Send us a text

What if you could walk into a movie and stay the night? We head to Woodstock, Illinois—the real-world stand-in for Punxsutawney—and sit down with Lori, the innkeeper behind the Cherry Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast, the house fans know as Phil Connors’ wake-up spot. She tells us how she tore down the no trespassing signs, opened the door to anyone peeking through the windows, and built a year-round tradition where hundreds stream through on Groundhog Day weekend to relive the magic.

Lori breaks down the on-screen illusions: why the film’s staircase sits differently, how stained glass and a corner fireplace were recreated on set, and what it feels like to live “inside” a celebrity house. We get the wild story of the 2020 Super Bowl Jeep commercial, from a snow-drenched shoot to Bill Murray and Stephen Tobolowsky rewatching scenes under a tarp to improvise lines. Along the way, we hear about celebrity breakfasts, a waitlist that stretches a decade, and visitors from nine countries who arrive with personal connections to a film that quietly teaches us to do today a little better than yesterday.

The town itself shines. Independent shops circle the square, the opera house draws touring acts, and holiday movies now film on the same streets where Phil’s loop unfolded. For geocachers, an acclaimed Adventure Lab threads the filming locations and ends at Lori’s door with a top-rated bonus cache. Whether you come for road trip nostalgia, small-town travel, or the perfect log on your stats grid, Woodstock rewards curiosity with detail, warmth, and repeat-worthy charm.

Subscribe, share this episode with a movie lover or geocacher, and leave a review to help more travelers find hidden gems like Woodstock.

Cherry Tree Inn LINK

Support the show

Facebook
Instagram
Youtube

Send us a text

Florida didn’t just thaw us out—it rewired how we explore. We landed in Fort Myers with a loose plan and a lot of curiosity, then let geolocation games, local tips, and a few bold choices turn a winter weekend into a highlight reel of hidden gems. We chased the oldest geocache in Florida through a recently burned Everglades trail, watched smoke curl above the path, and laughed about the gators we didn’t see. A quick prompt led us to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, where the free grounds—lined with giant banyan trees and quiet labs—outshone the ticketed tour. And downtown delivered: Ford’s Garage set the tone with gas pump door handles, tire sinks, and food that was way more than a gimmick.

The Munzee community made the trip sing. We walked pristine park loops, mirrored sunsets on still water, and witnessed a crowning moment as Colecracker7 became the world’s new number one. The hosts nailed the details: creative name tags, a “how did you get your handle” roll call, and a bingo card that turned strangers into fast friends. We put the new VACs feature to work and felt the difference—safer in cars, easier during walks, and perfect for travelers stacking caps across the city. By Sunday, the totals told the story: 5.1 million points in four days and a leaderboard bump that felt earned.

Play followed us everywhere. Nice Guys Pizza glowed with blacklight art and a wall of pinball machines where a surprise upset changed our arcade pecking order. Millennial Brewing’s mural tour jumped from DeLorean to Millennium Falcon, and for the first time, we all ordered the same sour. Then came Jungle Bird Tiki, a bamboo-wrapped oasis with generous pours in tall ceramic mugs, LED vines overhead, and food that kept us talking. It was the perfect landing spot to trade notes, plan the next event, and appreciate how Fort Myers and Cape Coral reward people who explore by foot, by app, and by appetite.

If this journey gives you ideas, hit play and take notes. Subscribe, share the episode with a friend who loves hidden gems, and leave a quick review so more travelers can find their way to the good stuff. Where should we hunt for treasures next?

Support the show

Facebook
Instagram
Youtube

Send us a text

In this episode of the Treasures of Our Town podcast, hosts Joshua and Craig reflect on their experiences over the past year, sharing personal stories, family updates, and insights into their podcasting journey. They discuss the unique towns and quirky attractions they've explored, engage with their listeners through patron submissions, and celebrate the growth and achievements of their podcast. The conversation highlights the importance of community, family, and the joy of discovering hidden treasures across America. In this engaging conversation, Craig and JJ explore a variety of themes related to travel, geocaching, and unique roadside attractions. They discuss the excitement of March Madness, memorable experiences from the Texas Challenge, and the underrated charm of St. Louis. The duo also delves into quirky topics like the Boring Town Challenge and the whimsical Uranus, Missouri. They reflect on the largest geocaching event in Morgantown, the unique Porcelain Pilgrimage, and the fun of navigating block parties. The conversation wraps up with insights on full-time travel, discovering small towns, and a spooky exploration of the most haunted webcam in America, along with behind-the-scenes details of their GIFF film.

Texas Challenge Video

Haunted Library Video

Support the show

Facebook
Instagram
Youtube