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10 Best Hilarious Roadtrip Sights
Farnham Colossi in Unger, West Virginia
No road trip would be complete without a giant fiberglass statue. If you're passing through West Virginia, you may see several. We all have dreams, and George Farnham dreamed of owning a giant fiberglass dinosaur in his yard. While his wife Pam wasn't fond of the idea, she had a thing for Muffler Men, and thus, a compromise was born. What started as one 25-foot fiberglass man turned into an obsession. Today, the Farnhams are the proud owners of Fantasy Farm, home of Muffler Man, Beach Dude, Big John the bag boy and bikini-clad Uniroyal Gal.
Goldwell Open Air Museum in Death Valley, Nevada
In the hot, dusty ghost town of Rhyolite, known as the Gateway to Death Valley, you'll notice thirteen white wraith-like figures. For many, this solemn and moving tribute to the Last Supper by Polish-Belgian artist Albert Szukalski, would inspire a moment of reflection. But then there's that naked pixelated cinder block woman in the background. Lady Desert: The Venus of Nevada was the work of another Belgian artist, Dr. Hugo Heyrman, who as you'll notice, was thoughtful enough to match the carpet with the drapes.
Carhenge in Alliance, Nebraska
If you can't make it all the way to England to ponder the mysteries of Stonehenge, there's always Carhenge (and it's free). All of the original 38 stones of Stonehenge are represented in the fields of Nebraska using vintage cars from the 50s and 60s, painted stone grey to add a sense of 'realism.' Need something a little closer to home? Try Foamhenge in Natural Bridge, Virginia or Truckhenge in Topeka, Kansas.
The Big Duck in Flanders, New York
New York City might be known for its sophistication, but only a short drive away in Flanders, kitsch reigns supreme thanks to a really big duck. Duck farmer Martin Maurer built the 20-foot tall concrete monstrosity in 1931, drawing inspiration from a giant coffee pot he'd seen in California. If you're lucky enough to be road tripping down Route 24 on the first Wednesday in December, stop in for the annual lighting of the Big Duck, complete with Christmas carols, holiday refreshments and an appearance by Santa.
Weeki Wachee Mermaids in Weeki Wachee, Florida
It doesn't get much kitschier than the Weeki Wachee Mermaids (though you'll have to park the car to see them). The ladies of Weeki Wachee Springs have been prompting visitors to shake their heads, muttering "only in America" since 1947. Weeki Wachee Springs is now a state park, but the mermaid legacy continues. The staff of 14 mermaids and three mer-princes puts on underwater spectacles like Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid and the more interpretive Pocahontas Meets Little Mermaid. How much more American can you get?
Desert of Maine in Freeport, Maine
When you think desert, you probably envision the American Southwest. What you probably don't think about is Maine. But that's exactly where you'll find the Desert of Maine. What started as some rather naive farming (Crop rotation? What crop rotation?) caused severe soil erosion that uncovered a cache of desert sand. Stop into the Desert Museum, housed in the original Tuttle family barn, for a look at the collection of sands from around the world.
World's Largest Chest of Drawers in High Point, North Carolina
The community of High Point, North Carolina are proud of their distinction as the Home Furnishing Capital of the World. So proud in fact, that the High Point Chamber of Commerce erected a 20-foot tall chest of drawers. It has since been renovated to 38-feet tall and includes a pair of socks dangling from the middle drawer, a nod to the city's hosiery manufacturers.
Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma
Hugh S. Davis and his wife Zelta loved animals, and after two years of work and $1910.24, Hugh presented his wife with the perfect anniversary gift: a huge blue cement whale in their pond out back. Travelers along Route 66 began stopping in for a swim at the whale, now owned by Hugh's daughter. A gift shop opens every Saturday, allowing passersby to take home a bit of Blue.
South of the Border in Dillon, South Carolina
If you're wondering why all this Mexican stuff is plopped down in South Carolina, you're probably in good company. The South of the Border complex started as a beer depot just across the border from North Carolina's dry counties in 1949. You'll recognize the turnoff by the 97-foot tall sombrero-wearing Pedro statue, and you can even drive your car between his legs. Hungry? Eat at the aptly named Sombrero Room Restaurant, where you may very well eat the best Mexican food in northern South Carolina. Yum.
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About Lydia Schrandt
Lydia, Senior Photo Editor and Readers' Choice Production Manager for USA TODAY 10Best, has traveled to more than 40 countries in Europe, Asia and North and South America, and has lived in Albuquerque, Galveston, Austin, Thailand, Korea, China, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Spain and now Houston. When she's not at her computer in a cafe, she's out photographing the city, writing fiction or cheering on Barça.
Read more about Lydia Schrandt here.
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