What are the dates? Do you know yet? and when do you audition?

ladybug821,

do you know when the dates are and have you auditioned yet?

Thanks for the reply Sam,I forgot to mention that we have here 3 wineries(spelling not so good today) within a 45 minute drive of Roanoke, 2 of them are Gold medal winners and from Charlottesville west are large number of wineries so if you are thirsty stop on by!

sailorcraig,

I did not have my breast enhanced however, I got a nose job, eye tuck, tummy tuck, 1/2 of the fat from my thighs removed and one more thing..uh...oh yeah my forehead enlarged. I 'm actually scared to go boating although it's more of an ocean thing so maybe I'd be okay. If I take you up on your offer I'll be sure to wear a large sweatshirt.

I couldn't believe he wrote that! Sam you really have a great sense of humor!
Matt

shakirafuego,

we have definately talked about the idea of creating an online journal of sorts on this website but it comes down to time and not really having any while I'm on the road. I've never kept a journal because I am sort of absentminded when it comes to leaving things around. And I think I would just be in so much trouble if anyone ever found it.

Its on the way .

Samantha, whats you all time favorite place you have been to or want to go back to? Could I get an autographed pic too? If its not too much trouble? I dont really want to post my home addy here though.
Thanks!
Matt
ata2nv@attbi.com

let's see..

I was born in Dallas TX, but grew up in NH. I don't have a part time job but when I around your age I worked at an amusement park (I was the information girl) and an Ice Cream Parlor so I really liked my jobs-you just have to find a better one that's all. I went to school for the performing Arts at Syracuse University. Its' very very cold there. On my downtime I like to play board games, Cranium is my favorite and make soups. Next Thursday and Friday the Travel Channel is airing my one hour specials they start at eight and go to 10 or 11 and did you see that samfaniam gave you Keali'i's name. He's wonderful. When it's especially cold I'll put his CD on so I can remember my warmer times in Hawaii

samfaniam,

write a request to the Travel Channel 7700 Wisconsin Ave Bethesda MD and they will send it to me. It may take awhile.

i'm sorry I forgot to address your other question. Favorite place I'd love to go back to San Francisco and places that I am still dying to see are the Northwest coast, California Wine region and Yosemite.

Will do Sam, thank you! Whats the Zip code? Iam about an hour outside of Yosemite, if you ever have any questions for a local shoot me an email.
See ya!
Matt
ata2nv@attbi.com

jazzedbw,

I have always wanted to convince some of my friends to rent a winnebago and drive to one of the huge amusement parks. Although, whenever we shoot amusement parks for the show it's usually before the park opens up. So I get to go on the ride like 5 times (for different camera angles) and there's never any wait. I just may be spoiled. The Best was when I got to ride the incredible hulk at Universal. 0-60 in 2 seconds. At 7:00am! didn't need my coffee that day.

Hi Samantha! Thank you for taking the time to read and respond to these postings. I hope that the network will spring for a European jaunt in an upcoming season- "Girl Meets Spiteful, Insecure French People"? Just kidding. As you may know, the Hotel Le Beauvallon in St. Tropez is amazing, but the Hassler in Rome is, in my opinion, the best hotel in the world. Hope you and the crew make it over there sometime. Looking forward to the new season. All the best to you and yours!

Hello again Sam, thanks for the reply. I think it is so cool that you take the time to converse with your fans. My husband's email is adunham@nwhealth.edu and his birthday is Monday 1/20. It would be great if you sent him an email. What would you recommend in NYC? Anything close to Times square? I have a friend who lives near there. Thanks Sam, looking forward to the new shows. Tarrah.

In the Great Vacation Home episode, the one with the nancy and the dog charlie-brown, did you really loose the canoe? and really, was your oar privilages suspended?

What is the hotel that you didn't like that you had to stay at?

Joe

Hi
I really like watching your show, because I love to travel. There is this great hotel over in the state where I live, and it is so neat there.
The web address is www.skamaniahlodge.com, if your interested. They have Hose back riding, tenis, hiking, shopping, and lots of other things tokeep you busy. I have been there four times and when i revisit the lodge I want to stay longer.
sENCERLY,
a travel fan

Hey Sam! I LOVE your shows! I've been watching them for years now. I used to come home early from school and immediately turn on Great Vacation Homes. I am so excited about the new season of Great Hotels also! so far, my favorite hotel has been The Library in NYC. It was just such a cool concept. I don't have any questions right now, but I'd love an autographed picture, if it's not too much trouble. If you could e-mail me for my address, that would be great! Btw, thanks for taking the time to answer all these questions and just interact with the fans. Not many people do that and I just really respect that. Hope to hear from you soon!

