" in Vanceburg.

Today’s Podcast is in 2 parts: Part 1- Information, background, and how you can visit Vanceburg’s Military Heroes Banner Project. Part 2- a Small Town story from Howard McCann.

In addition, you will hear:

-Information on Vanceburg's Veterans Park

-How Vanceburg, KY, is a wonderful stop on Kentucky's AA Highway and Route 8. 

- Small Towns & Activities Highlighted in this Episode:

-Vanceburg, KY - Augusta KY- Maysville, KY

Information on Vanceburg, Kentucky's Military Heroes Banner Project:

When traveling on Kentucky's Route 8 or The AA Highway, you need to check out Small Town Vanceburg. This adorable town of 1,300 residents sits on the Ohio River- and is near other Small Town Destinations such as Augusta, KY. But what makes Vanceburg so unique is its dedication to the Veterans of Lewis County and their current enthusiasm & potential for growth.

Many towns currently have some sort of "Hometown Heroes" program. But Vanceburg takes this concept much further as they continue to develop their "Military Heros Banners Project."

Listen in to this great Small Town Story from Nicole Mitchell, Owner and Quality Control for Manchester Hill Winery.

Recently, My Town Travels had the absolute pleasure of spending a bit of time at the beautiful location of Manchester Hill Winery. It's been a joy getting to know Nicole and her husband, Patrick. I can't wait to share more with you about these two small town business owners and the great destination they have created in Pickaway County, Ohio.  

In This Episode You Will Hear:

• -How a Small Town Community Comes Together to Help Its Residents
• -Why Labor of Love and the Hand-On-Hand Experience is so Important.
  -Manchester Hill's Award-Winning Blackberry Wine- 100% Made Local.
• -Manchester Hill Ferments, Corks, Bottles, & Labels all by Hand On-Site.
• -While talking about where Manchester Hill is situated in the county, Nicole was immediately reminded of how the crosswinds of a recent tornado came right through the Manchester Hill property. She held back tears as she began to tell me her experience of being a business in the Small Town Pickaway County Community.

 About Guest:

Are the Rising Costs of Food Getting You Down? Listen to this Short, Fun, and Informative Podcast for Great Tips on How to Keep your Food Costs Down While Traveling. These Practical Solutions from Real Life Experiences will Keep You on Budget While Having a Great Time!

About:

Welcome to the My Town Travels Podcast. The Only Podcast Dedicated to Small Town Travel Destinations, Adventures, & Lifestyle; With Expert interviews including Travel Professionals, Writers, Bloggers, Influencers, & More! Listen Now for Great Travel Stories and Insights you’ll love, whether it’s for an escape, a laugh, to relate, or to find the best Small Town Destinations!  

Join host Kristy Burns on her adventures as she gets up close destination stories and behind-the-scenes information from collaborators and small town enthusiasts. Join the Small Town Journey!

Friends, you will LOVE listening to this recent Podcast with The Ethical Cheerleader, Suze Wood. If you love travel insight, inspiring discussions, and getting a little off-script in the best ways- Listen In!

Sometimes you just have to be you, and in this episode I am doing just that! The photo for this episode was actually taken while recording this episode- in case you wanted to know!

Follow along as I touch base on what the My Town Family has been doing over the break. Then listen in on a few of my travel quirks that came to haunt me recently, and a few tips on how to combat travel burnout.

So glad to be back with you, thank you for listening!

About:

Welcome to the My Town Travels Podcast. The Only Podcast Dedicated to Small Town Travel Destinations, Adventures, & Lifestyle; With Expert interviews including Travel Professionals, Writers, Bloggers, Influencers, & More! Listen Now for Great Travel Stories and Insights you’re going to love, whether it’s for an escape, a laugh, to relate, or to find the very best Small Town Destinations!  

Join host Kristy Burns on her adventures, as she gets up close destination stories and behind the scenes information from collaborators and small town enthusiasts. Join the Small Town Journey!

Hello travel friends!

Now after our summer break- we are back with new episodes through Thanksgiving! New to the My Town Travels Podcast? Catch up on Season 2 & the first half of season 3, and listen to new episodes starting this upcoming week!

About:

Welcome to the My Town Travels Podcast. The Only Podcast Dedicated to Small Town Travel Destinations, Adventures, & Lifestyle; With Expert interviews including Travel Professionals, Writers, Bloggers, Influencers, & More! Listen Now for Great Travel Stories and Insights you’re going to love, whether it’s for an escape, a laugh, to relate, or to find the very best Small Town Destinations!  

