7 Locations You Can Visit to Experience ‘Westworld’ in Real Life

Sunny Chanel
Apr 23, 2018

The red rock formations, the vast valleys and prairies, the rambling streams, and the great big blue sky — the vistas of HBO’s sci-fi western Westworld are WAY stunning. As much as we’d love to go to the land occupied by Dolores Abernathy, Maeve Millay, and Teddy Flood, we think we can all agree we could do without all that senseless murder, mayhem, and debauchery of the on-screen Sweetwater, especially if we’re on vacay. Thankfully, there are far safer and saner ways to have a Westworld inspired adventure — a totally perfect way to celebrate the much-anticipated return of Season 2.

1. Dead Horse Point State Park, Moab, Utah: This dusty and dramatic city of Moab has been a favorite for filmmakers for years, serving as a location in movies like Thelma and Louise and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and western classics such as Stagecoach, Wagon Master, and Rio Grande. The area proved to be perfect for Westworld. A large part of the exteriors was shot in Moab — the gateway to those iconic massive red rock leading to Arches National Park. Twenty-five minutes from Moab is Castle Valley, an area where many overhead shots for Westworld were captured. Nearby Fisher Valley is another area that saw a fair share of action. Also of note is Dead Horse Point State Park, which was used for a variety of sweeping shots of the amusement park as well as that unforgettable scene when Ed Harris (The Man in Black) scalps a robotic “host.” (Photo via Getty)

2. Moab, Utah (Part 2): Make your own home on the range by nabbing a western themed vacation rental like this incredible architectural masterpiece in Moab. The two bedroom home is located right across from Fisher Towers and the Colorado River with horseback riding on the premises. On one side of the home, it looks like a wooden old-timey saloon, but on the other, it’s a modern architectural marvel. You can book this fantastic property via HomeToGo.com and really, you should go there just to see pics of the whole place (prices vary depending on date). (Photo via HomeToGo)

3. Gateway, Colorado: The luxury resort of Gateway Canyons, in the shadows of Colorado’s Canyonlands, wisely created a Westworld vacation package to lure fans to their swanky lodge. The Westworld experience includes horseback riding, dinner by candlelight, a massage, Wild West tales presented by Zebulon Miracle (their “Curator of Curiosity”), and a choice between skeet shooting, archery, or laser tag. But this is really for Westworld fans with deep pockets; it costs $999 a night with a minimum of three nights. (Photo via Gateway Canyons)

4. Monument Valley, Arizona: Monument Valley — which lies within the Navajo Nation Reservation— is another prime film location, having been featured in movies like Stagecoach, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Forrest Gump. In Westworld, the majestic terrain with its towering sandstone buttes was the backdrop for the horseback rides that Dolores and Teddy went on. (Photo via Getty)

5. Paramount Ranch, Newhall, California and Melody Rand, Santa Clarita, California: For a look at the old west exteriors used in the show, visit Paramount Ranch or Melody Ranch in California. The 22-acre Melody Ranch has been the home to shows like Deadwood as well as Westworld and has a museum and tours. Make sure to also head to the Paramount Ranch, which has been used for projects from the X-Files to Weeds. The area is now owned by the National Park Service and has miles of hiking trails for a Westworld fan to explore. (Photo via Paramount Ranch)

6. Fillmore & Western Railway, Fillmore, California: All visitors to Westworld arrive via a vintage locomotive, so of course, that experience should be part of your journey. Board a old-school train at a place like the Fillmore and Western Railroad in Fillmore, California. They even host a western-themed murder mystery dinner. (Photo via Fillmore & Western Railway Co.)

7. Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood, California: In contrast to the vintage feel that permeates the show, you can see the modern facade of what is the park’s headquarters in West Hollywood, California. Through some high-tech slights of hand, the show made the Pacific Design Center appear smack dab in the middle of the Wild West. (Photo via Getty)

Which Westworld location would you most want to visit? Tweet us @BritandCo.

