See America

In this episode, we visit the iconic Powell’s City of Books in Portland, Oregon—the largest independent bookstore in the world. From towering shelves to hidden gems, we explore what makes this literary landmark a must-stop on any book lover’s road trip.    Hosted by: Brooks Smothers of the  RV Out West Podcast Produced by: Jason and Abby Epperson for Lotus Media, LLC and the  RV Miles  Network.  C...

Pack your bags and prepare for the strange and spooky as we head to the legendary Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California. With staircases that lead to nowhere and doors that open into walls, this bizarre mansion is full of mystery, folklore, and ghost stories. Join us as we road trip to one mysterious destination. Hosted by: Brooks Smothers of the  RV Out West Podcast Produced by: Jason...

Crank up the volume as we hit the road to one of music’s most legendary landmarks—Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama. From the Rolling Stones to Aretha Franklin, this unassuming studio shaped the sound of American music. We explore its rich history, iconic recordings, and what makes this small-town stop a must-visit for music lovers everywhere.   Hosted by: Brooks Smothers of the  RV Out West P...

Beneath the abandoned streets of Centralia, Pennsylvania, a coal mine fire has been burning since 1962, and it’s still smoldering today. In this episode, we delve into how a small town with a vibrant community evolved into the ghost town it is today.   Hosted by: Brooks Smothers of the  RV Out West Podcast Produced by: Jason and Abby Epperson for Lotus Media, LLC and the  RV Miles  Network.  Conne...

Take a virtual road trip into the magic of the Oregon Country Fair — where art, music, and counterculture come together in a one-of-a-kind celebration deep in the woods of Veneta, Oregon. In this episode, we delve into a living, breathing village that comes alive for three days every year. Welcome to the fair, where if you lose your way, you just might find yourself.    Hosted by: Brooks Smothers...

This week, we take a road trip to Assateague Island for one of the most iconic events on the East Coast—the annual Chincoteague Pony Swim, part of Pony Penning Week. Join us as we delve deeper into the story of these feral ponies, explore the history behind this iconic event, and the significance it has played in the Chincoteague community for 100 years.  Hosted by: Brooks Smothers of the  RV Out...

Tucked deep in Olympic National Park, Sol Duc Hot Springs offers a relaxing escape with mineral pools, lush rainforest trails, and the soothing sounds of nature. In this episode, we explore why this hidden gem is a must-stop for travelers in the Pacific Northwest. Hosted by: Brooks Smothers of the  RV Out West Podcast Produced by: Jason and Abby Epperson for Lotus Media, LLC and the  RV Miles  Net...

From iconic guitars to unforgettable performances, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is more than just a museum — it's a tribute to the artists who shaped music history. Crank the tunes, and come along as we discover just how hard "Cleveland Rocks!" with a road trip to the heart of rock 'n roll.  Hosted by: Brooks Smothers of the RV Out West Podcast Produced by: Jason and Abby Epperson for Lotus Me...

In the heart of California’s Mojave Desert stands a strange white dome that has drawn scientists, spiritualists, and skeptics alike.   Built in the 1950s by a former aviation engineer who claimed to have received extraterrestrial guidance, the Integratron is part sound chamber, part time machine, and all mystery. In this episode, we explore the bizarre history, wild theories, and enduring legacy o...

For one weekend every March, Sweetwater, Texas, comes alive with the sound of tens of thousands of rattles, and not the ones you hand a baby. Sweetwater is host to the world's largest Rattlesnake Roundup. A unique event that combines snake handling demonstrations, competitions, educational exhibits, and entertainment  This week on See America, we take a road trip to Sweetwater, Texas, to learn mor...

Starting May 26th, new episodes of the See America Podcast will return, along with a new host. From coast to coast, we'll See America one mile at a time, discovering stops along the way that are eclectic, historic, ridiculous, breathtaking, inspiring, and humbling.   Hosted by: Brooks Smothers of the RV Out West Podcast  Produced by: Jason and Abby Epperson for Lotus Media, LLC.    See America ret...

Before streaming services we had Blockbuster - but did you know one remains in operation? On this episode, we share the downfall of Blockbuster, and how the Bend, Oregon location keeps its doors open to this day. 

