Locals Know Best artwork

Locals Know Best

36 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 29 ratings

Nothing compares to a local’s perspective, and that’s precisely what Cindy Scott from CindersTravels.com wants to show you in this upcoming podcast series, Locals Know Best.

Cindy’s guests share the places and outdoor travel adventures they love most in their own backyard. Topics include unique lodging, favorite dining spots, treasured outdoor activities, and a breakdown of whether the instafamous and possibly overrated spots in town are worth checking out.

For more than fifteen years, Cindy has worked in the media industry in many roles across the United States. During the last two years, she has worked out of her RV as a location independent digital nomad.

Cindy’s years of travel and relocation have taught her one fundamental lesson: Locals always know best! Subscribe now for bi-weekly episodes all about the next place you didn’t even know you needed to visit!

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Episodes

33: Leavenworth, Washington, Christmas Town Year-Round

December 14, 2021 08:00 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MB

Today, on the Locals Know Best podcast, I’ll be speaking with Tom Potter about all of his favorite outdoor adventures in a town you may know as one of the most picturesque Alpine-style villages in the United States, Leavenworth, Washington! I’m very excited for this episode because Leavenworth has always been in the back of my mind as an excellent fit for this podcast, and even more so for one of our holiday episodes. Leavenworth is not only incredibly jam-packed with outdoor activities,...

32: Portland, Maine, The Way Life Should Be

November 30, 2021 08:00 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MB

Today, on the Locals Know Best podcast, I’ll be speaking with Kristan Vermeulen about how to make the most of a day outdoors in Portland, Maine. Join Kristan and me as we visit Portland, Maine, during both the off and on-season, eating tons of tasty treats along the way! Activities we discuss in this episode include hitting the water in multiple vessel options, skiing, dog sledding, oyster shucking, hiking, and more! About Kristan Vermeulen Kristan is originally from Maryland and was a ...

31: Hiking Above the Clouds in Mount Rainier National Park

November 16, 2021 08:00 - 45 minutes - 41.7 MB

Today, on the Locals Know Best podcast, I’ll be speaking with Michelle Stelly about how to make the most of a weekend at Mount Rainier National Park! In this episode, Michelle and I will first discuss Washington’s three beautiful national parks. Then, we’ll backpack, hike, and snowshoe throughout all four seasons in Mount Rainier National Park, as well as touch on a few of the surrounding areas. We’ll be sure to see tons of epic waterfalls, lakes, and fire lookouts along the way, and of ...

30: Alexandria, Virginia, a Nice Mixture of Old and New

November 02, 2021 07:00 - 43 minutes - 40 MB

Today, I'll be speaking with Cecilia and Scott Fix about how to spend a fantastic day outdoors in Alexandria, Virginia. Join Cecilia, Scott, and me as we start off our day, waking up in a spooky spot. Then we continue adventuring outdoors via boating the Potomac and geocaching. All while also appreciating old architecture, waterfront parks, art installations, Cherry Blossoms, and all of the best eating and drinking Alexandria has to offer along the way. About Cecilia and Scott Fix Scott...

29: Kenai, Alaska, You've Entered the Real Alaska

October 19, 2021 09:00 - 56 minutes - 52.1 MB

Today, on the Locals Know Best podcast, I’ll be speaking with Jon Taylor about how to make the most of an outdoorsy trip throughout the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska. This episode is sure to put you under the spell of the north. Join Jon and me as we enjoy the Kenai peninsula as an adventure-loving local would! Our discussion is chock full of outdoor experiences, including sea kayaking, flying ourselves to epic fishing locations, hiking, and fat tire biking the beach! Also, as you would expe...

28: That Cabin Cozy Feel in Flagstaff, Arizona

October 05, 2021 06:00 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MB

Today, I'll be speaking with Sam To about how to make the most of an outdoorsy trip to Flagstaff, Arizona. Join Sam and me on a “choose your own level of adventure” summer day! Options range from hiking, biking, and swimming, to car touring and leisurely taking in Flagstaff’s beauty from up in the treetops. About Sam To Sam works on the COVID-19 response team for the state of Arizona in a position that is 100% remote from home, which she has found to be pretty fantastic! She lives wi...

