Pop Culture Passport - Exploring Quirky & Cool Travel Destinations in the USA
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 locations
- Quirky museums & unique attractions
- Road trips & roadside attractions
- Theme parks & themed entertainment
- Regional foods, candy history & food tourism
- Day trips & weekend getaways
- Hidden history, origin stories & local legends
- Pop culture travel across the USA
Grab your Pop Culture Passport — let's roam.
Pop Culture Passport - Exploring Quirky & Cool Travel Destinations in the USA
Washington, DC Monuments in the Movies: From Forrest Gump to Superheroes
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Episode 105
Have you ever stood at the Lincoln Memorial and thought, “Wait… wasn’t this in Forrest Gump?”
You’re not alone—and once you start spotting filming locations in DC, you’ll never look at the monuments the same way again. In this episode, we’re taking a cinematic tour of the National Mall, uncovering the iconic movie and TV scenes filmed at these historic landmarks.
Movies and shows featured include:
- Forrest Gump, Spider-Man: Homecoming, X-Men: First Class, The West Wing, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, The Exorcist, and more
- Why DC’s monuments are such powerful backdrops for emotional and action-packed scenes
- Real-life spots you can visit to relive your favorite film moments
- The surprising ways monuments like the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials have shaped pop culture storytelling
Plus, a Yeti Pop Pick recommendation that’s full of behind-the-scenes Hollywood hilarity.
So lace up your sneakers (Cap-style) and get ready to explore the movie magic of Washington, DC. Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review if you’re enjoying the show!
You ready? Let’s roam!
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