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 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 locationsQuirky museums & unique attractionsRoad trips & roadside attractionsTheme parks & themed entertainmentRegional foods, candy history & food tourismDay trips & weekend getawaysHidden history, origin stories & local legendsPop culture travel across the USA Grab your Pop Culture Passport — let's roam.

  1. 4d ago

    From Scottish Rebellion to Glowing Monsters: The Story of Mini Golf

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 153 What do Scottish women, rooftop golf courses, fairy-tale castles, and glowing monsters have in common? They're all part of the surprising history of miniature golf. This week on Pop Culture Passport, we're tracing the story of one of America's favorite summer traditions, from a quiet act of rebellion at St. Andrews in Scotland to the rooftop mini golf craze of 1920s New York City, through the Great Depression, and into today's elaborate themed and blacklight courses. Along the way we'll visit: Whispering Pines Miniature Golf in Irondequoit, NY — the oldest continuously operating miniature golf course in AmericaTom Thumb Golf and the fairy-tale vision of Garnet and Frieda CarterNew York City's incredible rooftop mini golf boomThe rise of Putt-Putt GolfModern Monster Mini GolfWhether your favorite course has windmills, castles, pirates, or glowing monsters, miniature golf has been bringing generations together for more than 150 years. The next time you pick up a putter, you'll know the remarkable story behind the game. 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.

    From Scottish Rebellion to Glowing Monsters: The Story of Mini Golf

  2. Jul 31

    Minor League Baseball: The Ultimate Side Quest

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 152 What if the best baseball experience in America isn't at a Major League stadium? In this episode, we make the case for Minor League Baseball as the ultimate side quest, the affordable, community-driven, glorious alternative to the big leagues that most travelers completely overlook. We start with a personal story: the night the Rochester Red Wings played as the Rochester Plates, a nod to Rochester's most famous regional dish, the Garbage Plate. From there, we dive into the surprising history of Minor League Baseball, the extraordinary story of the Rochester Red Wings and the 72 Day Miracle that saved the franchise, and the Bull Durham connection you might not know about. Then we get into why Minor League Baseball belongs on every traveler's radar: the affordable tickets, the deep community ties, the absolutely unhinged alternate team identities (the Hartford Yard Goats, the Rocket City Trash Pandas, the Jersey Shore pork roll in bowling shoes), the local food experiences, and the promotional nights that prove this league truly understands joy. In this episode: The Rochester Plates and why we chose that night on purposeA brief history of Minor League BaseballThe 72 Day Miracle that saved the Rochester Red WingsWhy MiLB is the ultimate side quest: affordable, community, food, alternate names, promos, and nostalgiaWherever you're traveling this summer, check if there's a minor league team in town. You might just find your new favorite side quest. 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.

    Minor League Baseball: The Ultimate Side Quest

  3. Jul 17

    East Broad Top Railroad: The Pennsylvania Railroad That Refused to Die

    Send us Fan Mail A scrap dealer buys a railroad. The engines start to cry. And he makes them a promise he keeps for the rest of his life. That's just one of the extraordinary stories inside today's episode, and it only scratches the surface of what makes the East Broad Top Railroad one of the most remarkable places in America. In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Greene, Director of Sales and a qualified brakeman at the East Broad Top Railroad, America's oldest operating narrow-gauge railroad, tucked into the mountains of south-central Pennsylvania. Andrew is also the founder of what the Washington Post called the premier American ragtime ensemble in the country.  In this episode: Why trains feel more alive than any other form of transportationThe history of the East Broad Top RailroadThe scrap dealer who bought a railroad and made a promise to a steam engineThe Smithsonian's extraordinary endorsementThe belt-driven machine shop, which is the last of its kind in North AmericaWhat to expect on a visit, from plush coaches to the cinder carThe future of the EBT, including rail bikes, track expansion and a 10-year visionPlan your visit: Website: https://eastbroadtop.com/Phone: 814-447-3285Location: 20 minutes north of PA Turnpike Exit 180 — Fort LittletonYou 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.

    East Broad Top Railroad: The Pennsylvania Railroad That Refused to Die

  4. Jul 3

    Day Trip Palooza Wrap-Up: Buffalo, East Aurora & Unexpected Detours

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 150 While spending two and a half weeks in Western New York, I set out to complete what I called Day Trip Palooza: four day trips within 90 miles of our home base. Did it go according to plan? Not exactly. In this episode, I’m sharing what happened when weather, holiday hours, work schedules, and real life got in the way, and why two great day trips turned out to be better than four rushed ones. Join me as I recap visits to: East Aurora, home of the historic Roycroft Campus and the famous Vidler’s 5 & 10Buffalo, where we tackled the great wing debate and visited the Herschell Carrousel Factory MuseumFairport, a charming Erie Canal town where a last-minute pivot turned into a fun afternoon.Plus, in this Snack Society Field Report: Duff’s vs. Anchor BarThe history of Buffalo wingsBeef on WeckBuffalo’s beloved sponge candyThis episode is a reminder that you don’t need a perfect itinerary—or even a full vacation—to discover something new. You ready? Let’s roam. In This Episode What Day Trip Palooza was and why I created itWhy some trips happened, and others didn’tEast Aurora highlightsBuffalo food and attractionsFairport and the Erie CanalThe value of flexible travel plansWhy day trips are staying in my travel rotationResources East Aurora Day Trip GuideBuffalo Day Trip GuideFairport Day Trip GuideGet 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.

    Day Trip Palooza Wrap-Up: Buffalo, East Aurora & Unexpected Detours

  5. Jun 19

    Atlantic City, NJ: Much More Than Casinos

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 149 Did you know Atlantic City has over 100 murals telling the stories of its soul, and most visitors walk right past them? Atlantic City is one of America's most recognized destinations, but for most people, the story begins and ends with the casinos and the boardwalk. In this episode, I sit down with Kiara Davis, Tourism and Community Affairs Manager for Visit Atlantic City and proud Atlantic City native, to uncover the layers of history, culture, art, and community that make this city so much more than its reputation. In this episode, you'll discover: The Orange Loop. Three blocks straight off the Monopoly board that have become the most vibrant and authentic neighborhood in Atlantic City right now, home to local restaurants, an independent music venue, community gardens, and the city's thriving arts sceneThe African American Heritage Museum, founded by Mr. Ralph Hunter through his personal collection and passion for preserving Black history and culture, and why Kiara calls it one of the most powerful places in the cityThe foods you absolutely cannot miss, from the legendary White House Subs to saltwater taffy mixing tips that will completely change how you eat itAtlantic City is layered, resilient, and full of stories waiting to be discovered. After this conversation, you'll never look at it the same way again. 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.

    Atlantic City, NJ: Much More Than Casinos

  6. Jun 5

    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.

    The Wildwoods, NJ: Much More Than a Beach Town

  7. 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.

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

  8. 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.

    Kansas City, MO Side Quests: Beyond the BBQ and Jazz
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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 locationsQuirky museums & unique attractionsRoad trips & roadside attractionsTheme parks & themed entertainmentRegional foods, candy history & food tourismDay trips & weekend getawaysHidden history, origin stories & local legendsPop culture travel across the USA Grab your Pop Culture Passport — let's roam.

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