Celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon," where award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz takes you on a journey through Galveston, Texas—a vibrant coastal city shaped by its rich history, powerful storms, ghostly legends, and Gulf Coast charm.

From walking The Strand and sailing the historic Elissa, to honoring the roots of Juneteenth, visiting haunted hotels, and indulging in local seafood, Sharon shares insider tips and captivating stories from her return trip to this fascinating destination—one of the busiest cruise ports in the U.S.

📍 Plan your Galveston getaway: https://www.visitgalveston.com

📝 Read Sharon’s article on Galveston: https://shebuystravel.com/things-to-do-in-galveston/

🎙️ Sharon has explored over 50 countries across six continents, and brings each destination to life through her compelling storytelling and photography. Discover more of her work at https://sharonkkurtz.com.

📅 New episodes of Wander the World with Sharon air the first Wednesday of every month at 12pm CST: https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com

🎧 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s channels including Big Daily Blend, Way Back When, and Vacation Station: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's WANDER THE WORLD WITH SHARON podcast, travel writer Sharon K. Kurtz talks about moving to from Dallas to the southwest side of Austin, Texas.

Sharon's discovered a whole different side of Austin beyond downtown—where legendary BBQ, scenic wineries, and live music venues create a uniquely Texan experience. Hear about Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the Mercer Dance Hall in Driftwood, Austin City Live, the annual Bat Fest, and the iconic bluebonnet bloom in the spring.

Whether you're a longtime Austinite or just curious about what makes this city special, this episode will highlight both the well-known attractions and the hidden gems that make Austin such a great place to live.

Sharon Kurtz is an accomplished travel writer and award-winning photographer based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to exploring the world and sharing her adventures through compelling storytelling. Her travels have taken her to more than 50 countries on six continents—her carry-on is always packed, ready for the next adventure. Enjoy Sharon’s writing at https://sharonkkurtz.com/.

Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast features award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz. New episodes air every first Wednesday at 12pm CST at https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com/

This episode is also being shared and featured on other Big Blend Radio Network Channels including "Vacation Station." Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

North Lake Tahoe, California, offers a retreat into nature, history, and adventure, far from the neon lights and casinos of the southern shore. Lake Tahoe is the second-deepest alpine lake in the U.S., with strikingly clear waters and a fascinating geological history.

Ohis episode of Big Blend Radio's WANDER THE WORLD WITH SHARON podcast, travel writer Sharon K. Kurtz shares her North Lake Tahoe experiences including Granlibakken Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, Donner Memorial State Park, and Vikingsholm Castle, along with the area's Winter Olympic legacy, and indigenous history of the Washoe Tribe. Learn more: https://www.gotahoenorth.com/

Sharon Kurtz is an accomplished travel writer and award-winning photographer based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to exploring the world and sharing her adventures through compelling storytelling. Her travels have taken her to more than 50 countries on six continents—her carry-on is always packed, ready for the next adventure. Enjoy Sharon’s writing at https://sharonkkurtz.com/.

Big Blend Radio's "Wander the World with Sharon" Podcast features award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz. New episodes air every first Wednesday at 12pm CST at https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com/

This episode is also being shared and featured on other Big Blend Radio Network Channels including "Parks & Travel" and "Vacation Station." Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork