Videos - Samantha Brown's Places to Love

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Watch every episode of Samantha Brown’s Places to Love

For 20 years, Samantha Brown has traversed continents, experienced culture, and tasted adventure applying her singular brand of warmth and inclusion along the way. Her latest project is Places to Love, which airs on PBS. For the month of March,…

My First Day Hosting a Travel Show

Samantha Brown shares what it’s like to be a travel television host

My First Day Hosting a Travel Show

Samantha Brown shares what it’s like to be a travel television host

The road from waiting tables to television host has been an interesting one. I always dreamed of being on Broadway or in an LA-based sitcom. Never in a million years did I imagine myself hosting a travel show. And yet…

Samantha Brown - Places to Love - Houston premiere

A sneak peek of the Places to Love premiere

Samantha Brown - Places to Love - Houston premiere

A sneak peek of the Places to Love premiere

When it comes best destination cities in the US, does Houston make your list? Maybe it should. As one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, this city offers something for everyone. Not only that, but it’s really become…

samantha brown places to love premiere houston

Announcing my new PBS series premiere of Places to Love

samantha brown places to love premiere houston

Announcing my new PBS series premiere of Places to Love

Places to Love premieres January 6 on PBS! I’m so proud of what we’re doing and can’t wait to share this new project with you all. Our first episode kicks off in Houston, Texas. From there, we’re taking this show…

Samantha Browns tries a Cuban cigar in Montreal

My first time ever smoking a Cuban cigar

Samantha Browns tries a Cuban cigar in Montreal

My first time ever smoking a Cuban cigar

I’ll admit to having some vices. Smoking cigars is not one of them. That said, I’ve always been intrigued by cigars. The leather couches, the Scotch, relaxing with friends while channeling your inner Tony Soprano… cigars couldn’t be cooler. Or…

Key West Bone Island Buccaneers - pirates

Samantha Brown joins a band of Key West pirates

Key West Bone Island Buccaneers - pirates

Samantha Brown joins a band of Key West pirates

The Bone Island Buccaneers really put the ARRRR in happy houaarrrr! On a trip to Key West, I had the pleasure of joining this group of pirates on a bar crawl. I think I may have been a pirate in…

Recoleta Cemetery - Buenos Aires

Visiting Buenos Aires’ famed Recoleta Cemetery

Recoleta Cemetery - Buenos Aires

Visiting Buenos Aires’ famed Recoleta Cemetery

Who wants to go on a cemetery tour? No one? Really? You should reconsider! I think visiting a cemetery is an incredible way to see how a city or country honors citizens. Not to mention they’re often placed on beautiful…

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Jun 25

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When Anthony Bourdain asks you to be in his famous yearly Christmas Special-you say yes...and bring your own make up.
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The premise of the scene was that he was visiting me, now a “tragical cat lady” left destitute and alone because of the whims of television. In reality I had recently been let go by our network the Travel Channel. So when the scene called for me to improvise in character, I went off on him and how the travel channel was now just “Men Eating” shows and how totally uninteresting I found them (joke) and that everyone kisses his. A- like it’s an Amuse Bouche
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And those were my KIND Cat Lady words.
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After we were done shooting we drank a beer and laughed like hell and I was totally caught off guard by what a enjoyable and lighthearted man he was. It’s a great memory to have.
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Happy Birthday Anthony.
#BourdainDay
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if you want to see a total role reversal: me-acerbic/unapologetic and Anthony, downright pleasant and accessible watch the 3 minute clip. Link in my bio.
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Jun 25

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I’m Live-ing it tonight 10:20pm ET on Facebook if you care to join. Talking about my Miami episode. Out of the 39 episodes we’ve created for Places To Love, The City of Miami is one of my all time favorites.
We focused on its unknown gems.
-Bon Gout BBQ In Little Haiti. Haitian BBQ combined with a love of community
-Shake a Leg Miami an outfitter that gets kids and adults all disabilities out on the Bay to sail and feel the freedom that being on the water Can bring.
-The Black Precinct and Courthouse Museum in Overtown. In 1944 Miami hired The First Five Black Police Officers and created policing based on trust within the community.
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Apologize for any errors putting kids to bed while I try to get this post out.
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I’m @realsamanthabrown on Facebook.
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Jun 19

