1

Keep a journal

Image: Thought Catalog

Writing down your thoughts is a great way to organize them into cohesive ideas . Doing so daily, ideally around the same time every day, generates a creative routine that will promote the appearance of new ideas to emerge consistently around that time.

2

Walking

Image: Chris Hardy

As German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said, "All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking." And while this statement may carry a deeper meaning, it's undoubtedly true that taking a walk helps get the creative juices flowing .

3

Reading

Image: Matias North

Reading not only exercises your brain and improves your vocabulary , but it also boosts your empathy and imagination. People who read literary fiction, in particular, are more likely to understand the feelings and beliefs of others.

4

Unplug

Image: Tobias Tullius

Spend less time in front of screens. Whether it’s your cellphone, computer, or television, unplugging from electronics —even for just a couple of hours each day—can significantly improve your brain’s ability to generate original thoughts and draw inspiration from within.

5

Exercise

Image: Jonathan Borba

This one goes hand in hand with the tip about walking. Exercise is a powerful way to boost your creative energy —it increases your metabolism and provides a sense of accomplishment that can carry over into other areas of your work and personal life.

6

Try new things often

Image: Laura D Vargas

Do something different every day. It could be a small detour from your usual routine or an entirely new activity. Your brain thrives with new things and your creativity feeds on anything that breaks away from the norm.

7

Move around

Image: Christin Hume

Changing locations gives you a new perspective , which affects how your brain processes information. It can be as simple as moving to a different room, working outside for the day, or venturing a bit farther—but it always helps.

8

Identify your best moments

Image: Avi Richards

Some of us work best in the early morning, while some work better late at night. Find the moment of the day when your energy is peaking and take advantage of it. This is the time of day when your concentration is sharpest, and it’s the best time to tackle tasks you've been putting off.

9

Seek out different opinions

Image: Christina @ wocintechchat.com

Creative people tend to interact with people who inspire them and capture their imagination, both in and outside of their own fields. Hearing about different opinions gives you a perspective outside your own and fosters new, creative ideas that you might not have come up with otherwise.

10

Be more curious

Image: Joakim Honkasalo

Being curious is possibly one of the best ways to fuel your creativity . Make it a point to learn something new every day. Allow yourself to go down rabbit holes and chase ideas—no matter how strange or unproductive they might seem (even if only for a short period).

11

Do not fear failure

Image: Kind and Curious

Two advantages to be gained from a mistake are finding out empirically what doesn’t work, and learning how to avoid similar situations in the future . This new information increases your experience and allows your imagination to better anticipate scenarios related to those mistakes.

12

Sleep well

Image: Simon Infanger

Last but not least, sleep well. Lack of sleep can slow down cognitive functions, so prioritize getting a good night’s rest to ensure your brain is in top shape to come up with fresh ideas.

1

The Last Blockbuster in Bend, Oregon

Image: Delaney Van

The last Blockbuster video-rental store in the world stands in Bend, Oregon—did you know? And for a limited time, at the end of 2020, it allowed guests to spend the night there, explore their vast collection, and host a movie marathon.

Sadly, the venue doesn’t operate as a bed-and-breakfast currently. But it gladly welcomes guests, and who knows? The family-owned store might be open to hosting more unforgettable stays in the future.

2

Hobbit House in Orondo, Washington

Image: Joshua Harris

Whether you are a Tolkien fan or not, surely you’ve wondered what it would be like to curl up on a comfy couch inside a Hobbit House! These underground cottages with round doors and grass roofs feel straight out of Middle-earth.

One of the fans' favorites is The Hobbit House in Orondo, Washington. You might easily miss it, carved into a hill overlooking the Columbia River Gorge—a cozy, off-the-grid spot that transports guests to another world.

3

Treehouse Point in Issaquah, Washington

Image: Ashley Endemano

Childhood dreams come alive in these handcrafted treehouses nestled among Pacific Northwest evergreens. Some feature rope bridges between platforms, while others boast skylights for stargazing from bed.

The creator, inspired by childhood forts, designed these as peaceful escapes where you can sleep high up, surrounded by green canopies. Not far away are the thunderous Snoqualmie Falls and the endless Cascade Mountain trails.

4

Fire lookout towers in National Forests

Image: Jamie Pilgrim

In today’s world, you can’t blame solitude seekers. Some people crave a digital detox, so they head to lookout fire cabins like Oak Flat Lookout, over the Kern River in California.

Once vital for spotting wildfires, many of these cabins were nearly demolished before preservationists intervened. Sure, the lack of amenities is part of the charm, but epic sunrises are the reward.

5

Newport's Jailhouse Inn

Image: Syarafina Yusof

Why not turn a historic jail into a hotel? Newport’s Jailhouse, built in 1772, is a beautiful federal-style building located near the city center of Newport, Rhode Island.

Now, it’s been reconditioned to become an inn: You can spend the night behind bars—with luxury linens—in its creatively converted cells, where original cell doors now frame plush beds.

6

Covered Wagon Glamping in Westgate River Ranch, Florida

Image: James Lee

Imagine spending a few nights inside an Oregon Trail wagon—except you’d be in Florida, armed with the comforts of a king bed and air conditioning. These tricked-out wagons are the main attraction at Florida's Westgate River Ranch, pioneers in blending Old West nostalgia with today’s glamping movement.

7

Converted Grain Silos in Green Ridge, Missouri

Image: Meredith Petrick

If you were to open a door to the inside of the silos at Prairie Vale in Green Ridge, Missouri, you would walk into perfectly functional (though unusually cylindrical) guest rooms.

These grain silos, situated on a former dairy farm, have been repurposed and transformed into comfortable living spaces. The property spans 14 acres and is home to various animals that guests can visit and feed.

8

Michigan's Big Bay Point

Image: Vladyslav Dukhin

A lighthouse bed-and-breakfast near the cliffs of Lake Superior? You can sleep where keepers once stood watch in coastal lighthouses like Michigan's Big Bay Point, where spiral stairs lead to lantern rooms with sweeping views.

They want you to fully enjoy your stay surrounded by nature, so there are no phones or TVs inside the guest rooms.

9

"Up" house in Abiquiu, New Mexico

Image: Ankush Minda

All those who watched Disney-Pixar's 2009 animated film Up will no doubt remember the image of the house being lifted into the air by hundreds of colorful balloons. That’s not exactly what’s happening at the Abiquiu house, but it’s similar.

This venue, which was available as a unique Airbnb experience temporarily, mirrored the film's architecture and interior decor in stunning detail, and yes, it was adorned with over 8,000 balloons. But it was a crane that lifted the house off the ground to create the effect.

10

Retro-Americana: the sleep-in Red Caboose in Ronks

Image: Rachel Claire

Retro road trip vibes shine at spots like the Red Caboose Motel, located in the community of Ronks, Pennsylvania. It offers a line of colorful train cars as suites. Comfortable bedrooms, dining, and storage areas were built inside recycled train cars, becoming a main attraction in the area.

1

Atlanta - "Gone with the Wind"

Image: Brad Huchteman

We can’t think of a film that captures the South quite like Gone with the Wind , can you?

In this sweeping epic that tells the story of love, war, and survival during the Civil War, Atlanta plays a crucial role as the backdrop for Scarlett O’Hara’s turbulent life and relationships, especially with Rhett Butler, played by the great Clark Gable.

The brilliance of the film and Scarlett’s story, iconically portrayed by Vivien Leigh, mirrors the history and transformation of Atlanta itself, a city that goes from bustling to ravaging due to war.

If you’re from Atlanta, cheer proudly—your city made it to the top of this list!

2

St. Louis - "Meet me in St. Louis"

Image: Chris Hardy

Some movies make us wonder: Which came first—the city’s popularity or the movie’s? In any case, we can’t deny that some movies and cities share equal popularity, regardless of which one started it. That is the case of Meet Me in St. Louis a charming, feel-good musical that transports us to turn-of-the-century St. Louis.

The film follows the Smith family as they experience love, heartbreak, and the excitement of the 1904 World’s Fair. The one and only Judy Garland stars as Esther, and her unforgettable performance of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" makes this film a holiday favorite. St. Louis shines as the backdrop, from the family’s cozy home to the city’s festive atmosphere, giving the story an old-fashioned warmth.

3

New York City - "12 Angry Men"

Image: Jason Briscoe

Movies that were inspired by The City that Never Sleeps? Well, that could be an article in itself. From The Godfather to Taxi Driver to Do the Right Thing , the list is truly endless. But for the sake of this article, we’ve committed to only one and that’s 12 Angry Men .

This classic courtroom drama follows twelve jurors as they decide the fate of a young man accused of murder. Set in the heart of New York City, 12 Angry Men contrasts the pressure and intensity of city life, against the claustrophobic jury room, where tempers flare. The cast is led by Henry Fonda, who plays a calm and reasoned juror who slowly persuades the others to see the case in a different light.

Much like living in this city, watching the film makes you feel every emotion possible!

4

Washington, D.C. - "All The President’s Men"

Image: Harold Mendoza

Washington, D.C., is the capital of our country, and when you think of it, you think of politics, prominent figures, and government matters. Combine that with the Watergate scandal—an event that shook America’s political class to its core—and you have the foundation for a compelling movie.

