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These ’90s-Inspired Travel Spots Are All That and a Bag of Chips!

by Jennifer Zajac

Photograph by Jennifer Zajac

90s tv shows

Tom’s Restaurant in New York City is better known for its role on “Seinfeld.” (Photo: Getty Images)

Thanks to the latest sitcom remakes and reboots, nostalgia for the ’90s is back in a big way. The decade’s top TV shows left a lasting mark on pop culture. Who among us didn’t gasp when Felicity cut her hair or cry when Jonathan Taylor Thomas left “Home Improvement”? (Oh, that JTT. Le sigh.)

Now that the MTV Generation is all grown up, nostalgia travel is alive, well and trending. This turn toward the “good old days” and pre-digital simplicity is spreading. In fact, across social media, posts referencing “’90s nostalgia” have surged 200 percent.

From fan festivals to organized tours, we’re “totally psyched” to explore some of our favorite ’90s sitcom settings. Make sure to pack your favorite flannel and feed your Tamagotchi because you won’t want to miss any of these ’90s-inspired travel spots.

New York City — Friends, Seinfeld

Whether you’re “on a break” or need “serenity now!” NYC is the perfect destination for some ’90s nostalgia. Some of the most iconic TV shows of the decade took place in New York City, including both “Friends” and “Seinfeld.”

“Friends” fans should head to the West Village to see the characters’ famous apartment building at Grove and Bedford. Paleontologist Ross Geller’s museum doesn’t actually exist, but you can still get your australopithecus fix at the American Museum of Natural History.

Tom’s Restaurant is a popular pilgrimage for fans of “Seinfeld,” who can snap a pic while pretending they’re seated in the gang’s favorite booth. See if you can catch the next Jerry Seinfeld performing stand-up at Upright Citizens Brigade. Oh, and don’t forget to grab a bowl of bisque at The Original Soupman. “Next!”

Oahu, Hawaii — Saved by the Bell

90s tv shows
Channel “Saved by the Bell” in Hawaii. (Photo: Getty Images)

Is there anything more iconic than the classic TV tradition of a Hawaiian vacation? In “Saved by the Bell: Hawaiian Style,” the Bayside High crew trades Malibu for Honolulu during their summer break.

Just like Slater and the gang, head to Waikiki Beach for some totally tubular surfing and sunbathing. Though poor Mr. Belding’s group tour doesn’t end so well, you should have much better luck exploring Oahu’s North Shore or visiting a historic pineapple plantation.

Philadelphia — Boy Meets World

Growing up isn’t always easy, and although it was a comedy, “Boy Meets World” didn’t shy away from tackling tough issues. Throughout the series, the Matthews family’s passion for Philadelphia sports teams was a recurring theme. Head to Citizens Bank Park to watch Cory’s beloved baseball team, the Phillies.

With a name like Topanga, who could forget the series’ memorable female lead? One of the show’s most romantic episodes saw Cory and Topanga rekindling their on-again/off-again relationship at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Seattle — Twin Peaks

90s tv shows
Reminisce about “Twin Peaks” in Seattle. (Photo: Getty Images)

The moody setting for cult classic “Twin Peaks” is about an hour outside of Seattle. After two seasons, a feature film and a 2017 limited series reboot, hundreds of fans gather in the towns of Snoqualmie and North Bend for the annual Twin Peaks Festival.

The picturesque, 268-foot Snoqualmie Falls feature prominently in the series’ opening credits and attract 1.5 million visitors each year. Special Agent Dale Cooper loved a fine cup of coffee, so you’ll also want to check out the real Double R Diner at Twede’s Cafe in North Bend.

90s tv show
Snoqualmie Falls is a showstopper — or starter, in the case of “Twin Peaks.” (Photo: Getty Images)

Miami — Golden Girls

Before Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda, it was all about Sophia, Rose, Blanche and Dorothy. While Betty White’s Rose Nylund might’ve pined for her simple life back in Saint Olaf, the ladies had their fair share of fun living in sunny Miami.

Head to Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop for cheesecake and chitchat — the girls had many a heart to heart in their kitchen over their favorite slice. Take a stroll on the Miami Beach Boardwalk, where Sophia bonded with her friend Alvin while enjoying the beautiful ocean views. After reliving your favorite “Golden Girls” moments, your besties will surely say, “Thank You for Being a Friend.”