Michelle
magreene@campbell.edu

Samantha, thanks for your reply, and you are indeed eloquence and poise (when not entertaining us in endearing pratfalls) personified. I remember the Eastern Shore lady now, who cooly doused dining room conflagrations with the table wine de jour, nothing with too much body, I trust. If anyone's voting, were I to pick the most intriguing hotel/resort I've seen on your series (none of which I can afford so this is pretty moot), I think the faux village outside of Winterthur (Montchanin, was it?) would be my choice (warm dry weather provided, of course). Oh, I think the people in Phoenix (was it the Biltmore?) misled you about it being the only Frank Lloyd Wright designed hotel. I'm pretty sure he did one in Tokyo in the 20s that even withstood an earthquake. And speaking of another Biltmore, the massive mansion in the NC mountains, there's another gracious old hotel in Asheville nearby, the Grove Park Inn, your crew might want to nose about. How about Boston hotels? And the famous old one in San Diego (whose name escapes me now, alas...) They DO, by the way, let you stay in these places, don't they, and not some Motel 8 down by the interstate? But thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us. Enough from me now, and good luck to you.

Yes, I would definitely have to agree with you on this one. It's a beautiful inn, and I think it's the hotel they used as the "dining hall" in the movie Dirty Dancing. The mountains of NC are absolutely beautiful anyways, and I would definitely recommend that you visit us in NC sometime. (pleeease). lol.

Miss Brown

Ma'am

You've really made my day (if not my entire week)! I'll send a letter soon...I already have a space on my bulletin board for your picture. And thanks for the advice on re-arranging my room. Don't worry, your show will still come first!
If you ever happen to be doing "Great Dorm Rooms of Colorado" you'll have to stop by!

Thanks Again and Happy Travels!
Falcon_cadet

Samantha,

Among your many excellent qualities, my favorite is your sense of humor.

Working from a home office, I love having "Great Hotels" on in the background so I can listen for one of your precious puns, witty retorts, playful mistruths (I still laugh about your obtaining the extra glass of champagne for your 'husband') or oft-heard wise-acreing.

Thank you for your continued excellence. Though my wife and I are not Stevie Nicks and Christiana Amanpour, we would gladly take you and a guest to dinner anywhere in NYC you wish -- on us!

Hello Sam!! I'm new to this forum thing, so be kind. I have become a loyal veiwer of Great Hotels, although I must admit that since I work nights, I am usually watching it while I'm supposed to be asleep

I've recently been to Hershey and can't believe I missed the hotel. Just how much chocolate did you "have" to eat for that garden tour? I must admit that we did an incredible amount of damage to our wallets in the store....it was like....Heaven!!!

I'm quite impressed about your volunteering for abandoned cats. I'm an emergency veterinarian and have seen a lot of things that make me go home and hug my cats until I practically smother them...anyone who takes time out to help is A-OK in my book. Thanks. (Who looks after Fiona while your traveling?)

Do family and friends ever get to travel with you?

I suppose I ought to go back to work. Keep up the good work and I'll look forward to the new season!

kelly

Hi Sam
I noticed you mentioned in one of your replies that you missed the interaction with the owners that you had on GVH.Though I'm a fan of all your shows I think I said in an earlier post that my favorite to watch was GVH for that very reason.I especially liked the episode with the retired DJ -Oasis I believe his name was.
I don't know if PineRidge or the Travel Channel would consider reviving the show, I know I would certainly watch I'd like to see how your other fans on these boards feel about that idea.
Also since I guess you indirectly work for the Discovery Channel maybe they could create a show for you like The Time Travel Channel and have a show where you appear to visit other periods in history - just an idea.
Keep up the good work.

Sincerely,
Loyal Fan

Do you have a vacation home of your own, and if not, do you dream of having one?
Thankyouloveyou,
JackSnipe03@aol.com

Hi Samantha,
Love your show on Great Hotels. Have you ever done a show before on the Grand Hotel up on Mackinaw Island, up in Michigan? Its the hotel that was filmed in Somewhere in Time. From what I hear, they are going to do another movie on the island soon. Its a wonderful, quaint place to visit. Just walking through the town makes you feel like you are back in time. The island doesn't allow cars, so you either walk, bike or grab a taxi pulled by horses. Its great! And if you like chocolate, you will enjoy the fudge that's made on the island.

