About
Welcome! My journalism career and curiosity about the world started while working as a copy boy for the Wall Street Journal. I’ve logged over a million miles in my travels across the globe, from Morocco to China, up to the Arctic Circle and across Southern Africa.
I was dragged kicking and screaming onto the web after friends and publishers insisted it was time for me to enter the new millennium by creating a web site. I finally agreed. Although, to be honest, I’d rather be looking at the world than having the world look at me. Regardless, I thank you for being here. I hope you enjoy your stay.
—Tom
Thomas C. Wilmer’s writings and photography have appeared in numerous North American lifestyle magazines and more than 40 newspapers (Knight Ridder Wire Service), as well as London based Prestige Magazine. Additionally, his photography has appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers, including a recent spread in the upscale Italian based Luxury Files. Three of his photographs are featured in the 2009 Inyo County Visitors Guidebook.
Wilmer was a Travel Columnist for Central Coast Magazine in California from its inception through 2008, and Travel Editor at Las Vegas Magazine (1998 – 2003).
He is also author of the travel book, Romancing the Coast—Romantic Inns and Resorts Along the California Coast, and California Coast Getaways (2006 Riverwood Books—available on Amazon), and California Coast Getaways (1994). Wilmer was also a contributing writer for Caribbean guidebook author Kay Showker.
Wilmer’s radio travel show Audiolog has aired over National Public Radio affiliate stations KCBX & KSBX (Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo Counties) since 1989. Audiolog has featured numerous California and Australian vintners, including Jerry Lohr, Doug Meador, Jim Concannon, Gary Eeberle, and the legendary savior of Australia’s Barossa Valley, Peter Lehmann of Peter Lehmann Wines. Additionally, travel destination shows have featured exotic spots around the globe, from the Arctic to African safaris, joining the crew aboard the Rainbow Warrior, flying in WWII bombers, flying a microlight above Victoria Falls, Sailing around Grenada,0 hiking through the wilds of Malaysian jungles to exploring remote atolls and isles in the South Pacific.
Awards and Acknowledgements
Thomas C. Wilmer’s newest book, The Wine Seeker’s Guide to Livermore Valley, received the Best Guidebook Award, 3rd place, by the Outdoor Writers Association of California in May 2011! Visit the Wine Seeker’s Guides website or Amazon.com for more about the book!
He is presently working on a book proposal to the National Guard Foundation in Washington D.C. to produce a book about the incredibly successful Youth Challenge residential program for at-risk teens.
The NPR affiliates Audiolog radio show won the coveted “2nd Place Best Radio Show” in California from the Outdoor Writers Association of California in 2007. First Place–Best Radio Series for “Birth of Titanic” 2012, 2nd Place, Best Conference Related radio series 2012, and he was among the three finalists for the Writer of the Year award 2012.
Wilmer’s radio travel show is now featured on NPR’s Podcast site: http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast/podcast_detail.php?siteId=5593978 Every week a new travel show is showcased on the Podcast site.
Wilmer was also awarded Santa Cruz County Conference & Convention Council’s PRIDE AWARD in 1993 for “Outstanding contributions to the enhancement of Santa Cruz County as a visitor destination”.
Wilmer’s “Aussie Drovers” story in the October 2006 issue of Cowboys & Indians Magazine won Australia’s Tourism Australia/Qantas Henry Lawson Travel Writing Award contest in January 2007 for the Best North American magazine feature on Australia. The award included a $10,000 trip for two Down Under. Additionally, Aussie Drovers won 2nd place for “Best Magazine Feature” by Outdoor Writers Association of California in 2007.
Professional affiliations include:
Society of American Travel Writers (SATW)
Outdoor Writers Association of California (OWAC)
Bay Area Travel Writers Association (San Francisco), where he is a member of the Board of Directors (BATW)
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFW&TWA)
Past NPR Community Advisory Board Member for affiliates, KCBX&KSBX