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You can find the exact bench in the Boston Public Garden that was featured in this scene of “Good Will Hunting.” | Photo by BOStoday / Miramax Films
If you haven’t yet heard of “set-jetting” — a travel trend that’s taking the globe by storm — consider this your introduction.
Set-jetting is traveling to locations because of the iconic TV shows and movies that were filmed there. We’re not just talking about the production sets of LA or NYC; we mean “Jurassic Park” filming locations in Hawaii and iconic “Game of Thrones” spots across Ireland, Iceland, and Croatia.
But there are also plenty of remarkable filming locations across the contiguous 48 states. Cinephiles, take note of the TV shows and movies below + start planning a road trip to their filming locations.
Boston, MA
“Good Will Hunting”: One of this 1997 film’s most well-known scenes was filmed at the Boston Public Garden. Plus, enjoy a brew at L Street Tavern, where this renowned bar scene was filmed.
“Gone Baby Gone”: This 2007 drama was filmed in Boston and the surrounding towns, including Cambridge, South Boston, and Medford. Some of the filming locations included Meadow Glen Mall, the LoConte Skating Rink in Medford, and Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge.
“Spotlight”: Popular cafe South End Buttery was featured in the 2016 movie when Boston Globe reporter Sacha Pfeiffer (Rachel McAdams) met with a survivor of the Catholic Church scandals.
“Bull Durham”: Durham Athletic Park (aka “The DAP”) and The Green Room in Durham, as well as Mitch’s Tavern in Raleigh, were featured in this 1988 movie starring Kevin Costner + Susan Sarandon.
“Patch Adams": The campus of UNC Chapel Hill was a filming spot for this film starring Robin Williams.
“The Exorcism” (2024): Initially called “The Georgetown Project,” this recently released horror flick was filmed less than two hours away from Raleigh in the coastal town of Wilmington. Locations included Dock Street, Front Street, Brooklyn Arts Center, and St. Thomas Episcopal Church.
“Mr Destiny”: Portions of this 1990 movie were filmed at the R.J. Reynolds Building (formerly the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Headquarters). Bonus: The baseball team from Richard J. Reynolds High School was also featured in the movie.
“The Longest Ride”: Channel your inner romantic and visit Wake Forest University and the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum — both of which were filming locations for this 2015 movie that was based on a Nicholas Sparks novel.
“Are You Here”: Recreation Billiards was a filming location for this 2013 comedy starring Owen Wilson, Zach Galifianakis, and Amy Poehler. Bonus: In between filming, Wilson was spotted at Foothills Brewing, 6th and Vine, and Mozelle’s.
Looking for a last-minute summer road trip idea? Take a jaunt to Great Smoky Mountains National Park with the entire family. The park recently launched adaptive programming, making it more accessible for visitors with disabilities. The programming includes ranger-led events + rental opportunities for all-terrain wheelchairs. (USA Today)
Tech
Trip planning capabilities are coming to Google’s AI software, Gemini. According to a video from Google, the tool will be able to produce a personalized travel itinerary based on your travel timeline, flight data, hotel bookings, interests, and more.
Transit
Uber has a new service called Uber Shuttle that will provide transportation to airports and large venues. The cost-effective shuttles will operate like a ticketed bus experience, accommodating 14-55 people per trip. The concept is initially launching in Miami, Charlotte, Chicago, and Pittsburgh. Would you use this service if it came to Richmond? (ABC News)
Fun Fact
Lawmakers recently passed a new Federal Aviation Administration bill that includes protections for those traveling by air. Think: minimum seat size requirements, flight vouchers, automatic refunds for canceled flights + better accessibility for fliers with disabilities. Fly to the details. (AFAR)
Ranked
No. 1. That’s where Enterprise Rent-A-Car ranked on USA Today’s Readers’ Choice 2024 list of best rental car companies. The company operates in ~100 countries and has a fleet of 1.7 million vehicles.
Read
There’s a lot more to Google Maps than, well, maps. While it’s stellar for driving directions, the app has tons of other features. From collaborating on a travel itinerary with friends to using an automated-reality function to see what’s around you, see what features you may be missing out on. (AFAR)
Shop
Calling all budget-conscious travelers. Don’t break the bank before your vacay. Save your hard-earned dollars for a hotel upgrade or an extra mojito by the pool when you opt to buy used travel gear instead of brand-new. Check out six online marketplaces. (AFAR)
Listen
Looking for a road trip podcast the whole car can agree on? Autio is a GPS app that plays three to five minute audio stories about the places you pass through. Stories cover geology, local culture, history, and are celebrity narrated. Bonus: Autio’s lifetime subscription is currently 50% off.*
Save
Don’t forget our favorite flight hack of all time: sign up for Going. You’ll receive emails when flights are 40-90% off, saving an average of $500 on international flights and $200 on domestic. Editors’ pick: the two week free trial of its Premium plan.*
Beginning on May 7, 2025 you will not be able to board a domestic flight without a REAL ID. | Graphic by 6AM City
The real REAL ID deadline is quickly approaching. After being pushed back for over a decade, the Dept. of Homeland Security’s most recent extension of the deadline brings it to May 7, 2025. What does this mean for you? You’ll need to get a new, special ID in order to travel domestically. Before we tell you how to get one, let’s dive into the why you’ll need one.
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses and identification cards.” As a result, individuals must meet a minimum security standard to receive a state-issued driver’s license and identification card — and these must be used when taking a domestic flight or accessing federal facilities.
Are you REAL ID ready? Take this 30-second quiz to find out, or check your current driver’s license or state ID — if it has a star in the upper right-hand corner, you’re all set. To learn how to get a REAL ID, go to your state’s driver’s licensing agency website.
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