Pop Culture Passport - Exploring Quirky & Cool Travel Destinations in the USA
Pop Culture Passport is your guide to quirky and cool travel destinations across the USA. Every other week, we explore unique things to do, from movie and TV filming locations and theme parks to roadside attractions, quirky museums, regional foods, and the fascinating stories behind the places you visit.
If you'd happily add 60 minutes to your trip to visit a filming location, the Jell-O Museum, a legendary roadside attraction, or a local spot with an incredible backstory, this podcast is for you.
I'm Beth Schillaci, aka the Roaming Yeti. I'm a travel content creator, pop culture nerd, and firm believer that the best discoveries happen when you layer a little curiosity on top of wherever you're already headed. I call them side quests: the detours, the unexpected stops, the "wait, THAT'S here?" moments that make any trip unforgettable and personal.
Whether you're planning a dedicated trip or looking for the perfect thing to add to somewhere you're already going, a work trip, a family visit, or a drive through a new city, there's always something worth the detour.
Think of this as traveling with your slightly nerdy, sort-of-cool friend who loves deep dives, unexpected discoveries, and finding the story behind the story.
Explore episodes about:
- Movie & TV filming locations
- Quirky museums & unique attractions
- Road trips & roadside attractions
- Theme parks & themed entertainment
- Regional foods, candy history & food tourism
- Day trips & weekend getaways
- Hidden history, origin stories & local legends
- Pop culture travel across the USA
Grab your Pop Culture Passport — let's roam.
Episodes
158 episodes
The World’s Largest Roadside Attractions: From Giant Twine to Jumbo Pistachios
Episode 108What is it about giant versions of everyday things that makes them so unforgettable? From a massive ketchup bottle to a frying pan big enough to cook 365 chickens, we’re diving into the wonderfully oversized world of America's...
The Evolution of Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Part 2 – Everest, Pandora, and What’s Next
Episode 107From giant crashing kites to a mythical Yeti stuck in disco mode, Animal Kingdom has had quite the glow-up since opening day.In Part 2 of this two-part series on Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we’re picking up the stor...
The Origin of Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Part 1 – Vision, Controversy, and Conservation
Episode 106What does it take to build a Disney park with no castle, no parade, and nature as the main character?In this episode of Pop Culture Passport, we’re heading back to the early 1990s to explore the origin s...
Washington, DC Monuments in the Movies: From Forrest Gump to Superheroes
Episode 105Have you ever stood at the Lincoln Memorial and thought, “Wait… wasn’t this in Forrest Gump?”You’re not alone—and once you start spotting filming locations in DC, you’ll never look at the monuments the same way a...
10 Years of Hamilton – Where History and Broadway Collide
Episode 104Can you believe it’s been 10 years since Hamilton premiered on Broadway? Whether you’re a history buff, a Broadway fan, or just love a good story, Hamilton has left a lasting impact on bo...
Epcot 2025 Guide: Thrill Rides, Relaxing Attractions, and Food Picks
Episode 103Are you team thrill ride or team chill vibes? At Epcot in 2025, you don’t have to choose. Whether you're getting launched into space by a talking raccoon or floating past hydroponic lettuce, there's something for ever...
From Banjos to Kazoos: A Quirky Tour of Unique Music Museums
Episode 102Ever wondered what musical treasures are hiding in quirky museums across the US? In celebration of National Music Month, we're touring six cool and quirky music museums dedicated entirely to instruments. From immersive ...
Exploring The Great Gatsby’s Long Island with Vanessa Gordon
Episode 101F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby turns 100 this year! To celebrate, we’re heading to Long Island to explore the places that inspired this literary classic. From the real-life East Egg and West Egg to the grand m...
100th Episode Celebration: Highlights, Listener Favorites, and Future Plans
Episode 100Can you believe we’ve made it to 100 episodes? Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or just found the show, I’m so grateful for this journey! In this special milestone episode, I’m reflecting on how Pop Culture Pas...
What's New at Magic Kingdom 2025: Top Thrill Rides and Relaxation Spots
Episode 99Disney World is going through a lot of changes, and Magic Kingdom is no exception. In this episode, I walk through the park, land by land, sharing what’s new, what’s worth riding, and where to grab a bite. Whether you’re a thri...
From Fanny May to Hershey’s Chocolate: Touring America's Iconic Chocolate Factories (Part 2)
Episode 98Last 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 br...
From PEZ to Jelly Belly: Inside America's Favorite Candy Factories (Part 1)
Episode 97Have you ever wondered where your favorite candies come from—or, better yet, how they’re made? This week, we’re taking a sweet road trip to five of America’s most iconic candy factories. From PEZ dispensers i...
Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum: A Sweet Roadside Attraction in Gettysburg, PA
Episode 96A Whimsical Roadside Stop Near Gettysburg: Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy EmporiumGettysburg, PA, is known for its rich Civil War history, but just a few miles west, you’ll find something completely diffe...
Epcot’s Festival of the Arts 2025: Our Guide to Food, Entertainment, and Figment
Episode 95Is Epcot’s Festival of the Arts Worth the Trip?Epcot’s Festival of the Arts is back, and we just experienced it firsthand! From creative eats to Broadway performances and hands-on activities, this festival brings togethe...
Top 10 Iconic US Hotels Showcased in Famous Movies and TV Shows
Episode 94Ever wondered which iconic hotels have starred alongside your favorite actors? From Some Like It Hot to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, historic hotels have been the backdrop for some of the ...
Discovering the Hidden Gems of O Street Museum in Washington, DC
Episode 93What if I told you there’s a place with 80 hidden doors, themed rooms inspired by pop culture, and a connection to Rosa Parks? That’s just the beginning of what makes the O Street Museum in Washington, DC, a must-visit destinat...
Farewell to DinoLand U.S.A .: Exploring Its History and Future Plans at Animal Kingdom
Episode 92Have you ever wondered about the stories and secrets behind DinoLand U.S.A.? As this quirky land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom prepares to close its doors, let’s take one last walk through its fascinating history and hidden gems.<...
2024 in Review: Quirky Destinations, Travel Trends, and Plans for 2025
Episode 91Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025, I’m reflecting on the milestones and favorite moments of 2024—plus, I’ll share my plans and predictions for the year ahead.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why quirky d...
Quirky and Cool New Year’s Food Celebrations in the US
Episode 90New Year’s Eve is all about ringing in the new year with style, and what better way to celebrate than with some of the quirkiest food traditions across the U.S.? From giant pickles to sweet MoonPies, this episode dives into som...
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane: A Sweet Holiday Tradition with a Few Surprises
Episode 89Join Beth as she revisits Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane event for a festive trip down memory lane. Discover what's new at Hersheypark's beloved seasonal event, from sparkling light displays and holiday treats to meeting San...
Holiday Movie Filming Locations in New York City: From Rockefeller Center to FAO Schwarz
Episode 88This week, we’re heading back to New York City to visit iconic locations featured in some of the most beloved Christmas movies and holiday TV shows. Grab your mittens and join me as we explore these festive spots that capture t...
"It's a Wonderful Life" Museum in Seneca Falls, NY: The Inspiration Behind Bedford Falls
Episode 87I’m taking you on a journey to Seneca Falls, NY, to visit the It's a Wonderful Life Museum. Now, before you start thinking, "Wait, isn’t that just for hardcore fans of the movie?"—let me admit something: I’m not the biggest fan...
A Look Back at The Osborne Family Dancing Lights: Disney’s Beloved Holiday Tradition
Episode 86In today’s episode, we’re diving into the beloved Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, a Disney tradition that captured the hearts of millions. From its humble beginnings in Little Rock, Arkansas, to its magical final di...
Pop Culture Stops You Can't Miss in LA: From Funko to the Hollywood Sign
Episode 85Ever wondered which pop culture landmarks you should visit in LA? From immersive experiences to iconic film history, LA is packed with places that will make any pop culture enthusiast feel like they're stepping into the ...
Easter Eggs and Backstories at Epcot World Showcase
Episode 84Step into the enchanting world of EPCOT's World Showcase, where global cultures come to life in a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavors. In this episode, we embark on a captivating journey around the lagoon, uncoverin...