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The Frio River is so clear it almost looks unreal, and once we started floating it in Uvalde County, Texas, we understood why families return year after year. We take you along for a weekend that mixes classic Hill Country river time with the kind of small-town discoveries you cannot plan on a spreadsheet: rope swings, laid-back cabins, live music nights, and food that feels tied to the place. If you are searching for a Texas weekend getaway near San Antonio that still feels peaceful and outdoorsy, this one belongs on your list. We also dig into what makes Uvalde County more than just a pretty float. With help from the Uvalde County Visitor Center and executive director Christy Greenwald, we learn how the Yellow Bag program works and why river cleanup is built into the county’s tourism model across the Frio, Nueces, and Sabinal rivers. We talk river safety, how locals watch conditions after flooding, and the practical realities of traveling somewhere proudly non-chain: where to stay, where to shop, and how to plan around seasonal closures. Then we head to Utopia, TX for a conversation at The Blue Flame with owner Laura Kasai, where weekly rotating menus, thoughtful acoustics, and a family-friendly venue create a true community hub. Her advice on juggling big dreams, choosing the next project, and building sustainably hits home for us, especially as we connect it to our own “roam to home” mindset. We round out the trip with Lost Maples Cafe pie, Neal’s 100-year celebration in Concan, Frio’s Dry 50 souvenirs, and one very surprising pickle pop. If this gave you fresh trip ideas or a little push to create a better life back home, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who needs a river weekend. Where should we travel next? Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.

New Mexico gave us a twist we didn’t see coming: tea became the souvenir that actually changes our daily life. We’re Alexa and Rory, and on this Roam to Home chapter we take you from Mesilla to Albuquerque to meet three tea makers who turn wellness, travel, and craft into something you can steep at home. Chai Chai Love: https://chaichai.love/ @chaichailove Old Barrel Tea Co. ; https://oldbarreltea.com/ Lotus Tree Herbal: www.lotustreeherbal.com @lotustreeherbal Vegabond Teas : VegbondTeas.com Vegabond Teas Sale through Dec 1, 2026 use CHIKCHAT to get $5 off  First stop is Old Barrel Tea Company and The Vintage in Mesilla, where Morgan shows how a tea shop can be a gathering place built on fresh brewing, local New Mexico sourcing, and a “make it a great day” mindset. We talk flavor favorites, health-supporting herbs like hibiscus and valerian root, and how their team kept customers supplied during COVID. Then we step into the store with Spring, who explains daily tastings, half-and-half custom blends, and why certain teas instantly bring her back to places like Belize or South Africa. In Albuquerque, we meet Spring Hill Edwards of Lotus Tree Herbal at the ABQ Collective. She shares how her business grows from caring for family and friends, why she commits to organic ingredients and no added flavorings, and what it really takes to scale responsibly, from commercial kitchens to wholesale. Finally, Guru Mastick Khalsa of Chai Chai Love breaks down authentic masala chai, why Americans often get syrup instead of spice, and how functional mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps, and chaga fit into a bigger wellness lifestyle. If you love loose leaf tea, herbal tea blends, real chai, small business stories, and practical wellness rituals, hit subscribe, share this with a fellow tea friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find us. Also mentioned in this Episode  L is for Lavender Episode 289 : K is for Kitchens: Episode 288: J is for Journey: Episode 287 R is for Relax: Episode 295 #smallbusiness, #businessinspo Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.

Santa Fe doesn’t just give you a great day out, it gives you new instincts. The kind that make you notice color against adobe walls, hear stories inside old buildings, and crave a meal that tastes like a place instead of a trend. And if you want to bring a little Santa Fe home, too, you can shop The Shed online here: https://sfshed.com/collections/all A huge thank you to The Shed and to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) and the New Mexico — Grown with Tradition® / Taste the Tradition® Logo Programs for supporting this episode! We spend the day in Santa Fe, New Mexico with a deep dive into The Shed, one of the most beloved New Mexican restaurants near the Santa Fe Plaza. We talk with the people behind the experience and follow the threads that make it iconic: a family history that starts in the 1950s, a building with centuries of layers, and a menu built around red chile and green chile. Along the way we unpack the surprise that won us over fast: garlic bread alongside chile, plus the reason it’s not a gimmick, it’s tradition. We also get nerdy about what makes New Mexican food different, from chile-forward sauces to pozole, blue corn tortillas, and how a small roux brings everything together, including gluten-free options. Then we step outside and walk it off through downtown Santa Fe and the gallery-lined streets, sharing what felt most inspiring: the studios, the museums, the Plaza energy, and the simplicity of Santa Fe style that makes you want to declutter your own space. We wrap by turning the trip into “roam to home” takeaways, including what we brought back for our kitchen, how we plan to cook with it, and why travel is better when the experience doesn’t end when you get home. Subscribe for more Rome to home travel stories, share this with a friend planning a Santa Fe trip, and leave a review to help more travelers find us. What would you bring home from Santa Fe: red, green, or Christmas? Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.

