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.
Episodes
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:
- Forre...
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...
Episode 101
F. 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 mansions of the Gold Coast, we’re diving into the Roaring ’20s and discovering how Long Island still carries the essence of Gatsby’s world.
Joining me for this journey is Vanessa Gordon, CEO...
Episode 100
Can 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 Passport came to be, what I’ve learned along the way, and how my view of travel has evolved. Plus, I’m answering listener questions about my favorite episodes, surprising destinations, and dr...
Episode 99
Disney 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 thrill-seeker or prefer a more relaxed experience, I’ve got recommendations to help you make the most of your visit.
In This Episode, We Cover:
- What’s different in Magic Kingdom for 2025
- ...
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 ...
Episode 97
Have 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 in Connecticut to Dum Dum Pops in Ohio, we’ll explore the fascinating history behind these classic confections and discover what makes their factory tours a must-see for candy lovers of all ages.
In this e...
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