Samantha Brown’s Places to Love Episode Rating Graph

The Holy City has quite the history, and Samantha takes a walking tour through its hidden alleyways and the French Quarter, including a tour of the haunted Old City Jail. She also visits the City Market to learn about the Gullah tradition of sweetgrass basket weaving.

Samantha learns the art of chocolate making in Interlaken, Switzerland; tries her hand at making duck schnitzel in Texas Hill Country; makes a “Christmas” enchilada in Santa Fe; experiences a traditional “Hangi” feast in Whakatane, New Zealand, and discovers the secrets of making gin in Montreal.

What Art Deco is to Miami is what Mid-Century Modern is to Palm Springs. Samantha finds this out first-hand by taking a tour of several iconic homes, then visits Gypsyland, a local furniture shop that specializes in Mid-Century furniture. At The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Samantha volunteers to help assemble some of the unique enrichment meals with an Animal Care Curator. She also takes a course in stunt driving, visits Shields Date Garden, and ventures out to the historic Joshua Tree National Park.

Samantha travels to Orange County in Southern California and meets legendary surfer PT Townend, who discusses the origins of surfing. Along her journey, Samantha takes a ride to Balboa Island on the oldest privately owned ferry in the USA, learns about the vibrant Vietnamese community in Westminster, and visits the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach.

Samantha explores the natural beauty of Lake Taupo; hikes the magnificent Huka Falls, and then learns how to cook in boiling hot geo-thermal pools in Te Puia. Traveling by helicopter, she gets a firsthand view of White Island (an active volcano) before hiking into the bush to learn about the national Kiwi bird.

From immersive to interactive, Montréal is a city that puts on a show of sheer artistry in practically everything that this city is involved with. From hidden-alleyway bicycle tours to the French-Canadian version of Little Italy to its world famous Cirques Festivals to a distiller making gin out of locally sourced botanicals, Montréal both surprised and inspired Samantha in her travels.

Samantha travels to the Northwest coast of Ireland where she starts an epic adventure in County Donegal. She hikes up the sea cliffs of Slieve League , herds sheep on a local farm, and learns about the dying craft of woolweaving. Topping off her County Donegal experience, Samantha visits famous Leo’s Tavern, where she meets Irish celebrity, Moya Brennan of the band Clannad.

Samantha travels to the ancient city of Xi’an, China. Feeling a little jet-lagged, Samantha stops off a local health clinic that has been practicing for over 500 years using traditional Chinese medicine. Along her journey, Samantha rides a bike atop the ancient City Wall, visits the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Terracotta Warriors and attends a spectacular outdoor performance of The Song of the Everlasting Sorrow.

From Monterey to Big Sur, Samantha travels through the Central Coast of California. She learns about underwater sea life at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and then visits the “Artichoke Center of the World”. In Carmel, she learns about bees from a 14-year old entrepreneur who supplies honey to multiple prominent restaurants. She ends her trip on an electric bike ride along California’s Route 1 high atop the Pacific Ocean.

From an Alpine Garden on an idyllic mountaintop to going deep underground experiencing the Cheese Grotto in Gstaad, biking through the waterfall covered valley of Lauterbrunnen and finally floating down the icy cold Aare River in Bern: Samantha has a most adventurous journey.

Budapest is about classical music, and Samantha dives deep into its history with world-class violinist Joshua Bell. Of course, there’s also Hungarian Goulash to be sampled, mineral pools to be discovered, historic buildings to be seen and a live performance of gypsy violinists to take in before Samantha is off to her next location.

Samantha kicks off her Keys adventure with a local ethnic food tour in Key West. From there, she visits the summer home of President Harry S. Truman, takes a literary tour past the home of Tennessee Williams and then makes a special visit to the Turtle Hospital in Marathon. She then learns about lionfish hunting and what this invasive species is doing to the local reef systems and how they are trying to fix it

Why the city is considered holy to three of the world's major religions; a variety of foods; a shop that provides precious textiles to the Pope; the Jerusalem library where Palestinian women are learning to raise honeybees on the roof; and at the Western Wall, excavated tunnels with thousands of years of Jewish history.

The iconic Polk-a-dot Drive-in, the Pontiac Oakland Auto Museum, America's Playable Arcade Museum, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, the Ace Neon Sign Museum, the Cahokia Mounds, diner food, and the mighty Mississippi River.

Kicking off her visit to the Capitol of the Badger state, Samantha explores ice fishing on the frozen Monona Bay. From there, Samantha tastes sophisticated Wisconsin cheeses, becomes a judge in the 2022 World-Wide Mustard Competition, discovers the history of a Frank Lloyd Wright designed church and learns about the sport of curling and its Madison roots from US Olympian Becca Hamilton.

Samantha and her family set sail on an Alaska Cruise stopping in the capital city of Juneau, where they experience how dogs are trained at the Sled Dog Discovery & Musher Camp. From there, they visit Sitka to learn about Tlingit culture and the historic totem poles. Back at sea, they take in the beauty of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve before experiencing whale-watching and salmon fishing.

