next week a friend and i will begin a trek across this great land and since we have no real goal other than seeing all the pandas in the USA (only 4 zoos have them) we were thinking we would also try to see a good chunk of the stupid things on the side of the road. Things like the largest ball of string, world's biggest frying pan, midgetville, donkey shows, largest adult novelty store, and so on are what we are aiming for. we will touch the west coast and then turn south to start the Pandatrek in san diego. heading back east.
so if you would. Please let me know of anything that you have seen that fits into this and where it is.
Thanks!
Can you give us a broad hint of what your route might be?
Here's a few.
http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/11-05/15-weirdest-roadside-attractions-in-america.html (http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/11-05/15-weirdest-roadside-attractions-in-america.html)
There's always this one...
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff167/kngtofni/dimby%202010/DSC_0382.jpg)
Apropos to absolutely nothing at all, "this" wide brown land seems to have a bit of a fetish for those "big" things too. My idea was to build a theme park (well actually a spare room in my house) of miniature big things where you can come and see all of them in one spot, albeit alot smaller. I reckon it's a winner of an idea and am open to the idea to franchise such a venture in the states. Any takers? I want to call it "little big things"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia's_big_things (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia's_big_things)
Quote from: kopfjäger on August 25, 2012, 11:10:08 AM
Here's a few.
http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/11-05/15-weirdest-roadside-attractions-in-america.html (http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/11-05/15-weirdest-roadside-attractions-in-america.html)
I have been to three of them.
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d3/Klamath-Paul-and-Babe.jpg)
Trees of mystery.
If you get to Maine:
Bigass Paul Bunyon, Bangor
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8282/7859666744_59c92b50d6.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23081877@N02/7859666744/)
Paul Bunyon Statue, Bangor, ME 3377 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23081877@N02/7859666744/#) by
Bigass Pink Floyd the Dinosaur in Belfast:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7254/7859665898_08078301fd.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23081877@N02/7859665898/)
Bigass Indian, Freeport
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7113/7859655000_20a5fb171e.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23081877@N02/7859655000/)
Bigass WTF, Bath
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8435/7859655170_aa33655251.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23081877@N02/7859655170/)
Bigass scary celeb house, Bangor
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8284/7859655388_61eb149aa5.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23081877@N02/7859655388/)
Bigass moose that heard you were on tour and grew wings, Greenville
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8306/7859654822_4449dd8a44.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23081877@N02/7859654822/)
Drive thru tree.
(http://www.alamedainfo.com/Chandelier_Tree_Underwood_Park_878.jpg)
omg [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]
most of this stuff looks like it is from the same era...
the era of nutts.... [laugh] [laugh]
have a good time kni! 8)
and bigass kudos to dp for diggin' up that moose pic
approximate route will be 90 west to ID then something else to get to CA.
PCH south to san diego
then east through vegas, denver, memphis, and atlanta. then north to DC and home.
the only certainties are long hours in the car, beer that we can't get here, and pandas.
there will probably also be a fight and we will hate each other for a day or 2
Do not pass up the roadside rattlesnake "ranches" in Texas. Or better still, the rattlesnake "roundup" in Sweetwater about 40 miles from Abilene, Texas. Who would want to miss some grilled rattler or watch hundreds of snakes get "milked". Damn, we know how to have fun in Texas! [laugh] [beer] [bacon]
This one is here in Al.
(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa91/chiflado/e62d924a7a8c59b43759cea6c73ccbe8.jpg)
also, i forgot to add, we are leaving from philly.
Quote from: fastwin on August 25, 2012, 03:31:34 PM
Do not pass up the roadside rattlesnake "ranches" in Texas. Or better still, the rattlesnake "roundup" in Sweetwater about 40 miles from Abilene, Texas. Who would want to miss some grilled rattler or watch hundreds of snakes get "milked". Damn, we know how to have fun in Texas! [laugh] [beer] [bacon]
i grew up in AL and my relatives are from TX. I have been witness to this fun. i might make my freind do the same. lol
Do it. [thumbsup] [drink] [popcorn] Nothing more fun than a little snake handling. ;)
You should try to include as many of the Drive Ins, Diners, and Dives spots as you can for food. And a baseball game in every park playing at the times you pass through.