Based on a true story, All the President’s Men follows Washington Post journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein as they investigate political corruption at the highest level. Washington, D.C., serves as the backdrop to a story that offers a front-row seat to the unraveling of a presidency. Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman deliver standout performances as the determined reporters who refuse to give up.

Washington, D.C., is the perfect setting for this high-stakes thriller.

5

Philadelphia - "Rocky"

Image: Jonathan Gong

"Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up," said Rocky, and with that, Philadelphia became forever associated with persistence, resilience, and, of course, boxing.

Philadelphia is inseparable from Rocky , the story of a down-and-out boxer who gets the chance of a lifetime. Sylvester Stallone stars as Rocky Balboa, whose iconic run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is as legendary as the movie itself. The city’s blue-collar spirit is on full display, making it the perfect backdrop for Rocky’s fight for respect and glory. Philly becomes a symbol of perseverance, where dreams are chased, and grit is rewarded.

Honorable mentions: The Wrestler (2008), The Sixth Sense (1999), and Blow Out (1981) also showcase Philly’s diverse storytelling.

6

Miami - "Scarface"

Image: aurora.kreativ

What do you think of when you think of Miami? For us, it’s not just the beaches or the Everglades—it’s Tony Montana. And not because Miami is exactly dangerous, but because Scarface and its unforgettable anti-hero have been living rent-free in our minds ever since it premiered.

If you’ve seen it, you know it: this film takes us on a wild ride through the rise and fall of Tony Montana , played by Al Pacino in one of his most iconic roles.

As for the city, Miami—with its sunny beaches and drug-fueled underworld—serves as the perfect backdrop for Tony’s relentless climb to power. The city itself becomes a symbol of both opportunity and excess, where fast cars, palm trees, and glowing lights mask a darker reality. While we don’t think this is an accurate representation of this beautiful city, we can’t deny it was a supreme one!

7

Chicago - "Home Alone"

Image: Fineas Anton

Chicago has seen some incredible productions, from the namesake musical to _The Untouchables_—each capturing the spirit of this dynamic city in its own way. But since we’ve already discussed crime-related films, let’s dive into comedy. And if we combine Chicago and the comedy category , nothing beats Home Alone .

In the movie, we follow Kevin, a kid left behind in the city while his family heads off on a holiday trip. Alone and loving it, Kevin, played by Macaulay Culkin, soon has to defend his home from two not-so-bright burglars, portrayed by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern.

The cozy suburban setting is perfectly snowy and festive, making it feel like the ultimate holiday getaway. Well, that is if you can ignore the burglars!

8

Detroit - "True Romance"

Image: Alex Brisbey

Movies that mention Elvis Presley? Yes, please! This movie has action, an Elvis fan, and a great city—Detroit—and we have Quentin Tarantino to thank for it.

True Romance takes viewers on a wild ride through Detroit, following Clarence, played by Christian Slater, and Alabama, played by Patricia Arquette, as they try to outrun the mob.

The streets of Detroit and the industrial vibe of the city perfectly match the film’s fast-paced, chaotic energy. It’s a Tarantino film, one is expecting this kind of rhythm.

It’s a love story wrapped in a crime drama, with a dash of dark humor and a lot of action. The Motor City isn’t just a backdrop, we can consider it a character that adds to the rawness of the film.

9

San Francisco - "Mrs. Doubtfire"

Image: Josh Hild

10

San Francisco has that heartwarming spirit, and the story of a father who would do anything for his kids perfectly matches that vibe—it’s highly relatable, don’t you think?

In Mrs. Doubtfire , we follow Robin Williams although he’s not in his usual clothes. He dresses up as an elderly British woman, Mrs. Doubtfire, to work as a nanny and stay close to his kids.

The hilly streets of the City make it a perfect background for all the shenanigans going on in the family. From the classic foggy mornings to the iconic scene on the Golden Gate Bridge, the movie takes us around San Francisco with a perfectly matched playful spirit.

11

Las Vegas - "Casino"

Image: David Lusvardi

Quite appropriate, don’t you think? When you think of Vegas, you think of card games, gambling, a nice drink in your hand, and a comfortable hotel to return to.

In the movie Casino, we are taken into the neon lights and dark underbelly of Las Vegas, where the lives of casino operators and the mob intertwine . Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film stars Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci in a dazzling, dangerous story about power, money, and, of course, betrayal.

Las Vegas, with its unique and vibrant spirit, is the perfect setting for this story in which stakes are high and risks even higher. Have you watched it?