27. The Natural Wonders of Western Los Angeles, California

September 21, 2021 07:00 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MB

Today, I’ll be speaking with Laura Grier about all of her favorite outdoor adventures throughout Western Los Angeles. We’ll primarily focus on the span along the coast between Marina del Rey and Malibu, including stops in Venice, Santa Monica, Culver City, and Topanga. And then, before wrapping it all up, we’ll also be taking a quick second-day trip over to Catalina Island! Join Laura and me as we paddle, bike, jeep, hike, wine taste, and even take an extra day island adventuring all in ...

27: The Natural Wonders of Western Los Angeles, California

September 21, 2021 07:00 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MB

Today, I’ll be speaking with Laura Grier about all of her favorite outdoor adventures throughout Western Los Angeles. We’ll primarily focus on the span along the coast between Marina del Rey and Malibu, including stops in Venice, Santa Monica, Culver City, and Topanga. And then, before wrapping it all up, we’ll also be taking a quick second-day trip over to Catalina Island! Join Laura and me as we paddle, bike, jeep, hike, wine taste, and even take an extra day island adventuring all in ...

26. North Umpqua, Oregon, The Gateway to Crater Lake

September 07, 2021 07:00 - 43 minutes - 40 MB

Today, I’ll be speaking with Sam Starns about all of her favorite outdoor adventures around the North Umpqua area, with notable stops in Roseburg, Oregon, and Crater Lake National Park.  Join Sam and me as we wake up and watch the sunrise in Crater Lake National Park. Then, we proceed with a packed day, full of paddling, hiking, exploring countless waterfalls, soaking in hot springs, fishing, and even mushroom foraging. Lastly, we wind down with a glass of wine in the “new Napa Valley” – R...

25. Livingston, Montana, Where Cowboys and Artists Meet

July 20, 2021 07:00 - 37 minutes - 35.2 MB

Today, I’ll be speaking with Mel Harrison about all of her favorite outdoor adventures around Livingston, Montana. Join Mel and me as we spend a winter day cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, hiking, skiing, and ice skating all around Livingston, Montana. Then, in the end, we’ll also dive into a few summer-weather outdoorsy activities, including fishing, floating, and hiking, that can be enjoyed in the Livingston area! About Mel Harrison Mel is an expert on Montana and Y...

24. Northfield, Minnesota, A Quaint Little River Town

July 06, 2021 07:00 - 34 minutes - 32.1 MB

Today, I’ll be speaking with Kristen Glazer about how to make the most of a day outdoors in Northfield, Minnesota. Join Kristen and me as we spend a late summer / early fall day hiking, boating, and kayaking. Then, in the end, we’ll cover a few winter-weather outdoorsy activities, including skiing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, that can be enjoyed in the Northfield area as well! About Kristen Glazer Kristen is a Minnesota-based travel writer. She is also the founder of Exp...

23. Let’s Peace Out and Go Kayaking in Asheville, North Carolina

June 22, 2021 09:00 - 35 minutes - 33.3 MB

Today, I’ll be speaking with Samantha Kellgren about how to have a fantastic day outdoors around one of the most admired spots in the United States – Asheville, North Carolina. Join Sam and me as we bike, hike, kayak, and tube all around this part of North Carolina known for delicious beer, stunning nature, and attracting visitors far and wide. About Samantha Kellgren Sam is a wife, mom, business owner, and marathoner. She runs her own health and mindset coaching business called Simp...

22. Woodstock, GA, It Should Be On Everybody’s List

June 08, 2021 09:00 - 37 minutes - 34.8 MB

Today, I’ll be speaking with Kressa Peterson about a perfect day of outdoor adventure in Woodstock, Georgia. Join Kressa and me as we camp, bike, run, kayak, paddleboard, swim in waterfalls, and even jump out of planes in the “all-around beautiful little town” she calls home! Kressa is a wife, mom, grandmother, Spartan Racer, ex-Sporthorse saleswoman, and entrepreneur. Her most recent venture was creating the Shower Toga, a clean-up and changing garment that acts as your very own perso...

