Exploring America State by State

Tennessee - The Volunteer State: Country Music, Misty Mountains, and Barbecue Tradition

PassTheBrockly — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 21:06:00 +0000

In Tennessee, music pours out of every doorway and mountains rise straight up out of the mist. In this episode of Exploring America State by State, we explore the Volunteer State — birthplace of country music in Nashville, home of the blues on Beale Street, and location of the most visited national park in the country.

We drive the Foothills Parkway's sweeping overlooks, the historic Cades Cove Loop, and Newfound Gap Road across the spine of the Smokies. Along the way: the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies at Fall Creek Falls, the rare underground lake at the Lost Sea Adventure, the Grand Ole Opry, Graceland, Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg, and Dollywood.

We also flag the tourist traps around Gatlinburg's tourist strip and Nashville's Broadway honky tonks, cover RV travel logistics on the Smokies' steep grades versus the RV-friendly Foothills Parkway, the best free and paid RV camping at Cades Cove, Elkmont, and the Cherokee National Forest, where to stay from Gatlinburg cabins to Nashville's downtown hotels, honest transportation reality (no Amtrak in Tennessee — bring a vehicle), and the food that defines the state — Nashville hot chicken, Memphis dry-rub barbecue, Jack Daniel's whiskey, and country ham with biscuits.

Plus: peak Smokies hiking season, the rare synchronous firefly event at Elkmont, honest budget expectations, and cell coverage advice for the mountain backcountry.

Next stop: North Carolina, a state stretching from Appalachian peaks all the way to a barrier island coastline unlike anywhere else in the country.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Introducing Tennessee

Kentucky - The Bluegrass State: Bourbon, Horse Country, and the World's Longest Cave

PassTheBrockly — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 20:58:00 +0000

Kentucky manages to be refined and rugged at the same time — home to roughly 95% of the world's bourbon, the Kentucky Derby, and the longest cave system on the planet. In this episode of Exploring America State by State, we explore the Bluegrass State's horse farms, mountain wilderness, and small distillery towns.

We drive the Bourbon Trail through Lexington and Bardstown's white-fenced horse farms, climb the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway's sandstone cliffs, and trace the historic Cumberland Gap. Along the way: the rare moonbow at Cumberland Falls, ancient fossil beds at Big Bone Lick, Mammoth Cave's four hundred miles of mapped passages, Churchill Downs, and the Kentucky Horse Park.

We also flag the tourist traps around Louisville's bourbon gift shops and Derby week price surges, cover RV travel logistics on Kentucky's easy central interstates versus the winding eastern mountains, the best free and paid RV camping at Mammoth Cave, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, and the Daniel Boone National Forest, where to stay from Louisville's downtown hotels to Bourbon Country inns, honest transportation reality (bring a vehicle), and the food that defines the state — the Hot Brown sandwich, original Kentucky Fried Chicken in Corbin, bourbon balls, and burgoo stew.

Plus: summer cave and gorge season, honest budget expectations (outside of Derby week), and cell coverage advice for the Appalachian backcountry.

Next stop: Tennessee, a state of Smoky Mountain wilderness, honky tonk music, and a barbecue tradition that runs as deep as the whiskey.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Introducing Kentucky

Indiana - The Hoosier State: Speedway Thunder, Covered Bridges, and the RV Capital of the World

PassTheBrockly — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 20:53:00 +0000

Indiana carries real Midwestern heart in every small town and cornfield — and for RV travelers specifically, this episode hits close to home. In this stop on Exploring America State by State, we explore the Hoosier State, home to the legendary Indy 500 and the town of Elkhart, proudly known as the RV Capital of the World.

We drive the Indiana Dunes Lakeshore Drive, Brown County's "Little Smokies" fall foliage byway, and Parke County's Covered Bridge Capital route. Along the way: the sandstone canyons of Turkey Run State Park, underground chambers at Marengo Cave, the towering dunes along Lake Michigan, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the world's largest Children's Museum, Amish Country's Shipshewana, and the jaw-dropping domed atrium of the West Baden Springs Hotel.

