The Traveling Cheesehead Podcast

🎙️ Destination Diaries | Season 2 Go Great Lakes Bay Region of Michigan Guest: Jill Shorkey Organization: Go Great Lakes Bay What happens when one Michigan getaway gives you waterfront adventures, charming downtowns, gardens, museums, German heritage, outdoor recreation, and some seriously good reasons to extend your weekend? In this episode of Destination Diaries , Dannelle heads to Michigan's Gr...

🎙️ Destination Diaries | Flint & Genesee, Michigan Guest: Amari Steward Organization: Explore Flint & Genesee Flint & Genesee is a destination that's rewriting its story. Rich in automotive history, arts and culture, outdoor recreation, and resilient communities, this Michigan region offers far more than most visitors expect. In this episode of Destination Diaries , Dannelle sits down with Amari S...

🎙️ Destination Diaries | Dyersville, Iowa Guest: Karla Thompson Organization: Dyersville Area Chamber of Commerce Most people know Dyersville as the home of the iconic Field of Dreams movie site. But this charming Iowa community offers so much more than a baseball diamond. Rich in agricultural heritage, history, family attractions, and small-town hospitality, Dyersville is a destination that invit...

🎙️ Destination Diaries | Santa Claus, Indiana Guest: Melissa Arnold Organization: Spencer County Visitors Bureau What if Christmas wasn't just a season—but a destination? In this episode of Destination Diaries , Dannelle visits with Melissa Arnold, Executive Director of the Spencer County Visitors Bureau, to discover why Santa Claus, Indiana, captures the magic of Christmas all year long. While th...

🎙️ Destination Diaries: Southern Indiana (SoIN) Guest: Todd Read Organization: SoIN Tourism (Go So IN) Southern Indiana is where grand historic hotels, unforgettable food, scenic outdoor adventures, and rich American history come together just across the Ohio River from Louisville. In this episode of Destination Diaries , Dannelle sits down with Todd Read from SoIN Tourism to discover why Southern...

🎙️ Destination Diaries: Hendricks County, Indiana Guest: Josh Duke Organization: Visit Hendricks County Just west of Indianapolis, Hendricks County is filled with unexpected adventures, family-friendly attractions, scenic parks, local restaurants, and communities that know how to welcome visitors. In this episode of Destination Diaries , Dannelle sits down with Josh Duke from Visit Hendricks Count...

🎙️ Historic Route 66 in Texas Guest: Brady Wilson Organization: Historic Route 66 Association of Texas Route 66 may only cross Texas for about 150 miles, but every mile is packed with unforgettable stories, iconic roadside attractions, and authentic small-town charm. In this episode of Destination Diaries , Dannelle sits down with Brady Wilson of the Historic Route 66 Association of Texas to explo...

🎙️ Destination Diaries: Kosciusko County, Indiana Guest: Brooke Danner Kosciusko County Visitors Bureau 📍 Kosciusko County, Indiana Episode Description In northern Indiana, a region of lakes, charming towns, and creative energy offers a refreshing take on Midwest travel—one that blends relaxation, recreation, and community. In this episode of Destination Diaries, Dannelle connects with Brooke Dan...

🎙️ Destination Diaries: Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania Guest: Eric Knopsnyder GO Laurel Highlands 📍 Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania Episode Description Just southeast of Pittsburgh lies a region where rolling mountains, historic landmarks, and outdoor adventure come together in a way that feels both timeless and energizing. In this episode of Destination Diaries, Dannelle connects with Eric Knopsn...

🎙️ Destination Diaries: Rogers, Arkansas Guest: J.R. Shaw Rogers Lowell Chamber 📍 Rogers, Arkansas Episode Description In the heart of Northwest Arkansas, Rogers blends outdoor adventure, arts, and a rapidly growing cultural scene into one dynamic destination. In this episode of Destination Diaries, Dannelle connects with J.R. Shaw to explore why Rogers is becoming a go-to spot for travelers look...

🎙️ Destination Diaries: Iowa Great Lakes – Okoboji Guest: Kiley Zankowski Vacation Okoboji 📍 Iowa Great Lakes, Iowa Episode Description If you think Iowa is all cornfields… this episode is about to change your mind. In this episode of Destination Diaries, Dannelle connects with Kiley Zankowski to explore the Iowa Great Lakes region—where Okoboji delivers waterfront fun, summer energy, and a laid-...

🎙️ Destination Diaries: Beloit, Wisconsin Guest: Savannah Schindler, Executive Director 📍 Beloit, Wisconsin Episode Description Right on the Wisconsin-Illinois border sits a city that has quietly reinvented itself—blending historic architecture, riverfront beauty, and a thriving arts and food scene. In this episode of Destination Diaries, Dannelle connects with Savannah Schindler to explore how B...

