Two years ago we created our Scary Excursion which we think is the perfect fall road trip. This year we decided to expand that trip to the west coast and make a special California edition of our horror movie themed road trip! And this trip doesn’t include just any scary movies, it takes you to the locations used in by the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock.
The first stop is Bodega, CA, the filming location of The Birds. Many of the original locations still stand, including the church where they found refuge, located on Bodega Highway. If you would like more location information check out Roadside America and for more on Bodega Bay check out the official site.
The next stop is San Francisco, the backdrop for the film Vertigo. Some of the locations used in the film have been torn down but most still exist and are still celebrating their place in cinematic history as featured in a recent USA Today story. The story also points out that no Vertigo tour is complete without venturing to the mission used in the film’s final scene.
No Vertigo fan should miss the two-hour drive south to sleepy little San Juan Bautista, where the largest of California’s 21 Spanish missions served as the setting for the film’s dizzying finale. The church welcomes visitors, but the tall bell tower that terrified Scottie doesn’t exist: Built in a studio, it was added to the real mission via special effects.
After leaving San Fran head down to Bakersfield, used in North By Northwest (even though the movie was primarily filmed on the east coast). The scene where Cary Grant’s character is attacked by a crop duster was filmed just off of Garces Highway. From Bakersfield take Route 99 to L.A., driving scenes in Psycho were filmed along this route.
Once in L.A. check out the Arboretum and Botanic Gardens: The Arboretum of Los Angeles County where scenes for Notorious were filmed. We’ve mapped out the entire route for you here. So get packing and hit the road for another scary excursion, if you still dare!
Tagged as:
Alfred Hitchcock,
Road Trip,
Scary Excursion
A few weeks ago Budget Travel Magazine featured a story entitled We Stalked George Clooney that chronicled the journey of four girlfriends on a vacation to Lake Cuomo, Italy. Intrigued by the idea of finding travel inspiration in not only a favorite celebrity’s movies but also their vacation destinations, I have created a fun road trip through the best of the west.
Santa Fe, NM
Shirley MacLaine may be famous for exploring her past lives but in this one she calls Santa Fe, NM home. The Quintessential Southwestern spirit of Santa Fe can be felt in its many cultural, historical, and recreational destinations but this city has a few tricks up its sleeve too. First, the galleries of Canyon Road open their doors on Friday nights to create one large open air exhibit. Another surprise is gourmet tailgating at the Santa Fe Opera.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos, NM is where Julia Roberts calls home when she isn’t working. Taos draws visitors from across the country for its variety of spas and retreats. Views of fiery sunsets against the dry desert landscape make the perfect backdrop for getting away from it all.
Telluride, CO
The third stop on our road trip is probably the most exciting for star seekers, Telluride, CO, a.k.a Tomkat’s home away from home. The town’s summers are packed with festivals drawing tourists from around the globe but it is Telluride’s funky charm and breathtaking views that keeps them coming back year round.
Aspen, CO
Finally, our trip ends in Aspen, Co, where Goldie Hawn’s clan famously spends Christmas and Mariah Carey goes skiing. Even if you aren’t a skiier, Aspen offers plenty of opportunities for great food and relaxing spa treatments.
The entire road trip is approximately 547 miles and would take 12 hours if driven non-stop. You can see the route below. Or step off the beaten path and take the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway while en route from Taos to Telluride. For fun, check out each of these star’s vacation homes on Google Earth. Simply search for the city or town and the actor (Telluride, CO Tom Cruise) and Google Earth will fly you by!
Tagged as:
Road Trip
