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Tour America’s Top 5 Iconic Movie Locations

rocky philadelphia

I cannot count the times I have walked into Hilton Chicago and heard my Aunt Yetta pipe up, “Did you know this is where they filmed ‘The Fugitive’?” It has become a bit of an inside joke with our family, but, without fail, some fellow eavesdropping guest will jump in and ask, “Really?!”

In no particular order, here are 5 movie locations where you can step out and see the spots where filming history was made.

Rocky‘ – Philadelphia

No one will forget Rocky Balboa’s run through the streets with clips of the boxer doing one-handed pushups and beating up a slab of animal in a meat locker. ‘Gonna Fly Now’ plays against his run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. While you are in the fifth-most-populous city in the United States, visit Independence Hall. You will get to see where the Declaration of Independence and the US constitution were signed and where Rocky jumped a park bench. Don’t forget to stop at Pat’s King of Steaks where Rocky ate in the first movie.

When Harry Met Sally’ – New York

It is still there. Old restaurants like Katz’s Deli in Manhattan are dwindling, but this location is still enjoying crowds. The table where the iconic fake orgasm scene took place between Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal is still there too. In fact, a sign still hangs above the exact scene location stating, “I’ll have what she’s having.” A flash mob recently recreated the scene. Twenty diners reenacted the scene last November. You can find the deli on Houston Street and enjoy an overstuffed pastrami-on-rye sandwich.

Shawshank Redemption‘ – Ohio

A personal favorite, the Stephen King novel translated into film spent a lot of time in Ohio. You can drive the 14 filming sites located in Mansfield, Ashland and Upper Sandusky. If you like a little more hand holding, tours are available. The Ohio State Reformatory was used as Shawshank. There, you can find the cell, the warden’s office, the hole and tunnel Andy used in his escape, and a replica of Brooks and Red’s carving. From there, you can drive by the Bissman Building where Brooks ended his life on the outside. Take a picture of yourself sitting on the same park bench in Central Park in Mansfield where Brooks fed the birds hoping to see Jake again. You can even find the oak tree where Red found Andy’s treasure. It is still there, but was heavily damaged by winds in 2011.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s‘ – New York

You can’t forget to stand where Holly Golightly had coffee and a pastry while looking lovingly through the display window of Tiffany’s. It was one of the few scenes that wasn’t shot on a backlot. Hit the corner of 57th Street to find her happy place.

The Graduate‘ – California

Remember when the wedding scene? You can relive the scene of Dustin Hoffman’s hands on the glass separating him from the nuptials taking place below. Stop by the United Methodist Church in LaVerne to mentally shout, “Elaine!”