So where are you planning to go for a summer vacation?

Hi, I'm Rick Steeves.

Today on Travel with Rick Steeves, we're hitting the road,

and even the river, to meet some people who'll inspire us to embrace life

with a traveler's gusto.

Road food experts, Jane and Michael Stern, are back with some fun suggestions for finding uniquely American destinations,

where the local cuisine is almost culinary folk art.

Let's head through what Jane and I like to call the tenderloin belt,

Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa.

Southern most.

Later in the hour, we'll meet a seasoned river guide who ditched his urban life to lead

adventurous travelers down some of the classic whitewater rivers of the world.

Hefe Arenson joins us for a taste of whitewater fun and to remind us that you're

never too old to get wet.

Some guy who's an accountant or a corporate officer, they're whooping and hollering and laughing and

it's just, that's what it's all about.

We'll start out with travel reports from your favorite road trips.

Get in, sit down and buckle up. It's Travel with Rick Steeves.

You've got a full tank and a little time to spare. I'm Rick Steeves and we're hitting the road, at least for part of the hour ahead,

as we enjoy the simple pleasure of a road trip.

Coming up, Jane and Michael Stern have more suggestions for classic regional American meals

that are worth driving out of your way for.

...