Samantha Brown's Places to Love

Samantha takes in the stunning views overlooking the entire city atop Fisherman's Bastion on the Buda side of the Danube. At the opulent New York Café, Samantha experiences the local coffee culture and samples some tasty treats. Off to the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Samantha takes the time to soak and swim in these popular relaxing mineral pools. At the Hungarian Parliament, Samantha enjoys the grand beauty of this historic building. Meeting up again with her friend she visits the Michelin-rated Stand restaurant and tries their elegant spin on traditional Hungarian Goulash. Budapest is all about classical music particularly at the Franz Liszt Music Academy, where she chats with world-class violinist Joshua Bell about his music and Budapest's influence upon him. Following the theme of music, Samantha enjoys skyline views atop the Aria Hotel Budapest, a hotel dedicated to music and musicians. The Dohány Street Synagogue is the world's second oldest synagogue and is Samantha's next stop, where she takes in its history with Chief Rabbi Róbert Frölich. Closing out her night, Samantha rejoins Joshua Bell and fellow violinist Barnabás Kelemen at a local spot as they enjoy a live performance of gypsy violinists.

Samantha takes a local food tour in Key West starting off with authentic Cuban food at El Siboney, then heads to the historic Speakeasy Inn & Rum Bar for a rum runner, the house specialty. From there, Samantha visits the Truman Little White House, the summer home of President Harry S. Truman while in office. Continuing on, Samantha takes a literary tour past the home of Tennessee Williams, strolls down Duval St. and finds herself seaside listening to the easygoing music of Howard Livingston at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Arriving in Marathon, Samantha learns about the amazing rescue work done at the Turtle Hospital and assists in the release a rehabilitated turtle back into the wild. Samantha then meets a Lionfish huntress, Rachel Bowman, who makes a living by catching this invasive species and supplying them to local restaurants. At Sparky's, Samantha joins Rachel for Lionfish tacos prepared with the very Lionfish Rachel just caught.

Samantha bicycles through the sprawling Brancott Estate vineyards, which was the first to grow and bottle Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough, and then visits the te Pâ Family Vineyards, where she learns of its 800-year old Maori roots. From land to sea, Samantha explores the Marlborough Sounds aboard the Pelorus Mail Boat, where she helps deliver mail to the locals who live off the beaten path. Havelock is the mussel capital of the world, here Samantha indulges at Mills Bay Mussels, which serves up tasty variations of green shell mussels. In Nelson, Samantha meets Dame Suzie Moncrieff at the World of Wearable Art (WOW), where experienced designers, students and novices from around the globe compete at their hugely prestigious event. Samantha then strolls through town with Grant Smithies, New Zealand's premier music writer, and learns about the happening Nelson scene. Taking to the sky, Samantha helicopters to a Lord of the Rings filming location at the peak of Mount Olympus, where Pilot Bill Reid shares stories of scouting with Director Peter Jackson. In Abel Tasman National Park, Samantha walks along Awaroa Beach and talks with Adam Gardner, who co-led a crowdfunding campaign raising $2+ million NZ dollars to purchase the beach and gifted it back the New Zealanders.

Samantha takes to the Sonoma coastline on a road trip stopping off at various beaches and talks to a local guide about sustainability in Sonoma, the Pacific coast and what to look for off the beaten path. Turning to mainland Sonoma County, at California Carnivores, Samantha learns plants are also meat eaters, as she is marveled by the beauty and appetite of pitcher plants and Venus flytraps. Samantha then has a cider tasting in wine country at Devoto Gardens & Orchards that makes their ciders from heirloom apples. In an unexpected twist on a zoo, Samantha goes on an African Safari at Safari West and gets a chance to go face-to-face with a rhinoceros. A personal favorite, Samantha is delighted when she visits the Charles M. Schulz Museum and talks "Peanuts" with Charles' widow, Jeannie. Making cheese is quite the process which Samantha learns firsthand at the Achadinha Cheese Company, then has the pleasure to meet legendary wine-producer Reynaldo Robledo at his Robledo Family Winery, taste some of his flawless vintages and talk about his Mexican family heritage and the winery's roots.

Samantha goes sailing around the historic British Virgin Islands with Capt. Lisa Roland and learns sailing essentials while at sea. For her first stop in Virgin Gorda, Samantha plants coconut trees in Spring Bay as part of the Seeds of Love initiative, then hikes through the Baths, a Caribbean natural wonder. Arriving at Anegada Island, a local guide takes Samantha for a cruise and makes her conch ceviche with freshly harvested conch and she has the honor of depositing the conch on "Conch Island". Samantha next meets Chef Sam at Potters by the Sea, who preps Caribbean lobsters in the most unusual way at this local favorite. In Cane Garden Bay, Samantha chats with famed musician Quito Rymer and watches him perform live with his band. Back at sea, Capt. Lisa brings Samantha to Josh Van Dyke to the world-famous Soggy Dollar Bar to try its legendary Painkiller drink. Finishing off her trip, Samantha and Capt. Lisa snorkel at one of BVI's top snorkel sites, the Indians.

Samantha meets up with an old friend to sample some of the best barbecue in town at Pecan Lodge. She then is off to explore the downtown Arts District strolling through Klyde Warren Park and enjoying the powerful sculptures at Nasher Sculpture Center. Continuing onto the Bishop Arts District, Samantha gets to taste unique chocolate creations at the ever-imaginative Dude, Sweet Chocolate, then grabs a cup a coffee at the super hip book store, The Wild Detectives, and finishes off by meeting artist Travis Austin, who custom designs a cowboy hat for her. Hitting Deep Ellum, Samantha learns about its nightlife first stopping off at Purepecha, where she enjoys a special 8-course authentic Mexican meal with Chef Regino. Deep Ellum is all about the music, especially at The Blue Light Dallas, where Samantha enjoys soulful songs performed by talented artist Erick Willis and his band.

Visiting her hometown state, Samantha arrives on Lake Winnipesaukee aboard the M/S Mount Washington and goes straight to Funspot, the world's largest arcade. Not only does she play her childhood favorite video games, but gets a chance to chat with legendary owner, Bob Lawton. From there, Samantha grabs a tasty bite at a wildly popular local farm-to-table restaurant, aptly named Local Eatery. Samantha continues her tour of the Lakes Region by taking a loon-spotting cruise on Squam Lake, where she learns of the indigenous wildlife. Heading to the White Mountains Region, Samantha gets a sugar rush at Chutters, home of the world's longest candy counter, then takes a stroll through the remarkable town of Littleton, where she listens to a ukulele quartet perform at Northern Lights Music. Samantha concludes her trip with tea time at the historic Omni Mount Washington Resort, and a Cog Railway ride to the summit of Mount Washington State Park.

At the Desert Botanical Garden, Samantha and traveler Jack Maxwell take in the stunning beauty of wildflowers and blooming cactus as they walk the Sonoran Desert trails. They then hit up the popular Breadfruit & Rum Bar, who serve up unique Jamaican dishes and carefully concocted rum cocktails. At Cosanti Originals, Samantha leans the art of bronze pouring and bell making. From there, Samantha visits the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Taliesin West, which served as Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and architectural school. At The Tamale Store, Samantha grabs a bite at this award-winning family run restaurant, whose tasty tamales draw lines around the block. Exploring the one-of-a-kind Musical Instrument Museum, Samantha experiences over 7,000 instruments collected from around 200 of the world's countries and territories. Samantha then gets the ultimate farm to table restaurant experience at The Farm at South Mountain, whose focus includes self-sustainability and locally created arts. Sparking her theater roots, Samantha visits the brilliant Black Theatre Troupe, whose productions illuminate the African-American experience and culture.

At the 3rd Man Museum, Samantha joins Gerhard to learn about his passion for the Oscar-winning film, The 3rd Man, and also gets some insight into Vienna's fascinating history. From there, they explore the famous underground canals and sewers featured in the film. Coming straight out of the underground passages, Samantha finds herself in the popular Naschmarkt, where she samples cheeses, chocolate and other local favorites. At the Austrian National Library, Samantha takes in the beauty and history of Europe's largest baroque library. At the House of Music, Samantha experiences a new approach to music on a playful and scientific level. At the "Granny Cafe", Samantha chats with two of the grandmother chefs, who strive to bring generations together through traditional baking. Samantha then visits with a 6-generation silver maker and 2-century old jeweler, who represent two of the last living ties to former Vienna Empire. Samantha joins a local friend for a boat ride on the Old Danube River, then hikes through a vineyard for a wine and food tasting.