R is for Relax!Relaxation is not a luxury; it’s a skill, and travel has a way of teaching it fast. We sit down with Monika Geraci, a lifelong RVer and leader in the RV Industry Association, to unpack why RV travel keeps growing and why “unwinding” is the number one reason people choose it. Ready to experience it for yourself? Hit the road with Roadsurfer! Their camper vans and RVs come with unlimited mileage, making it easy to explore hidden gems like Rigi. Save 10% with code ROAMIES10: https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies. Mentioned in This Episode: J is for Journey — Episode 287 https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/19205260 Articles on luxury RV parks and RVing with pets Harvest Hosts locations and RV overnight locations Q is for Quaint — Episode 294 https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/19699853 Save 10% with code ROAMIES10: https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies VEGABOND TEAS VegabondTeas.com: Relax with some of our herbal flavors like CapeTown Grey, Provence, Sequim and Albuquerque. "Sandia Peak" has added herbs that help you de-stress.  Enjoy ROAM by William Roam, along with other great spa-vibe bath treats: https://williamroam.com/ (B is for Bath — Episode 279 ) ADDITIONAL EPISODES WE’VE RELEASED ON RV'ING: Still Looking for a Summer Getaway Option? Look Again at RV'ing! July 30, 2020 Episode 75 Is RV'ing the Perfect Way to Travel Right Now? June 13, 2020 Episode 64 We talk through the real-world benefits that make RVing feel so freeing: flexible itineraries, more control over travel costs, and the comfort of bringing “home” with you wherever you park. Monika also makes RVing easier to understand for beginners by breaking down RV types in plain terms, including Class A, Class B camper vans, Class C motorhomes, and the wide world of towable trailers. We get into luxury RVs and RV resorts that can feel more like a high-end getaway than camping, plus pet-friendly RV travel and the features that make it simpler to bring your dogs or cats along. If you’ve ever struggled to find a place to stay at the last minute, we cover smart stopover options like Harvest Hosts and why the journey can be just as restorative as the destination. Then we shift from the RV world to our own “R is for Relax” story in Switzerland, sharing our day trip to Rigi: mountain trains, sweeping lake views, hiking down through little villages, and a paddleboard hour that felt like a full reset. We wrap with five practical ways to bring that calm home, from creating a place to pause to making everyday rituals feel special. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this with a friend who needs a slower pace, then tell us what place helps you truly relax. @gorving  #JustBeyondYourDoor  #GoRVing. #RVtravel, #motorhomes, #RVs, #travelwithcats #hikewithcats #hiking #walking #scenery #travelpodcast #TravelTips #AdventureCats #TheROAMies Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.

A random exit on the way to Slovenia should have been a quick pit stop, but it turned into one of those travel moments that resets your whole nervous system. We followed a sign to a castle just seven minutes away, drove through a centuries-old stone arch, and landed in Gorizia, Italy, a quiet hilltop spot that feels like a hidden village inside a wall. We talk through what we saw, why it felt so magical, and how to fit this kind of “small detour” into an Italy itinerary if you are anywhere near Trieste or the Italy-Slovenia border. That surprise stop also sparks a bigger travel takeaway we love: plan around passions, not just destinations. From craft history like glassmaking to the most niche collector communities, the point is the same. When you travel for something you genuinely care about, the trip becomes more personal, more memorable, and way easier to bring home as real inspiration for your everyday life. Then we shift from Roam to Home with Amber Brandt, the Coziness Consultant, who helps us define quaint versus cozy and turn “I want my house to feel better” into clear actions. We unpack values-based decorating, asking the question under the question when you feel stuck, and practical design choices that matter fast: correct scale in big rooms, better lighting, layered texture, and curated collections that feel meaningful without becoming clutter. If you are renovating, redecorating, or just tired of chasing trends, this conversation is a grounding reset. thecozinessconsultant.com instagram.com/thecozinessconsultant And mentioned on this episode: Glass Making Trail: “On the trail of the ancient glassworks of the Gorizia area” https://glassroutes.zrc-sazu.si/en/ The exhibition in Gorizia explores the history of glass production in the Tarnova Forest, as part of the Interreg Glass Routes project. The Glass Routes project features a cross-border trail exploring the history of 18th-century Czech and Bohemian glassblowers in the Gorizia region and the Trnovo Forest. M is for Minimalism P is for Patterns If this resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with a friend, then tell us what makes a space feel cozy to you. Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.

