33: Leavenworth, Washington, Christmas Town Year-Round
Locals Know Best
Today, on the , I’ll be speaking with Tom Potter about all of his favorite outdoor adventures in a town you may know as one of the most picturesque Alpine-style villages in the United States, Leavenworth, Washington! I’m very excited for this episode because Leavenworth has always been in the back of my mind as an excellent fit for this podcast, and even more so for one of our holiday episodes. Leavenworth is not only incredibly jam-packed with outdoor activities, it boasts tons of holiday cheer to boot! We will, of course, talk a bit about the holiday season and how it affects and...
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32: Portland, Maine, The Way Life Should Be
Locals Know Best
Today, on , I’ll be speaking with Kristan Vermeulen about how to make the most of a day outdoors in Portland, Maine. Join Kristan and me as we visit Portland, Maine, during both the off and on-season, eating tons of tasty treats along the way! Activities we discuss in this episode include hitting the water in multiple vessel options, skiing, dog sledding, oyster shucking, hiking, and more! About Kristan Vermeulen Kristan is originally from Maryland and was a Director of Public Relations for the Department of Defense for six years while living there. However, a full-time job...
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31: Hiking Above the Clouds in Mount Rainier National Park
Locals Know Best
Today, on , I’ll be speaking with Michelle Stelly about how to make the most of a weekend at Mount Rainier National Park! , Michelle and I will first discuss Washington’s three beautiful national parks. Then, we’ll backpack, hike, and snowshoe throughout all four seasons in Mount Rainier National Park, as well as touch on a few of the surrounding areas. We’ll be sure to see tons of epic waterfalls, lakes, and fire lookouts along the way, and of course, also have plenty of opportunities to view the incredible Mount Rainier! About Michelle Stelly Michelle runs The Wandering Queen,...
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30: Alexandria, Virginia, a Nice Mixture of Old and New
Locals Know Best
Today, I'll be speaking with Cecilia and Scott Fix about how to spend a fantastic day outdoors in Alexandria, Virginia. Join Cecilia, Scott, and me as we start off our day, waking up in a spooky spot. Then we continue adventuring outdoors via boating the Potomac and geocaching. All while also appreciating old architecture, waterfront parks, art installations, Cherry Blossoms, and all of the best eating and drinking Alexandria has to offer along the way. About Cecilia and Scott Fix Scott and Cecilia are a travel blogging married couple who travel both locally and internationally. They...
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29: Kenai, Alaska, You've Entered the Real Alaska
Locals Know Best
Today, on , I’ll be speaking with Jon Taylor about how to make the most of an outdoorsy trip throughout the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska. is sure to put you under the spell of the north. Join Jon and me as we enjoy the Kenai peninsula as an adventure-loving local would! Our discussion is chock full of outdoor experiences, including sea kayaking, flying ourselves to epic fishing locations, hiking, and fat tire biking the beach! Also, as you would expect, there’s tons of mountain, glacier, bear, and Alaskan National Park chat along the way! About Jon Taylor Jon is a pilot, traveler,...
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28: That Cabin Cozy Feel in Flagstaff, Arizona
Locals Know Best
Today, I'll be speaking with Sam To about how to make the most of an outdoorsy trip to Flagstaff, Arizona. Join Sam and me on a “choose your own level of adventure” summer day! Options range from hiking, biking, and swimming, to car touring and leisurely taking in Flagstaff’s beauty from up in the treetops. About Sam To Sam works on the COVID-19 response team for the state of Arizona in a position that is 100% remote from home, which she has found to be pretty fantastic! She lives with her husband, Will, her daughter, Lucy, and dog Pop. Lucy is 1-year-old and has already joined...
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27. The Natural Wonders of Western Los Angeles, California
Locals Know Best
Today, I’ll be speaking with Laura Grier about all of her favorite outdoor adventures throughout Western Los Angeles. We’ll primarily focus on the span along the coast between Marina del Rey and Malibu, including stops in Venice, Santa Monica, Culver City, and Topanga. And then, before wrapping it all up, we’ll also be taking a quick second-day trip over to Catalina Island! Join Laura and me as we paddle, bike, jeep, hike, wine taste, and even take an extra day island adventuring all in West LA! About Laura Grier Laura has lived in Venice Beach and Los Angeles for 20 years. Living...
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26. North Umpqua, Oregon, The Gateway to Crater Lake
Locals Know Best
Today, I’ll be speaking with Sam Starns about all of her favorite outdoor adventures around the North Umpqua area, with notable stops in Roseburg, Oregon, and Crater Lake National Park. Join Sam and me as we wake up and watch the sunrise in Crater Lake National Park. Then, we proceed with a packed day, full of paddling, hiking, exploring countless waterfalls, soaking in hot springs, fishing, and even mushroom foraging. Lastly, we wind down with a glass of wine in the “new Napa Valley” – Roseburg, Oregon. About Sam Starns Sam is an adventure elopement photographer who takes...
