Skiptown All-Stars

The iconic city of Pittsburgh, PA has been on James' radar for a long time. After years of flying into PGH just to jump in a rental car and cross the Ohio border to visit his hometown, he'd had the itch to actually SPEND SOME TIME in the Steel City. But the minute we arrived, Denise was feeling a bit underwhelmed… traffic, rain and buildings everywhere seemed a little oppressive for what she's looking for in a community. From navigating through the city's famous bridges and tunnels to indulging in local delicacies like pierogies at Pierogies Plus and sandwiches at Primanti Bros, this is our unpolished Steel City experience. We discuss Pittsburgh's unique neighborhoods, such as Lawrenceville and Mount Lebanon, and learn about the city's sports culture (#gosteelers), museums, and celebrity connections.

Whether you're a millennial looking for love or a Gen Xer re-entering the dating scene, this episode is a must-listen! This one was supposed to be just a quick topic but grew like a monster into its own episode. Denise, James, and Producer Phil dive deep into the complexities of modern dating, the expectations of women in the dating scene (according to TikTok) and the likelihood of those boxes getting checked in present day America.

This week, we hit the charming coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island--during the BITTER COLD off-season. We get to stay at gardinerhouse.com and witness the rich history, stunning mansions, delicious seafood, and unique experiences that make Newport a must-visit destination. From strolling along the famous Cliff Walk to learning about the town's sailing heritage and Portuguese influence. Could YOU live there? We bet you could!

This week, we're proud to present an episode where we were guests on Producer Phil Byrd's new show, the Gen 2 Gen Podcast (gen2genpodcast.com). Phil and Co-Host Teondra invited us on to bring a Gen-X perspective and this conversation does not disappoint. We dig into all sorts of nostalgia across generations and we certainly hope you enjoy this swapcast!

Well, we did it. Through snow and sleet and fog and rain, we lived in Guilford for a month. Is Denise still feeling like it's her "Stars Hollow"? Did James get frostbite? Here is the recap from our Winter Wonderland in Southern Connecticut.

This week, we tackle the Hudson Valley, just up the river from New York City. From the bustling Main Street of Cold Spring to the up-and-coming city of Beacon, get an inside look at the unique character and real estate of five different towns... and West Point Academy!

After a few weeks in Southern Connecticut, it was time to stop heading west toward New Haven and find some new adventures. It was only a matter of time before everyone and their mother was pointing us to Mystic, home of the iconic Mystic Pizza that was the focus of a Julia Roberts movie about a hundred years ago. Anyhoo, we went and the pizza was "fine." We weren't disappointed with the shops, the donuts, the historic landmarks or the oysters. We did the tourist trap in Old Mystic and Denise went gaga over the ice sculptures while James spent most of his day geeking out over a drawbridge. In the final analysis, we could afford a 1-Bedromm house in Mystic, but dang, we were glad we went! #emptynest #fulltank

Halfway between our property in FL and the sporty vibe of Greenville, SC there sits a small town with an upscale downtown. Perry, GA may not be a place you've never heard of before, but we bet this town is jumping when the weather is nice. Despite the dreary winter weather there, we managed to have a great time and flesh this place out for all it was worth over a period of 4 days. We explored local shops, peach orchards, some really kick-ass restaurants and the Georgia National Fairgrounds. While it was a little too rural for Denise's taste, James seemed to be loving everything except the peaches. Hey, everyone has their personal food preferences, right? No disrespect, Perry. You better believe we'll be back when the pecan farms are rocking and the pigs are for sale! You'd best be stoppin' over our YouTube channel, y'all! And while you're at it, throw us some love on social media, too. Free fried balogna sandwich to every listener who reviews us on Apple Podcasts or rates us on Spotify, ya hear? #emptynest #fulltank

