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

Beth Schillaci - The Roaming Yeti
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  • PLACES & TRAVEL
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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. A Year in Quirky Travel: 5 Standout Moments Beyond LA

    12/26/2025

    A Year in Quirky Travel: 5 Standout Moments Beyond LA

    Send us a text Episode 130 What were your favorite travel moments this year — the unexpected discoveries, weird details, or hidden gems that stuck with you? In this final episode of 2025, I’m taking a look back at some of the quirky and cool destinations that weren’t in Los Angeles (shocking, I know). From ghost stories and blue ice cream to offbeat art museums, these moments stuck with me in the best way. Plus, I’ll share what’s coming in 2026 — including a big year for the Snack Society, more Pop Culture Passport episodes, and a growing audio tour project that I’m really excited about. In this episode: My Top 5 favorite travel moments outside of LA — including Gettysburg, Rochester, and EPCOTA nostalgic trip to Kings Island, complete with Smurf-blue ice creamMy unofficial Country Bears Easter egg hunt inside a dark rideWhat’s next for the Roaming Yeti Snack Society in 2026You ready? Let’s roam. Links & Resources: Explore Snack Society blog posts. https://theroamingyeti.com/category/journal/snack-society/Sign up for the Roaming Yeti newsletter to get the Snack Society Field Agent Journal in January. https://theroamingyeti.comListen to the Haunted Frederick Ghost Trail podcast. https://theroamingyeti.com/haunted-frederick/Get the free Roaming Yeti Bingo Card! 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.

    18 min
  2. Nerds, Fun Dip & Stranger Things: Exploring 80s Candy Culture with Jason Liebig

    12/19/2025

    Nerds, Fun Dip & Stranger Things: Exploring 80s Candy Culture with Jason Liebig

    Send us a text Episode 129 What was your go-to candy in the 80s — and why do those flavors and wrappers still feel so nostalgic today? In this episode, Beth sits down with Jason Liebig, one of the country’s top nostalgia experts and the self-described Indiana Jones of snacks. Jason is a brand historian, packaging archivist, and behind-the-scenes consultant for hit shows like Stranger Things, Mad Men, The Goldbergs, and more. Together, they dig into the sweet, surprising world of 1980s candy — from iconic favorites like Nerds and Fun Dip to long-lost treats and the stories behind the wrappers. In this episode, you’ll hear: How Jason went from Marvel Comics to building the largest candy-packaging archive in the U.S.Why the 1980s were a groundbreaking decade for candy innovationHow real packaging helps make shows like Stranger Things feel so authenticThe wild evolution of Fun Dip, Pixy Stix, Big League Chew, and moreAn incredible story about a rare Kit Kat wrapper that survived World War IIWhether you grew up in the 80s or just love a good pop culture deep dive, this episode is packed with nostalgic fun and fascinating behind-the-scenes details. You ready? Let’s roam. Follow Jason on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/collectingcandy/ Get the free Roaming Yeti Bingo Card! 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.

    1h 5m
  3. America’s Santa Theme Parks and Other Christmas Destinations

    12/12/2025

    America’s Santa Theme Parks and Other Christmas Destinations

    Send us a text Episode 128 Did you know there’s an entire trail of Santa-themed parks across the U.S.—some dating back more than 75 years? In this festive episode, I unwrapped a twinkle-lit road trip through America’s Santa Parks — the vintage theme parks, roadside attractions, and holiday wonderlands that keep the Christmas spirit alive all year long. From the snowy streets of Alaska’s North Pole to the retro reindeer rides of New England, each stop tells a story of nostalgia, creativity, and pure joy. In this episode, you’ll visit: Santa’s Workshop in North Pole, New York — one of the world’s oldest Christmas parksSanta’s Village in Jefferson, New Hampshire — a cheerful, old-school family favoriteNorth Pole: Santa’s Workshop in Colorado — where Christmas meets the RockiesSanta’s Land in Cherokee, North Carolina — part petting zoo, part holiday time capsuleSanta’s Wonderland in Texas — a modern, Texas-sized celebrationHoliday World in Santa Claus, Indiana — America’s very first theme parkNorth Pole, Alaska — where Christmas lights meet the northern lightsWhether you’re a theme park enthusiast or just someone who thinks twinkle lights should be a year-round thing, this episode is your invitation to find a little magic off the beaten path. You ready? Let’s roam. Get the free Roaming Yeti Bingo Card! 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
  4. The Evolution of Disney California Adventure: From WestCOT to Cars Land

    11/28/2025

    The Evolution of Disney California Adventure: From WestCOT to Cars Land

    Send us a text Episode 127 What happens when Disney builds a brand-new park… and it flops? When Disney California Adventure opened in 2001, critics called it everything from “underwhelming” to “a state fair with better landscaping.” But two decades later, it’s one of Disney’s most beloved parks — home to Cars Land, World of Color, and Avengers Campus. In this episode, I’m tracing the park’s incredible transformation — from a cost-cutting experiment to a storytelling triumph. We’ll explore: The unbuilt dream of WestCOT, the futuristic EPCOT-style park that never wasHow Superstar Limo became Disney legend (for all the wrong reasons)The billion-dollar rebuild that gave us Buena Vista Street, World of Color, and Cars LandAnd what’s next for the park as DisneylandForward brings new worlds like Avatar and Coco to lifeDisney California Adventure is a story of second chances — proof that sometimes, the best magic comes from a creative do-over. You ready? Let’s roam. Get the free Roaming Yeti Bingo Card! 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.