(Featured photo via HBO)

The 6 Most Iconic Thanksgiving TV Episodes of All Time

The best things around the holidays are comforting and familiar. To be surrounded by friends, family, tradition, and delicious Thanksgiving appetizers is just amazing! So, in the spirit of all things warm and cozy, we rounded up 6 of the best Thanksgiving TV episodes from our favorite shows. Whether you’re into old-school Full House shenanigans or the mishaps of Modern Family, these are the six comfort shows that will make you laugh through all throughout Thanksgiving weekend.

Hulu

1. Full House Season 1, Episode 9 "The Miracle of Thanksgiving"

Watch on Hulu: We look back at season one of Full House with fond memories — mostly for this iconic episode wherein Joey constantly announces the arrival of the miracle *cue trumpet sound* of Thanksgiving. It’s not about how good the dinner turns out, it’s the fact that you even tried to roast a turkey.

IMDB

2. Boy Meets World Season 4, Episode 10 "Turkey Day"

Watch on Disney+: After learning about tribal prejudice in Africa, Cory and Shawn decide to combine family celebrations of Thanksgiving. The result is a touching but, of course, funny take on how different families celebrate in different ways. Reaching across the table is the new reaching across the aisle!

IMDB

3. Friends Season 5, Episode 8 "The One With All the Thanksgivings"

Watch on Max: You didn’t think we’d make it through this list without mentioning this iconic Thanksgiving TV episode, did you? It’s the one where the gang relives their terrible Thanksgivings of the past and Monica somehow winds up with a turkey on her head. Classic.

IMDB

4. How I Met Your Mother Season 3, Episode 9 "Slapsgiving"

Watch on Hulu: Every year, Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to honor traditions. Our favorite tradition? Slapsgiving from HIMYM. The episode that started it all — and forever struck fear into Barney’s heart — is our favorite Thanksgiving episode from the nine-season run!

IMDB

5. Modern Family Season 6, Episode 8 "Three Turkeys"

Watch on Hulu: It’s always nice when people pitch in and offer to help, but it can be impossible to know whether or not they’ll follow through. This hysterical holiday episode of Modern Family sees the clan end up *somehow* with three turkeys at the Thanksgiving table. At least there’s plenty of leftovers…

IMDB

6. Gilmore Girls Season 3, Episode 9 "A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving"

Watch on Netflix: If you’re overbooked this Thanksgiving, just consider Lorelai and Rory, who celebrated four Thanksgivings in one day. Of course things go wrong, as they do with everybody’s Thanksgiving. It’s probably one of the most relatable episodes around holiday time.

Are there any shows we missed? Let us know your favorite Thanksgiving episodes @BritandCo!

This post has been updated.

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10 Money Hacks To Save For Your Dream Life Now

It can be tricky to navigate seasons of life where money is tight and the cost of living is high. You want to make sure you aren't wasteful with what you have, but you also want to have some fun. Getting on top of your finances requires more than just checking your balance at the end of the month, and that's why we talked to cool girl and self-proclaimed "Financial Popstar" Haley Sacks (AKA Mrs. Dow Jones).

These money tips will make saving money more fun, and help you better understand the world of finance so that you can achieve your own "Financial Glow Up." Here's how you can start saving money for your dream life today.


Image via Adrien Pellerin

Contrary to what you might have been taught, you don't have to entirely cut fun things out of your life in order to save money. Doing so might actually have the opposite effect: you could burn out and spend way more than you would have if you simply added spending into your budgeted.

"If it’s a splurge that you’re obsessed with and will up your quality of life — then let’s figure out how much it costs and how you’re going to pay for it," Sacks says. She recommends the 50-30-20 method for your budget.

"Start by calculating your after-tax income and break it into 3 categories: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for future you!" she continues. "That 30% number is what we are going to focus on. That’s the amount you can spend every month on…whatever you want. This splurge included! Just make sure you don’t go over that number because you should never spend on your current self if you’re not also putting money away for future you."

Saving Up For Your Financial Goals

Budgeting helps you divide up your savings before the money goes into your account. That way, you always know what you're saving for. (It's also a good idea to have extra savings because you never know when your car will need a new battery or if you'll have an unexpected trip to the ER).

