Fly Brother with Ernest White II

Ernest flies to the 49th state to explore the majestic fjords and temperate rainforest of Ketchikan, hike the trails of Denali National Park, and learn about Tlingit culture and family traditions in Sitka as guided by his friends: pilot Dave Doyon, Jr., ranger Monica Magari, avian specialist Hannah Blanke, and Tlingit storytellers Billy Joe Thomas, Louise Brady, and Rachel Roy.

Ernest starts out with a visitation to the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, tastes the flavors of the Caribbean and the American South, explores the treasures of The Towers, and connects with the ancestors at Concord Quarters with his friends: storyteller Jennifer Ogden Combs, chef Ashley Allen and chef/educator Jarita Frazier-King, historian Ginger Hyland, and innkeeper Deborah Cosey.

Ernest has a soulful breakfast at world-famous Vonda’s Kitchen, gets the vibe of the city in Military Park, tastes Brazilian treats and scrumptious seafood in the Ironbound District, and glams it up in verdant Branch Brook Park with his friends: financial wiz Tiffany Aliche, entrepreneur Evita Robinson, historian Emily Manz, artist Gabe Ribeiro, and glambassador Lauren LeBeaux.

Ernest learns about Kansas City’s deep roots as a home of Negro League Baseball, the importance of storytelling and place in Native American traditions in Wichita, and how Central Kansas sets the stage for two epic love stories, with his friends: historian and author Phil S. Dixon, filmmaker Rodrick Pocowatchit, educators Alice and George Potts, author Rolf Potts, and actor Kristin Bush.

Ernest’s tour of the Isle of Enchantment starts in a Japanese Zen garden above the city of Ponce, followed by scrumptious farm-to-table cuisine, a hike in mystical El Yunque rainforest and the caverns of Cueva del Índio, and ends with a transformative dance lesson in Loíza with his friends: storyteller Janid Ortíz, author Jennifer Ruíz, entrepreneur Yancy Wright, and educator Sheila Osorio.

Ernest visits Chinatown and chows down at China Live, hoists up to Coit Tower for spectacular views of the Bay and the bridge, grubs on vegan barbecue in the buzzing Mission District, then goes for a magical stroll on the trails of the Presidio of San Francisco with his friends: master chef Martin Yan, writer Spud Hilton, entrepreneur Walter Hughes, Jr., and change-maker Ana Ayala.

Ernest’s adventure starts out at the Wild Center, amps up on the summer bobsled in Lake Placid, chills out with fly fishing on the Au Sable, warms up with kayaking in Saranac Lake, and wraps up with motor boating in Inlet with his friends: artist David Kanietakeron Fadden, sportscaster John Morgan, fly guide Brandon Seifert, mayor Clyde Rabideau, empresaria Jill Marsh and her dog, Tootsie.

Ernest explores the diverse districts of Detroit, starting off with the Art Deco glories and pocket parks of Downtown, delicious delights of vibrant Mexicantown, more goodies in the traditional Irish hood of Corktown, and the pleasures of exuberant Belle Isle Park with his friends: entrepreneurs Deba Harper and Carlos Parisi, adventure capitalist Scott Brills, and travelpreneur Kennedy Johnson.

Ernest’s visit to this city of muses opens with a country music songwriting sesh, a tour of the impeccable Frist Art Museum and the impactful National Museum of African American Music, before a little fresh Mex with his friends: singer-songwriters Alyssa Trahan and Makayla Lynn, journalists Mickela Mallozzi and Jeannette Ceja, museum director Dr. Susan Edwards, and curator Dr. Steven Lewis.

Ernest’s journey begins on Oahu with a hula lesson and wave-riding at Waikiki. On the Island of Hawaii, he volunteers at a fish pond in Hilo, explores culinary diversity in Kona, and feels the power of lava in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park with his friends: Kumu Hula Nalani Keale, beach boy Dylan Ching, educator Luka Mossman, chef Tracey Apoliona, and educator Kapuaokalani Ka’au’a.