Podcast appearances and mentions of ann marie brown

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson talks to three local experts about how to make the most of a winter trip to Lake Tahoe. First up, Johnson learns the ins and outs of skiing South Lake Tahoe with Robin Barnes, director of skier services at Heavenly Mountain Resort. Barnes shares what initially drew her to alpine skiing and why teaching the sport is so rewarding. “Some people maybe don't grow up playing sports and then you put them on a pair of skis and they realize they're actually quite talented,” she says. Barnes then offers a beginner's guide to skiing, sharing tips on where to rent equipment, the benefits of taking lessons, and the joys of hitting the slopes for the first time. She also name-checks some of her favorite expert runs at Heavenly. Next, Johnson explores more snow sports options with Aaron Pearlman, manager of the Northstar Cross-Country, Telemark, and Snowshoe Center in North Lake Tahoe. Pearlman gives an overview of Nordic sports and how visitors can enjoy them. “You just attach these snowshoes onto your boots, go out into the forest, and stroll around through fresh snowfall,” he says, “It's just the most amazing and quiet experience.”  Lastly, Johnson talks with seasoned travel writer and 20-year Tahoe resident Ann Marie Brown. Brown discusses her favorite off-mountain activities for anyone looking to enjoy Tahoe's winter without strapping on skis. “People are so surprised that you can go out on a boat on Lake Tahoe in the wintertime and have a great time, be cozy, warm, and see amazing scenery,” Brown says. She also highlights some don't-miss restaurants, breweries, and spas in the area.

Sometimes the best adventures come from taking the road less traveled. That's just one of the great tips Soterios Johnson uncovers on this episode of the California Now Podcast, which is all about finding unique California road-trip experiences. To start things off, Johnson connects with Jessica Dunham, who has authored multiple road-trip guides. Dunham discusses an otherworldly cruise through the California deserts, raving about the magical experiences to be found in and around two national parks—Joshua Tree and Death Valley. Next Johnson talks with travel writer Ann Marie Brown about some of her favorite roadways in California. Brown talks about what makes a highway an officially designated “scenic byway,” and then goes deep in describing three of her favorites. And then Johnson chats with Lia and Jeremy Garcia, cofounders of the travel blog Practical Wanderlust. The pair talks about a recent trip they took to the northern stretch of the famously gorgeous Highway 1—a remote part of the state where travelers can explore historic lighthouses, ancient trees, and unique beaches.

Stay at certain upscale hotels in Santa Monica, West Hollywood, or Beverly Hills, and you have a pretty good chance of spotting a few celebrities in the lobby or at the bar. Even if you don’t, the posh amenities and glamorous atmosphere at these Los Angeles County hotels will have you feeling like an A-lister, according to Travel + Leisure Editor-in-Chief Jacqui Gifford. Gifford joins California Now Podcast host Soterios Johnson to wax poetic about this distinctly L.A. phenomenon. Johnson is next joined by Monet Hambrick, author of the popular blog The Traveling Child. Hambrick recently took her family on a fun and educational tour around the San Francisco Bay Area and Monterey, and she shares a few tips on how to make the most of a visit there. Finally, Johnson chats with travel journalist Ann Marie Brown about a tiny Northern California town that offers much more than meets the eye. McCloud was a logging powerhouse in the 19th century but has since transformed into a charming destination that blends its rich history with some modern twists—including some great hidden gems.

The Golden State’s astonishing variety is on full display in this episode of the California Now Podcast. Travel + Leisure Editor in Chief Jacqui Gifford kicks things with off with a preview of a family trip she has in the works. Gifford, her son, and her husband are planning a getaway that includes attractions in San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, and the Central Coast—and she shares some of her planned stops (and a few essential strategies) for keeping everybody happy and entertained. After that, podcast regular Ann Marie Brown shines a light on Idyllwild, a tiny mountain village in the Inland Empire that is a big draw for hikers, artists, and discerning diners. Brown, an outdoor enthusiast and author who knows the area very well, recommends some essential experiences in this mile-high city located just a short drive from Los Angeles. The episode wraps up with a road trip that includes stops in Mendocino, Fort Bragg, Eureka, Trinidad, and Redwoods National Park. Jessica Wright, aka Bon Traveler, shares some of the discoveries she made while embarking on a recent road trip up the Wild North Coast.