A screenshot of old book titles turns into a surprising question: how much do we actually change, and how much do we just repeat what we already love? We follow that thread into “P Is For Patterns” and use it to decode why certain places instantly feel like home to us and why others don’t, even when they’re objectively beautiful. If you’ve ever wondered why you keep booking the same kind of trip or craving the same kind of neighborhood, this one gives you a fresh way to see your travel style. Thank you to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture and Cases Customs for supporting this episode! Reach out to Case for your custom order https://casescustoms.com/cases-customs [email protected] IG: c.customs ;https://www.instagram.com/c.customs FB: https://www.facebook.com/CasesCustoms/ Predjama Castle Postojna Caves Also mentioned in this episode Discover Enchanting Tirol, Austria with Us214https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/13541260 Textured Accent Walls: https://www.southernaccentnashville.com/ Our Glenwood Springs, CO Episodes E is for Energy282https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/18826304 D is for Doors281 C is for Color+ado280 We also take you to Slovenia for two unforgettable stops: Predjama Castle, a dramatic fortress built straight into a cave opening, and the Postojna Cave tour, complete with a train ride into the cavern and a long walk through massive chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites. We share practical travel tips like timing, walking expectations, parking, and what to wear, plus the small details that make the experience stick, from “baby dragon” olms to the concert-sized echo inside the cave. Then we bring the idea of patterns back home, literally, through texture, wallpaper, and renovation inspiration for our 1916 house, and emotionally through routines and habits we want to keep or change. Finally, we sit down with New Mexico artisan Case Forrest of Case’s Customs to talk woodworking patterns, end-grain cutting boards, epoxy resin surprises, custom commissions, and why functional art is meant to be used. If you enjoy travel stories with real takeaways, home design inspiration, and maker craftsmanship, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show. Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.

Oulu, Finland has a reputation for doing winter differently, and after talking with local guides Minna and Marika, we get why. This northern seaside city isn’t just “survivable” in the cold, it’s designed for real life outdoors, from maintained winter bike routes to sea ice adventures and sauna culture that turns warming up into a daily ritual. If you’re planning Finland travel and want a city that blends nature, culture, and practical design, Oulu belongs on your shortlist.  Oulu region tourist guides: https://www.oulunseudunoppaat.fi/en/home/ O is for Organic, Oxygen, Oulu, and Organization Essential Oxygen Helps you Minimize and Organize by reducing the amount of cleaning products needed in your home or travel bags. EssentialOxygen.com use code ROAM10 to get 10% off of your order Oulu as European capital of culture 2026: https://oulu2026.eu/en/ City of Oulu: https://www.ouka.fi/en Air Guitar World Championships in Oulu (since 1996): https://airguitarworldchampionships.com/en/home/ The Sami museum, Siida, that Rory and Alexa visited in Inari: https://siida.fi/en/ Finnish architect couple Alvar and Aino Aalto -> swimming pools in CAL -> Nike sneakers: Finnish architect Alvar Aalto inspires newly-released Nike sneaker | Yle News | Aalto designs for UNESCO world heritage list: See Alvar Aalto's works that just gained Unesco World Heritage status | Yle News | Yle Alvar's MIT dormitory that he designed: Finnisharchitecture.fi | Baker House Also mentioned on this episode: A is for AIrbnb  Alexa’s Organic Tea Company: VegabondTeas.com M is for Minimalism The One Minute Cure: https://amzn.to/4bj6lkN We share our own quick-hit impressions, including the market hall area, canals, bridges, and that cozy “mini Helsinki” feel, then we go deeper with local insight. We talk about what to do in Oulu in winter and summer: Northern Lights tours with dinner by an open fire, snowshoeing, kick sledding, skiing routes, ice fishing on the Baltic Sea, and even ice-hole winter swimming. When the days stretch long, Oulu opens up into beach time at Nallikari, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and easy ways to explore the city’s islands and waterfront.  Culture matters here too. We dig into museums, theater, ice hockey, and Oulu’s role in showcasing Sami culture, plus the fun, slightly wild spirit that produces the Air Guitar World Championships for world peace. We wrap by connecting our “roam to home” theme to our sponsor, Essential Oxygen, and why we like their simple, travel-friendly oral care and multi-use cleaning approach.  If this sparks your next trip planning or your next home reset, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more travelers can find us. Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.