Hi Sam, Just wanted to let you know that I am a huge fan and watch you everyday. For the new year I have a suggestion. Since I am a Hospitality Major in college and really enjoy seeing you visit these hotels, here is one for you to visit, Oak Brook Hills Resort and Confernce Center, in Oak Brook IL. Also try some Cruises. I do have a question how did you start doing this or how did you get interested in this.

Thanks Chelly

Hi Samantha! I really enjoy your shows, Great Hotels and Great Vacation Homes. I think Great Hotels is my favorite though because every one of them makes me want to pack my bags and take a vacation. I'd love for you to do a European version of your show, but I understand that you're not the only decision maker in that. Don't really have much else to say, but I like the longer hair and love the new shows that are showing up here and there these days. Keep up the great shows, you're a delight to watch!

Wonderful job on "Great Hotels"! Keep up the good work, Sam.

...to another PA alum.. and wanted to ask about the new season, and will there be anymore Disney? Don't forget they are also shooting to open the new "Wentworth by the Sea" so maybe worth mentioning to the producers ..

Greetings again Sam. As I had said before my husband's email is adunham@nwhealth.edu and his name is Adam. If you're not too busy on Monday 1/20 it would be great if you could send him an email. We both are big fans of yours. Do you have any recommendations for a romantic place near Central Park in NYC? We have a friend that lives close to there. Looking forward to the new season of shows. Thanks again, a big fan, Tarrah.

Sorry, I didn't mean to post the same message previosly posted. It didn't show up the first time, but I now realize that my page must not have refreshed.

Most excellent so it was you! Derry good old Derry. Yes I havent seen the inside but I drive by it everyday. WOW I heard its gorgeouse though. It was something that caught my attention I dont usually read the alumnus. Thanks Samantha it was cool knowing.

~Chloe

Hi Sam, My wife and I love your Great Hotels and Girl Meets Hawaii. We are planning a vacation to hawaii and we look forward to your upcoming shows from hawaii. I wish you were on more at prime time. I do catch you every Sunday and when ever I'am home during the week. Keep up the good work.The travel channel really struck gold when they hired you.

Hi Samantha :-)

In your reply to my first post you said you were going to Hawaii to shoot some commercials for Beach Week (Yes I am dissapointed you are going there just for commercials).
While you are there will you be doing more Girl Meets Hawaii shows?

Also what happens if (& has it ever happened) on Great Hotels the hotel isnt so great?
Do you have to scuttle the show, film around, or find a new hotel in the same city?

My last question may not make the Travel Channel happy.

Watching you I think you have 1 of the best overall personalities I have seen on TV. You really seem to have fun with your job & to be a fun person. Having said that I think you would be great on a Saturday Night Live type show. I think there is a comedic legend brewing inside you :-)

Have you ever done comedic work in the past or plan to in the future (Even if you do we still want you on the Travel channel so I guess that means More Work for you if you say Yes :-) )

Take Care & am looking forward to the autographed picture.

Have fun In Hawaii!!!

Take Care

Joe AKA Sams_New_Fan

figment_nh,

It's funny you should bring that up. My family moved to the island of New Castle my senior year of high school so I was extremely happy to see that this old grand dame was saved from demolition so I will absolutely campaign to go there.

It's quite simple really. I just auditioned and was lucky enough to be picked. I believe in the last live forum which you can still look at I go into more detail. Look under How I got the job.

cfranco,

I have been there. It was to do a few homes for Great Vacation Homes. What a magical place. We were very worried because as a video crew we have a lot of heavy equipment and the thought of lugging it in a horse and carriage seemed particularly painstaking not to mention the added time on our day going back and forth with only 2 horse power. We loved it! It was during fall so the leaves were at their peak color and every morning all of us would load into the carriage with our steaming hot cups of coffee and sit back and enjoy our 45 minute ride through the tree lined streets past all the victorian homes. Great Hotels would love to go back but our problem is that it's so incredibly out of the way and to go that far for only one hotel Unfortunately our budget doesn't allow it.

Nope. But when I do it will be on the coast of Maine. I have always wanted a place there and even after all my travels to gorgeous destinations I haven't changed my mind.

mrsharke,

I don't think we'll be reviving GVH hopefully we'll go on to bigger and better things. Europe for instance. I believe GVH might be off the air and in it's place is Incredible homes and Hideaways. I was watching it the other day and really liked it. I've always liked Donna Hanover (the host) She's a very classy, elegant woman yet personable.

. We had to do so many takes that I would take a bite and spit it out So We had bags and bags of the stuff waiting in the wings.
It's hard to see what people do to animals and how they are so easily discarded. Kittykind is no no-kill shelter so it's very rewarding to see each and every one go to a good home. When you see the Inn at Little Washington both their Dalmations are rescued. The newest arrival was kept tied up in a basement for two years. she now lives and eats better than most Americans and has a string of pearls on order at Tiffany's.

cdevany,

ANYWHERE IN NYC THAT I WISH let's see... how about Danube or Nobu? Thanks for leaving me on while you work.

captuttle,

You bet I do!!! 9 times out of 10 the room I check into is the one I'm staying at. So the next time you watch me go thru my room as if for the first time just know that my suitcases, clothes and toiletries have been frantically shoved into the closets and drawers. I've written down your suggestions thanks and keep the coming. NC and Boston are definately up for consideration for season three. I'm glad you liked Montchanin. I loved it! I also thought it was a deal so check out the prices and just know that every room is a winner.

As a Maine girl I'm happy to hear you would love a vacation home here. Welcome back, I'm looking forward to the new season as I'm addicted to your show. You have a great personality and make me want to visit every hotel. Wish I had the time !!

There certainly have been times that I've walked into a hotel and thought "what am I going to say about this one?" Usually it's about my own personal tastes. So what I'll do is hang out in the Lobby and watch guests reactions and how much they enjoy staying there. When it comes down to it the show is not about me it's about the hotel. the whole canoe thing was staged but wasn't the husband a hoot! He really looked like he was scolding me but it was a big joke. Charlie Brown was a good dog. I forgot that during the GVH tour I took pictures of all the homeowners animals. I'll have to dig that one out.

brandeislaw,

Did you go to Brandeis for law? It's always comforting to know a good lawyer. Anyway, BOY I HOPE I GO TO EUROPE, I've been pushing for it believe me. It's funny I've been to Paris twice (vacation) and had only pleasant experiences with the french. Now I tried VERY hard to speak their language and literally broke down in tears in a cheese shop because I couldn't remember what to say (even though I practiced the night before). It seems like you've gone to Europe a lot keep the suggestions coming.

bpd1037,

where in Maine? I used to live in Portsmouth NH. Ever been to Flo's hotdogs on Rt. 1A?

Samantha, it's nice to know you get the high thread count of the best sheets. We worry about these things. Alas, I have no further hotel ideas, except maybe for that one in Memphis (or is it Nashville?) that has the duck walk through the lobby every day which is sure to make you laugh. I'm thinking the great old place near San Diego is the Coronado (?). Very famous, anyway, with the red-tiled conical roof on a huge turret - you've surely seen it in movies sometime. The Grove Park Inn in Asheville might not be close enough to any other prospective sites for your group(?) Now if you ever succeed to do some London hotels... no, I've never actually been in those, either (well, technically the Savoy Theatre is in the hotel, and I stuck my nose in the Palm Court of the Ritz once). And Claridge's and Brown's (unless you can claim family connection to the latter) probably don't want the publicity, nor would they likely smile indulgently at your "pinky out" routine. But I promise to try to enjoy your puns in the future (of all the lavish praise I delivered to you, you would pick that out for comment - therein beats the heart of a true actress/performer) and again thanks for pecking away on a keyboard at midnight for total strangers. Best wishes.

samsnewfan,

95% of the time the hotel does everything to make the hotel look incredible. They realize it's going to be on national television for the next three years. I remember One home in Great Vacation Homes was chosen thru a magazine spread which showed it as having big rocking chairs along the porch and incredible wood furniture. When we got there it was almost empty. We were shocked and asked them where everything was. They told us that the magazine furnished and proped it all. "in fact" he told us "they got all the rocking chairs at the hotel you're staying at." Well the hotel was just about to close for the winter season so you can bet we got the rocking chairs. the hotel was kind enough to lend us their dishes, linens and potted plants. Now that's a Great Hotel

Captuttle,

I only pointed out that one "bad" thing to pick on you. I'm not sure how we would be received at those superior hotels in London. Before 9/11 probably they wouldn't want us but, I read that something like 60% of their visitors are American and when they stopped flying it hurt them badly. So who knows. Okay I'm hitting the hay. Buenos Noches.