Rick Schwartz, spokesperson and ambassador for the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, shares his love of animals and a few pro-tips for visiting the zoo. Travel writer Ann Marie Brown uncovers the off-the-beaten-path town of Bishop in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Mount Shasta tour guide Andrew Oser describes the spiritual side of one of the most iconic peaks in California.

Forbes Travel Guide recently released its Star Awards Winners, and California spas landed at the top of the rankings. In episode 19, Amanda Frasier, Executive Vice President of Standards & Ratings, shares some of her top choices for pampering in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Napa Valley, and more. Get ready to discover hidden gems like California’s “Serengeti” and a park with more than 700 caves with travel writer Ann Marie Brown. For our final stop, the Executive Director of Mission San Juan Capistrano, Mechelle Lawrence Adams, joins the podcast. Learn about the Orange County property’s rich history and why March is the best time to visit. Hint: It involves some very famous songbirds.

Hunter Lewis, editor in chief of Food & Wine magazine, explains what California cuisine is, how it took shape four decades ago, and where visitors can experience it today. After that, acclaimed rock climber Kevin Jorgeson shares some of his favorite things to do and places to go in his native Sonoma County, including spots in Petaluma, Sebastopol, and Santa Rosa. The episode ends with author Ann Marie Brown, who helps listeners hack their next visit to Yosemite National Park. Her best suggestion: Get out of your car and experience the park from the passenger seat, and on your feet.

Eater LA Senior Editor Farley Elliott dives deep dive into California's culinary treasures--where to find authentic ranch cuisine, why Highway 99 has some of the country’s best Mexican food, and which California town he’d choose for his last meal on earth. Travel writer Ann Marie Brown shares her knowledge of lesser-known beaches and Food and Wine's Ray Isle discusses some of the emerging trends in Napa Valley.

Samantha Brown, PBS host of  Samantha Brown’s Places to Love talks about the gorgeous views along Highway One and raves about the area’s iconic destinations and also celebrates some of the hidden gems in the region and shares her insights about how to experience them. Outdoor expert and author Ann Marie Brown, offers essential advice on chasing waterfalls in the Golden State, including what to wear and where to go. And finally, acclaimed chef Tanya Holland takes listeners on a tour of her restaurant, Brown Sugar Kitchen, and shares her favorite places to see in the vibrant, diverse city of Oakland.

Margaret Parker, MD, MCCM, speaks with Ann-Marie Brown, ACNP, PhD, RN, FCCM, Assistant Professor of Nursing at the University of Akron and Advanced Practice Nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Akron Children's Hospital in Akron, Ohio.

Margaret Parker, MD, MCCM, speaks with Ann-Marie Brown, ACNP, PhD, RN, FCCM, Assistant Professor of Nursing at the University of Akron and Advanced Practice Nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Akron Children's Hospital in Akron, Ohio.

We're looking at two of America's most popular getaways on this week's Travel with Rick Steves. We'll get the latest on one of the world's hottest destinations -- Las Vegas, Nevada, where high stakes entertainment has replaced the ultra-cheap deals for which the Las Vegas Strip was famous. Rick Garman has a new guidebook to the city, and tells us how to enjoy Vegas without "losing your shirt." Then, we'll cool off in the mountains with an overview of California's Yosemite (yo-SEM-it-tee) National Park with Ann Marie Brown, who knows it inside and out, and what it offers visitors year-round. Lady Luck and Mother Nature are calling us to Las Vegas and Yosemite...on the next Travel with Rick Steves. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.