This week’s edition of Eye on Travel broadcasts from Kingsport, Tennessee. Peter updates the non-stop recovery and relief efforts in the Bahamas and how you can help. He’ll also be reporting the latest on the protests in Hong Kong and whether you should avoid traveling there (hint: GO). He’ll also be discussing the rich history of Kingsport with Mayor Pat Shull and author Vince Staten. And then, a conversation with Brenda Barnicki, owner of Bellafina Chocolates — a very special store that makes a difference — and is a model for others around the world. And if you’re wondering about why your hotel lobby now smells like gardenias, or lavender, we’ll reveal the brave new world of the psychology of scent with Dawn Goldworm, and the growth of scented hotels, airplanes and how it engages emotion and influences our behavior. There’s all this and more as Eye On Travel broadcasts from Kingsport, Tennessee.
Have a travel question? Then ask Peter. E-mail him at peter@petergreenberg.com, or tweet your questions to @petersgreenberg (include #AskPeter).
Pat Shull, Mayor of Kingsport, shares stories from his idyllic childhood in Kingsport. Mayor Pat Shull describes the tight-knit community feel of Kingsport. He also gives a brief history of Kingsport’s minor league baseball team, the Mets. Mayor Pat also explains how his military service and his experience holding local office both connect to his sense of civic responsibility.
Vince Staten, Author of An Unconventional History of Kingsport: The Colorful Characters Who Created a City, discusses the bizarre history of Kingsport. Vince describes some of the colorful characters who made Kingsport into the bustling town it is today. He explains odd situations that led to a Centennial and Bicentennial only a few years apart. Vince also talks about how the Depression impacted Kingsport, and how the resilience of the townspeople brought it success in its aftermath.
David Garrahan, Author of From Brooklyn to Kingsport, explains how he found himself in Kingsport and fell in love with the town. He also shares the story of moving into his Kingsport home and the meaning of community for the people in town. David says that his move to Kingsport was stress-free, and he says he’s a perfect example of how things can fall into place with the right attitude and an open mind. He also shares some restaurant recommendations and extols the virtues of Tennessee seafood.
Brenda Barnicki, Owner and Proprietor of Bellafina Chocolates, shares how she originally worked as a chemical engineer and that her love of chocolate “got a little out of hand” when Bellafina was born. It started out as a hobby and then turned into a full-time passion project. At Bellafina, Brenda is creating jobs for women who need a little help including women in recovery, single moms, domestic violence survivors, and formerly incarcerated women. Bellafina’s proceeds go to dozens of children’s charities across the world — which help children suffering from disease, poverty, abuse, or neglect. Everything sold is made-to-order, completely fresh, and ships across the U.S. Bellafina specializes in chocolate truffles, including a signature truffle that’s made with locally-distilled Tennessee Moonshine.
Bob Culler, Park Ranger at Bays Mountain Park, talks about what makes Bays Mountain Park special including its nature center, planetarium, observatory, and reservoir. Bob also provides a view into Bays Mountain’s past as well as its present and bright future. He also gives some insight about the wildflowers as well as the wildlife in Kingsport with beavers, foxes, and turtles in the park. Bob and Peter also discuss opportunities for fishing.
Rod Gemayel, Curator of Allandale Mansion, tells us the story of his beautiful and historic event space. Allandale Mansion was originally built in 1953 and currently serves as a beautiful and affordable event space for the people of Kingsport. Rod discusses stories of ghosts who might lurk in Allandale Mansion, depending on who you ask. He also shares the stories of many of the beautiful, unique antiques and decorations in the mansion that includes a master bathroom with 10 showerheads.
Rick Antonson, Author of Walking With Ghosts in Papua New Guinea, speaks about his book and how the country stands separate from everything it’s surrounded by. It’s the second biggest island in the world. He speaks about what makes it unique (like the 600 languages spoken there), walking across the country and some of the interesting history that Papua New Guinea holds — including a great national anthem.
Dawn Goldworm, President and Chief Creative Officer of 12.29, calls in to explain the use of scent in hotels and airplanes. Dawn describes how scent can be used as a marketing tool to engage emotion and influence behavior. Peter and Dawn discuss the failure of Smell-o-Vision in movie theaters. Dawn talks about the biological process of smell and scent memories and how scents in hospitality spaces can tap into that emotional memory-making process. She shares what makes a good scent versus a bad scent as well as how hotels and airlines can target the smell preferences of their specific guests. Dawn also talks about the particular challenges of crafting scents for airports and airplanes, and how scent might help the flying process but can’t change travelers’ experiences too much.
