Top 5 Best Must-See Pop Culture Vacation Destinations

What if you could drop everything and step inside your favorite novel or retrace the very steps of your own movie heroes? If you’ve not been on a pop pilgrimage before, join us as we uncover the best pop culture vacation destinations to recreate your own real-world adventures.

From the palm tree-laden beaches of The White Lotus in Thailand to the unbelievable escapades of Tom Sawyer on the Mississippi – whether you’re reliving the experience with your family and friends or on a solo quest of your own, here’s a shortlist of the top five must-visit pop culture locations.

Visit the Real-Life Inspiration Behind the Adventures of Tom Sawyer Books

Hannibal, Missouri

Few stories have the power to invoke the joys and nostalgic tales of our youth like that of Mark Twain’s ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’. As a result, our first pop culture tour embraces the joys of this American literary classic as we head to Mark Twain’s hometown of Hannibal, Missouri, which Twain credits as the inspirational setting for Tom Sawyer’s adventures.

Using Twain’s subtle blend of humor, mixed with his natural sense of adventure, a trip to Hannibal, Missouri, will have you instantly reminiscing about what living life on the Mississippi River was like. Here you can escape the daily grind and instead wander around the streets of Hannibal and the banks of the mighty Mississippi as if you were joining Sawyer on his latest escapade.

While Mark Twain’s hometown has several Tom Sawyer-inspired attractions, for us, the best things to do in Hannibal are to visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum and the impressive Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse. Furthermore, make the most of your trip down memory lane by booking your stay at the cozy Best Western Teal Lake Inn in Mexico, Missouri, for you and your friends and family.

Retrace Brad Pitt’s Fly-Fishing Movie Antics in A River Runs Through It

Livingston, Montana

Next on our shortlist of the best pop culture vacations is another literary classic transformed into a time-defining film, ‘A River Runs Through It’, directed by Robert Redford and starring Tom Skerritt. Movie buffs will also know it showcased the talents of rising stars at the time, Brad Pitt and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who both featured in this detailed account of life growing up in Montana in the 1920s.

Based on the real-life experiences of author Norman Maclean in Missoula, the film was shot on location at Livingston, Montana, where the scenic fly-fishing scenes and lush forest settings captured the mood perfectly. In fact, fans of the film are welcome to join in the regular services at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Livingston, where the movie’s sermons were all filmed.

However, a trip to Livingston just wouldn’t be complete without venturing down to the Gallatin and Yellowstone Rivers to recreate the shots where Skerritt and Pitt were filmed fly-fishing. While you’re in town, you can heighten yours and your family’s evocative journey further when you get a great night’s sleep every night at the welcoming Best Western Plus GranTree Inn in Bozeman, Montana.

Hit the Road with Jake and Elwood for a Blues Brothers Mission Film-Themed Adventure

Chicago, Illinois

Our next brilliant pop culture-themed destination sees us heading to the home of Jake and Elwood Blues, in Chicago, Illinois, famed for being the iconic setting of the hit film ‘The Blues Brothers’. Starring comedy legends Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, as well as Hollywood superstar Carrie Fisher, fans of the Blues Brothers will remember their mission to save their childhood orphanage while also being treated to a high-octane road trip full of chaos.

Also home to the pop culture-inspired theme tune of “Sweet Home Chicago,” if you grew up watching The Blues Brothers on repeat, then a trip to Chicago will always be a bucket-list destination. Whether it’s reinvisioning the frenzied police car chase underneath the Chicago “L” transit system, or strolling around the Richard J. Daley Center Plaza where Jake and Elwood mounted the sidewalk on their way to City Hall.

Filmed all over Chicago, it’s a pop pilgrim’s haven for spotting locations where Akroyd and Belushi unleashed their comic geniuses, and certainly worth a visit. While you’re in the Windy City, be sure to stay at the magnificent The Whitehall Hotel, BW Premier Collection by Best Western in the heart of Chicago, Illinois.

Retrace Marc Cohn’s Musical Footsteps While You’re Walking in Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee

Heading to the South, we move next to Memphis, Tennessee, for our next pop culture-motivated destination, and the moving heartfelt song written by Grammy Award-winning artist Marc Cohn. ‘Walking in Memphis’ retraces his own emotionally driven pop culture tour through the great city of Memphis in 1985, documenting his connection with the city’s own rich musical heritage in his lyrics.

Described as his own spiritual and creative awakening, Cohen lists the musical landmarks such as the Jungle Room in Elvis’ home, Graceland, and references the church where soul legend Al Green used to preach. The backbone of the pop hit song also features Beale Street, the historic street in downtown Memphis best known for its world-famous blues clubs.

Also rerecorded by singer and music royalty Cher, this jewel of Tennessee is the ideal pop culture escape for visitors of all ages. However, when you visit the city nicknamed the ‘Home of the Blues, ’ always be sure to check in for an excellent night’s sleep at the delightful Best Western Plus Executive Residency Marion, across the river in Marion, Arkansas.

Immerse Yourself in the Tropical Surrounds of The White Lotus TV Series

Phuket, Thailand

Our final destination takes us further afield to visit the location of the phenomenal Golden Globe-winning TV series ‘The White Lotus,’ whose third series takes viewers into the vibrant heart of Phuket in Thailand. Set in a fictitious luxury tropical resort, the twisted plotlines and humor-infused characters are ultimately superseded by the stunning backdrop of Phuket’s beaches, turquoise blue seas, and dense rainforest.

Famed for its idyllic wellness-infused characteristics, fans of The White Lotus will want to explore the incredible Phuket scenic vistas, Buddhist temples, and unbelievable sunsets. Here you can cool down sipping coconut water after a relaxing yoga session on Ya Nui Beach, or explore some of the centuries-old temples such as the Wat Suwan Khiri Wong.

Whether you’re a fan of this awe-inspiring series’ dark wit or you simply want to immerse yourself in the culture and natural beauty of Thailand, Phuket is an outstanding pop culture vacation that we just couldn’t leave off our list. If you’re looking for the perfect island escape when visiting Phuket in Thailand, be sure to book your stay at the fabulous Best Western Premier Bangtao Beach Resort & Spa.