Samantha takes a road trip to Bar Harbor, enjoys breath-taking views from Acadia National Park and takes a cruise through Bass Harbor soaking in the sights of Desert Island and Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.

At the Corning Museum of Glass, Samantha starts off her visit to Crystal City by learning about the history of glass and why Corning is the center of the glass world. Heading to Bath, Samantha goes on a cemetery tour, get introduced to “English-cut” donuts, and discovers why the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum is a little-known American treasure.

Visiting her hometown state, Samantha arrives on Lake Winnipesaukee aboard the M/S Mount Washington and goes straight to Funspot, the world’s largest arcade. From here, she continues her tour of the Lakes Region by taking a loon-spotting cruise on Squam Lake. Samantha concludes her trip on a Cog Railway ride to the summit of Mount Washington.

Samantha starts her visit in Charm City at the American Visionary Art Museum. Then, it’s off to the Sunday farmers’ market with Chef Thomas, who picks up some local ingredients for his soul food restaurant, Ida B’s Table. Samantha then fulfills her dreams of getting a full Hon makeover at one of the wildest festivals in town. Next, it’s on to the Treason Toting Company, followed by a tour of historic Fells Point. In a wonderful finish, Samantha joins a local dance “step” team, the Lethal Ladies. You’ll see why this east coast city is a place to love.

Innovative art installations temporarily fill the gaps of the earthquake devastated city of Christchurch, New Zealand. Samantha explores it all, encountering fun distractions like the Dance O Mat, where you can plug in your digital device into an old washing machine, blast your music and dance to your favorite tunes with your friends on a dance floor. Leaving Christchurch, Samantha visits Akoroa Harbor stopping off at the Giants House, a mosaic art collection utilizing porcelain. Next, it’s on to a penguin colony, a foraged lunch, local wine, and much more.

Samantha takes an epic trip along the Rhine River, first stopping at Freiburg, Germany, the gateway to the Black Forest. Next, Samantha visits a workshop, whose craftspeople work on restoration pieces for the Strasbourg Cathedral in Strasbourg, France. Then it’s on to Heidelberg Castle, the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, and takes a gondola ride to a vista atop Rudesheim, Germany. The trip wraps with a visit to the magnificent Dom Cathedral, and a stop at a Kölsch brewery. You’ll daydream about this river adventure (and maybe need to book one for yourself!).

Samantha visits this historic city during the Quebec Winter Carnival. She kicks things off ice canoeing on the frigid waters of the St. Lawrence River. From there, Samantha visits a popular Sugar Shack, tastes maple syrup and joins the band playing the wooden spoons. At the iconic Le Château Frontenac, Samantha tours the historic hotel and takes a nighttime toboggan ride. Samantha explores the picturesque streets of Petit Champlain, where she stops in a woodcarving shop and discusses the history of the storied neighborhood. There’s also a visit to the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel), a seasonal hotel built out of ice, the only one of its kind in North America. She also meets Bonhomme, the legendary snowman Ambassador of the Quebec Winter Carnival, and learns of the Carnival’s history and importance in Canada.

Food is a powerful connector to the world we live in. It’s a source of joy that helps strengthen the bonds of family, friends and even strangers. It has always played an important part of the travel experience. Some people feel food completely defines it. Along with enjoying meals, we are also taking in the sights, smells and sounds of a place. Together, travel and food offer a total sensory experience that no recipe cooked at home can quite capture. From a cafe that embodies the love and warm fuzzies you can only get from a grandma’s cooking; to a 3.5-hour prix fixe meal that’s full of surprises; and quite possibly the best tamales in the United States, exploring culture through food is one of the best parts of my job. Here are a few of the most memorable food experiences from filming Places to Love.

Samantha kicks off her visit with a drive through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and into the creative community of Asheville, NC. Follow her as she engages in conversations with local artists, learns about historic sites, tastes local spirits, and more!

From a historic abbey to a majestic garden, to the “Grand Canyon of the East”, follow Samantha as she explores Upstate New York’s Genesee River Valley.

Samantha starts off her trip to historic Dutchess County on the Walkway Over The Hudson. She visits Chef Brandon Walker at his nearby Essie’s Restaurant, where she samples some of his Caribbean/Southern dishes. Heading to McEnroe Organic Farm, Samantha learns how this revolutionary farm converted itself into one of NY’s first fully organic farm and compost recycle hub. At Orvis Sandanona Shooting Resort, Samantha takes aim at shooting sporting clays. Next, it’s on to one of her personal favorite tea shops, Harney & Sons. Samantha also visits the Barrett Art Center and talks with Ransome about his art influence. At Innisfree Garden, Samantha enjoys the beauty of one of the top 10 gardens in the world. Finishing off her trip, Samantha discusses the accomplishments of Eleanor Roosevelt with a National Park Ranger at at Roosevelt’s former home, Val-Kill.