We also flag the tourist traps around Indy 500 race weekend and Amish Country's tour-bus shops, cover RV travel logistics on Indiana's flat, easy interstates (plus a dedicated stop at the RV Hall of Fame and Museum in Elkhart), the best free and paid RV camping at Indiana Dunes, Turkey Run, and the Hoosier National Forest, where to stay from the grand West Baden Springs Hotel to Brown County cabins, getting around by Amtrak and the South Shore Line, and the food that defines the state — sugar cream pie, the oversized breaded pork tenderloin sandwich, and St. Elmo's famously spicy shrimp cocktail.

Plus: Indy 500 and Dunes beach season tips, honest budget expectations, and cell coverage advice for rural farmland.

Next stop: Kentucky, a state of bourbon distilleries, rolling horse farms, and bluegrass music rooted deep in Appalachian tradition.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Introducing Indiana
(00:07:18) - Visit Indiana

Michigan - The Great Lakes State: Car-Free Islands, Motown, and Norther Wilderness

PassTheBrockly — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 20:45:00 +0000

Michigan touches four of the five Great Lakes and holds more freshwater coastline than any other state in the country. In this episode of Exploring America State by State, we explore a state that feels like two completely different places — Detroit's industrial and musical energy down south, and the wild forested wilderness of the Upper Peninsula way up north.

We drive M-22 around the Leelanau Peninsula's cherry orchards, the arching Tunnel of Trees along the northern coastline, and the cliffside overlooks of Pictured Rocks. Along the way: the root-beer-tinted Tahquamenon Falls, the crystal-clear spring at Kitch-iti-kipi, remote Isle Royale, and the towering Sleeping Bear Dunes. We visit car-free Mackinac Island, Detroit's Motown Museum, and watch massive freighters pass through the Soo Locks.

We also flag the tourist traps around Mackinac Island's fudge shops and ferry package upsells, cover RV travel logistics (including the Mackinac Bridge's wind restrictions for tall rigs), the best free and paid RV camping in the Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forests and at Sleeping Bear Dunes, where to stay from the historic Grand Hotel to Upper Peninsula lodges, getting around by ferry and Amtrak, and the food that defines the state — Traverse City cherries, Detroit Coney dogs, Upper Peninsula pasties, and fresh Great Lakes whitefish.

Plus: peak cherry festival and Mackinac Island season, honest budget expectations, and cell coverage advice for the remote Upper Peninsula.

Next stop: Indiana, a state of rolling farmland, motor speedway history, and small towns that carry real Midwestern heart.

Ohio - The Buckeye State: Rock and Roll, Roller Coasters, and Amish Country

PassTheBrockly — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 20:37:00 +0000

Ohio quietly shaped more of modern American history than most travelers realize. In this episode of Exploring America State by State, we explore the Buckeye State — birthplace of aviation, home to more astronauts than almost any other state, and the town where rock and roll earned its official hall of fame.

We drive the Ohio River Scenic Byway, wind through the sandstone gorges of Hocking Hills, cruise the Amish Country Byway through Holmes County, and follow Lake Erie's shoreline on Route 2. Along the way: the ancient Serpent Mound earthwork, glacial grooves on Kelleys Island, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, record-breaking coasters at Cedar Point, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, and the free National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton.

We also flag the tourist traps around Cedar Point's food and parking and Amish Country's tour-bus shops, cover RV travel logistics on Ohio's flat, easy interstates, the best free and paid RV camping at Wayne National Forest and East Harbor State Park, where to stay from Cedar Point's own resorts to Amish Country inns, getting around by Amtrak and Cleveland's RTA, and the food that defines the state — Cincinnati chili, Buckeye candy, Cleveland's Polish Boy, and Amish Country cheese and pie.

