Travel Guides Road Trips
Carlie Hoke
A common misconception about the rich and famous is that they’re all packed in Hollywood, but the truth is that a lot of celebrities prefer to live, shop, and spend time in various places outside of the glitz and glamor of California. In fact, passion projects of familiar names can be found in the most unlikely of places, from candy shops and burger joints to jazz clubs and indie book shops.
While you may not be planning a trip to NYC around a coffee shop or setting off to a small town in Massachusetts for a look around their general store, having some of your favorite celebrities’ side hustles on your radar while road-tripping throughout the country may make for fun pit stops. Morgan Freeman, Channing Tatum, and Paul Rudd are just a few stars who have their hands in unique businesses in unlikely places. Who knows? Your next road trip could take you to a celebrity-owned business, and you may be surprised and inspired by what you find there.
Samuel’s Sweet Shop in Rhinebeck, New York
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The very last thing you would expect from A-listers Paul Rudd and Jeffrey Dean Morgan is for them to pull a Willy Wonka, as Stephen Colbert quipped on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. But they did just that when they partnered to save a beloved candy shop in Rhinebeck, New York, where they both reside with their equally talented wives. Along with screenwriter and producer Julie Yaeger and actress Hilarie Burton Morgan, Rudd and Morgan helped purchase Samuel’s Sweet Shop back in 2014 and they have kept the doors open and candy lovers everywhere in steady supply of sugary confections and coffee.
Fans of the Marvel star and comedic actor Paul Rudd can grab some of his favorite sweets in his namesake sampler available at Samuel’s, both online and in person. Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who has been in a number of popular fandoms like “Supernatural” and “The Walking Dead,” has his own sampler that features sets of candy dentures, whereas his “One Tree Hill” star wife Hilarie Burton Morgan prefers her sampler to feature candied nuts and fruit.
Of course, the celebrity owners’ favorite guilty pleasures aren’t nearly the only options customers have when they walk into the cozy candy shop, and your sweet tooth will certainly be satiated by a pit stop here. Take some coffee to go and wander around the town; you may even run into one of the stars when meandering down the quaint and cozy Market Street.
Laughing Man Coffee in New York City
Sometimes a cup of coffee is so much more than a caffeine burst, and Hugh Jackman learned just that when he found a deeper connection while sharing a drink with a farmer in Ethiopia. Upon returning to his home in New York, Jackman aimed to bring the same experience of connection and joy to coffee drinkers and founded Laughing Man Coffee in Lower Manhattan, a coffee shop and company with a foundation that gives back in a big way.
No doubt, New York City is littered with specialty, trendy coffee shops, so is Laughing Man Coffee really worth heading into the city just for a cup from Broadway’s beloved Hugh Jackman? The answer is a resounding yes, as the foundation behind Laughing Man Coffee helps support the farmers and the families of farmers who produce coffee beans abroad.
The foundation and coffee brand refreshingly follows the coffee back to the roots of what makes the world run and transparently gives back to that which it profits from, which can’t be said about many businesses. Jackman certainly gets some bonus points for giving credit where it is due, and for helping caffeinate New Yorkers and road trippers alike.
Marshfield Hills General Store in Massachusetts
Paul Rudd with his sweet shop isn’t the only comedian that owns a retro, out-of-this-time business. Steve Carell is the proud owner of a cute, historic little general store in Marshfield Hills, Massachusetts. Yes, it may sound like a plot to one of his many film or TV roles, but we promise Carell really does own the most adorable general store in a quaint little town. He and his family may not live in the area, but Carell did grow up in Massachusetts, which helped first put the store on his radar.
Located less than an hour’s drive southeast of Boston, Marshfield Hills General Store is an ideal stop on a road trip through New England, especially if you or someone you love is a fan of Steve Carell. The general store is basically a carefully curated gift shop with products from a number of different vendors available, and, of course, they do carry “The Office” memorabilia. Sure, you can buy Michael Scott’s World’s Best Boss mug online, but it is a little more special coming from such a quaint shop that happens to be owned by Mr. Scott himself — or, at least, the man who played him so successfully.
Wahlburgers in Boston, Massachusetts
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It’s not exactly on the down-low that Mark Wahlberg and his brothers own Wahlburgers, a burger joint endearingly named after themselves — they did, after all, have a whole reality show about it. Chef Paul Wahlberg opened the first Wahlburgers back in 2011 and in just a few short years “Wahlburgers” the show took off, lasting 10 seasons. Now the burger joint franchise has over 90 locations worldwide, most of which are in the United States.
The Wahlberg brothers have been around and in the spotlight for a while, dating all the way back to the funky fresh boy band era of the ’80s and ’90s. Thanks to Mark Wahlberg’s ever-growing superstardom, the name has turned into a household one. This, combined with the good quality food and drink found at the casual burger and beer joint, has bloomed the franchise into one that has surpassed that of a regional chain and pushed it into one found in New England, the South, and the Midwest.
Having locations that cover almost half of the country, Wahlburgers is an ideal restaurant to break up a road trip, especially if you are into pop culture and want to experience a celebrity-owned business. Make a quick stop by any of the locations for a burger, fries, or one of the franchise’s house-made shakes, but visiting one of the Boston or nearby locations will result in a more authentic experience.
Draper James in Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is very much a celebrity city, with country stars and stars who are a little country flocking there for residence and a fun night on the town. Reese Witherspoon is one such famous figure, as the southern belle has a home in the city and also owns a popular boutique named for her grandparents and the ideals they instilled in her.
Reese Witherspoon not only put her family’s name and legacy into Draper James, but also her whole self. If you’re at all familiar with the “Sweet Home Alabama” star, you’ll see her personality and style reflected in every aspect of the boutique’s appearance, from the baby blue and white brand design to the curated items on display shelves. Charmingly southern, timeless, and fresh are a few of the many ways the women’s boutique could be described.
Whereas many businesses in the Music City are honky-tonks and music venues nestled comfortably Downtown or on Broadway, Draper James is very at home in 12South, a small, half-mile-long Nashville neighborhood known for its collection of unique local shops. If you’re in the area to do a little shopping or just passing through the city, a quick exploration of the pocket neighborhood could result in finding a treasure you just can’t live without.
Tennessee Turquoise Company in Franklin, Tennessee
Just south of Nashville in Franklin, Tennessee is a company that is so Nashville it’s almost a sin it’s not located within the city limits. Country star Chris Stapleton’s wife owns and runs Tennessee Turquoise Company, a jewelry company that specializes in vintage silver and turquoise accessories. The curated creations are absolutely stunning and well worth a stop if passing by during a road trip or if coming down from the Music City.
Morgane Stapleton opened the shop based on her love for turquoise and she maintains an all-female staff. With respect to the Indigenous communities who had a hand in making a good amount of the vintage items she sells, she supports the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center with every purchase made.
The craftsmanship of the items in Stapleton’s shop is obvious, as is her eye for newfound treasures. The great thing about Tennessee Turquoise Company is that the items are typically one of a kind and get replaced with other unique pieces once sold off, making each visit something new and interesting.
Mom’s Spaghetti in Detroit, Michigan
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In a move that shook rap fans everywhere in the best way possible, Eminem opened up a restaurant in his beloved home city named for one of his most famous song’s most famous lines. The menu at Mom’s Spaghetti is a simple one, with spaghetti naturally being the theme. You can get ordinary spaghetti, spaghetti with balls, or even vegan “rabbit” balls. If those sound too plain for you, order spaghetti in a sandwich and call it a day. It’s pretty straightforward and also happens to be one of the coolest little restaurants, sometimes even getting an appearance from Slim Shady himself.
Fans of Eminem know that Detroit is an important city to the rapper and he gives back to his hometown at every possible opportunity. Mom’s Spaghetti is just one example of this touching loyalty he has for the city, and a road trip that takes you in its vicinity should certainly spare some time to see just how legendary a practically one-menu-item restaurant can be.
Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi
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Live music and good food pair so well together, something that Morgan Freeman apparently knows very well. The legendary actor is the co-owner of a blues club in his beloved home state of Mississippi, pretty much cementing that he’s pretty much the coolest celebrity ever.
Ground Zero Blues Club is a special restaurant and music venue that regularly has live music of the blues and jazz genre playing. It’s important to note that this is not a late-night club, but a casual and relaxed venue that closes up shop by midnight. The vibes are undeniable, though, and give off the same effortless suave that Morgan Freeman himself is so beloved for.
As far as the menu goes, Ground Zero is as country as you can get, just as you would expect from an establishment that serves up authentic Mississippi fare. Fried green tomatoes, catfish, and fried okra are all present, along with a number of other items that scream Mississippi. All in all, a pretty awesome selection for the foodies.
