Are you planning to visit the USA? Why not take advantage of the holidays to dive into adventure and follow in the footsteps of your favorite characters on the big screen? Visit The USA invites you to pack your bags and discover five of the most iconic locations that have enchanted audiences as the perfect backdrops for some of the most famous American films.
Asteroid city: discovering all the stars of arizona
The vast deserts of Arizona provide the perfect setting for Wes Anderson’s latest sci-fi blockbuster, Asteroid City, which premiered on June 23. Here, you can embark on a journey to explore the golden-hued deserts of Sedona that stand out against the bright blue sky, for an idyllic visit to the arid landscape of Red Rock State Park. Or, a short distance away in Flagstaff, inspired by Asteroid City’s Stargazing Convention, travelers can try stargazing in the world’s first Dark Skies City and marvel at the wonders of the Milky Way. Aspiring astronomers can also stop by the Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered.
30 years of Sleepless in seattle in Seattle, Washington
It’s been 30 years since audiences around the world were captivated by the love story of Sam (Tom Hanks) and Annie (Meg Ryan) in Nora Ephron’s famous romantic comedy, Sleepless in Seattle. Fans of this timeless masterpiece can relive some of the film’s iconic moments, such as a cruise on Lake Union to see the famous floating house where Sam and his son Jonah lived, or biking through Alki Beach to visit the spot where Annie saw Sam and Jonah playing. They can also explore the places where the story unfolded, like Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar, where Sam and his friend Jay (Rob Reiner) discuss women and tiramisu. The restaurant displays photographs from the filming on its walls.
A touch of pixie dust at Disney100 exhibition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
For all Disney fans, an event not to be missed is the Disney100 Exhibit, a celebration of the creation of some of the most iconic characters, hosted at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia to commemorate 100 years of Walt Disney. Open until August 27, 2023, the exhibition features 10 interactive installations, bringing to life characters from films and cartoons old and new, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Strange World. The Walt Disney Archives also showcase where it all began, with early sketches of Mickey Mouse, original costumes from the Star Wars and Marvel franchises, and film props like Cinderella’s Swarovski crystal slipper from the 2015 live-action film. In Philadelphia, movie lovers can also recreate Sylvester Stallone’s iconic run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art from Rocky or grab a bite at Mac’s Tavern, inspired by the pub in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, owned by the show’s actors Rob McElhenney and Kaitlyn Olson.
To the sounds of Dirty dancing and more in North Carolina
For the nostalgic, Lake Lure, nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains (just two hours from Charlotte), is where much of the beloved classic Dirty Dancing was filmed. Visitors can recreate the moment when Johnny (Patrick Swayze) and Baby (Jennifer Grey) practice the iconic lift in the waters of the lake, or visit during the Lake Lure dance festival held annually in September. You can even stay in “Johnny’s Cabin” or “Baby’s Bungalow” at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa, where Swayze and Grey stayed during filming. After a lakeside stay, head to Wilmington, known as the “Hollywood of the East,” where many TV shows and movies are filmed. If you can’t wait for the second season of The Summer I Turned Pretty, explore the scenic spots of Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, which stand in for the fictional Cousins Beach, or imagine your debutante ball at the Cape Fear Country Club. For a journey through television history, it’s worth stopping by the bridge from the opening credits of One Tree Hill and Wilmington’s riverfront, seen in Dawson’s Creek.
Behind the camera at the Museum of the moving image, New York
To discover everything that happens behind the scenes in filmmaking, there’s no better place than the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens, where visitors can learn about the fascinating creative and technical processes of production, promotion, and film distribution. Here, visitors can also create their own flipbook of photos to bring an animation to life in stop-motion, practice film production by recording their voice over a movie dialogue, or add different music to film scenes. Inspiration is everywhere, with over 1,400 artifacts showcasing how cinema has evolved over the years, including historic cameras and audio equipment. Also in New York, the Manhattan bus tour guides tourists to over 60 famous filming locations, including the Plaza Hotel from Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and Katz’s Delicatessen, made famous by the “I’ll have what she’s having” scene in the cult romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally.