I Could Live Here

Greenville SC vs Savannah GA: Best Places to Live in the Southeast - Why We're Moving!

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

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.

Hunting Hometowns on A&E: Our Appearance on 'New House, No Debt'

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0400

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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Athens, GA: Music Legends' Hometown with Surprising Affordability!

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0400

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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Anna Maria Island, FL: Caribbean-Like Paradise in Florida That's Within Reach!

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0400

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!

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Helen, GA: Bavaria in the Blue Ridge Mountains?

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 10:18:00 -0400

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.

#emptynest #fulltank

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Chattanooga, TN: Mountain Living with City-Owned High-Speed Internet

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 06:58:00 -0400

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.

#emptynest #fulltank

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Greer, SC: South Carolina's 4th of July Family Paradise

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:02:00 -0400

This episode of Skiptown All-Stars is brought to you by Anytime Mailbox. Head over to skiptownallstars.com and click the Anytime Mailbox link for YOUR 10% off on any of their services!

This week we recap our thrilling family adventure in Greer, South Carolina! This episode takes you on a journey through unexpected ATV rides, relaxing river tubing, and heartwarming family bonding. Discover the charm of Greer and nearby Asheville as the family explores local attractions, encounters wildlife, and creates new traditions.

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Litchfield, CT: The Affordable Colonial Town Where King George Became Bullets

Denise & James Gordon — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Explore the charming town of Litchfield, Connecticut, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of New England. This quaint destination boasts a rich colonial history, stunning natural beauty, and small-town charm that captivates visitors and locals alike. Discover Litchfield's fascinating past, including its role in the Revolutionary War and as home to notable figures like Aaron Burr and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Immerse yourself in the town's picturesque landscapes, from the scenic Bantam Lake to the extensive hiking trails of the White Memorial Conservation Foundation. Experience the unique blend of historic architecture, artisanal cuisine, and outdoor adventures that make Litchfield a must-visit destination. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an educational journey through American history, Litchfield offers something for everyone. Join us as we uncover the secrets and stories of this enchanting Connecticut town, perfect for your next New England getaway.

Sean Kunic of the Litchfield Historical Society was very helpful in giving us information about Litchfield. Show him some love at https://www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org

This episode is sponsored by ANYTIME MAILBOX. Don't miss out on 10% off of Anytime's virtual mailbox assistant for your travels, your business or your privacy. Go to SkiptownAllStars.com and click the Anytime Mailbox link at the top of the page for YOUR 10% off of their scanning, forwarding and even their check cashing service, to name a few!

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Get Paid to Move: MakeMyMove.com's Remote Worker Paradise

Denise & James Gordon — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Explore the revolutionary world of city incentives for remote workers with Evan Hock, co-founder of MakeMyMove.com. In this eye-opening podcast episode, Hock unveils how cities across America are attracting new residents through innovative relocation programs. Learn about hidden gem communities offering cash incentives, free co-working spaces, and unique perks to entice remote workers. Discover the economic impact of these programs and how they're reshaping local economies. Hock shares insights on remote work trends, the future of flexible employment, and how MakeMyMove.com is connecting move-ready talent with welcoming communities. Whether you're a remote worker looking for a change or curious about the evolving landscape of work and residence, this episode provides valuable information on finding your ideal place to live and work in the post-pandemic era.

This episode is sponsored by ANYTIME MAILBOX, the best virtual mailbox and personal assistant on the market! Go to Skiptownallstars.com, CLICK ON the Anytime Mailbox link and get 10% off YOUR Anytime Mailbox service today!

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Knoxville, TN: Country Charm with 4,000 Square Foot Affordability

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 06:41:00 -0400

Discover the charm and opportunities of Knoxville, Tennessee with us this week! We FINALLY got to revisit this vibrant city, exploring its unique neighborhoods, thriving real estate market, and cultural attractions. From the historic Old City to the modern West Knoxville, learn about the diverse housing options and lifestyle Knoxville offers. Hear insights on the city's growth, University of Tennessee influence, and nearby natural wonders like the Smoky Mountains. We share our personal experiences, including almost relocating to Knoxville in 2012, and discuss current market trends. Whether you're considering a move or just curious about this eastern Tennessee gem, this episode provides an honest, in-depth look at Knoxville's pros and cons, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in Southern living or real estate opportunities in a growing mid-sized city.

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The Epiphany: 18-Month Housing Search Reality Check

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 07:51:00 -0400

We thought we were close. We were wrong.

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Covington, KY: Kentucky's Perfect Bridge to Cincinnati Living

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 28 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

"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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Essex, CT: America's Oldest Inn Since 1776 - But Can You Live In This Town?

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 21 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

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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House Hunting as a Single Woman: Donna's Journey to Find a New Hometown

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 07 May 2024 07:52:00 -0400

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!

#emptynest #fulltank

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Cape Cod, MA: Kennedy Compound and a $400K Tiny Cottage Tour

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

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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Zion National Park, UT: Girls Trip Glamping Disaster Guide

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

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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Pittsburgh, PA: Black and Yellow City with Fries On Everything

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

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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Newport, RI: Vanderbilt Mansions and Winter Surfing Paradise - Could You Live Here?

Denise & James Gordon — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 23:30:00 -0400

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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Guilford, CT: A Deeper Dive Into Clam Digging and Harbor Living

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 08:10:00 -0400

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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Hudson Valley, NY: Five Distinctive Small Towns in Reasonable Distance from NYC

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

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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Mystic, CT: Julia Roberts' Pizza Town and a Million-Dollar Waterfront

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 01:16:00 -0500

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!

#emptynest #fulltank

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Perry, GA: Surprising Luxury Shopping in Peach Country

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 17:29:00 -0500

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!

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Asheville, NC: Blue Ridge Mountain Paradise or Overpriced Hipster Haven?

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 07:05:00 -0500

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!

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Greenville, SC: New Home Builds, the Liberty Bridge and 110 Downtown Restaurants

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 00:44:00 -0500

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.

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

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Ogden, UT: Utah's Hippest City? A Tech Hub and Outdoor Sports Heaven

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 06:31:00 -0500

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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Tampa, FL: Cigars, Wild Chickens and Tom Brady's Former Neighborhood

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 06:50:00 -0500

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!

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Connecticut's Small Towns: 10 Great Places to Live in CT

Denise & James Gordon — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 23:51:00 -0500

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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Orlando, FL Beyond Disney: Hidden Neighborhoods with Nora Love

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 01:59:00 -0500

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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Lake Placid, NY: Olympic Legacy and Mountain Living That's Actually Affordable

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 02:32:00 -0500

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!

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Plymouth, MA: Thanksgiving Origins and Real Estate Hot Market

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 07:45:00 -0500

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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Quebec City, Canada: Old European Charm Without Crossing Atlantic

Denise & James Gordon — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 23:05:00 -0500

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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Montreal, Canada: Underground Shopping Network and European Vibes

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 02:45:00 -0500

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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Hiring a Home Builder: An Incredible FHA Loan Success Story

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 00:28:00 -0400

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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Jersey City, NJ: Manhattan Views Without Manhattan Prices

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 08:39:00 -0400

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!

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Guilford, CT: Real-Life Gilmore Girls Town in Connecticut

Denise & James Gordon — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 23:53:00 -0400

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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New Haven, CT: Yale Campus Tour and Pizza Wars - Could You Live Here?

Denise & James Gordon — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 23:18:00 -0400

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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Castle Rock, CO: Colorado Mountain Living at Shocking Prices

Denise & James Gordon — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 23:02:00 -0400

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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Hartford, CT: Business City by Day, Ghost Town After 5pm

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 00:44:00 -0400

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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Lake Milton, OH: Million-Dollar Mansions Next to Modest Cottages

Denise & James Gordon — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 23:00:00 -0400

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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Milwaukee, WI: Best Places to Live, Free Transportation and Bloody Mary Sandwiches

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 09:39:00 -0400

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!

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Amman, Petra and Aqaba, JORDAN: Star Wars Filming Locations and Resort Disasters

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 01:35:00 -0400

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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Boerne, TX: Texas Hill Country's Explosive Growth Revealed

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 07:47:00 -0400

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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Luxor, EGYPT: Agricultural Capital of the Nile and a Guide to King Tut's Tomb

Denise & James Gordon — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 18:00:00 -0400

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.

Cairo, EGYPT: Pyramids, Pharoahs and Pigeons - Best Places to Go

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 10:18:00 -0400

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!

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Corpus Christi, TX Revisited: "Cowboys Who Fish" Coastal Lifestyle and Affordable Homes

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 10:16:00 -0400

For tons of STAS content you can't see here, subscribe to us on YouTube!

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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Kingsville, TX: A Tropical Climate You Can Afford in Monarch City USA

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 10:13:00 -0400

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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Natchitoches, LA: Steel Magnolias Filming Locations and the Downside of This Louisiana Town

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 10:10:00 -0400

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!

Social media links here.

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Laurel, MI: HGTV Fame Creates Real Estate Boom

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 10:01:00 -0400

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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Auburn and Opelika, AL: The Friendliest Towns in the South (If You Can Find a House!)

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 23 May 2023 11:12:00 -0400

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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Corpus Christi, TX: First-Time Homebuying Under $200,000 Guide

Denise & James Gordon — Mon, 15 May 2023 16:40:00 -0400

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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Micanopy, FL: Florida's Time Capsule Town with 635 Residents

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 09 May 2023 01:32:00 -0400

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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Orange Beach, AL: Alabama's Best-Kept Coastal Secret Revealed

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 00:54:00 -0400

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!

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Florida Keys: Romantic Getaway on 800 Beautiful Islands

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 09:41:00 -0400

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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Savannah, GA Part 2: The Historic Victorian District Million-Dollar Homes Guide

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 02:50:00 -0500

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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Savannah, GA Part 1: What to Do and Where to Live in This Town of Ghosts and Pirates

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 02:29:00 -0500

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY bonniebluetours.com **Head over to Bonnie's site and get the absolute BEST tour of Savannah - and if you use the promo code SKIPTOWN you'll get 15% off your tour!

We FINALLY made our way to Savannah, GA! Our first TRUE "remote working" adventure as empty-nesters did not disappoint. From Denise's new favorite side dish to James' boys weekend with a new friend, this Georgia city gave us history, hauntings and... yellow baseballs. Go Bananas!

We could've stuck to the usual sites--the Bird Girl, Leopold's and The Grey, to name a few--but why give you the same old peaches you could find with a quick Google search?

NO. We dug into everything that makes this city great, and it's not just Forsyth Park! So get ready for some rib-sticking content, because the Hostess City of the South gave us so much love that it wouldn't fit into one episode. This is Part 1 of 2 of Savannah. Enjoy!

Find all of our social media links and the map of EVERYWHERE we went in Savannah here.

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St. Pete, Naples & Fort Myers, FL: Hidden Gems On Florida's Gulf Coast

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 13:17:00 -0500

James was really over being in Florida, until one of our closest friends said he was coming to St. Pete (not to be confused with St. Petersburg, because as we’ve found out there IS a difference)! Suddenly, James was singing a different tune and we were strolling through the Dali Museum and exploring everything this little beach town had to offer. We also found ourselves arguing at-length over what impact remote work has truly had on St. Pete.

James wins that argument in the end.

Anyway, we weren’t done there. Naples was just a few hours south and Denise’s friends who left Chicago for the Paradise Coast showed us a roaring good time. We sipped champagne on a tiki boat, tried every restaurant we could on Fifth Ave. and Denise found beginner’s luck at Pelican Bay Country Club on her first golf outing, ever!

Finally, we wrapped up our road trip with a stop in Fort Myers to see James’ family in a visit that was long overdue. His aunt and uncle rolled out the red carpet and it had us feeling like WE were the kids, again!

Find our social media adventures, our maps and all our reviews about where we've been here.

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Chicago, IL: Even the Nerds Can Fight Here - A Native's Guide on Where to Live

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 07:41:00 -0500

Denise's hometown is truly a duality like no other. Northside vs. Southside. White Sox vs. Cubs fans. Lou Malnati's vs. Giordano's. Brutal winters pit themselves against unbearable summers... hell, even the Chicago River flows against itself!

Our house is no different. Denise begged James to move there for years but by the time he finally came around on it, she no longer felt its pull. In this episode we talk about The Windy City's sports, music scene, college life and--OF COURSE--the food that makes Chicago tick.

It's the most delicious, loving, knockdown-dragout fight of a city you've ever seen... and if you tell them Michael Jordan hasn't been relevant for over 25 years, you'll find out firsthand!

Find our reviews, maps and social media accounts here.

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Dubai, UAE: Inside the World's Most Fascinating City - Could You Live Here?

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 00:36:00 -0500

There's nothing to prepare you for someone calling and telling you they want to fly you and your significant other halfway around the world on their dime, but that's exactly what happened to us in March of 22. James' client phoned him and offered to pay for flights and accommodations if we were willing to drop everything and go to Dubai. Du-freaking-bai! The result was the trip of a lifetime in one of the most unique cities on the planet and you don't want to miss what we have to say about traveling to the United Arab Emirates.

Out of all the places we skipped around to last year, our trip to the Middle East was by far the most impactful--and it only makes sense that Dubai is the capper to an unimaginable year of travel. Enjoy!

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SWAPCAST: Our Return to "Wife of the Party" with LeeAnn & Bert Kreischer

Denise & James Gordon — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 09:40:00 -0500

If there's one thing you know about us, it's that we got our start on LeeAnn Kreischer's podcast, "Wife of the Party."

