America: The Land We Live In
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 9:30 PM
Friday, March 1, at 11:30 PM
Saturday, March 2, at 3:30 AM
Sunday, March 3, at 1:30 PM
AMERICA: THE LAND WE LIVEIN takes you on a modern-day adventure to rediscover America’s hidden treasures, forgotten national wonders and rich history through the lens of a 19th-century book, Picturesque America. Hosts Scott “Doc” Varn and Sophia Michelen follow the clues in the epic tales and intricate engravings of this masterpiece to retrace the steps of the early adventurers who created America’s first travel guide.
With no GPS coordinates to guide them, Doc and Sophia begin their treasure hunt in the majestic mountains of North Carolina, where they seek out guidance from locals, historians and river guides to find locations along the French Broad River — from rocky outcroppings and sweeping vistas to a mysterious old farm and a needle in a haystack “mountain island.” Here, they venture off the beaten path on rugged adventures that take them whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking and fly fishing.
The journey continues in South Carolina, just a few hours away but worlds apart, where Doc and Sophia search for treasures among Charleston’s preserved architecture and polished gardens. They experience Lowcountry traditions and hunt for one of the most impressive, giant live oak trees east of the Mississippi. Along the way, they visit a world-famous artist’s studio, meet basket weavers who share their inherited craft, and explore the coastal waterways with a Gullah Geechee fisherwoman. With a new twist around every corner, Doc and Sophia’s treasure hunt across America uncovers the “then and now” of each 150-year-old location while also discovering the culture, history, and beauty in each place.
