Explore every episode of the podcast I Could Live Here

Discover why Greenville, South Carolina became a temporary home base for location-independent professionals seeking the best places to live in the Southeast. Hosts James and Denise share their six-month experience living in Greenville after Hurricane Helene, exploring the city's booming housing market, suburban lifestyle, and downtown walkability.

While Greenville offers excellent opportunities - from tree service work to major fundraising projects like Heritage Green development - the hosts reveal why this growing South Carolina city didn't feel like their permanent home. Learn about Greenville's rapid growth, new construction throughout the county, and the challenges of suburban living versus downtown life.

The episode announces their decision to relocate to Savannah, Georgia, weighing affordability against lifestyle preferences. Compare Greenville's suburban appeal with Savannah's historic charm, walkable neighborhoods near Forsyth Park, and 400+ years of history. Perfect for anyone researching where to live in South Carolina or Georgia, this honest review covers housing costs, job opportunities, and lifestyle factors that influence major relocation decisions.

Dive into the world of reality TV with executive producer Dean Ollins as he shares insider insights on A&E Network's "New House, No Debt" and his illustrious career. From casting challenges to production secrets, Ollins reveals the intricate process behind creating hit shows. Learn about his work on the Brady Bunch renovation and how he navigates the ever-changing landscape of unscripted television. This candid conversation offers aspiring producers valuable advice and gives viewers a glimpse behind the curtain of their favorite reality programs.

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We thought we were close. We were wrong.

This episode was sponsored by MANSCAPED.COM. Head over there for 20% off and FREE shipping when you use the promo code SKIPTOWN.

That's right! Get 20% OFF @manscaped + Free Shipping with promo code SKIPTOWN at MANSCAPED.com! #ad #manscapedpod

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"The Cov" has been on our "Top 5" ever since we blew through here in late 2022 on our way to catch a flight out of Cincinnati. This week, we FINALLY make it back and really dig into why it resonated with us in such a short amount of time--and why it's now making list after list of Top 10 Places to Move. We reconnect with Jenna and Bert Stewart, who let us live like locals from their British-themed abode. Did it meet our expecations? You bet your Mainstrasse, it did!

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This week, we explore the charming town of Essex, Connecticut, and stay at the historic Griswold Inn. We also discover the town's picturesque Main Street, the Connecticut River Valley, and the challenges of finding affordable housing in this desirable location. Learn about the Griswold's rich history, its continuous operation since 1776, and the alleged haunted stories surrounding the property. #emptynest #fulltank

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This week we have an inspiring interview with Donna Spatidol, who found us right as she was about to embark upon her own mission to find a new hometown. As an artist, a dog owner and a huge fan of cold weather, she shares the triumphs and trials of the last several months of her journey... and where she's going to purchase a home!

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This week we explore the charming coastal towns of Cape Cod, Massachusetts it marks the FIRST TIME we stayed with a listener! Donna hosted us in Chatham, Mass and before you knew it, James was attempting polar plunges, searching for the perfect lobster roll, and visiting the iconic Kennedy Compound. From Provincetown to Hyannis Port, enjoy our recap of the beauty and quirks of this popular New England destination! #emptynest #fulltank

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Somewhere between Connecticut and Kentucky, Denise drops the bomb that she's going to do a 5-day getaway in the middle of our... getaway. She leaves James behind to go glamping in Zion National Park. What could go wrong? EVERYTHING, as it turns out!

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The iconic city of Pittsburgh, PA has been on James’ radar for a long time. After years of flying into PGH just to jump in a rental car and cross the Ohio border to visit his hometown, he’d had the itch to actually SPEND SOME TIME in the Steel City. But the minute we arrived, Denise was feeling a bit underwhelmed… traffic, rain and buildings everywhere seemed a little oppressive for what she’s looking for in a community. From navigating through the city's famous bridges and tunnels to indulging in local delicacies like pierogies at Pierogies Plus and sandwiches at Primanti Bros, this is our unpolished Steel City experience. We discuss Pittsburgh's unique neighborhoods, such as Lawrenceville and Mount Lebanon, and learn about the city's sports culture (#gosteelers), museums, and celebrity connections.

