See America

In this episode, we visit the iconic Powell’s City of Books in Portland, Oregon—the largest independent bookstore in the world. From towering shelves to hidden gems, we explore what makes this literary landmark a must-stop on any book lover’s road trip. Hosted by: Brooks Smothers of the RV Out West Podcast Produced by: Jason and Abby Epperson for Lotus Media, LLC and the RV Miles Network. Connect with See America on social media: Instagram: @SeeAmericaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeeAmericaPodcast See America Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SeeAmerica

Crank up the volume as we hit the road to one of music’s most legendary landmarks—Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama. From the Rolling Stones to Aretha Franklin, this unassuming studio shaped the sound of American music. We explore its rich history, iconic recordings, and what makes this small-town stop a must-visit for music lovers everywhere. Hosted by: Brooks Smothers of the RV Out West Podcast Produced by: Jason and Abby Epperson for Lotus Media, LLC and the RV Miles Network. Connect with See America on social media: Instagram: @SeeAmericaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeeAmericaPodcast See America Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SeeAmerica

Take a virtual road trip into the magic of the Oregon Country Fair — where art, music, and counterculture come together in a one-of-a-kind celebration deep in the woods of Veneta, Oregon. In this episode, we delve into a living, breathing village that comes alive for three days every year. Welcome to the fair, where if you lose your way, you just might find yourself. Hosted by: Brooks Smothers of the RV Out West Podcast Produced by: Jason and Abby Epperson for Lotus Media, LLC and the RV Miles Network. Connect with See America on social media: Instagram: @SeeAmericaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeeAmericaPodcast See America Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SeeAmerica

Tucked deep in Olympic National Park, Sol Duc Hot Springs offers a relaxing escape with mineral pools, lush rainforest trails, and the soothing sounds of nature. In this episode, we explore why this hidden gem is a must-stop for travelers in the Pacific Northwest. Hosted by: Brooks Smothers of the RV Out West Podcast Produced by: Jason and Abby Epperson for Lotus Media, LLC and the RV Miles Network. Connect with See America on social media: Instagram: @SeeAmericaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeeAmericaPodcast See America Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SeeAmerica

In the heart of California’s Mojave Desert stands a strange white dome that has drawn scientists, spiritualists, and skeptics alike. Built in the 1950s by a former aviation engineer who claimed to have received extraterrestrial guidance, the Integratron is part sound chamber, part time machine, and all mystery. In this episode, we explore the bizarre history, wild theories, and enduring legacy of one of the desert’s most fascinating roadside attractions. Hosted by: Brooks Smothers of the RV Out West Podcast Produced by: Jason and Abby Epperson for Lotus Media, LLC and the RV Miles Network. Connect with See America on social media: Instagram: @SeeAmericaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeeAmericaPodcast See America Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SeeAmerica

Starting May 26th, new episodes of the See America Podcast will return, along with a new host. From coast to coast, we'll See America one mile at a time, discovering stops along the way that are eclectic, historic, ridiculous, breathtaking, inspiring, and humbling. Hosted by: Brooks Smothers of the RV Out West Podcast Produced by: Jason and Abby Epperson for Lotus Media, LLC. See America returns 5/26/25.

Over the more than 200 years of its existence, the US has become home to a number of iconic sites that domestic and international travelers alike place at the top of their must-see lists. The classic memorials and museums circling Washington, DC spring to mind, of course, because of their importance to both the history and future of our country, but other cities outside our capital possess an immediate connection with a building or structure: for instance, San Francisco’s graceful and majestic Golden Gate Bridge, the futuristic and awe-inspiring Space Needle in Seattle, the formidable and photogenic bronze lions guarding the entrance to Chicago’s famed Art Institute. America’s largest metropolis, New York City, is famous for, among other things: the Statue of Liberty, whose promise of freedom welcomed millions of immigrants to America’s shores; the legendary sports and performances at Madison Square Garden; and the delicious, titanic corned beef sandwiches and knishes at the Carnegie Deli. But one building alone symbolizes the strength, beauty, and spirit of New York.

From modest beginnings in the small town of Burlington, Vermont, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and other products can now be found in freezers in over 30 countries. This is their story.

When Americans travel internationally, they often encounter nations and civilizations far older than their 245-year-old home country. As they explore new cultures, the travelers learn the depth and breadth of antiquity, often well-preserved, in many of these foreign lands. How wonderful it is, they marvel, that we can take a trip back in time and see government buildings, houses of worship, homes, roads, markets: elements of entire societies that were established and active hundreds of years before the US was even a thought in anyone’s mind. While it’s true that the story of the United States goes back only a few hundred years, Indigenous cultures in North America had been thriving for centuries before Europeans set foot on the continent. Though sadly much of the history of Native American tribes have been lost or destroyed, a shining example of a Native American city lives on in southwestern Illinois, only a few miles from modern-day St. Louis. If you're enjoying the show, please consider helping us reach even more people by leaving a five-star review on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/see-america/id1479148682 Save 15% off your Roadtrippers PLUS membership with code RVMILES2X at https://roadtrippers.com/ Connect with See America across social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seeamerica.travel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeeAmericaPodcast See America Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SeeAmerica Have a suggestion for a future episode? Email us at editor@rvmiles.com. See America is part of the RV Miles Network of resources for the North American traveler. Check out our other podcasts - RV Miles and America's National Parks. Available where you listen to this podcast.

This week, The Beat Museum, City Lights Bookstore and the movement of a Generation that all started in San Francisco, California in the 1950s. These artists wielded their medium to question mainstream politics and culture, ushering a renaissance of new ways of thinking and creating in the world. If you're enjoying the show, please consider helping us reach even more people by leaving a five-star review on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/see-america/id1479148682 Save 15% off your Roadtrippers PLUS membership with code RVMILES2X at https://roadtrippers.com/ Connect with See America across social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seeamerica.travel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeeAmericaPodcast See America Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SeeAmerica Have a suggestion for a future episode? Email us at editor@rvmiles.com. See America is part of the RV Miles Network of resources for the North American traveler. Check out our other podcasts - RV Miles and America's National Parks. Available where you listen to this podcast.

A 200 foot sea creature that’s bigger than the statue of liberty. The largest carousel in the world, illuminated by over 20,000 light bulbs. A room that goes on forever. The largest collection of miniature doll houses and circuses - all under one roof. Today, we’re visiting what’s been called “the fever dream of the Midwest,” House on the Rock in Spring Green, Wisconsin.

PEZ. Known for its collectible dispensers depicting thousands of beloved characters and for its fruity brick-like candies, the brand has solidified its place in United States pop culture. From stocking stuffers to Easter baskets, PEZ is a nostalgic staple constantly innovating its appeal to kids and collectors alike. Nestled in Orange, Connecticut, with over 4,000 square feet of PEZ collecting goodness, one Museum offers a peek into all things PEZ.

Artist Tyree Guyton is on a mission to rehabilitate the image of his community through art. Discarded stuffed animals cling to a boat like barnacles, an old, bright pink hummer shell protrudes from the ground, colorful polka dots decorate an old two-story house and painted numbers ornament another. Tyree has transformed his city block and his community into the third most visited cultural site in Detroit. This week on the See America Podcast, The Heidelberg Project.