Pop Culture Passport - Exploring Quirky & Cool Travel Destinations in the USA

Beth Schillaci - The Roaming Yeti
  • 5.0 (30)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Biweekly

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.

  1. The Wildwoods, NJ: Much More Than a Beach Town

    5d ago

    The Wildwoods, NJ: Much More Than a Beach Town

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 148 What if the beach town you thought you knew was actually the birthplace of rock and roll? The Wildwoods, New Jersey, have been a Jersey Shore staple for generations, but there's so much more to this five-mile island than boardwalk rides and saltwater taffy. In this episode, I sit down with Ben Rose, Director of Marketing and PR for the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Authority, to uncover the layers of history, culture, and architecture that make the Wildwoods truly one of a kind. In this episode, you'll discover: Why the largest collection of mid-century Doo Wop architecture in the country calls the Wildwoods home, and why even new developers are voluntarily keeping the aesthetic aliveHow the Wildwoods became the birthplace of rock and roll, the Twist, and American Bandstand, and why the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame agreesThe surprising origin story of those iconic tram cars that have been rolling the boardwalk since 1949The Wildwoods are more than a beach vacation; they're a living, breathing piece of American pop culture history. After this episode, you'll never look at a neon sign the same way again. You ready? Let’s roam. Learn more about what you can see and do in The Wildwoods at https://wildwoodsnj.com/ Get your free Field Notes Travel & Snack Journal by signing up for the newsletter. Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram. Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next. Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.

    38 min
  2. Day Trip Palooza: One Home Base, 90 Miles, and a Whole Lot of Curiosity

    May 22

    Day Trip Palooza: One Home Base, 90 Miles, and a Whole Lot of Curiosity

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 147 What if the best adventures were hiding within 90 miles of home? This summer, we're trading airports and hotels for day trips, road snacks, and coming home to our own beds every night. Welcome to Day Trip Palooza — a summer series built around one home base, a 90-mile radius, and a whole lot of curiosity about what's been waiting right in our own backyard. In this episode, you'll discover: What Day Trip Palooza actually is and why the sweet spot between a staycation and a full-blown vacation might be exactly what you need this summerHow I research and plan day trips — from QuirkyAndCool.com to Google rabbit holes to Reddit gems that don't show up on the first page of search resultsWhere we're headed this summer — Buffalo, East Aurora, Corning, Skaneateles, and wherever the side quests take usDay trips aren't just a budget-friendly alternative to a big vacation. They're a mindset. And this summer, we're inviting you to come along and maybe plan your own Palooza while you're at it. You ready? Let’s roam. Get your free Field Notes Travel & Snack Journal by signing up for the newsletter. Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram. Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next. Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.

    13 min
  3. Kansas City, MO Side Quests: Beyond the BBQ and Jazz

    May 8

    Kansas City, MO Side Quests: Beyond the BBQ and Jazz

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 146 Did you know there's an entire city humming along beneath the streets of Kansas City? Kansas City has a well-earned reputation for barbecue, jazz, and the Chiefs. But scratch the surface, and you'll find a city full of stories that don't make the highlight reel. In this episode, we honor the classics and then go exploring, from a steamboat buried under a cornfield for over a hundred years to an underground business complex the size of a small city. In this episode, you'll discover: The extraordinary story of the Arabia Steamboat Museum, a nineteenth-century time capsule found twenty-five feet underground in a Missouri cornfield, perfectly preserved for over 130 yearsSubTropolis, the world's largest underground business complex, carved out of ancient limestone mines beneath Kansas City, and yes, you can actually drive through itThe surprising Kansas City origin stories of two iconic American snacks you've almost certainly had but never knew came from hereKansas City kept surprising me at every turn, and I have a feeling it's going to do the same to you. You ready? Let’s roam. Get your free Field Notes Travel & Snack Journal by signing up for the newsletter. Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram. Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next. Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.

    16 min
  4. What is Cincinnati Chili: Skyline vs. Gold Star and an Official Taste Test

    Apr 24

    What is Cincinnati Chili: Skyline vs. Gold Star and an Official Taste Test

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 145 Is Cincinnati chili really chili… or is it something completely different? In this Snack Society episode, we dive into the history, controversy, and flavor profile of Cincinnati chili, the Greek-inspired meat sauce that divides an entire region. From Skyline to Gold Star to the lesser-known Worthmore, we conduct an official taste test and unpack how this unexpected dish became a city icon. In This Episode: The surprising Greek origins of Cincinnati chiliHow to order it “the right way” (and why you never twirl the spaghetti)An official Snack Society taste test: Skyline vs. Gold Star vs. WorthmoreWhether you’re Team Skyline or still skeptical, Cincinnati chili proves that the best regional foods are the ones bold enough to be unapologetically themselves. You ready? Let’s roam. Get your free Field Notes Travel & Snack Journal by signing up for the newsletter. Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram. Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next. Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.

    15 min
  5. Seattle Side Quests: Quirky Stops Beyond the Space Needle

    Apr 17

    Seattle Side Quests: Quirky Stops Beyond the Space Needle

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 144 What happens when you wander just a little off the main path in Seattle? Seattle is famous for coffee, the Space Needle, and grunge music, but the real magic of the Emerald City shows up when you lean into curiosity. In this episode, we explore the quirky landmarks, pop culture filming locations, and creative spaces that make Seattle a city that rewards side quests. In this episode, we’ll cover: How Seattle’s geography shaped its creative and independent spiritIconic side quest stops like MoPOP, the Fremont Troll, and Gas Works ParkHidden gems, filming locations, and playful food stops that go beyond the obviousIf you’re planning a trip or just love discovering what makes a city feel unique, this episode is your guide to Seattle’s curious side. You ready? Let’s roam. Get your free Field Notes Travel & Snack Journal by signing up for the newsletter. Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram. Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next. Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.

    14 min
  6. Jungle Jim’s International Market in Cincinnati: A Snack Society Playground

    Apr 10

    Jungle Jim’s International Market in Cincinnati: A Snack Society Playground

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 143 There are many things people prioritize when visiting a new city, such as landmarks, restaurants, and museums. Me? I like to find the grocery store. And my favorite one so far? Jungle Jim’s International Market in Cincinnati. What started as a roadside produce stand in the 1970s has grown into a 200,000-square-foot international food playground complete with animatronics, a fire truck in the hot sauce aisle, a shark hanging over seafood, a monorail track overhead… and yes, a full bar inside the grocery store. In this Snack Society episode, I share why grocery stores are one of my favorite travel side quests, what makes Jungle Jim’s so delightfully over-the-top, and why it’s absolutely worth the stop, even if you don’t need groceries. Grab a cart. Trust me. You’ll need it. You ready? Let’s roam. More info on the blog. Get your free Field Notes Travel & Snack Journal by signing up for the newsletter. Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram. Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next. Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.

    21 min
  7. From Santa Rosa to St Paul: Peanuts Places You Can Visit

    Apr 3

    From Santa Rosa to St Paul: Peanuts Places You Can Visit

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 142 Did you know there are real places across the United States where the world of Peanuts comes to life? From the California hometown where Charles Schulz created the comic strip to a few surprising side quests across the country, this episode explores destinations where Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the Peanuts gang still leave their mark. In this episode of Pop Culture Passport, we’re following the trail of Peanuts through real places you can visit — including the museum dedicated to Schulz’s life and work, the ice rink he built for his community, and even a few unexpected stops tied to Snoopy’s most famous daydreams. In this episode: • Visiting the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, California • Charles Schulz’s early life and inspiration in St. Paul, Minnesota • The surprising connection between Snoopy and NASA Whether you’re a lifelong Peanuts fan or just love discovering quirky pop culture destinations, these stops offer a fun way to connect with one of the most beloved comic strips ever created. You ready? Let’s roam. More info on the blog. Get your free Field Notes Travel & Snack Journal by signing up for the newsletter. Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram. Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next. Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.

    17 min
  8. Snack Files: The Sweet History of Peeps and a Taste Test

    Mar 27

    Snack Files: The Sweet History of Peeps and a Taste Test

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 141 Are Peeps a nostalgic springtime favorite… or just sugary packing peanuts? In this episode of Snack Society Snack Files, we’re diving into the surprisingly strange history of one of Easter’s most divisive treats. From hand-piped marshmallow chicks in Pennsylvania to scientific experiments, pop culture chaos, and our own Spring Break taste test, Peeps have a much bigger story than you might expect. In this episode, we cover: How Peeps began at the Rodda Candy Company before Just Born turned them into a candy powerhouseThe invention that cut production time from 27 hours to just 6 minutesThe bizarre science behind why Peeps are so weirdly durableOur Peep taste test, including favorites, disappointments, and the fresh vs. stale debateWhether you’re Team Fresh, Team Stale, or firmly anti-Peep, this episode is a fun look at how a tiny marshmallow chick became a seasonal icon. You ready? Let’s roam. More info on the blog. Get your free Field Notes Travel & Snack Journal by signing up for the newsletter. Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram. Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next. Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.

    15 min
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About

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.

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