Plus: peak Cedar Point and Lake Erie island season, honest budget expectations, and cell coverage advice for the Hocking Hills valleys.

Next stop: Michigan, a state surrounded by the Great Lakes, home to charming lakeside towns, thick northern forests, and a genuine automotive legacy.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Introducing Ohio

West Virginia - The Mountain State: Whitewater, Coal Country, and the Darkest Skies on the East Coast

PassTheBrockly — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 20:29:00 +0000

Almost Heaven — and after driving it, you understand exactly why John Denver wrote that. In this episode of Exploring America State by State, we explore West Virginia, the Mountain State, folded entirely into the Appalachian range with deep gorges, whitewater rivers, and a proud coal mining heritage.

We climb the Highland Scenic Highway through the Monongahela National Forest, drive past the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, and wind through the dramatic cliffs of Seneca Rocks. Along the way: the tundra-like landscape of Dolly Sods Wilderness, a steam train ride on the Cass Scenic Railroad, the Cold War bunker hidden beneath The Greenbrier resort, and the radio-quiet skies of Green Bank.

We also flag the tourist traps around Harpers Ferry's souvenir strip and rafting outfitter upsells, cover RV travel logistics on the state's steep mountain roads, the best free and paid RV camping in the Monongahela National Forest and at Babcock and Blackwater Falls State Parks, where to stay from the luxurious Greenbrier to Harpers Ferry's historic inns, honest transportation reality (bring a vehicle — there's no major transit here), and the food that defines the state — pepperoni rolls, biscuits and gravy, wild ramps, and a fully loaded West Virginia hot dog.

Plus: peak whitewater rafting season, honest budget expectations (one of the most affordable stops on the trip), and the spottiest cell coverage we've encountered yet.

Next stop: Ohio, a state of rolling farmland, industrial river cities, and small towns that quietly shaped much of modern American history.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Introducing West Virginia

Delaware: The First State: Boardwalks, DuPont Estates, and Tax Free Shopping

PassTheBrockly — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 20:15:00 +0000

Small enough to cross in an afternoon, but packed with more character than its size suggests. In this episode of Exploring America State by State, we explore Delaware, the First State, from grand DuPont mansions in the north to the boardwalk beach towns filling the Atlantic coastline every summer.

We drive Coastal Highway past Rehoboth, Dewey, and Bethany Beach, wind the quieter Delaware Bay Scenic Byway, and curve through Chateau Country's rolling estates. Along the way: WWII watchtowers at Cape Henlopen, antique steam cars at Auburn Heights Preserve, a bald cypress swamp at Trap Pond, the grand DuPont estates of Winterthur and Nemours, Dover's "Monster Mile," and a scenic crossing on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.

We also flag the tourist traps around Rehoboth's boardwalk shops and the outlet mall crowds, cover RV travel logistics along Coastal Highway and Route 13, the best paid RV camping at Cape Henlopen and Trap Pond State Parks (plus limited free primitive sites at Redden State Forest), where to stay from boardwalk hotels to Chateau Country inns, getting around by ferry and Amtrak, and the food that defines the state — scrapple, blue crabs, Dolle's saltwater taffy, and Sussex County fried chicken.

Plus: peak beach season tips, honest budget expectations (helped by zero sales tax), and cell coverage advice for rural Sussex County.

Next stop: West Virginia, a state of dramatic mountain gorges, whitewater rivers, and small coal country towns tucked deep into the Appalachian highlands.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Delaware

Virginia - The Old Dominion: Colonial History, Blue Ridge Mountains, and Chesapeake Coast

PassTheBrockly — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 20:05:00 +0000

Virginia holds more early American history than almost any state in the country. In this episode of Exploring America State by State, we explore the Old Dominion, birthplace of eight U.S. presidents, from the mountain crest of Skyline Drive down through the Historic Triangle to the beaches of Virginia Beach.

