Ever since sitcoms and dramas first appeared on TV, people have fantasised about the towns where these shows were supposedly set. Of course, New York City, Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles – the locales for countless TV shows – don’t need any extra recognition in order to attract tourists. However, numerous smaller towns have garnered their “15 minutes of fame” via TV shows that depicted their overall character. Visit these TV cities for a unique vacation experience.
The Office, Scranton, PA
The “Electric City” was thrust into the national spotlight by this wildly popular show about a bumbling office manager. Visitors will find enough unique attractions, lively pubs and hometown events to fill a weekend. Devour the savory soups at Coopers Seafood House, a local landmark.
Join the night crowd at the Backyard Ale House for good times that extend throughout the evening. Train lovers shouldn’t miss Steamtown National Historic Site, home to authentic steam locomotives. Go “down in history” at the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour where visitors explore a once-working coal
mine. For superb pizza and scrumptious Italian cuisine, visit the West Side section of the city.
Northern Exposure, Talkeetna, Alaska
This highly acclaimed show about a misplaced physician in Alaska was set in the fictional town of Cicely, which was patterned after Talkeetna, an historic village that affords a panoramic view of the Alaska Range. Despite its location, Talkeetna enjoys warm summer weather with temperatures in the 70’s, with a few days even reaching 90. Take an exciting water excursion on a jet boat, raft or kayak, hop on an ATV for an outdoor adventure, or pan for gold. Not one to shy away from winter fun, the area offers dog sledding, snowshoeing and Nordic skiing. Gate Creek Cabins Snowmobile Adventures offers a wide range of snowmobile tours, for the absolute beginner, or more exhilarating advanced back country excursions for seasoned riders. The little ones can discover moose locations with a specialized moose map.
The Gilmore Girls, Washington, Connecticut
The show’s creator, Amy Sherman Palladino, based the town’s setting, Stars Hollow, on Washington, Connecticut, after visiting the Grace Mayflower Inn & Spa. An exquisite country retreat, the inn features a 20 000 square-foot New England spa and gourmet dining, all set on 58 acres of pristine gardens and woodlands. Hikers of all ability levels can spend hours trekking across terrain at the Steep Rock Reservation. Head to Starberry Farm for some of the region’s best peaches and plums, and then stop at Liberty Lemonade for some fabulous boutique shopping. With a population of less than 4 000, it’s likely you’ll sun into many of the same people several times throughout your visit.
Parks and Recreation, Muncie, Indiana
Although Pawnee, Indiana, is fictional, this political comedy’s setting was patterned after Muncie, where there’s been a craft beer renaissance recently. However, people come here for more than home-brewed beer and Ball State University of David Letterman fame. The downtown area is bursting at the seams with cultural activities. A different artist is featured each month at Rose Court using such mediums as oils, watercolors, photography and mixed media. The AMA
National Model Aviation Museum houses the largest collection of model aircraft in the country. The Prairie Creek Reservoir can serve all of your outdoor needs with camping, swimming, boat rentals and horse trails
The Simpsons, Springfield, Oregon
The Simpsons’ creator Matt Groening has revealed the cartoon’s setting is inspired by Springfield, Oregon. The city has taken full advantage of its association to one of TV’s longest running shows by offering numerous Simpsons features, including a Springfield Horseman’s Statue and Moe’s Tavern. History buffs can explore the free Springfield Museum which offers rotating exhibits that illustrate the development of the city, or delve into Oregon’s story, from the archaeology of the first Americans to the dynamic cultures of today’s tribes, at The Museum of Natural and Cultural History. The water enthusiast will be pleased to know that more than 200 miles of rivers all converge near Springfield.
Fixer Upper, Waco, Texas
Waco is much more than a town where design experts turn old houses into new ones. Waco’s Cultural District contains museums,
art galleries, public art, performance venues, and restaurants and bars serving locally produced food, wine, beer and even awardwinning whisky. The Waco Riverwalk winds for five miles along both banks of the Brazos River, connecting several downtown attractions. Indian Springs Park is home to several annual festivals and events.
This Is Us, Pittsburgh, PA
The show, which tracks random people on their birthday, is based in this friendly, blue collar city. The warmth of the people themselves makes Pittsburgh a very desirable place to visit. Apart from their beloved Steelers, other highlights include Point State Park that commemorates the British settlement of the frontier outpost in 1754. The Strip District by the Allegheny River at the north-east corner of the Golden Triangle was formerly occupied by warehouses and railroad installations but is now one of the city’s main tourist centers. The area is home to shopping, art, dining, and all kinds of markets. The National Aviary is the country’s largest indoor bird zoo.
Roger Sands writes about luxury travel and offers insights into the people who play important roles within the travel industry.
