Locals Know Best By cover art

Locals Know Best

By: Cinders Travels
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  • Summary

  • Nothing compares to a local’s perspective, and that’s precisely what Cindy Scott from CindersTravels.com wants to show you in this upcoming podcast series, Locals Know Best. Cindy’s guests share the places and outdoor travel adventures they love most in their own backyard. Topics include unique lodging, favorite dining spots, treasured outdoor activities, and a breakdown of whether the instafamous and possibly overrated spots in town are worth checking out. For more than fifteen years, Cindy has worked in the media industry in many roles across the United States. During the last two years, she has worked out of her RV as a location independent digital nomad. Cindy’s years of travel and relocation have taught her one fundamental lesson: Locals always know best! Subscribe now for bi-weekly episodes all about the next place you didn’t even know you needed to visit!
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Episodes
  • 33: Leavenworth, Washington, Christmas Town Year-Round

    33: Leavenworth, Washington, Christmas Town Year-Round
    Dec 14 2021
    Today, on the Locals Know Best podcast, 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 influences this Christmas-loving town. But Tom also does a fantastic job explaining why Leavenworth is so much more than an adorable Bavarian town engulfed in holiday lights! About Tom Potter (Aka: T-Pot) Tom is a local Leavenworth entrepreneur. When he first arrived in the area, he spent several years working in the bars and restaurants throughout the village to fund his recreational habits.  During that time, he inadvertently found himself planning vacations for people, so they wouldn't waste a minute of their stay. Eventually, The T-Pot Experience was born, an all-inclusive trip planning service he operates that focuses on bringing you the best of the best of Leavenworth. With this host and concierge service, he helps visitors make the most of their time in the area, specializing in unique experiences based around outdoor recreation, food, wine, and scenery. Learn more about Tom Potter and how to plan Leavenworth excursions with him at thetpotexperience.com. What We Cover in This Episode What makes Leavenworth so picturesque and unique and "the recreation Mecca of Washington."Why people are drawn to Leavenworth for the holidays.A pro tip on the ideal time to see the Leavenworth holiday lights.What time of the year Christmas-town is in full effect.How you can see the Leavenworth lights from your couch.The best and worst times of year to visit Leavenworth.What each season in Leavenworth has to offer visitors.Which part of town is optimal for an Airbnb rental.The best spot in town for coffee and biscuit breakfast sandwiches, and what time you should be there to make sure you get a biscuit.The best spots to ski and snowboard near Leavenworth, and how to fit in a whitewater kayaking adventure on the way back!The best part of the river for a more relaxed inner tube float or standup paddleboarding with incredible views.A fantastic sandwich spot you won’t walk away from hungry.The best sausage garden in town to get a bratwurst.All of the incredible professionally maintained mountain biking trail options available in town and a few of Tom's favorites.A historically prominent ski hill area that hosts bikers in the summer and skiers and tubers in the winter.The nordic skiing that is also available in the area.The "buffet of hiking" offered in Leavenworth.Two of my favorite hikes around this area (and one ends at the view seen in the cover image for this podcast!)The optimal spots in town for beer, dinner, and craft cocktails.The music scene in Leavenworth.The best Instagram spot in town.Two underrated spots in town you should be sure not to miss. Quotables "Come to Leavenworth to enjoy the mountains, enjoy the recreation here, get a little taste of Bavaria. It's a unique gem in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains of Eastern Washington. As you pull into town, you'll just be amazed by how they've stuck to the Bavarian theme, and the mountain access is about as good as I've ever experienced." Tom Potter Links to Places Mentioned in this Episode How to see the Leavenworth, WA Holiday Lights from Anywhere: Leavenworth Live Webcams Where to Stay in the Leavenworth, WA Area: Airbnb Rental Homes Leavenworth, WA Area Outdoor (& One Indoor) Activities Mentioned in the Episode: Stevens PassMission Ridge Ski & Board ResortTumwater CanyonLeavenworth Ski HillFreund Canyon Mountain Bike TrailRosy Boa Mountain Bike TrailRibbed Mountain Bike TrailColchuck Lake TrailheadIcicle Ridge TrailSnow Lakes TrailheadLeavenworth Nutcracker MuseumLeavenworth Reindeer Farm Leavenworth, WA Area Restaurants, Breweries, & Speakeasies Mentioned in this Episode: Argonaut Espresso BarParsley's PantryMünchen HausIcicle Brewing CompanySulla VitaWok About Mongolian GrillPika Provisions Thanks for Listening! We love our listeners! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a comment below and let me know about your favorite part! If you’ve been enjoying the show, please also consider leaving me a review in Apple Podcasts. It’s super easy; click here and go to “ratings and reviews.” I read and appreciate every single one! Each review helps new listeners find the podcast. Thank you!! Follow Cinders Travels on Facebook or Locals Knows Best Podcast on Instagram for Locals Know Best updates.
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    39 mins
  • 32: Portland, Maine, The Way Life Should Be

    32: Portland, Maine, The Way Life Should Be
    Nov 30 2021
    Today, 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: The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection   Portland, ME Area Outdoor Businesses, Destinations & Activities Mentioned in the Episode: Sugarloaf Mountain Ski ResortSunday River Ski ResortDog sledding with the Mahoosuc Guide ServicesTours and Tickets by Portland Tall Ship CruiseMaine Windjammer AssociationMaine Maritime MuseumPeaks IslandEastern Promenade TrailMaine Narrow Gauge RailroadSea Bags Flagship StoreMere Point Oyster CompanyBradbury Mountain State Park Custom House Wharf Portland, ME Area Music Venues Mentioned in the Episode: State TheatreOne Longfellow SquareThompson’s Point Portland, ME Area Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Bars & Breweries Mentioned in the Episode: Coffee by DesignCommercial StreetBayside American CafeThe Holy DonutLuke’s Lobster Portland PierThe Portland Hunt & Alpine ClubMaine Beer CompanyEventide ...
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    41 mins
  • 31: Hiking Above the Clouds in Mount Rainier National Park

    31: Hiking Above the Clouds in Mount Rainier National Park
    Nov 16 2021
    Today, on the Locals Know Best podcast, I’ll be speaking with Michelle Stelly about how to make the most of a weekend at Mount Rainier National Park! In this episode, 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, a travel blog to help fellow women adventurers travel the globe. She’s a Texan-Panamanian who is passionate about adventure travel, as well as an expert on all things hiking, backpacking, and camping. Michelle has been to 23 U.S. National Parks and has a goal in life that is very similar to my own, to inspire and help get people outdoors! Learn more about Michelle Stelly at TheWanderingQueen.com. What We Cover in This Episode All of Michelle’s favorite hikes in Mount Rainier National Park.That it’s possible to get into hiking at any point in life.Two great pro tips for anyone who’s looking to start getting more into backpacking.The allure of the PNW for a Texan-Panamanian, and why she made the move up north.What makes each of Washington’s three national parks (Olympic, Rainier, and North Cascades) unique, and the pros of visiting each one.What it’s like visiting Mount Rainier National Park during each of the seasons throughout the year.How to be aware of avalanche zones in the winter and spring snowshoeing seasons.The hike in Mount Rainier National Park where Barrett and I have gotten some of our most epic photos ever!What breakfast, lunch, and dinner look like for a backpacker.How to best spend day one of our trip in the Paradise area.The best waterfalls to hit up on your drive from Seattle to the Paradise Visitor Center area.The 360-degree Mount Rainier views you can get from the most popular trail in Washington, and what makes this trail so unique when compared to most of the trails in the state.The spot where all the photographers like to shoot sunset photos of Mount Rainier.Cabin, camping, and RV lodging options around the park.Why Packwood is an excellent town to home base from while you’re visiting the park, and where you should eat and drink while in the area.How to best spend day two of our trip in the Sunrise area.Michelle’s favorite hike in the entire park, where you might be lucky enough to experience a cloud inversion!The best trail to hit up during wildflower season and the best one for seeing an alpine lake.What you should do if you’re in the area for one more day.The three best Instagram spots in the park.How to make the most of a day in the park if Mount Rainier is cloud covered, as well as tips on how to avoid visiting on those days.An overrated trail and the nearby underrated trail you should hike instead! Quotables There’s so many epic hikes there. Mount Rainier is just fantastic! It’s my favorite mountain in the world. Even if you don’t go hiking, you can still just enjoy a day in paradise, having a family picnic with these amazing views. The waterfalls there are some of my favorite in the whole state. I feel like this is the perfect outdoorsy getaway with just outstanding views. I’m honestly gonna keep on going to it for years upon years. Michelle Stelly Links to Places Mentioned in this Episode Where to Stay in the Mount Rainier National Park Area: Little Owl CabinSummit Lake CampingCrystal Mountain Resort for RVs Mount Rainier National Park Area Outdoor Activities that are Mentioned in this Episode: Comet FallsNarada FallsHenry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor CenterSkyline Loop TrailMyrtle FallsReflection LakesPinnacle Peak TrailWonderland TrailMount Fremont Lookout TrailBurroughs Mountain TrailNaches Peak Loop TrailEmmons Moraine TrailGrove of the Patriarchs TrailSilver Falls Loop TrailMount Fremont Fire LookoutTolmie Peak TrailBench and Snow Lake Trail Mount Rainier National Park Area Restaurants and Brewery that are Mentioned in this Episode: Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor CenterPackwood Brewing Co.Cliff DroppersSunrise Day Lodge Spots in Washington's Three National Parks that are Mentioned in this Episode: Olympic BeachesHoh RainforestHurricane RidgeHurricane Hill Trail Mount RainierNorth Cascade Diablo LakeHidden Lake Lookout TrailMaple Pass Loop Thanks for Listening! We love our listeners! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a comment below and let me know about your favorite part! If you’ve been enjoying the show, please also consider leaving me a review in Apple Podcasts. It’s super easy; click here and go to “ratings and reviews.” I read and appreciate every single one! Each review helps new listeners find the podcast. Thank you!! Follow Cinders Travels on Facebook or Locals Knows Best ...
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    45 mins
Social Sciences Sports & Outdoors Travel Writing & Commentary
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