Pop Culture Passport - Exploring Quirky & Cool Travel Destinations in the USA
Pop Culture Passport is your guide to quirky, cool, and nostalgic travel across the U.S.—from movie filming locations and theme parks to roadside attractions and pop culture museums.
If you'd happily add 60 minutes to your trip to visit a filming location, the Jell-O Museum, or a roadside diner from your favorite TV show, this podcast is for you.
Every other week, I’ll take you behind the scenes of iconic and offbeat destinations, sharing their history, stories, and the fun details. Along the way, we’ll dive into theme parks, explore quirky museums, and uncover the real places behind your favorite movies and shows.
I'm Beth Schillaci—aka the Roaming Yeti. I’m a travel content creator, pop culture nerd, and obsessive road trip planner who somehow turns an 8-hour drive into a 21-stop itinerary (because you never know what you’ll find). I’m also the creator of the Quirky & Cool Travel Guide, a curated directory of unique U.S. destinations, and I share even more travel stories and pop culture finds on The Roaming Yeti Blog.
Think of this as traveling with your slightly nerdy, sort-of-cool friend who thrives on deep dives, unique finds, and laughter-filled road trips.
Grab your Pop Culture Passport—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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