tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338178422011-12-03T13:02:35.256-07:00A blog for the oddities that populate my landscapeRebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.comBlogger1031100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-82629418424930978672011-03-31T19:57:00.002-07:002011-03-31T20:03:32.432-07:00

Located in the giant tourist trap that is the Black Hills of South Dakota, Presidents Park is on my list of heartbreaks. I only got to stand outside the gates and see this epic bust of Lincoln. Inside? A giant bust of every president in the midst of a pastoral park. I gots to get back there.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-21166928611149486862011-03-29T07:09:00.003-07:002011-03-29T07:17:54.321-07:00

Crazy Horse Monument is almost inconceivably big. This is a rendering of what the final sculpture is supposed to look like.Here is the monument from a distance--you have to pay extra to get up close but we opted not to (I don't even remember why--I think we were in a hurry). At any rate, to give you some idea how big this thing is there is a tiny tractor at the base of the sculpture, as you can

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-41214680384359401652011-03-20T07:23:00.004-07:002011-03-20T07:36:15.421-07:00

I always wanted to visit Mount Rushmore. And I always figured I'd be disappointed or underwhelmed but when I finally saw it--glimpsing it the evening I arrived at Keystone--I thought it was awesome. I got weirdly excited and felt kind of emotional.It's a pretty spectacular sight and it's an incredible tribute to some of the great leaders of the past. It's beautifully executed and majestic. I

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-11550803530341416502011-03-10T20:48:00.003-07:002011-03-10T21:01:37.293-07:00

While this is a weak example, the I-90, the highway that cuts across South Dakota is littered with promotional signs for Wall Drug. A drug store tourist trap that is a must-see in South Dakota--if only to answer the mysterious call of the dozens of billboards that boast all manner of exotic treasures at the legendary Wall Drug.An 80-foot dinosaur greets you in Wall, South Dakota, along the

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-39139432299396109682011-03-04T10:21:00.002-07:002011-03-04T10:23:29.990-07:00

You can see where the horns used to be on this Jackalope but the saddle is still in place. Awesome photo op in Mitchell, South Dakota.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-10988645121491379552011-02-24T20:55:00.010-07:002011-02-24T21:17:40.505-07:00

There's nothing quite like the world famous Mitchell Corn Palace! It's worth the stop on any road trip through South Dakota.The outside is filled with corncob art that is completely rebuilt on an annual basis.As you an see it wraps around the building. Each panel is made entirely of corncobs.Inside, there is quite the tourist trap, and it features a roaming cob!There are more panels of corncob

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-17625573054928862202011-02-17T19:06:00.001-07:002011-02-17T19:08:52.650-07:00

Before reaching the fabled Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota, we stumbled on the motel. Wish we had stayed here!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-62229242216711962902011-02-10T18:56:00.003-07:002011-02-10T19:02:45.844-07:00

A giant long-horned steer sits on the side of I-90 somewhere in South Dakota.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-17991669291490706022011-02-04T08:42:00.001-07:002011-02-04T08:48:49.911-07:00

This was worth pulling off the side of the road for. We had lunch nearby and there is a teeny, tiny gift shop located to the left of the giant.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-53940639282266912112010-06-11T19:58:00.002-07:002010-06-11T20:11:39.725-07:00

I used to drove along Lahser in suburban Detroit to avoid the highways, and I'd always spy this giant penguin through the trees. It was hard to see in summer. But in winter? You could get a closer look.So I zoomed in on him.No idea why he's there or what he is up to. But I like him.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-54559886840491798782009-11-14T07:35:00.002-07:002009-11-14T07:41:21.194-07:00

Just standing in a parking lot on the side of the road in Two Harbors, Minnesota, Pantsless Pierre has long been a fixture on the landscape there. I didn't know who he was when I spotted him but I tracked him down on Roadside America and got his back story. His outstretched hand used to hold a canoe but some dirtbags must have swiped it. He now seems to guard a manufactured home community.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-13699003480976782002009-11-14T07:13:00.004-07:002009-11-14T07:26:39.868-07:00

If you click on the photo it gets bigger so you can read the text. The gist of it is that Dr. Kate Newcomb wanted to build a hospital in little Woodruff, Wisconsin, and urged the local schoolchildren to save their pennies to help make it happen.Dr. Kate's efforts ignited a penny drive that went wild. More than 1.5 million pennies were collected once the media got hold of the story. Children and

