A Trip to Barry Island, Wales: Inside the Official Gavin & Stacey Tour

On the Mountain: Inside North Carolina’s Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

Episode 46 Each summer in North Carolina, the slopes of Grandfather Mountain come alive with the sights and sounds of Scotland. In this episode, I’m joined by Steve Quillin, President of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, for a closer look at one of the largest and most unique Highland gatherings in the world. We talk about what makes this four-day annual event so special—from the deep-rooted celebration of Scottish heritage and culture to the excitement of traditional athletics, music, and dance. We also explore the educational side of the Games, where history is preserved and shared through clan connections, storytelling, and hands-on experiences that bring the past to life. Whether you’ve had this event on your list for years or you’re just discovering it for the first time, this conversation offers a meaningful look at why so many people return to the mountain year after year. If you’ve ever been curious about what it’s like to experience it for yourself, this is a great place to start—listen in. Today's Guest: Steve Quillin, President, Grandfather Mountain Highland Games Website: https://gmhg.org/ [https://gmhg.org/] Email: admin@gmhg.org [admin@gmhg.org] Ready to plan your trip to Grandfather Mountain? Here are a couple of helpful affiliate links to get you started. Expedia [https://expedia.tpo.li/bqkhbYGo] Grandfather Mountain & Blue Ridge Tours [https://viator.tpo.li/FTcWuZgz] Stay connected and support the podcast: ☕ If this episode made you smile or sparked a travel idea, consider buying me a coffee to support the podcast and help keep the journeys coming! BuyMeACoffee.com/AnnaMarieWrites [https://buymeacoffee.com/annamariewrites] 🌍 Travel blog & stories: PullOverandLetMeOut.com [https://www.pulloverandletmeout.com] ✉️ Newsletter sign-up: Subscribe here [https://pulloverandletmeout.com/newsletter/] 📚 My books: Anna Marie Jehorek Books [https://pulloverandletmeout.com/favorite-attractions/my-books-passionforireland/] ☘️ Ireland trip planning: Plan your trip [https://pulloverandletmeout.com/ireland-trip-planning-consulting/] 🤝 Traveling to Give Trip Planning Tool: Learn more [https://pulloverandletmeout.com/travelingtogive-book-your-trip-to-any-destination/]

A Trip to Barry Island, Wales: Inside the Official Gavin & Stacey Tour

Episode 45: In this episode of the Pull Over and Let Me Out podcast, I’m joined by Linda Bailey of the Official Gavin & Stacey Tour to talk about stepping into the world of a beloved BBC series and exploring one of Wales’ most charming seaside towns. We dive into what makes the tour so special, giving fans the chance to visit iconic filming locations and discover the beauty, character, and charm of Barry Island. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply dreaming about one, this tour is a fun and meaningful way to experience Wales beyond the usual stops—and it just might earn a spot on your itinerary. If you’re a fan of Gavin & Stacey, this episode is a must-listen. Hear behind-the-scenes insights, memorable moments from the tour, and why fans continue to fall in love with both the show and the place that brought it to life. Website: https://britmovietours.com/bookings/gavin-and-stacey-tour/ [https://britmovietours.com/bookings/gavin-and-stacey-tour/] email: info@britmovietours.com [info@britmovietours.com] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/britmovietours/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/britmovietours] Linda Bailey on X [https://x.com/fizzicalbody] Ready to visit Wales? Here are a couple of helpful affiliate links to get you started. The Lush House & Other Places to Stay [https://booking.tpo.li/g8yBc7DS] Top Wales Tours [https://viator.tpo.li/W6FXdbwt] Stay connected and support the podcast: ☕ If this episode made you smile or sparked a travel idea, consider buying me a coffee to support the podcast and help keep the journeys coming! BuyMeACoffee.com/AnnaMarieWrites [https://buymeacoffee.com/annamariewrites] 🌍 Travel blog & stories: PullOverandLetMeOut.com [https://www.pulloverandletmeout.com] ✉️ Newsletter sign-up: Subscribe here [https://pulloverandletmeout.com/newsletter/] 📚 My books: Anna Marie Jehorek Books [https://pulloverandletmeout.com/favorite-attractions/my-books-passionforireland/] ☘️ Ireland trip planning: Plan your trip [https://pulloverandletmeout.com/ireland-trip-planning-consulting/] 🤝 Traveling to Give Trip Planning Tool: Learn more [https://pulloverandletmeout.com/travelingtogive-book-your-trip-to-any-destination/]

Why Harrisonburg, Virginia Stayed With Me: A Hidden Gem in the Shenandoah Valley

Episode 44: What makes a place stay with you long after you’ve left? In this episode, I’m joined by Jennifer Bell, Tourism Manager for Harrisonburg—a destination that has quietly stayed with me since my first visit on a travel writers’ FAM trip. Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley and surrounded by the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, Harrisonburg offers a blend of rich history, beautiful architecture, a thriving arts scene, and a vibrant downtown shaped by its universities and local community. Jennifer shares a wonderful snapshot of what makes this city so special—from its deep-rooted heritage to the experiences that keep visitors coming back again and again. If you’ve never considered Harrisonburg for your travels, this episode might just change that. 🎧 Be sure to check the show notes for links and resources to help you plan your visit. Website: https://visitharrisonburgva.com/ [https://visitharrisonburgva.com/] Visitor Center: (540) 432-8935 email: tourism@harrisonburgva.gov Social Media: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/visitharrisonburgva/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/harrisonburgtourism] Stay connected and support the podcast: ☕ If this episode made you smile or sparked a travel idea, consider buying me a coffee to support the podcast and help keep the journeys coming! BuyMeACoffee.com/AnnaMarieWrites [https://buymeacoffee.com/annamariewrites] 🌍 Travel blog & stories: PullOverandLetMeOut.com [https://www.pulloverandletmeout.com] ✉️ Newsletter sign-up: Subscribe here [https://pulloverandletmeout.com/newsletter/] 📚 My books: Anna Marie Jehorek Books [https://pulloverandletmeout.com/favorite-attractions/my-books-passionforireland/] ☘️ Ireland trip planning: Plan your trip [https://pulloverandletmeout.com/ireland-trip-planning-consulting/] 🤝 Traveling to Give Trip Planning Tool: Learn more [https://pulloverandletmeout.com/travelingtogive-book-your-trip-to-any-destination/]

Step into Riverdance: An Irish Dance Experience in Galway

Episode 43: What if you could do more than watch Irish dance in Ireland—what if you could step into it? In this episode, I’m joined by Siobhán Manson of Riverdance fame, who now brings her world-class experience to the heart of Galway through the Irish Dance Experience. Together, we talk about her journey from performing as a lead on some of the world’s biggest stages to creating a welcoming, hands-on way for visitors to connect with Irish culture. We also dive into the magic of Galway itself—why it’s such a special place to visit—and what makes this experience so unique, memorable, and completely unintimidating, even if you’ve never danced before. If you’re planning a trip to Ireland (or dreaming about one), this is exactly the kind of experience you’ll want to add to your itinerary. 🎧 Listen in to discover how you can step into the rhythm of Ireland for yourself. Irish Dance Experience: Website [https://theirishdanceexperience.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/irishdanceexperience/?hl=en] If you're ready to plan your visit to Galway, here are a couple of helpful affiliate links to get you started: Trad on the Prom [https://viator.tpo.li/nbmGxXgi] Guided Tour from Galway to Kylemore Abbey [https://getyourguide.tpo.li/8j8Ges20] Kylemore Abbey Walking Tour [https://viator.tpo.li/QbPoZW4r] Galway Day Trips [https://viator.tpo.li/cxLYEhDa] About Siobhán Manson: Siobhán Manson began dancing at the age of four in her hometown of Galway with the world- renowned Hession School. For the next ten years, Siobhan competed at local, national, and international levels, winning numerous titles. She began her professional career touring with Celtic Legends in France and French Polynesia. In 2004, Siobhán was offered a full-time position with the Broadway phenomenon Riverdance and spent the next four years on the road with the European, American, and Asian companies. After a year with Riverdance Siobhán was asked to train for the lead role and had her debut as principal dancer in Dublin at the Gaiety Theatre in 2005. In 2007, Siobhán took a break from dancing and returned to college, completing a degree in History and English, and a master's degree in history. Siobhan returned to the stage with Women of Ireland touring the U.S. and Asia. In 2013, Siobhan was honoured to join Sky T.V’s Got to Dance winners, Prodijig, on their debut tour throughout Ireland and the U.K ending on the West End in Sadler’s Well’s Peacock Theatre. Throughout her career, Siobhán has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious venues: The Kremlin State Palace in Moscow, the Fox Theatre in Detroit, and the Pantages Theatre in L.A, to name but a few. She has had the honour of performing for Empress Michiko of Japan in Tokyo, the First Lady of America, Michelle Obama, and performing live for over a billion TV viewers at the Chinese 2009 New Year festival broadcast in Beijing. Siobhan is also a member of Breandán de Gallaí’s dance company Éiru (@eriudance), which showcase throughout Ireland and abroad. Siobhán is currently undertaking an Arts Practice PhD through The World Academy of Music and Dance with The University of Limerick. Her Research council funded project is examining The lived experience of Women in Irish Dance. She is currently residing in Galway and running The Irish Dance Experience. Stay connected and support the podcast: ☕ If this episode made you smile or sparked a travel idea, consider buying me a coffee to support the podcast and help keep the journeys coming! BuyMeACoffee.com/AnnaMarieWrites [https://buymeacoffee.com/annamariewrites] 🌍 Travel blog & stories: PullOverandLetMeOut.com [https://www.pulloverandletmeout.com] ✉️ Newsletter sign-up: Subscribe here [https://pulloverandletmeout.com/newsletter/] 📚 My books: Anna Marie Jehorek Books [https://pulloverandletmeout.com/favorite-attractions/my-books-passionforireland/] ☘️ Ireland trip planning: Plan your trip [https://pulloverandletmeout.com/ireland-trip-planning-consulting/] 🤝 Traveling to Give Trip Planning Tool: Learn more [https://pulloverandletmeout.com/travelingtogive-book-your-trip-to-any-destination/]