Halfway between our property in FL and the sporty vibe of Greenville, SC there sits a small town with an upscale downtown. Perry, GA may not be a place you've never heard of before, but we bet this town is jumping when the weather is nice. Despite the dreary winter weather there, we managed to have a great time and flesh this place out for all it was worth over a period of 4 days. We explored local shops, peach orchards, some really kick-ass restaurants and the Georgia National Fairgrounds. While it was a little too rural for Denise's taste, James seemed to be loving everything except the peaches. Hey, everyone has their personal food preferences, right? No disrespect, Perry. You better believe we'll be back when the pecan farms are rocking and the pigs are for sale! You'd best be stoppin' over our YouTube channel, y'all! And while you're at it, throw us some love on social media, too. Free fried balogna sandwich to every listener who reviews us on Apple Podcasts or rates us on Spotify, ya hear?   #emptynest #fulltank

This week, we explore what it's like visiting and potentially living in Asheville, NC! We got to catch up with family and spend time touring different neighborhoods, seeing the sights like the Biltmore Estate, eating at local restaurants, discussing the art scene and microbreweries, and evaluating if Asheville seems like a viable place to live long-term. The natural beauty of Asheville was striking--even on the worst weather day of the year. However, the cost of real estate, crime rates and the prevalence of homelessness were also a rude awakening. Did Asheville live up to its reputation as an artsy, funky mountain city? Hit play and find out! Our YouTube Channel is bursting with way more content. You can also find us on social media here! #emptynest #fulltank

We're ramping up a slew of episodes that will recap all the cities and towns we've hit so far this year, but for now... Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Brian Siramaturos of the Tossing Salad podcast. Brian befriended us last year and has been a great friend with whom to share ideas and commiserate on our collective triumphs and failures in the podcast world. We were delighted to be guests on his show a few months back, and are even more psyched he agreed to join us for this one. Find Brian and the Tossing Salad Podcast on YouTube or TikTok or on Instagram! You can find us on YouTube here. You can find us on social media here!

This week we explored Greenville, South Carolina and were utterly impressed--gobsmacked, actually--by its charming vintage architecture mixed with modern, vibrant growth. We checked out the Liberty Bridge and Falls Park, and took an actual real estate tour specifically for those seeking to relocate to the evolving city formerly known as the Textile Capital of the World. It was there we discovered Greer - a town with great amenities just 20 mins from downtown Greenville. Between the GSP airport, brewery scene, James Beard nominated restaurants and real estate options, this town is now on the Skiptown map. Is it about to knock one of our other hometown choices out of the Top 5? Hit Play and find out! Pastor Mike gave us a tour of some of Greenville's up-and-coming communities. Check out his web site and book your own here. You can find the YouTube version of this podcast on our channel here. Follow us on Instagram or TikTok, too! #emptynest #fulltank #GreenvilleSC #SouthernCities #TravelPodcast #FoodieDestinations #BeerTourism #DowntownGreenville #Waterfalls

Get ready for something unexpected! James recaps his recent visit to Ogden, Utah and how the town has transformed over the past few years. Ogden is located just north of Salt Lake City and was once a gritty railroad town. However, recent investment and development has turned it into an up-and-coming, artsy, mountain destination. Does Ogden's growth, outdoor recreation, and real estate make it a potential hometown? Depends on your hobbies and occupation, but YES. Denise is all up in arms over e-bike hunting, James is sick of virtue signaling, and Huffington Post is intoxicated on their own crazy news headlines. This one is packed with info on life in Utah and lots of jokes… a few of which are even funny! We're gaining subscribers every day on YouTube... Care to join the party? And our social media is pretty damn cool for a coupla Gen-Xers. You should follow us!

A few months ago, we had the privilege of being guests on the People More Interesting Than Me podcast with host Michael Strumsky. In that interview, we got to know another person who was on the same "podcast hustle" we've been on, and doing a damn great job. Michael has a greater purpose with his show, however, and it's been inspiring to us to know what his show means to him, and his family. Additionally, he's a VERY interesting person just based on his profession alone, so we knew we had to connect with him for a Skiptown episode, too. Don't let Michael's self-deprecation and humility fool you--he's one of the most interesting people we've ever known! You can find us on YouTube here! And our social media could always use a boost. Why not follow us here?  

