Breaking Bad

I watched Breaking Bad when it was on TV and while I loved it, I also felt that watching it was like experiencing one, five-season-long, panic attack. Upon repeat viewings I didn’t find it to be as stressful as I remembered, but I’m comforted by spoilers and in hindsight, 2008-2013 was a simpler time (I don’t recall worrying about the state of the world once while Obama was President).

While JMP and I were Albuquerque I casually asked her if she watched Breaking Bad and when her response was an enthusiastic “I love that show!” we decided to visit a few of the Albuquerque filming locations.

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Walter and Skylar’s House
3828 Piermont Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM

The owners of this private house are not welcoming of visitors—and can you blame them after having to scrape several pizzas off their roof? They recently installed a fence (and traffic cones, security cameras and several signs) to discourage people from getting too close, so be respectful, park across the street and snap a quick photo.

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The Crossroads Motel
1001 Central Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM

Referred to as "The Crystal Palace" by Hank, The Crossroads Motel was featured several times throughout the series. In season one, Hank takes Walter Jr. to the motel to scare him by showing him the destructive power of drugs. In season two Jesse goes to the Crossroads (with its resident meth-head, Wendy) to stage an alibi and in season three Wendy shows up again, along with footage of the motel.

This stretch of Central Avenue was once Route 66 and it’s full of old motels with excellent signage (and questionable clientele) similar to The Crossroads. I’ve heard that management isn’t amenable to tourists snapping photos, but we didn’t encounter any pushback during our quick visit.

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Jesse Pinkman’s House
322 16th Street SW, Albuquerque, NM

Originally owned by Jesse's Aunt Ginny, Pinkman lived here after she died, turning it into a meth lab and famously ruining the upstairs bathroom when he tried to dispose of a body in the bathtub (but ended up dissolving the floorboards along with it). He was later evicted by his parents but purchased the house back anonymously. In real life, the two-story Spanish Colonial revival house was on the market for $1.6 million in 2015.

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A1 Car Wash
9516 Snow Heights Circle NE, Albuquerque, NM

In season one, Walter White works part-time at the car wash and later he and Skylar buy the entire thing to use as front for their money laundering. The car wash is still in operation, however it operates under the Mister brand so your chances of being told to “have an A1 day” are probably slim.

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The Dog House
1216 Central Avenue NW, Albuquerque, NM

I could write an entire post waxing poetic about the incredible neon signage at The Dog House, an Albuquerque staple located on old Route 66 for more than 70 years. Despite being warned about the inevitable heartburn, we did eat their spicy-chili-topped footlongs and they were delicious (and thankfully, not as digestively destructive as I expected). The Dog House appears a few times in Breaking Bad, and I loved its moving signage so much that I came back to photograph it several times during our trip.

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Los Pollos Hermanos
4257 Isleta Blvd, Albuquerque, NM

This Twisters location looks almost cartoonishly generic, making it the perfect place for Gus Fring’s (fictional) crystal meth front, Los Pollos Hermanos. While we didn’t go inside, apparently the interiors were filmed here as well and fans of the show have accounted for a 10% profit boost to Twisters, a New Mexican cuisine restaurant chain serving burgers and burritos.

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All Dog House and second Crossroads Motel photo(s) by me, screencaps from Netflix and all other photos by JMP.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

**I originally published this post in 2014, but I've updated some of the information since**

I refuse to make a Sophie's Choice and choose which of the Home Alone movies I like more (I only acknowledge the existence of the first two), but as far as sequels go, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, is pretty much perfect.

A few of the scenes were filmed in Chicago—the McCallister house, obviously, plus the interiors of the Plaza as well as the exteriors of Duncan's Toy Chest—and Rob McCallister's Upper West Side brownstone was actually a Hollywood set. But a majority of the movie was filmed on location in New York and a surprising amount of locations are still nearly the same today as they were 25 years ago—if you're willing to forgive the movie a bit on its geographical leaps, you too can spend a day Lost in New York.

LaGuardia Airport / Queens:

Kevin arrives in New York via LaGuardia, which is technically in Queens, so the view looking west toward Manhattan sort of makes sense, until you realize that it's actually the view from Long Island City. I wish the real view from LaGuardia was even half this nice.

Queensboro Bridge / Spans the East River btwn Queens and Manhattan at E 59th Street:

Kevin takes a taxi across the Queensboro Bridge, which again isn't terribly accurate. All of the cabs I've ever taken from LaGuardia take the Triborough Bridge, but the Queensboro is much more photogenic. I walked over it once, but I wish I could still ride over it hanging out of the window of an iconic Checkered Cab.