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This week, we hit the charming coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island--during the BITTER COLD off-season. We get to stay at gardinerhouse.com and witness the rich history, stunning mansions, delicious seafood, and unique experiences that make Newport a must-visit destination. From strolling along the famous Cliff Walk to learning about the town's sailing heritage and Portuguese influence. Could YOU live there? We bet you could!

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Well, we did it. Through snow and sleet and fog and rain, we lived in Guilford for a month. Is Denise still feeling like it's her "Stars Hollow"? Did James get frostbite? Here is the recap from our Winter Wonderland in Southern Connecticut.

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This week, we tackle the Hudson Valley, just up the river from New York City. From the bustling Main Street of Cold Spring to the up-and-coming city of Beacon, get an inside look at the unique character and real estate of five different towns... and West Point Academy!

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We arrived in Athens, GA fresh off of our appearance on A&E's New House, No Debt. For a short span, Athens was a Gen-X mecca for music and a "must hit" that we always seemed to be called away from in our travels. Not anymore! What we didn't expect was Athens checking ALMOST EVERY SINGLE box on our hometown wish list.

This week, explore the charm of Athens, GA, a vibrant college town with a rich music history and attractive real estate market. Home to the University of Georgia and legendary bands like R.E.M. and The B-52s, Athens offers a perfect blend of Southern hospitality, cultural experiences, and affordable living. Discover why this hidden gem is becoming a top choice for home seekers--including US--looking for spacious properties, a thriving downtown, and a strong sense of community. Learn about Athens' neighborhoods, music scene, and real estate opportunities in this comprehensive guide.

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After a few weeks in Southern Connecticut, it was time to stop heading west toward New Haven and find some new adventures. It was only a matter of time before everyone and their mother was pointing us to Mystic, home of the iconic Mystic Pizza that was the focus of a Julia Roberts movie about a hundred years ago. Anyhoo, we went and the pizza was "fine." We weren't disappointed with the shops, the donuts, the historic landmarks or the oysters. We did the tourist trap in Old Mystic and Denise went gaga over the ice sculptures while James spent most of his day geeking out over a drawbridge. In the final analysis, we could afford a 1-Bedromm house in Mystic, but dang, we were glad we went!

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Halfway between our property in FL and the sporty vibe of Greenville, SC there sits a small town with an upscale downtown. Perry, GA may not be a place you've never heard of before, but we bet this town is jumping when the weather is nice. Despite the dreary winter weather there, we managed to have a great time and flesh this place out for all it was worth over a period of 4 days. We explored local shops, peach orchards, some really kick-ass restaurants and the Georgia National Fairgrounds. While it was a little too rural for Denise's taste, James seemed to be loving everything except the peaches. Hey, everyone has their personal food preferences, right? No disrespect, Perry. You better believe we'll be back when the pecan farms are rocking and the pigs are for sale!

You'd best be stoppin' over our YouTube channel, y'all! And while you're at it, throw us some love on social media, too. Free fried balogna sandwich to every listener who reviews us on Apple Podcasts or rates us on Spotify, ya hear?

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NOTE: This episode was recorded long before the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. KUDOS to the people of Asheville and their ongoing rebound from an unexpected disaster! This week, we explore what it's like visiting and potentially living in Asheville, NC! We got to catch up with family and spend time touring different neighborhoods, seeing the sights like the Biltmore Estate, eating at local restaurants, discussing the art scene and microbreweries, and evaluating if Asheville seems like a viable place to live long-term. The natural beauty of Asheville was striking--even on the worst weather day of the year. However, the cost of real estate, crime rates and the prevalence of homelessness were also a rude awakening. Did Asheville live up to its reputation as an artsy, funky mountain city? Hit play and find out!

Our YouTube Channel is bursting with way more content.

You can also find us on social media here!

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This week we explored Greenville, South Carolina and were utterly impressed--gobsmacked, actually--by its charming vintage architecture mixed with modern, vibrant growth. We checked out the Liberty Bridge and Falls Park, and took an actual real estate tour specifically for those seeking to relocate to the evolving city formerly known as the Textile Capital of the World. It was there we discovered Greer - a town with great amenities just 20 mins from downtown Greenville. Between the GSP airport, brewery scene, James Beard nominated restaurants and real estate options, this town is now on the Skiptown map. Is it about to knock one of our other hometown choices out of the Top 5? Hit Play and find out!

Pastor Mike gave us a tour of some of Greenville's up-and-coming communities. Check out his web site and book your own here.

You can find the YouTube version of this podcast on our channel here.

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GreenvilleSC #SouthernCities #TravelPodcast #FoodieDestinations #BeerTourism #DowntownGreenville #Waterfalls

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Get ready for something unexpected! James recaps his recent visit to Ogden, Utah and how the town has transformed over the past few years. Ogden is located just north of Salt Lake City and was once a gritty railroad town. However, recent investment and development has turned it into an up-and-coming, artsy, mountain destination. Does Ogden's growth, outdoor recreation, and real estate make it a potential hometown? Depends on your hobbies and occupation, but YES. Denise is all up in arms over e-bike hunting, James is sick of virtue signaling, and Huffington Post is intoxicated on their own crazy news headlines. This one is packed with info on life in Utah and lots of jokes… a few of which are even funny!

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And our social media is pretty damn cool for a coupla Gen-Xers. You should follow us!

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Is Tampa one of America's most overlooked cities? Dive into everything it has to offer in this fun recap of Denise's recent visit. She shares her eye opening experience visiting a listener and Tampa for the first time and discovering the city's rich culture, architecture, cuisine and more. From the historic Ybor City neighborhood to catching a glimpse of Tom Brady's former home, Denise was pleasantly surprised by this underrated Florida gem. We also discuss Tampa's growth, influx of young residents, booming real estate market, and why Denise says it's an ideal city to live. Whether you're considering a move or just want to learn more about this hip cultural hub, this epsiode has all the insider info on Tampa you've been searching for!

You can follow us on YouTube, and you'll find a LOT more content if you do!

We're on Instagram and TikTok @skiptownallstars.com

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This week is James' recap of the 10--yes, 10!--places he checked out in Connecticut this Fall: Danbury, Sherman, New Milford, New Fairfield, Brookfield, Newtown, New London, Madison, Branford and Denise's favorite, Guilford. For 10 days, the picturesque small towns and idyllic waterfront living across Connecticut continued to impress. We discuss the hometown advantages of colonial homes, autumn leaves, farmer's markets, trails, and access to major cities like NYC. We also discuss Sandy Hook, which was a very dark stain on our country's modern history. Once we're done (not at all) settling the debate on America's gun fetish, we also debate the viability of dating apps and share some of the latest crime stories. If you’re considering moving to Connecticut or just want to learn more about what it has to offer, strap in because we're going for a ride!

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Thinking of booking a trip to Orlando, Florida? While the theme parks are certainly a popular draw, there’s so much more to experience in the city if you want to live like a local for a few days. Today we have a Central Florida enthusiast who joins us to dish out her favorite places to eat, drink, explore, and make the most of your time there.

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This week, we reminisce about the famous 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, where the epic game of hockey known as as the "Miracle on Ice" took place. We reset the political climate of the Cold War era and how national tensions manifested in Olympic hockey leading up to the famous USA vs USSR grudge match. We debunk some common misconceptions about the game, as well as the Kurt Russell film 'Miracle' based on the events. This episode has it all--interesting Lake Placid history, winter sports development, famous residents, and modern day attractions that go way beyond the sports facilities. Oh, and did we mention real estate... could we live here? Could you? Find out now!

You can always watch us if you're into that kinda thing on YouTube or at skiptownallstars.com. Come for the media, stay for the blogs!

Please like, follow and subscribe wherever you're finding us and, as always...

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This week, we're bringing the Thanksgiving thunder 🦃 and a summary on Plymouth, Massachusetts where it ALL began. We dive into the chaotic world of Thanksgiving travel with insane stats and stories. Do planes really only get delayed 15 minutes? And how far would you drive before admitting defeat? We’re also dishing about Thanksgiving food fails, tasty traditions, and sharing our own picks for best and worst holiday eats. Not everything belongs on the Thanksgiving table...right? 🤢 We’ll also school you on the wild world of Black Friday shopping, including a world record you won’t believe. And wait until you hear about the dishes the Pilgrims ACTUALLY served at the very first Thanksgiving meal back in 1621! Let’s just say eel was on the menu. 😳 Join us as we break down fun facts no one asked for about Thanksgiving travel, shopping, food, football and more! Whether you’re Team Turkey or Team Tofurky, this episode will definitely put you in a festive mood. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

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Explore the hidden paradise of Anna Maria Island, a pristine gem on Florida's Gulf Coast. This episode of Skiptown All-Stars takes you on a journey to this lesser-known destination, revealing its stunning beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and unique charm. Discover insider tips on finding the perfect spot on Holmes Beach, navigating the local real estate market, and enjoying the island's amenities without breaking the bank. Plus, dive into a discussion on sustainable travel practices and learn about global destinations leading the charge in eco-friendly tourism. From the powdery white sands of Anna Maria to the innovative green initiatives in cities like Valencia and Singapore, this episode offers a blend of personal travel experiences and valuable insights for the environmentally conscious explorer. Join us for an unforgettable virtual trip to one of Florida's best-kept secrets!

Website: https://skiptownallstars.com/ Main

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We loved Montreal so much we swore we’re returning in 2024, but it was time to go deeper into Canada than we’ve ever been. Here’s your Quebec City, Canada recap! We were instantly met with a motley crew, but soon we discovered the true, old world European charm of the city, with its cobblestone streets and fortified walls. The Upper City and Citadel are over 400 years old (but don’t look a day over 200). Quebec City definitely had more of a laidback vibe and blue collar feel, which was a great juxtaposition against it’s French village atmosphere. We of course wined and dined at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac hotel, and explored the edgy St. Roch neighborhood, all while learning about Quebec's high taxes, socialized medicine, and more. Of course, this is Part 2 of our Canadian vacation with our buddy, Patrick (see Episode 66 for more info) and we must say, he’s got a knack for finding some damn cool places to visit!

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This week is all about Montreal, Canada and the French-influenced culture just North of the Border. We tagged along on our friend Patrick's (see Episode 66 for more info) vacation and were transported into Europe when we were met by Old Montreal's historic architecture. We were in for quite the twist when we found an underground city with 20 miles of shops, restaurants, transit - a fully functioning metropolis below ground!

Our food experience, though, was rather dysfunctional. From Labor Day closings to charred kebabs and cold steak, we kept in the Skiptown tradition of rollercoaster restaurant adventures.

Still, being among top sites like Notre-Dame Basilica, Mont Royal, Olympic Park, Old Port and SO MANY charming neighborhoods, we LOVED Montreal's vibrant, cosmopolitan flair. We're suckers for the European culture that lives just a few hours from Upstate New York and a return trip is already in the works... who's joining us in June, 2024?

We're going to be dropping an "Ask a Local" Episode for Montreal on our YouTube Channel soon. Check it out!

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When Denise was in Texas, listener Sandra invited her to Boerne to see the house she and husband Nik were having built. Denise was intrigued, but then Sandra told her it was the FIFTH time they were constructing a new home... we had to get to the bottom of why they're such huge fans of starting from scratch.

While we were in Boerne this summer, we sat down with Sandra and Nik to hear how they parlayed an FHA loan into an eventual $2M custom build--and why they STILL hate their window sills. From a killer view to vanishing closets, they're here to tell us all about their triumphs and fails in the land of new construction!

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One of the greatest aspects of our last year of travel has been meeting new people and FINALLY having the freedom to visit all the old friends and family we've been "meaning to" over the years. This week, we sit down with James' college buddy and Gordon family fixture, Patrick Mason, in his Jersey City crib. You've heard us mention how he always calls to correct our grammar and fact-check us... always leaving us with a renewed commitment to making him proud.

This week he's with us to break down the explosive growth Jersey City has seen over the past few decades... is it "the 6th Borough"? Patrick cuts through the noise on the real estate statistics and drops a lot of bonus info on the neighboring town of Hoboken, too. Enjoy!

You can find the video version of this podcast and much more content on our YouTube channel.

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While wandering around Connecticut, Denise planned a haircut in Guilford with a friend-of-a-friend at her salon. What happened next was not in the plan, however. Her new stylist, Stephanie, transformed into an all-day tour guide, instead. Denise returned to the hotel with her hair looking the same and full of excitement over everything she's going to do when we MOVE TO GUILFORD?

That's right. Half of the Skiptown tribe has spoken... and Denise swears that Guilford is the "Stars Hollow" she's been targeting all this time. She's even talking about starting a new endeavor there. And the Gilmore Girls. Lots and lots of Gilmore Girls. You're gonna be wasted!

One Skiptown down, but will James buy in? Not if it means getting into the restaurant business.

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Hartford was a bust, but New Haven's got a little spring in its step! We explored this coastal city on a whim and are so freaking glad we did. From its bold claims of being the birthplace of the burger AND American pizza, the food game in this town is solid. Coffee game? Also on point. Pair that with Nathan Hale being a crappy spy and all of the mystique and intrigue that a certain Ivy League school has to offer, and you need to pull up a chair... because we're about to reveal the secret knock to The Elm City's bustling society. You've been sleeping on this city in Connecticut--and that's why you can't get into Yale.

Also, Denise invents a band out of thin air. Enjoy!

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If you listened to our episode last week, you know that Denise has spent a lot of time in Colorado lately. It hasn't just been family business, however. On her last trip, she got a good look around Castle Rock--and found that what used to be a stop-off city between Denver and Colorado Springs has now expanded FAR beyond a day of shopping at outlet malls. James also made the most recent trip to the Centennial State for some mile-high mischief and this is our recap!

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After a summer of fun, it was finally time to head up to Connecticut to get Ellie settled into her new school. Frankly, it was a move we thought we'd never have to make again, but we were eager to get our youngest into a better environment. After 2 days of driving, James finally joined Denise and Ellie for move-in day. We thought we'd be vibing in a whole new city, but Hartford had other plans.

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The Prodigal has returned. Lake Milton is a beautiful State Park in Northeastern Ohio where fishing, water skiing and boating are plenty. It's also the hometown of @SkiptownJames and the subject of today's episode. We explore what made growing up in Lake Milton great, the hard times it's endured and what this gorgeous locale needs most... residents.

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Denise has been maxed out on James, people and well, everything lately. So when Lisa--and Eastern Wisconsin--rang the phone, Denise answered the call. Before she knew it, she was ditching all responsibility and heading for Milwaukee! This is the recap of her trip to the Brew City, Appleton, Lambeau Field and even a taste of Door County. The snow is a factor, but this recounting is all James needed to hear... cue the heavy metal, we're definitely taking the Camaro on a future run to the Badger State!

We love that you listen, but you might be missing out on all the content on our YouTube channel that you can't find in an audio format. Check it out here!

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When Cousin Judy, and later, Cousin Doreen both mentioned to Denise that we should DEFINITELY stop in Helen, GA in our travels, the seed was planted. After hearing of this Bavarian Village in the mountains of Georgia, James agreed. MISTAKE. Were we greeted by miles of plywood facades and the potential for foodborne illness... or are we way off base? Based on the reviews on... and money pouring into... Helen, GA we have a sense that our inbox is going to be full of angry comments this week! Fine, defend Helen and tell us where we went wrong... we'll at least listen.

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The conclusion of Bill & James' Excellent Adventure in the Jordan starts off with lost luggage and ends with an escape from a desert hut. With no air conditioning, an inexperienced driver and only 3 tires, our Dynamic Duo still managed to clinch an amazing time halfway around the world. They also crossed off another "world wonder" in Petra, which has sparked a lot of talk about trying to see them ALL before their buckets kick one day.

This is Part 2 of 2 for the guys' trip to the Middle East, so if you haven't checked out the Egypt episode, make sure you do.

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While James was slagging off in Egypt somewhere, Denise was making inroads with more Texans and expanding our map in the Lone Star State. A trip up to San Antonio turned into a meet-and-greet with one of our listeners, and that lunch meeting ended with an invite to "Come to Boerne sometime!"

Boerne? Never heard of it. Why is it pronounced "bur-nie" rather than Boerne? Well, we didn't have time to ponder that long, because when James returned to Texas, Denise was packing the car for the Hill Country. Turns out, a local artist in Boerne (childressart.com) also reached out with an invite to come check it out, too. That was 2 invites in 2 weeks, and we had to see what the draw was.

