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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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.

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

  8. 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.

    Seattle Side Quests: Quirky Stops Beyond the Space Needle
See All (151)

Trailer

5
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

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.

Information

You Might Also Like