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Happy Juneteenth!
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As a host of travel shows I always research the history of a country I am going to be on camera in. I found that a country’s history absolutely informed me who the people were today and allowed me to be with them in a more personal, less presenter way.
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But as for my own country? I have let the history I was taught up until 1988 be my guide and I only learned of Juneteenth a few years ago when it automatically showed up in my online calendar.
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How sad. How embarrassing.
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Yesterday I sat my 7 year olds down to understand this very important day and I’m lucky that it was already in theIr 1st grade class work along with activities and live events today.
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But I will make certain they continue to learn better than I have. And I will go back to educate myself on the complicated history of the United States.
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As a traveler I’m so proud of the community I’m a part of. We are insatiably curious, we love being with people not like us, recognizing differences and then celebrating, eating,dancing and loving them!
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Happy Juneteenth!

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Jun 18

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This is the first summer in 40 years I won’t be heading to Maine. My mom who lives there is too vulnerable. But I couldn’t be prouder of our Places to Love Episode which captures not only the beauty but the salty strength of Mainers. This is a personal episode for me one where you’ll get your National Park and Lighthouse fix, visit our family fave Lobster place only locals know about and enjoy a hot dog so important to my childhood we served them at mine and Kevin’s wedding.
Join me on Facebook Live tonight night at 10:25p ET to watch & discuss this episode (which is airing on Create TV at the same time). See you then!

I’m on Facebook as @realsamanthabrown

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Jun 16

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Where Travel and Adventure TV has completely failed at showing diverse faces+voices, social media is where you can actively join a broader scope of perspectives. I’d like you to meet some of the people I know and or really admire for their INVALUABLE TRAVEL ADVICE and a perspective I could never provide.
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Follow @2Traveldads
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Rob and Chris Taylor started the very first gay family travel blog. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 I know, I know ...but wait there’s more!
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They take us along on their trips and journeys with their two downright adorable sons. Rob is also the author of The Ultimate Travel Journal for Kids-awesome for kids, even better for parents who need a break with a glass of something with alcohol in it. (We’re not choosy).
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Their experience, knowledge and practical advice on exploring the National Parks and Road trips have no Equal.
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As a traveler I have always appreciated that they traveled solo and as a couple first and now have kids-because…wholly mackeral it’s a rough adjustment and everything you knew before about travel can literally be thrown out with the diaper.
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Rob and Chris bring their humor and expertise every time.
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#Travel #LGBTFamily #familytraveltips #gaytravel #gaydadstravel

samanthabrowntravels

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Jun 13

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For reasons beyond me-the fact that I have two Peony plants that give forth such beauties of nature gives me the feeling of being an accomplished adult in the way a career and motherhood never have 😂. Having said that due to a very busy travel schedule I have missed these Peonies blooming for close to 5 years and it’s been such a joy simply spending this time with them. Do you have anything like this in your life? An item or artifact that makes you feel “grown-up”. It could be a favorite Dutch oven or really nice bed linens....

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Jun 10

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The country I got my lights knocked out in just ended social distancing! It also happens to be the place a ton of my followers have expressed they dream of going to. We have done four episodes on this Island nation and I’ll be Live on Facebook tonight at 10:20pm ET showing our episode about it’s BIg city. Do you know where i am? This starts the same time it airs nationally on @createtvchannel Hope to see you tonight! On Facebook you can find me @realsamanthabrown