At the Corning Museum of Glass, Samantha starts off her visit to Crystal City by learning about the history of glass and why Corning is the center of the glass world. She then takes a stroll through Corning's Gaffer District, and meets master engraver Max Erlacher at his Steuben glass collection shop. Heading to Bath, Samantha discovers the Betty Kay Bake Shop and their tasty "English-cut" donuts, and goes on a cemetery tour with the "cemetery lady" which concludes at the historic First Presbyterian Church of Bath, a certified Tiffany glass sanctuary. At the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, Samantha learns all about this little-known American treasure, "the founder of the American Aircraft Industry". Taking a stroll along the Finger Lakes, Samantha finds out why this region is highly recognized by their wines at the Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery.

Samantha sails Auckland Harbor aboard the 2007 America's Cup winning Team New Zealand sailboat and talks with Peter Lester, a former cup competitor, coach and current sailing commentator. At the popular Gemmayze St., Samantha joins Chef Samir Allen at his traditional Lebanese restaurant that delivers with a modern twist. Only a 15-minute walk from the city center, Samantha explores Auckland Domain, a stunning park, with Paora Puru, a local Maori guide, and learns about its volcanic and Maori history. First of its kind in downtown Auckland, Samantha visits the Four Shells Kava Room and Shop and learns about the significance of this misunderstood root-based Pacific drink. Samantha then joins the Vodafone Warriors, where she plays rugby with this gritty women's team. At Giapo Ice Cream, husband and wife Chefs Giapo and Annarosa dazzle Samantha with their artistically inventive take on ice cream. Surfing is culture in New Zealand, Samantha leans this firsthand at Piha Beach where she chats with teen surfing champion, Gabby Paul, and then takes to the water boarding waves herself.

Samantha takes a road trip to Bar Harbor, enjoys breath-taking views from Acadia National Park and takes a cruise through Bass Harbor soaking in the sights of Desert Island and Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. Back on the main land, Samantha learns about "junk sculpting" from steampunk sculptor, Ernie Abdelnour. then cannot resist the cinnamon twirl bread and blueberry pie that has made the Bread Box Bakery a local favorite. Continuing her road trip, Samantha learns about the deep history of Maine shipbuilding at the Maine Maritime Museum. Arriving in Kittery, Samantha samples the house specialty at a childhood favorite, Flo's Hot Dogs, then chats with legendary brewer, Tod Mott, at Tributary Brewing and concludes with a lobster picnic with her family at Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier.

At Wynwood Walls, Samantha tours this unique outdoor destination featuring huge, colorful street murals by artists from around the globe. In Little Haiti, Samantha meets Chef BJ at his popular Bon Gout BBQ and samples tasty Haitian style BBQ. Launching from the Miccosukee reservation, Samantha takes an airboat tour through the heart of the Everglades with guide, Charles Kropke, who discuss the indigenous wildlife, history of the area and the proud Miccosukee Tribe that inhabit it. In the Design District, Samantha discusses the Miami food scene with Chef Brad Kilgore at his popular restaurant, Ember Miami, where they sample his fire-roasted 30-layer lasagna and tasty Rice Krispy treats. From jackfruit to allspice to the miracle fruit, Samantha tours the unique Fruit & Spice Park, where over 500 varieties of fruit, vegetables, spices & herbs from around the world all locally grown in this unique park. At Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center in Little Havana, Samantha talks with art collector/owner, Roberto Ramos, at his one-of-a-kind venue that features musical performances, a bar specializing in rum and where the story of Cuba is told via rotating art. In Overtown, Samantha visits the Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum and talks with 93-year old Lt. Archie McKay, who served on the force of Miami's first all-black police station and courthouse established in 1954. On Biscayne Bay, Samantha goes sailing with Harry Horgan, who has developed an incredible program, Shake-A-Leg Miami, that utilizes the marine environment to improve the health, education, and independence of children and adults with physical, developmental and economic challenges, in an inclusive community setting.