SAMANTHA BROWN'S PLACES TO LOVE Season 2


201 - Hong Kong, China
Short: Samantha strolls through Hong Kong’s Yuen Po Street Bird Garden, learns how to play the generational tile-based game, Mahjong, and visits the Kung Wo Bean Curd Factory where she learns about the process of making tofu.

Long: Traveling to a city with so much to see is often a challenge, but not for Samantha! She starts her journey through Hong Kong by first visiting PMQ, a venue for local arts and design. After visiting various shops, Samantha meets designer Douglas Young at his popular Goods of Desire shop and learns how to play the generational tile-based game, Mahjong. Taking a stroll through the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden, Samantha takes in the unusual sights of this unique street, seeing all the exotic birds and ornate cages. Continuing on, Samantha visits the Kung Wo Beancurd Factory in the Sham Shui Po neighborhood, where she samples cold soy milk and other soy-based dishes, while learning about the process of making tofu. When visiting a foreign city there is something about frequenting a familiar place, and so, Samantha choses an East meets West tea shop to continue this ritual, where the customary breakfast often includes eggs, ramen noodles and a hot lemon cola. Venturing outside the busy city, Samantha takes a tranquil hike in the Sha Lo Tung area with a local hiking group and takes in the beauty of the lush woodlands. Samantha finishes her trip off when she takes an architecture tour with a Feng Shui Advisor, who discusses energy, the importance of its flow, and how it is the primary design focus for many prominent buildings in the financial district.


202 - Greater Palm Springs, CA
Short: Samantha visits The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens; historic Joshua Tree National Park, learns how to play the popular local sport FootGolf, and goes on a Mid-Century Modern tour of Palm Springs.

Long: What Art Deco is to Miami is what Mid-Century Modern is to Palm Springs. Samantha finds this out first-hand by taking a tour of several iconic homes built in this style, then visits Gypsyland, a local furniture shop that specializes in period furniture. Golf is hugely popular in Palm Springs, but FootGolf? Samantha learns all about this new international sport and gets a chance to put her foot into it. At The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Samantha volunteers to help assemble some of the unique enrichment meals with an Animal Care Curator. From there, Samantha gets a tutorial in stunt driving, and takes it to the course, doing a reverse J-turn, and “drifting” in watery conditions. Slowing down the pace, Samantha visits Shields Date Garden, talks to a “Palmero" about intricacies of pollenating date trees and finishes off with a world famous date shake. Finally, Samantha ventures out to the historic Joshua Tree National Park, where she meets with a charismatic Park Ranger and gets a chance to soak in the beauty of this treasured Park.


203 - Lake Geneva and the Valais, Switzerland
Short: The Valais Region is home to Barryland, where Samantha visits the living museum that serves as a breeder for the famed St. Bernard dogs. In Geneva, Samantha visits the historic Beau Rivage Geneva hotel, and in Nendaz Samantha takes a gondola ride to the top of the Alps.

Long: Of all the magnificent regions in Switzerland, the Valais Region is home to Barryland, where Samantha visits this living museum that serves as a breeder for the famed St. Bernard dogs. Off to Geneva, Samantha visits the historic Beau Rivage Geneva hotel and talks about its legacy with the great grandson of its founder. Samantha then takes a stroll through Old Town, walking past the world’s longest bench while making her way to Initium, where she learns about the watchmaking tradition and assists in designing an authentic Swiss watch. Cruising on, Samantha boards a steamship and takes in the stunning views along Lake Geneva. At Chaplin’s World, Samantha meets Eugene Chaplin, son of the legendary Charlie Chaplin, who shares personal stories as she tours the estate turned museum-studio. Traveling onto the Lavaux wine growing region, Samantha samples some of the fabulous Swiss wines at Dance Vineyards. From film to music, Samantha enjoys sounds of Mellisa Kassab at a popular music festival in Lausanne with a local blogger. Once in Nendaz, Samantha takes a gondola ride to the top of the Alps, where she gets a lesson in playing the iconic alphorn instrument.


