An Art-Mackin-Wahoo Show-tini!

Artist Dan Mackin, Ellen Peitz, Robin Hicks-Connors,
and Captain Marvin Steiding.

What do you get when you mix equal parts of a world recognized tropical marine artist, a world-class art festival in a small Florida downtown, and a world-class sportfishing captain, shake them rather than stir them, and then turn on the microphones? What you get is a fantastic edition of Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond!).

The 10th annual Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts was the catalyst that brought Ellen Peitz, Dan Mackin and Captain Marvin Steiding together for this great show. By the time you read this, the Festival of the Arts will be just a memory. But what a great memory it will be if you attended the show.

Ellen, thanks for doing such a great job of letting our listeners know how great a show it was going to be this year.

Having famed artist Dan Mackin in the studio was a flashback all the way back to show number three when Dan appeared as a guest. Listeners of this week's show got a real up close and personal look at what Mr. Mackin is all about, what inspires his art and why he chose to live in beautiful Hobe Sound, Florida. Dan also talked about his current collaboration with former Beach Boy Brian Wilson!

Continuing education is good for everyone, even those who love to fish! Captain Marvin Steiding was on hand to tells our listeners and fans about a great hands-on learning opportunity—Marlin University. And, if you're thinking about or planning a trip to San Salvador, Bahamas soon, Captain Steiding declared it's “monster wahoo season” in San Sal, so be prepared! If you don't have you're own boat to travel to San Salvador, Captain Steiding can hook you up!

Here is the audio file of last Friday's Talkin' Tourism show. Hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed producing it. See you next week!

Round, Round Get-Around.....Killer Blogs and Rails

One important aspect that truly makes a destination visitor-friendly is how easy it is (as the Beach Boys said) to get-around. If visitors arrive by plane, then it is logical to think they will need a car. If they are visiting in a group or participating in a conference, often times there are excursions planned for the group to attractions in the area as a part of their package. Cruise ship passengers also need to “get-around” on \various shore-excursions. Some destinations use horse drawn carriages in their historic downtowns. What about transportation to and from the airport? On many islands in the Bahamas and Caribbean, bicycles and motor scooters are available. Is the Treasure Coast transportation friendly or challenged? What about local taxi service? As a destination, does the Treasure Coast provide a variety transportation for our visitors to make the most of their time. Do we make it easy?

Reg Lawrence of Acadiana Destination Services joins us this week to provide insights into the services they provide to visitors and residents. Also, City of Stuart Mayor and Chairman of the Martin County Metropolitan Planning Organization Michael Mortell will be in the studio to share the latest information on the proposed Amtrack/FEC rail passenger service to the Treasure Coast and Florida's east coast.
The trickle of Valued Season Residents and Boaters is beginnin to turn into a steady stream as November looms closer. What are the signs that tell us that? Ed Killer, outdoors columnist for Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, will be in the house to talk about his very popular fishing, boating and outdoor blog and the signs of the changing season. Ed's blog is THE blog to turn to when you want to know what’s happening outdoors!

Talkin' Tourism's regular show segments, such as What’s Going On the Treasure Coast, This Week in Treasure Coast History, Bahamas Updates, and more will make for another fun and fact-filled hour.

See you in the morning!