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.
Episodes
Episode 121
Have you ever wondered where Walt Disney lived, worked, and dreamed—before Disneyland?
In this episode of Pop Culture Passport, we’re heading off the beaten path in Los Angeles to explore the real-world locations tied to Walt’s early career and creative spark. From humble homes to historic restaurants, this is a walk through Walt’s LA.
🎙️ In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Where Mickey Mouse came to life
- Th...
Episode 120
What do a Paris museum, a Route 66 road trip, and a carousel pig have in common? They all showed up in the most unexpected way during a walk along the Santa Monica Pier.
In this episode of Pop Culture Passport, I’m sharing the charming, surprising story behind one of California’s most iconic boardwalk carousels—and why one particular animal stopped me in my tracks.
Here’s what you’ll discover:
- Why the Sant...
Episode 119
What do swan boats, silent films, and a rack of vintage Disney clothes have in common?
They’re all part of the story in LA’s Echo Park—a neighborhood with deep Hollywood roots and a laid-back creative spirit.
In this episode of Pop Culture Passport, we take a walk around Echo Park Lake, dive into its surprising film history, and share what it’s like to explore the area today.
Here’s what you’ll discover:
<...Episode 118
What do Transformers, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Raiders of the Lost Ark have in common? You’ll find pieces of all of them at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center.
In this episode, we head to Northern Virginia for an unexpected pop culture scavenger hunt among the historic aircraft and spacecraft of this incredible museum.
You’ll hear:
✈️ A little backstory on how the Udvar-Hazy Center c...
Episode 117
Located in Disney Springs, this Indiana Jones–inspired watering hole is packed with hidden treasures, Easter eggs, and deep Disney lore. On a rainy afternoon, my husband and I turned our visit into a full-on scavenger hunt—and I’m sharing what we found so you can try it too.
🔎 In this episode:
- The backstory of Jock Lindsey (yes, the guy from Raiders of the Lost Ark)
- Hidden artifacts from Indiana Jones fil...
Episode 116
Did you know Disney’s Hollywood Studios used to be a real working production studio—with animators, soundstages, and even the house from The Golden Girls?
Today, it’s now focused on immersion into the movies, but it’s had quite a journey to get here. In this episode, we’re taking a look back at the evolution of Disney’s Hollywood Studios—from its behind-the-scenes beginnings to its IP-packed present.
In this ...
Episode 115
What do Randy’s Donuts, a Hollywood parking lot papal announcement, and a Back to the Future dance party on the Universal backlot have in common? They were all part of our unforgettable family trip to Los Angeles.
In this episode, I’m sharing stories from our May adventure—from classic rides at Disneyland and fandom fun at Universal FanFest to the unexpected moments that made this trip so personal and inspir...
Episode 114
What do vintage cameras, organ concerts, and a pie recipe have in common? You’ll find them all at the George Eastman Museum in Rochester, NY—where photography, film history, and personal storytelling collide.
In this episode, I’m sharing my visit to the former estate of Kodak founder George Eastman. Part historic mansion, part world-class photography museum, and part film archive, this place is a hidden gem ...
Episode 113
Have you ever tried a Slugburger? Or eaten chili straight out of a bag of Fritos? In this episode, we’re wrapping up our road trip series with a delicious detour through some of the quirkiest regional foods in the U.S.
We’re talking about:
- A burger stuffed with molten cheese in Minnesota
- Deep-fried Depression-era patties in Mississippi
- Pickles soaked in Kool-Aid (yes, really)
- Why a big plate of macaroni sala...
Episode 112
Did you know many of today’s amusement parks started with a streetcar? In this episode, we’re rolling back to the late 1800s to explore the fascinating world of trolley parks—recreational destinations created by trolley companies that shaped American leisure time.
In this nostalgic ride, we’ll cover:
- How trolley parks began and why they were built
- What a day at a trolley park looked like in the early 1900s
- ...
Episode 111
What makes a perfect road trip for theme park fans? In this episode, we head down the East Coast on a journey to six standout parks in the Mid-Atlantic. From chocolate-scented coasters to vintage carousels and European villages, this trip has something for everyone—whether you're in it for the thrills, the snacks, or the nostalgia.
Here’s what you’ll find in this episode:
- A road trip-ready route from...
Episode 110
Ever watched a movie and thought, “That view can’t be real”? In some cases—it absolutely is.
From redwood forests to alien deserts, America’s national parks have quietly played starring roles in some of your favorite films. This week, we’re exploring the real-life landscapes behind iconic scenes from Star Wars, Indiana Jones, The Shining, Dances with Wolves, and more.
In this episode:
- The national park tha...
Episode 109
Ever wish you could step into Radiator Springs? What if I told you it was inspired by real places you can actually visit?
This week, we’re hitting the road to explore the real-life Route 66 destinations that inspired Pixar’s Cars and Disney’s Radiator Springs. From the truck that became Mater to motels glowing with vintage neon, these spots bring the movie to life in the quirkiest and coolest ways.
In this ep...
Episode 108
What 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 quirkiest roadside giants.
In this episode:
- Where to find the World’s Largest Ball of Twine (and why it's still growing)
- Which giant landmark made it into a Twilight movie
- T...
Episode 107
From 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 story right where we left off—April 22, 1998. What started as a park with quiet trails and limited attractions has evolved into one of Walt Disney World’s most immersive and emotionally powerful experie...
Episode 106
What 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 story of Disney’s boldest—and most misunderstood—theme park: Animal Kingdom. From Joe Rohde’s 400-page pitch to internal battles over dragons versus dinosaurs, this story is full of vision, risk, and a deep l...
Episode 105
Have 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 again. In this episode, we’re taking a cinematic tour of the National Mall, uncovering the iconic movie and TV scenes filmed at these historic landmarks.
Movies and shows featured include:
- Forrest ...
Episode 104
Can 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 both theater and how we see history.
This week, I’m joined by historian, YouTuber, and fellow podcaster Jenn from Talk with History to explore some of the best places to visit if you’re a Hamilton fan. From historical landmark...
Episode 103
Are 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 every kind of parkgoer at Epcot. The walls are down, new experiences are open, and we’re breaking it all down for your next visit.
In this episode, I’m sharing:
- What’s new at Epcot...
Episode 102
Ever 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 global exhibits to the quirky charm of kazoos, each stop offers something unique and fascinating.
In this episode, we explore:
- The expansive Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, AZ, b...
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