Over the more than 200 years of its existence, the US has become home to a number of iconic sites that domestic and international travelers alike place at the top of their must-see lists. The classic memorials and museums circling Washington, DC spring to mind, of course, because of their importance to both the history and future of our country, but other cities outside our capital possess an imme...

The small town of Wamego, Kansas, with its modest population of nearly 5,000, is not a sprawling, sepia-toned farmland featuring Aunty Em, Miss Gulch, and Professor Marvel. It does not look like much of the Midwest landscape that comes to mind. Oh, no. Wamego, Kansas has poppy fields and Emerald Cities; yellow brick roads and ruby red slippers and lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Because somewhe...

From modest beginnings in the small town of Burlington, Vermont, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and other products can now be found in freezers in over 30 countries. This is their story. 

Every year, from February to May, 1,800 acres of desert plateau spring to life with color. Purples, yellows, oranges, and blues all come together on the sprawling arid landscape to emulate an Impressionist painting; a fluid composition of light and hue, playing with intensity and movement. The four-petaled, burning orange poppy is illuminated as it contrasts with a vast, blue California sky. This...

When Americans travel internationally, they often encounter nations and civilizations far older than their 245-year-old home country. As they explore new cultures, the travelers learn the depth and breadth of antiquity, often well-preserved, in many of these foreign lands. How wonderful it is, they marvel, that we can take a trip back in time and see government buildings, houses of worship, homes,...

Every October the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta creates an enchanted world of vibrant balloon-filled skies, special-shaped balloon rodeos and twilight balloon glows. In Balloon Fiesta Park, visitors walk alongside the balloons, witnessing these colorful, graceful giants inflate and leave the ground against the backdrop of the cerulean desert sky. The number and enormity make you feel li...

This week, The Beat Museum, City Lights Bookstore and the movement of a Generation that all started in San Francisco, California in the 1950s. These artists wielded their medium to question mainstream politics and culture, ushering a renaissance of new ways of thinking and creating in the world. If you're enjoying the show, please consider helping us reach even more people by leaving a five-star r...

The Boston metropolitan area offers a rich and intriguing look back to several significant points in American history: the landing of the Mayflower, the Boston Tea Party, the War of 1812. One community close to Boston that has held multiple levels of interest and fascination for literally centuries is the small town of Salem, 15 miles northeast of Boston proper. Most people know Salem primarily as...

A 200 foot sea creature that’s bigger than the statue of liberty. The largest carousel in the world, illuminated by over 20,000 light bulbs. A room that goes on forever. The largest collection of miniature doll houses and circuses - all under one roof. Today, we’re visiting what’s been called “the fever dream of the Midwest,” House on the Rock in Spring Green, Wisconsin. 

Early in the morning of March 18, 1990, two thieves disguised as police officers robbed a Boston museum of thirteen works worth some $500 million – the greatest known property theft in history. Among the works was The Concert, one of only 34 known by Johannes Vermeer and thought to be the most valuable unrecovered painting at over $200 million. And The Storm on the Sea of Galilee, Rembrandt's only...

PEZ. Known for its collectible dispensers depicting thousands of beloved characters and for its fruity brick-like candies, the brand has solidified its place in United States pop culture. From stocking stuffers to Easter baskets, PEZ is a nostalgic staple constantly innovating its appeal to kids and collectors alike. Nestled in Orange, Connecticut, with over 4,000 square feet of PEZ collecting goo...

If you’re looking for places to visit that are visually and audibly stunning, spark the imagination, are in close proximity, appeal to the whole family, and are educational to boot, one of the best and most unique ideas is Chicago’s own Museum Campus, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, a short distance from downtown. While two components of the Museum Campus include the historic Soldier Field...

Artist Tyree Guyton is on a mission to rehabilitate the image of his community through art. Discarded stuffed animals cling to a boat like barnacles, an old, bright pink hummer shell protrudes from the ground, colorful polka dots decorate an old two-story house and painted numbers ornament another. Tyree has transformed his city block and his community into the third most visited cultural site in...