Is Tampa one of America's most overlooked cities? Dive into everything it has to offer in this fun recap of Denise's recent visit. She shares her eye opening experience visiting a listener and Tampa for the first time and discovering the city's rich culture, architecture, cuisine and more. From the historic Ybor City neighborhood to catching a glimpse of Tom Brady's former home, Denise was pleasantly surprised by this underrated Florida gem. We also discuss Tampa's growth, influx of young residents, booming real estate market, and why they agree it's an ideal city to put down roots. Whether you're considering a move or just want to learn more about this hip cultural hub, this epsiode has all the insider info on Tampa you've been searching for!     You can follow us on YouTube, and you'll find a LOT more content if you do! We're on Instagram and TikTok @skiptownallstars.com

**If you like the show, please review on Apple Podcasts and like or follow on Spotify or whatever platform you're finding us! These fast actions of support from you mean A LOT to us!** As the new year arrives, many people are dreaming about and planning to start their own business. It's an exciting prospect - being your own boss, pursuing your passions, and creating something from the ground up. However, with big dreams often comes big doubts. How can you turn your business idea into a reality? How long will it take to find success? What EVEN IS success? In this episode we discuss different approaches to finding your creativity, keeping that enthusiasm going when January is over and ignoring the noise that comes from all of the unwelcome focus groups around you--sometimes in the form of your closest loved ones. You can find our YouTube Channel here. Social media savvy? You can find us wherever you're scrolling here.

That's a wrap on 2023, we guess? Hope your holidays are going swell and you're leaning into the New Year with high hopes and big dreams. But before you jump into 2024 with both feet, make sure you take a listen to this--our best and worst spots and experiences of the year! We appreciate all of you and can't wait to see what next year brings for all of us! You can check out the video version of this show and way more content at our YouTube Channel, or find us on social media here. #emptynest #fulltank

James tried to keep the mood merry and bright for the holidays, but Denise wasn't having any of that... and started talking about Christmas carnage stories ripped from old headlines. Producer Phil didn't help when he shared his own story--which would've been the most traumatic Christmas Story of all time, had he not been too young to remember it! What the heck, with these two? James just wanted to have a little fun but left the studio feeling worse about humanity, not better. Anyway, Merry Christmas everyone! Follow us on our YouTube Channel and our social media! #emptynest #fulltank

This week is James' recap of the 10--yes, 10!--places he checked out in Connecticut this Fall: Danbury, Sherman, New Milford, New Fairfield, Brookfield, Newtown, New London, Madisen, Branford and Denise's favorite, Guilford. For 10 days, the picturesque small towns and idyllic waterfront living across Connecticut continued to impress. We discuss the hometown advantages of colonial homes, autumn leaves, farmer's markets, trails, and access to major cities like NYC. We also discuss Sandy Hook, which was a very dark stain on our country's modern history. Once we're done (not at all) settling the debate on America's gun fetish, we also debate the viability of dating apps and share some of the latest crime stories. If you're considering moving to Connecticut or just want to learn more about what it has to offer, strap in because we're going for a ride! Check out our YouTube channel here. Find us on social media here. #emptynest #fulltank    

  Thinking of booking a trip to Orlando, Florida? While the theme parks are certainly a popular draw, there's so much more to experience in the city if you want to live like a local for a few days. Nora Loves Orlando, a housing provider and Orlando enthusiast, dishes out her favorite places to eat, drink, explore, and make the most of your time there. Check out our YouTube channel here. Find us on social media here. #emptynest #fulltank

This week, we reminisce about the famous 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, where the epic game of hockey known as as the "Miracle on Ice" took place. We reset the political climate of the Cold War era and how national tensions manifested in Olympic hockey leading up to the famous USA vs USSR grudge match. We debunk some common misconceptions about the game, as well as the Kurt Russell film 'Miracle' based on the events. This episode has it all--interesting Lake Placid history, winter sports development, famous residents, and modern day attractions that go way beyond the sports facilities. Oh, and did we mention real estate... could we live here? Could you? Find out now! You can always watch us if you're into that kinda thing on YouTube or at skiptownallstars.com. Come for the media, stay for the blogs! Please like, follow and subscribe wherever you're finding us and, as always... #emptynest #fulltank

This week, we're bringing the Thanksgiving thunder

We loved Montreal so much we swore we're returning in 2024, but it was time to go deeper into Canada than we've ever been. Here's your Quebec City, Canada recap! We were instantly met with a motley crew, but soon we discovered the true, old world European charm of the city, with its cobblestone streets and fortified walls. The Upper City and Citadel are over 400 years old (but don't look a day over 200). Quebec City definitely had more of a laidback vibe and blue collar feel, which was a great juxtaposition against it's French village atmosphere. We of course wined and dined at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac hotel, and explored the edgy St. Roch neighborhood, all while learning about Quebec's high taxes, socialized medicine, and more. Of course, this is Part 2 of our Canadian vacation with our buddy, Patrick (see Episode 66 for more info) and we must say, he's got a knack for finding some damn cool places to visit! You can find us on social media here. Check out our YouTube channel here. Subscribe and review us everywhere you can--it means so much! #emptynest #fulltank

This week is all about Montreal, Canada and the French-influenced culture just North of the Border. We tagged along on our friend Patrick's (see Episode 66 for more info) vacation and were transported into Europe when we were met by Old Montreal's historic architecture. We were in for quite the twist when we found an underground city with 20 miles of shops, restaurants, transit - a fully functioning metropolis below ground! Our food experience, though, was rather dysfunctional. From Labor Day closings to charred kebabs and cold steak, we kept in the Skiptown tradition of rollercoaster restaurant adventures. Still, being among top sites like Notre-Dame Basilica, Mont Royal, Olympic Park, Old Port and SO MANY charming neighborhoods, we LOVED Montreal's vibrant, cosmopolitan flair. We're suckers for the European culture that lives just a few hours from Upstate New York and a return trip is already in the works... who's joining us in June, 2024? We're going to be dropping an "Ask a Local" Episode for Montreal on our YouTube Channel soon. Check it out! And be sure to chase us around on the daily on the socials of your choice here. #emptynest #fulltank

If you're a sci-fi or horror fan of any sort, you're familiar with Buffy the Vampire Slayer. And, if you're a fan of the show, you are DEFINITELY a fan of its atypical demon, Clem. And, if you're a fan of Clem, then you are DEFINITELY a fan of today's guest. James Leary has been a fixture in the slay-verse for over 20 years, and today he joins us to fill us in on his latest project, SLAYERS, which is an Audible Original podcast that picks up where Buffy left off. It's an incredible endeavor with an incredible long-time friend of the Gordon family, and we're so delighted Jimmy came here to be with us, and you, today. Happy Halloween! We reference one of Jimmy's old reels in this episode and you can find it in all of it's hilarity here. While you're there, why not take advantage of way more Skiptown All-Stars content, shorts and bonus episodes by subscribing to our YouTube Channel. Our social media links are here!

When Denise was in Texas, listener Sandra invited her to Boerne to see the house she and husband Nik were having built. Denise was intrigued, but then Sandra told her it was the FIFTH time they were constructing a new home... we had to get to the bottom of why they're such huge fans of starting from scratch. While we were in Boerne this summer, we sat down with Sandra and Nik to hear how they parlayed an FHA loan into an eventual $2M custom build--and why they STILL hate their window sills. From a killer view to vanishing closets, they're here to tell us all about their triumphs and fails in the land of new construction! You'll love all the bonus content on our YouTube Channel. You can also find us on social media here. #emptynest #fulltank

One of the greatest aspects of our last year of travel has been meeting new people and FINALLY having the freedom to visit all the old friends and family we've been "meaning to" over the years. This week, we sit down with James' college buddy and Gordon family fixture, Patrick Mason, in his Jersey City crib. You've heard us mention how he always calls to correct our grammar and fact-check us... always leaving us with a renewed commitment to making him proud. This week he's with us to break down the explosive growth Jersey City has seen over the past few decades... is it "the 6th Borough"? Patrick cuts through the noise on the real estate statistics and drops a lot of bonus info on the neighboring town of Hoboken, too. Enjoy! You can find the video version of this podcast and much more content on our YouTube channel. All of our social media links are here, too. #emptynest #fulltank

We know you're used to us doing a bit of a departure physically, but this week we're doing it topically, too! We had an episode planned and we tossed out the script, so get ready for an off-the-cuff update on our new "roommate," James' take on NFL current events and Denise dragging noted bull**** artist Tim Ferriss and his 4-Hour Work Week joke. Our YouTube Channel is famous in India! You can find all of our social media stabs here.

While wandering around Connecticut, Denise planned a haircut in Guilford with a friend-of-a-friend at her salon. What happened next was not in the plan, however. Her new stylist, Stephanie, transformed into an all-day tour guide, instead. Denise returned to the hotel with her hair looking the same and full of excitement over everything she's going to do when we MOVE TO GUILFORD? That's right. Half of the Skiptown tribe has spoken... and Denise swears that Guilford is the "Stars Hollow" she's been targeting all this time. She's even talking about starting a new endeavor there. And the Gilmore Girls. Lots and lots of Gilmore Girls. You're gonna be wasted! One Skiptown down, but will James buy in? Not if it means getting into the restaurant business. You can find way more content on our YouTube Channel. Like and subscribe, dang it! And, as always, follow us on the social media flavor of your choice here. #emptynest #fulltank

Hartford was a bust, but New Haven's got a little spring in its step! We explored this coastal city on a whim and are so freaking glad we did. From its bold claims of being the birthplace of the burger AND American pizza, the food game in this town is solid. Coffee game? Also on point. Pair that with Nathan Hale being a crappy spy and all of the mystique and intrigue that a certain Ivy League school has to offer, and you need to pull up a chair... because we're about to reveal the secret knock to The Elm City's bustling society. You've been sleeping on this city in Connecticut--and that's why you can't get into Yale. Also, Denise invents a band out of thin air. Enjoy! You can find us on YouTube here and we need you to SUBSCRIBE! You can follow us on social media here. #emptynest #fulltank

If you listened to our episode last week, you know that Denise has spent a lot of time in Colorado lately. It hasn't just been family business, however. On her last trip, she got a good look around Castle Rock--and found that what used to be a stop-off city between Denver and Colorado Springs has now expanded FAR beyond a day of shopping at outlet malls. James also made the most recent trip to the Centennial State for some mile-high mischief and this is our recap! Check out our YouTube Channel, which is bursting at the seams with way more content! You can find us on social media here.   #emptynest #fulltank

We've shared with you our travel victories and fails, as well as our adventures in parenting adult children. What we haven't shared is our own experiences as adults who have had to take care of our parents. In our case, it's been difficult because it has always been from afar. That's about to change. Denise's mother has made it to her 97th birthday, but the slide into dementia began a few years ago and is about to change our lives for the forseeable future. You can find us and tons of bonus content you won't find here on our YouTube channel, and you can always track our daily misadventures here on the social media platform of your choice! #emptynest #fulltank

After a summer of fun, it was finally time to head up to Connecticut to get Ellie settled into her new school. Frankly, it was a move we thought we'd never have to make again, but we were eager to get our youngest into a better environment. After 2 days of driving, James finally joined Denise and Ellie for move-in day. We thought we'd be vibing in a whole new city, but Hartford had other plans. Find us here on YouTube! And here on social media! #emptynest #fulltank

The Prodigal has returned. Lake Milton is a beautiful State Park in Northeastern Ohio where fishing, water skiing and boating are plenty. It's also the hometown of @SkiptownJames and the subject of today's episode. We explore what made growing up in Lake Milton great, the hard times it's endured and what this gorgeous locale needs most... residents. We have tons of content on our YouTube Channel you can't find here. You can find us on the social media flavor of your choice here, too!   #emptynest #fulltank

Our adventures in Corpus Christi have kept you up to date on Parker this summer, but what about the other 2 Gordons? Turns out they both have big news and big changes this year. From Mia's academic path (and a new job? MIa's got a job?) to Ellie's MAJOR change of scenery, they've both charted new directions for their future. From Mia's slummy apartment to Ellie's angst, we catch you up on what's going on with the youngest Gordons this week! You can find our YouTube channel and way more content here. Social media links are here. #emptynest #fulltank

Denise has been maxed out on James, people and well, everything lately. So when Lisa--and Eastern Wisconsin--rang the phone, Denise answered the call. Before she knew it, she was ditching all responsibility and heading for Milwaukee! This is the recap of her trip to the Brew City, Appleton, Lambeau Field and even a taste of Door County. The snow is a factor, but this recounting is all James needed to hear... cue the heavy metal, we're definitely taking the Camaro on a future run to the Badger State! We love that you listen, but you might be missing out on all the content on our YouTube channel that you can't find in an audio format. Check it out here! You can find us on social media here. #emptynest #fulltank

Happy Birthday to Us! Couldn't have done it without you. We're recapping the last year and listing off our favorite cities. From Vancouver to The Keys, it's been an amazing ride and we're just getting started. Help us celebrate a year under our belts... and becoming YouTube partners, too! You can find the video version of our show here and follow us on social media here! #emptynest #fulltank

The conclusion of Bill & James' Excellent Adventure in the Jordan starts off with lost luggage and ends with an escape from a desert hut. With no air conditioning, an inexperienced driver and only 3 tires, our Dynamic Duo still managed to clinch an amazing time halfway around the world. They also crossed off another "world wonder" in Petra, which has sparked a lot of talk about trying to see them ALL before their buckets kick one day. This is Part 2 of 2 for the guys' trip to the Middle East, so if you haven't checked out the Egypt episode, make sure you do. Subscribe to us on YouTube. Every subscription goes a LONG way. #emptynest #fulltank

While James was slagging off in Egypt somewhere, Denise was making inroads with more Texans and expanding our map in the Lone Star State. A trip up to San Antonio turned into a meet-and-greet with one of our listeners, and that lunch meeting ended with an invite to "Come to Boerne sometime!" Boerne? Never heard of it. Why is it pronounced "bur-nie" rather than Boerne? Well, we didn't have time to ponder that long, because when James returned to Texas, Denise was packing the car for the Hill Country. Turns out, a local artist in Boerne (childressart.com) also reached out with an invite to come check it out, too. That was 2 invites in 2 weeks, and we had to see what the draw was. When we rolled up to Main Street, it was pretty obvious this was a town that checked all of the boxes when you think of a Texas town. It's pretty incredible, and the people we met were just as welcoming as our new friends. Find out why! As always, check out our YouTube channel for way more content than you'll find here and reach out to us on our social media pages... we love hearing from listeners and you best believe that if you extend an invitation, we intend to take you up on it! #emptynest #fulltank

We were grinding our way through Texas when James was hit with an interesting proposition from his friend, Bill. Insiders call him "Billy Goat." Okay, only James calls him that. At any rate, Bill had a friend drop out on a planned trip to Egypt, Jordan and Israel and called James off the bench to be the next man up. With all the Hollywood strikes about to pop off, James realized he'd have some time on his hands. Denise also wanted him out of her hair for awhile because he'd been a cranky ass, so all this leads up to James booking a flight and landing in Cairo four days later. Here's the recap of what happens when you torch caution and join your best buddy on the most epic road trip, ever! Thanks for listening, and please subscribe to our YouTube! channel for WAY MORE CONTENT than you'll find here! #emptynest #fulltank

For tons of STAS content you can't see here, subscribe to us on YouTube! It's been a pretty interesting time here in South Texas. For starters, we've been borderline couch surfing at our daughter's new home... mostly because her new couch is more comfortable than the guest bed. She flew our coop over 6 years ago, so getting reaquainted with Parker has been mostly amazing but sometimes very surreal. Turns out she's an adult with her own mind now and, well, we're just not used to that! Beyond the issues of purchasing an old house, we definitely have a full picture of this Guld city--and predictions about what it's going to look like in 5 years. So strap in and catch up with all things Corpus because we're about to resume our own hometown search now that our kid is settled in! Follow us on social media here! #emptynest #fulltank

Hey, People: Hope your holiday was great. We opted not to drop an episode on the Fourth of July because, well, how do you compete with AMERICA?!?! That said, we've got a truckload of episodes coming your way and some of them are going to be total curveballs... The Middle East, anyone? We can SEE the finish line to get this podcast to the next level and we need your help. Please send our channel on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/@skiptownallstars to EVERYONE you know. We are so close to taking our podcast to the next level and we can't thank you enough. We'll see you next week!

No need for flowery prose here. Cousin Judy is BACK! She's here to download you on cruise vacations, riverboat adventures and trends in the floating hotel industry. Huzzah! You can find all of our social media here! #emptynest #fulltank

Welcome to our Golden Anniversary... 50 episodes and a year of hometown hunting under our belt. Couldn't have done it without you! We thought there was no better way to celebrate our milestone than to invite one of the OGs in the digital nomad lifestyle on the show. You may already be familiar with The Professional Hobo but in case you aren't, Nora Dunn traded a successful career as a financial planner for a new way of living in 2006. She's been all over the planet, working the whole time. Her YouTube channel has made her an authority on travel hacks, living abroad and remote working and we're so excited to present this episode to you! You can find Nora here: theprofessionalhobo.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UColuBSf_obJxCdZu9nnaETA And us here: linktr.ee/skiptownallstars #emptynest #fulltank

When Denise caught wind of a nature preserve in a little town called Kingsville less than an hour south of Corpus Christi, her ears perked up. When James found out that said nature preserve had real-life raptor birds ready to put on a show and devour piles of meat, he brought every lens in the camera bag! From El Potrero Ranch to the 106-year old Harrell's Kingsville Pharmacy, the neighborly vibes were also on full display everywhere--even the Mayor showed up to talk to your favorite empty nesters. Kingsville is full of potential and affordable housing, and speculators are starting to take notice. If you're into fishing--or crushing four-dollar burgers at the corner store--then you may want to give Kingsville--or nearby Baffin Bay--a solid look! You can find out more about our outdoor adventure at El Potrero Ranch here: https://www.facebook.com/ElPotreroNaturePhotographyRanch/ Our guide, Hugh Lieck was THE BEST: https://www.facebook.com/HughLieck1955/ Harrell's Kingsville Pharmacy: https://www.facebook.com/people/Harrels-Kingsville-Pharmacy/100057509407878/ Baffin on the Rocks Fishing Lodge: https://baffinontherocks.com/ And anything you need to know about what's happening in Kingsville is here: https://www.facebook.com/KingsvilleVisitorsCenter/   As always, our social media links live at http://www.linktr.ee/skiptownallstars #emptynest #fulltank

In the Northeastern part of Louisiana sits the 3rd oldest city in the US, and is best-known for 2 things. The first is that its name, Natchitoches, sounds nothing like its pronunciation, "nack-a-tish." The second is it's the town where the true story of Steel Magnolias is based. Turns out Denise has seen the movie 12 times and cried every single time. Conversely, it's like ambien to James. He's tried to watch it in 3 different decades and failed to stay awake every single time. The hotel was fantastic, but the nightlife--at 8:15PM--was virtually non-existent. It wasn't until they stumbled into a bingo hall that things seemed to take a turn in a more exciting direction. The food was mostly good, when they could find it. Turns out, catching a restaurant between 2-5pm for a late lunch is REALLY a struggle. For a town with a university and so many festivals during the year, the dynamic duo thought there would be a vibrancy on the streets of this beautiful setting. What they found wasn't exactly a traveler's paradise, and instead some mixed reviews from the locals, themselves. Special thanks to the Church Street Inn! We're dropping additional content you can't see here on YouTube... including our "Ask a Local" series. Check it out! Social media links are here. #emptynest #fulltank

For someone who never watches HGTV, Denise sure knows A LOT about the hosts of their shows. James knew nothing about Laurel, Mississippi or the show "Home Town," but you best believe he knew Erin and Ben Napier's names by heart by the time we left! Our first night in this growing town was overshadowed by a grungy hotel in a not-so-great area, but charming Downtown Laurel awaited us the next morning. We were greeted by a few locals, Landon and Kate Bryant, who are the geniuses behing the Southern-centric, uber-successful @landontalks channels on TikTok and Instagram. We all piled into their car for our own special tour of the neighborhoods around Laurel and it certainly did not disappoint. Tell your "mom 'n them" that what we found in Laurel was a new surprise around every corner. Here lies a town that is charming, ripe with potential and overflowing with civic pride. Spoiler alert: Our prediction is that, in 5 years, some people are going to be REALLY glad they put skin in the Laurel game. Check out our YouTube channel for our "Ask a Local" segments and videos you can't find here on the audio platform. As always, please share, REVIEW and rate our show if you like us... and of course you can skip this part if you don't! Stalk us on all sorts of platforms here. #emptynest #fulltank