So, you can only imagine how great it felt to come "home" for the holidays and sit down with LeeAnn Kreischer to catch up. What we didn't know was that Santa (aka Bert Kreischer) was literally flying down from the North Pole to join us. It was an awesome surprise with awesome people who have been in our corner since Day 1, and we think you're going to love our candid discussion about work, family and the future! Enjoy and, as always, you can follow us here and check out our affiliate partnership with Anytime Mailbox here. Happy New Year!

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The Villages, FL: The Most Misunderstood Place in Florida (Until You Get There!)

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 10:10:00 -0500

If we told you a story of 150,000 people invading 3 counties within the US borders, you'd think we were all hopped up on some immigration conspiracy. But that's exactly what happened somewhere in between Orlando and Gainesville, Florida--in a place called, generically enough, "The Villages."

It's a retirement community that keeps sprouting houses and expanding its borders every single year--with its own towns and cities inside. It has its own infrastucture, radio station, entertainment venues and over 100 restaurants. Heck, it has over 700 holes of golf to be played! Do you know how many courses that must be?!?

Even if you're from Central Florida, it's a hard place to really describe... so we turned to Denise's family to get answers from our real-life "Village People." Sorry for the clickbait title. Not really.

Anyway, they have lived here almost 20 years now and have loved every minute. We finally carved out enough time between our travels and our sister-in-law Vickie's pickleball schedule to get her and Denise's brother Ron in the hot seat to see if we couldn't get to the bottom of this enigma called "The Villages." Enjoy!

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We used a creative commons song in this episode. Please, enjoy the legal jargon:

Big Swing Band by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

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Mexico City, MEX - Food Scene and The Safe Neighborhoods for Tourists

Denise & James Gordon — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 23:54:00 -0500

What starts out as a recap of Denise's bungled attempt at being a bootlegger--and James realizing Canada has some pretty strict rules about firearms--turns into a low-key therapy session. We said we'd be honest and not hide the bad stuff when we started this pod. Consider this episode a promise kept.

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Socials and maps of our travels: linktr.ee/skiptownallstars

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Cabo San Lucas, MEX: Finding Swimmable Beaches and Real Estate Secrets

Denise & James Gordon — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 21:31:00 -0500

La Ciudad. CDMX. Whatever you want to call it, Mexico City has always been on Denise's "must hit" destination list--and it did not disappoint! We started our Mexico vacation in the party town of Cabo San Lucas, but we'd been there before and it was time for a new adventure.

A quick day trip to the fishing town of Todos Santos and a sunset at Cerritos Beach were a start in the right direction, but when we landed in Mexico-Freaking-City we were surging with the energy only a city with 22 million people can supply!

Protests. Food. Ancient ruins. Canals. Real estate. Culture. You name it, we talk about it in this mucho grande episode. Start this episode en la manana and finish it in la noche if you need to, but make sure you hear us out because CDMX should be on any serious traveler's itinerary.

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Memphis, TN vs. Tuscaloosa, AL: Would You Choose Music History or Football Glory?

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 01:00:00 -0500

After the last stop in Little Rock, we realized we were a quick trip away from seeing the shining star of American exceptionalism... Graceland! Elvis' story and home were as amazing as we expected, but the rise in crime around Memphis over the past several years left us saying, "Roll, Tide, Roll!" and before we knew it, we were waking up in Tuscaloosa. Here's our linktr.ee/skiptownallstars and please check out our sponsor, Anytime Mailbox here: skiptownallstars.com/anytime

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Little Rock, AR: Best Neighborhoods, the Historic Rose Building and Southern Charm

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 04:11:00 -0400

After 5 great days in OKC, it was time for your favorite empty nesters to hit the road again. A eerie feeling about The Big Easy was beginning to grow, and after a snap decision we gave up our plans to hit New Orleans and head to THE ROCK. That's right. You didn't ask for Arkansas but you got it anyway. From hiking to dining to digging into some history, we packed a ton of enjoyment into our brief 2-day adventure in Little Rock. Hell, the only thing we didn't catch a glimpse of was an actual razorback, and for that we're pretty grateful.

Check out ALL of our links HERE.

#emptynest #fulltank

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Oklahoma City, OK: Sooner Vibes, Pig Races and Affordable Housing

Denise & James Gordon — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 15:34:00 -0400

After a Texas-sized adventure and a Louisville slog, our young-ish adventurers embarked on one of James' "must see" destinations... Oklahoma City. See, he was around shortly after the worst-of-the-worst hit the city, but was eager to see its rebound. Long story short? It FAR surpassed the revival he expected. Meanwhile, Denise could easily be bribed into an OKC suburb with a corndog and free parking. To be continued, Oklahoma City... James' fat thumbs are working Zillow to find a plot of land there even as we speak! Find us at linktr.ee/skiptownallstars

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Louisville, KY: Is It as Cliquey as They Say Here? Where the Best Neighborhoods Are

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 08:40:00 -0400

OUR TOP 5 LIKES AND DISLIKES for this episode will be on social media so check us out, if you haven't.

We didn't have Kentucky on the map for our travels this time around, but after an elated call from Ellie we found out she made the cut for her traveling volleyball squad. She was going to be in Louisville while we were in Texas. Not exactly next door, but it DID merge nicely with our curiosity and wanderlust... so we struck out for The Bluegrass State.

Upon arriving in Louisville, we weren't exactly greeted with open arms, anywhere. We also took note that the folks there weren't really friendly to each other, either. Thank God for F***ing Bert Stewart from Episode 9. Had he not told us about Covington, KY we might've gone back to Texas with a bourbon headache and a bad memory of Louisville.

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Hurricane Ian Meets Central Florida: What Greeted Us At Our Rental Property

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 10:15:00 -0400

What better way to cap off a 2-month roadtrip than to immediately have to hunker down and pray for the best?

Hurricane Ian ravaged Florida. While it mostly missed us, it left hundreds of thousands without power and several dead.

This episode explores how we came to purchase an investment property right dab smack in The Villages, a world-famous retirement community... and Denise's growing desire to just stay. And play pickleball. Or hike. Or join a rowing team. Or something.

Conversely, James has no desire to stop traveling and looking for a big, fat house on a nice piece of land. So, you can safely expect WAY more shows.

Find us everywhere here.

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6 Cities in Texas, Part 2: Branch Davidians to Buda - The Lone Star's Hidden Affordable Gems

Denise & James Gordon — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 18:00:00 -0400

The hosts discover hidden gems like Slovacek's (a gas station with world-class BBQ), explore college football culture at Baylor University, and experience river floating in New Braunfels. They're particularly impressed with the corridor between Austin and San Antonio, highlighting affordable, charming towns like Kyle, Buda, and Canyon Lake as ideal places for remote workers seeking quality living with easy access to urban amenities.

Despite some drawbacks (humidity, mosquitoes, aggressive drivers, and political differences), Denise and James are won over by the genuine friendliness of Texans and the state's diverse living options - from coastal life on South Padre Island to vibrant cultural hubs like Dallas and the unique river towns that make Texas a surprising contender in their search for the best place to live.

6 Cities in Texas, Part 1: Roadtrip Recap, Hooters Drama and Magnolia Market Madness

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 11:38:00 -0400

Finally. The Texas Episode. Abilene, Waco, Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi and Dallas. Sorry, Houston... maybe next time? Denise discovers Hooters. James discovers Magnolia Table. From brewing bar fights to gas station BBQ, we LOVED Texas and, dang, if the Big Yellow Rose didn't make us feel like we were loved back. Despite the handful of dudes who think they're going to overthrow the government (in between shoveling pulled pork into their pie hole), Texans welcomed us over and over again and we realized our generalizations about the Lone Star State were so completely wrong.

Wanna see where we went or what we're up to on social media? Here ya go.

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Roswell, NM: An Alien Hunters' Guide to UFO Capital Living

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 02:11:00 -0400

What? You were expecting the Texas episode? Yeah, so were we... until our recap of Roswell, NM and the creepy vibes we got from our Air BnB became a Close Encounter of Its Own Kind. We had no plans to move to Roswell, but we decided it was a good place to park for the night and cross it off James' bucket list. He booked a farmhouse that he thought would be perfect for a 1947 crash landing re-enactment, but once inside Denise feels like she's headed for a very different kind of abduction. Thankfully, we meet an expert at the International UFO Museum who helps us recover with some good old fashioned alien cover-up stories.

Don't forget to follow us on the socials and to check out the Google maps of our travels at linktr.ee/skiptownallstars and thanks for watching!

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Corpus Christi, TX: A New Resident's First Impressions of This Coastal Texas Town

Denise & James Gordon — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 10:09:00 -0400

We know her affectionately as "Biggsy" and we've finally arrived in Corpus Christi and at the doorstep of the only Gordon you haven't met. We're excited to present to the podverse our oldest daughter, Parker!

She spills the beans on her new job at KRIS Channel 6 News as a producer, some of the stories she's encountered there so far and all the best and worst of the Texas Riviera. From getting shot in the ass to getting lost in a pothole, our numero uno warns you of all the fates that can befall you here on the edge of The Gulf. Our advice? Stick to "church dates."

Wanna find us on your favorite platform? Here you go.

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Santa Fe, NM: Why Art Lovers Choose This Desert Paradise

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 02:51:00 -0400

Join Denise and James as they explore two of the best places to live in the Southwest: Sedona, Arizona and Santa Fe, New Mexico
This week, their journey continues to Santa Fe, New Mexico, which "far exceeded expectations" as a potential relocation destination. Follow along as this adventurous couple in their 50s sells everything to travel cross-country with their dog Roxy, searching for the perfect new hometown while exploring restaurants, accommodations, and tourist attractions along the way.

Sedona, AZ: Are These Energy Vortexes a Red Rock Paradise or Just Another Tourist Trap?

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 08:40:00 -0400

Recently, Denise and James visited 2 of the best places to live in the Southwest: Sedona, Arizona and Santa Fe, New Mexico. This is their recap of Santa Fe, New Mexico, which "far exceeded expectations" as a potential relocation destination. Follow along as this adventurous couple in their 50s sells everything to travel cross-country with their dog Roxy, searching for the perfect new hometown while exploring restaurants, accommodations, and tourist attractions along the way.

You can find out where we went here on our brand spanking new Google Map made just for YOU!

Sedona, AZ:

https://goo.gl/maps/NxzGrCxpTtYPAV9E8

Santa Fe (and a spoiler for Roswell which is in next week's episode):

https://goo.gl/maps/iF9XkTu6T1JRUZn28

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/0LY5k3G0n03N0pDtO8Zx72

Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skiptown-all-stars/id1636817938

Amazon

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c27fdc73-d7ad-495d-8931-3df036c4a8b5/skiptown-all-stars

Google

https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5saWJzeW4uY29tLzQyODYxNi9yc3M%3D

Stitcher

https://www.stitcher.com/show/skiptown-all-stars

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYY1gCsalt6kItqF6yG2cqKJVLyGvW-OO

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/

TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@skiptowndenise

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/skiptownallstar

Web:

http://skiptownallstars.com

Zion, UT: Luxury Glamping and Hidden Utah Treasures

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 23:54:00 -0400

Join hosts Denise and James as they explore Utah's best places to live and must-visit destinations. After moving their daughter into her college apartment near the University of Utah, they embark on a journey through Salt Lake City's clean downtown, exploring the opulent Grand America Hotel (where NBA teams stay when playing the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena), and discovering local favorites like Park Cafe and Taqueria 27.

Their adventure takes them to breathtaking Zion National Park, where they experience luxury glamping at Under Canvas, with stunning canyon views and gourmet dining. The highlight includes hiking The Narrows, wading through the Virgin River between towering canyon walls. They also visit Park City's charming Main Street and Olympic Park, home of the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Whether you're considering where to live in Utah or planning a visit, this episode offers insights into Salt Lake City's affordable university options, efficient TRAX public transit system, and the natural wonders that make Utah a premier outdoor destination.

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0LY5k3G0n03N0pDtO8Zx72
Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skiptown-all-stars/id1636817938
Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c27fdc73-d7ad-495d-8931-3df036c4a8b5/skiptown-all-stars
Google https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5saWJzeW4uY29tLzQyODYxNi9yc3M%3D
Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/skiptown-all-stars
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYY1gCsalt6kItqF6yG2cqKJVLyGvW-OO
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skiptowndenise
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars
Twitter: https://twitter.com/skiptownallstar
Web: http://skiptownallstars.com

Salt Lake City, UT: A College Student's Guide to Utah Living in SLC

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 23:54:00 -0400

In this heartfelt episode, hosts Denise and James welcome their daughter Mia Gordon, a University of Utah student studying criminology. Mia shares her experience living in Salt Lake City, one of the best places to live for those seeking both urban amenities and outdoor recreation.
The family discusses their journey from Los Angeles to Utah, including stops in Bend, Oregon (often cited as where to live for outdoor enthusiasts) and Washougal, Washington. Mia provides unique insights into Salt Lake City's appeal for college students and future legal professionals, highlighting her experience shadowing a public defender.
Salt Lake City's growing reputation as a top destination for remote workers and families is evident as the hosts explore what makes Utah's capital city attractive—from its renowned university to its proximity to mountain recreation. The episode also touches on key considerations when choosing where to live, including airport accessibility and affordability compared to Los Angeles.
Perfect for listeners contemplating a move or curious about how Salt Lake City ranks among best places to live for families, students, and professionals working remotely.