204 - Santa Fe, NM
Short: Samantha visits the New Mexico Capitol Art Collection; hikes to the peak of Dale Ball Trail #9 overlooking the entire city, and then navigates the Margarita Trail of Santa Fe at the legendary Cowgirl BBQ.

Long: When ordering a breakfast burrito in Santa Fe, you must specify red, green or Christmas, which is a combination of these two spicy chile pepper sauces. Samantha finds this out quickly at the popular Tia Sophia’s, as she meets the renowned cartoonist, Ricardo Caté, whose Native American inspired cartoons combine politics with humor. From there, Samantha visits the New Mexico Capitol Art Collection, where the works of New Mexico artists are on display at the State Capitol Legislature building for all to experience. Hiking is a hugely popular activity, as Samantha often likes to do when returning to Santa Fe and does so as she climbs to the peak of Dale Ball Trail #9 and enjoys the glorious views overlooking the entire city. From hiking to navigating the Margarita Trail, Samantha gets her book stamped at the legendary Cowgirl BBQ, where she enjoys their signature margarita while listening to some live western-folk music. A new day always rises and what not a better place than Ten Thousand Waves, where Samantha enjoys a therapeutic massage at this highly touted relaxation institution. Feeling quite rested, Samantha gets suddenly thrown in the immersive surreal world of Meow Wolf, where audiences are transported from creative art experiences into fantastic realms. Escaping through a refrigerator, Samantha arrives at a local favorite, Tomasita’s, where she learns about the restaurant’s 40-year history and how to make a Santa Fe style enchilada. Concluding her trip, Samantha makes a visit to the historic La Fonda On The Plaza and meets two of the original Harvey Girls, who are twin sisters in their 80’s that worked prestigious positions at La Fonda during the 50’s for the entrepreneur, Fred Harvey.


205 - Seoul, South Korea
Short: Samantha begins her journey on a tour in Yeonnam-Dong, a re-purposed green space filled with a resurgence of diverse restaurants and coffee shops; visits the Korean Stone Art Museum and strolls through the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival.

Long: Seoul is a huge metropolis and the capital of South Korea, where high-tech and pop culture meet palaces and street markets. Samantha starts her journey off by taking a tour in Yeonnam-Dong, with Charlie, an ex-pat living in Seoul for the past 10 years. This neighborhood has been re-purposed into a green space filled with a resurgence of diverse restaurants, and most importantly, coffee shops, where Samantha and Charlie try some of the area’s best coffee. Going for the local cuisine, Samantha joins Charlie and his wife to sample some of the popular banchan (side dishes) at an authentic restaurant, where Samantha also learns about the proper etiquette of eating and drinking. History and tradition are very important to Seoul, as Samantha experiences this celebration firsthand with the changing of the guard at the Gyeongbokgung Palace, which dates back to 1395. Venturing further, Samantha tours Bukchon Hanok Village on her way to learn about the artistry of Jogakbo, a style of patchwork, from a master artist. At the Korean Stone Art Stone Museum, Samantha explores the tranquil indoor/outdoor facility filled with over 1,250 life-like beautifully sculpted stone statues and learns about the purpose of their design. Samantha has a big night ahead of her, but first she takes a stroll through the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival and takes in the gorgeous sights of the flowering cherry trees. Meeting up with some locals at a Chicken & Beer restaurant, Samantha learns about the five stages of drinking, which includes eating throughout the entire process. From there, Samantha and her newfound friends go to Hongdae, a busy nightlife area thronging with students and K-Pop performers, and continue on to sign karaoke, closing the night out with a live performance by an indie rock band. Finishing off her trip, Samantha visits a local food market with Janet Harn, a local Chef, and picks out fresh ingredients to cook some local favorites in Janet’s cooking studio.


