Pop Culture Passport - Exploring Quirky & Cool Travel Destinations in the USA
Do you have a sense of wanderlust and an affection for quirky and cool destinations in the United States, including pop culture hotspots, theme parks, and roadside attractions? Would you add 60 minutes to your travel time to seek out a movie location, visit the Jell-O Museum, or savor a regional delicacy you heard about on a travel show? Whether you're a pop culture fan or a travel enthusiast looking for your next adventure, *Pop Culture Passport* is your ultimate guide to the places that capture the heart and soul of the USA and make this country so unique.
Not every trip has to be a bucket list adventure—sometimes, the most memorable experiences are the ones that resonate with your interests, not what’s trending on Instagram. This podcast is about discovering destinations that speak to you, letting you travel your way. We will dive into the world of theme parks, discover film and TV locations, and explore quirky museums, roadside attractions, and legendary pop culture venues.
I’m your host, Beth Schillaci—aka the Roaming Yeti. I love good pop culture references and puns. I’ve been a Disney Vacation Club member for 18 years, and I’m the obsessive planner who puts together a 21-stop itinerary for an 8-hour drive... even if I don’t get to them all. I mean, you have to have options, right?
In each episode, I delve into pop-culture destinations, theme parks, roadside attractions, and nostalgic locations, revealing their secrets and backstories. Think of it as traveling with your nerdy, sort-of-cool friend—the one who loves unique finds, diving deep into the lore, and thrives on off-the-beaten-path adventures.
So, if your friends and family roll their eyes at your quirky travel ideas, don’t worry—you’re in the right place. Grab your pop culture passport and join me as we discover the places that make this country fun, quirky, and iconic. Are you ready? Let’s roam.
Pop Culture Passport - Exploring Quirky & Cool Travel Destinations in the USA
From Fanny May to Hershey’s Chocolate: Touring America's Iconic Chocolate Factories (Part 2)
Episode 98
Last week, we explored iconic candy factories across the U.S., from PEZ dispensers to Dum Dum Pops. But this week? We’re diving into something even more indulgent—chocolate!
From bean-to-bar artisans to legendary brands like Hershey’s, these chocolate factories offer amazing tours, rich history, and, of course… plenty of samples. Some even take chocolate-making to the next level with unique flavors, ethical sourcing, and hands-on experiences.
In this episode, we’re visiting:
- Fannie May Chocolate Factory (Chicago, IL) – A Midwest favorite famous for Pixies, Mint Meltaways, and Trinidads.
- Taza Chocolate (Somerville, MA) – Stone-ground chocolate with bold flavors and ethical sourcing.
- Kimmie Candy (Reno, NV) – Home of ChocoRocks, candy-coated sunflower seeds, and an inspiring modern candy success story.
- Olive & Sinclair (Nashville, TN) – Southern-inspired, small-batch chocolate made with a 100-year-old stone mill.
- Ethel M Chocolates (Henderson, NV) – Founded by a Mars family legend, this factory includes a chocolate experience and a stunning cactus garden.
- Bonus: Hershey’s Chocolate World (Hershey, PA) – A chocolate lover’s dream with a fun, immersive tour, build-your-own candy bars, and a nostalgic ride through the Hershey’s chocolate-making process.
You ready? Let’s roam!
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