    23 min
  5. From Ghostbusters to Taylor Swift: Hollywood History at LA’s Hotels

    11/14/2025

    From Ghostbusters to Taylor Swift: Hollywood History at LA’s Hotels

    Send us a text Episode 126 Ever walked into a hotel lobby and felt a strange sense of déjà vu? Maybe it’s the chandeliers, the marble floors… or the feeling you’ve seen this place before, like in a movie, a show, or even a Taylor Swift video. In Los Angeles, some hotels don’t just host guests, they host entire worlds. In this week’s episode, we check into some of LA’s most cinematic hotels to uncover how these iconic spaces became part of Hollywood’s story — from early Academy Awards banquets to modern music videos and everything in between. In this episode, you’ll discover: The Hollywood Roosevelt, where the first Oscars were held, and Marilyn Monroe found her first modeling job.The Chateau Marmont is Hollywood’s most secretive hideaway and the setting for countless whispered legends.The Hotel Figueroa, built by women, for women — now a showcase for LA’s artistic reinvention.The Langham Huntington, Pasadena’s elegant chameleon, transforms into locations around the world on screen.The Millennium Biltmore, a cinematic icon that’s hosted Ghostbusters, Pretty in Pink, The Dark Knight Rises, and Taylor Swift’s “Delicate.”From golden-age glamour to modern pop culture, these hotels reveal how Los Angeles continues to reinvent itself — one film, one guest, and one unforgettable stay at a time. You ready? Let’s roam. Get the free Roaming Yeti Bingo Card! 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
  6. 8 Ghost Towns You Can Actually Visit

    10/31/2025

    8 Ghost Towns You Can Actually Visit

    Send us a text Episode 125 Would you explore a town where the residents left long ago — but the spirits never did? This week on Pop Culture Passport, we're taking a road trip through America’s eeriest and most intriguing ghost towns. These aren’t just abandoned buildings and dusty streets — they’re places where legends still echo, and the past feels just a little too close. In this episode, I’ll take you to 8 ghost towns with fascinating backstories, haunted legends, and quirky revivals. From forgotten mining camps to fully restored roadside attractions, each stop offers a different kind of spooky magic. If you're a fan of the eerie, the historical, or the just plain weird — this one's for you. You ready? Let’s roam. Mentioned in this episode: Bodie, CARhyolite, NVCentralia, PAJerome, AZBannack, MTSt. Elmo, COTerlingua, TXCalico, CAGet the free Roaming Yeti Bingo Card! 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.

    22 min
  7. Inside The X-Files Preservation Collection in Saratoga Springs, NY

    10/17/2025

    Inside The X-Files Preservation Collection in Saratoga Springs, NY

    Send us a text Episode 124 What if you could walk into a room filled with real props, costumes, and behind-the-scenes treasures from The X-Files? In this episode, I interview Kelly and Jim, the dedicated collectors and co-founders of the X-Files Preservation Collection in Saratoga Springs, NY, the only museum in the world solely focused on the groundbreaking series. This episode dives deep into fandom, preservation, and the personal stories behind one of TV’s most iconic shows.In this episode, you'll hear: How a binder of trading cards launched a lifelong mission to preserve The X-FilesThe museum’s journey from private collection to public spaceWhat it takes to verify and acquire authentic, screen-used itemsThe emotional connection fans have when they step insideKelly and Jim’s favorite finds and holy grail dream piecesIf you’re a believer, you don’t want to miss this behind-the-scenes look at how two fans built a world-class tribute to The X-Files legacy. You ready? Let’s roam. More info on the blog. Visit the museum or take a virtual tour: https://xfilespreservationcollection.com/ Watch interviews with cast and crew on their YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@XFilesMuseum Follow them on social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xfiles_museum/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XFP1013 Get the free Roaming Yeti Bingo Card! 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.

    37 min
  8. Ghosts, Ghouls & Gift Shops: Spooky Museums Across the US

    10/03/2025

    Ghosts, Ghouls & Gift Shops: Spooky Museums Across the US

    Send us a text Episode 123 What do haunted saloons, vampire folklore, and alien encounters have in common? They all live in museums you can actually visit — and we're taking you there in this Halloween-ready episode of Pop Culture Passport. Whether you're a fan of horror movies, the paranormal, witchy vibes, or just love an eerie gift shop, this curated guide covers some of the spookiest and most fascinating museums across the U.S. In this episode, you’ll hear about: A museum that houses actual props from The X-FilesA vampire & paranormal museum hidden in a charming Pennsylvania townThe saloon-turned-haunted museum where ghosts supposedly still tend barTwo different museums honoring the master of the macabre: Edgar Allan PoeA few must-see destinations for fans of horror, Halloween, and all things weirdThis is your invitation to explore the darker corners of pop culture — and maybe bring home a haunted souvenir or two. You ready? Let’s roam. More info on the blog. Get the free Roaming Yeti Bingo Card! 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.

    20 min
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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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