Episodes

  • 222. Lake Arrowhead, California - Rim of the World Highway

    222. Lake Arrowhead, California - Rim of the World Highway
    Oct 17 2026
    Take the mountain road to Lake Arrowhead with Johnny Mac on Travel Is Back. This episode follows Rim of the World Highway from the San Bernardino approach into the ridge communities, with time for designated viewpoints and the signed connection to Lake Arrowhead Village.

    Once you're parked, explore Rocket Fizz, And Then, and Mr. G's for Toys in Lake Arrowhead Village. There's time to consider lunch, a narrated ride aboard the Lake Arrowhead Queen, and what visitors should know about access to the private lake.

    If you're continuing toward Big Bear, hear more about that separate destination in Travel Is Back episodes 184 and 185. Before driving, check current road conditions, chain controls, and forest alerts rather than relying on an old itinerary.

    This episode was prepared with the assistance of AI tools, giving us more time to travel and bring you even more destinations. Travel Is Back -- over 200 episodes covering destinations across America and beyond.

    Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.
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    12 mins
  • 221. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Museum Day - Smithsonian Day: Wander Through America’s Treasures

    221. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Museum Day - Smithsonian Day: Wander Through America’s Treasures
    Oct 10 2026
    Join Travel Is Back episode 221: "221. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Museum Day - Smithsonian Day: Wander Through America’s Treasures" as we roam the National Mall and unlock the best of Washington, DC’s world-class Smithsonian museums. Highlights include deep dives at the National Air and Space Museum, awe at the National Museum of Natural History, a walk through American innovation at the National Museum of American History, a photo stop at the Smithsonian Castle, and contemporary art at the Hirshhorn. We share practical travel tips—arrive early, book timed entries where required, take the Metro to Smithsonian station, and wear comfy shoes to cover miles of galleries. Food lovers will enjoy Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe and the Sweet Home Café plus lively food trucks on the Mall. We also point out nearby landmarks like the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the Reflecting Pool for after-museum wandering. This episode was prepared with the assistance of AI tools, giving us more time to travel and bring you even more destinations. Tune in for a friendly, itinerary-ready guide to Smithsonian Museum Day in DC. Travel Is Back -- over 200 episodes covering destinations across America and beyond.

    Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.
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    11 mins
  • 220. Washington, DC: The National Archives - Where America's Papers Whisper Into History

    220. Washington, DC: The National Archives - Where America's Papers Whisper Into History
    Oct 3 2026
    220. Washington, DC: The National Archives - Where America's Papers Whisper Into History invites listeners to step into the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom and stand before the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. We walk you through highlights like the Rotunda itself, the hands-on Public Vaults exhibit, the conservation lab viewing window, and tips for accessing the research room for deeper dives. Practical travel tips cover arriving early to avoid lines, security screening and bag rules, checking exhibit schedules, and nearby transit stops to make your visit smooth. Hungry after history? We recommend Old Ebbitt Grill and nearby Penn Quarter eateries, plus food trucks along the National Mall for quick bites. Pair your visit with nearby landmarks such as the White House, Smithsonian museums, and the National Mall to make a full day of exploration. This episode was prepared with the assistance of AI tools, giving us more time to travel and bring you even more destinations. Whether you're a history buff or a casual visitor, this episode makes the National Archives accessible, inspiring, and easy to plan. Travel Is Back -- over 200 episodes covering destinations across America and beyond.

    Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.
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    11 mins
  • 219. Washington, DC: Air and Space - Soaring Through DC's Air and Space

    219. Washington, DC: Air and Space - Soaring Through DC's Air and Space
    Sep 26 2026
    Join us on Travel Is Back episode 219, "Washington, DC: Air and Space - Soaring Through DC's Air and Space," a warm, insider guide to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and its sister Udvar-Hazy Center. Highlights include the Wright Brothers' Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, Space Shuttle Discovery, the Udvar-Hazy Center's hangar galleries, and the Albert Einstein Planetarium. We'll share practical travel tips—arrive early on weekdays to beat crowds, use the Metro (Smithsonian station on the Blue/Orange/Silver lines), and combine a museum morning with monuments on the National Mall. For food, explore museum cafes and famous local spots like food trucks on the Mall or Ben’s Chili Bowl and nearby Penn Quarter restaurants for post-museum meals. You’ll hear how to make the most of family-friendly exhibits, plan a timed visit, and add a Dulles-area stop to see Udvar-Hazy. This episode was prepared with the assistance of AI tools, giving us more time to travel and bring you even more destinations. Whether you’re a history buff or a space enthusiast, this episode helps you soar through DC’s air- and space-focused attractions. Travel Is Back -- over 200 episodes covering destinations across America and beyond.

    Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.
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    12 mins
  • 218. White Mountains, New Hampshire - Peaks, Pines, and Wild River Echoes

    218. White Mountains, New Hampshire - Peaks, Pines, and Wild River Echoes
    Sep 20 2026
    Episode 218: White Mountains, New Hampshire — Peaks, Pines, and Wild River Echoes. Join us for a cozy, informative tour of the White Mountains, where towering peaks meet winding rivers and classic New England charm. Highlights include hiking Mount Washington for panoramic vistas, cruising the Kancamagus Highway for fall foliage, exploring Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch, and listening to the rush of the Wild River in the Pemigewasset Wilderness. We share practical travel tips: pack layers, check Mount Washington weather forecasts, reserve lodging in North Conway or Lincoln during leaf season, and bring a map for backcountry trails. Food lovers will want to try local maple syrup treats, cider donuts, hearty farm-to-table breakfasts, and seafood favorites like New England clam chowder at cozy taverns in downtown Conway. Landmarks covered range from Cannon Mountain and the Mount Washington Auto Road to the Old Man of the Mountain Memorial and waterfalls like Arethusa Falls. This episode was prepared with the assistance of AI tools, giving us more time to travel and bring you even more destinations. Travel Is Back -- over 200 episodes covering destinations across America and beyond.

    Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • 217. The Berkshires, Massachusetts - Orchards, concertos, and the hush of hills

    217. The Berkshires, Massachusetts - Orchards, concertos, and the hush of hills
    Sep 13 2026
    Episode 217 of Travel Is Back explores the Berkshires, Massachusetts — orchards, concertos, and the hush of hills. Join us as we wander from Tanglewood's summer concerts to the industrial‑chic galleries of MASS MoCA and the storybook charm of the Norman Rockwell Museum. Highlights include a sunset hike up Mount Greylock for sweeping views, apple picking and cider donuts at local orchards, and an evening at Tanglewood with the Boston Symphony. Along the way we share practical travel tips: best seasons (peak fall foliage and summer concert season), getting there via Albany or Bradley airports or a scenic drive from Boston or NYC, and where to find cozy inns and farm-to-table restaurants in Lenox and Stockbridge. Food lovers will savor seasonal menus, artisanal cheeses, maple sweets, and farmers markets brimming with local produce. We also point you to family-friendly walks, hidden waterfalls, and quieter winter retreats for a restorative getaway. This episode was prepared with the assistance of AI tools, giving us more time to travel and bring you even more destinations. Travel Is Back -- over 200 episodes covering destinations across America and beyond.

    Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.
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    11 mins
  • 216. Vermont Fall Foliage Road Trip - Peak Color, Mountain Roads, and Vermont Charm

    216. Vermont Fall Foliage Road Trip - Peak Color, Mountain Roads, and Vermont Charm
    Sep 6 2026
    Take a fall road trip through Vermont with Johnny Mac as Travel Is Back follows the colors from mountain passes to covered bridges, village greens, and country roads. This episode explores how to plan a foliage drive, when to go for peak color, where to slow down, and how to make room for the small towns, farms, overlooks, and local meals that give Vermont its character. You will get practical ideas for scenic routes, timing, weather planning, roadside stops, and building an itinerary that feels like a trip instead of a checklist. This episode was prepared with the assistance of AI tools, giving us more time to travel and bring you even more destinations. Travel Is Back -- over 200 episodes covering destinations across America and beyond.

    Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.
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    11 mins
  • 215. Portland, Maine - Fog, lobster shacks, and maritime charm

    215. Portland, Maine - Fog, lobster shacks, and maritime charm
    Sep 2 2026
    Join us on Travel Is Back episode 215 as we wander through fog-swept Portland, Maine, where maritime charm meets world-class seafood. We share neighborhood strolls, casual lobster shacks, and landmark lighthouse views, plus practical travel tips for first-timers. Highlights include Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, the cobbled Old Port waterfront, iconic lobster shacks on Commercial Street and along the shore, Casco Bay ferries to nearby islands, and the Eastern Promenade for sunset views. Food lovers will find must-try lobster rolls, creamy New England clam chowder, and local craft breweries like Allagash; we also recommend Duckfat for fries and tasting rooms for afternoon hops. Travel tips cover the best seasons to visit (late spring to early fall for warmer weather and summer festivals), parking and walkability in Old Port, ferry schedules, and how to time a lighthouse visit for golden-hour photos. This episode was prepared with the assistance of AI tools, giving us more time to travel and bring you even more destinations. Tune in for a welcoming guide to Portland’s flavors, sights, and small-town sea air. Travel Is Back -- over 200 episodes covering destinations across America and beyond.

    Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins