Filmmakers capture the thrill of the unexpected, adventurous spirit, and joy of relaxing in an enticing way. So, anytime you watch a movie like Almost Famous, and feel the urge to drive away on the highway, it's normal. In fact, 96% of tourists have visited places linked to their favorite movies or TV shows at least once, according to a report on Forbes. Almost Famous, is a partial autobiography film, with a spot on the 1001 movie list from the 2000s. It highlights a tale of 15-year-old Willam Miller, who gets a job at Rolling Stone Magazine. His role is to travel with and write about an upcoming band, Stillwater. In this story, you discover the epic journey the band takes from San Diego, California to New York City, during a music tour around the country. Want to recreate your Almost Famous-themed road trip?
Start At Valley View Casino Center
What would be a better place to start your journey than where Miller meets the Stillwater members? Previously known as the San Diego Sports Arena, the Valley View Casino Center is the ideal spot to begin your road trip. From here, drive to Los Angeles where you can immerse yourself into the glory of Old Hollywood, but with a twist of modern touches in the Hollywood Palladium. In the movie, this location is known as Cleveland Arena, where many concerts are held to date. Before hitting the road again, there are exciting things you can do around Hollywood. Check out your favorite celebs’ names on the Walk of Fame, for example. Go on a stroll on the boulevard, or get a perfect view of the Hollywood sign.
Take The Sooner State Route
As you watch the film, you notice many attractions from California, Arizona to New York are highly featured. So, drive heading north from San Diego through the Mojave Desert (the Sooner State Road) instead of following the Lake Michigan Route. When you get to the famous I-40, drive east, then make a detour to the Grand Canyon. Get back on the route, pass through the Arizona desert heading east until you get to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Make time to explore and marvel at the high desert landscapes and enjoy America’s best cuisines.
It’s a good idea to have a playlist ready, with Tiny Dancer by Elton John in there. Imagine being able to relive the scene where everyone in the tour bus sings along to this classic music in your car together with loved ones. Your 3080 miles (about 4980 kms) journey won’t be tiresome. Aside from delightful music, choose a car that’s strong. Consider buying horsepower trucks ranked best in customer reviews, as they have good off-road performance, powerful engines, comfortable interiors, and standard safety elements.
Finish In New York
You’ll continue your tour through the Texas Panhandle and Amarillo to Route 66, into Oklahoma and Wichita mountains. Drive to Missouri, to Indiana and Ohio, and then further into Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania. Take the freeway that leads to Queensboro Bridge in New York. This Bridge spans the East River, and it’s the one that welcomes the band in New York City. As you enjoy the ride on the bridge, play Misty Mountain Hop by Led Zeppelin to fully reinvent the scene.
Recreating the Almost Famous road trip scenes is a great fulfillment for any movie lover. Living in the exact moments seen in the film is exciting and not difficult. Just follow the route featured, stop at points of interests highlighted, and take photos. Be sure to play the music that aligns with the scene and place to live in that moment fully.