Imagine walking through the same magical places and iconic neighborhoods that served as the backdrop to your favorite movies. Recently, there was quite a buzz online about this very idea. People were expressing how it amazed them that famous movie locations aren’t just a director’s creative figment but actual places one can visit. The beauty of these sites transcends into reality, providing a unique blend of real-life magic within our reach.
1. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (Harry Potter series)
If you’re a Potterhead, you can replicate the enchanting feel of the wizarding world when you step into the majestic Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, England, that served as the exterior of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series.
2. Petra (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade)
The familiar scene where Indy rides through the canyon to discover the rock-carved city is a real place you can visit. Every movie enthusiast and history buff would love to see the awe-inspiring Treasury in Petra, a Unesco World Heritage Site in Jordan.
3. The French Quarter (Interview with the Vampire)
Do you think the French Quarter is eerie on screen? You would be amazed at the haunting atmosphere that greets you when you grace the soil of the Lestat and Loius, made famous by Anne Rice’s “Interview with the Vampire.” The Quarter is available to tourists, and you can visit any time of the year.
4. The Overlook Hotel (The Shining)
The Overlook Hotel in the eerie movie The Shining was inspired by the Timberline Lodge in Oregon. You can feel the grandeur of this mountain lodge when you step into the ambiance of the Overlook Hotel to see where Jack Torrance lost his sanity amidst the snowy peaks.
5. Jurassic Park (Jurassic Park series)
Although there are no dinosaurs for you to see, the breathtaking nature of Jurassic Park in Kauai, Hawaii, can transport you into the movie like you were a backdrop cast. This place is open for you to see, and you could step into the prehistoric world of Kualoa and Manawaiopuna when you visit.
6. The Great Hall of the Red Keep (Game of Thrones)
Game of Thrones is one of the most successful movies of the decade, and stepping into its Red Keep setting could be a dream come true. You can explore this fantasy realm at the Unesco World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik, Croatia.
7. The Trevi Fountain (La Dolce Vita)
Federico Fellini’s classic La Dolce Vita, immortalized by the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy, is accessible to tourists. You can follow the footsteps of the movie characters to toss a coin into the fountain for a guaranteed return to the Eternal City.
8. Central Park (When Harry Met Sally, Avengers: Infinity War)
Central Park has been a setting for numerous movies like the highly loved Avengers: Infinity War and When Harry Met Sally. You can visit Central Park in New York City to relive your favorite cinematic experience.
9. Nakatomi Plaza (Die Hard)
If you’re a Die Hard fan, you can schedule a visit to Fox Plaza in Los Angeles to experience the fictional Nakatomi Plaza. If you’re with friends on this visit, you could easily recreate your favorite action scene to create lasting memories of the immersive action film.
10. Kings Cross Station (Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone)
Dreaming of running through a brick wall to Platform Nine and Three Quarters, you should visit King’s Cross Station in London this summer. Of course, you won’t find the Hogwarts Express. Still, the magical atmosphere of the King’s Cross station lingers, courtesy of a dedicated platform and a trolley partially disappearing into a wall.
11. The Grand Budapest Hotel (The Grand Budapest Hotel)
While the Grand Budapest Hotel is fictional, the movie was filmed in the exquisite Gorlitzer Warenhaus in Gorlitz, Germany, and is open for visitations. The stunning edifice pilots you into the movie’s enchanting atmosphere so you can relive your favorite scenes like you were a cast on the movie set.
12. Hobbiton (The Lord of the Rings)
J.R.R Tolkien’s epic saga still resonates with many fans, and a visit to Hobbiton in Matamata, New Zealand, can be a dream come true. You can explore the Shire amid the lush greenery of this location; there’s also the luxury of seeing the charming hobbit holes and the famous Tree where Bilbo Baggins birthday celebration place.
It’s Just Easy on the Outside: 11 of the Most Common Tasks That Are Harder Than You Think
The handyman inside us often takes out our curiosity and hype, pulling us towards fascinating common tasks. These activities, while seeming simple at a glance, cleverly mask their actual intricacies. We might even think of them as straightforward, no-sweat tasks. Once we delve into the process, we realize it’s not as easy as it initially seemed. Being a subject in an online forum, these tasks, according to people, can go from easy peasy, lemon squeezy to hard fart lemon tart.
It’s Just Easy on the Outside: 11 of the Most Common Tasks That Are Harder Than You Think
Unforgettable Yet Affordable: 16 Frugal Vacation Ideas To Consider for Your Next Trip
While many people might say you need to break the bank to create lasting memories, I believe they just need to look at it differently. Everyone deserves a chance to unwind and experience the joy of travel without emptying their wallets. Here, we’ll give you inexpensive vacation ideas that will leave you with incredible experiences and cherished moments, all without burning a hole in your pocket.
Unforgettable Yet Affordable: 16 Frugal Vacation Ideas To Consider for Your Next Trip
Don’t Be That Person: 11 of the Most Insulting and Shameful Things Travelers Have Done Abroad
While in a place where cultures we’re not aware of exist, it’s easy to unknowingly do some things that are either offensive or embarrassing. It’s all a part of the learning experience that comes with exploring new territories. But some actions, regardless of the location, could be perceived as universally shameful, as people have confessed in an online discussion board.
Don’t Be That Person: 11 of the Most Insulting and Shameful Things Travelers Have Done Abroad
America’s 10 Saddest States: Is Your State on the Dismal List?
Regarding happiness, several internal and external factors are taken into consideration. While it’s easy to influence happiness from the people you spend time with and the activities you participate in, high inflation, high unemployment rates, and poor sleep are enough to make anyone miserable. According to a 2023 research report released by WalletHub, these are the 10 saddest states in the United States, ranked.
America’s 10 Saddest States: Is Your State on the Dismal List?
Capture the Best Fall Foliage in the United States At These 18 Amazing Spots
In each state in our country, unique fall foliage is happening near you, bringing brilliant colors practically to your doorstep. The fall color’s timing and intensity are influenced by temperature, rainfall, sun exposure, tree species, and elevation, among other factors. Henry David Thoreau wrote in an 1862 essay for The Atlantic called it autumnal foliage, “October is the month of painted leaves. Their rich glow now flashes round the world…” The popularity of leaf peeping has contributed mightily to tourism across the country in recent years, touted by each state’s vested interests. A study from the Appalachian State University estimates that tourists seeking the best view of colorful leaves contribute more than $30 billion to local economies across 24 eastern states. I’m partial to the East Coast, especially New York and New England, but fall foliage is everywhere. You can check out the Smoky Mountains fall foliage map, which predicts each state’s start and peak time. Go on a scenic drive with the top down, ride a bike, or hike to explore the area.
Capture the Best Fall Foliage in the United States At These 18 Amazing Spots