22. Woodstock, Georgia, It Should Be On Everybody’s List

June 08, 2021 09:00 - 37 minutes - 34.8 MB

Today, I’ll be speaking with Kressa Peterson about a perfect day of outdoor adventure in Woodstock, Georgia. Join Kressa and me as we camp, bike, run, kayak, paddleboard, swim in waterfalls, and even jump out of planes in the “all-around beautiful little town” she calls home! Kressa is a wife, mom, grandmother, Spartan Racer, ex-Sporthorse saleswoman, and entrepreneur. Her most recent venture was creating the Shower Toga, a clean-up and changing garment that acts as your very own perso...

21. Earning a Fat Sandwich (or Two) by Hitting the Trails in Northeastern New Jersey

May 25, 2021 07:00 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MB

Today, I’ll be speaking with Mike Nicosia from Northeastern New Jersey. We’ll discuss why his hometown area should not be overlooked when thinking about hitting the trails in New England. Join Mike and me as we hike to the best views in Northeastern New Jersey, learn about a haunted spot and a local unsolved mystery, eat some local staple foods, and ultimately discover why the area has "more to offer than people give it credit for!" About Mike Nicosia Mike is the founder of Conquerwil...

20. Getting Lost in Greenery in Brooklyn, New York

May 11, 2021 07:00 - 30 minutes - 28.5 MB

Today, I'll be speaking with NYC native Becca Siegel about how to make the most of a day outdoors in Brooklyn, New York! Join Becca and me as we bike, walk, hike, eat and drink our way, unexpectedly, through one of the largest metropolitan areas on the planet! About Becca Siegel Becca is a traveler, adventurer, content creator, and travel/lifestyle writer who aims to inspire professionals to be adventurous and confident through remote work, travel, and entrepreneurship. She has spent se...

19. Shawnee National Forest, Illinois, Off Most People’s Radar

April 27, 2021 09:00 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MB

Today, I’ll be speaking with Carol Hoffman about many of the incredible adventures possible in Shawnee National Forest country in Southern Illinois. Join Carol and me as we zip through the canopy, ride horseback, hike, bike, spend time on the lake, rock climb, rappel and paint with Alpacas, all in Illinois’ only National Forest!   About Carol Hoffman Carol is a birdwatcher, hiker, and all-around nature enthusiast. She has been promoting the scenic beauty of Shawnee forest country f...

18. Raleigh, North Carolina, a Small Town Feel with a Big City Vibe

April 13, 2021 09:00 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MB

Today, I'll be speaking with Caroline Makepeace about how to make the most of a day outdoors in Raleigh, North Carolina. Join Caroline and me as we bike, paddle, eat and drink our way through the big city with a small town feel!   About Caroline Makepeace Caroline is the co-Founder of y travel blog, along with her husband, Craig. Over the past 10 years, they've been showing people how to travel more and create better memories. And together, they have built y travel blog into one of...

17. Central Sierra Nevada, California, You Don’t Come up Here for Fancy

March 30, 2021 07:00 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MB

Today, I’ll be speaking with Doug Noll about all of his favorite outdoor activities and places in Central Sierra Nevada, California. Join Doug and me as we adventure through each of the four seasons in the Central Sierra Nevada area of California and explore all of the best local spots for skiing, whitewater rafting, biking, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, boating, and water skiing.   About Doug Noll Doug is a lawyer turned peacemaker, author, trainer, and mentor. He has cr...

16. Las Vegas, Nevada, Look a Little Bit Further

March 16, 2021 09:00 - 34 minutes - 32 MB

Today, I’ll be speaking with Ashly Ryan about her perfect day beyond the strip in Las Vegas, Nevada. And then, at the end of our chat, we talk about a few alternative day trips in the area as well! Join Ashly and me as we make the most of a day outdoors around Las Vegas, Nevada.   About Ashly Ryan Ashly is half of Happy Nomad Couple, a duo who loves the travel together on a budget. In 2017, they quit their jobs to backpack around the world. In one year, they visited 22 countries on f...

15. Branson, Missouri, a Cheesy Yet Charming Hub for Seeing the Ozarks

March 02, 2021 10:00 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MB

Today, I’ll be speaking with Ashley Mann about a fun outdoorsy day in the tourist destination of Branson, Missouri. And then the end of our chat, we’re also going to touch on a bunch of the outdoor adventures possible in the greater Ozarks area. Join Ashley and me as we make the most of a day outdoors in Branson, Missouri, and then journey into all of the outdoor adventures provided by the surrounding Ozarks area.   About Ashley Mann Ashley is a former full-time RVer. She and her h...

