About the show
SHOW SYNOPSIS
“America: The Land We Live In” is an unscripted series that takes the audience on a modern-day adventure to rediscover America’s hidden treasures, forgotten national wonders and rich history through the lens of a 19th-century travelogue. Co-hosts, Doc Varn and Sophia Michelen follow clues found in the book’s fascinating tales and stunning artwork to uncover the “then and now” of each location while also discovering the culture, history, and beauty in each place.
One-hundred fifty years ago, a group of daring writers and artists set out across the country on a adventure to discover the “picturesque”. Their goal: to return with epic stories and drawings of their discoveries to inspire people to set out on their own to explore the beauty and wonder of their land and cities. A gold-leafed, leather bound compendium of their intrepid tales and intricate engravings, “Picturesque America” became the very first travel guide of America.
Now “America: the Land We Live In” takes viewers on a treasure hunt to retrace the steps of those early explorers. Doc and Sophia - with the help of historians, locals and experts - follow clues hidden in the original text and artwork of “Picturesque America” to explore the rich history of America and how our culture has evolved over time — from the perspective of the early adventures to the new lens we view this country today.
PILOT EPISODE
Premiered March 2024 NATIONAL PBS
Without road maps or GPS coordinates to guide them, Doc and Sophia set out to find locations in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and the historic city of Charleston, South Carolina by following clues in the original text and artwork of "Picturesque America”.
Their journey begins in Asheville -- a lively town nestled among the mysterious and beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina -- at the iconic Biltmore Estate, where the Cradle of Forestry was born. From the Biltmore, Doc and Sophia head off the beaten path to Hot Springs, a wild gem of Appalachia known historically for its healing waters. They hunt for locations along the French Broad River— from rocky outcroppings and sweeping vistas, to a mysterious old farm perched on a cliff and a needle in a haystack “mountain island”.
Doc and Sophia seek out guidance from locals who share generations of folklore and enlist river guides and local historians to help navigate their way. White water rafting, hiking, kayaking, fly fishing and a chance encounter with masters of “Old Time” Appalachian music are some of Doc and Sophia’s adventures that weave together the authentic story of this region in North Carolina…
They continue their treasure hunt in South Carolina, just a few hours away but worlds apart, where they search for locations in the historic port city of Charleston. Here, they dive into the rich culture behind low-country traditions, they explore the unique architecture and manicured gardens behind wrought-iron gates, 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.…and finally are greeted with southern hospitality at 20 South Battery - a home with history dating back to the 1800s - where Doc and Sophia uncover a final twist that sheds new light on their journey and the explorers that have guided them there…