And skip PCH through the south bay and Long Beach unless hookers and tweakers count as roadside attractions.
Quote from: hbliam on August 25, 2012, 05:32:09 PM
You should try to include as many of the Drive Ins, Diners, and Dives spots as you can for food. And a baseball game in every park playing at the times you pass through.
And skip PCH through the south bay and Long Beach unless hookers and tweakers count as roadside attractions.
The level of how much this pains me to say, I agree. [thumbsup]
My kind of trip, wish I were participating.
I have nothing worthwhile to contribute, but I approve. [thumbsup]
Quote from: hbliam on August 25, 2012, 05:32:09 PM
You should try to include as many of the Drive Ins, Diners, and Dives spots as you can for food. And a baseball game in every park playing at the times you pass through.
And skip PCH through the south bay and Long Beach unless hookers and tweakers count as roadside attractions.
neither of us like baseball, but i like the idea.
duly noted about the southern PCH. I have a stop in LA and a bit north of LA anyways.
(http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/57199969.jpg)
Prehistoric Gardens-Oregon Coast
Prairie Dog Town in Oakley, KS...Home of the "world's largest prairie dog"... it's about as cheesy as it gets :)
(http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/40364174.jpg)
Babe the Blue Ox and Paul B. - Klamath, CA. Babe makes me feel inadequate. :'(
Quote from: elyse on August 27, 2012, 09:48:05 AM
Prairie Dog Town in Oakley, KS...Home of the "world's largest prairie dog"... it's about as cheesy as it gets :)
This.
You'll see the signs for MILES.
Bookmark this site: http://www.roadsideamerica.com/ (http://www.roadsideamerica.com/) Bet you can't spend just five minutes on the site marveling at the voices in some people's heads that drive them to create some of these things.
Pretty much the definitive guide to weird attractions and distractions all around this great land of ours, including a trip planner!
http://www.confusionhill.com/confusionhill-contact.htm (http://www.confusionhill.com/confusionhill-contact.htm)
We've got a giant indian in Asheville at a (used to be) Pontiac dealer.
JM
(http://www.woohome.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/redwood_log_house_01.jpg)
Might be a little out of the way in Douglas, WY:
(http://www.jackalope.org/wp-content/uploads/JackalopeHome.jpg)
Also, if you are on I-10 east of Tucson, you could stop here:
(http://static.ddmcdn.com/gif/roadside-paranormal-1a.jpg)
Quote from: the_Journeyman on August 27, 2012, 05:52:34 PM
We've got a giant indian in Asheville at a (used to be) Pontiac dealer.
JM
My giant Indian can kick your giant Indians ass.
(http://www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/images/ca/CABAKmuf_splatt.jpg)
great place - national mustard museum in WI
http://mustardmuseum.com/ (http://mustardmuseum.com/)
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oOJMYL8TW6E/TJj2ahrMK4I/AAAAAAAAH-E/go9l8wwGV9U/s1600/Mustang_Ranch4Enter2-350MO.jpg)
This could qualify as "stupid" on some occasions ???
i love how soooo many of these roadside attractions are here in nor cal :) ..ive been to confusion hill & trees of mystery (which is also where paul bunyon & babe is) & the drive thru tree... they are all up hwy 101 along the coast, a few hours north of san francisco..ive also been to the prehistoric gardens, which is also along 101.. and ive seen the chair too because i used to live in anniston.. i live for this stuff! so quirky & cool....
if you find yourself taking i-80 from idaho into cali, you should cut off at reno & then onto US 395 & go through Virginia City, it's a cool old west town...then from there you could take 395 to hwy 50 & go through Tahoe & from there into Sacramento where you could visit Old Sac & the state capitol if you wanted to or you could continue on to i-80 into the bay area & decide if you want to go north on 101 to all of the roadside attractions mentioned above or just continue on to San Francisco where you can pick up the PCH orrrrrrr you can skip sf altogether & go from 80 to 680 & head towards santa cruz where you can also pick up the pch
not exactly pullover attractions
but mingling with people at a localized festival is usually the most amusing (unless they are wearing bedsheets and are erecting a large wooden crucifix)
sadly, too late for the Gilroy Garlic Festival....
I recall there being several Banana Slug Festivals I think in Oregon and on the Russian River in Cali
not on your path but Helen Georgia is always a weird sort of experience....a failed logging camp that re-invented itself
as a Bavarian Alpine Village...in an odd hillbilly sorta way
just do a tour of Walmarts, they could be considered roadside attractions.
Go in with stereotypical tourist garb on, a camera and a clipboard.
Ask to have pictures of you taken next to the most interesting fauna.
i'm loving the sugestions. THanks guys!
we were actualy talking about doing random stops at walmarts just to judge them against each other and try to get a rating system going.
Cadillac ranch right on the I40
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rnuGYdDZhCY/TouafDHkBwI/AAAAAAAADaA/s-Mx4IXWZPw/s640/Westbound%2520-%252020.jpg)
These are east of Flagstaff on I-40:
(http://static.ddmcdn.com/gif/roadside-statues-116.jpg)
And shortly after that is the Meteor Crater:
(http://www.thelivingmoon.com/43ancients/04images/Earth/Meteor_Crater/MC_001_NASA.jpg)
And then you can stand on a corner in Winslow, AZ - but there's not much else to do there:
http://www.standinonthecorner.com/ (http://www.standinonthecorner.com/)
and i've always wanted to go to oatman arizona... they have wild burros that just hang out in town :)
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/89?offset=5 (http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/89?offset=5)
Quote from: RAT900 on August 27, 2012, 11:43:43 PM
I recall there being several Banana Slug Festivals I think in Oregon and on the Russian River in Cali
Yes
the slug races start next weekend
Quote from: Mother on August 29, 2012, 08:57:01 AM
Yes
the slug races start next weekend
And last until the first frost.
Well, I guess you gotta hit Graceland since you'll be in Memphis...
If you take I20 East out of ATL you'll pass by the "prettier" drive to DC via the Blue Ridge Pkwy and instead hit I95 North in Florence, SC. A few miles after that you'll hit "South of the Border", world's *whatever* truckstop. Don't worry, you can't miss it, there's billboards for 100 miles in either direction.
In my experience with xcountry road trips, if you're not in a hurry and you take the highways/backroads through small towns that were forgotten when the interstates were built you'll enjoy much better sight seeing/thrift store pickin'. The cheesy "largest ball of string" attractions are SO underwhelming and will get old fast when you find yourself driving out of the way to get to them, especially if you're not on drugs.
In another, much older post, a member talked about trying to hit all the best roadside bbq joints. I had a similar fantasy before I became a vegetarian, a decision I still question at times...bbq...mmmm.... [drool]
Whatever you do, have safe be fun. [thumbsup]
Quote from: elyse on August 29, 2012, 08:50:43 AM
and i've always wanted to go to oatman arizona... they have wild burros that just hang out in town :)
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/89?offset=5 (http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/89?offset=5)
I've been to that "ghost town".
And yes, there are burros there.
Randomis already posted the meteor crater and arrows outside of Flagstaff/Wynonna on I-40.
40 through Amarillo..I believe it's the 40 oz steak. Free if you eat under certain time.
If you head down 10..The Thing will be all over the highway.
Burt Reynolds museum in Jupiter, FL
Any attraction at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.
Quote from: IZ on August 29, 2012, 06:05:11 PM
40 through Amarillo..I believe it's the 40 oz steak. Free if you eat under certain time.
That's The Big Texan, (http://www.bigtexan.com/) and it's 72 oz. You have to eat the entire meal (steak, baked potato, salad, shrimp cocktail, and dinner roll) in under an hour.
Current record is just under 9 minutes.
Costs you $72 if you can't. Costs you $72 if you can, but then they refund your money and give you a t shirt and some other shwag.
I've always wanted to go to Lightning Field in New Mexico. "Earth art" built in the '70s consisting of 400 steel poles meant to attract lightning. If a storm is in the area, might be cool to stop by.