We drive Skyline Drive's seventy-plus overlooks in Shenandoah National Park, the Colonial Parkway linking Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, and Charlottesville's wine country. Along the way: the underground world of Luray Caverns, wild ponies at Grayson Highlands, the traditional Chesapeake community of Tangier Island, Colonial Williamsburg's living history, Jefferson's Monticello, and Arlington National Cemetery.

We also flag the tourist traps around Williamsburg's combo tickets and Virginia Beach's oceanfront strip, cover RV travel logistics (including the Skyline Drive tunnel clearance you need to know), the best free and paid RV camping in Shenandoah and the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, where to stay from Williamsburg resorts to Charlottesville wine country inns, getting around by Amtrak and the free Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, and the food that defines the state — Smithfield ham, Virginia peanuts, Brunswick stew, and Chesapeake oysters.

Plus: summer beach and hiking tips, honest budget expectations, and cell coverage advice for the Shenandoah backcountry.

Next stop: Delaware, a small state with a big coastline, quiet beach towns, and a surprisingly rich Revolutionary War history of its own.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Introducing Virginia

Washington DC - The Nations Capital: Free Museums, Cherry Blossoms, and Powerful History

PassTheBrockly — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 19:56:00 +0000

Technically not a state, but no road trip through this part of the country is complete without it. In this episode of Exploring America State by State, we explore Washington DC, the seat of American democracy, where the White House, the Capitol, and the Supreme Court all sit within walking distance of each other.

We drive the wooded Rock Creek Parkway, follow the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, and cruise past the illuminated monuments after dark. We uncover hidden gems like Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Dumbarton Oaks, and the National Arboretum's relocated Capitol columns, then hit the essentials: the National Mall, the Smithsonian museums (all free), the Lincoln Memorial at sunset, the Capitol, and the White House.

We also flag the tourist traps around the Mall's overpriced restaurants and duplicate bus tours, cover RV travel logistics (spoiler: park outside the district and Metro in), the best paid RV camping at Cherry Hill Park and Greenbelt Park, where to stay from Georgetown boutiques to Capitol Hill inns, getting around by Metro and Capital Bikeshare, and the food that defines the city — Ben's Chili Bowl half-smokes, U Street's Ethiopian food scene, and DC's own mumbo sauce.

Plus: cherry blossom season, Fourth of July fireworks on the Mall, honest budget expectations (hint: the best stuff is free), and cell coverage that genuinely won't be a concern.

Next stop: Virginia, a state of rolling horse country, Civil War battlefields, and a coastline stretching from historic Williamsburg to the beaches of Virginia Beach.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - RV Camping: Washington, DC

Maryland - The Old Line State: Blue Crabs, Sailing Towns, and Wild Horse Beaches

PassTheBrockly — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 19:34:00 +0000

Maryland packs mountains, sailing harbors, and Atlantic beaches into one surprisingly small footprint — and in this episode of Exploring America State by State, we drive all of it. We wind the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway along the Eastern Shore, climb Garrett County's mountain roads around Deep Creek Lake, trace Civil War history on the Antietam Campaign Byway, and cross the dramatic Chesapeake Bay Bridge toward the coast.

Along the way: wild horses roaming free on Assateague Island, the historic waterman community of Smith Island, Baltimore's Inner Harbor and Fort McHenry, a Naval Academy tour in Annapolis, and Ocean City's classic three-mile boardwalk. We flag the tourist traps around the Inner Harbor and boardwalk crab houses, cover RV travel logistics across the state (including Bay Bridge timing tips), the best free and paid RV camping at Assateague and Savage River State Forest, where to stay from boardwalk hotels to Deep Creek Lake cabins, getting around by MARC train and water taxi, and the food Maryland is famous for — real crab cakes, Old Bay on everything, pit beef, and the impossibly thin-layered Smith Island cake.

Plus: peak crab season timing, honest budget expectations, and cell coverage advice for the western mountains and rural Eastern Shore.