Radio City Music Hall / 6th Avenue btwn W 51st and 50th Streets:

Thankfully the classic Radio City neon signs haven't changed in the 22 years since Home Alone 2 was filmed. The huge Christmas tree is a nice addition, and it's the home of the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. Have you ever wondered what Kevin takes a photo of across from Radio City? I wonder what happened to the rest of the Polaroids he takes during the course of the movie?

Empire Diner / 10th Avenue btwn W 23rd and 22nd Streets:

The Empire Diner has closed and reopened several times since 1992, but thankfully it is open today. Unfortunately the large Empire State Building replica is no longer on top of the diner, and I've never seen a Santa walk by on stilts, but they do make a delicious french onion soup.

Battery Park / Southern tip of Manhattan:

I went all the way down to Battery Park, only to discover that they no longer have the viewers (binoculars? what are these thing called?) that Kevin looks through to see the Statue of Liberty. Of course you can still see the famous Lady, you just have to bring your own binoculars (or ride the Staten Island Ferry, or go to Liberty Island) to get a closer look.

World Trade Center / West Street btwn Vesey and Fulton Streets:

I couldn't visit the Twin Towers for obvious reasons, and every time I watch Kevin on the observation deck (eerily alone) it makes me sad and a little uncomfortable. The observation deck of 1WTC is open now, but it's pricey so I still haven't been. You can, however, still see the sculpture that once sat outside of the Twin Towers—it survived the collapse, but is quite damaged. The unrestored sculpture had a temporary home in Battery Park, but it was re-dedicated in August of 2017 and now sits at a permanent location in Liberty Park, near the 9/11 memorial.

West 57th Street and 6th Ave:

The Sticky Bandits exit the subway at W. 57th Street, which apparently served the B and Q lines back in '92, but is now only for the F. I don't know if this was changed for the movie, since the Q is a yellow line (not orange), but it's interesting to note that the sides of the station have since been painted green, while the handrails are no longer painted at all.

Gapstow Bridge / Southeast Central Park, at the Pond near E 62nd Street:

When Kevin first meets the Pigeon Lady, aka the most terrifying of all New York personalities, he very correctly exclaims "SICK!" He spots her near one of my favorite parts in the park, the Gapstow Bridge, which is also the spot that always makes me think of Holden Caulfield asking "where do the ducks go in the winter?" (answer: they stay right here).

The Plaza Hotel / 5th Avenue btwn W 59th and 58th Streets:

Although it is no longer just a hotel, the Plaza still might be "New York's most exciting hotel experience." I am dying to stay there, but until I happen upon a pile of money (or become a guest of the New Celebrity Ding-Dang-Dong), I'll have to settle for ogling its beautiful exterior, which recently underwent a restoration and is as gorgeous as ever.

Wollman Rink / Southeast Central Park, near the Pond:

I refuse to acknowledge that the worst President in history (who actually has a tiny cameo in the movie—an excellent time for a short bathroom/snack break) renamed the Wollman Rink in Central Park after himself, or that he slapped that name on everything from the edges of the rink to the Zamboni machines, but if you go today, that's what you'll get. This is where Marv and Harry hatch their plan to rob Duncan's, and where Marv inexplicably steals gloves, hats and mittens from multiple skaters without anyone noticing.

Bethesda Terrace + Fountain / Central Central Park near 72nd Street and Terrace Drive:

Bethesda Fountain is my favorite fountain in the entire city, especially in the snow. While it's not very plausible that Kevin was chased all the way here from the Plaza, it's a beautiful filming location. I also think it's odd that there are horse carriages on the terrace—I don't think this was ever allowed, but I'd take horses over hordes of clueless tourists any day. Speaking of horses, there was some talk of them being banned, but as of now you can still catch one on Central Park South.

51 West 95th Street / Btwn Central Park West and Columbus Avenue:

Although I knew that Rob McCallister's under-construction brownstone was actually a set, I still wanted to see what was at that address. To my delight, I found a real brownstone, albeit one that doesn't look anything like the one in the movie. How fun would it be to have that as your real address?

West 96th Street and Central Park West:

When Kevin runs into the park and catches the scariest cab ever, he does so at 96th Street. One of the most interesting things about watching Home Alone 2 now, is that you almost forget that New York was a completely different place 25 years ago. I've frequented this part of the park and it's nowhere near as terrifying today (at least during the day).

Carnegie Hall / 7th Avenue at W 57th Street:

I've been inside of Carnegie Hall once, but I'll always wish that I could listen to a concert like Kevin and the Pigeon Lady, from high up in the attic. Some people write that the P.L. actually lives at Carnegie Hall, but I just got the impression that she breaks in from time to time to listen to some of the greatest music in the world, because why not?

St. Anne's Hospital for Children / Broadway at W 120th Street:

Columbia University's Teacher's College (at Broadway and West 120th Street) stands in for St. Anne's, and is an incredibly beautiful building. I got there after the sun had already gone down, but so did Kevin so I guess I timed my tour perfectly (I could have used some of that nice movie lighting though). Even though I know it's not really a children's hospital, I do wish they still put a star at the top of the massive entrance, or at least had trees flanking the doorway.

Inscope Arch / Southeast Central Park near E 62nd Street:

The second time Kevin sees the Pigeon Lady, she is by another Central Park arch, which in reality is right next to the Gapstow Bridge. It's unlikely that he would have ran all the way here after fleeing the cab on 96th street or that he would have led Harry and Marv here in the end, but it is a lovely spot—in the daylight at least. The city may have become a lot safer in recent years, but when Marv says "kids are a-scared of the dark," and "kids are a-scared of the park," I can't help but thinking that maybe so am I.

Rockefeller Center / Btwn 5th and 6th Avenues and W 51st and 49th Streets:

No Christmas movie set in New York would be complete without a trip to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Of course the first thing I always notice about this scene is that Kevin and his mom are completely alone. Yes, I'm sure the city was slightly less crowded back then, but I still find this hard to believe (and I'm totally envious). I do appreciate that the trumpeting angels do not appear to have changed at all, although I do like the lighting of the tree better in the movie than what it is today. I definitely understand Kevin's affinity for Christmas trees—and desire to spend Christmas in a non-tropical climate.

This city is completely magical during the holidays and my only wish would be for the ability to experience all of it without the soul-crushing crowds. I would take a milky-eyed cab driver or Central Park West hooker any day over a slow-moving crowd of peace-sign-throwing, selfie-taking tourists.

You've Got Mail

"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address. On the other hand, this not knowing has its charms."

You've Got Mail came out nearly 20 years ago and I still remember seeing it at the theater with my grandparents. I've since seen it countless times—and forced David to watch it for the first time a few weeks ago. It's my go-to comfort movie whenever I'm sick or on a plane (or both). Sure the AOL-centric premise feels dated now, but I'm a sucker for Nora Ephron's words and the magic of New York (especially in the fall). Luckily, most of the movie was shot on location on the Upper West Side, and despite the fact that this city is constantly changing, you can still party like it's 1998—even if you can no longer get an H&H bagel or grab a children's book at the Shop Around the Corner.

Kathleen Kelly's Apartment, 328 West 89th Street and Riverside Drive

Verdi Square, W 72nd and Broadway

Starbucks, 2252 Broadway at W 81st Street

Shop Around the Corner (never a book shop, but now a cleaners) 106 W 69th Street (just around the corner from Columbus Avenue).

Zabar's, 2245 Broadway at W 80th Street

Gray's Papaya, 2090 Broadway at W 72nd Street

Cafe Lalo, 201 W 83rd St (closest to Amsterdam Ave)

Barney Greengrass, 541 Amsterdam Ave between W 86th and 87th Streets

91st Street Garden, Riverside Park at 91st Street

"But I just want to say that all this nothing has meant more to me than so many... somethings."

Salem: Hocus Pocus

Unlike a lot of people my age, I don't recall seeing Hocus Pocus until I was solidly an adult. My childhood Halloween go-to was another 1993 classic, Double Double, Toil and Trouble starring the Olsen twins (fun fact: Nightmare Before Christmas was also released in '93, completing the Holy Trinity of Halloween films). But once I saw Hocus Pocus it immediately became a fall tradition, and I love it more and more with each viewing. A lot of movies don't actually film in the cities in which they are supposed to take place, and while not every scene was filmed on location (and certainly not in October), the major sites are easily accessible.