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-23618745283414613642009-11-07T23:47:00.001-07:002009-11-07T23:47:55.063-07:00

cross posted from our family blog... During our anniversary weekend, Dale and I spent some time at the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame! And while Dale was ambivalent to stopping there I needed to see the giant fish! I had to go inside! I was reluctant to spend the $6 to gain entry to the giant fish (I dislike paying for roadside silliness) but what this

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-38202108475989449022009-11-01T20:38:00.003-07:002009-11-21T17:11:20.622-07:00

The Pioneer Restaurant in Westfield, Wisconsin, serves up some tasty diner food--I had a turkey sandwich while Dale had the fish and chips--but it also serves up some serious kitsch! Check out the Pioneer fellow that guarded my lunch!Out front a giant pioneer greets you! They even have a few cement animals in the parking lot, too. This place is worth the stop for both the photos and the eats!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-73616161839984979822009-10-17T15:38:00.001-07:002009-10-17T15:40:23.185-07:00

Who doesn't love neon motel signs? She's a beauty.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-24647902830892268902009-09-05T06:49:00.002-07:002009-09-05T06:58:38.822-07:00

Turned a corner this was waiting at the end of the street! Near Joliet, Illinois

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-18655945363513877402009-08-30T18:16:00.002-07:002009-08-30T18:18:57.248-07:00

I love a good celebrity death. And I love a good celebrity grave! Here we have Al Capone's final resting place in Hillside, Illinois. His relatives are nearby. I took this photo on Memorial Day and, obviously, somebody remembered him!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-48417624201265111352009-08-05T20:21:00.007-07:002009-08-05T20:30:02.602-07:00

Peck's Farm Market is a great roadside stand in Spring Green, WI. They have a bunch of odd stuff out front--and even odder stuff out back!Giant Corn Cob in front of the store. There is also a giant pumpkin!Out back there is a great petting zoo. It features scads of animals with varying levels of access. Cute little brown cow taking a nap.Downy white deer antlers! So adorable.Baby deer!Lonely

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-9563547263314816612009-08-05T20:16:00.001-07:002009-08-05T20:20:19.928-07:00

Train car neon sign in Fennimore. Denny and Sue Welcome You! Heh.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-59417242544533999972009-07-29T20:54:00.001-07:002009-07-29T20:54:57.526-07:00

And now for something completely different...Mt. Horeb's Mustard Museum!They have quite the collection of mustards! This is the fancy award-winning mustard table. We tried the $20 mustard at the mustard tasting bar.And, honestly? We didn't care for it.Above the tasting bar. And I LOVE Lichtenstein so this print made me very happy. The world's only mustard vending machine!The store also features

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-31494094764892688372009-07-27T16:33:00.001-07:002009-07-27T16:35:01.394-07:00

Located in Marquette, Iowa (my first Iowa roadside attraction!). It's a pink elephant wearing a top hat. In front of the Lady Luck Casino, obviously.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-12202251838925798502009-07-19T08:58:00.001-07:002009-07-19T09:00:17.353-07:00

How great is this sign? And there was a carnival going on right behind it. Good times in Aurora. I only stopped for the sign, however.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-21117392728107788172009-07-12T21:09:00.001-07:002009-07-12T21:09:55.821-07:00

Click on photos to enlarge them.The House on the Rock is the weirdest place I have ever been. And I lived in Flint. And Detroit. As much as I love Dale's photos, I don't think you can truly experience The House on the Rock in pictures. It doesn't pick up the dank smells and low ceiling of the main house or the bizarre dark clutter of the warehouses that keep the various collections.Strange

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-90843084028642206432009-07-12T20:07:00.002-07:002009-07-12T20:13:06.560-07:00

The Don Q Inn in Dodgeville features a plane in the front yard that is open for free tours. She's a big one!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-8217656501626351002009-07-12T20:04:00.001-07:002009-07-12T20:07:06.965-07:00

A giant cardinal in somebody's front yard in Darlington, Wisconsin.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-65505201139303153152009-07-05T06:10:00.004-07:002009-07-05T06:13:39.302-07:00

Moosejaw Pizza in the Wisconsin Dells features a moose climing a tree that serves as the company's sign.More amazingly, the company's pizza delivery vehicle is a PT Cruiser outfitted with a huge ass moose laying on top of it.The moose is especially detailed--but only up to a point.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-75703546627009546982009-07-05T06:04:00.003-07:002009-07-05T06:14:42.163-07:00

I desperately want to eat here. There's almost nothing I don't love about Wally's House of Embers!I love the groovy stone work, I love the entrance with the fake curtains, I love the neon signs and the entire front porch--not to mention the over the top white wire chairs that adorn the porch.And I bet this neon sign looks like a real beauty in the dark! *sigh* It wasn't open the afternoon I was

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-22778894847271366192009-07-05T05:59:00.002-07:002009-07-05T06:02:35.814-07:00

Paul Bunyun! Located in front of Paul Bunyan Lumberjack meals.In the Wisconsin Dells, of course.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-11932003981750748442009-07-05T05:53:00.002-07:002009-07-05T05:56:35.597-07:00

Wacky Ripley's Believe It Or Not building in the Wisconsin Dells. There's a large display on top of a strange storefront. I didn't go in.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-87955152484114005902009-05-01T14:53:00.001-07:002009-05-01T14:55:48.182-07:00

Fabulous neon sign in Belvedere, Illinois.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-11584802063101679972009-04-26T10:56:00.001-07:002009-04-26T11:02:06.256-07:00

I loved this sign! Wisconsin is just littered with adorable vintage signs. Anyway, we were in Lake Geneva yesterday and I snapped this one up.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-16065302464713294452009-04-04T14:21:00.001-07:002009-04-04T14:23:06.575-07:00

You could say this dentist thinks highly of himself but I'd say he simply longs for his own Vegas show. I love this sign.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-72206560943843940152009-03-29T07:48:00.002-07:002009-03-29T07:51:55.437-07:00

Taking the Vegas font and adding a Midwestern spin--married Vegas-style in the Wisconsin Dells. I keep forgetting to add all my Dells photos!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-10755893759510125042009-02-15T10:37:00.001-07:002009-02-15T10:38:18.978-07:00

Strange painted cows sitting atop a meat market in Chicago. I like the "angel" cow best!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-7105425508073192792008-12-07T11:37:00.004-07:002008-12-07T11:44:34.646-07:00

We were just meandering through Wisconsin--an activity I highly recommend!--when we spotted this dude above George's Tavern, est. 1946. He's a penguin wearing a kilt and sporting a fish that looks a like a horn. He just seems so dapper, no?

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-39744997156638508442008-12-04T17:12:00.005-07:002008-12-04T17:54:55.148-07:00

So Dale and I took a road trip to Wisconsin in the Milwaukee area and on our way we passed this wacky house!This is the front yard. Imagine us just driving by and seeing what appears to be a classic car in a sink hole! There was also an odd collection of brightly colored fire hydrants and all kinds of random things--like the orange jug/bicycle thing.Another view of the "sink hole" car. There's

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-74436079831719595832008-11-29T20:22:00.001-07:002008-11-29T20:24:01.367-07:00

Fantastic neon sign on Roosevelt in Glen Ellyn, IL. It makes me want booze, that's for sure.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-5130115484590330432008-11-11T19:37:00.003-07:002008-11-11T19:50:19.108-07:00

A wacky decorated Haunted House in Berwyn, Illinois! Click on the photo to make it bigger--it's worth it! Sadly, the homeowner had already taken down a great many decorations but what is left is still impressive. You won't see any crappy blow-up ghosts here! Giant Spiders and the dragon coming out of the roof is my favorite. I will go back next year to get the full scene with all the decor!An

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-63363832770757477242008-11-09T14:02:00.002-07:002008-11-09T14:09:22.663-07:00

One of the many strange attractions in the Wisconsin Dells. The Torture Museum. Not exactly politically correct but at least it's relevant!SPECIAL EXHIBIT: John Gacy: Torture King of Chicago!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-19077945637584448952008-10-29T19:00:00.002-07:002008-10-29T19:06:55.737-07:00

Wizard Quest! In addition to being a spectacularly weird and creepy attraction along the old school entertainment strip of the Wisconsin Dells, Wizard Quest is a live action computer game featuring 13,000 square feet of fantasy called the "quadrasphere"!Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to locate and release imprisoned wizards! Get on that. Right after you get shriveled up at the

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-42125586679420377572008-10-14T19:15:00.002-07:002008-10-14T19:23:41.861-07:00

Spotted in Western Michigan just last weekend! I enjoyed it greatly. I think the deer head license plate is awesomely weird.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-49766543097627919452008-10-04T13:03:00.002-07:002008-10-04T13:12:27.244-07:00

So. This is a little odd. You see this huge leaping deer? He reminds me of the one I saw on my honeymoon at the St. Ignace Deer Ranch. This one as the Wisconsin Dells at their Deer Ranch. I'm starting to feel like the Deer Ranch is a chain. I have fantasies of opening my own branch in Oak Park. I'm assuming the franchise kit includes this awesome leaping deer, some deer feed, a fence, and some

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-89252985512967311362008-09-21T11:27:00.001-07:002008-09-21T11:27:56.772-07:00

Dale was walking downtown when he spotted this odd little vehicle promoting a shoe sale at Marshalls. Needless to say, I am SORRY I didn't see this in person. Dale is lucky because his area of downtown Chicago always has weird stuff going on! I want to drive this weird motorcycle thing! How fabulous is it?

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-20937927931080659762008-09-19T20:46:00.004-07:002008-09-19T21:05:44.728-07:00

A magical concrete statue garden along US 131! Enter the garden to find the amazing statuary below...Marys in the tubs. Painted.The Painted Statuary GardenIn the front section there are tons of huge concrete sculptures. This is by far the creepiest!Dale took this one; he thought it was spooky cool.Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs are hanging out front. Wowser.And then there's this giant dude.And a

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-76713751601570291362008-09-08T16:43:00.000-07:002008-09-08T16:45:37.219-07:00

Hot neon sign; photo taken from Roosevelt el platform. Love it!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-3998658925782612472008-09-01T06:55:00.003-07:002008-09-01T07:29:31.904-07:00

This is the Rail Dog, located in front of the Parkway Motel in the Wisconsin Dells, WI.A side view of the rail car.Yes, they are open! And the Knight in Shining Armor will lead you to a polish taco...A Polish Taco--"from Poland thru Mexico to YOU!"--is a Vienna Polish sausage wrapped and deep-fried in a flour tortilla! Amazing.The sign says: Only in the Dells can you get a Polish Taco in a

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-17712668855370925882008-08-25T17:48:00.001-07:002008-08-25T17:49:59.859-07:00

We stopped here for dinner! I love the sign. The restaurant has been open since 1901--and they last remodeled in 1983 from the looks of the interior. Very tasty beef products, however!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-71930270119902988872008-08-18T18:49:00.002-07:002008-08-18T18:53:20.914-07:00

I love this sign! Located in Broadview, IL, Old Warsaw is--as the sign says--a Polish all you can eat restaurant.The inside doesn't quite live up to the promise of this spectacular piece of neon but I still like it.It's a massive beauty that lights up Cermak & 17th like the fourth of July!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-72523447598068607432008-08-09T17:04:00.002-07:002008-08-09T17:06:29.219-07:00

I love this sign! It's a flashing neon wonder located right in Chicago's Loop on Wabash. I should have taken video so everybody can appreciate the lovely flashing lights.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-82391363228049097442008-06-19T20:01:00.001-07:002008-06-19T20:03:26.660-07:00

Arrowhead Motel in the Wisconsin Dells. LOVE this sign!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-52777251573014773562008-06-07T20:31:00.003-07:002008-06-07T20:39:20.230-07:00

Mousehouse, Windsor, WI. House ol' mouse.Mousehouse! CHEESE! GIFTS!My favorite thing about the mousehouse is the giant Mr. Mouse and Ms. Mouse that greet you when you walk in. Loved it!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-61143710110903216982008-05-31T11:56:00.002-07:002008-05-31T12:00:12.013-07:00

Siker's Home Furnishings, Janesville, WI. That sign's a beauty, no?

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-38378618721955305322008-03-31T19:14:00.003-07:002008-03-31T19:21:14.571-07:00

Dale and I went for a drive last Saturday afternoon and randomly spotted this beauty of a sign! It was behind a bunch of overgrown trees!Detail of fish. This sign was a promotional tool for a Trout Fishing pond. I love it!Located in Golf, Illinois! I love that guy and his giant fish!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-28982141042774384562008-03-15T11:23:00.001-07:002008-03-15T07:07:31.794-07:00

The White Horse restaurant in Flint, MI, features, well, a white horse atop its sign. In the winter, it offers Seasons Greetings! And they also food and booze inside. And is a popular spot (especially with hospital workers, from what I've heard).