Next stop: Washington DC, the nation's capital, where monuments, museums, and centuries of American history sit within walking distance of each other.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Introducing Maryland

Pennsylvania- The Keystone State: Independence Hall, Amish Country, and an Entire Town Made of Chocolate

PassTheBrockly — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 19:21:00 +0000

Pennsylvania holds together more American history and culture than almost any state its size. In this episode of Exploring America State by State, we explore the Keystone State from the birthplace of American independence in Philadelphia to the steel-city skyline of Pittsburgh, with rolling Amish farmland and an entire chocolate empire in between.

We drive the northern stretch of Route 6 past the Pine Creek Gorge (the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania"), wind the historic Lincoln Highway through farm country, and climb through the Laurel Highlands to Fallingwater. We stand where the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall sit steps apart, walk the Gettysburg battlefield, and take in Pittsburgh's three-rivers skyline from the Duquesne Incline. Of course, we spend real time in Hershey — the amusement park, Chocolate World, and a special stop for RV travelers: America's Largest RV Show, held every September right in town.

We also flag the tourist traps around Philly's cheesesteak rivalry and Gettysburg's ghost tours, cover RV travel logistics through the Poconos and Allegheny Plateau, the best free and paid RV camping at Allegheny National Forest and Hershey RV Resort, where to stay from the grand Hotel Hershey to quiet Amish country inns, getting around by SEPTA and Amtrak's Keystone Corridor, and the food that defines the state — Philly cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, whoopie pies, and Pittsburgh's famous fries-in-the-sandwich Primanti Bros creation.

Plus: summer travel tips, honest budget expectations, and cell coverage advice for the deep forest regions.

Next stop: Maryland, where Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, historic harbor towns, and rolling horse country all fit inside one surprisingly compact stretch of coastline.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Introducing Pennsylvania

New Jersey - The Garden State: Boardwalks, Pine Barrens and the Original 24-Hour Diner

PassTheBrockly — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:55:00 +0000

New Jersey gets teased more than almost any state in the country — and it doesn't deserve most of it. In this episode of Exploring America State by State, we cross into the Garden State and find exactly what the nickname promises: rolling farmland, over a million acres of pine forest, and 130 miles of legendary shoreline.

We drive the Garden State Parkway past beach town after beach town, cut through the quiet, sandy Pine Barrens on Route 206, and wind through the Delaware Water Gap before landing in the gas-lit Victorian streets of Cape May. Along the way we uncover the Great Falls hidden inside Paterson, ironworking history at Batsto Village, and skyline views of Lady Liberty from Liberty State Park — no New York City price tag required.

We also flag the tourist traps around Atlantic City's casinos and Wildwood's boardwalk games, cover RV travel logistics and the best free and paid RV camping in Wharton and Worthington State Forests, where to stay from casino resorts to Cape May's Victorian inns and Wildwood's retro doo-wop motels, getting around by NJ Transit and PATH, and the food that makes the state a serious contender — pork roll egg and cheese, boardwalk funnel cake, and the famous Jersey tomato.

Plus: summer beach season tips, honest budget expectations, and cell coverage advice for the deep Pine Barrens.

Next stop: Pennsylvania, a state of rolling Amish countryside, Revolutionary War history, and one of the most important cities in the founding of America.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - New Jersey

New York - The Empire State: Skyscrapers, Waterfalls, and Everything In Between

PassTheBrockly — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:44:00 +0000

New York is so much more than one city — it's a whole state with two completely different rhythms. In this episode of Exploring America State by State, we cover both: the electric pulse of Manhattan and the wide-open, slower landscape that surrounds it for hundreds of miles.

We drive the Taconic Parkway and Hudson Highlands, uncover hidden gems like Letchworth State Park (the "Grand Canyon of the East") and Watkins Glen's nineteen waterfalls, and stand at the roaring edge of Niagara Falls. In the city, we hit Times Square, Central Park, the Empire State Building, and walk the Brooklyn Bridge, then take the ferry out to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island before a solemn stop at the 9/11 Memorial. Of course, no New York episode is complete without a real slice of pizza and a proper New York cheesecake.

