This Christmas podcast is about hilarious holiday fiascos and crazy traditions, to odd true crime stories that happened on or around the holidays. Tune in as our hosts James, Denise and Phil trade tales of their best and worst Christmases ever - including a near-fatal snowmobile accident, an arsonist secret girlfriend burning down a house, and a dog rescued from a freezing locked car!

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James had 10 days to explore charming small towns and idyllic waterfront living all across Connecticut — and he made the most of it@ In this episode, he recounts his recent travels visiting over 10 different Connecticut towns and cities including Guilford, Newtown, Brookfield and more. From the colonial homes to hundreds of trails (not to mention access to major cities like NYC), James recaps it all. Then, Denise opens up the debate over the viability of dating apps. If you’re considering moving to Connecticut or just want to learn more about what it has to offer, hit the play button!

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A local Orlando expert joins the Skiptowners to discuss what life is really like in Orlando beyond the theme parks. Topics include the Orlando job market, salary levels, the local food scene with hidden gem restaurants, favorite local activities, the red hot real estate market, common rental scams to watch out for, what areas of town are popular with locals, why she is considering leaving Orlando, and insider tips for getting the most out of a visit to Orlando. Check out Orlando’s hidden gems, rental scams, food scene, lifestyle and culture, jobs and economy. If you ever thought Orlando or Central Florida might be for you, you simply can’t pass up this Skiptown All-Stars episode!

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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!

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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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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.

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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?

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If you’re a sci-fi or horror fan of any sort, you’re familiar with Buffy the Vampire Slayer. And, if you’re a fan of the show, you are DEFINITELY a fan of its atypical demon, Clem. And, if you’re a fan of Clem, then you are DEFINITELY a fan of today’s guest. James Leary has been a fixture in the slay-verse for over 20 years, and today he joins us to fill us in on his latest project, SLAYERS, which is an Audible Original podcast that picks up where Buffy left off. It’s an incredible endeavor with an incredible long-time friend of the Gordon family, and we’re so delighted Jimmy came here to be with us, and you, today. Happy Halloween!

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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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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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We know you're used to us doing a bit of a departure physically, but this week we're doing it topically, too! We had an episode planned and we tossed out the script, so get ready for an off-the-cuff update on our new "roommate," James' take on NFL current events and Denise dragging noted bull**** artist Tim Ferriss and his 4-Hour Work Week joke.

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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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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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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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We've shared with you our travel victories and fails, as well as our adventures in parenting adult children. What we haven't shared is our own experiences as adults who have had to take care of our parents. In our case, it's been difficult because it has always been from afar. That's about to change. Denise's mother has made it to her 97th birthday, but the slide into dementia began a few years ago and is about to change our lives for the foreseeable future.

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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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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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Our adventures in Corpus Christi have kept you up to date on Parker this summer, but what about the other 2 Gordons? Turns out they both have big news and big changes this year. From Mia's academic path (and a new job? MIa's got a job?) to Ellie's MAJOR change of scenery, they've both charted new directions for their future. From Mia's slummy apartment to Ellie's angst, we catch you up on what's going on with the youngest Gordons this week!

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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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Happy Birthday to Us! Couldn't have done it without you. We're recapping the last year and listing off our favorite cities. From Vancouver to The Keys, it's been an amazing ride and we're just getting started. Help us celebrate a year under our belts... and becoming YouTube partners, too!

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