Saints and Sinners in New Orleans, Louisiana
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New Orleans has quite the history, and Storyville, its former red light district, is both a very haunted and very fun place. NOLA is a city whose past likes to stick around, and Saints and Sinners is a Storyville bar that revels in the past of the risqué district. Given that it’s designed like an old New Orleans brothel, there’s arguably no celebrity better to co-own Saints and Sinners than “Magic Mike” star Channing Tatum. The actor frequently pushes the envelope with his roles and is consistently seen as a champion for sex positivity, which makes his love for both New Orleans and the city’s history in the sex industry make sense.
The restaurant’s whole theme is built on being “bad,” but the menu is anything but. The various seafood dishes they offer are diverse and traditional, with seasonal crawfish boils taking place on their patio – they even have alligator on the menu! Saints and Sinners makes it clear that being bad feels good, but that angel on their shoulder comes out in great ways, too. Every menu item purchase means a donation to their own foundation, Love Thy Neighbor, which helps feed children all around the world. This is one risqué stop that you’ll feel good about, in more ways than one.
Mission Ranch Hotel and Restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
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Interestingly enough, Mission Ranch Hotel and Restaurant is the only Californian business you’ll find on this list and it’s one you wouldn’t expect to find in the coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Mission Ranch is owned by Clint Eastwood, who was once the actual mayor of the Californian town, and while you don’t typically associate ranches with the Golden State’s famous residents, it certainly makes sense that the iconic western film star would have one and he has maintained ownership of the ranch since the ’80s.
Mission Ranch consists of a restaurant, a wedding venue, and a wide collection of lodgings for nightly accommodations. The view from any point of the ranch is gorgeous, and there isn’t really any question why couples choose to experience their big day here. You do not have to be attached to an event to stay there, though, and Carmel-by-the-Sea is a gorgeous celebrity town to hit on a road trip up the West Coast.
Magnolia Market in Waco, Texas
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HGTV fanatics have likely heard of the Magnolia brand from Target as well as the TV network, but those in Waco, Texas get to patronize their own little lawn and garden and home store. Owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines, one of the most iconic home renovation and design couples, Magnolia Market is an impressively large home goods and decor store that naturally has the same calming and cozy aesthetic that the Gaineses are known for implementing into their projects.
At Magnolia Market, new products and displays get brought in every season. This means that every time you come back, you’re likely to find something new and be inspired all over again. Not far from the market itself is a collection of shops called Shops at the Silos, named for the obvious landmark situated behind the market and shops. Each shop has been selected by the Gaineses as complementary to the market. They include a plant shop, a stationery store, and an apparel boutique. Be forewarned, though: You should be prepared to put a dent in your wallet if you choose to visit. It may be a good idea to bring a vehicle with plenty of hauling space because you’ll want to bring everything home with you.
Walton’s Fancy and Staple in Austin, Texas
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Austin, Texas is known for staying weird, so it only makes sense that a celebrity used to the eccentrics of Hollywood would jump at the opportunity to open a passion project there. The lovely Sandra Bullock has claimed the city as the home to her hybrid restaurant and florist shop, Walton’s Fancy and Staple, and it is a great spot to drop in on your next trip to Austin, either for coffee and a bite to eat or a gift to bring back home.
Sandra Bullock owns another restaurant in Austin, where she resides, called Bess Bistro. Unlike other celebrities who own ventures outside of Hollywood, Bullock has a heavy hand in decision-making and puts a little bit of her soul into both restaurants. For fans of the iconic actress, a visit to Walton’s Fancy and Staple or Bess Bistro is a must when visiting the Texan city. Even if you are just passing through, ordering take-out is a quick and easy option to experience one of the cool eateries.
Beastly Books in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Westeros is calling, and interestingly enough the call is coming from Santa Fe, New Mexico, where “Game of Thrones” author George R. R. Martin owns a science fiction and fantasy bookstore next to the Jean Cocteau Cinema, which he also owns. Naturally, the shop sells titles authored by the owner, and if you’re a fan, the bookstore should absolutely be on your radar.
Beastly Books celebrates the fantasy, horror, and sci-fi genres by giving those who like to explore the darker side of the written word a place to find their next world to escape to. While you could certainly head to your local bookstore and navigate the genre sections to find the same or similar titles, patronizing a store dedicated to the genres, and owned by a world-renowned fantasy legend no less, would totally be worth a little pit stop if passing near Santa Fe on your next road trip. The little details of the shop, like the subtle dragon mural on the side of the building, make the place all the more special.