14. Southern Idaho, Skiing Like it Used to Be

February 16, 2021 08:00 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MB

Today, I’ll be speaking with Tony Harrison about a bunch of different outdoor activities in Southern Idaho, but with an emphasis on all of the skiing and snowboarding possibilities. Join Tony and me as we spend a day skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in Southern Idaho and then wrap up the day back in Twin Falls, Idaho! Why visit Southern Idaho? Tony: “Well, for starters, you should definitely pick Idaho over more popular areas to ski like Colorado and California, because we’ve got very ...

13. How to Earn Some Well-Deserved Patio Time in Fort Collins, Colorado

February 02, 2021 08:00 - 34 minutes - 32.1 MB

Join Paul and me as we spend an epic day whitewater rafting, biking, and hiking all around Fort Collins. Then we finish off our day soaking up what’s left of the sun on some fantastic patios while enjoying some of the best beers in the states! Paul is the CMO of RunRepeat, the largest athletic footwear review site on the web. Check out RunRepeat or Check out the NoCO Trail Conditions Facebook Group. Paul is an outdoor fanatic who loves adventure. Over the past 20 years, he has climbed, ...

12. Minden, Louisiana, The Friendliest City in the South

January 19, 2021 05:37 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MB

In this episode, I'll be speaking with Sara McDaniel of Simply Southern Cottage about Minden, Louisiana.  Join Sara and me as we spend a day paddling, hiking, biking, and enjoying all of the local cuisine surrounding "The Friendliest City in the South"!   About Sara McDaniel Sara is an adventurer and entrepreneur who loves where she lives. At 41 years old, she retired from a successful sales career to explore entrepreneurial interests, including real estate investing, educational co...

11. Lights and Colors Vomiting all over the Floor in Palo Duro Canyon, Texas

January 05, 2021 10:00 - 34 minutes - 32.2 MB

In this episode, I'll be speaking with Brittney of Brit Nicole Photography about all of the fun adventures that are possible within Palo Duro Canyon and the surrounding areas. Join Brittney and me as we walk through her version of an ultimate elopement adventure, including hiking, jeeping, horseback riding, ziplining, boating, and more!   About Brittney & Brit Nicole Photography Brittney's wedding and elopement photography company hosts a team of photographers who cater to adventurous...

10. Frankenmuth, Michigan, Best Known for Chicken and Christmas

December 22, 2020 10:00 - 32 minutes - 30 MB

In this episode, I’ll be speaking with Jamie Furbush, President & CEO of the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce & Convention and Visitors Bureau. Jamie has been in that role for over 12 years and has worked for the organization for 19 years. In the spirit of this episode premiering during the holidays, I thought it would be fun to embrace the winter holiday season and highlight one of the United States’ most magical Christmas towns – Frankenmuth, Michigan! This, in turn, will make the episo...

9. Lake County, California, A Place to Come & Decompress

December 08, 2020 10:00 - 33 minutes - 31.2 MB

In this episode, I’ll be speaking with Tony and Peggy Barthel, publishers of the Stress Less Camping podcast and enthusiasts and tourism ambassadors for California’s Lake County.  Join Tony, Peggy, and me on a tour of Lake County, California. We start our day at a unique bed and breakfast, get in some time on the lake, take in beautiful views, search for a local coveted treasure as well as eat and drink lots of goodies along the way!   About Tony and Peggy Barthel Visit Tony and Peg...

8. Exploring Southern Utah's Most Beautiful Hidden Gems

November 24, 2020 10:00 - 27 minutes - 25.7 MB

In this episode, I’ll be speaking with Jessi Bang, who will be introducing us to some of the lesser-known gems that exist beyond Zion National Park in Southern Utah. Join Jessi and me on a tour of Southern Utah’s lesser-known hidden gems. We talk about everywhere you should go, after visiting Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Wave!   About Jessi Bang Visit Jessi’s Blog – The Rambling Raccoon Jessi Bang is a blogger, adventure-lover, and dog mom, based in beautiful Southern Utah. She’s k...