Silver City, New Mexico doesn’t hit you with one giant landmark. It wins you over with craft, conversation, and the kind of small details you only catch when you slow down. We roll into town for N is for New Wants, playing on the “nuance” we found everywhere, from downtown murals to handmade soap to a triangle table that somehow makes more sense than every corner nook we’ve ever seen. https://visitsilvercity.org/ Murray Ryan Visitor Center 201 North Hudson Street, Silver City, NM 88061 575-538-5555 | [email protected] Silver City MainStreet Project/Arts & Cultural District 575-534-1700 Downtown Guide Business listing: https://silvercitymainstreet.com/downtown-guide/.  We map out a listener-friendly Silver City travel guide for a full day (and why Wednesday through Sunday is the easiest time to visit). You’ll hear from Bryant at Birdwell’s Coffee and Boba Tea about taking a leap into small business life, and from Laura Aubrey at June Junes on scratch-made ice cream, botanical teas, and flavors like wild rose without artificial dye. Then we sit down with Raphael at Whiskey Creek Zocolo to talk about the town’s mining lore, rebuilding a venue during COVID, and how an eclectic live music calendar can shape a community. From there we zoom out to the landscapes that make this corner of the Southwest so special: City of Rocks State Park, the Gila National Forest, and the Gila Cliff Dwellings, plus easy downtown nature like Ditch Park. We also stop into the Grant County Art Guild Gallery to learn how a cooperative space helps local artists thrive. Also mentioned in this episode:  E is for Energy | 282 | https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/18826304 D is for Doors | 281 | https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/18742091 C is for Color+ado | 280 | https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/18660944 B is for Bath | 279 | https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/18579527 We end by bringing it all home, literally and philosophically, with practical interior design tips for creating nuance without turning your space into a showroom: repetition without matching, contrast between old and new, breathing room, fewer larger pieces, one memorable surprise, and a home that tells your story. If you enjoy creative travel, small towns, and wellness-minded pacing, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show. Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.

Clutter is not just a mess you walk around, it is a constant tax on your time, your attention, and your ability to say yes to the life you actually want. We dig into minimalism as a practical tool for both travel and home, because packing light is only half the story. The other half is what happens when you walk back through your front door and your space either supports you or instantly stresses you out. Website link: https://www.katyjoywells.com Book purchase link: https://amzn.to/4oWSp5e Katy's Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/katyjoywells/ Decluttering Style Quiz: https://www.katyjoywells.com/decluttering-style-quiz GILLY LOCO: Website: https://gillyloco.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gillyloco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gilly_loco/ We’re joined by Katie Joy Wells, author of *Making Home Your Happy Place* and host of *The Maximize Minimalist*. Katie shares her real-life turning point and the mindset shifts behind holistic decluttering, from clearing the mental “shoulds” to building systems that actually match your season of life. We talk carry-on packing, decision fatigue, the “just in case” spiral, and why so many of us pack for an aspirational version of ourselves instead of the person we are today. You’ll also hear practical travel tips like keeping an always-ready toiletry bag and creating clear “homes” for your essentials so unpacking and repacking stops feeling like a recurring crisis. Then we pivot to ourconversation with Mark Escajeda of Gilly Loco, a New Mexico brand making coconut oil tortilla chips and salsas with simple, recognizable ingredients. We get into what “seed oil-free” means to customers, why coconut oil is central to their process, and where you can buy Gilly Loco chips nationwide, including HomeGoods, plus online shipping and select grocery partners. Also mentioned in this episode: Onli Travel:https://onlitravel.com/  Use code ROAM10 for 10% OFF through August 2026 Lauri Newell — Victory Organizing Professional organizing for your life and work spaces, based in Nashville, TN. Lauri helps people thrive where they are — no shame, no judgment, just warm, hands-on help transforming your home or office into a space that works for you. victoryorganizing.com IG @victory_organizing H is for Happy Place - Episode 285 B is for Bath - Episode 279 If you’re craving less clutter and more room to breathe, listen now, share this with a friend who loves travel, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. After you listen, will you try packing lighter, decluttering one category, or both?  Decluttering is not a new concept here! Episodes 46 - 51 also expand on this concept, so check out those mini-series episodes if you haven't yet.  Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.

