Samantha Brown's Places to Love

Samantha returns to Route 66 in Luther, Oklahoma, visiting the Threatt Filling Station, a historical safe haven for Black motorists. In Oklahoma City, she meets "neon Queen" Kathy Reynolds and explores the largest Indigenous cultural center. Crossing into Texas, she visits the Devil’s Rope Museum in McLean, learning how barbed wire tamed the West.

Samantha starts her trip with a view of the St. Louis Arch and visits Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, famous for its thick desserts. She meets author Michael Wallis, who shares insights on Route 66. Exploring Cuba, Missouri, she admires colorful murals and other local attractions. Finally, she reflects on the Tulsa massacre at a memorial before learning why Tulsa is known as the Route 66 capital.

Samantha begins her adventure at Custer State Park, riding to meet the bison herd before driving the scenic Needles Highway. She arrives at Sylvan Lake, popular for water sports and stunning views. In Deadwood, she explores a historic landmark, then discovers Cold War history at the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. At Badlands National Park, she marvels at the unique landscape.

In Germany's largest wine region, Mainz unfolds like a delightful Riesling. Samantha explores the ruins of a Roman amphitheater near a main train station and visits Eva Vollmer Winery, learning about the “future wine” movement. She enjoys German wine at Weinhaus Loesch, then travels to Wiesbaden to taste hot chocolate at Kunder Chocolateria, a family-owned shop.

Samantha begins her trip at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, known for its scenic views and challenging sand cliffs. In Michigan, she explores The Cherry Republic, filled with cherry products, and dines with new friends at the Farm Club on the Leelanau Peninsula. She visits a repurposed mental hospital in Traverse City and learns cheese-making at Leelanau Cheese.

Samantha embarks on a boat ride to Shackelford Banks, where Wildlife Biologist Dr. Sue Stuska introduces her to the wild horse herd. She enjoys an afternoon in Beaufort, North Carolina, listening to musician Barefoot Wade. At the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center, she helps build a boat. On Harkers Island, they sample oysters and learn about their unique “merroir.”

Inside St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, Samantha enjoys a concert on the pipe organ, celebrating composer Johann Sebastian Bach. She then visits Meissen to tour its famous porcelain factory, witnessing the artistry behind their wares. Samantha travels to Berlin, where a bike tour takes her to iconic landmarks like the Berlin Wall Memorial and Brandenburg Gate.

Samantha Brown celebrates 25 years of travel through public television in this 25th anniversary special episode.

Samantha begins her New Orleans trip at City Park, enjoying chicory coffee and beignets from Cafe Du Monde. She then visits the National WWII Museum, home to a vast collection of war artifacts. During her visit to NOLA, she enjoys a Poor Boy sandwich at Parkway Bakery and Tavern before catching hot jazz at the Dew Drop Inn.

Samantha explores Costa Rica's beauty, starting at Mistico Park with its hanging bridges and wildlife. At Vida Campesina, she learns about organic farming before taking a safari cruise on the Rio Sarapiqui, spotting exotic birds and crocodiles. At night, she explores the rainforest and concludes her trip with exhilarating whitewater tubing in the Rio Celeste.