7. How to Be One of the 1% at Grand Canyon National Park

November 10, 2020 10:00 - 51 minutes - 47.8 MB

In this episode, I’ll be talking with adventurer Brandon Perlow about his perfect two-day hiking itinerary down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and then back up! Join Brandon and me on an engaging journey down through multiple levels of Grand Canyon National Park, exploring all of the best stops, lookouts, and places to stay along the way!   About Brandon Perlow Brandon Perlow is an avid traveler and adventure-seeker. He’s been to all seven continents, all 50 states, and has lived ...

6. Fayetteville, West Virginia America’s Best Kept Secret

October 27, 2020 09:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MB

In this episode, I’ll be talking with local business owner Heather Johnson about the perfect day of outdoor adventure in Fayetteville, West Virginia. You may or may not know this, but Fayetteville has some of the best rafting in the United States. The town of Fayetteville has been named best Rivertown in 2013 by Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine, and one of the 2006 Top 10 Coolest Small Towns in America by Budget Travel Magazine. Today’s episode is going to be a little bit of a unique one be...

5. A Simpler Way of Life in Mountain View, Arkansas

October 13, 2020 09:00 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MB

In this episode, I’ll be talking with local business owner Becky Wadley about making the most of an outdoorsy day in Mountain View, Arkansas. Join Becky and me as we bike, hike, kayak, canoe, and swim all around town, and then close out our day in a way that’s almost required in this small town! Becky is not only an avid RVer but also an RV blogger at Homeiswherewetakeit.com and the owner of Whitewater RV Park. She’s been married for 29 years and is the mother of 3 adult children. She’s ...

4. More to the Beaches than just Beer in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, and Dewey Beach, Delaware

September 29, 2020 09:00 - 34 minutes - 32.2 MB

In this episode, I’m going to be talking with born and raised local, Micah Idler, about how to make the most of an outdoorsy trip in Delaware. And more specifically, we’ll be exploring a few of Delaware’s east coast towns, including Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, and Dewey Beach. Join Micah and me as we explore what else there is to do, beyond the beaches in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, and Dewey Beach, Delaware!   Take an LA Tour with Micah or Connect with Micah on Instagram Micah is a world-tra...

3. Leaf Peepin’ & Apple Pickin’ in Manchester, Vermont

September 15, 2020 07:00 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MB

Welcome to the third episode of Locals Know Best! I’m your host, Cindy. I’m a full-time RVer and lover of all things travel-related. Years of adventuring on the road have taught me one fundamental lesson; locals ALWAYS know best! Every episode of this podcast will dive into one local’s perfect day of outdoor adventure in their town! In this episode, we’ll be visiting Manchester, Vermont through the eyes of nanny and tour guide, Retha Charette. Join Retha and me as we explore Vermont on a...

2. Playing Beneath the Mountains in Colorado Springs, Colorado

September 01, 2020 09:01 - 24 minutes - 23 MB

Today we’ll be visiting Colorado Springs, CO, through the eyes of author and part-time RVer, Lindsey Nubern. Join Lindsey and me as we wake up, immediately tackle a significant workout challenge, move on to some beautiful hiking options, and learn all about the best places for tasty treats along the way!”   About Lindsey Lindsey’s Website – Nuventure Travels   To tell you a bit more about Lindsey, she has not only authored three books but along with her husband, she saved up $62,00...

1. Skinny Dip Friendly Bend, Oregon

September 01, 2020 09:00 - 31 minutes - 29.6 MB

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Locals Know Best! Today we’ll be visiting Bend, OR through the eyes of Swiss Williamson, acrobat, photographer, wildlife conservationist, and sponsored rock climber. Join Swiss and me as we kick off the day with pastries (your choice of vegan/gluten-free or full-on butter fest), hiking and biking, and learn why you should always have a towel on hand in the Oregon wilderness!   About Swiss Williamson Swiss’s Website: Swiss Williamson   Swiss has...

Welcome to Locals Know Best, a Travel Podcast by Cinders Travels!

August 31, 2020 20:29 - 1 minute - 1.75 MB

Travel expert Cindy Scott from CindersTravels.com chats with town locals as they take you through their neighborhood as if you’re their best friend! They’ll share their second to none outdoor adventure travel tips to help you plan the perfect trip to their region. Go to LocalsKnowBestPodcast.com to learn more.