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

By: Beth Schillaci - The Roaming Yeti
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  • Summary

  • 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.
    © 2025 Pop Culture Passport - Exploring Quirky & Cool Travel Destinations in the USA
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Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
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Episodes
  • From Fanny May to Hershey’s Chocolate: Must-Visit Candy Factories (Part 2)

    From Fanny May to Hershey’s Chocolate: Must-Visit Candy Factories (Part 2)
    Feb 21 2025

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    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 sourcing, and hands-on experiences.

    In this episode, we’re visiting:

    • Fannie May Chocolate Factory (Chicago, IL) – A Midwest favorite famous for Pixies, Mint Meltaways, and Trinidads.
    • Taza Chocolate (Somerville, MA) – Stone-ground chocolate with bold flavors and ethical sourcing.
    • Kimmie Candy (Reno, NV) – Home of ChocoRocks, candy-coated sunflower seeds, and an inspiring modern candy success story.
    • Olive & Sinclair (Nashville, TN) – Southern-inspired, small-batch chocolate made with a 100-year-old stone mill.
    • Ethel M Chocolates (Henderson, NV) – Founded by a Mars family legend, this factory includes a chocolate experience and a stunning cactus garden.
    • Bonus: Hershey’s Chocolate World (Hershey, PA) – A chocolate lover’s dream with a fun, immersive tour, build-your-own candy bars, and a nostalgic ride through the Hershey’s chocolate-making process.

    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.
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    29 mins
  • From PEZ to Jelly Belly: Must-Visit Candy Factories (Part 1)

    From PEZ to Jelly Belly: Must-Visit Candy Factories (Part 1)
    Feb 14 2025

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    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 episode, you’ll learn:

    • How PEZ started what the original dispensers looked like.
    • The presidential connection that made Jelly Belly jelly beans a national sensation (plus how they ended up in space!)
    • The story behind Dum Dum Pops and what is the mystery flavor

    This is part one of our two-part candy adventure! 🍬 Next week, we’ll dive into chocolate factories that will have you craving a road trip of your own.

    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.
    Show more Show less
    24 mins
  • Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum: A Sweet Roadside Attraction in Gettysburg, PA

    Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum: A Sweet Roadside Attraction in Gettysburg, PA
    Feb 7 2025

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    Episode 96

    A Whimsical Roadside Stop Near Gettysburg: Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium

    Gettysburg, PA, is known for its rich Civil War history, but just a few miles west, you’ll find something completely different—a quirky roadside attraction that has been delighting visitors since 1975.

    In this episode, we take a trip to Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium, a place where candy meets collectibles in the most delightful way. With over 12,000 elephant figurines, a candy lover’s dream selection, and even a surprise Pez Dispenser room, this stop is full of fun and nostalgia.

    In this episode, you’ll hear about:

    • The fascinating history behind Mister Ed’s and how a personal elephant collection became a full-blown museum.
    • The incredible variety of candies—including vintage treats and handmade confections.
    • The whimsical gardens, quirky statues, and magical outdoor spaces.

    If you’ve ever spotted a quirky roadside attraction on a billboard and thought, “I should check that out someday,” let this be your sign to finally go!

    You ready? Let’s roam!

    Get 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.
    Show more Show less
    14 mins

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