In this on-location episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show, hosts Terri and Ron Guthrie explore the River Road region of Louisiana, uncovering the fascinating history, plantations, and cultural significance that line the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

They visit and discuss some of the area’s most iconic sites including Destrehan Plantation — the oldest documented plantation in the Mississippi River Valley — and Oak Alley Plantation, world-famous for its stunning canopy of oak trees and rich history. The conversation also highlights Houmas House and the Great River Road Museum, which presents an unfiltered look at Louisiana’s complex and layered past.

Throughout the episode, Terri and Ron reflect on the beauty of the Mississippi River, its impact on commerce and culture, and how its story is interwoven with the development of Louisiana’s plantations and small towns. The region’s culinary traditions, from rice and sugar production to modern-day Southern cuisine, also take center stage.

✨ As the conversation unfolds, it was discovered that their River Road journey followed part of the historic Jefferson Highway, a transcontinental route connecting Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans. The highway was officially established in November 1915 during a meeting in New Orleans, led by Edwin T. Meredith of Iowa with representatives from across the Louisiana Purchase states. Their vision created what became known as “The Palms to Pines Highway.”

This month marks the 115th anniversary of that historic meeting — making it the perfect time to celebrate the Jefferson Highway’s ongoing connection to the people, heritage, and landscapes of Louisiana’s River Road region.

🦆 With November being National Rice Awareness Month, this episode also touches on the area’s rice-growing history, which helped shape the region’s economy and cuisine.

🌐 Plan Your Visit - Houmas House and Gardens – https://www.houmashouse.com/ - Great River Road Museum – https://greatriverroadmuseum.org/ - Oak Alley Plantation – https://www.oakalleyplantation.com/ - Destrehan Plantation – https://www.destrehanplantation.org/ - Visit Ascension Parish – https://visitlasweetspot.com/ - Louisiana’s River Parishes – https://lariverparishes.com/tourist-commission/ - Visit Jefferson Parish – https://www.visitjeffersonparish.com/

🎧 New episodes of "Travel with Terri" air on Tuesdays: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/

✨ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Road Trip Radio,” “Vacation Station,” “Way Back When,” and “Jefferson Highway” podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this engaging episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Road Trip Radio," Route 66 expert and author Jim Hinckley takes us on a nostalgic and insightful journey down America’s most famous highway — the legendary Route 66. Jim’s latest book, “Route 66: 100 Years,” (Quarto, November 4, 2026) commemorates a century of this iconic road with stories, photographs, and essays that capture the spirit, history, and heart of “America’s Main Street.”

From the evolution of roadside attractions and the role of the military to the resurgence of road-tripping culture, Jim explores how Route 66 has become a living time capsule — connecting generations and travelers from around the world. He also shares insights on how to engage younger generations in preserving this enduring piece of Americana.

Learn more about Jim Hinckley and his work: - https://jimhinckleysamerica.com/

📘 "Route 66: 100 Years" takes readers state-by-state through the highway’s eight historic routes — from Illinois to California — featuring stunning imagery, memorabilia, maps, and essays by local experts. Get your kicks and your history fix with this must-have book for every traveler and road trip enthusiast! Check it out: https://www.quarto.com/books/9780760391488/route-66

🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station," "Way Back When," "Parks & Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend” Show celebrates National Gratitude Month, National Thank You Letter Month, and National Thank You Letter Day (November 14).

We’re joined by Carew Papritz, award-winning author of "The Legacy Letters" and creator of National Thank You Letter Day (& Month) — a November tradition that encourages handwritten thank-you letters to strengthen literacy, nurture gratitude, and bring people together.

Co-hosted by Johnny Schaefer @hearjohnny , award-winning vocalist and composer, this conversation explores how gratitude and handwritten letters can foster connection, community, and positive change. The discussion highlights simple ways families, classrooms, and communities can participate in this meaningful movement and share appreciation in creative ways.

The episode concludes with a brief discussion of the Yellow Feather Movement, which encourages standing up for what’s right, tying gratitude to social awareness and action.

🌐 Learn more about Carew Papritz, The Legacy Letters, National Thank You Letter Day (& Month), and the Yellow Feather Movement: - https://thelegacyletters.com - https://nationalthankyouletterday.com - https://www.facebook.com/nationalthankyouletterday - https://yellowfeathers.org/

🌐 Learn more about Johnny Schaefer: https://hearjohnny.com - Join Johnny's Gratitude Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gratefulones

🎵 Enjoy Johnny's Gratitude Music Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/36u8e1LjfihpOZd3LDHTzu?si=jGjgioqkR3Gk2BG6hyWf8Q

🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life" Show. Explore the Podcast Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork