Bart on the Road/References

Cultural references

 * The episode is likely an ironic reference to the failed expectations of the 1982 World's Fair, pointing out how structures like the Sunsphere are largely forgotten today. The boys also clearly fail to do proper research, as they see a brochure for the World's Fair in the rental car's glove compartment and believe it is up to date. When they learn the 1982 World's Fair ended many years ago, Milhouse desperately asks "But there is another World's Fair coming soon right? Before Friday?"
 * The Texas Chain Saw Massacre -- the hitchhiker that Bart picks up (and gets ice cream for) looks and sounds like the one from this movie (the scene where the boys stop for ice cream, weigh the car, and pick up the hitchhiker is usually cut in syndicated reruns).
 * The David Cronenberg film Naked Lunch (based on the works of William S. Burroughs) is referenced when Bart, Milhouse and Nelson sneak into it and are disappointed at how misleading the title is.
 * When Bart arrives in Hong Kong, he apparently gets off the plane that is labeled "中華航空公司" (China Airlines), which is based in Taipei.
 * The marquee at the theatre at which Andy Williams is performing proclaims "He's Still Got It!", according to Look magazine (though the title folded in 1971).
 * This is one of two times the song "Radar Love" by Golden Earring is heard on the show. Fat Tony also requests it to be played on a radio station in "Papa's Got a Brand New Badge".
 * Apparently, one of the acts in Branson pairs Waylon Jennings and Madame (although the marquee reads "Madam").
 * Skinner tries to curtail his swearing by exclaiming, "GMChrysler!", a minced oath for Jesus Christ.
 * Martin bought an Al Gore doll in Knoxville, which is appropriate for their locale since the former Vice President was raised in and served as senator from Tennessee.
 * The episode's title derives from the beat novel On the Road by Jack Kerouac.
 * A clip of the boys' chant, "Knoxville! Knoxville! Knoxville!" was used by the local Fox station in ads to promote downtown Knoxville.