We also cover the tourist traps to avoid, RV travel logistics (spoiler: leave the rig outside Manhattan), free and paid RV camping in the Adirondacks and at Letchworth, where to stay from Brooklyn boutique hotels to Niagara resorts, getting around by subway and the free Staten Island Ferry, unique experiences like Broadway and Finger Lakes wine tasting, summer travel tips, honest budget expectations, and cell coverage advice for the backcountry.

Next stop: New Jersey, a state full of hidden beaches, historic small towns, and a personality far bigger than its size would suggest.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Exploring America: New York
(00:01:19) - Introducing New York's natural wonders
(00:04:45) - Visit Manhattan
(00:07:28) - Introducing New York City & the Finger Lakes

Connecticut - The Constitution State: Tall Ships, Ivy League Charm, and the Best Pizza In America

PassTheBrockly — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 18:04:00 +0000

Most people drive through Connecticut on their way to somewhere else — and that's a mistake. In this episode of Exploring America State by State, we slow down in the Constitution State, where colonial stone walls meet Ivy League history and old whaling towns still smell like salt air.

We cruise the art deco bridges of the Merritt Parkway, wind through the Quiet Corner along Route 169, and hug the coastline through Mystic and Stonington. Climb aboard a real tall ship at Mystic Seaport Museum, wander Yale's Gothic campus in New Haven, and stand beneath the fairytale towers of Gillette Castle above the Connecticut River. We'll also flag the tourist traps worth skipping around the casino resorts and Mystic's movie-famous pizza scene.

Plus: RV travel notes (including which parkways to avoid with a taller rig), the best free and paid RV camping at Hammonasset Beach, Kettletown, and Pachaug State Forest, where to stay from coastal inns to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, getting around by Metro-North and ferry, and the food that makes Connecticut a serious culinary destination — New Haven apizza, warm-butter lobster rolls, and Ted's legendary steamed cheeseburgers.

Summer travel tips, honest budget expectations, and cell coverage advice for the quieter hills round out the episode.

Next stop: New York, a state so massive it holds skyscrapers, mountains, vineyards, and endless small towns all under one name.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Exploring Connecticut
(00:00:52) - Introducing Connecticut
(00:08:12) - Connecticut and New York

Route 66 Turns 100 — Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier, State by State

PassTheBrockly — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 16:05:00 +0000

This year, Route 66 turns one hundred years old. In this special centennial episode of Exploring America State by State and Pass the Brockly, we drive the entire Mother Road — all roughly 2,400 miles of it — from its official starting sign in downtown Chicago to the End of the Trail marker on the Santa Monica Pier.

Chapter by chapter, state by state: Illinois' Gemini Giant and Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket, Missouri's Gateway Arch and Meramec Caverns, Kansas's short-but-mighty 13-mile stretch through Galena, Oklahoma's Blue Whale of Catoosa and POPS 66, Texas's Cadillac Ranch and the 72-ounce Big Texan steak challenge, New Mexico's neon-lit Blue Swallow Motel, Arizona's concrete-teepee Wigwam Motel and the wild burros of Oatman, and California's Mojave crossing through Amboy's Roy's Motel before reaching the Pacific.

We also cover the route-wide essentials: hidden ghost towns and detours, tourist traps to watch for, RV travel logistics alongside I-40, the best free BLM and paid KOA-style camping along the corridor, historic motor-court hotels, transportation options, the food that defines each stretch, unique bucket-list experiences, peak summer travel timing, honest budget expectations, and cell coverage advice for the remote desert sections.

