When “kitsch” first emerged, the prevalent view of art critics and historians was that gaudy roadside attractions were good for a laugh and a bit of banal gratification thanks to sentimentality. Motoring visitors to the Pacific Northwest, however, now are inclined to perceive such icons as a quirky welcome to the neighborhood. Harriet Baskas shares her appreciation of these beckoning behemoths. (Encore presentation)

Elvis Presley, The King of Rock and Roll, left a great legacy of popular songs, hit movies and his beautiful sprawling home which is still a top tourist destination in Memphis, Tennessee. From hardscrabble roots in the delta town of Tupelo, Mississippi to the heights of fame and fortune, the journey of Elvis can be traced from boyhood home to his ultimate home in a single day. Cory Cooper guests. (encore presentation)

Elvis Presley, The King of Rock and Roll, left a great legacy of popular songs, hit movies and his beautiful sprawling home which is still a top tourist destination in Memphis, Tennessee. From hardscrabble roots in the delta town of Tupelo, Mississippi to the heights of fame and fortune, the journey of Elvis can be traced from boyhood home to his ultimate home in a single day. Cory Cooper guests. (encore presentation)

There is a doughnut shop and bakery in Clare, Michigan that has been in constant operation since 1896. This heritage business was just weeks from closing when members of the Clare Police Department came to the rescue. All nine of them. They saved a beloved local enterprise. We meet two of these heroes in this episode. (Encore presentation)

Welcome to Seneca Falls, the Real Bedford Falls! Each year, the town celebrates It’s A Wonderful Life Festival the second weekend in December. But the Museum is open all year round. Memorabilia abounds in this magical place of seasonal mirth and endless goodwill no matter when you come to town. (Encore presentation)

Christmas in Detroit takes a backseat to nobody as The Motor City rolls out a new vision of its wintry self year after year. The festive lights and artistic displays at venues across the Metro area inspire large crowds of eager locals and visitors alike. Amy S. Eckert joins us to report on the highlights of this year’s celebration!

Have you made a pilgrimage to the heritage sites of your favorite musical performers? Lots of us have and will continue to make the trek to the birthplaces, homes, studios, and commemorative locations of our tuneful idols. Geoffrey Mark has lots to share about a sprawling informal trail of appreciation for legends of song.

Wherever you go around Puget Sound, a blaze of electric glory is close by and ready to enhance your enjoyment of the Season. Matt Shea scouted some of the best venues for Holiday Lights displays and found dazzling arrays along a veritable Christmas corridor between Seattle and Tacoma. Get the details before you get in the car!

Erika Nelson, when she is not gracing the American landscape with her popular art projects, curates the Worlds Largest Collection of the Worlds Smallest Versions of the Worlds Largest Things. “Roadside Yuletide” is a phrase we coined to describe public monuments erected for when ‘Tis the Season. They are seen around the country. Erika shares about several of the best.

Autumn in New England sets a table of natural splendor for modern pilgrims who find something close to heaven on the winding roads of a heritage region. Jamie Jensen has been there and done that more than once. He joins us with tales from his travels.