SAMANTHA BROWN'S PLACES TO LOVE Season 7


#701 - Darwin, Australia

Long: In Australia’s Northern Territory, gorgeous sandy beaches, delicious food, and iconic animals come together to give visitors the quintessential Australian experience. Samantha receives a traditional Aboriginal welcome to the “top end” of Australia in an oceanfront ceremony that includes a song of friendship, a didgeridoo performance, and native dance. “Auntie Cindy” teaches her how to make damper bread in the campfire and proudly shares the fact that Aboriginal Australians are the oldest continuous civilization on earth. Later, Sam visits a gallery dedicated to Aboriginal art and learns traditional weaving techniques from the artists there. She ends her day with a festive trip to the Mindil Beach Sunset Market where she samples exotic food, enjoys live music, cracks a whip, and applauds with the locals as the sun dips into Darwin Bay. Next, it’s off to the bush for Samantha as she encounters wallabies, takes an airboat ride into big crocodile territory, and ends the day indulging in the 5-star accommodations of the Finniss River Lodge. The adventure continues in Litchfield National Park where she marvels at termite mounds more than 20-feet tall and takes a bush walk through the rainforest to discover fruit bats, edible ants, and a magnificent waterfall-fed swimming spot that is too pretty to miss. Back in Darwin, Samantha tours the Cenotaph War Memorial and relates the story of Darwin’s strategic importance as the connection point for a telegraph line that connected Australia to the rest of the world, as well as the Japanese attack on Darwin Harbor during World War II. With its proximity to Southeast Asia, Darwin is home to a rich tapestry of food influences and Sam explores a local favorite at the restaurant ELLA where she samples the insanely delicious food of Chef Minoli De Silva. Sam caps off her adventure with a trip to the Deck Chair Cinema where she takes in the ocean views and delightful atmosphere of Darwin before settling in to watch a film under the stars.

Short: In Australia’s Northern Territory, gorgeous sandy beaches, delicious food, and iconic animals come together to give visitors the quintessential Australian experience. Samantha experiences a traditional Aboriginal didgeridoo performance and learns that they are the oldest continuous civilization on earth. After time on Darwin Bay, she heads into the bush for an encounter with unique Australian creatures like wallabies and 20-foot termite mounds. Then it's back to Darwin for a history lesson on how the telegraph line there connected Australia to the rest of the world plus a meal drawing from delicious Southeast Asian food influences.

#702 - Route 66, Illinois

Long: Samantha begins her trip in an unlikely but fascinating place--Old Joliet Prison--where she meets with former warden, Dennis Wolff, to find out what life was like at the prison and how the classic film The Blues Brothers came to be within its walls. In true John Belushi/Dan Akroyd style, Samantha meets up with a fellow traveler outside the prison gates--best friend Christina Burns--and they head to the iconic Polk-a-dot Drive-in for some classic American fare. Over burgers and fries, Route 66 historian and author, John Weiss, gives our travelers his insider knowledge of the best places to stop along the way. Samantha and Christina make a pit stop at the Pontiac Oakland Auto Museum for a close-up view of some of the flashiest cars ever to travel the mother road. Every fascinating place along the way deserves a quick stop--including Funks Grove Maple Sirup, where Samantha tries the bourbon-flavored sirup and learns why there’s no “y” in this sticky place’s name. In McClean, Samantha and Christina find America’s Playable Arcade Museum chock-a-block full of hundreds of classic and fully functioning games and pinball machines. In Springfield, Samantha becomes immersed in the world of our nation’s 16th president at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Next stop is the Route History Museum where Dr. Stacy Grundy illuminates what Route 66 was like for Black travelers in the era of Jim Crow and sundown towns. Before leaving the Illinois capital, Samantha enjoys a culinary original at the Cozy Dog Diner. She and Christina lunch with Buz Waldmire--brother to famous Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire (whose “road yacht” Samantha and Christina encounter along the way. At the Ace Neon Sign Museum, Dennis Bringuet recalls memories of the Cozy Dog Diner while he shows Samantha and Christina one of the world’s best collections of vintage neon signs. Samantha follows the red brick road portion of Route 66 in Auburn to the Cahokia Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to remains of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico. Sam and Christina end their journey with a selfie in front of the old Chain of Rocks Bridge and the mighty Mississippi River just beyond.

Short: The Illinois stretch of Route 66 is chock full of American history and Americana! The scene is set for The Blues Brothers at the Old Joliet Prison. From here, Samantha meets up with her best friend, Christina Burns for pit stops at the iconic Polk-a-dot Drive-in, the Pontiac Oakland Auto Museum and America's Playable Arcade Museum. Next up is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Ace Neon Sign Museum, UNESCO World Heritage Site the Cahokia Mounds and more diner food, leading right to the mighty Mississippi River.

#703 - Victoria, B.C., Canada

Long: The Great White North beckons as Samantha begins her tour of this jewel-like Canadian city with Charlayne Thornton-Joe, Coordinator of the Chinese Canadian Museum found in Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest commercial street in North America. Charlayne tells of her ancestors’ immigrant experience in Canada and shares authentic Chinese barbecued pork with Samantha at Loy Sing Meat Market, the oldest Chinese-owned business on the continent. Next, Samantha meets Richard Bell of The Pedaler Bike Tours and takes in the sites of Victoria including the Parliament Building and Beacon Hill Park. She ends her bicycle adventure with a delicious fish and chips lunch at Finest at Sea. Samantha marvels at the charm of Fisherman’s Wharf, then joins Captain Brett Soberg of Eagle Wing Whale-Watching and Wildlife Tours for a breathtaking afternoon on the water complete with Humpback Whale sightings. Samantha learns about the emphasis they place on sustainability and conservation to improve the environment for the area’s magnificent wildlife and for future generations to enjoy this special part of the world. Next, Samantha enjoys a unique cocktail experience at one of the most iconic hotels in the world--the Fairmont Empress. With a gorgeous sunset view of Victoria Harbor, Samantha enjoys tea-infused cocktails inspired by the high tea service for which the hotel is famous. The beauty of British Columbia comes to a crescendo at Butchart Gardens where Samantha tours the heavenly landscape with Director of Horticulture, Carlos Moniz, and learns how and why a former rock quarry transformed into one of the most beautiful gardens on earth. Finally, Samantha discovers the eclectic and uniquely Canadian puzzles that double as art in a quirky shop called the Puzzle Lab.

Short: Samantha's visit to the jewel-like Canadian city of Victoria begins with an exploration of the Chinese immigrant experience including a walk down Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest commercia street in North America and a visit to Loy Sing Meat Market, the oldest Chinese-owned business on the continent. A bike tour ends at Fisherman's Wharf, leading to a breathtaking whale-watching voyage. Then it's tea time at the iconic Fairmont Empress hotel accompanied by a gorgeous sunset. The visit culminates at Butchart Gardens, a former rock quarry transformed into one of the most beautiful gardens on earth.

#704 - New Hampshire’s Coast and More

Long: It’s the bright lights of the stage for Samantha as she joins the cast of RENT for a vocal warmup on stage at Manchester’s historic Palace Theatre before meeting CEO Peter Ramsey for a tour of the fully restored gem of a playhouse. In Manchester’s Cat Alley, artists Vivian Beer and Dave Hady introduce Samantha to this one-of-a-kind feline fiesta of street art and good vibes. Nearby, Samantha takes in the fascinating historical artifacts on display at the Millyard Museum and talks with local expert John Clayton about how Manchester became a model city and hotspot of forward-thinking during the Industrial Revolution--a spirit that was carried into the computer age by Ralph Baer, Manchester resident and the founding father of modern video games. Then it’s on to scenic Portsmouth where Sam finds something new to explore in the Museum of Dumb Guy Stuff (the brainchild of two retired guys united by a quirky passion for history and a need to stay out of their wives’ hair). For an excellent coffee break, Samantha pops into Cup of Joe where she meets owner and Portsmouth’s Assistant Mayor, JoAnna Kelley. In nearby Dover, Samantha is taught the fine art of making authentic dumplings at Hong Asian Noodle Bar where three friends created a restaurant serving the food they grew up with in China. To wash it all down, Samantha heads to Throwback Brewery in North Hampton, where she “throws back” a pint of hand-crafted microbrew with Master Brewer Annette Lee. Samantha is nostalgic as she heads to her former hometown of New Castle and meets her mom, Ellie Mae Brown, for a “beach day” before visiting a nearby grand dame coastal hotel, Wentworth by the Sea. She ends her trip with a cool cocktail and hot jazz at Jimmy’s Jazz Club in Portsmouth.

Short: Samantha explores the quirky treasures of New Hampshire starting by joining a rehearsal of RENT at Manchester's historic Palace Theatre. Then it's a walk down Cat Alley, a one-of-a-kind feline fiesta of street art and good vibes and onto the Millyard Museum to explore the city's innovative history beginning during the Industrial Revolution. In Portsmouth, she bravely visits the Museum of Dumb Guy Stuff then enjoys coffee, dumplings and a pint enroute to her former hometown of New Castle and a "beach day" with her mom, Ellie Mae Brown.

#705 - Portland, Oregon

Long: The City of Roses surrounds Samantha in beautiful blooms as she begins her tour of Portland’s International Rose Test Garden and learns from Curator Rachel Burlington how the city earned its nickname. Samantha finds Portland to be a place where creators of all types flourish when she meets the chefs and entrepreneurs behind the Dame Collective of restaurants--Lauro Romero and Jane Smith. Samantha samples food from Chef Lauro’s eatery, Clandestino. Delving further into Portland’s food scene, Samantha meets Hector Zamora, an immigrant whose dream of bringing the best in Guatemalan coffee to America resulted in founding his coffee shop, Cafe Zamora, which has become a highlight of the Portland coffee scene. Samantha then visits Freeland Distillery where Master Distiller Molly Troupe guides her through a tasting of the unique gin flavors, she creates that make Freeland a local standout--including cherry blossom and forest. Sam finds delicious offerings at her next stop, too--the L’il America food pod, a cluster of food trucks owned and operated by a rainbow coalition of Portland’s best food entrepreneurs whose offerings represent their heritage, proclivities, and the best Portland has to offer. Then it's on to Steelport where Samantha learns from owner and knife-maker, Eytan Zias, the fine art of sharpening knives forged and hand-crafted in Portland using all American-made materials. While making knives in his shop, Eytan wears an all-leather apron hand-made at Samantha’s next stop--Orox Leather. Here, Samantha speaks with father and son team Jose and Levi Martinez about their own immigrant experience and how they established a successful business handcrafting everything from leather aprons to purses, backpacks, wallets, and even hats. Next, Samantha ventures outside the city for an inspiring trip down the Tualatin River with the team from Adventures Without Limits, an outdoor adventure company serving people whose physical and mental limitations might otherwise keep them from experiencing the great outdoors. Samantha wraps up her trip at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center and gets a hands-on lesson in what it took to be a successful pioneer from Interpreter John Jarvie.

Short: The City of Roses proves true to its name after a visit to Portland's International Rose Test Garden. Then it's on to delicious food, coffee and cocktails including a tour of the Freeland Distillery. The city cultivates American-made crafts as Samantha discovers at Steelport knives and Orox Leather. An inspiring trip down the Tualtin River shows off the region's beautiful scenery, thanks to the accessible guides at Adventures Without Limits, and the visit wraps at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center with a hands-on history lesson on pioneer times.

#706 - Melbourne, Australia

Long: Samantha visits one of the world’s “most livable cities” and finds out why Australians--and visitors from around the world--flock to Melbourne year after year. After a walk along the picturesque Yarra River, Sam experiences the hidden treasures of Melbourne and learns of its rich history as a gold rush town that has morphed into a cosmopolitan mecca for artists, foodies, and cafe/coffee culture. She attends a match of the Women’s Australian Football League and discovers firsthand how Melbournians love their sports teams! In the heart of the city, Samantha takes in the artistic and cultural hub known as Federation Square where street art, culture, and great food meet. She samples aboriginal fare at Big Esso restaurant as native Chef Nornie Berro introduces her to traditional foods prepared with a modern twist, including crocodile, emu, and Australian water plants. Sam then travels to the breathtaking Yarra Valley where she meets the staff of Healesville Animal Sanctuary and gets up close to unique Aussie animals including kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. Nearby, Sam visits Four Pillars Gin, where owner Cameron Mackenzie shows Sam how they sustainably manufacture their product while incorporating flavors unique to the country. To end her day, Sam travels back to Melbourne and the Interlude Cocktail Bar where two female, Aboriginal entrepreneurs are putting their spin on happy hour food and libations. To end her trip, Samantha catches up with an old friend at Melbourne’s favorite shopping and meeting spot, Queen Victoria Market, and she discovers local delicacies like finger limes, squid ink sausage, fresh seafood, and the always-popular Australian meat pies.

Short: Melbourne, Australia is known as one of the world's "most livable cities," and Sam finds out why. The city has a rich history as a gold rush town and has now become a mecca for artists and foodies. After a walk down the picturesque Yarra River, she attends a match of the Women's Australian Football League then travels to the breathtaking Yarra Valley and encounters kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. Then its back to town for a visit to the Melbourne's favorite meeting spot, the Queen Victoria Market for Australian delicacies.

#707 - Newport, Rhode Island

Long: Samantha kicks off her visit at the beautiful Rose Island Lighthouse, just off the coast of Newport, and learns from preservationist Charlotte Johnson about how the island and its historic structures were saved, and are now available for overnight guests. In Newport, Samantha visits what is likely the oldest family business in America--the John Stevens shop--where Nick Benson and his family carry on the ancient craft of stone carving in a building older than the United States itself. With history found in every plot of ground, Samantha meets Newport Historian Keith Stokes, who reveals the hidden history of God’s Little Acre, a Colonial-era cemetery whose gravestones tell the story of the African American experience in Rhode Island. They also visit Division Street, where advocates for religious freedom and the abolition of slavery were once uneasy neighbors with slave traders. Strolling on Newport’s famous Cliff Walk, Samantha takes in spectacular views of the windswept Atlantic and Gilded Age mansions before stepping inside Marble House, the “cottage” owned by Alva Vanderbilt, a champion of the American suffragette movement. No visit to Rhode Island is complete without clams so Samantha takes to the water to try her hand at harvesting these mouth-watering mollusks with a little help from local shell fisherman David Ghigliotti. Samantha enjoys these fruits of the sea compliments of TR McGrath, whose family business carries on the tradition of Rhode Island clambakes. TR teaches Samantha how to end her Rhode Island trip right by making the perfect Rhode Island clam chowder–then treats her to a seaside lobster and clambake to top it all off.

Short: Samantha kicks off her visit at the beautiful Rose Island Lighthouse. In Newport, history is found in every plot of ground. She learns about the hidden history of God's Little Acre, a Colonial-era cemetery whose gravestones tell the story of the African American experience in Rhode Island. The famous Cliff Walk reveals spectacular views of windswept Atlantic and Gilded Age mansions. She tours Marble House, the "cottage" owned by Alva Vanderbilt, a champion of the American suffragette movement. Then its out on the water so Samantha can try her hand at harvesting clams.

#708 - Beer, Wine and Spirits of the World – TBD

Long: During her travels Samantha has had great experiences at the bars, distilleries, wineries and breweries.In this special episode she visits examples of each that make unique and tasty versions of their craft!Who knew that Collinsville, Illinois is the“Horseradish Capital of the World”?While there, Samanthatastes horseradish vodka make at a local distillery. Near Shannon, Ireland she learns how to make an IrishCoffee at the place it was invented. In Madison, Wisconsin she visits a brewery there that only usesorganic ingredients and takes a class on beer tasting. In Victoria, Canada she visits a local cider makerthat grows their own apples that taste horrible to eat, but wonderful once they are turned into cider. Inthe Yarra Valley outside of Melbourne, Australia she visits the oldest winery in Victoria as well as has afew cocktails at an Indigenous Australian owned bar. And finally in Portland, Oregon she visits a sakemaker and learns how sake is more similar to making beer than wine.

Short: Samantha highlights the delicious beer, wine and spirits she has encountered across the world.

#709 - Jerusalem, Israel - Part One

Long: In Part One of a special two-part journey to Jerusalem, a city considered holy and essential to three of the world’s major religions, Samantha takes a deep dive into the Old City with a walking tour down the Via Dolorosa led by local expert and author Sarah Tuttle-Singer. As Sarah recounts Jesus’ journey down this famous thoroughfare, they cross paths with a Catholic Cardinal in full regalia marveling at the unique, religious crossroads Jerusalem represents. With an enviable variety of food options available, Samantha stops at local favorite Al Baghdadi Kebab before Sarah leads her to Bilal’s Cloth Shop where precious textiles woven with gold threads are purchased by religious authorities the world over--even the Pope! Next, Samantha’s off to Razzouk Tattoo, where Wassim Razzouk’s family has been practicing this ancient art since the year 1300. Using designs passed down since the time of the Crusaders, Samantha watches Wassim work as he relates his family’s unique story. With the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosques nearby, Jerusalem also contains a hidden gem called the Omar Mosque, where Samantha learns the unique story of how Muslims and Christians worked together to preserve the peace between their followers centuries ago. Then Samantha goes to the rooftop of the Jerusalem library where the Sinsila Center is teaching Palestinian women how to raise honeybees to support their families and make Jerusalem a more beautiful place. Returning to the Old City, Samantha visits the most important site of Judaism, the Western Wall as well as the adjacent excavated tunnels that literally dig deep into thousands of years of Jewish history here.

Short: In Part One of Samantha's journey to Jerusalem, she takes a deep dive into the Old City, learning why the city is considered holy to three of the world's major religions. In this religious crossroads, she enjoys an enviable variety of foods and visits a shop that provides precious textiles to the Pope. With the Dome of the Rock as a backdrop, she wanders into the Jerusalem library where Palestinian women are learning to raise honeybees on the roof. At the Western Wall, she explores the adjacent excavated tunnels with thousands of years of Jewish history.

#710 - Jerusalem, Israel - Part Two

Long: To start the second part of this two-part journey to Jerusalem, Samantha enters the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Renowned by Christians as the place where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected. Father Fergus explains the significance of each of the sacred locations here before Samantha enters the tomb of Christ for a moment of contemplation. Later on at the Jerusalem Bird Observatory, Samantha meets Alena Kacal and learns how Jerusalem is not only the crossroads of world religions but also a central location for migrating birds between Asia, Africa, and Europe. A visit to Jerusalem’s traditional and extensive Machane Yehuda market reveals fabulous food and exotic spices. Samantha then visits Jerusalem Pottery, family-owned for generations and uniquely responsible for some of the old city’s most famous sites and signs. For her final visit in Jerusalem, Samantha tastes wine made in a region that has been producing wine for thousands of years.

Short: In Part Two of Samantha's journey to Jerusalem, Samantha starts at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, known as the place where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected. Later at the Jerusalem Bird Observatory, she learns how the city is not only the crossroads of world religions but also a central location for migrating birds between Asia, Africa, and Europe. The traditional and extensive Machane Yehuda market reveals fabulous food and exotic spices. Samantha completes her visit tasting wine made in a region that has been producing wine for thousands of years.