Saving requires some self-control since it's money you aren't able to spend right now, and it can be difficult to release your current spending habits. "[That stubbornness] really just comes from a fear of the unknown," Sacks says. "We often choose what is comfortable over what’s new! But the more you understand why you’re doing something, the more that stubbornness can be released." Here are some specific financial goals to save up for:

Goal: Becoming Debt-Free

Think how much more money you'll have to save *and* spend once your debt is paid off! Check out the snowball method vs. the avalanche method to figure out what's best for you, and just take it one day at a time.

Goal: Taking A Bucket-List Trip

Whether you've been dreaming of going to France since Emily in Paris dropped or you want to go on a solo trip to your favorite small town, you'll definitely want enough cash to have a good time. You can't go wrong spending money on an experience you'll love.

Goal: Scoring Tix To See Your Favorite Performer

Concert merch, movie tickets, name brand collections — start saving now for these once-in-a-lifetime events and your future self will thank you.

How To Start Investing

Investing is different than a regular savings account. When you invest your money, instead of just sitting in an account, it's put to work in a variety of projects so that you make a net profit and end up with more money than you had before. You can invest with a retirement plan, or government-related options like stocks and bonds. Here's some more investing info to get you started.

Consider getting a financial advisor early in life. Financial advisors can really make a difference in your long-term goals, whether you want to buy a home, start a family, or retire well. Make sure you find a certified financial advisor who is a fiduciary, which means they are legally or ethically bound to act in your best interest. They can help you figure out where to invest your 401Ks and really help you invest and build your savings over time.

How To Become Financially Literate + Financially Independent

Financial independence can feel like a crazy goal when you're in the throes of debt and bills. But there's one thing that can help you move toward it: financial literacy. After all, knowledge is power.

"The more that you take control of your finances, the more you take control of your life and destiny," Sacks says. "Financial literacy also ensures you never get taken advantage of and that you’re maximizing the benefits of all the financial products you use."

Everyone has a different financial situation, which means that everyone has to make different financial choices. Taking a step toward financial independence can mean anything from reexamining your grocery bill to creating streams of passive income that make you money while you sleep (more on that later).

All in all, financial literacy and financial independence can go hand-in-hand. Check out the 5 Tax Terms That Can Save You Money, or these 6 Money Tips For Kids. It's never too early to learn!

How To Make Saving Money Less Boring

You might be thinking, "Saving money just doesn't sound fun," and technically you're right. Saving might not feel fun on its own, which is exactly why we're here! Pinterest Predict's Cha-Ching Challenge got us thinking about ways that we can turn saving into a game. Try one or all of these ideas, and let us know your favorite.

Make Learning Fun

If you want to learn more about finances, find a program that puts the terminology into your language, like Sacks' own aspirational finance media company, Finance Is Cool. "It makes being good with your money chic," she says. "I designed it with the goal of helping the future rich people who follow me take control of their finances step-by-step and provide them with the tools they need to grow wealth, all with a little humor and a lot of Kardashian references so we can have fun while we learn."

Maximize Your Card

If you have a credit card, or a debit card with benefits, use the points and rewards to your advantage. Sacks loves the Amex Rewards Checking account. "I earn Membership Rewards points on eligible Debit Card purchases that I can use on shopping, traveling, and more," she says.

Set up an automated deposit into your checking account when the rewards reach a certain number, or save up all your points for a dream-worthy trip during the summer. You can also check out Brit's interview with The Points Guy for more inspo.

Make Money In Your Sleep

Create one (or more) streams of passive income to bolster your paycheck. You can create downloadable guides and video tutorials, sell photography, or add affiliate links to blog posts, but the beauty of passive income is that whatever you choose will do the work for you.

Have Regular Money Dates

A money date can be carving out time for yourself (or with your partner) to create a comfortable space and review your priorities, values, and overall financial goals and hopefully actually set a plan in motion to achieve those. Take yourself out to a cafe or have a glass of wine by your side to make it fun while feeling good about where you're going. Good luck!

With so much information at our finger tips, it's never been easier to take control of your finances. Check out our email newsletter for more money tips and tricks to help you have your own financial glow up.

Lead image courtesy of Pexels/Karolina Grabowska.

