I love to go on vacation any time of the year but there’s nothing like taking a week off from work during the summer and heading off to some far-away destination. Times are tough though and with the cost of gas these days, traveling can take quite a toll on the wallet. It seems the Travel Channel is aware of this because they’ve put together a week-long set of programming called “Staycation Week.”
Doing the whole “staycation” thing is all about finding places closer to home where you can escape your everyday life without having to dip into your kids’ college fund in order to pay for it. Travel Channel’s “Staycation Week” will feature special episodes (some of which are encores of past episodes you may have missed) of various popular Travel Channel series that might help inspire you to think outside the box when it comes to planning your next budget-friendly vacation.
Monday, August 4
ANTHONY BOURDAIN: NO RESERVATIONS - “US Southwest” – 10:00 p.m.
Bourdain explores the Southwest region of the U.S. roadtrip-style.
Tuesday, August 5
BIZARRE FOODS WITH ANDREW ZIMMERN - “New York” (Encore) - 9:00 p.m.
Zimmern goes home to New York to dip into some of the unique foods that are available there, if you know where to look.
BIZARRE FOODS WITH ANDREW ZIMMERN - “Minnesota” (Encore) - 10:00 p.m.
Zimmern goes to Minnesota to check out the local foods ranging from deep-fried bar food to sophisticated cuisine.
Wednesday, August 6
EXTREME TRUCK STOPS - 8:00 p.m. (Encore)
Check out some of the more unique trucks stops all over the U.S., like ones with parking spaces for horses or places with all around great food.
EXTREME WATERPARKS - 9:00 p.m. (Encore)
This episode shows off some of the more amazing water parks out there.
ALL YOU CAN EAT PARADISE - 10:00 p.m. (Encore)
This episode takes us all over the country showing off some of the best all-you-can-eat restaurants around. Featured restaurants include Boston’s Langham Hotel and the Brazilian barbeque available to diners at Los Angeles’ Gaucho’s Grill. And for those of you planning a trip to Vegas, this episode will give you a glimpse of the Bellagio’s famous buffet.
Thursday, August 7
HOT DOG PARADISE - 8:00 p.m. (Encore)
Nothing says summer eating better than a tasty hot dog. Whether it’s Nathan’s famous hot dogs, Pink’s of Hollywood or somewhere in between, this episode checks out some of the all-time greatest hot dogs.
HAMBURGER PARADISE - 9:00 p.m. (Encore)
Rather have a burger? This episode explores the country, hitting some of the best burger joint.
SAMANTHA BROWN: PASSPORT TO GREAT WEEKENDS
“Washington, DC” - 10:00 p.m.
Brown heads off to DC to try some Ethiopian food, check out some bohemian poetry and do a little shopping in Eastern Market. Then to top it all off, brunch with some drag queens.
Friday, August 8
SAMANTHA BROWN: PASSPORT TO GREAT WEEKENDS
“Orlando” 8:00 p.m.
Brown checks out the local art scene in Orlando and hits Winter Park, the premiere shopping and dining district in the area.
“San Francisco” - 9:00 p.m.
Brown takes an interactive culinary tour through San Francisco and hits some of her favorite dining locations. She also visits some underground “supper clubs.” I have no idea what an underground supper club is but it sounds like fun. Secret eating fun.