(http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii603/1pt21GW/demaria-lightningfield1.jpg)
I have been to south of the border way to many times. Usually at night at taking compromising pictures with the animals.
can you actually get to meteor crater? i thought it was private property and fenced off. google time!
Quote from: KnightofNi on August 30, 2012, 10:38:44 AM
I have been to south of the border way to many times. Usually at night at taking compromising pictures with the animals.
can you actually get to meteor crater? i thought it was private property and fenced off. google time!
You can walk right up to it Kni. You can't go down to the middle of it where they faked the moon landing though.
Quote from: KnightofNi on August 30, 2012, 10:38:44 AM
I have been to south of the border way to many times. Usually at night at taking compromising pictures with the animals.
can you actually get to meteor crater? i thought it was private property and fenced off. google time!
You have to pay to see the crater. It's fairly stupid money. There is also a museum type center there.
and hopefully a penny smoosher too^
you could also spend the night in Holbrook, AZ in a wigwam:
(http://www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/images/az/AZHOLwigwam_3487.jpg)
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/10294 (http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/10294)
Camp in Bedrock just outside the Grand Canyon.
^^^ This.
Roadside attraction app
Quote from: RAT900 on August 27, 2012, 11:43:43 PM
not on your path but Helen Georgia is always a weird sort of experience....a failed logging camp that re-invented itself
as a Bavarian Alpine Village...in an odd hillbilly sorta way
Been there it's a neat place to spend a weekend during Oktoberfest. Skip the "Festhaus" unless you want to pay a cover for Oompah Band music and hit the local dive-ish bars. Great entertainment. I'm actually planning a day ride that will take me through there!
JM
i've never been one for the squishy pennies. however, i might make an exception for this trip.
ooooooh i love the pennies!! im beginning to get jealous of your trip!! :)
You missed it this year.
http://www.burningman.com/ (http://www.burningman.com/)
Maybe next road trip. [evil]
i have a few squishy pennies, a ton of pics, and we are in west yellowstone, MT.
going through teton out to burley, ID today. probably further dependng on what we see on the side of the road that grabs our attn.
if you get attacked by buffalo make sure you get it on video ;)
Quote from: elyse on September 05, 2012, 02:11:15 PM
if you get attacked by buffalo make sure you get it on video ;)
"As you can see, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the bison is CLEARLY shaking its head 'No.'
...and yet the defendant continues, undeterred."
[laugh]
Found a great spot in Denver. They have great snowman sheets too!
Quote from: KnightofNi on September 12, 2012, 08:17:42 PM
Found a great spot in Denver. They have great snowman sheets too!
You visit Randimus, Stella and TByrd while you're there?
Quote from: IZ on September 12, 2012, 08:33:17 PM
You visit Randimus, Stella and TByrd while you're there?
No. Just Stella, thing 1 and thing 2.
Quote from: IZ on August 30, 2012, 12:47:17 PM
You can walk right up to it Kni. You can't go down to the middle of it where they faked the moon landing though.
Are you one of those conspiracy guys?
back home and the car has been returned.
For those not on facebook, here are some stats.
8523 miles, 28 states, 18 days.
Highest point-11064, lowest point- Idaho, lowest elevation- -4 ft.
3 close encounters of the cow kind. 1 tried to sit on our tent, 2 in the middle of the road.
2 cars, 1 taurus and 1 charger (hated the charger)
4 zoos, most of the pandas, lots of corn, 1 dead chipmunk.
it seems that this country is full of cows, trees, corn fields, and desolation.
also, some very stunning views.
i want to map out where people stop saying bag and start saying sack.
Quote from: IZ on September 12, 2012, 08:33:17 PM
You visit Randimus, Stella and TByrd while you're there?
what ever happened to tbyrd?
Quote from: KnightofNi on September 19, 2012, 09:16:03 AM
<snip>
what ever happened to tbyrd?
Appears she took the path of the Great Auk. :-\
yup about 3.5 years ago was her last post
priorities and things change in folks' lives
she was a goodun