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Um, Lady Gaga Joining 'Wednesday' Season 2 Wasn't On My 2024 Bingo Card

We might have been in our Barbie era last year, but we're already looking forward to season 2 of Wednesday in all its lacy, gothic glory. The first season offered the perfect balance of spooky horror, friendships, and romance, and it looks like the next installment will give us even MORE classic Tim Burton details we love. Keep reading to see what lead actress Jenna Ortega has to say about Wednesday season 2!

Keep reading for the latest news on Wednesday season 2.

Who's in the Wednesday season 2 cast?

Helen Sloan/Netflix

Wednesday Season 2 Cast

On November 13, it was announced that Lady Gaga was joining the cast in a yet-to-be-announced role. We can't wait to see her alongside Jenna...and hopefully we get to see her dance a bit ;).

This photo from set confirms the Wednesday season 2 cast list! We now know for sure that we'll see Georgie Farmer, Victor Dorobantu, Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nayo, Joy Sunday, Owen Painter, Emma Myers, Billie Piper, Jenna Ortega, Evie Templeton, Luis Guzmán, Isaac Ordonez, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alfred Gough, Noah Taylor, Miles Millar, Tim Burton, Steve Buscemi, Moosa Mostafa, and Hunter Doohan in season 2 of Wednesday. Deadline confirmed that season 1 regulars Percy Hynes White, Jamie McShane, and Naomi J Ogawa will not be returning.

We know that Jenna Ortega will return as Wednesday, but during her Actors on Actors chat with Elle Fanning, Fanning REALLY wants to know if Weems (the principal of Wednesday's Nevermore Academy, played by Game of Thrones' Gwendoline Christie) will return, Ortega doesn't hesitate to voice how much she loved working with the actress: "I would die to work with Gwendolyn Christie for the rest of my life."

"Wednesday's relationship with Weems is one of my favorite because they're very, very different women and they're constantly against each other but simultaneously they both want to watch each other's successes," she continues. "And Gwendolyn being as talented as she is, she's just really, really a pleasure to work with, so I'm doing everything in my power to throw out the most insane plots that would possibly bring this woman back from the dead." Never say never!

What is Wednesday season 2 about?

Netflix

Wednesday Season 2 Plot

"We've had a lot of conversations and I think we've decided things that we definitely want to enhance or dive a little bit deeper in," Ortega says during her Actors on Actors interview with Elle Fanning.

In addition to leading the cast, Ortega is serving as producer this time around. She's mentioned how collaborative and welcoming series director Tim Burton has been throughout the whole process, and how excited she is to voice her own ideas. "I think we want to lean into the horror aspect of the show a little bit more because it is so lighthearted," she continues. "A show like this, you know, with vampires and werewolves and superpowers, [you don't] want to take yourself too seriously. So I think that we're ditching any romantic love interest for Wednesday which is really great, and then also we have such incredible female leads in the show."

On January 15, Jenna Ortega revealed she's got her hands on the first few scripts for Wednesday season 2. “We’re definitely leaning into a little bit more horror,” Ortega tells E! News. "There’s really, really good one-liners and I think everything’s bigger. It’s a lot more action-packed. Each episode will probably feel a little bit more like a movie, which is nice.”

When is the season 2 Wednesday release date?

Vlad Cioplea/Netflix

Wednesday Season 2 Release Date

Wednesday season 2 will stream on Netflix in 2025. You can stream Wednesday season 1 on Netflix now!

Is season 2 Wednesday going to be scary?

Netflix

"We’re definitely expanding on the supernatural world," Jenna Ortega tells Vanity Fair. "Our show had all sorts of werewolves and vampires and da-ta-da. And I think we expand on that a little bit."

"In the first season we had episodes that really stood out visually, like the dance episode was a really big one for people, and that setting was very particular and it felt like Prom Night, a little bit, or Carrie," she continues. "Every episode [of season two] that I’ve read so far is like that. It just stands out on its own as a very memorable scene or bit or setting, which I think is what I’m most excited for."

Your First Look At 'Wednesday' Season 2!

