Travel to Europe is on hold for the time being, but we can still keep the flame of wanderlust alive with the Virtual Vacation Podcast. Join host Jack Baumann, founder of Guidester, and radio show host Arnold Stricker every other week as they dive into new destinations each week exploring their unique history, culture, and special vibe.
Virtual Vacation with Guidester
Claim This Podcastby Motif Media Group
5.0(18 reviews)
20 episodes
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Podcast Overview
Travel to Europe is on hold for the time being, but we can still keep the flame of wanderlust alive with the Virtual Vacation Podcast. Join host Jack Baumann, founder of Guidester, and radio show host Arnold Stricker every other week as they dive into new destinations each week exploring their unique history, culture, and special vibe.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
3/22/2021
1 verified contact email on file for Virtual Vacation with Guidester
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Recent Episodes
September 16, 2025
Exploring the Historical and Cultural Tapestry of St. Louis Parks - Saint Louis In Tune
<p>Parks are like the little green lungs of a city, and in St. Louis, they’re practically bursting with stories! We kick things off by boasting about our beloved parks, the perfect spots for a picnic, a casual stroll, or a wild bike ride to nowhere. But wait, did you know there’s a park that was saved by the "Real Housewives of Jefferson County?" Yep, that’s right! We dive into the juicy details of how some fierce housewives rallied to save a piece of history. Plus, we uncover the surprising backstory of a park that once served as a hospital for Union soldiers during the Civil War and was also the site for the 1946 US Olympic water polo team tryouts.</p><p>It’s a delightful blend of history and modern day shenanigans as we chat with the phenomenal NiNi Harris, the mastermind behind the book 'St. Louis Parks', who has a family member who planted trees in these very parks starting in 1864. She also discusses the development of the city's parks, highlighting the visionary planning that started in 1907 to create a connected park system via Kingshighway Boulevard. Trust me, you’re gonna want to stick around for this!</p><p>[00:00] Introduction to St. Louis Parks</p><p>[00:52] Meet the Hosts: Arnold and Mark</p><p>[01:57] Thoughts on Hard Work and Opportunities</p><p>[03:16] Introducing Nini Harris: St. Louis Historian</p><p>[05:15] Diving into St. Louis History</p><p>[07:25] The Importance of Primary Sources</p><p>[08:51] St. Louis During the Civil War</p><p>[12:35] The Rich Heritage of St. Louis</p><p>[16:22] Exploring St. Louis Parks</p><p>[21:19] The Second Edition of St. Louis Parks</p><p>[27:57] The Role of County Parks</p><p>[28:42] Rediscovering Jefferson Barracks</p><p>[29:06] Historical Significance of Jefferson Barracks</p><p>[31:48] Famous Figures at Jefferson Barracks</p><p>[32:31] The Legacy of Walter Krueger</p><p>[33:54] Exploring St. Louis Parks</p><p>[35:55] The Ribbon of Parkway Vision</p><p>[37:52] Connecting North and South St. Louis</p><p>[41:52] The Evolution of St. Louis Parks</p><p>[43:48] The Real Housewives of Jefferson County</p><p>[47:35] The Importance of Parks in St. Louis</p><p>[55:12] Conclusion and Final Thoughts</p><p><u>Takeaways</u>:</p><ul><li> Parks are not just for a picnic; they house rich histories and events, like the Olympic team tryouts. </li><li> Nene Harris shared that her great-great-grandfather planted trees in St. Louis parks back in 1864. How cool is that? </li><li> Did you know the Real Housewives of Jefferson County saved a park? It's a wild story that shows how community action can make a difference! </li><li> St. Louis boasts over 100 parks despite being only 61 square miles, showcasing its dedication to green spaces. </li><li> The history of St. Louis is layered and complex, intertwining with significant events like the Civil War and immigration waves. </li><li> Parks in St. Louis have evolved to serve communities, providing activities for youth and acting as vital community hubs. </li></ul><br/><p><u><ul><li><a href="https://reedypress.com/shop/st-louis-parks-second-edition/">St. Louis Parks, Second Edition – Reedy Press</a></li><li><a href="http://www.niniharris.com/">NiNi Harris: Author/Historian</a></li></ul><br/></u></p><p>This is Season 8! For more episodes, go to <a href="https://stlintune.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>stlintune.com</strong></a></p><p>#stlouisparks #parksandrecreation #historicalparks #jeffersonbarracks #forestparkforever #fairgroundspark #towergrovepark #lafayettpark #carondeletpark</p>
