Geography Geography 6 min read

Lights, cameras, cities!

Cities as movie characters: have you seen these 10 great examples?

Image: Teitur Hansen / Andrew Adams

Our country produces countless quality movies every year, drawing inspiration from a vast range of places, people, and events. One of the most classic sources of inspiration is the array of wonderful cities scattered across the nation. For example, Gone With the Wind wouldn’t be the same if set anywhere other than Atlanta, and the same goes for movies like Rocky , set in Philadelphia, or Casino , in Las Vegas. These movies take us on journeys through cities that are as much characters as the actors themselves. Let’s take a look at 10 films that are closely tied to the cities that inspired them.

1
Atlanta - "Gone with the Wind"

Image: Brad Huchteman

We can’t think of a film that captures the South quite like Gone with the Wind , can you?

In this sweeping epic that tells the story of love, war, and survival during the Civil War, Atlanta plays a crucial role as the backdrop for Scarlett O’Hara’s turbulent life and relationships, especially with Rhett Butler, played by the great Clark Gable.

The brilliance of the film and Scarlett’s story, iconically portrayed by Vivien Leigh, mirrors the history and transformation of Atlanta itself, a city that goes from bustling to ravaging due to war.

If you’re from Atlanta, cheer proudly—your city made it to the top of this list!

2
St. Louis - "Meet me in St. Louis"

Image: Chris Hardy

Some movies make us wonder: Which came first—the city’s popularity or the movie’s? In any case, we can’t deny that some movies and cities share equal popularity, regardless of which one started it. That is the case of Meet Me in St. Louis a charming, feel-good musical that transports us to turn-of-the-century St. Louis.

The film follows the Smith family as they experience love, heartbreak, and the excitement of the 1904 World’s Fair. The one and only Judy Garland stars as Esther, and her unforgettable performance of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" makes this film a holiday favorite. St. Louis shines as the backdrop, from the family’s cozy home to the city’s festive atmosphere, giving the story an old-fashioned warmth.

3
New York City - "12 Angry Men"

Image: Jason Briscoe

Movies that were inspired by The City that Never Sleeps? Well, that could be an article in itself. From The Godfather to Taxi Driver to Do the Right Thing , the list is truly endless. But for the sake of this article, we’ve committed to only one and that’s 12 Angry Men .

This classic courtroom drama follows twelve jurors as they decide the fate of a young man accused of murder. Set in the heart of New York City, 12 Angry Men contrasts the pressure and intensity of city life, against the claustrophobic jury room, where tempers flare. The cast is led by Henry Fonda, who plays a calm and reasoned juror who slowly persuades the others to see the case in a different light.

Much like living in this city, watching the film makes you feel every emotion possible!

4
Washington, D.C. - "All The President’s Men"

Image: Harold Mendoza

Washington, D.C., is the capital of our country, and when you think of it, you think of politics, prominent figures, and government matters. Combine that with the Watergate scandal—an event that shook America’s political class to its core—and you have the foundation for a compelling movie.

Based on a true story, All the President’s Men follows Washington Post journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein as they investigate political corruption at the highest level. Washington, D.C., serves as the backdrop to a story that offers a front-row seat to the unraveling of a presidency. Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman deliver standout performances as the determined reporters who refuse to give up.

Washington, D.C., is the perfect setting for this high-stakes thriller.

5
Philadelphia - "Rocky"

Image: Jonathan Gong

"Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up," said Rocky, and with that, Philadelphia became forever associated with persistence, resilience, and, of course, boxing.

Philadelphia is inseparable from Rocky , the story of a down-and-out boxer who gets the chance of a lifetime. Sylvester Stallone stars as Rocky Balboa, whose iconic run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is as legendary as the movie itself. The city’s blue-collar spirit is on full display, making it the perfect backdrop for Rocky’s fight for respect and glory. Philly becomes a symbol of perseverance, where dreams are chased, and grit is rewarded.

Honorable mentions: The Wrestler (2008), The Sixth Sense (1999), and Blow Out (1981) also showcase Philly’s diverse storytelling.

6
Miami - "Scarface"

Image: aurora.kreativ

What do you think of when you think of Miami? For us, it’s not just the beaches or the Everglades—it’s Tony Montana. And not because Miami is exactly dangerous, but because Scarface and its unforgettable anti-hero have been living rent-free in our minds ever since it premiered.

If you’ve seen it, you know it: this film takes us on a wild ride through the rise and fall of Tony Montana , played by Al Pacino in one of his most iconic roles.

As for the city, Miami—with its sunny beaches and drug-fueled underworld—serves as the perfect backdrop for Tony’s relentless climb to power. The city itself becomes a symbol of both opportunity and excess, where fast cars, palm trees, and glowing lights mask a darker reality. While we don’t think this is an accurate representation of this beautiful city, we can’t deny it was a supreme one!

7
Chicago - "Home Alone"

Image: Fineas Anton

Chicago has seen some incredible productions, from the namesake musical to _The Untouchables_—each capturing the spirit of this dynamic city in its own way. But since we’ve already discussed crime-related films, let’s dive into comedy. And if we combine Chicago and the comedy category , nothing beats Home Alone .

In the movie, we follow Kevin, a kid left behind in the city while his family heads off on a holiday trip. Alone and loving it, Kevin, played by Macaulay Culkin, soon has to defend his home from two not-so-bright burglars, portrayed by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern.

The cozy suburban setting is perfectly snowy and festive, making it feel like the ultimate holiday getaway. Well, that is if you can ignore the burglars!

8
Detroit - "True Romance"

Image: Alex Brisbey

Movies that mention Elvis Presley? Yes, please! This movie has action, an Elvis fan, and a great city—Detroit—and we have Quentin Tarantino to thank for it.

True Romance takes viewers on a wild ride through Detroit, following Clarence, played by Christian Slater, and Alabama, played by Patricia Arquette, as they try to outrun the mob.

The streets of Detroit and the industrial vibe of the city perfectly match the film’s fast-paced, chaotic energy. It’s a Tarantino film, one is expecting this kind of rhythm.

It’s a love story wrapped in a crime drama, with a dash of dark humor and a lot of action. The Motor City isn’t just a backdrop, we can consider it a character that adds to the rawness of the film.

9
San Francisco - "Mrs. Doubtfire"

Image: Josh Hild

10

San Francisco has that heartwarming spirit, and the story of a father who would do anything for his kids perfectly matches that vibe—it’s highly relatable, don’t you think?

In Mrs. Doubtfire , we follow Robin Williams although he’s not in his usual clothes. He dresses up as an elderly British woman, Mrs. Doubtfire, to work as a nanny and stay close to his kids.

The hilly streets of the City make it a perfect background for all the shenanigans going on in the family. From the classic foggy mornings to the iconic scene on the Golden Gate Bridge, the movie takes us around San Francisco with a perfectly matched playful spirit.

11
Las Vegas - "Casino"

Image: David Lusvardi

Quite appropriate, don’t you think? When you think of Vegas, you think of card games, gambling, a nice drink in your hand, and a comfortable hotel to return to.

In the movie Casino, we are taken into the neon lights and dark underbelly of Las Vegas, where the lives of casino operators and the mob intertwine . Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film stars Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci in a dazzling, dangerous story about power, money, and, of course, betrayal.

Las Vegas, with its unique and vibrant spirit, is the perfect setting for this story in which stakes are high and risks even higher. Have you watched it?

General General 3 min read

Your garden, your rules

12 common garden pests in the U.S. and how to control them

Image: Anna Shvets / Igor Son

Even on the smallest possible scale, nature is wild, and garden pests are a clear expression of that reality. Holes in leaves, small grubs around the roots of container plants, speckled foliage, and skeletonized leaves are just a few signs that pests may be present in your garden.

Check your plants often, and act quickly as soon as you spot a problem. Your garden will thank you!

1
Spotted and striped cucumber beetles

Image: Alexandria Szakacs

Striped and spotted cucumber beetles favor cucumbers and melon vines. These insects spread bacterial wilt from plant to plant, a disease that is often fatal. When striped cucumber beetles are a chronic problem, the best course of action is to choose bacterial-wilt-resistant cucumber varieties .

2
Colorado potato beetle

Image: Олександр К

As the name implies, the surest way to attract Colorado potato beetles to your garden is by planting potatoes. These insects lay clusters of orange-yellow eggs on the undersides of leaves, which hatch into highly destructive orange larvae that feed voraciously and grow quickly. While beetles can be killed at any stage, it's easiest to remove the adults and eggs by hand .

3
Eggplant flea beetle

Image: Weronika Romanowska

Eggplant flea beetles can destroy an eggplant plant in just a few days. While many insecticides can kill these pests, the most effective method requires protecting plants with summer-weight floating row covers. These covers transmit enough sunlight while physically blocking the beetles from the plants.

4
Harlequin cabbage bug

Image: David Clode

These insects might look striking, but they are the worst enemy of summer kale, broccoli, and other brassicas. They suck the sap from leaves, leaving behind unsightly pockmarks.

Harlequin cabbage bugs can be picked off by hand , and wearing a face mask can help you avoid the unpleasant odor they emit. Also, spraying them off with a jet of water will help knock them back.

5
Mexican bean beetle

Image: Viktor Talashuk

In a similar case to the one we mentioned earlier, it’s the larvae of Mexican bean beetles that cause the most damage. The adults emerge in late spring but usually don’t become a serious problem on bean plants until midsummer.

The best way to deal with this pest may seem harsh, but necessary if you want to keep your other plants safe: you must completely harvest and remove the infested plants from the garden . After picking all the beans, the entire plant should be pulled, bagged, and taken far away from the garden.

6
Red spider mites

Image: adege

Tiny red spider mites live on the undersides of leaves, where they feed on plant sap. To control them, the best approach is to increase humidity and, if growing under glass, introduce a biological control . Alternatively, organic sprays can also be effective.

7
Codling moth

Image: Mikkel Frimer-Rasmussen

These moths are responsible for the maggots found in apples. To avoid these, spray emerging caterpillars twice with bifenthrin , starting in midsummer. Another useful method involves hanging pheromone traps in late spring to catch male moths and prevent them from mating.

8
Winter moth

Image: Erik Karits

Winter moth caterpillars hide inside webbed leaves on fruit trees during the spring. One effective way to control these pests is by applying sticky traps to capture the adult moths before they lay eggs.

9
Scale insects

Image: efraimstochter

Scale insects cluster on branches and beneath leaves, often leading to poor plant growth. Other common symptoms include sticky excretions (called honeydew) and the development of sooty mold, especially on evergreens. The solution is to wash off the mold and spray the plant with horticultural oil .

10
Viburnum beetle

Image: Grant Ofstedahl

The Viburnum beetle and its larvae can create holes in the leaves. The answer to this is to spray the areas affected during the spring with bifenthrin or thiacloprid .

11
Adult vine weevil

Image: Henry Lai

The adult weevil is a nocturnal, flightless insect that makes notches in the leaves of your plants. To control this pest, apply nematodes by mixing them with water and applying the solution to the soil in the affected area.

12
Rose slug

Image: Naoki Suzuki

The rose slug is easy to overlook until its feeding starts to damage the leaves. Rose slugs feed on the undersides of leaves, out of sight, nibbling on the tissue between the veins. By the time they’re done, the leaves often resemble skeletons.

Luckily, the solution only requires blasting the slugs off the roses with a spray of water or treating them with spinosad, a bioinsecticide derived from soil bacteria.

Geography Geography 4 min read

Did you know these beloved sitcom sets are real places you can visit?

Image: Haberdoedas II

We’ve laughed, cried, and binge-watched our way through some unforgettable sitcoms over the decades. But did you know some of those iconic TV locations aren’t just set pieces? They’re real places you can visit. If you’re a sitcom lover, they should get a special place in your bucket list, or become a unique road trip. What’s certain is that this list will take you on a coast-to-coast tour of sitcom spots that live outside the screen.

1
The Friends apartment building in NYC

Image: Chalo Gallardo

In the heart of Greenwich Village sits a corner that any Friends fan would spot in a heartbeat. The building where Monica, Rachel, Joey, and Chandler "lived" is at 90 Bedford Street, right above a real restaurant called The Little Owl . While the inside scenes were shot in a studio, this exterior became one of the most recognizable TV landmarks ever.