🎙️ Destination Diaries: Grapevine, Texas Guest: Elizabeth Schrack Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau 📍 Grapevine, Texas Episode Description Right between Dallas and Fort Worth sits a destination that blends small-town charm with big personality. Think historic Main Street, wine tastings, festivals, and a calendar that always seems to have something going on. In this episode of Destination Dia...

🎙️ Destination Diaries: Marana, Arizona Guest: Stefanie Boe Discover Marana 📍 Marana, Arizona Episode Description Just outside of Tucson sits a place that feels like Arizona without the overwhelm. Wide open desert, saguaro silhouettes, luxury tucked into rugged mountains—and a pace that lets you actually breathe. In this episode of Destination Diaries, Dannelle connects with Stefanie Boe to explo...

Shipshewana & LaGrange County, Indiana Guest: Sonya Nash, CEO LaGrange County CVB 📍 Shipshewana / LaGrange County, Indiana In this episode of Destination Diaries , Dannelle connects with Sonya Nash to explore the rich cultural heritage, slower pace, and meaningful experiences that define Shipshewana and LaGrange County . Home to one of the largest Amish communities in the Midwest, this destinatio...

Brown County, Indiana Guest: Cristina Villani, Markting Director  📍 Brown County, Indiana In this episode of Destination Diaries , Dannelle chats with Cristina Villani about one of the Midwest's most beloved creative and nature-rich destinations — Brown County, Indiana . Often called the "Little Smokies of the Midwest," Brown County blends scenic beauty, artistic heritage, and small-town charm in...

McCormick's Creek State Park Guest: Marce Johnson, CEO Organization: Owen County Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development 📍 Spencer, Indiana In this episode of Destination Diaries , Dannelle sits down with Marce Johnson from the Owen County Chamber to talk about one of Indiana's most beloved outdoor escapes — McCormick's Creek State Park . As Indiana's first state park, McCormick's Creek offers...

🎙️ Destination Diaries: Clarksville, Tennessee Guest: Michelle Dickerson Visit Clarksville 📍 Clarksville, Tennessee Episode Description Set along the Cumberland River, Clarksville blends history, creativity, and a growing food scene into a destination that feels both rooted and evolving. In this episode of Destination Diaries, Dannelle connects with Michelle Dickerson to explore why Clarksville i...

🎙️ Destination Diaries: Vincennes, Indiana With Guest: Janice Barniak, Executive Director In this episode of Destination Diaries , Dannelle connects with Janice Barniak to explore one of the most historically rich — and often overlooked — destinations in the Midwest. Welcome to Vincennes, Indiana — Indiana's oldest city. If your travel style leans toward meaningful places with layered stories, Vin...

Here are your Destination Diaries – Season 2 show notes for: 🎙️ Destination Diaries: Lindsborg, Kansas With Guest: Holly Lofton, Director Lindsborg Convention & Visitors Bureau In this episode of Destination Diaries , Dannelle chats with Holly Lofton from the Lindsborg CVB about a destination that proves you don't need international airfare to experience global culture. Welcome to Lindsborg, Kansa...

🎙️ Destination Diaries: Branson, Missouri With Guest: Heather Hermen, Senior VP, Chief Marketing Officer Branson Convention & Visitors Bureau In this episode of Destination Diaries , Dannelle sits down with Heather Hermen from the Branson CVB to explore how this Ozark Mountain destination continues to evolve while staying true to its welcoming roots. Branson has long been known for its live entert...

Love it — here are your Destination Diaries show notes for Cari 👇 🎧 Destination Diaries: American Gothic House Center Featuring Cari Nicely | American Gothic House Center Administrator In this episode of Destination Diaries , we travel to one of the most recognizable — yet surprisingly personal — pieces of American culture. You may not immediately recognize the name Eldon, Iowa … But you absolut...

🎧 Why Curiosity Is the Best Travel Skill You Can Have The Traveling Cheesehead Podcast When we talk about becoming better travelers, we often focus on: Packing smarter. Planning better. Finding deals. Maximizing points. But what if the most powerful travel skill… Isn't logistical at all? In this episode, Dannelle explores why curiosity — not confidence, not experience, not efficiency — is the sin...

🎧 What Makes a Place Feel Welcoming The Traveling Cheesehead Podcast Some places look great on paper. But others feel right the moment you arrive. You pull into town… step out of the car… and think: "Yeah… I like it here." That feeling? That's welcome. And in this episode, Dannelle explores what truly creates that sense of comfort — beyond attractions, rankings, or marketing slogans. Because welc...

Absolutely — here are full, rich show notes for this episode that match your voice and message 👇 🎧 Why Road Trips Are the Most Accessible Way to Travel The Traveling Cheesehead Podcast Travel doesn't always need to be big. Or flashy. Or expensive. Or perfectly planned. Sometimes, the most meaningful travel is simply the kind that works with real life. In this episode, Dannelle explores why road...