February 9, 2022
Cruising on the Seine River in France
<p>For a different view of Europe, you might consider a river cruise. From Paris to Le Havre in Normandy and back is filled with unbelievable scenery, food, and history. Jack Baumann relates what you can expect on a river cruise in France. </p><p>[00:23] What do you see and expect on a river cruise from Paris to LeHavre?</p><p>[03:36] Food on the river cruise</p><p>[04:32] Stops on the river cruise</p><p>[07:38] Conflans-Sainte-Honorine</p><p>[07:59] Auvers-sur-Oise (Van Gogh)</p><p>[08:46] Normandy-cows, climate, language</p><p>[11:26] Rouen (Richard the Lion-Hearted, Joan of Arc)</p><p>[13:39] Jumièges Abbey</p><p>[15:20] Le Havre (historic harbor)</p><p>[16:48] Arromanches</p><p>[22:51] Vernon (Old Mill)</p><p>[24:14] Paris</p><p><em>Dream. Learn. Plan. Prepare.</em> Go to <a href="https://www.guidester.com/virtual-vacation/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Guidester/Virtual-Vacation</a></p><p>Season 1: Episode 19</p><p>#travel #europe #vacation #traveleurope #travelguide #tourguide #seineriver #Normandy #France #joanofarc #Paris #lehavre #vangogh #cheese #rouen #omahabeach #arromanches #vernonfrance # JumiègesAbbey </p>
December 7, 2021
Castelli Romani: Wine, Strawberries, and the Papal Summer Residence
<p>Ancient volcanoes that are now lakes form the basis for unbelievable scenery and a great winemaking region near Rome. While <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904412013106411/search/?q=nemi%20village%20castelli%20romano" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Castelli Romani</strong></a> is also known for being the summer residence of the Pope, the region boasts quiet villages, festival celebrations, a moderate summer climate, and succulent strawberries.</p><p>[00:39] Overview of the area</p><ul><li>Location</li><li>Topography</li><li>How to get there</li></ul><br/><p>[04:45] <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904412013106411/search/?q=photos%20pope%27s%20moped" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Why the area is famous</strong></a></p><ul><li>Strawberries</li><li>Papal vacation home</li><li>Cooler summer climate</li><li>Villages and festivals</li></ul><br/><p>[08:32] Don't be fooled by the name Roman Castles</p><p> [09:45] What is there to do?</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904412013106411/search/?q=best%20views%20for%20a%20meal%20yet%20unreal%20wait%20end" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Eat (check out this view)</strong></a>, drink, be merry, and enjoy Italian culture and hospitality</li><li>Nemi</li><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904412013106411/search/?q=La%20festa%20dei%20vin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Wine festival: Borgo diVino</strong></a></li></ul><br/><p>[23:06] A tour with Castelli Romani on the itinerary</p><p><strong><em>Dream. Learn. Plan. Prepare</em></strong><em>.</em> Go to <a href="https://www.guidester.com/virtual-vacation/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Guidester/Virtual-Vacation</strong></a></p><p>Season 1: Episode 18</p><p>#travel #europe #vacation #traveleurope #travelguide #tourguide #Rome #Vatican #Pope #wine #CastelliRomani #volacano #papalsummerhome #strawberries #BorgodiVino #Nemi</p>
20 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Virtual Vacation with Guidester?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates inactive.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 2 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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