Exploring America State by State

About Exploring America State by State

Discover America One State at a Time takes listeners on an unforgettable journey across the United States — uncovering hidden gems, iconic attractions, scenic road trips, RV adventures, tourist traps, local favorites, and unforgettable destinations along the way. From Route 66 to small-town backroads, each episode explores a new state with travel tips, must-see experiences, unique stays, transportation options, and the stories that make America worth exploring. Whether you travel by RV, plane, train, or automobile, your next adventure starts here.

Publisher

PassTheBrockly

Category

arts · leisure · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 May 2026

Latest episode

15 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

33 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 Oct 2026

   Arkansas — The Natural State: Hot Springs, Diamond Mines, and Mountain Wilderness

   Arkansas earns its nickname as the Natural State — hot springs, mountain wilderness, and the only place in the country where you can dig for real diamonds and keep whatever you find. In this episode of Exploring America State by State, we explore this often-overlooked gem in the middle of the country. We drive the ridge-top Talimena Scenic Byway through the Ouachita National Forest, the switchback-filled Pig Trail through the Ozarks, the full-length Highway 7 Scenic Byway, and Crowley's Ridge rising unexpectedly out of the Delta. Along the way: digging for real diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park, underground formations at Blanchard Springs Caverns, sweeping views from Mount Magazine, the historic bathhouses of Hot Springs National Park, floating the crystal-clear Buffalo National River, and the Victorian streets of Eureka Springs. We also flag the tourist traps around Hot Springs' souvenir shops and Crater of Diamonds equipment rentals, cover RV travel logistics on Arkansas's easy interstates versus the winding Ozark and Ouachita mountain roads, the best free and paid RV camping along the Buffalo National River, Petit Jean State Park, and the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, where to stay from Hot Springs' historic bathhouse hotels to Eureka Springs' Victorian inns, honest transportation reality (mostly car-dependent beyond Little Rock's Amtrak stop), and the food that defines the state — fried catfish, Arkansas-original cheese dip, fried pie, and local rice. Plus: peak Buffalo River float season, honest budget expectations, and cell coverage advice for the remote national forests.

2. 

   12 Oct 2026

   Missouri — The Show-Me State: Gateway Arch, Ozark Rivers, and Live Music Heritage

   Missouri holds the historic gateway to the American West alongside genuine Ozark hill-country charm. In this episode of Exploring America State by State, we explore the Show-Me State — birthplace of the Lewis and Clark expedition, home to Kansas City jazz and blues, and some of the best float trips in the country. We drive the Great River Road along the Mississippi, the rugged Ozark Scenic Byway, the Katy Trail rail-trail bike route, and Missouri's own stretch of historic Route 66. Along the way: the surreal boulder field at Elephant Rocks State Park, the castle ruins at Ha Ha Tonka, underground formations at Onondaga Cave, floating the crystal-clear Current River, the Gateway Arch's tram ride, Branson's entertainment strip, Kansas City's City Market, and Silver Dollar City. We also flag the tourist traps around Branson's show bundles and Gateway Arch-adjacent restaurants, cover RV travel logistics on Missouri's easy interstates versus the winding Ozark hills, the best free and paid RV camping at Ha Ha Tonka, Echo Bluff State Park, and the Mark Twain National Forest, where to stay from Branson resorts to Lake of the Ozarks lodging, getting around by Amtrak's Missouri River Runner, and the food that defines the state — St. Louis-style pizza with Provel cheese, gooey butter cake, Kansas City barbecue, and toasted ravioli. Plus: peak Lake of the Ozarks boating season and Current River float conditions, honest budget expectations, and cell coverage advice for the remote Ozark backcountry.

3. 

   9 Oct 2026

   Iowa — The Hawkeye State: Cornfield Baseball Diamonds, Covered Bridges, and Small Town Hospitality

   Iowa quietly anchors the heart of the Midwest with rolling farmland, covered bridges, and genuine small town charm. In this episode of Exploring America State by State, we explore the Hawkeye State — home to Field of Dreams, the Bridges of Madison County, and one of the most beloved state fairs in the country. We drive the Great River Road along the Mississippi, the wind-sculpted Loess Hills Scenic Byway, Madison County's covered bridge route, and quiet Amish country near Kalona. Along the way: the cave network at Maquoketa Caves State Park, ancient earthworks at Effigy Mounds, sweeping river views from Pikes Peak State Park, the actual Field of Dreams baseball diamond, the historic Amana Colonies, and the Iowa State Fair's famous butter cow. We also flag the tourist traps around State Fair food pricing and covered bridge tour bundles, cover RV travel logistics on Iowa's flat, easy interstates, the best free and paid RV camping at Maquoketa Caves, Pikes Peak State Park, and Yellow River State Forest, where to stay from the historic Amana Colonies to Okoboji lake resorts, getting around by Amtrak's California Zephyr, and the food that defines the state — the breaded pork tenderloin sandwich, sweet corn, the Maid-Rite loose meat sandwich, and State Fair food on a stick. Plus: RAGBRAI and State Fair timing, honest budget expectations, and cell coverage advice for rural farmland and the Loess Hills.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

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