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0LY5k3G0n03N0pDtO8Zx72
Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skiptown-all-stars/id1636817938
Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c27fdc73-d7ad-495d-8931-3df036c4a8b5/skiptown-all-stars
Google https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5saWJzeW4uY29tLzQyODYxNi9yc3M%3D
Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/skiptown-all-stars
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYY1gCsalt6kItqF6yG2cqKJVLyGvW-OO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skiptowndenise Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars Twitter: https://twitter.com/skiptownallstar Web: http://skiptownallstars.com
This is the 1st of 2 Salt Lake episodes. We'll recap where we went in the next one!

Washougal, WA: A Family's Story and Portland's Best-Kept Secret for Remote Workers

Denise & James Gordon — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 08:52:00 -0400

Join hosts Denise and James as they visit Washougal, Washington, interviewing former Los Angeles television producers Russell and Genia Stemper about finding one of the best places to live in the Pacific Northwest. The Stempers share their journey of leaving behind the LA traffic and work grind for a peaceful property overlooking the Columbia River, while maintaining successful careers through remote work.

Located just 20-30 minutes from Portland International Airport (PDX), Washougal offers the perfect balance of rural tranquility and metropolitan access. The Stempers highlight Southwest Washington's tax advantages (no state income tax) while still having proximity to Oregon's tax-free shopping.

The conversation explores how living in this scenic area has enhanced their quality of life, trading LA's congestion for peaceful mountain views and better work-life balance. For those considering where to live in the Pacific Northwest, Washougal provides the rare combination of country living with easy access to Portland's urban amenities, making it an ideal destination for remote workers and empty nesters.

Follow and support this hyper-talented family:

Russell's production company.

Genia's novels on Amazon.

Daughter Anica's music on Spotify.

Son Gary's insanely cool fly fishing channel on Instagram.

Vancouver, BC Canada: Waterfront Living Without American City Problems

Denise & James Gordon — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 09:26:00 -0400

Hosts James and Denise share their surprise adventure to Vancouver, British Columbia. Located just 2.5 hours from Seattle, Vancouver proves to be one of the best places to live for water lovers with its stunning harbor views and walkable cityscape. The couple stays in North Vancouver (Lonsdale Quay), an up-and-coming area with abundant high-rise construction, comparing it to "Jersey City to Manhattan."
Their exploration includes Granville Island's artisan markets, waterfront dining, and Stanley Park—Vancouver's answer to Central Park—featuring hiking trails, botanical gardens, and a salmon habitat at Mosquito Creek. They discover Denman Street's international cuisine scene and marvel at the city's cleanliness, noting the absence of homelessness compared to American cities.
Though expensive, locals confirm Vancouver's value comes from its proximity to both urban amenities and natural beauty. While deciding where to live next, James contemplates Vancouver's benefits, including its social healthcare system and friendly residents. The couple plans to return to explore Victoria, suggesting British Columbia offers an appealing balance of metropolitan living surrounded by breathtaking nature.

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0LY5k3G0n03N0pDtO8Zx72

Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skiptown-all-stars/id1636817938

Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c27fdc73-d7ad-495d-8931-3df036c4a8b5/skiptown-all-stars

Google https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5saWJzeW4uY29tLzQyODYxNi9yc3M%3D

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/skiptown-all-stars

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYY1gCsalt6kItqF6yG2cqKJVLyGvW-OO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skiptowndenise Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars Twitter: https://twitter.com/skiptownallstar Web: http://skiptownallstars.com

WHERE WE WENT:

Lonsdale Quay Hotel in North Vancouver - Hotel was junky but it’s above a market near the SeaBus ferry which was really cool.

Mosquito Creek Park - great hike, and Roxy finally found her mojo here.

Granville Island - great community market with tons of food joints and farm goods, local artisan shops and a pier where the locals and tourists graze together while overlooking the harbor. Thumbs WAY up.

Stanley Park - As stated, this park has miles of gardens, views and play areas for the kiddies. It’s pretty big and it was busy, but it never felt overcrowded.

Denman Street - a solid few miles of every type of cuisine you could wish. So many areas in Vancouver are similar to Denman, but this street is right by Stanley Park so it’s a no-brainer for visiting Euros, Americanos and whoever the hell else wants to nosh.

Seattle, WA Unveiled: Hidden Gems in Emerald City Living

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 01:19:00 -0400

Join James and Denise as they explore Seattle, WA on their journey to find where to live after selling their Los Angeles home. This episode highlights their adventures in iconic Seattle locations like Pike Place Market, Capitol Hill, and West Seattle, while navigating the city's distinctive character. They discuss Seattle's impressive public transportation system with electric buses, abundant parking options, and the stunning waterfront views that define the city's landscape.
The couple shares insights on Seattle's vibrant food scene, from Thai fusion at Ken Lin to diverse cuisine options around Seattle University. They contrast the colorful self-expression of locals (purple and green hair even in professional settings!) with the city's progressive recycling initiatives. While praising Seattle's walkability and the picturesque Lodge at St. Edward State Park in Kenmore, they also address challenges like high costs and traffic congestion.
Whether you're considering Seattle's urban core or the quaint neighborhoods of West Seattle as potential best places to live, this episode offers an authentic look at the Emerald City's lifestyle.

