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
Discovering Loveland Castle: A Unique Day Trip Near Cincinnati
Episode 83Have you ever imagined stumbling upon a medieval fortress in Ohio? Prepare for a journey that blends history, passion, and a touch of local legend as we explore Loveland Castle, a hidden gem nestled along the Little Miami River...
Forgotten Disney: Abandoned Disney Parks and Park Plans
Episode 82Ever wonder what happened to those Disney parks that vanished into thin air? Or the grand plans that never quite made it off the drawing board? Get ready for a fascinating journey into the realm of Disney's abandoned dreams and...
Cryptid Road Trip: Uncovering America's Mysterious Creatures - Part 2
Episode 81Are you ready to venture into the mysterious world of cryptids? Join me as we continue our journey across the United States, exploring five more legendary creatures and the fascinating locations they've made famous.In th...
Cryptid Road Trip: Uncovering America's Mysterious Creatures - Part 1
Episode 80Have you ever wondered what it would be like to chase down Bigfoot or come face-to-face with a frogman? Get ready for a wild ride as we explore the fascinating world of cryptids and the quirky destinations they've made famous a...
Salem's Spellbinding Sights: A "Hocus Pocus" Filming Location Tour
Episode 79Get ready to cast a spell on your travel plans as we journey to the bewitching town of Salem, Massachusetts, to explore the real-life filming locations of the cult classic "Hocus Pocus"!In this enchanting episode, we'll...
Uncovering Jell-O’s History: A Sweet Adventure in LeRoy, NY
Episode 78Ever wondered about the jiggly, wiggly world of America's favorite gelatin dessert? Get ready for a sweet journey through time as we explore the Jell-O Museum in LeRoy, New York!In this episode, we're whisking you away ...
An Insider’s Guide to Dollywood With Author Erin Browne
Episode 77Are you ready to enter the world of Dollywood, where southern charm meets thrilling entertainment? Join us as we chat with Erin Browne, author of "The Ultimate Guide to Dollywood," who shares insider tips and must-see attracti...
Football Beyond the Field: A Journey Through American Pop Culture
Episode 76Are you ready to experience the heart-pounding excitement of American football beyond the field? Join me as we embark on a thrilling journey across the United States, exploring the iconic filming locations, museums, and ...
Easter Eggs and Backstories at Hollywood Studios
Episode 75Do you consider yourself a true Disney fan? If so, brace yourself for an adventure that will take you beyond the surface of Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. In this episode, we'll embark on a quest to uncover the hidden...
Theme Park News: Disney and Universal’s Next Chapter
Episode 74Theme park enthusiasts, get ready for a whirlwind tour of upcoming changes at Disney and Universal! From Magic Kingdom to Universal's Epic Universe, I'm breaking down all the exciting announcements that have the theme park wor...
Day Trips & Quirky Festivals
Episode 73Need more ideas for your day trips? Festivals are a great option, and there is a festival for every interest. From food festivals to Renaissance Fairs, you can find a lot of local festivals if you keep your eyes peeled. <...
Day Trip Inspiration – Food Trails
Episode 72Are you a foodie seeking new culinary adventures? Or perhaps you're simply looking for a fun and unique way to explore a region? Look no further than food trails! These curated routes offer a delightful opportunity to immerse ...
Day Trips: Let’s Take More Adult Field Trips
Episode 71Remember those exciting field trips from your school days? The thrill of escaping the classroom and exploring somewhere new? Well, it's time to recapture that spirit and give yourself permission to play hooky from your d...
Replay: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
Episode 70Are you heading to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party this fall? Be sure to listen to this replay of our experience at the party last year. We had a great time, and while some things wi...
Easter Eggs and Backstories at Magic Kingdom
Episode 69Are you ready to embark on a magical journey and uncover the captivating Easter eggs and backstories hidden within the enchanting realm of the Magic Kingdom? Prepare to be spellbound as we delve into the park's rich tapestry o...
Explore Book Tourism: Megan’s Passion for Literary Adventures
Episode 68Do you love getting lost in a good book? Join us as we explore the captivating world of "book tourism" with Megan Wessel, a Maryland-based bookstagrammer and self-proclaimed book enthusiast.In this episode, Megan shares...
Walt Disney World Insider’s Guide to Our Favorite Lounges
Episode 67Are you in search of hidden gems and insider tips to elevate your Walt Disney World experience? Look no further! In this episode, I will share our favorite Walt Disney World lounges—cozy retreats that offer a delightful respit...
From Tiki to Speakeasy: A Guide to Themed Bar Experiences
Episode 65Ready to step into a mystical setting where you can brew your own potions or sip a cocktail in a 1950s trailer park? Uncover the unexpected world of themed bars that offer more than just a drink. From tiki paradises to Star Wa...
Hidden Gems & Easter Eggs at Universal Islands of Adventure
Episode 63Calling all theme park enthusiasts! Have you ever wondered about the hidden gems and intricate details tucked away in the corners of your favorite attractions?In this episode, I take you on a captivating journey through...
Mapping Taylor Swift’s New York – Exploring Lyrical Landmarks
Episode 62Imagine strolling down the charming streets of the West Village, where a quaint cafe served as the backdrop for an enchanting lyrical moment on "folklore." Or picture yourself standing before the legendary Chelsea Hotel, a cre...
Hippos, Neon & Craft Beer: A Guide to Cincinnati, OH
Episode 61Have you uncovered all the hidden gems Cincinnati has to offer? What if I told you there is a life-size, Disney-style monorail coming out of a grocery store building? And a legendary wooden roller coaster that traverses a wild...
Dinosaur Land in White Post, VA: Exploring America’s Roadside Dinosaur Attractions
Episode 60Why do so many of us still gaze in wonder at dinosaurs, extinct for millions of years yet eternally fascinating? This episode explores the enduring appeal of these prehistoric beasts while visiting the delightfully nostalgic D...
10 Hidden Gems at Universal Studios Orlando
Episode 59Want to enhance your Universal Studios Orlando vacation with insider tips and hidden gems? I am here to help you uncover secret details and easter eggs at the theme park, making your experience even more unique and...
My Adventures with Adventures by Disney: Insider Tips from China, California, and Beyond
Episode 57Have you seen Adventures by Disney trips but aren't sure group travel is your thing? Or you have avoided them because you aren’t the biggest Disney fan?What if I told you there are only a few trips that actually step fo...
The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY – Not Just for Kids
Episode 56Have you heard of the Top 3 Pop Culture Museum in the US, located in NY, but not New York City? In Rochester, NY, you can find a museum that encourages you to touch and play with the exhibits—and it’s not just for ...