There’s no doubt that recently we have experienced a loss of travel, but that has only reinforced our deep need for it. Going forward, there’s going to be even greater importance put on our travels: making up for lost time, reconnecting with love ones, and creating memories that we put on hold. This episode is all about how I make the most of every trip--no matter the location, the people I’m with, or how long I’m there.

Samantha travels to the Garden State’s Cape May, the only US city designated as a National Historic Landmark. Watch as she learns about the deep connection the area has to important American history and about other fantastic Jersey spots you shouldn’t miss!

An episode devoted to food, clothing, musical instruments and other wonderful products specially made by craftspeople across the country. From a master luthier in Savannah, to a specialized soy sauce condiment made in Kentucky that’s now sold in Japan, the U.S. is full of creative crafts people working to make wonderful products we all can enjoy.

Samantha’s adventures on the South Island, New Zealand, include a bicycle ride through vineyards, a boat ride expedition through the Marlborough Sounds, a walk along Awaroa Beach, and a helicopter tour to the peak of Mount Olympus where the Lord of the Rings was filmed.

Samantha kicks off her trip with a boat ride to the remote island of Cayo Costa. Hopping islands, Samantha meets Rob Wells, Co-owner of the family owned Cabbage Key, who talks to her about being a steward of the island. Back on the main land, Samantha takes a tour of Edison Ford Winter Estates, where Thomas Edison once had a laboratory. At ECHO Global Farm, she learns about sustainable plants. Exploring the funky artist community of Matlacha, Samantha visits various local galleries and colorful shops. At the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge Samantha tours the grounds with a Ranger and gets the insight into this revered Sanibel destination. Heading to the Sanibel Community House, Samantha joins a shell crafting class to make a keepsake with the shells she has collected on her trip.

Samantha travels to Houston, TX, and connects with the generational communities, inspiring artists, and creative tastemakers helping to make this fabulous city a must-visit destination.

Kentucky is synonymous with Bourbon and in this episode, Samantha will take us deeper into the history, the flavors, and the must-see spots for Bourbon fans, and those who love them, around the world.

Follow Samantha as she travels to Colorado Springs, the “Olympic City USA”, and takes in everything from wilderness views to time with wild wolves, and more!

Samantha finds out the difference between a Brooklyn egg cream and a Manhattan egg cream when she visits Brooklyn and meets a "jerk" at a local soda fountain. From visiting the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard to sampling whiskey at New York City's oldest distillery, to tasting unique foods at the largest weekly open-air food market in the USA, Samantha takes the opportunity to understand Brooklyn.

Samantha gets a taste of the best San Antonio, TX has to offer, from authentic Mexican carnitas to river adventures to live Tejano music, and so much more!

Watch as Samantha heads to Boston, Massachusetts, where she learns about everything from a celebrated sport to a celebrated restaurant and in the process, finds her roots.

Samantha begins her tour of Northern Ireland with a moving stop at the Peace Wall in East Belfast. From there, she heads to Titanic Quarter where she learns about what made the shipbuilders and ships of Belfast famous―including the most famous ship in history, the Titanic. Sam heads to Glenarm Castle for high tea, followed by an afternoon of Blokarting on the ruins of the Dunlace Castle.

Samantha begins her visit to St. Augustine by helping sail a 27’ Catamaran while learning about the surrounding ecosystem and our need to protect it. From there she visits Castillo De San Marcos to learn about the fort’s incredible history. Samantha strolls the historic and beautiful streets of St. Augustine before ending up at Lincolnville, where a Civil Rights struggle took place.

Samantha starts off her Montana experience at Big Sky Resorts to learn about Avalanche Dogs and their rescue program. In Bozeman, Samantha visits with the curator of the Museum of the Rockies, where she learns about their dinosaur collection. At the Lone Mountain Ranch, Samantha joins a group group for a gorgeous sleigh ride. Back at Big Sky Resort, Samantha meets US Olympian, Bode Miller.

Samantha visits Savannah and stops by to see the beautiful artwork of Amelia Jamerson, at her quaint gallery. She visits Congregation Mickve Israel to learn about its deep roots in Georgia. Samantha discovers the achievements of the Historic Savannah Foundation in saving the city’s most revered buildings. At the Wyld Dock Bar, Samantha learns how to forge an oyster shucker out of a railroad spike.

Samantha takes a Southern California Road Trip by electric car heading to Barrio Logan, a thriving Mexican-American neighborhood in San Diego. Samantha’s journey continues in the quaint desert town of Borrgo Springs. She then goes on a tour of the Sky Art Sculptures in Galleta Meadow, visits a few local wineries by motorcycle, and drives a dune buggy through the forest in Big Bear Lake.

Samantha explores the Tennessee River and Northshore areas with travel writer Cory Lee. She joins Naturalist Haley Hamblen through the Reflection Riding Arboretum. At the Chattanooga Aquarium, Samantha visits one of the world’s largest freshwater aquariums where she learns about the fascinating sturgeon, and then high atop Lookout Mountain, Samantha takes in the stunning views of seven states.