Cheap getaways for pop-culture fans: movie and TV filming locations

Stranger Things is coming to Orlando:

As if Universal Studios wasn’t already one of the coolest places in Orlando, Florida for the thrill-seeking junkies to visit, this fall, “Stranger Things” fanatics are going to be able to experience an upside-down maze inspired by the Netflix hit series. But if you’re an avid Netflix and chiller who enjoys binge-watching lots of movies and looking for an affordable family getaway, visiting move filming sites could be the perfect fall festivity for you and your loved ones. Mentalfloss.com gives a great list of movie locations that you can actually visit:

The Firehouse from Ghostbusters:

Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters! That’s right, if you’re hanging out in New York City for a weekend, make your way up to 14 North Moore Street on the corner of Varick Street in TriBeCa. What will look like your perfectly normal and functional fire department is actually the home of the firehouse from Ghostbusters. Nothing beats watching those movies, hopping in the car and setting out to experience your own ghostbusting experience.

The House from A Christmas Story

Do you reside in Ohio? You’re in luck! If you’re like most of the population and love the movie, A Christmas Story, then head over to Cleveland Ohio to visit the notorious home from this film. The Parkers’ home is located at 3159 W. 11th Street in the Tremont neighborhood. This location is a museum filled with movie props and is currently open for all to visit.  So, if you’re in the Cleveland area this fall, be sure to stop in and feel the movie magic.

Experience the Tribute Center from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Atlanta, Georgia, home to the Atlanta Braves, The Georgia Aquarium and the College Football Hall of Fame is a great place to pack up the family for a weekend to visit. Aside from all of the great attractions in this beautiful city, it’s also the home of the Tribute Center from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire! Head down to The Marriott Marquis Hotel at 265 Peachtree Center Avenue NE in Atlanta, Georgia where you’ll find this iconic filming location. You\’ll see a beautiful atrium and glass elevators, making it the perfect location for a film like this modern-day hit. They filmed on the roof as well, so see if you can make your way (carefully) to see if you recognize certain scenes from the movie.

X-Men fans, head to Canada to see Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters!

Oh, Canada! What an awesome place to visit for one of the best action movies. Remember that beautiful castle-like school that the gifted youngsters went to when they needed help controlling and using their powers? Well, that school IS indeed a castle! Hatley Castle is located in British Columbia. According to mentalfloss.com, It first appeared in Generation X, a made-for-TV movie in 1996, but later it found its way into X-Men, X2: X-Men United, and X-Men: The Last Stand throughout the 2000s.

Bonus tip: If you’d like to see where they actually film Stranger Things, be sure to leave some time after your Hunger Games adventure to head to Jackson and McDonough, Georgia, about a half hour south of Atlanta. 

If you live in any of these film states (or any of the states we operate in from coast to coast) and need a little help affording your weekend travel, see if you qualify for one of our personal loans by applying today. With fair rates and flexible terms, it’s easy to fit payments into your budget. And, one of our loans is a whole lot smarter way to finance your vacation than putting some or all of it on credit cards. Read more about that, and other affordable travel tips in our many travel posts.