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Jun 10

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Let’s Go Together podcast with Kellee Edwards launched today!
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Finally a bright spot for our traveling but quarantined souls. Kellee is an expert adventurer I’ve called a friend and colleague for close to a decade.
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Kellee hits the mark when she talks about how travel is not just a form of escapism it’s also a place to find yourself and find a foundation within yourself.
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Kellee has worked her entire life to break down a brick wall of perception that Black Women can’t be be leaders in the Travel and Adventure space and now she shares the mic with a diverse group of people who tell their stories of challenges and inspiration while traveling the world. FOLLOW HER @kelleesetgo ⠀
You can find Let’s Go Together on Apple, Spotify and wherever you subscribe to podcasts. ⠀
#sharethemicnow #Kelleesetgo #explore #travel #Letsgotogether #travelforceforgood
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samanthabrowntravels

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Jun 9

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I’m seriously impressed by all the people who still want to travel with their family this summer. You know those same people you’ve been quarantining with for three months who make you hide out in the bathroom just to answer a few emails?
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Having said that my family is planning on some quick road trips to Upstate NY and maybe Pennsylvania A tank of gas and a cooler of bologna sandwiches -1970’s style! My parents old Pontiac station wagon would be so proud. ⠀
If you’ve got plans share them!
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Jun 8

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Where Travel + Adventure TV has completely failed at showing diverse faces+voices, social media is where you
can actively join a broader scope of perspectives. I’m working on expanding my own list now but in the meantime I’d like you
to meet some of the people I know and or really admire for their invaluable travel advice and a perspective I could never provide. FOLLOW @heathergd Heather Greenwood Davis: Family travel expert
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-left her career as a lawyer TO TRAVEL 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏But wait there’s more! She eventually became an award-winning writer and contributing editor for @natgeotravel
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-In 2011 she along with her husband, took their boys out of school for an ENTIRE YEAR to explore the world. - her advice to stressed out homeschooling parents is just what the doctor or in my case, the bartender ordered ⠀
Her IG account will link you to her website
globetrottingmama.com. Make sure you sign up for her newsletter which I find is the best way to follow really great travelers and their advice. “Developing a more inclusive travel perspective requires no
sacrifice. It isn’t a charitable act. All travelers benefit when the
fullest possible stories are told” -Heather Greenwood Davis
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-Hell yeah.

samanthabrowntravels

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Jun 4

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Continued.
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To be welcomed into your home, to be listened to and trusted is an amazing honor. But it is an honor disproportionately entrusted to white people… And it is this lack of
representation that has been a contributing factor on how we see, regard and respect communities of color. ⠀
This void of diversity has sent the subtle message that has gone overlooked by most and downright painful to others: That only white people travel, only white people know how to
remodel bathrooms, and only (mostly) white people can teach us how to cook. ⠀
To be fair I have had this lack of diversity conversation with most of my fellow TV hosts
and we are all against it. In the end it is in the hands of the TV networks making those decisions of what shows get greenlit and who hosts them. ⠀
I have been uplifted by the statements of some networks with Lifestyle programming that
have come out strong and unapologetic to their viewers about how they feel about racial
injustice and how they are working to promote diversity. But I would like to point out that the most important act these Lifestyle TV networks can do to create a more inclusive society is to embrace that diversity in their own programming.
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We need more BIPOC sweeping us off to Paris, helping us choose bathroom tile and teaching us the best temperature to roast a chicken. ⠀
TV networks now more than ever have an opportunity to engage with the brands and
advertising companies that have put out similar statements of inclusion and fairness. And
then we as an audience need to support those shows that are a truer
representation of the people in our community that deserve to be welcomed into your
home, listened to and trusted. ⠀
This is a start not a finish and we have a lot of work to do.
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Warmly,
Samantha

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Jun 2

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Black Lives Matter. #blackouttuesday

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May 28

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Over the last few weeks I’ve learned it’s not enough to say I’m not racist. That’s a neutral statement. I need to be anti racist and help create small acts that lead to bigger change. What is happening is unacceptable and this is only what has been caught on camera. My kids have been learning about community. Today (and the next day and the next) I’ll be asking them what happens when people who live in your community treat others like they are not human beings? And what can we do about that? It’s a start not a finish but this has got to end.
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Then we’re going to go bird watching.
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May 27