Sleeping in a covered wagon on a lavender farm sounds like a movie scene, but we’re doing it for real in Tularosa, New Mexico. We’re recording on-site at Floren Family Farms, where the stars are bright, the cottonwoods are tall, and the vibe is intentionally low-noise. Tom Floren explains why their Conestoga wagon glamping stay is built for rest, complete with modern comforts but without the usual distractions, so you can actually look up, breathe deep, and feel the place. Rent your stay in a covered wagon in Tularosa, NM!: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1183640343138023493?unique_share_id=a80b354f-78e3-45bd-aeda-1320fd24b8d2&viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76 Visit Floren Family Farms -FlorenFamilyFarms.com Thank you to NMDA for supporting this episode!  Big Bend Episodes:  OP and Sequim Alexa's Tea's that utilize Lavender: VegabondTeas.com/Sequim VegabondTeas.com/Provence  https://www.123farm.com/ Leavenfoods.com @leavenfoods From there, we zoom out into what makes this farm a true agritourism destination in New Mexico. We talk you-pick lavender season, fall flowers like zinnias and sunflowers, and why people drive out for weddings, baby showers, and open-air gatherings in the middle of an arid landscape that somehow feels like a green oasis. Tom also shares the behind-the-scenes ecology that keeps the farm thriving, including a partnership for bees and a powerful story about rescuing a great-horned owl and planning a public release event that teaches just how important raptors are. If you love practical takeaways, this conversation delivers: we break down lavender varieties, culinary vs high-camphor types, essential oil distillation, and the biggest reason lavender dies in home gardens. Tom’s advice on soil mix, drainage, watering, and sunlight is simple enough to remember and specific enough to change your results. We also share our From ROAM to Home moment, connecting lavender farm travel to everyday rituals like sourdough and the small tools that make it easier to keep traditions going while you’re on the road. Subscribe, share the episode with a friend who needs a nature reset, and leave us a review. What would you bring home from a lavender farm: a plant, a recipe, or a new daily ritual? #Florenfamilyfarms,,,#Remedies4relief. Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.

Addison, Texas is proof that a small map footprint can deliver huge flavor. We drove up from Waco and immediately felt it: this pocket of the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex runs on good food, big gatherings, and the kind of walkable energy that makes you want to park once and just explore.  Kick it Festival:  https://visitaddison.com/kickit/  Visit Addison: https://visitaddison.com/ @visitaddison  Java and Hopps:  https://www.javahoppscafe.com/ @javaandhoppscafe  La Parisienne:  https://www.parisienneusa.com/ @laparisiennefrenchbistro  The Londoner: https://thelondonerpub.com/ :@thelonderaddison  Puttshack :https://www.puttshack.com/locations/addison/ @puttshack  Sweet Paris: https://www.sweetparis.com/  @sweetparis  Landmark Kitchen and Bar:  https://www.landmarkbars.com/addison @landmarkdtx  Fuzz Labs: https://fuzzlab.co/ @fuzzlabdallas  Dolce Paradiso:  https://www.dolceparadiso.net/ @dolceparadisotx Sidecar Social : https://sidecarsocial.com/addison/ @sidecarsocialaddison We’re joined by Amber Patterson from Visit Addison, who breaks down what makes the city such a magnet for meetups and weekend trips. We talk Kaboom Town, Addison’s legendary July 3 fireworks celebration, and Addison Oktoberfest, a long-running festival that brings a surprisingly authentic Munich-style experience to North Texas. Then we get into the stat that stops every foodie in their tracks: roughly 200 restaurants packed into 4.4 square miles, plus the local backstory of how Addison became a launchpad for iconic concepts. Sports fans get love too. With the World Cup coming to the Dallas area, Amber shares how Addison is preparing with watch-friendly restaurants and a four-day Kick It in Addison festival at Addison Circle Park, complete with a huge screen and all-day match viewing. We also swap notes on why the park itself is worth a stop, and how Java and Hops Coffee House turns a simple stroll into the perfect park lunch plan with standout coffee. We kick off our restaurant recap with Sweet Paris, and we preview more spots and experiences we’re adding shortly after a quick technical hiccup.  Also mentioned in this episode: Jessica Vasquez- Design It Dallas: @DesignitDallas Part 2: Exploring Moray Speyside-Scotland: A Day of Hidden Treasures, Adventure, and Culinary Delights | 229 | https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/15853436 From Lighthouses to Castles - Join us in Moray Speyside, Scotland - Part 1 | 228 | https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/15845252Subscribe so you don’t miss the updated full rundown, and if you enjoyed the travel and food intel, share the episode and leave us a review. Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.

