Eau The Places We'll Go Podcast
Get ready to explore Eau Claire like never before! And in a city with so many unique stories, we're ready to share them. Eau the Places We’ll Go takes you behind the scenes of Eau Claire's biggest events, must-visit attractions, and one-of-a-kind experiences through conversations with the people who make them happen. From festival organizers to event creators, farmers to runners, this podcast is your all-access pass to the energy, creativity, and passion that make Eau Claire unforgettable. Whether you're a local looking for new adventures or a visitor planning your next trip, get ready to explore Eau Claire like never before—one episode at a time.
Episode 21: Destinations Wisconsin
Julia Hertel is the executive director of Destinations Wisconsin, which will be holding their Fall Conference in Eau Claire this November. Tourism is the #3 economic driver in the state, and we learn the role Destinations Wisconsin plays. Her perspective as to what makes our area stand out, trends in tourism and the way people’s likes and desires with their vacations have changed.
Also, how can local businesses work to maximize their benefit from the tourists that come to town.
Episode 20: Food, Fun & Plenty to Celebrate at Hmong New Year
Get ready for a weekend full of culture, tradition, music,dancing, food and community spirit! The Hmong New Year Celebration is happening Oct. 17 and 18 at The Sonnentag andCheng and Carrie from the planning committee stop by to preview. This is an event that brings in thousands to the community, showcasing the Hmong culture that has been in our region for 50 years. Not only does the celebrationconnect the community but also the educates the younger generations of Hmong-Americans on their relative’s path.
Episode 19: Exploring Outdoor Recreation in Western Wisconsin
Outdoor recreation has become even more of a focused stimulus for tourism in our area, maximizing the natural opportunities the region has. Phil Carlson is the President of CORBA, an organization of volunteers who work to promote and maintain our area’s vast network of multi-use trails. From mountain biking, to hiking to snowshoeing and more, these trails never have an off-season.
He not only calls out some of the area’s great trails but also details what goes into creating and maintaining them and how they attract visitors to town.
Episode 18: Public Art in Eau Claire
Public art has become part of the fabric of Eau Claire, notably with North America’s largest rotating sculpture tour that has become the envy of many communities. However, it goes beyond that as Visit Eau Claire’s Public Arts Manager Julie Pangallo details to us as its part of an overall emphasis on installations that enhance not only tourism but localmorale. She takes us on a journey of not only the sculpture tour but other art in the area, what the area’s preferencesare and why its perfectly okay to “not like everything” that is displayed.
Episode 17: I Want to Ride my Bicycle
The Ride Across Wisconsin returns to Eau Claire and the surrounding area for a second consecutive year on Saturday, July 11th. Severalhundred participants from across the state will descend on the city and ride throughout the region, taking in the beauty of Western Wisconsin. Heather Rainer from R.A.W. takes us on a tour of what this event is, some of the noteworthy changes from last year and details how people can be a part of it without riding.
She also discusses how the communities along the route benefit, and why that goes beyond the economic gain.
Episode 16: Blue Ox Music Festival and Camp Out in the Pines
It's a toe-taping good time in a bucolic setting with the Blue Ox Music Festival and Campout in the Pines this summer in Eau Claire. These events bring a bluegrass and Americana genre to the area's line-up of summer music events. Blue Ox has been a staple since 2015 with Campout in the Pines going on its second year. Organizer Mark Bischel, who doesn't hide his genuine passion for bluegrass, discusses how the Pines Music Park venue with its trees and water create a space that is intimate even for 5,000 spectators. We also hear how organizers focus on making the events a true vacation that is accessible with short walks and clean amenities and led to slow and steady growth.
Episode 15: Suns Out, Speakers Up!
Turn up the volume and soak in the summer vibes as this episode dives into two of the Chippewa Valley’s biggest music celebrations: Country Jam USA and Summer Jam EC. We break down what makes each festival a can’t miss experience for travelers and locals alike with Emily and Jake from the EC Event District team. While some other music events nationwide are struggling, they are thriving here and we learn a little bit of the recipe to the “secret sauce” they have.
Emily and Jake take us through how these events have become regional draws but remain popular for locals. The way events like these have evolved significantly over the last few years to stay on top of trends. Tips for those attending for the first time and which acts they are excited to personally see this summer.