When we rolled up to Main Street, it was pretty obvious this was a town that checked all of the boxes when you think of a Texas town. It's pretty incredible, and the people we met were just as welcoming as our new friends. Find out why!

As always, check out our YouTube channel for way more content than you'll find here and reach out to us on our social media pages... we love hearing from listeners and you best believe that if you extend an invitation, we intend to take you up on it!

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Guys trip recap! James shares his extraordinary adventure through Egypt while traveling with his friend Bill. The journey begins in Cairo, where he experiences the 24/7 energy of this 28-million-person metropolis, enjoying luxury accommodations at the Fairmont Nile City Hotel with its five-star restaurants and stunning river views. James details his exploration of the Egyptian Museum and the challenging descent into Khufu's tomb at the Great Pyramids of Giza, before flying to Luxor to discover the Valley of the Kings and intricate temple complexes. The episode features must-see Egyptian attractions including King Tut's tomb, the Temple of Karnak, and a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the Nile at sunrise. James offers practical travel tips about Egyptian currency (31 pounds to $1 USD), transportation costs (25-minute Uber rides for under $4), and survival strategies for the intense summer heat. For anyone considering where to travel in North Africa, this episode provides authentic insights into Egyptian culture, safety, affordability, and the overwhelming hospitality travelers will encounter in this ancient land of pharaohs and pyramids.

We were grinding our way through Texas when James was hit with an interesting proposition from his friend, Bill. Insiders call him "Billy Goat." Okay, only James calls him that.

At any rate, Bill had a friend drop out on a planned trip to Egypt, Jordan and Israel and called James off the bench to be the next man up. With all the Hollywood strikes about to pop off, James realized he'd have some time on his hands.

Denise also wanted him out of her hair for awhile because he'd been a cranky ass, so all this leads up to James booking a flight and landing in Cairo four days later. Here's the recap of what happens when you torch caution and join your best buddy on the most epic road trip, ever!

Thanks for listening, and please subscribe to our YouTube! channel for WAY MORE CONTENT than you'll find here!

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It's been a pretty interesting time here in South Texas. For starters, we've been borderline couch surfing at our daughter's new home... mostly because her new couch is more comfortable than the guest bed. She flew our coop over 6 years ago, so getting reaquainted with Parker has been mostly amazing but sometimes very surreal. Turns out she's an adult with her own mind now and, well, we're just not used to that!

Beyond the issues of purchasing an old house, we definitely have a full picture of this Guld city--and predictions about what it's going to look like in 5 years. So strap in and catch up with all things Corpus because we're about to resume our own hometown search now that our kid is settled in!

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When Denise caught wind of a nature preserve in a little town called Kingsville less than an hour south of Corpus Christi, her ears perked up. When James found out that said nature preserve had real-life raptor birds ready to put on a show and devour piles of meat, he brought every lens in the camera bag!

From El Potrero Ranch to the 106-year old Harrell's Kingsville Pharmacy, the neighborly vibes were also on full display everywhere--even the Mayor showed up to talk to your favorite empty nesters.

Kingsville is full of potential and affordable housing, and speculators are starting to take notice. If you're into fishing--or crushing four-dollar burgers at the corner store--then you may want to give Kingsville--or nearby Baffin Bay--a solid look!

You can find out more about our outdoor adventure at El Potrero Ranch here:

https://www.facebook.com/ElPotreroNaturePhotographyRanch/

Our guide, Hugh Lieck was THE BEST:

https://www.facebook.com/HughLieck1955/

Harrell's Kingsville Pharmacy:

 https://www.facebook.com/people/Harrels-Kingsville-Pharmacy/100057509407878/

Baffin on the Rocks Fishing Lodge:

https://baffinontherocks.com/

And anything you need to know about what's happening in Kingsville is here:

https://www.facebook.com/KingsvilleVisitorsCenter/

As always, our social media links are here http://www.linktr.ee/skiptownallstars

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In the Northeastern part of Louisiana sits the 3rd oldest city in the US, and is best-known for 2 things. The first is that its name, Natchitoches, sounds nothing like its pronunciation, "nack-a-tish." The second is it's the town where the true story of Steel Magnolias is based. Turns out Denise has seen the movie 12 times and cried every single time. Conversely, it's like ambien to James. He's tried to watch it in 3 different decades and failed to stay awake every single time.