Netflix/YouTube

For Netflix's Geeked Week, the streamer gave us a behind the scenes first look at Wednesday season 2, which actress Catherine Zeta Jones promises will be "bigger and more twisted" than we could hope for. And Tim Burton's aesthetic is exactly the kind of gothic moodiness we were hoping to see!

We see brief glimpses of Wednesday and Enid at Nevermore, and a shot of Wednesday giving a passionate speech onstage. Maybe she's rallying the student body to fight another evil? Or providing a distraction for Enid to do some snooping? We'll have to wait until 2025 to find out.

Where is Wednesday season 2 filmed?

Vlad Cioplea/Netflix

Via Deadline, season 2 of Wednesday moved from Romania (where they shot season 1) to Ireland, and became the country's "largest production."The show officially started production in early May, according to Variety.

How old is Wednesday Addams?

Netflix

Wednesday Addams is 15 years old at the beginning of the Netflix series. This version of the character is older than other versions, and in the past, we've seen her at six years old and 13.

Are you excited for season 2 of Wednesday? What do you think about the series adding more horror elements? Let us know in the comments and check out the rest of the New TV Shows coming this year!

This post has been updated.

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I Made The Starbucks Medicine Ball Drink At Home – Here's How It Went

When I was working barista shifts at Starbucks over the winter, we'd get Medicine Ball orders every single hour. And not going to lie, I really hated them. Let me get this straight — I didn't hate the drink, but I more so disliked the fact that the customers ordering them almost always demanded their tea between a swarm of thick coughs and countless small sniffles. Yuck.

It truly felt like I was on the fence of getting sick pretty much every time someone stepped up to the register. But, I remained strong and I did what I had to do as a service worker, which in this case, was to pour the peachy-citrus tea into a pool of honey syrup, then top it with steamed lemonade. Coughs and sniffles aside, I often questioned why someone would order the Medicine Ball, based on the cost of the drink alone (up to $6, and that gets expensive when you're ordering it all the time).

Popular during sick season, the Starbucks Medicine Ball (AKA the Honey Citrus Mint Tea) may be good, but it's not good enough to cure you of that semi-flu, or whatever other pathogens might have been floating around in my café. It's also not worth putting someone else's health in jeopardy. Turns out, you can make the Medicine Ball at home — which saves money and effort (and spares others' safety) in the long run.

Scroll on to find out how simple making the Starbucks Medicine Ball really is!

@k.ard Medicine Ball for only $1.69 each! #medicineball#fluseason#coldseason#starbucksdupe#budgettok#SephoraConcealers#DrPepperTuitionContest#halloween#fall2022♬ Halloween - KenZie DarkStar

TikTok always makes recipes look effortless. So, I took this trusty tutorial into our own hands to compare how good an at-home Medicine Ball could really be against the real one from Starbucks.

Ingredients for the Starbucks Medicine Ball Drink

Starbucks

How can I make a Medicine Ball at home?

Anna Pou / PEXELS

Making a Starbucks Medicine Ball at home is pretty straightforward:
  1. Heat 1 cup of lemonade in the microwave for 45 seconds to a minute.
  2. Add 1 cup of hot water and stir in 1 tablespoon honey.
  3. Add one bag of Peach Tranquility and one bag of Jade Citrus Mint, then steep for a few minutes.
  4. Enjoy your Medicine Ball!

How I Made The Starbucks Medicine Ball At Home

Meredith Holser

First, I embarked on an ever-iconic Target run to gather my copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball recipe ingredients. Since they were out of the exact Teavana teas I needed to replicate the TikTok recipe, I picked up two similar ones: first, the Good & Gather Organic Peach Honey Tea, and the Good & Gather Organic Mint Tea. I also picked up a jug of lemonade, and planned to use the honey I already had at home. All together, the three ingredients I needed ended up costing me about $9.50.

Step 1: Heat Lemonade

Tara Winstead / PEXELS

I measured a cup of lemonade, and just popped my Starbucks mug in the microwave for a minute.

Step 2: Add Water and Honey

Roman Odinstov / PEXELS

While the lemonade was in the microwave, I set some water on in my electric kettle. Once both liquids were heated up, I measured a cup of water and combined it in the mug with a tablespoon of honey. Yum!