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Who wants to join me in Vienna Austria! I’ll be Live on Facebook
Exploring one of the most beautiful cities in the world ...as well as the sewer. Who saw The Third Man?
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as always we are timing this to coincide with the episode playing on LIVE on Create TV, starting 5 mins earlier tonight at 10:20pm ET! Yes that’s a plate of Weiner Schnitzel washed down by a glass of Gruner Veltliner.
I’m @Realsamanthabrown on Facebook. See you soon!

samanthabrowntravels

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May 24

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I’ve been looking forward to making this floral arrangement for months. The whole room smells of lilacs! The white lilacs are more difficult to get to but as you can see where there’s a will there’s a way!

samanthabrowntravels

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May 23

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Excited to announce that Places to Love Season 2 is nominated for a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Travel and Adventure Program.
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Totally humbled for our travel series to be nominated for a second year and deeply missing the creative crew who made this possible. A special thanks to our generous sponsors who believe in the power of Public Television.
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#travelcomesback
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@amawaterways
#aaatravel @wideangletv @cbstylist @dolgerfilms @giddyproductions @yawahoo @chelsealikessoup @giankevo

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May 21

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What In the world am I “playing”? Join me live on Facebook tonight at 10:25pm ET to find out. You can find me @realsamanthabrown on FB. We’ll be live streaming our Phoenix episode-Phoenix is a city full of great surprises. I’ll be drinking rum punch- a recipe from the award winning @thebreadfruit rum bar! Hope to see you soon! #placestolove.

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May 19

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Hello, fellow
homeschoolers! If you're wondering what on earth you will teach your kids this week, I have a show that is out of this world. Watch my Places to Love: Huntsville, Alabama episode.
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It's got science (hello, NASA! 🚀) with the U. S. Space and Rocket Center. AND it’s the home of Space Camp. (Whaaaaa?)
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It’s also got Lowe Mill Arts a crazy big building that’s filled to the brim with artists and artisans of every kind to get your creative juices flowing.
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To Stream, dream and study click link in my bio and go to Study Guides.
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#TravelComesBack

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May 18

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When I was shooting the Prague episode of Passport to Europe I would often pass this
charming restaurant/pub called the Hanging Cup café. I was accompanied by a terrific travel
guide and he asked me if I knew what the phrase “hanging cup” meant? ⠀
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He told me that during the hard times of the war people had so little money there wasn’t even enough for a hot cup of coffee which was then, as it is today, a small luxury. ⠀
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Those who did have a little extra would leave the 5 cents or more so that someone could
come in and ask if there was a hanging cup. Then that person would be handed the small but
wonderful pleasure of a hot cup of coffee. ⠀
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That café is still there. U Zavěšenyho Kafe is near the Castle district. You should visit
when you go to Prague (order the pork knuckle) ⠀
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Help fill your local food banks, help your shelters for the homeless and women and children
trying to escape violence. Check in on your friends and neighbors. Wear the mask. Love and take care of your community. The only way through this is together.

samanthabrowntravels

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May 15

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The first time you see a Scarlet Tanager you think it’s a Cardinal. But then after a few seconds you realize that something’s different. The bird looks like it’s glowing from the inside.
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This beautiful bird came to us on Tuesday and hung around for a good 45 minutes.
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I was taking one terrible photo after the next on my phone but ran down and got our good camera with the telephoto lens. One photo and the camera stopped working but it was a good photo!
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I read later that a late frost and an unseasonably cold spring will bring these birds out in the open as they search for insects.
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I thought back to how I was so mad at the snow this past weekend and how just plain depressing the weather we’ve been having in April and May has been. But wow, what a gift this was.
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I’m taking it as a sign -bright red and glowing-that better days are on the horizon.
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