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25. Livingston, Montana, Where Cowboys and Artists Meet
Locals Know Best
Today, I’ll be speaking with Mel Harrison about all of her favorite outdoor adventures around Livingston, Montana. Join Mel and me as we spend a winter day cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, hiking, skiing, and ice skating all around Livingston, Montana. Then, in the end, we’ll also dive into a few summer-weather outdoorsy activities, including fishing, floating, and hiking, that can be enjoyed in the Livingston area! About Mel Harrison Mel is an expert on Montana and Yellowstone outdoor recreation and has spent years exploring both for work and pleasure. She and her...
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24. Northfield, Minnesota, A Quaint Little River Town
Locals Know Best
Today, I’ll be speaking with Kristen Glazer about how to make the most of a day outdoors in Northfield, Minnesota. Join Kristen and me as we spend a late summer / early fall day hiking, boating, and kayaking. Then, in the end, we’ll cover a few winter-weather outdoorsy activities, including skiing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, that can be enjoyed in the Northfield area as well! About Kristen Glazer Kristen is a Minnesota-based travel writer. She is also the founder of Expedition Kristen, a website that is chock full of thoughtful itineraries to help readers plan their next day...
info_outlineToday, on the Locals Know Best podcast, I’ll be speaking with Kristan Vermeulen about how to make the most of a day outdoors in Portland, Maine.
Join Kristan and me as we visit Portland, Maine, during both the off and on-season, eating tons of tasty treats along the way! Activities we discuss in this episode include hitting the water in multiple vessel options, skiing, dog sledding, oyster shucking, hiking, and more!
About Kristan Vermeulen
Kristan is originally from Maryland and was a Director of Public Relations for the Department of Defense for six years while living there.
However, a full-time job opportunity, as well as her husband, ended up bringing her to the great state of Maine, and she hasn’t looked back since!
She now runs her own public relations business and is also the host of a podcast called Makers of Maine, which has recently expanded into Makers of the USA.
On her podcast, she interviews various makers and small business owners, including artists, glass blowers, potters, woodworkers, fashion designers, and more.
And as a publicist, she has featured her small business clients on national media outlets, including Forbes, Health, Real Simple, Redbook, TODAY, Good Morning America, and FOX Business News.
In both roles, she’s had to quickly learn what Maine means to outsiders and locals regarding the attractions and lifestyle it offers, which has swiftly turned her into an authority on both Portland and Maine as a whole.
Throughout this episode, you’ll notice that her background in the great outdoors, public relations, and podcasting has uniquely set her up as an expert on why the area’s entrepreneurial spirit goes hand in hand with adventuring in and around Portland.
Learn more about Kristan and her podcast Makers of the USA.
What We Cover in This Episode
- Many of the outdoor products created, and small businesses run, in Maine.
- Maine’s outdoor-focused lifestyle.
- Maritime life, the sailing scene in Portland, and a nonprofit focused on affordably introducing people to the sport.
- What makes running a small business in Maine so unique, and why Maine is a great place for aspiring entrepreneurs!
- The best and worst times of year to visit Portland, Maine.
- The difference between Maine's on and off-season, and why there’s something to be appreciated in both.
- Where to ski near Portland.
- A noteworthy winter dog sledding excursion you don’t find everywhere.
- A winter festival focused on exposing locals to experiences instead of shopping.
- A distinctive historical hotel to stay at in Portland.
- The ultimate spots in town to stroll and watch the ferries.
- Where to get the finest cup of coffee in the city.
- What part of town is ideal for scenery, and which part is best for nightlife.
- The best destinations for breakfast, seafood, drinks, and snacks!
- Why you should consider enjoying the water via a hands-on historic tall ship tour instead of the typical powerboats.
- The optimal restaurant in town to have a cocktail and lobster roll by the water.
- How climate change is affecting the lobster industry and how the industry is pivoting.
- What wine and oysters have in common.
- Where to go oyster shucking!
- The best family and pet-friendly hiking options nearby.
- Portland's music scene.
- The most beautiful place for an Instagram picture in Portland.
- An overrated spot in Portland, and how to avoid it.
Quotables
The ongoing saying of Maine in general: it’s the way life should be. And I truly believe in that statement, because it is a place where you can go and see everything in terms of environment and outdoors, from, you know the sailing, being on the water, to going and hiking, to canoeing down the Allagash or you know skiing at a ski resort close by, or go dog sledding. It is a way for folks to see life and this world so differently. … Like if you want to go and travel, you could do it right in your backyard. Like, you don’t have to go to Europe. You don’t have to go to the Bahamas. You can come right here to Maine. So I would say that. Come to Maine to experience the way life should be.
Kristan Vermeulen
Links to Places Mentioned in this Episode
Where to Stay in the Portland, ME Area:
Portland, ME Area Outdoor Businesses, Destinations & Activities Mentioned in the Episode:
- Sugarloaf Mountain Ski Resort
- Sunday River Ski Resort
- Dog sledding with the Mahoosuc Guide Services
- Tours and Tickets by Portland Tall Ship Cruise
- Maine Windjammer Association
- Maine Maritime Museum
- Peaks Island
- Eastern Promenade Trail
- Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad
- Sea Bags Flagship Store
- Mere Point Oyster Company
- Bradbury Mountain State Park
- Custom House Wharf
Portland, ME Area Music Venues Mentioned in the Episode:
Portland, ME Area Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Bars & Breweries Mentioned in the Episode:
Thanks for Listening!
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