Remembering the Irish Famine: Inside the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park

Episode 42: The Irish Famine is one of the most powerful chapters in Ireland’s history, and the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park in County Roscommon tells it like no other. In this episode of the Pull Over and Let Me Out Podcast, host Anna Marie Jehorek speaks with John O’Driscoll, General Manager of the museum, in a moving conversation about how Strokestown Park preserves the stories of those who lived through the Great Famine. From tenant records and eviction notices to the Mahon estate letters, the museum brings the heartbreaking human experience of this history to life. Having visited several times herself, Anna Marie shares why each visit to Strokestown Park and the historic Strokestown House continues to reveal something new—making it a must-see stop for anyone exploring Ireland’s history. 🎧 Listen in to discover a place where history, memory, and travel meet. National Famine Museum Strokestown Park Website [https://strokestownpark.ie/national-famine-museum/] The National Famine Way [https://strokestownpark.ie/national-famine-way/] Irish Heritage Trust [https://irishheritagetrust.ie/] email: info@strokestownpark.ie [info@strokestownpark.ie] Ready to begin planning your visit to Ireland? Here are a couple of helpful affiliate links to get you started. Expedia Ireland Vacation Packages [https://expedia.tpo.li/j258XaR4] Top Ireland Day Tours [https://viator.tpo.li/O2EKLi1k] Kilronan Castle [https://expedia.tpo.li/dfX8IV6W] Stay connected and support the podcast: ☕ If this episode made you smile or sparked a travel idea, consider buying me a coffee to support the podcast and help keep the journeys coming! BuyMeACoffee.com/AnnaMarieWrites [https://buymeacoffee.com/annamariewrites] 🌍 Travel blog & stories: PullOverandLetMeOut.com [https://www.pulloverandletmeout.com] ✉️ Newsletter sign-up: Subscribe here [https://pulloverandletmeout.com/newsletter/] 📚 My books: Anna Marie Jehorek Books [https://pulloverandletmeout.com/favorite-attractions/my-books-passionforireland/] ☘️ Ireland trip planning: Plan your trip [https://pulloverandletmeout.com/ireland-trip-planning-consulting/] 🤝 Traveling to Give Trip Planning Tool: Learn more [https://pulloverandletmeout.com/travelingtogive-book-your-trip-to-any-destination/]