We close with a full trip summary and a countdown of the top 10 unmissable attractions on the entire route.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Route 66: Celebrating Its 100th Birthday
(00:09:20) - Route 66
(00:15:54) - Top 10 Hits on Route 66

Rhode Island - The Ocean State: Mansions, Bonfires, and the Best Clam Cakes in America

PassTheBrockly — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:14:06 +0000

The smallest state in the country packs the biggest surprises. In this episode of Exploring America State by State, we cross into Rhode Island — the Ocean State — where Gilded Age mansions line the cliffs of Newport, floating bonfires light up the rivers of Providence, and quahog stuffies are practically a religion.

We drive Ocean Drive and Route 1A along the coast, walk the legendary Cliff Walk between the Vanderbilt mansions and the Atlantic, and step inside Providence's historic Union Station. You'll learn the schedule behind WaterFire, Providence's magical nighttime bonfire spectacle on the river, plus which tourist traps to skip near the Newport waterfront.

We also cover RV travel across this compact state, the best free and paid RV camping options (Fishermen's Memorial, Burlingame, and Arcadia Management Area), where to stay from historic resorts to budget-friendly hotels, how to get around by bus, rail, and ferry, and the local food you can't leave without trying — clam cakes, chowder, stuffies, Del's Frozen Lemonade, and a classic New York System hot wiener.

Plus: summer travel tips, honest budget expectations, and what to expect from cell coverage out on Block Island and the rural interior.

Next stop: Connecticut, the land of quiet New England towns, ivy-covered campuses, and historic seaports.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Introducing Rhode Island
(00:02:41) - Introducing Rhode Island

Exploring Massachusetts

PassTheBrockly — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:34:00 +0000

Join Exploring America State by State as we discover Massachusetts, the birthplace of the American Revolution and one of the most historically significant destinations in the United States. From the cobblestone streets of Boston and the Freedom Trail to the beaches of Cape Cod and the fall atmosphere of Salem, this episode explores the history, culture, sports, food, and scenic beauty that define the Bay State.

Walk Boston’s legendary Freedom Trail and visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Explore iconic landmarks including Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Plymouth Rock, and the USS Constitution
Discover scenic drives along Cape Cod, the Mohawk Trail, and Cape Ann
Experience hidden gems like the Berkshires, Marblehead, Northampton, and Tanglewood
RV travel tips and camping recommendations for Cape Cod and greater Boston
Local food favorites including clam chowder, lobster rolls, Boston cream pie, cannoli, and Dunkin’
Transportation advice for using Boston’s MBTA subway system and avoiding city traffic
Summer travel recommendations for Cape Cod beaches, whale watching, harbor cruises, and coastal New England road trips
Seasonal travel strategies for Salem in October and fall foliage in western Massachusetts
Unique experiences including whale watching in Provincetown, concerts at Tanglewood, and walking historic Boston neighborhoods

Resources mentioned: Freedom Trail, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Cape Cod National Seashore, Salem Witch Trials Memorial, Plymouth Rock, Mayflower II, Nickerson State Park, Tanglewood, Legal Sea Foods, Chatham Bars Inn, Cape Flyer train, and the MBTA subway system.

Vermont Hidden Gems, Scenic Drives & Route 100 | Exploring America State by State

PassTheBrockly — Tue, 26 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Join Exploring America State by State as we discover Vermont, a uniquely preserved corner of New England that banned billboards in 1968 and maintains its authentic character through maple farms, covered bridges, and scenic mountain roads. This episode explores why Vermont is the only continental state without a Walmart and how it rewards travelers who slow down to experience its genuine charm.