2
Tom’s Restaurant from Seinfeld, New York City

Image: Albert Stoynov

If you’ve ever watched Seinfeld , chances are you’ve seen the bright sign of Tom’s Restaurant flash across your screen. Known in the show as "Monk’s Café", it’s located at the corner of 112th and Broadway in Manhattan. The indoor scenes were filmed elsewhere, but the real diner is still serving up burgers, fries, and some nostalgia on the side.

3
The Brady house on Dilling Street, Studio City

Image: Patrick Bohn

The exterior of the Brady Bunch home is as iconic as Alice’s blue uniform. Found on Dilling Street in California, the house was used for exterior shots, though the interior was all Hollywood magic. HGTV renovated it to match the show's set for a special series, making it even more of a shrine for longtime fans. It’s not open for tours, but you can still walk by and hum that catchy theme song. Wouldn’t you just love that?

4
Cheers bar on Beacon Street, Boston

Image: Chris Hardy

Where everybody knows your name... is actually at 84 Beacon Street in Boston. This classic pub was used for exterior scenes in Cheers, and still operates as a real bar today! Inside, it’s filled with memorabilia and a whole lot of warm nostalgia. Stop by, order a pint, and pretend you’re chatting with Norm and Cliff at the end of the bar.

5
M A S H filming site in Malibu Creek State Park, California

Image: Robert Ruggiero

The rugged Korean War setting of M A S H was actually a lot closer to home. All those outdoor camp scenes were in fact filmed in the scenic Malibu Creek State Park. Hike the trail and you’ll stumble across the old site, complete with rusted props and a replica of the famous signpost.

6
Painted Ladies from Full House, San Francisco

Image: Joshua Sortino

That sweeping shot of San Francisco and a picnic in the park? That’s Alamo Square Park, facing the famous Painted Ladies, the colorful Victorian homes seen in Full House . Funny enough, the Tanner family house is actually elsewhere, but fans still visit this spot for a taste of that opening credits magic. It's a great place to take in the skyline and maybe even sing a little "Everywhere you look."

7
Stately Pasadena City Hall from Parks and Rec

Image: Igor Shalyminov

The city of Pawnee may be fictional, but its town hall isn’t. The elegant building you see in Parks and Recreation is in fact Pasadena City Hall. Its beautiful arches and fountain-filled courtyard served as the setting for plenty of Leslie Knope’s proudest moments. And yes, the red tiles on the roof were digitally changed to green to give it a more "Midwestern" look!

8
The Dunphy house from Modern Family, Culver City

Image: Doug Bagg

Claire and Phil Dunphy’s cozy suburban home sits quietly on Dunleer Drive in the Cheviot Hills neighborhood of LA. It was used for the show’s exterior shots and became an instant fan favorite. When the home went up for sale, it drew curious buyers and lookie-loos alike. While you can’t go inside, the outside looks just like it did when Luke crashed his bike in the driveway.

9
The Puck Building from Will & Grace, NYC

Image: Udara

Located in SoHo, the Puck Building is a real-life landmark that served as the fictional office of Grace Adler Designs. This towering red-brick beauty stands at Lafayette and Houston Streets. If you're a fan of the show, you’ll instantly recognize those massive arched windows from the opening credits. You can’t miss it!

10
The Electric City sign from The Office, Scranton

Image: Kelly Sikkema

"The Electric City" isn’t just part of a cringey rap from The Office ; it’s a real nickname for the Pennsylvania city. The sign featured in the show is perched on a building in downtown Scranton and makes a fun photo-op for any Dunder Mifflin devotee. Most of the show was filmed in California, but a few Scranton landmarks made it into the mix.

11
The Prince bar from New Girl, Los Angeles

Image: q u i n g u y e n

The gang of New Girl frequently hangs out at a bar called The Griffin , which in real life is "The Prince," a moody Koreatown spot with red leather booths and vintage charm. It's a favorite filming location, appearing also in shows like Mad Men and The Defenders . On which series did you see it first?

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