Step 3: Steep Tea Bags

Anna Pou / PEXELS

Then, I put the two teabags in the mixture to steep. The tea wasn't overly hot either, and I steeped them for about 3 minutes before giving my homemade Medicine Ball recipe a lil' sip.

Is the homemade version of the Medicine Ball as good as the one from Starbucks?

Meredith Holser

To my surprise, my homemade Medicine Ball recipe was extremely delicious, and it mimicked the Starbucks one so closely. Before tasting, I gave my tea a sniff, and the smell was pretty much identical to the drink made in stores. The flavor hit the exact same mark.

Overall, I rate my homemade Starbucks Medicine Ball a 4.7/5.

The only detracting factors are the temperature of the drink – Starbucks steams their lemonade to make the drink super hot, and mine wasn't nearly as piping. Of course, this is just personal preference, and next time, I can heat the lemonade for a longer duration, or reheat the drink altogether. Another reason for the minimal point deduction is the drink wasn't as sweet as I expected it to be. Again, this is a personal preference, and you can add as little or as much sweetener you desire!

All of this goes to say, that a homemade Starbucks Medicine Ball is just as yummy as the one you can get at a Starbucks cafe. By following the steps above, you can make a copycat recipe that's going to satisfy your hankering for a citrusy, hot tea!

Looking for more at-home copycat recipes like this Medicine Ball from Starbucks? Browse our site for more DIYs!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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Um, Gavin Casalegno Is Married!

You might ship Jeremiah and Belly on The Summer I Turned Pretty, but actor Gavin Casalegno is officially off the market. On November 12, the actor hard launched his relationship on Instagram by announcing he had gotten married and the chats went crazy. The Vampire Diaries actor has been keeping things very low-key for over a year, so if this news surprises you, you're not alone!

Keep reading for everything you need to know about Gavin Casalegno's wife.

Is Gavin Casalegno married?

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A post shared by Gavin Casalegno (@gavincasalegno)

"FOREVER CAPTIVATED BY YOU🕊️" Gavin and his new wife Cheyanne said in a joint Instagram post November 12. Gavin wore a black tux while Cheyanne wore a gorgeous strapless gown with a gauzy train and separate, lacy sleeves. As for the veil? The bride wore white fabric over her neck over her shoulders. Gorgeous!

Naturally, the comments went crazy. "okay hard launch !!!!!" one reads, while another user says, "DID I MISS A COUPLE HUNDRED CHAPTERS????"

Gavin and Cheyanne have been together since (at least) spring 2023, when Cheyanne posted him on her Instagram stories. Since then Gavin (or at least, his hair) has popped up on her Insta grid — by the ocean, in Paris, and in the car. Even though Gavin never name dropped his SO at the time, he did talk about dating.

"I definitely have just learned to be more private, which is super interesting because I’m always out in public," he told Shondaland in 2023. "I had to really learn to navigate my own privacy and well-being. So, the quick fix for me is just deleting Instagram and all these apps to kind of check out, to be with my family and be with myself, to spend some time with the Lord — that’s really where I thrive.”

He also told Cosmopolitan that he's had to learn “what it means to just mature a little bit in the dating space."

"You’re dating to marry; you’re not dating to just date,” he said. “I think that gets lost a lot of times in younger generations. So I really try to be intentional with everything that I do as far as spending my time and gift giving and flirting and all these things. I really try to be intentional about it.”

Who is Gavin Casalegno's wife?

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A post shared by DAUGHTER OF THE MOST HIGH GOD (@cheyannecasalegno)

Cheyanne King (er, Casalegno) is a registered nurse who graduated in 2023 from Baylor University, according to her LinkedIn.

How many exes does Gavin Casalegno have?

Gavin Casalegno dated model, dancer, and actress Larsen Thompson (who also has 1.2M followers on TikTok) for six years before the couple split in 2022.

Want the latest news on your favorite celeb relationships? Madison Bailey Got Emotional About Rudy Pankow's Outer Banks Exit Amid Cast Drama Rumors.

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