https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies Get 10% OFF your rental too! Code: ROAMIES10 We’re recording this one from our “home” parked in a New Mexico campground, because we finally did it: real RV life. After years of hotels, Airbnbs, cabins, and everything in between, we took a twist on our “Roam to Home” season and went full “roam in home” with a Roadsurfer RV rental, bringing our two cats along for the ride. We talk through what the Roadsurfer camper van and RV rental experience actually feels like, starting with the practical stuff that makes or breaks a first trip: the check-in walkthrough, the online tutorials, and the little learning curves nobody tells you about until you’re staring at a switch and wondering what tank it controls. We also share why the flexibility is the real luxury, from changing plans mid-trip to skipping the nightly hotel scramble because your bed, bathroom, and kitchen travel with you. Then we get into our favorite RV travel tips so far: securing everything before you drive (because if it can move, it will move), adjusting to different visibility and a camera-based rearview setup, planning for wider turns and parking, and managing gas mileage, especially when the wind is doing the most. We also talk add-ons that help you pack lighter, plus why RV travel with pets feels calmer than a hotel, even with cats. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to try RV travel, this might be it. Grab the link in our show notes for Roadsurfer, then subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with a friend so more people can roam a little smarter. https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies Get 10% OFF your rental too! Code: ROAMIES10 roadsurfer RV rental • roadsurfer RV rentals • roadsurfer camper van renta • roadsurfer RV rental experience • roadsurfer camper van rental USA • roadsurfer RV road trip • roadsurfer van life USA Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.

A gate check can ruin your whole rhythm, especially when it’s a tiny regional jet, a snowstorm, and your jacket is trapped inside your suitcase. We’re talking with Dave Logan of Only Travel about the moment a freezing wait on the tarmac in Sioux Falls turned into a serious design mission: build a modular carry-on system that helps travelers avoid checking bags and move through airports faster. OnliTravel.com Visit and Use Promo code: ROAM10 to get you 10% off all orders. 10% off on the OnliTravel website through the end of August  2026 and is combine-able with other offers on the website. And jump in on the Kickstarter campaign for the Modevo travel pack!! See it here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/onlitravel/modevo-patented-modular-travel-backpack-by-onli-travel Check out Onli Travel's latest review: https://www.yankodesign.com/2026/05/05/this-214-modular-backpack-system-zips-apart-into-3-separate-bags-youll-actually-want-to-use/ We get practical about what makes travel stressful and what actually fixes it. Dave breaks down the Trilogy Modular System, a three-part modular luggage setup that combines a four-wheel rolling spinner with attachable bags you can zip together or split apart depending on the trip. We also dig into real-world airline constraints, like why many “standard” carry-on spinners are built to the maximum size yet still fail under-seat fit, and how designing at eight inches deep can create a crucial backup option when overhead bins fill up. Then we zoom in on the packing process itself: labeled packing cubes that work like a packing checklist, quick access for TSA 3-1-1 liquids, cords and chargers organization, clean and dirty separation, and features that help reduce wrinkles. Dave also shares the behind-the-scenes reality of product innovation: prototypes, patents, beta testing across the world, COVID-era design challenges, fabric selection, and even zipper tensile-strength testing with YKK. If you care about smart travel gear, carry-on packing tips, and building a flexible “roam to home” lifestyle, you’ll take away ideas you can use immediately. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this with a friend who’s tired of baggage claim. What’s the one luggage feature you wish existed? Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.