Our first stop was Old Burial Hill Cemetery, located just south of Salem in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Old Burial Hill is the location of Max's after-school run-in with the 90s personified, Jay and Ernie Ice. We found some of the tombstones glimpsed in the movie, but even if you're not a fan, Old Burial Hill is definitely worth a stop. It's one of the most beautiful cemeteries I've ever seen, and it's so full of wonderful tombstones that it deserves a full post. There are other cemetery scenes in the movie, but those took place on a soundstage, which can't possibly compete with the real beauty of Old Burial Hill.

Not far from the cemetery, just after you cross into Salem is Max and Dani's house. Located at 10 Ocean Avenue, the house is instantly recognizable by it's cupola and looks pretty much exactly the same today. It's in a good location to stop and take a quick photo, and we weren't the only millennials fans doing so. It's also pretty much my dream house—despite the tourist traffic—and I can't think of anything better than tying some cornstalks to the porch and nestling into the cupola with a good book.

Speaking of houses, Allison's house is right in Salem proper, next to the Witch House. The Ropes Mansion—the house's proper name—is currently owned by the Peabody Essex Museum. It was only a slightly less popular selfie-stick spot than Max and Dani's house, and you can tour the inside, although only the exterior was used in the movie.

The Old Town Hall is the site of the epic Halloween party in which Better Midler sings "I Put A Spell on You" while doing just that. While there were no parties happening while we were there, it has public restrooms which is a big deal when you're a tourist (and even when you're not).

The only other major filming location that we weren't able to visit was the Sanderson's sisters' cottage, located in Salem Pioneer Village. The village doesn't hold regular hours in October, and all of their events were sold out when we checked—I suppose this means another Salem trip is in the cards.

See also: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

The Mini Meg Ryan Restaurant Tour

I'm always that annoying person pointing out obscure movie or TV filming locations to people that mostly don't seem to care. It's cool, I get that not everyone will be as thrilled with my "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" tour as I think they should be, but I never want to not point something out that could potentially be of interest.

Recently my friend Jim — who is relatively new to the city like I am, and therefore still excited about mildly touristy things — suggested that we go to Katz's Deli on the Lower East Side for dinner. Established in 1888, Katz's is probably as famous today for its role in When Harry Met Sally as it is for its enormous pastrami sandwiches.

Katz's is, of course, where Meg Ryan, aka Sally, famously (and very loudly) goes through the motions of faking an orgasm, prompting a fellow diner to deliver the famous line "I'll have what she's having." It's actually an enormous restaurant, especially by New York standards, and I can't imagine a scenario where you wouldn't be able to find a table. We went at 7 on a Wednesday night and only about a fourth of the tables were taken.

The exact table where Meg and Billy sat, however, is usually occupied, and although I'd been to Katz's twice before I had never been able to sit there. There is a big sign hanging above the table so there is no question as to which table it is — we lucked out and it was actually available when we went.

Because I'm a nerd, it annoys me slightly that the sign declares that this was the spot "where Harry met Sally," because that's not technically accurate. I get the point, of course, but I wonder if that's ever bothered anyone else (probably not)?

We actually watched the scene on my phone while we were eating, and the great part about Katz's is that it pretty much looks exactly like it did 25 (!) years ago, and probably 25 years before that. I did notice that the soda sign has changed from 80 cents (in 1989) to $2.65, proving that not everything can stay the same forever.

A few weeks earlier my friend Grace suggested that we go to Cafe Lalo for dinner, which I'd never heard of until she added that it was the cafe from You've Got Mail. Speaking of Meg Ryan romantic comedies, You've Got Mail is definitely my favorite of the bunch, so of course I said yes.

Cafe Lalo is on West 83rd Street between Amsterdam and Broadway and it's an absolute dream. It's very obvious why it was chosen as a filming location, and it looks even more magical in person than it did on film. The floor-to-ceiling windows look like they open, and I imagine that it's even more wonderful in the summer, although it was a great place to warm up on a brutally cold night.

They have a very large menu, but you only have to glance at the bakery case to know that pasties and baked goods are their specialty. I had a piece of lemon tart that was a delicious as it was beautiful, and a cup of coffee, which came with an adorable mini piece of Toblerone chocolate. The interior has changed slightly in the 16 (!!) years since You've Got Mail came out but I still felt a thrill waiting for Grace to arrive like I was Kathleen Kelly and she was Joe Fox. What I wouldn't give to step inside of Kathleen Kelly's Upper West Side dream life — but being able to have a coffee and pastry at Cafe Lalo anytime I wish isn't a bad way to start.