We started a brand new journey and are hitting 3 towns as we ramble toward Corpus Christi. The first stop? Auburn, AL. Denise was angling for the prestige of The Laurel Hotel, and scored even bigger when she landed the Presidential Suite at The Hotel at Auburn University. We got to experience the best in AU's culinary arts program and landed an interview with a big fish in the Auburn real estate market (and on TikTok), Amy Barton Cotney! Amy gave us a download on what's happening in the towns of Auburn, Lake Martin and Opelika and it was a hoot. We took in the sights and tastes and bushels of love this town had to offer--and Denise even did it on horseback! We're dropping THREE "Ask a Local" segments for Auburn on YouTube in the coming days, so make sure you subscribe to us for content you can only see there. Find out why we fell in love with the people and the town of Auburn and, as always, please be sure to follow us on the social platform of your choice here.   #emptynest #fulltank  

Ever since our visit to Savannah and Fox Hollow Realty, we've been percolating on the idea that we should pursue a starter home for our oldest daughter, Parker. If you remember, she graduated and moved to that shining--alright, oily--beacon on the Texas Riviera, Corpus Christi. It was just shy of a year ago that she rolled up to the Lone Star State, looking to launch a career and make her mark. Well, we're proud to say it's paid off. Parker is now a homeowner! We've been sitting one this one for a few weeks because, let's face it, anything can jinx a housebuying process. After several near misses and houses getting scooped out from under her, she was getting the first-time buyer-blues. Then, just as it seemed the dream was fading on a house to call her own, Denise and James got the call that she'd roped herself a dogie. What we didn't tell you back then was we were dab-smack in the middle of our Alabama Bushwacker reverie and had to hit the pause button. What is it with Corpus Christi and interruptions in our travel plans? Within hours, we were on a plane to the "Sparkling City by the Sea" so we could join her for the excitement, the inspection... and the not-so-perfect process that would follow. Follow all of our adventures, check out our maps and subscribe to our channels here. #emptynest #fulltank

Outside of Gainesville, FL sits a town we've passed a hundred times in our travels... and yet never knew existed. Turns out Northern Florida has a well-kept secret to most people passing through, and it comes in the form of just ONE square mile known as the town of Micanopy. What's the deal with Micanopy? Well, for starters it is it's own time capsule. Roll into town past the tin-roofed houses and you'll quickly find yourself transported into the early 20th century. The cafes may have modern equipment, but the aesthetics of this unique town are free of the chain restaurants and schlocky corporate stores you can find in every suburb in America. Join us as we recap our visit with the descendants of J.R. Mountain--an original entrepreneur who made Micanopy a must-stop for every Greyhound bus in the 1920s. We sat with two of his grandchildren, Sandra and Billy, for what ended up being a fascinating look into what it took to start a town in Old Florida--and the battles they've fought over the years to keep its beautiful soul. Could we live there? Pop in those dorky earbuds and find out. You can find us on social media here. Check out our YouTube channel here. Subscribe and review us everywhere you can--it means so much! #emptynest #fulltank  

It's been a full year since our house hit the market and we started thinking-about-getting-around-to-considering packing up our belongings and leaving LA. Back then, James was so sure he was going to work remotely--come hell or high water--was willing to bank his family's future on it. Now, instead of driving to her beauty business every day, Denise is also a remote worker. What's changed? In this episode, we get into what is different for us now that we're REALLY roaming around and putting the digital nomad paradigm to the test with every new hometown we tackle. More importantly, we dig into the statistics of remote working from 2019-2023 and there are some VERY surprising revelations on what's happening this year. Spoiler alert: the cities everyone fled are making a comeback. Watch us on YouTube, review us on Apple or Spotify and follow us on your favorite social platform here. #emptynest #fulltank