A “happy place” isn’t always a pin on a map. Sometimes it’s a flash of memory that hits while you’re doing dishes, and suddenly you’re back in Switzerland or on a quiet stretch of the Oregon coast. We unpack what’s really happening in those moments and how to recreate the feeling without needing a plane ticket every time. Thank you to the NMDA’s New Mexico— Grown with Tradition®/Taste the Tradition® Logo Program along with  Hatch Chile Store https://www.hatch-green-chile.com/ for sponsoring this episode! YUMM! We share our own travel happy places, then get practical with an “H is for habits” reset you can use on any trip: health first, move your body, hydrate, bring herbs and healthy fuel, build in hush and quiet, protect your sleep, add small home touches, set up your temporary habitat, find hidden gems, and make space for human connection. Then we take it home, literally, with ideas like making collages or a “happy place journal” so you can spot your patterns and translate them into real-life choices like home design, routines, and the way you set up your workspace. Guest Robin Chuby (Life of Glow, PrairieGlowAcres.com) joins us from Manitoba to talk about turning her garden into a full-on haven: tea gardens, sensory joy, simple syrup drinks, DIY confidence with power tools, and the reality of keeping a home livable while you’re juggling projects. We also lean into “H is for hometown” with a New Mexico tradition that never leaves our kitchen: Hatch green chile. Pam Rowell from The Hatch Chile Store shares how the company started, what to order, and how to bring real Hatch flavor to your meals wherever you live. If this sparks your own happy place memories, subscribe, share the show, and leave a review.   Also mentioned on this episode: Switzerland Epsidoe 2; 192, 193: 249 Sirenian bay 251: 252: 253: 254: 255: Sadies of Albuquerque : Episode 5: Victor and MJ: Episode 272: San Diego, 18: https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/2540800 Hawaii 136: https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/8832467 232: https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/16268878 Kauai: 197: https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/11483207 198: https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/11483186 Oceanside Trip  152; : https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/9456320 153: https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/9462208 155: https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/9467841 156: https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/9585018 Mineral Wells 240: https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/16941252 241: https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/16985944 242: https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/17023849 243: https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/17068382 Morey Speyside, Scotland: 228 : 229:  Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY! : https://kingsumo.com/g/3zj0oe1/the-roamies-with-slap-ya-mama Your best travel souvenirs aren’t magnets, they’re the habits you bring home. We’re taking “G for Gather” and turning it into a real plan for warmer, easier hosting, especially outdoors. We start with gardens because botanical gardens and arboretums teach you how a space can slow you down, tell a story, and make people feel grounded. From memorable garden visits to lessons picked up from people we meet on the road, we share how we’re translating travel inspiration into our own yard in Waco, one small decision at a time. Thank you to Slap Ya Mama for sponsoring this episode and for the generous  GIVEAWAY - ENTER NOW! https://kingsumo.com/g/3zj0oe1/the-roamies-with-slap-ya-mama PREVIOUS EPISODES and MENTIONS IN THIS EPISODE: Episodes 171-175 Starts at: https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/10427895 Bucharest Gardens  Episode 224: https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/14820594 Burgie House and Arboretum: https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/15845252 Clark Gardens in Mineral Wells, TX: hhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/15845252 Slap Ya Mama Belize episodes 251 + https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/17392667 A is for AirBnb  Decluttering starts with Episode 46 + : https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/3413764 Robyn Chubey: https://www.instagram.com/life_of_glow/  Robyn’s Book Gasther Together: https://amzn.to/4tAqgSR Then we get practical about the project that’s becoming the heart of our outdoor hosting: our historic late-1800s gazebo renovation. We talk about what’s finished, what’s still in progress, and the big lesson we’re learning the hard way, deciding whether you’re restoring original history or replicating an old look with new materials. If you’re renovating anything, this part will save you stress, time, and money. From there, it’s all about simple outdoor entertaining tips that actually work: create one clear focal point, lean on lighting for instant ambiance, serve food that can sit and still taste great, and keep the drink station easy. We also go deep on gumbo culture, from dark roux and the Cajun Trinity to the very serious potato-salad-in-the-bowl tradition. You’ll hear a sneak peek from author Robin Tubi (Gather Together) on recipes that “weather well” outside, plus an interview with Jack Walker from Slap Your Mama on how a family gas station problem became a global seasoning brand, along with travel hacks for life on the go. If this resonates, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more travelers can bring the good stuff home. Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.