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0LY5k3G0n03N0pDtO8Zx72
Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skiptown-all-stars/id1636817938
Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c27fdc73-d7ad-495d-8931-3df036c4a8b5/skiptown-all-stars
Google https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5saWJzeW4uY29tLzQyODYxNi9yc3M%3D
Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/skiptown-all-stars
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYY1gCsalt6kItqF6yG2cqKJVLyGvW-OO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skiptowndenise Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars Twitter: https://twitter.com/skiptownallstar Web: http://skiptownallstars.com

Bandon, OR: Emotional Goodbyes in Coastal Oregon - The Search for a New Hometown Begins

Denise & James Gordon — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 11:25:00 -0400

In this emotional episode, hosts James and Denise welcome their youngest daughter Ellie as they embark on a life-changing journey to find the best places to live beyond Los Angeles. After selling their family home, the trio discusses the challenges of major life transitions while traveling to Bandon, Oregon.
Ellie shares her mixed feelings about leaving for Seattle University as a D1 volleyball player while simultaneously losing her childhood home. The family candidly explores how skyrocketing Los Angeles housing costs influenced their decision to search for where to live that offers better quality of life and future opportunities.
The conversation touches on Ellie's experience working as a PA on Bert Kreischer's cooking show "Something's Burning" during her final week in LA. The episode highlights the family's search for a small-town feel with big-city amenities, walkable neighborhoods, and public transportation options.
Join them as they navigate emotional goodbyes and new beginnings while scouring the country from California to Florida for the perfect place to build their next chapter.

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0LY5k3G0n03N0pDtO8Zx72

Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skiptown-all-stars/id1636817938

Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c27fdc73-d7ad-495d-8931-3df036c4a8b5/skiptown-all-stars

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/skiptown-all-stars

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYY1gCsalt6kItqF6yG2cqKJVLyGvW-OO

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skiptowndenise

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars

Twitter: https://twitter.com/skiptownallstar

Web: http://skiptownallstars.com

Los Angeles, CA Part 2: Escaping Los Angeles - Top 5 Reasons We're Leaving

Denise & James Gordon — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 11:42:00 -0400

James and Denise discuss their ongoing journey to sell their Los Angeles home and embark on a nomadic lifestyle. They share three "bumps in the road": struggling to rent a minivan without a credit card, receiving a comically small storage pod, and challenges finding suitable Airbnb accommodations in Seattle with parking. The couple reflects on their emotional attachment to their family home and exchanges top five lists of what they'll miss about Los Angeles (including Dodger Stadium, Capitol Records, Mexican food, and the drive to Malibu) and what they won't miss (traffic, expensive dining, helicopter noise, and the "what can you do for me" attitude). They discuss their plans to help their youngest daughter move to Seattle for college while lamenting that she won't have a home to return to for the holidays. James and Denise's experience highlights both the challenges and excitement of leaving one of the best places to live in California to discover where to live next as they prepare for their cross-country adventure.

Web: http://skiptownallstars.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skiptowndenise

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars

Twitter: https://twitter.com/skiptownallstar

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMW2WSZCk55rtXBZyIrxC_A

Los Angeles, CA Part 1: Say Goodbye to Hollywood

Denise & James Gordon — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 03:01:00 -0400

Before "I Could Live Here," there was the "Skiptown All-Stars" podcast. Empty nesters James and Denise share their bold decision to sell their Los Angeles home and travel across America searching for the best places to live. After 25+ years in expensive LA, they're leveraging remote work opportunities that emerged during the pandemic to explore affordable retirement options and find where their adult daughters might someday live nearby.

The couple discusses their financial strategy—selling their home to become debt-free—and their six-week travel plan from Seattle to the Florida Keys. They'll be visiting Salt Lake City, Santa Fe, Dallas, Oklahoma City, New Orleans, and Miami while documenting their experiences in hotels, Airbnbs, and local restaurants.

Their journey represents what many dream about: discovering where to live that offers better affordability, community connection, and quality of life. The podcast promises to share both mishaps and discoveries as they evaluate potential new hometowns across the country.

Web: http://skiptownallstars.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skiptowndenise

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars

Twitter: https://twitter.com/skiptownallstar

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMW2WSZCk55rtXBZyIrxC_A