Join host Kristy Burns on her adventures, as she gets up close destination stories and behind the scenes information from collaborators and small town enthusiasts. Join the Small Town Journey!

In this episode, we have the pleasure of talking with Geoff Burns- Founder/CEO of Burns & Associates and Co-Founder for River Rangers International. River Rangers work with towns and government agencies to keep waterways safe & clean for waterway recreation. They do this through a specialized process for Minimal Impact for Waterway Management.  

Geoff is an avid outdoorsman who has spent most of his adult life in outdoor education and ministry, and has founded several nonprofits and small businesses throughout Ohio. He has a  Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science (BS ENVS), a Masters Degree in International Business (MBA)and is a published author.

In This Episode You Will Hear:

The complexities of Ohio Rivers- all you need to know before you go exploring.

The economic value of the waterways- Small Town's investing average $50-$250 per person to bring revenue to their towns! 

Learn why River Rangers LOVE working in Small Towns.

Learn more about the paddling community in Ohio- and how you can invest in the natural  resources in your community.

Listen to Geoff's favorite Small Town areas in Ohio.

Small Towns Highlighted in this episode:

Mt. Vernon, OH - Yellow Springs, OH - Troy, OH- Millersburg, OH

Hear Geoff's number one piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs today & Geoff's Truth About Travel.

Guest Info:

Recorded this on the last day of Women's Heritage Month - as we have been celebrating Women In Travel all Month Long!

Join Kristy, as she talks about The Women In Her Life - who have truly not only Inspired her, but have shaped her travel journey.

Notes from Episode: Great Women In Travel accounts to follow:

In this episode Listen In as Kristy talks about Frustration and the Travel Lifestyle. Follow along as Kristy shares Personal Stories, Truths, and Experiences from her life that I’m sure you can relate- and shares advice based on those experiences.

-Listen In - to hear how to get the best information for your travel plans.

-Hear a story that quite frankly ticked Kristy off, and you may have experienced too!

-LISTEN IN to a PRIVATE BUSINESS CONVERSTION between Kristy & and Husband Geoff (Sorry, baby Finn also makes a brief appearance!), and hear a passionate discussion on Face-to-Face Interaction. Why Does My Town Care about this particular subject so much?? Because without the Face-to Face Interaction, the True Small Town Experience- The Feeling You SHOULD get when visiting a Small Town - would not exist.

In this episode Listen In as Kristy talks about Exhaustion and the Travel Lifestyle. Follow along as Kristy shares personal stories, truths, and experiences from her life that I’m sure you can relate- and shares advice based on those experiences.

The Truth Is I’m Seeking……

There are a lot of reasons to travel, and a lot of reasons not to travel. Honestly, for most people, I think the thrill of something new is enough. But, for me, it’s much more.

Each trip that I plan is carefully curated. I truly love finding the joy travel can bring, and for me, the most memorable have always been in a small town setting.

I was trying to think of which “traveling truth” to start with for this podcast series- and realized that I was not just seeking an answer to my immediate question. Seeking is part of what my travel experience is all about.

Have you ever looked up the meaning of truth? What are you seeking today? Is it something travel can bring?

In addition, you will hear:

-How to Create a More Meaningful Travel Experience

-Truth’s Greater Meaning from a Small Town Travel Girl’s Perspective

- Small Towns & Activities Highlighted in this Episode: Tuscarawas County, OH & Amish Country

In this episode, we have the pleasure of talking with Small Town Travel Writer & Short-Term Lodging Consultant, Tania Meek. Tania is a lover of all things travel and tourism, currently holds the title of mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and community member. When her "spare" time allows, she is also a freelance writer, hospitality/travel consultant and Ohio Wines ambassador. As a woman who finds joy in discovering the world around her, she adores exploring both city and country but has a special affinity for the unique people and places found in each small town. To her, it's the individuals and their stories that keep her longing for the next adventure, one that is often found just around the next bend in the road.

In addition, you will hear:

- What is a Short-Term Lodger Consultant and discussions on quality small town lodging.

- The Ohio Wines Ambassador Program and information on The Ohio Wines Scene-You’re going to want to hear this!!

- How according to Tania “Life is a series of connections that by the end create your story.” Tania has some amazing life philosophies based on her experiences that you will find truly inspiring!

- Tips for aspiring travel entrepreneurs & Tania’s Travel Truth- Hear what Tania has learned about being genuine and authentic.

