Backyard Road Trips

Zack Lamothe and Jim Wheeler are two New Englanders who figured out something most travel writers miss. Some of the best adventures are the ones within a tank of gas from home. Their podcast grew out of a shared website where they documented weekend hikes, craft breweries, roadside food stops, and the quirky local history that makes their corner of the country worth exploring again and again. Each episode feels like eavesdropping on two friends planning a Saturday outing, complete with tangents about the best lobster roll shack on Route 1 or which White Mountains trail is actually doable with kids. Zack writes books on his own and brings a researcher's eye to the conversations, while Jim keeps things loose with the kind of running commentary that makes long drives fly by. Guests range from trail runners and brewery owners to authors and park staff, and the hosts always steer the talk back toward practical, doable ideas you could act on this weekend. The show champions the underrated attractions in your own backyard rather than pushing you toward bucket-list trips you will never take. Whether you live in New England or somewhere else entirely, the philosophy translates, and the friendly banter makes Backyard Road Trips an easy recommendation for anyone who wants to rediscover nearby places with fresh eyes and a full tank of gas.