Route 100: Vermont's signature 200-mile scenic drive through the Green Mountains
Iconic attractions including Stowe, Ben and Jerry's factory, and Shelburne Museum
Hidden gems like Lake Willoughby, Quechee Gorge, and Warren Falls swimming hole
RV travel tips and camping recommendations at state parks
Local food scene featuring maple syrup, Vermont cheddar, and craft breweries
Transportation advice and cell coverage warnings for rural areas
Summer travel strategies to avoid crowds while experiencing county fairs and farmers markets
Unique experiences like visiting working sugarhouses during maple season

Resources mentioned: Ben and Jerry's factory tour, Shelburne Museum, Trapp Family Lodge, Groton State Forest, Burlington Farmers Market, The Alchemist brewery, Hill Farmstead Brewery, Grafton Village Cheese, Cabot Creamery, Vermont Country Store

New Hampshire's Scenic Drives, White Mountains & Hidden Gems | Exploring America State by State

PassTheBrockly — Thu, 21 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Join the hosts of Exploring America State by State as they take you on a scenic journey through New Hampshire, revealing why this northeastern gem deserves to be a destination, not just a drive-through state. Discover the hidden treasures, scenic routes, and authentic experiences that make New Hampshire a traveler's paradise.

The legendary Kancamagus Highway - 34.5 miles of pristine New England scenery
Mount Washington's extreme weather and multiple ways to reach the summit
New Hampshire's surprising 18-mile coastline and Hampton Beach
Lake Winnipesaukee and the charming Lakes Region towns
Hidden gems like Sculptured Rocks Natural Area and Lost River Gorge
Portsmouth's emerging food scene and authentic New England dining
Best camping spots, RV-friendly routes, and seasonal travel tips
Unique experiences from loon watching to zip-lining through mountain canopies

Resources and Places Mentioned: Kancamagus Highway, Mount Washington Cog Railway, Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, Wolfeboro Inn, Canterbury Shaker Village, Strawbery Banke Museum, Black Trumpet Bistro, Tuckerman Brewing, Franconia Ridge Loop, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport

Black Fly Season - SPECIAL EPISODE | Exploring America State by State

PassTheBrockly — Tue, 19 May 2026 17:31:49 +0000

Ever planned the perfect northern road trip only to discover the bugs are trying to carry you away? In this special episode of Exploring America State by State, we uncover the truth about black fly season across the northern United States and eastern Canada.

From the forests of Maine and Vermont to the Adirondacks of New York and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, we explain when black flies emerge, why they’re so aggressive, and — most importantly — the BEST times to visit these beautiful destinations without having your camping, hiking, RV travel, or outdoor adventures ruined by swarming biting flies.

If you love:

RV travel
scenic drives
hiking
camping
waterfall chasing
road trips
national parks
New England travel
fall foliage
hidden gems

…this episode will help you plan smarter and travel at the right time of year.

We’ll also share:

the peak black fly months to avoid
the ideal travel windows for northern states
practical survival tips if you must travel during swarm season
why July through October is often the sweet spot for outdoor adventures

Whether you’re planning your next summer vacation, content creation trip, or RV journey, this episode could save your trip from becoming a buzzing nightmare.

Join us as we continue Exploring America… State by State.

Maine's Hidden Gems, Coastal Drives & Lobster Shacks | Exploring America State by State

PassTheBrockly — Sun, 17 May 2026 02:38:38 +0000

Join us as we explore Maine, the Pine Tree State, revealing why it's one of America's most scenic and unforgettable summer destinations. This episode takes you on a journey through coastal highways, hidden island villages, and local traditions that make Maine truly special.

Driving the legendary U.S. Route One coastal highway from Portland to Rockland
Discovering Maine's Bold Coast region near Cutler and Lubec for dramatic scenery
Exploring quirky roadside attractions like Eartha, the world's largest rotating globe
Experiencing Maine's islands including Monhegan Island and the Cranberry Isles
Navigating Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain's famous sunrise views
Finding authentic Maine food beyond tourist traps, from lobster shacks to potato donuts
Understanding the great lobster roll debate: butter versus mayonnaise
RV travel tips and campground planning for Maine's coastal regions

Resources mentioned: L.L.Bean flagship store in Freeport, The Holy Donut in Portland, Island Explorer shuttle system, John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s carriage roads in Acadia