206 - Lafayette and Cajun Country, LA
Short: Samantha is instantly engulfed in Cajun and Zydeco music at the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival. The journey continues with a visit to Tabasco to learn the 5-year process of bottling the hot sauce, followed by a kayak tour through the local swamps.

Long: Arriving at the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival is certainly entertaining for Samantha, who is instantly engulfed in dance and music (Cajun and Zydeco), and gets to watch band favorites jam before packed crowds. Piquing her musical interest, Samantha ventures off to Martin Accordions, who have been crafting custom accordions for major Cajun and Zydeco stars for decades. With a full understanding of the local music, Samantha gets her step on by visiting Glide Studios and learns how the locals dance, Cajun-style. In this neck of the woods, if you are going to eat it better have a spicy kick to do it, as Samantha finds out first-hand after visiting Tabasco and talking John Simmons, a 6th generation family member, about harvesting peppers, the 5 year process it takes to actually bottle the sauce and its global stamp. Hot sauce in check, Samantha takes to the water and farms crawfish with a local farmer, who invites her afterward to a family crawfish boil. Another important component in understanding Lafayette is its deep French history, which includes the derivation of Cajun and how the local culture came to evolve. Samantha learns all about this while visiting the historic village of Vermilionville. What’s visiting Louisiana without taking ride into the Bayou? Samantha does just that, as she takes a kayak tour through the swamps and learns about its natural habitats and geological importance. To cap off her trip, Samantha attends a performance by the legendary Magnolia Sisters, an all-female Cajun band, and dances Cajun-style with the locals at the popular Blue Moon Saloon.


207 - Rhine River Cruise
Short: Samantha’s epic cruise along the Rhine River includes a stop at Freiburg, Germany, which is the gateway to the Black Forest; Strasbourg, France and the Petite France neighborhood, and the iconic Heidelberg Castle.

Long: Samantha takes an epic trip along the Rhine River, first stopping at Freiburg, Germany, where she learns about the unique bachle water system and how this city is the gateway to the Black Forest. Next stop, Samantha visits a workshop, whose craftspeople work on restoration pieces for the famed Strasbourg Cathedral in Strasbourg, France, and then takes a stroll through the picturesque Petite France neighborhood. In Heidelberg, Germany, Samantha learns of its rich history while touring the iconic Heidelberg Castle. Venturing further to the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, Samantha gets a lesson with Johannes Gutenberg’s original printing press and assists in printing a page just as Gutenberg did in the 1400’s. Samantha then takes a gondola ride to a vista atop Rudesheim, Germany, where she tours a vineyard and tastes some of the unique wines of this wine-making region. Finally arriving in Cologne, Samantha takes in the sights of the magnificent Dom Cathedral with a local and visits a Kölsch brewery, where learning Kölsch beer can only be called as such if, and only if, it is brewed in Cologne under certain brewing parameters.


208 - Naples and Paradise Coast of Florida
Short: Samantha’s Paradise Coast adventure includes a kayak tour in the salt-waters of Everglades National Park, a visit to the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, and then an introduction to Clyde Butcher, the Ansel dams-esque photographer of the Everglades.

Long: Samantha starts her Paradise Coast adventure off with a kayak tour in the salt-waters of Everglades National Park, while learning about the local eco system and remote mangroves. Back on land, Samantha visits the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens and meets Uno, a rescued blind Florida Panther. The Bayshore Arts District is certainly up-and-coming, and Samantha learns this after meeting a local designer, who specializes in re-imaging jewelry in a fresh way. At Bar Tulia, Samantha talks to Chef Betulia about the growing enthusiasm for local craft cocktails and how Naples has the best elements of Miami without it being a huge city. After enjoying a gorgeous Florida sunset, Samantha starts her day off back on the water aboard a dolphin tracking boat, where he helps find and tracks dolphins across the bay. Local spots and the fresh catch usually go hand in hand, especially at Grouper and Chips, where Samantha gets to visit this popular restaurant. Along with great food, there is a big contingent of the live music, which Samantha finds very quickly while visiting Marco Island. Finishing off her trip, Samantha meets Clyde Butcher, the Ansel Adams-esque photographer of the Everglades, who talk about the beauty of the Big Cypress swamp that has been focal point of Clyde’s lens and entire career.


209 – Christchurch, New Zealand
Short: Samantha experiences the revival of the once earthquake devastated city of Christchurch, starting off her journey at the Gap Filler initiatives, which are innovative installations that temporarily fill the gaps. She explores Akaroa Harbor, and then visits a local farm that protects the endangered Pohatu penguins.

Long: Samantha experiences the revival of the once earthquake devastated city of Christchurch, New Zealand by starting her journey off at the Gap Filler initiatives. These innovative installations temporarily fill the gaps of the city rebuild with fun distractions like the Dance O Mat, where you can plug in your digital device into an old washing machine, blast your music and dance to your favorite tunes with your friends on a dance floor. Moving on, Samantha visits the whimsical C1 Espresso shop, where her lunch is delivered via pneumatic tube. Keeping on track, Samantha visits with Jade, who runs a Gap Filler garden and cafe where Samantha learns about the Māori tradition and the different indigenous vegetables and flowers grown in Jade’s garden. Leaving Christchurch, Samantha explores Akaroa Harbor stopping off at the Giants House, a mosaic art collection utilizing porcelain. Penguins in New Zealand? Samantha visits a local farm that has been concentrating its conservation efforts on protecting the endangered Pohatu Penguins. From one farm to the next, Samantha joins Angela and Chef Giulio for a picnic, that consists of wild elderflower and artichokes that they collectively just foraged. North Canterbury wineries are quite the hit, as Samantha tries some local wine and chats with the local winemakers about the unique New Zealand tradition of wine. Heading back to the city, Samantha checks out the newly reopened City Library and all its wonderful technological resources. Finishing off her trip, Samantha heads back to the Dance O Mat to dance Bollywood style with the locals.

210 - Baltimore, Maryland
Short: Samantha starts her visit in Charm City at the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM). From there she gets her “Full Hon” on at the wildly popular and yearly HonFest. Samantha also meets historian Lou Fields to learn about the deep American roots within the Fells Point docks.

Long: Samantha starts her visit in Charm City at the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) and meets its founder, who together tour this truly inspiring and original facility that is filled unique and visual works of art. Hitting the Sunday farmers’ market, Samantha meets Chef Thomas, who picks up some local ingredients for his soul food restaurant, Ida B’s Table. Joining Chef Thomas and his wife for a bite, Samantha is invited to taste some of their brunch inspirations, as they discuss the importance of community and how their restaurant serves as a conduit for it. In the Hampden neighborhood, one Baltimore’s wildest yearly traditions is HonFest. Playing along, Samantha gets a “Full Hon” make-over that includes a red beehive wig, winged glasses and a vintage dress and then sashays through the festival with 2015 Hon of the Year, Nikki Bass. On the MICA campus at the Nancy cafe, Samantha visits with art enthusiast, “Downtown” Kevin Brown and renowned artist, Joyce Scott, who discuss the cruciality of art and Joyce’s famed career. From local artists to local “makers”, the Treason Toting Company is building a huge name for its brand in the backpack and toting industry. Samantha meets its young founders in their workspace and learns about the exciting canvas and leather products they are developing. Baltimore is a city of deep American roots that Samantha tours and discusses with guide, Lou Fields, who talks about the revitalization of the Fells Point docks along with historical significance of this powerful neighborhood which includes the likes of Frederick Douglass and Billie Holiday. In a wonderful finish, Samantha joins a local dance “step” team, the Lethal Ladies, where she learns the choreographed precision moves from Coach G and her highly talented high school girls team.

211 – "Food Around the World" (formerly titled "International Food Show")
Short: Samantha learns the art of chocolate making in Interlaken, Switzerland; tries her hand at making duck schnitzel in Texas Hill Country; makes a “Christmas” enchilada in Santa Fe; experiences a traditional “Hangi” feast in Whakatane, New Zealand, and discovers the secrets of making gin in Montreal.

Long: While visiting the Swiss city of Interlaken, Samantha learns the art of chocolate making in a “funky” way. In Orange County, California Samantha learns about the Vietnamese community in the city of Westminster while making spring rolls. On a road trip through Texas Hill Country she stops in and tries her hand at making duck schnitzel in keeping with the historical roots of the region. In New Zealand, Samantha engages with the local Maori community in the city of Whakatane and learns how the traditional feast “Hangi” is made. What’s food, without a drink? In Montreal, Samantha learns about how gin is made from local ingredients and then has a classic cocktail. On a fascinating trip to Seoul, South Korea Samantha learns how to make bulgogi, the classic Korean beef dish. Finally, in Santa Fe she learns how to make an enchilada “Christmas” style.

212 - Charleston, South Carolina
Short: The Holy City has quite the history, and Samantha takes a walking tour through its hidden alleyways and the French Quarter, including a tour of the haunted Old City Jail. She also visits the City Market to learn about the Gullah tradition of sweetgrass basket weaving.

Long: The Holy City certainly has quite the history, as Samantha takes a walking tour through its hidden alleyways and the French Quarter. From blacksmithing to woodworking, Samantha learns about the mission and importance of the American College of the Building Arts (ACBA) along with its founding inspiration, blacksmith Philip Simmons. It is rice harvesting time, and Samantha learns about this old tradition on one of the few local farms that has kept the tradition alive and well. Leaving the rice fields, Samantha joins Executive Chef Forest Parker to have a traditional gourmet dinner at Revival, where the focus is on rice and other low country traditional recipes. What a better way to finish off dinner, Samantha checks out some local bluegrass music at the rooftop bar of The Vendue. With so much history in Charleston, Samantha cannot resist taking a tour of the haunted Old City Jail with the possibility of meeting some of its ghostly inhabitants. Continuing on, Samantha visits the City Market where she learns about the Gullah tradition of sweetgrass basket weaving and gets a lesson from a 5th generation basket weaver. The Gullah culture certainly has deep roots in these parts, as Samantha discovers at Boone Hall Plantation, where she joins Gloria learning more about the Gullah tradition during the time of slavery. Finishing off her visit, Samantha joins James Beard award-winning Pitmaster Rodney Scott at his restaurant to sample some of his legendary BBQ.

213 – Central North Island, New Zealand
Short: Samantha explores the natural beauty of Lake Taupo; hikes the magnificent Huka Falls, and then learns how to cook in boiling hot geo-thermal pools in Te Puia. Traveling by helicopter, she gets a firsthand view of White Island (an active volcano) before hiking into the bush to learn about the national Kiwi bird.

Long: Samantha explores the natural beauty of Lake Taupo by kayak and stops off for a soak in the hot springs before hiking upstream to the magnificent Huka Falls. At Te Puia, Samantha experiences Pohutu, the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere and learns how to cook in boiling hot geo-thermal pools. She also meets Katz, who heads the woodworking school of the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, and talks about the Māori culture and the struggle to keep the culture alive. The Waimangu Volcanic Valley is filled with vast thermal activity and an active volcano, which is the next stop for Samantha, who tours the valley by boat and hikes to the Inferno Crater. Traveling by helicopter, Samantha gets a firsthand view of White Island, an active volcano, to further understand the thermal activity of this area. Hiking into the bush, Samantha joins a couple of rangers to learn about the national Kiwi bird and helps with their conservation efforts. At “The House That Came Home”, Samantha takes part of a customary ritual and is welcomed into the Marae as part of the family, where she talks to Will about the history and community of the Marae. Concluding the ritual, Samantha is invited to a Hangi and joins the community for this traditional feast.