- Small Towns & Activities Highlighted in this Episode:

Granville, Yellow Springs, Chillicothe, Lancaster, Pomeroy, Athens, Marietta, & Vermillion Ohio - Cookeville, Knoxville & Franklin Tennessee - Bardstown & Cynthiana Kentucky - Mexico Beach & Enterprise Florida.

Guest Info:

Join us for Season 3 of The My  Town Travels Podcast! This season we will be focusing on:

The Truth About Travel: "When We Romanticize Travel- We Lose"

So, we will be diving into how our own expectations affect our experiences and also truths on traveling with family & practicality. And it's all wrapped up with great small town destinations and guests!

**Came across this recording from nearly 2 years ago, talking with the My Town Kids about travel. Liam- who is 14 at the time and Zeke who is 11, are pretty adorable and detailed in their descriptions of traveling with Mom & Dad for work. A fun listen for the weekend! 

Have you listened to Season 2 of the My Town Travels Podcast?? Catch Up Now- Season 3 is on the way! 

In this episode: Join host Kristy Burns & her kids Liam & Zeke, as they discuss their thoughts on being a Travel Influencer Family & Small Town Promoter- from a kid (which is not always accurate- but definitely entertaining!) and Small Town Travel Perspective.

In Addition, You Will Hear:

✔️Kristy, Liam, & Zeke's Personal Opinions & Experiences on Locations.

✔️ Small Towns Highlighted in this Episode: Ogallala, NE - Wabasha, MN - Afton, WY

In this episode: We break down numbers 5-1 of the Top 15 Cities in The U.S. recently rated in July 2022 by Travel & Leisure; The Travel Media Giant based in New York City, New York.

Join host Kristy Burns & her husband Geoff, as they discuss their thoughts on this Travel Influencer’s Top Picks from a Small Town Travel Perspective.

In Addition, You Will Hear:

✔️What Small Town Has Been on THE TOP of  Kristy's "To Do" List! 

✔️Cities That Are Cultural Icons.

✔️Locations of River & Oceanfront Cities.

✔️Cities with a Small Town Feel.

✔️City That Is A Popular Filming Location. 

✔️Insight to What Truly Defines a Small Town.

✔️Which Cities On This List Could Impact Your Plans.

✔️Smart Tips for City Travel.

✔️Geoff & Kristy’s Personal Opinions & Experiences on Locations.

✔️Towns/Cities Highlighted in this Episode: Honolulu, HI – Santa Fe, NM – Savannah, GA – New Orleans, LA – Charleston , SC

In this episode: We break down numbers 10-6 of the Top 15 Cities in The U.S. recently rated in July 2022 by Travel & Leisure; The Travel Media Giant based in New York City, New York.

Join host Kristy Burns & her husband Geoff, as they discuss their thoughts on this Travel Influencer’s Top Picks from a Small Town Travel Perspective.

In Addition, You Will Hear:

✔️Cities with a Small Town Feel.

✔️Insight to What Truly Defines a Small Town.

✔️How a Cities Growth & Development Can Impact Your Travel.

✔️Smart Tips for City Travel. 

✔️Geoff & Kristy’s Personal Opinions & Experiences on Locations.

✔️Towns/Cities Highlighted in this Episode: Boston, MA – San Antonio, TX – Alexandria, VA – Chicago, IL – New York City, NY

In this episode: We break down numbers 15-11 of the Top 15 Cities in The U.S. recently rated in July 2022 by Travel & Leisure; The Travel Media Giant based in New York City, New York.

Join host Kristy Burns & her husband Geoff, as they discuss their thoughts on this Travel Influencer’s Top Picks from a Small Town Travel Perspective.

In Addition, You Will Hear:

✔️Cities with a Small Town Feel.

✔️Insight to What Truly Defines a Small Town.

✔️How a Cities Growth & Development Can Impact your Travel.

✔️Geoff & Kristy’s Personal Opinions & Experiences on Locations.

✔️Towns/Cities Highlighted in this Episode: Nashville, TN – San Diego CA – Asheville, NC – Williamsburg, VA – Austin, TX

In this episode, we had the pleasure of talking with David Annecy, Co-Founder of Gay Fad Studios in Lancaster, OH. David and his husband Jason have recently opened (re-opened) a Lancaster, Iconic Small Business. A business that has made important contributions to Lancaster’s glassware history during its golden age.

Gay Fad Studios was originally started in Lancaster, by Fran Taylor in 1945. Today, the business proudly showcases the achievements of the original mid-century glassware company. By inspiring many artists and young entrepreneurs, Gay Fad Studios is making a huge splash as a new business in the small town of Lancaster. Gay Fad Studios also has a dedicated focus on female entrepreneurs in its mission to pay tribute to Fran Taylor; whose achievements are celebrated by collectors for their unparalleled success.

Join David & host Kristy Burns as they discuss the history of Fran Taylor & Gay Fad Studios, & How a Legacy of Decorated Glassware is making a Resurgence in Lancaster, OH.

In Addition, You Will Hear: 🎙

✔️How a Current, Nationwide, Small Town Phenomena- Downtown Mural Projects- Led to an Amazing Small Town Story!!

✔️Why you should Choose Lancaster, OH to Visit or to Live.

✔️Why Investment in the Community by The Community is Important.

✔️The Passion Behind Re-Opening Gay Fad Studios.

✔️Why Fran Taylor “Broke The Glass Ceiling Before There Even Was One” (Jason Annecy).

✔️Reasons to Start a Small Business in a Small Town.

✔️Antique Travelers & Pickers…… Listen for How to Spot Original Gay Fad Studio Pieces!

✔️How Continued Collaboration is Breeding Success

✔️Tips for Aspiring Travel & Downtown Entrepreneurs- Listen for David’s Advice for Starting a Brick & Mortar Small Business in 2022!

✔️Small Towns Highlighted in this Episode: Lancaster, OH - Marietta, OH - & Yellow Springs, OH!

In this episode, we have the pleasure of talking with Meg James- Founder of Go and Do Good® & The Do Good Directory. Go and Do Good® is a directory of hotels that give back to charities, ministries, and local communities. After a life-changing trip to Machu Picchu and discovering a hotel that was running a school for over three hundred local children in need of education; Meg set out to discover other hidden gem hotels around the world focused on doing good. Join Meg & host Kristy Burns as they feature hotels that give back to others. In addition, you will hear:

- How a love for the nations has turned into a life-long journey of doing good & creating a non-profit organization.

- The benefits of exposing your kids to missions & initiatives that give back.

- Learn about hotels that are giving back that may surprise you.

- Learn about hotels that are going out of their way to give back to people.

-Learn how you can travel with purpose & choose hotels that give back to communities. 

- Tips for aspiring travel entrepreneurs- Learn Meg’s “Secret Sauce” For Website Traffic, and 2 Tips You Must Be Doing To Have A Successful Travel Blog!

- Small Towns & activities highlighted in this episode- Adairsville, GA - Logan, OH & Their First Annual Bigfoot Festival - Littleton, NH - The Suburbs of Boise- ID -& Cincinnati, OH!

Guest Info: 

In this episode, we have the pleasure of talking with Candi Hurst- Founder of Castles & Carpools. Candi is a mom of 4 kids who believe there's a bit of homeschooler in all of us. She thinks the greatest lesson of all is how to give back to the world in which we travel. Because of this, she donates all proceeds from her blog to charities that support children and families. She hopes to use her family's travel finds (and occasional vacation flops) to help others learn about great destinations. In addition, you will hear:

- How to use travel to give back by creating a mindful plan

- What Real-Life Family Travel is like ( it’s not all pretty pictures!)

- Find out your travel personality

- How small towns encourage the simplicity of spending time together

- Tips for aspiring travel entrepreneurs- “building small steps & small successes”

- Small Towns & Activities highlighted in this episode- Shepherdstown, WV, Bramwell, WV, and the Hatfield & McCoy Trail!

-- A strange side-effect of Covid- many towns are "Embracing Local" more than ever!

Info on Guest: 

In This Episode:

-Great information on Welsh Places to Visit in Ohio

-Information on the Welsh Scenic Byway- Did you know The Bob Evans Farm Is a Stop?

-Stories of How the Welsh settled in Ohio.

-Information on how to discover your Welsh Heritage.

-Wonderful Small Town Recommendations from the Madog Center For Welsh Studies Including River Towns!

-Tips for how to Travel & Explore small towns!

It’s Friday!! And that means Great Small Town Travel ideas for your weekend from the My Town Travels Podcast!

Do not miss this interesting and informative episode with family travel blogger, influencer, and accessibility guide creator, Jennifer Allen. Listen as Jennifer and Kristy discuss great tips and how-tos for accessibility and also step by step guides on where to go for great accessible vacations, and Jennifer’s mission for “a barrier-free world!” 

Plus, hear fun sidebars on Kristy and Jennifer’s love of photography before the cell phone revolution, entrepreneurial tips on your Instagram following, and of course, discussions of Jennifer’s favorite small towns and where to go! 

