Travel to the Movies
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Mount Rushmore — National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets
Follow the clues and see where they lead. Who knew that a city a gold was buried within Mount Rushmore? The search for the urban legend brings the Gates family together as they try to clear their family's name in "National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets". Although you likely won't find the city of gold on your visit, you will strike it rich in the history department. More than 2 million people every year pay a visit to the Black Hills to see George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln all selected because of their role in expanding territory and preserving the United States.
Apostle Island: Iron Will
A wintertime visit to the s puts you right in the middle of Jack London's "Iron Will," which tells the exciting story of a young man who fights the elements and the naysayers to win a cross-country dog sled race so he can care for his family. The 1994 family movie, based on the real 522-mile dog-sled race in 1917 from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to St. Paul, Minn., features Native American actors from the Apostle Islands region. And for those who want to stay out of the cold, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore makes a beautiful place to enjoy the great outdoors in the spring, summer and fall.
The Grand Canyon: Brady Bunch
Though not technically a movie, when "The Brady Bunch" visits the The Grand Canyon in a three-part episode during season three, you get some great views of the natural wonder. Tap into your childhood memories as you watch Bobby and Cindy getting lost (and found), Alice taking the donkey down the path into the canyon, the family landing in jail during a visit to the Ghost Town, and the Native American dance and naming ceremony. You might even hear Dove of the Morning Light whine about Willow Dancing in Wind. To enjoy the views the Bradys got, pay a visit to Yavapai Point.
Nassau: Holiday in the Sun
A vacation of mystery and romance? Leave it to Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen to turn the Bahamas upside down in the family comedy "Holiday in the Sun." In this 2001 fun romp, the sisters are forced by their parents to forgo winter break with their friends and instead spend vacation with the family. Of course, once they get to the beautful Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, and meet some cute guys, their attitude changes dramatically.
Newport: High Society
The music of Cole Porter meets the beauty of the Newport coast in the 1956 musical "High Society." Watch millionaire Bing Crosby and reporter Frank Sinatra vie for the heart of socialite Grace Kelly during the Newport Jazz Festival in this song-filled version of The Philadelphia Story. It might be hard to resist singing "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" or Louis Armstrong's "High Society Calypso" when you bike or motor along Ocean Drive.
Washington D.C.: Forrest Gump
When you take a walk through the 309.2-acre National Mall if you listen closely, maybe you'll hear someone calling out the name "Jenny." One of the most well-known scenes shot at this D.C. landmark was the rally during the Academy Award-winning "Forrest Gump," when Forrest and his best friend Jenny are reunited as they both run into the reflecting pool. We don't recommend doing that, but feel free to hug your family along the perimeter during your visit to Washington D.C .
Seattle: Sleepless in Seattle
The film that made rentals of "An Affair to Remember" soar, "Sleepless in Seattle" is the kind of movie that might be big on schmaltz, but even bigger at highlighting the beauty of Seattle. Tom Hanks stars as Sam (a.k.a. "Sleepless in Seattle," as he is dubbed by radio shrink Dr. Marcia Fieldstone). When Baltimore dweller Annie (Meg Ryan) hears his story over the airwaves on Christmas, it's "magic." The famous Pike's Place Market has a starring role, too, and although Sam doesn't do any fish tossing, that doesn't mean you can't on your visit.
Oahu: Blue Hawaii
When you live in Oahu and come home from the Army, do you go home first or hit the beach? Talk about a no brainer. In the rocking family musical "Blue Hawaii," Elvis Presley plays Chad — the son of wealthy pineapple plantation owners — who would rather hang out with his girlfriend, relax with his buddies and enjoy the waves of Waikiki Beach. But when he get the chance to play tour guide to a group of teenage girls, madness and misunderstanding ensue — with a happy ending for all, of course. Get a beautiful tour of the island and sing along to The King's classics like "I Can't Help Falling in Love With You" and "Rock-a-Hula."
Baltimore: Hairspray
Say "Good Morning Baltimore" when you pay a visit to the hometown of John Waters' "Hairspray." Whether your family is fans of the classic version or the recent musical, you'll love the town where Tracy Turnblad fought prejudice through dancing. Though much has changed since the 1960s, "You Can't Stop the Beat" of this city, which is fun to see when you Ride the Ducks, and makes a great day trip if you are near Chesapeake Bay.
Cleveland: A Christmas Story
Although the holiday favorite with the "Official Red Ryder carbine-action two-hundred-shot range model air rifle" took place in Indiana, the house used in "A Christmas Story" was actually located in Cleveland. The home where "The Old Man," Mom, Ralphie, and Randy lived has been restored into a museum/homage; the city also hosts an annual convention in honor of the film each Thanksgiving that draws thousands of fans. Introduce your kids to Ralphie's world of pink bunny outfits and Orphan Annie decorder rings.
Atlanta: Gone with the Wind
The Yankees are coming and Scarlett needs a doctor to help her deliver Melanie's baby. The famous scene from "Gone With the Wind" showed Vivien Leigh running down Peachtree Street in the heart of Atlanta. Touches of the Academy Award-winning film can be found around the city, especially at the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum and the Cyclorama , where a mannequin of Clark Gable (a.k.a. Rhett Butler) as a fallen soldier was put into the diorama). But don't go looking for Twelve Oaks, that building was Hollywood magic.
New York City: Annie
Explore New York City with a little orphan named "Annie." Whether you are enjoying the 1982 version or 1999 remake, the story of the little girl who went from life in an orphanage to life in a mansion is a great example of how big dreams come true in the Big Apple. When Daddy Warbucks finds out Annie's never been to a movie before, he buys out Radio City Music Hall for the night, which includes a pre-show with the world-famous Rockettes.
Oregon Coast: The Goonies
Mikey, Chunk, Data and Mouth, who hope to save their homes from being torn down, find a treasure map that leads them on an amazing adventure through the caves of Astoria in "The Goonies." The 1984 Steven Spielberg family adventure film offers an awesome look at the Oregon Coast's pirate-filled past. Head to the coast yourself and check out the Columbia River Maritime Museum, and maybe you'll get a glimpse of a treasure map, too.
London: Harry Potter
If you ask a porter at King's Cross Station where you can find platform 9 3/4ths, you might not get the same strange looks Harry Potter received when he asked in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." That's because hundreds of kids come everyday to the famous London train station in search of the mythical portal to the Hogwarts Express. Or take a ride on the London Eye and get a Nimbus 2000 view of the city.
Chicago: Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Our No. 1 pick is a nod to the best ditch day ever! "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" takes sick days to a new level when three friends enjoy a whirlwind time in Chicago. Their adventure includes a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, a view from the Hancock Tower, lunch at a swanky cafe and, in one of the most well-known scenes, the singing of "Twist and Shout" during a parade on Michigan Avenue. Pull a Ferris on your next visit to the Windy City and check out the Art Institute of Chicago, where Cameron, Slone and Ferris recreated some of the artwork. Just watch out for Mr. Rooney!