The hotel was fantastic, but the nightlife--at 8:15PM--was virtually non-existent. It wasn't until they stumbled into a bingo hall that things seemed to take a turn in a more exciting direction. The food was mostly good, when they could find it. Turns out, catching a restaurant between 2-5pm for a late lunch is REALLY a struggle.

For a town with a university and so many festivals during the year, the dynamic duo thought there would be a vibrancy on the streets of this beautiful setting. What they found wasn't exactly a traveler's paradise, and instead some mixed reviews from the locals, themselves.

Special thanks to the Church Street Inn!

We're dropping additional content you can't see here on YouTube... including our "Ask a Local" series. Check it out!

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For someone who never watches HGTV, Denise sure knows A LOT about the hosts of their shows. James knew nothing about Laurel, Mississippi or the show "Home Town," but you best believe he knew Erin and Ben Napier's names by heart by the time we left!

Our first night in this growing town was overshadowed by a grungy hotel in a not-so-great area, but charming Downtown Laurel awaited us the next morning. We were greeted by a few locals, Landon and Kate Bryant, who are the geniuses behing the Southern-centric, uber-successful @landontalks channels on TikTok and Instagram. We all piled into their car for our own special tour of the neighborhoods around Laurel and it certainly did not disappoint.

Tell your "mom 'n them" that what we found in Laurel was a new surprise around every corner. Here lies a town that is charming, ripe with potential and overflowing with civic pride. Spoiler alert: Our prediction is that, in 5 years, some people are going to be REALLY glad they put skin in the Laurel game.

Check out our YouTube channel for our "Ask a Local" segments and videos you can't find here on the audio platform. As always, please share, REVIEW and rate our show if you like us... and of course you can skip this part if you don't!

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We started a brand new journey and are hitting 3 towns as we ramble toward Corpus Christi. The first stop? Auburn, AL. Denise was angling for the prestige of The Laurel Hotel, and scored even bigger when she landed the Presidential Suite at The Hotel at Auburn University. We got to experience the best in AU's culinary arts program and landed an interview with a big fish in the Auburn real estate market (and on TikTok), Amy Barton Cotney! Amy gave us a download on what's happening in the towns of Auburn, Lake Martin and Opelika and it was a hoot. We took in the sights and tastes and bushels of love this town had to offer--and Denise even did it on horseback!

We're dropping THREE "Ask a Local" segments for Auburn on YouTube in the coming days, so make sure you subscribe to us for content you can only see there. Find out why we fell in love with the people and the town of Auburn and, as always, please be sure to follow us on the social platform of your choice here.

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Ever since our visit to Savannah and Fox Hollow Realty, we've been percolating on the idea that we should pursue a starter home for our oldest daughter, Parker. If you remember, she graduated and moved to that shining--alright, oily--beacon on the Texas Riviera, Corpus Christi.

It was just shy of a year ago that she rolled up to the Lone Star State, looking to launch a career and make her mark. Well, we're proud to say it's paid off.

Parker is now a homeowner!

We've been sitting one this one for a few weeks because, let's face it, anything can jinx a housebuying process. After several near misses and houses getting scooped out from under her, she was getting the first-time buyer-blues. Then, just as it seemed the dream was fading on a house to call her own, Denise and James got the call that she'd roped herself a dogie.

What we didn't tell you back then was we were dab-smack in the middle of our Alabama Bushwacker reverie and had to hit the pause button. What is it with Corpus Christi and interruptions in our travel plans? Within hours, we were on a plane to the "Sparkling City by the Sea" so we could join her for the excitement, the inspection... and the not-so-perfect process that would follow.

Follow all of our adventures, check out our maps and subscribe to our channels here.

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No need to sugarcoat it. Chattanooga, TN has come around the mountain and barreled its way into our Top 5 places to live! From Red Bank to East Ridge, Downtown to Soddy Daisy... this place has the outdoors, a vibrant nightlife and FAST, FREE internet! Put it on your "places to visit" list, because Chattanooga isn't just a little old train town in the mountains, anymore!

This episode takes you on a journey through the Chattanooga's unique downtown, mountain landscapes, and the famous Ruby Falls. Discover why Chattanooga is becoming a hotspot for retirees and celebrities alike, with its blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. Learn about the city's progressive initiatives, like publicly-owned high-speed internet, and explore nearby areas like Apison. Get an insider's perspective on living in this up-and-coming Southern gem, complete with tips on the best neighborhoods and outdoor activities. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone considering a move to Chattanooga or planning a visit to this picturesque Tennessee city.

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Outside of Gainesville, FL sits a town we've passed a hundred times in our travels... and yet never knew existed. Turns out Northern Florida has a well-kept secret to most people passing through, and it comes in the form of just ONE square mile known as the town of Micanopy.

What's the deal with Micanopy? Well, for starters it is it's own time capsule. Roll into town past the tin-roofed houses and you'll quickly find yourself transported into the early 20th century. The cafes may have modern equipment, but the aesthetics of this unique town are free of the chain restaurants and schlocky corporate stores you can find in every suburb in America.

Join us as we recap our visit with the descendants of J.R. Mountain--an original entrepreneur who made Micanopy a must-stop for every Greyhound bus in the 1920s. We sat with two of his grandchildren, Sandra and Billy, for what ended up being a fascinating look into what it took to start a town in Old Florida--and the battles they've fought over the years to keep its beautiful soul.

Could we live there? Pop in those dorky earbuds and find out.

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Denise's Cousin Judy told us (in episode 36 of our YouTube Channel) that Orange Beach, Alabama was a gem. We (okay, James) kind of dismissed it because we had so MANY other places on our list already. Then, Southern Living magazine dropped their Top 50 Southern Small Towns list and right there, at #15 and 6 hours away from where we were camped out sat Orange Beach & Gulf Shores.

We were expecting an extension of Perdido and some of the other less-than-prime Florida Panhandle beaches. We were happy to be wrong as hell. Grab yourself an Alabama Bushwacker and let us tell you everything you need to know about the beaches, the incredibly classy people and all the things to do in Southern Alabama!

Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, a rating on Spotify or subscribe to us on YouTube!

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Way back when we left Los Angeles, the plan was to drive from Seattle until we hit The Keys but (as you all know) we had to stop down when Hurricane Ian was sweeping through Florida. Since then, one thing after another has prevented us from reaching the paradise that exists right at the very tip of the continental U.S.

Well, we ran FINALLY out of obstacles and excuses... and at last we were able to head out on a weekend getaway to Key West. Our friends Carly and Mike from the West Coast also made the trip and we were amped to pick them up outside of Miami along the way.

From the anti-corporate vibe of Islamorada to the unwinding views from Seven Mile Bridge, our 4 days in the gateway to the Caribbean were as epic as they were expensive. Denise found a pirate hideaway and James found a way not to tip the sea kayak. Grab yourself a colada and kick back while we lay out the ups and downs of our journey to the Florida Keys!

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THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY slysslidersandfries.com ! Check out what Savannahians already know... Sly's Sliders Rocks! Artisan sliders and dogs to match your taste, whatever your dietary preference. Go to slysslidersandfries.com and tell them The Skiptown All-Stars sent you.

Our adventure in The Hostess City of the South continues!

We went to Mrs. Wilkes for some down-home cooking, only to be intimidated by lines around the corner on mulltiple days. Eventually, we made it and well, ONE of us thought the country cookin' was worth the wait. It didn't matter, though... it was just one of a hundred stops we made as we continued to eat our way through every block of Savannah over a 3 week span.

We dig into the real story behind Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and unearth some of the more salacious details about it you might not know. In the end, we made every minute we spent in our Victorian house count... and even began to shop around for one of our own. More to come on that next week, too.

Finally, we come face-to-face with some of the most vile serial killers and cults at Graveface Musem. Were they more scary than Paula Dean's desserts? You gotta listen to find out.

Maps of our visits, links to YouTube clips and our social media all lives here.

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