Info On Guest:

Wonders Within Reach is a travel blog for families with disabilities. Our purpose is to inspire and enable special needs families to get out, and to raise awareness on issues of accessibility and inclusion. Our founder, Jennifer Allen, is mom to three. When we got the diagnosis that our middle son would never walk, we had to refigure what life would look like.  As we figure it out, we share, so the journey may be a little easier for the next person, and so outsiders can see us a little clearer.

Join Host Kristy Burns in Episode 3 as she rejoins Tennessee's notable Historian Ray Smith, to talk about Small Town Oak Ridge History, and Innovations you may not realize you're in possession of right this minute! Listen as Kristy and Ray discuss the Secret City, but also upcoming events for Oak Ridge, such as, the The Secret City Festival. Plus, Ray tells a fun story about a Russian Travel Writer who turns out to have stories of his own about Secret Cities of Russia! This is a fun one friends!

Information on Guest: 

Ray Smith

Commissioner, Tennessee Historical Commission; Historian, City of Oak Ridge, TN; Board Member of American Museum of Science and Energy Foundation; and Y-12 National Security Complex Historian (retired), photographer, film producer, newspaper columnist and author

Listen Now and Go Beyond Your Typical View of Travel with Travel On Purpose!

I'm so excited to share with you part two of My Town's Top 11 Small Towns to Visit in 2021. These are towns that My Town has visited personally, and have great options for the current social distancing environment. Top Picks range from Western mountain towns and beach locations, to the heart of the Midwest and more!  Want more information and tips on these towns? Email us anytime at the address below. 

Episode 10- Travel Inside with Travel Inspired Living and Day Trips in Ohio. Ever wonder how travel writers, bloggers, and influencers are making a living with travel? Listen as host Kristy Burns talks with successful author and travel writer Tonya Prater, about her travel ventures- Travel Inspired Living and Day Trips in Ohio. Listen as Tonya tells her personal story and discusses with Kristy the ins and outs of travel as a lifestyle; and why online travel publications, blogs, and private Facebook Groups are such a resource for the upcoming year......

You Don't want to miss this valuable insider conversation with the founder of Day Trips in Ohio and entrepreneur Tonya Prater. 

For More on This Guest: 

Contact: Tonya Prater 

Day Trips in Ohio- https://www.facebook.com/groups/daytripsinohio/

Travel Inspired Living- https://travelinspiredliving.com/

Wow! I can't believe we are already nearing the end of Season 1! This is a very exciting episode as we really dive into the Experiential Planning Process™️ we introduced in Episode 8. Have you thought about how taking the time to define and set experience goals and expectations can shape your 2021? 

Next, the second half of the Podcast is dedicated to going through My Town's Top 11 Small Towns to visit in 2021. 

Episode 8- Join host Kristy Burns as she introduces and takes you through the thought process of Experiential Planning.™️ Listen to examples, insights, and fun stories from Kristy's recent My Town road trips!

Episode 7- Join host Kristy Burns as she talks about Road Trip Tips Part 2 with the My Town kids, Holiday Travel, and tips on "The Region" in Northwest Indiana! Explore with the My Town Family as we discuss our holiday travel plans, travel do's and don'ts, and background on Kristy's hometown. 

About The My Town Today Podcast:

Join host Kristy Burns and Director of Cambridge Main Street Mary Beth Sills, as they discuss Downtown Cambridge Events, Programs, and The Cambridge Underground! Listen for great tips on What To Do In and Around Cambridge, upcoming special events, and a secret piece of history you can only find in Cambridge!  

Episode 5- Join Host Kristy Burns as she talks with Kelly Ashby, Director of the Zanesville-Muskingum County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Listen as Kristy and Kelly talk about great ways to Explore Muskingum County, their tourism perspective of the Coronavirus effects, upcoming Christmas Events, and easy to apply tips for Economic Development!

Join Host Kristy Burns, with husband and travel companion Geoff Burns, as they give tips on how to make your road trip fun, safe and economical.  Hear fun stories from the My Town family, while also talking about the best ways to prepare for your next road trip! 

About Episode 2: 

Episode 2- The Secret City of Oak Ridge- Join Kristy with special guest Oak Ridge Historian Ray Smith, as they help you discover The Secrets of the Secret City, the Manhattan Project, and more in this amazing small town!

Note: There was some interference with the audio on this recording that was not up to My Town's quality standard- but this was such a great talk with Ray (who comes through great!), we didn't want you to miss it! We will be having Ray (who has also been featured on PBS and several Tennessee broadcasts), on again to continue talking about the fascination with the Secret City.

More on My Town Today's Podcast: