In Part 2 of this California series, Pat, Liza Pattison and I continue to uncover even more hidden gems across the Golden State. From underrated wine regions like Suisun Valley to unique experiences like olive oil tastings and ATV adventures through coastal dunes, this episode is packed with unforgettable travel ideas. The conversation explores lesser-known destinations in Northern California, scenic coastal drives, beach camping spots, and even haunted hotels with Gold Rush history. Whether you’re planning a summer getaway or looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, this episode offers a fresh perspective on California travel—blending nature, adventure, and quirky local finds.

Resources, Links & Mentions

• Pat Pattison's Best of California YouTube
• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Mentioned Locations:
  • Caymus-Suisun Valley wineries
  • Ill Fiorello Olive Oil Company
  • Riverbench & Sanford Winery
  • Ocean Dunes ATV riding
  • Ferndale, CA (Victorian town)
  • Kings Canyon National Park
  • Catalina Island activities
  • Crystal Cove & Montana de Oro campgrounds

Thank you for listening to Inspired Travels With Patti, I would love to hear from you, please leave me a comment or question here on the podcast page or on my social media channels: Inspired Travels With Patti

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook Patti Hunt
• Facebook Inspired Travels With Patti
• TikTok

Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night:

Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year

Think you’ve seen all California has to offer? Think again. In this episode of Inspired Travels with Patti,I sit down with Pat and Liza Pattison from Best of California to uncover some of the state’s most underrated destinations. From small-town food hotspots and scenic kayaking in Lodi to historic Chinese temples and quirky roadside discoveries, this conversation is packed with unique travel ideas you won’t find in typical guides.

They also share stories behind California’s hidden history, must-visit welcome centers, and immersive experiences—from themed restaurants to iconic filming locations. If you’re ready to go beyond the tourist traps and explore California like a local, this episode delivers inspiration at every turn.

Resources & Links

• YouTube: Pat Pattison’s Best of California
• Website: https://www.bestofcal.tv/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BestofCa
• Instagram: @_bestofcalifornia
• Mentioned Locations:
  • Orcutt & Nipomo, CA
  • Lodi, CA
  • Oroville Chinese Temple
  • Oceanside Welcome Center
  • Knott’s Berry Farm (Buena Park)
  • Vasquez Rocks Natural Area
  • Malibu Creek State Park

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook Patti Hunt
• Facebook Inspired Travels With Patti
• TikTok

Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night:

Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year

What if you could travel full-time in an RV for as little as $600 a month? In this episode of Inspired Travels with Patti, I sit down with Amber Adkins, who spent two years traveling across the country in a 19-foot trailer—without breaking the bank. Amber shares practical strategies for dramatically reducing travel costs, from boondocking on free public lands to leveraging long-term visitor areas and state park passes. She also dives into creative ways to earn money on the road, including workamping opportunities that can fund months of travel. This episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiring stories that prove travel doesn’t have to be expensive to be life-changing.

• How Amber lived on just $600/month while traveling full-time
• What boondocking is and how it eliminates camping costs
• How to stay on free BLM land for up to 14 days
• The $180 LTVA pass for 6 months of camping
• State park annual pass hacks (e.g., New Mexico)
• Finding cheap or free activities (museums, hiking, local spots)
• Using apps like Campendium and iOverlander
• Workamping jobs that pay + cover living expenses

Reach out to Amber Adkins

Facebook

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Campendium
• iOverlander
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
• Long-Term Visitor Areas (LTVA)
• Open Roads Fuel Card
• Thousand Trails Membership - Sharon & Warren Lewis Call/Text 772-217-1851

If this episode inspired you to rethink what’s possible with travel, be sure to follow/subscribe it helps more than you know.

Commnets, Questions Do you Want to Be a Guest ...

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook Patti Hunt
• Facebook Inspired Travels With Patti
• TikTok

Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night:

Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year

Crystal River may be known as the manatee capital of the world—but that’s just the beginning. In Part 2 of this conversation, I sit down with Nick Popham from Discover Crystal River to explore the hidden gems of Citrus County, Florida. From scenic biking trails and unique dining experiences to cave exploring, scalloping, and small-town charm, this episode reveals why Crystal River is more than just a day trip, it’s a destination worth fully experiencing.

Key Points

• The Withlacoochee State Trail and Fort Cooper State Park provide scenic outdoor adventures
• Local food scene features standout spots like Kane’s Cattle Company and Catch 22
• Visitors can scallop or fish and have local restaurants cook their fresh catch
• Unique experiences include Monkey Island, cave exploring, and natural spring pools
• Inverness delivers a charming small-town vibe with shops, food, and historic attractions
• Seasonal events like the Manatee Festival and waterfront fireworks enhance the experience
• RV parks, hotels, and unique lodging options make extended stays easy and worthwhile

Resources & Links

• Discover Crystal River website
• Discover Crystal River YouTube channel

Enjoyed this Episode

It really help to follow / subscribe, and share it with a fellow traveler.

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook Patti Hunt
• Facebook Inspired Travels With Patti
• TikTok

Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night:

Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year

What if one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in the U.S. was hiding in plain sight?

In this episode, I sit down with expert Nick Popham from Discover Crystal River to explore one of Florida’s best-kept secrets, Crystal River, the manatee capital of the world. From swimming alongside gentle giants to discovering untouched landscapes, Nick shares why this Gulf Coast destination offers a truly unique and peaceful escape from the typical Florida tourist spots.

Whether you're craving adventure, connection with nature, or a bucket-list wildlife encounter, this episode will inspire your next trip.

Key Points

• Why Crystal River is the only place in the U.S. where you can legally swim with manatees
• What makes manatee encounters feel “spiritual” and unforgettable
• The best times of year to visit for peak manatee viewing
• Top spots to see manatees without getting in the water (like Three Sisters Springs)

Notable Quote

“It’s almost like a spiritual experience… just how peaceful and amazing is to be in the water with manatees.” Nick Popham

If this episode inspired you, share it with a fellow traveler and start planning your own Crystal River adventure. Don’t forget to subscribe to Inspired Travels with Patti for more hidden gems across the U.S.

Resources & Links

• Discover Crystal River
• Three Sisters Springs
• Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
• Withlacoochee State Trail

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook Patti Hunt
• Facebook Inspired Travels With Patti
• TikTok

Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night:

Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year

What if the real reason you feel overwhelmed isn’t because you’re doing too little—but because you’re doing too much without intention?

In this episode of Inspired Travels with Patti, I sit down with meditation teacher and former finance professional Tom Cronin to unpack the hidden cost of overwhelm and why it blocks the very fulfillment we’re chasing.

Tom shares his powerful story of burnout, anxiety, and recovery, revealing how meditation transformed his life and helped him move from chaos to clarity. Together, they explore practical ways to reduce stress, redefine fulfillment, and even rethink how we approach travel.

If you’ve ever felt “too busy to slow down,” this conversation might just change how you live and how you travel.

Key Points:

• The Hidden Cost of Overwhelm
• What “Frazzled” Really Means
• Meditation Demystified - Why meditation isn’t about stopping thoughts—and how to actually make it work
• Rethinking Travel – Moving from “extraction” (taking experiences) to “presence” and contribution
• Small Shifts, Big Impact – How local exploration and mindfulness can bring fulfillment without overwhelm

Quote:

“Overwhelm costs us the very thing we’re chasing—fulfillment.”

Guest Links:

• Tom Cronin Website
• Instagram
• Take 3 For The Sea

Call to Action:

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who feels overwhelmed—and start a conversation about slowing down. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to help more listeners discover the show

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook Patti Hunt
• Facebook Inspired Travels With Patti
• TikTok

Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night:

Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year

Is Greece on your travel bucket list? In this episode of Inspired Travels with Patti, I sit down with Mary Vass, founder of Blue White Dream Tours, to explore what makes Greece such an unforgettable destination.

Mary shares what surprises travelers most when they first arrive in Greece—from the breathtaking view of the Acropolis in Athens to the late-night dining culture that defines Greek life. She also reveals some of her favorite destinations across the Greek islands, including stunning beaches, lesser-known locations, and must-visit cultural landmarks.

Beyond travel inspiration, Mary offers valuable tips for choosing the right tour experience and explains how her company designs personalized trips that immerse travelers in authentic Greek culture. From custom itineraries and small-group experiences to food, beaches, and historic sites, this conversation will leave you ready to start planning your own Greek adventure.

Whether you’re dreaming of Santorini sunsets, exploring ancient ruins, or discovering hidden beaches, this episode is packed with travel inspiration and practical advice for visiting Greece.

Key Points

• What surprises first-time visitors most when arriving in Greece
• Landmarks
• The unique culture of Greek nightlife and late-night dining
• The beauty of Greece’s islands, including Santorini, Crete, and Naxos
• What “Blue Flag” beaches are and why they matter
• Must-visit experiences beyond the islands, including monasteries and historic sites
• How to choose the right tour when traveling internationally
• Why smaller, personalized tours can create better travel experiences
• The story behind Blue White Dream Tours and how the company began

Blue White Dream Tours Let them know you heard about them from this Podcast

Subscribe to Inspired Travels with Patti so you never miss an episode packed with travel inspiration, insider tips, and unforgettable destinations.

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook Patti Hunt
• Facebook Inspired Travels With Patti
• TikTok

Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night:

Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year

What does the perfect New England road trip look like?

I (Patti Hunt) sits down with Brittnee Torres from Traveling with the Torres to explore the six New England states. From the mountains of Maine to the beaches of Rhode Island, Brittnee shares favorite campgrounds, scenic drives, hidden restaurants, and unique experiences that travelers shouldn’t miss. Whether you’re planning a road trip, or just dreaming about visiting New England during peak fall foliage season, this episode is packed with practical tips and destination inspiration.

Places & Experiences Mentioned

• Moosehead Lake, Maine
• Naples KOA Campground (Maine)
• Lake Bomoseen KOA (Vermont)
• Wayside Restaurant (Vermont)
• Sugar Houses for maple syrup tours
• Kancamagus Highway Scenic Drive (New Hampshire)
• Lake Winnipesaukee (New Hampshire)
• Saco River tubing (New Hampshire)
• Normandy Farms Campground (Massachusetts)
• Cape Cod cranberry bogs
• Plymouth Plantation & Plymouth Rock
• Mystic Seaport & Mystic Aquarium (Connecticut)
• Odetah Camping Resort (Connecticut)
• Fisherman’s Memorial State Park / Fisherman’s Cove (Rhode Island)
• George’s of Galilee Restaurant (Rhode Island)
• Block Island Ferry
• Narragansett Beach

Guest - Brittnee Torres of Traveling with the Torres

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelingwiththetorres/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TravelingWithTheTorres/?rdid=QvqqLiS1MBwj5gVU
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@travelingwiththetorres?_r=1&_t=ZP-93nCn2I3ESN
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TravelingWithTheTorres

If this episode inspired you, be sure to Subscribe, Follow share the episode with a fellow traveler, It helps more people discover the show and start planning their own adventures.

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook Patti Hunt
• Facebook Inspired Travels With Patti
• TikTok

Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night:

Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year