American Road Trip Talk

This episode of American Road Trip Talk brings us another conversation with Amy Beadle with Visit Springfield, Illinois, Springfield, Illinois is one of the most popular destinations along historic Route 66 and the conversation highlights why it deserves a place on any Midwest Road trip itinerary. From the high-speed excitement of the Springfield Mile motorcycle races and the return of the Oyster...

This episode explores a unique road trip destination in the heart of Wyoming, highlighting Cheyenne’s beautifully restored State Capitol and the rich stories that bring the city to life. Beyond the state’s famous national parks and scenic byways, listeners are introduced to a landmark that celebrates Wyoming’s pioneering spirit, including its role as the first government in the world to grant wome...

On This episode of Trip Talk Gary Mantz welcomes Chief Enthusiasm Officer of The Stargazer Inn and Bristlecone General Store Liz Woolsey the conversation takes listeners on a remote and unforgettable road trip through eastern Nevada, spotlighting Great Basin National Park and the rugged journey along Highway 50—famously known as the “Loneliest Road in America.” The conversation highlights the...

Fallon, Nevada is known as the "Oasis of Nevada" due to its fertile agricultural land and vibrant community, despite being located in a desert environment. It's also famous for Naval Air Station Fallon, which plays a significant role in the city's identity and economy. Additionally, Fallon is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities. Civic leaders Jane Moon and Pam Yost are our guests. See P...

Chris Perkins Vice President of Programs at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable joins Gary Mantz on today's American Road Trip Talk, the conversation highlights Great Outdoors Month as the perfect time to plan travel centered on hiking, biking, camping, and scenic exploration across the country. Listeners are encouraged to think beyond major destinations and embrace accessible stops along the way—co...

Don’t you wish you could dine where legends of Hollywood’s Golden Age loved to meet, greet, drink and eat? Good news: you still can! In this episode, Geoffrey Mark, a “walking encyclopedia” of show business history, shares classic stories from Tinseltown and insights about what to expect if you make a pilgrimage to extant eateries where fine food and drink plus classy ambience have traditionally a...

Twenty-eight federally recognized tribes stretch across Nevada. These tribes are all unique, with traditions that span many generations. But like the intricate strands that form a beautiful basket, these tribes are one, and their culture is strong and tightly woven together. Ben Rupert, representing Nevada’s Indian Territory leadership team, joins us to share his expertise and experiences in servi...

On this edition of American Road Trip Talk we're joined by the Marketing Manager at the Running Y Resort; Amanda Rich. The conversation takes listeners on a scenic road trip through southern Oregon, spotlighting Crater Lake National Park and the surrounding destinations that make the region a must-visit for travelers. From the breathtaking 33-mile rim drive and panoramic lake viewpoints to adventu...

In this episode, host Gary Mantz talks to Alyson M. Ramsey, CFRE, President & CEO of Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest in Lynchburg, Virginia—a fascinating destination tied to Thomas Jefferson. Find out what makes this historic retreat a rewarding stop on a road trip, from its scenic 2.2-mile parkway and looping walking trails to immersive self-guided tours and cultural exhibits. Travelers lear...

Tony Clemente aka Tony from Jersey has worked on all manner of cars for decades. His word is his bond and his skill is legendary. Ask the legions of drivers who trust him with their classics. To them, he is family. Everyone should have a Tony to count on but how many do? As you plan your 2025 summer road trip, remember the advice you hear in this episode and you will collect fond memories instead...

In this episode, we dive into the romance of the open road through a once-in-a-lifetime road trip celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Guests Markku Jaakkola and Jacob Gilbert share plans for an epic journey that begins in Detroit, winds through Chicago, follows the full length of historic Route 66 to Santa Monica, and continues on to Monterey Car Week. Along the way, they highlight icon...

This episode of American Road Trip Talk; host Gary Mantz puts the spotlight on guest Dan Sullivan as he shares insights from his career with Winnebago Industries. Dan and Gary talk about making memories in RVs whether planning a first long‑distance drive or your 100th—and how iconic travel brands have shaped the modern road‑trip experience. The episode also highlights how Winnebago has become syno...

In this episode of American Road Trip Talk , host Gary Mantz welcomes back Route 66 expert Amy Beadle for an immersive journey into Springfield, Illinois—one of the most compelling stops along America’s legendary Mother Road. The conversation explores how road trippers can experience Route 66 through historic alignments, neon sign parks, classic diners, larger‑than‑life roadside giants, and unique...

In this episode of American Road Trip Talk, host Gary Mantz speaks with Ian Wallis, the Sales and Marketing Manager for Louisiana's Cajun Bayou, to highlight Lafourche Parish as a must-visit springtime road trip destination. Located just an hour south of New Orleans, this region offers travelers an immersive dose of authentic Cajun culture and renowned hospitality. Road trippers can pull off the h...

Planning a vacation? Don’t get ripped off! Adam K. Levin is a consumer advocate with more than 40 years of experience and is a nationally recognized expert on security, privacy, phishing schemes and identity theft. He is the founder of CyberScout and author of the book “Swiped: How to Protect Yourself in a World Full of Scammers, Phishers, and Identity Thieves.” Before you venture out, listen to t...

Mark Greene of Cars Yeah says, “For me an adventure drive is when you go off the freeway and onto the back roads, or no roads, out into the wilderness. Away from cities and on roads in unique locations where tourists rarely venture.” Mark is our guest and he has stories of remarkable men and women who have done it. Encore presentation from March 8, 2024 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/priv...

Gary Mantz sits down with Adam Ducharme, the tourism director for Colorado's Lake County, to explore the breathtaking Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway. Road trippers are invited to journey through Leadville and Twin Lakes, discovering a route rich with both historic artifacts and pristine natural beauty. Ducharme highlights a variety of must-see destinations along the drive, including the WWII trai...

In this episode of American Road Trip Talk, Gary Mantz takes listeners on a journey to Southern Colorado's spectacular San Luis Valley. Joined by Julie Chacon, Executive Director of the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area and the Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic and Historic Byway, the conversation explores a secluded region rich with deep historical roots predating Colorado's statehood. Travelers...

In this encore edition of American Road Trip Talk, we are diving deep into the Garden State’s most enduring legends. Our special guest, Karl Petry, will serve as our guide through the strange and fascinating history of the region. Among them, the terrifying “New Jersey Devil”, the state’s clown prince of Paterson, Lou Costello, and the luxurious seaside resort town of Cape May. Also, there is the...

In this episode of American Road Trip Talk, listeners are taken on a nostalgic journey through the rolling hills of the Ozarks to explore the vibrant history and quirky roadside culture of Pulaski County, Missouri. Guest Beth Wiles, Executive Director of the Pulaski County Tourism Bureau, guides travelers along 33 intact miles of historic Route 66, highlighting iconic stops that range from the sce...

This year Route 66 is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and we've invited the executive director of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, Casey Claypool, to chat about famous stops, diners and events happening in Illinois to celebrate the Centennial. Website: https://illinoisroute66.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not...

In this episode of American Road Trip Talk, we sit down with researcher and former Finding Bigfoot host Cliff Barackman, who is also the curator of the North American Bigfoot Center. In the town of Boring, Oregon, the center distinguishes itself from typical roadside attractions by operating as a serious natural history museum dedicated to the anthropological study of Sasquatch. Travelers passing...

Gary Mantz sits down with Sally Fuller to chat about this friendly little competition between Liberal, Kansas, and Olney, England, with women running 415 yards down the streets of each town flipping pancakes. It all started in 1950 from a magazine picture of the Olney women racing each other to the church. Liberal Jaycee President R.J. Leete contacted the Rev. Ronald Collins, Vicar of St. Peter an...

In this episode of American Road Trip Talk, we pay another visit to Springfield, Illinois, where Amy Beadle discusses the city's extensive preparations for the 2026 Route 66 Centennial. Beadle outlines a robust calendar of upcoming events, including a unique Centennial 5K race on the historic fairgrounds' dirt mile track, the return of the International Carillon Festival over Memorial Day weekend,...

In this week’s edition of American Road Trip Talk, we are diving deep into the Garden State’s most enduring legends. Our special guest, Karl Petry, will serve as our guide through the strange and fascinating history of the region. Among them, the terrifying “New Jersey Devil”, the state’s clown prince of Paterson, Lou Costello, and the luxurious seaside resort town of Cape May. Also, there is the...