This blog post was updated on November 8, 2018.
Fans of the hit NBC show Parks and Recreation have been eagerly awaiting the final season since last April. With season 6 ending in a surprising (no spoilers) flash forward, every one wants to know – What will happen to Leslie Knope?! Unfortunately, there still over a month until any of us can find out. If the anticipation is too much for you, and you have some vacation days to use up anyway, why not take a trip to Southern California to tour the real life locations of the fictional, Pawnee, Indiana?
You’ll probably want to start your pilgrimage at City Hall, whose halls our beloved characters pace on a daily basis, and whose entrance we know like the back of our hands. But Pawnee’s City Hall is actually Pasadena City Hall – or, at least, the bottom half of it.
While you’re in Pasadena, if you haven’t yet read the greatest book ever, about the best town in America, you should stop by Vroman’s Bookstore and pick up a copy. It also happens to be the location of Leslie’s book signing.
Galentine’s Day is a time-honored tradition of showing your female friends how much you care. You can reserve the large table at Villa in Woodland Hills and hand out your handmade friendships crafts to all of your favorite people.
Who can forget the Harvest Festival? Once thought to be Leslie Knope’s crowning achievement, and better known (by Leslie) as the place where Ben Wyatt finally fell in love with Li’l Sebastian, most of the festivities were held at Pierce College Farm Center. Check out some of their events after you brunch at Villa.
As Leslie Knope always says “There’s no better solution for a hot-button issue than a good old-fashioned public forum.” The voice of Pawneans is most often heard at Walter Reed Middle School in North Hollywood.
Want to play a few rounds of mini golf at the course Leslie worked so hard to save? That would be Golf N’ Stuff in Norwalk. (The “‘N Stuff” also includes go-carts, bumper boats, and a full arcade. Definitely good for a full afternoon or evening!)
And, of course, what would a trip to ‘Pawnee’ be, without stopping off at JJ’s Diner for a stack of waffles? Four N 20 (which is actually famous for its pie) is located in Sherman Oaks, and was used for interior shots. Although, real sticklers will also want to check out JJ’s circa season one. That would be Kountry Folks in North Hills. Looking to see the exterior restaurant? – Sorry, that’s all the way in Atlanta, Georgia.
Sure, this trip will have you zipping from town to town – but if you’re truly dedicated, and not a complete Jerry Gergich about it, you can probably map out a good route and see it all!
If you want to plan this trip right now, check out OneTravel.com for cheap flights to Los Angeles!
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