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-55468427901000713052008-03-08T11:20:00.001-07:002008-03-08T07:59:26.526-07:00

You must click on the photo to appreciate this one. This house features pink siding with a painted rose and a strange "moat" feature that includes painted waves and statuary of alligators, turtles, and dolphins. Spotted in Flint, MI, back in December. Thank goodness it wasn't covered in snow!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-17095498773053921072008-03-04T11:18:00.000-07:002008-03-04T18:13:13.991-07:00

A Flint-area landmark, Rocky's is chock full of outdoor living staples and total oddities. I knew biking was a lifestyle but this is ridiculous! Hey, don't forget to put the seat down (that's the prettiest part)!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-82287257668791037212008-03-02T11:25:00.005-07:002008-03-02T11:31:36.709-07:00

The Colonial Family Restaurant (Or Colonial Coney as the locals say) features an oversized waitress on its sign. I love it! She's just so cute!Don't you just love her?

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-24852560992413323962008-02-10T19:54:00.000-07:002008-03-05T08:30:21.555-07:00

Dale and I went home to Flint over the holidays and were happy to see friends and family. However, the first thing we saw was totally Flint. A guy driving a dirty Buick (I think?) with a flat-screen TV precariously strapped to his trunk. I loved it and Dale demanded I take the picture. He thought it was hilarious.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-59095287974680036972008-02-02T11:39:00.001-07:002008-03-05T08:28:56.685-07:00

In Flint there is a real Little Caesar! Here he is perched atop the Caesar's sign! He's on a very busy intersection on Corunna Rd. He's a cutie!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-14041706024265990202008-01-03T18:45:00.000-07:002008-01-03T19:02:26.382-07:00

On the corner of 12 Mile Rd. & Washington in Royal Oak, a double lot is decorated from edge-to-edge (and ground to tree) with Christmas decoration. It's become so popular it's even been written up in the local newspaper. This is the front of the house.A close-up shows the light-up chorus. It's set to music, of course!This is the yard and lot next to the house...it's kinda spectacularly tacky.Up

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-46691285286983076822007-12-28T08:31:00.001-07:002007-12-28T08:34:08.620-07:00

I love this. Santa pays his respects to the Baby Jesus. In old-fashioned 2-D! I wish I'd been there at dusk to see the star lit up.Santa interspersed with nativity elements always cracks me up!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-67358878118638617412007-12-27T11:54:00.000-07:002007-12-27T12:09:38.295-07:00

A giant Santa and two "little" elves grace the lawn of the Eaton County Courthouse Square. I enjoy that Santa is just sort gaping. It's like when you take a picture just before someone smiles but after they've noticed you're lifting your camera.A detail of the creepy elf. He's awesome.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-23680173534736556102007-12-17T14:21:00.000-07:002007-12-17T14:37:32.594-07:00

My husband spotted this Ron Paul-lovin', big tobacco-sympathizin', all around nutty Libertarian vehicle on his lunch hour today. It got stuck making a turn and he had time to whip out the camera phone. :heart. I love my husband! And I love crazies!I should disclose that I think the all-out freak-out on smokers and smoking is way over the top and I think it's starting to infringe on the smokers'

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-65398554992936224602007-11-25T20:20:00.001-07:002007-11-25T20:26:15.576-07:00

Located on I-57 near Bourbonnais, IL. It's a big Abe Lincoln! And he's holding a sign that is protesting the introduction of any new taxes. Ever, apparently. Even for roads. Or schools. Or stoplights. Or whatever.That's Abe for you.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-38319032503218508282007-07-15T10:01:00.000-07:002007-07-15T10:17:53.699-07:00

Located on historic Route 66, Del Rhea's Chicken Basket has been serving up fried chicken baskets since the 1940s to hungry travelers on Route 66! It's cheap and delicious and you won't find a better corn fritter anywhere!Thanks to my friend Anne and her twin sister Jenny for taking me and my husband here a few weeks ago. The interior is decorated with a vintage chicken kitchen theme. Hee!And the

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-63142867679883343882007-06-10T13:39:00.001-07:002007-06-10T13:40:48.369-07:00

My girl Heather Frampton sent me this from her mobile phone. It's a crazy religious car--there seem to be a lot of them in her home state of Florida. Wow.Thanks for thinking of me, Miss Heather!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-66059145148267536232007-05-27T07:09:00.000-07:002007-05-27T07:16:12.922-07:00

I saw this at the North Riverside mall in Illinois while waiting for an oil change at the Sears Service Center (incredible service, by the way, I highly recommend that location--the one in Naperville is ass).Anyway, I'm wandering through the mall and this makes me stop and pull out my camera (if not my wallet) and take a quick snapshot. I seriously just stared at this for a long time, awestruck

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-29300162931724325432007-05-24T19:52:00.000-07:002007-05-24T20:10:16.836-07:00

Pink Elephant Antiques in Livingston, Illinois, is a heck of a fun stop, even if it the actual store is closed (as it was on the day I happened by).The building appears to be a funky art deco school building--or perhaps just the Gymnasium building of an old school campus? I'm not sure. But I loved it.There is a funky elephant coming out of the front of the building near the entrance. It's keen.A

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-29233172222198298312007-05-15T18:07:00.000-07:002007-05-15T18:33:07.319-07:00

I was in Memphis last weekend and saw one of the best roadside attractions I've stumbled upon in years! This takes the cake, people! This is the Statue of Liberation through Christ aka The Lord's Lady Liberty. For a complete FAQ click here.I can't tell you how excited I was when we spotted her, standing on the corner of Kirby Parkway. She beckoned to us and we had no choice but to submit. So

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-37016381078223947392007-05-05T10:37:00.000-07:002007-05-05T10:41:19.132-07:00

I love this sign. It's not too far from where I live and it makes me smile every time I see it. I love that clock sticking out helping providing the time. I love the yellow rectangles against the red brick wall. I love the guitar graphic. But I love the last rectangle the most. FUN INC.Indeed.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-13221105199801828352007-03-24T13:45:00.000-07:002007-03-24T14:14:59.676-07:00

A country & western superstore in the city! Alcala's features an incredible selection but, for my money, nothing beats the big horses on the signs! So lifelike! So pretty!Free parking across the street from the store. Sadly, it was daytime and the neon bordering the horse was not lit up!There's a big horse head on the front of the sign!A big beat-up horse greets you at street level!And a penny

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-24502184695434020592007-03-18T18:30:00.000-07:002007-03-18T19:03:42.818-07:00

At a gas station in Jacksonville, FL-March 2007Do you not know that thewicked will not see HeavenDo not be deceived! DrunkardsHomosexuals, slanders, Thieves, Idolers,greedy, prositutes, swinders, adulters.You need Jesus to save you! [sic]When the bomb go's offWhere are you going?Heaven or Hell?Jesus said, all these things would happen right before he returns Math. 24, 25Get right with JESUS while

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-66380098724116113952007-03-11T20:55:00.000-07:002007-05-15T18:15:26.980-07:00

I love over-sized signs! And I love how huge-normous that bowl is! I have no idea if the food is any good. But I like big bowls!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-13155581856746137472007-03-09T23:53:00.000-07:002007-03-09T23:59:31.247-07:00

Sadly, most of my Graceland photos still need to be scanned. But Graceland is iconic and available as both a pop-up book and view-master reels, so I'm not sure what I can add to the iconography!That said, I love the TCB logo and the Elvis musuems across the street from the mansion! "Takin' Care of Business IN A FLASH!"It's my favorite thing about Elvis and Graceland!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-27244574005089458922007-02-28T21:14:00.000-07:002007-02-28T21:21:13.644-07:00

While taking a drive in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, we stumbled upon this abandoned church. It was quite a find but I didn't have a good camera at the time. Oh, well! At any rate, it was an overcast day and the church was located down a side road, overgrown with trees.A slightly brighter and better shot. This was a really fun find.Love the Rust Belt!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-37663492180096144892007-02-11T18:44:00.000-07:002007-05-15T18:12:32.589-07:00

This is certainly a landmark! It's a replica of the very first McDonald's in Des Plaines, IL. The original had been renovated repeatedly and the company decided to use the original blueprints to recreate the first store. It is now a free museum, only open in the summer so I didn't get inside! Sad, but true! There are mannequins in vintage uniforms working the stations. I love that.Across the

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-44809194776291744942007-01-27T22:32:00.000-07:002007-05-15T18:15:43.331-07:00

In all the world there is one thing I always love:things that are much bigger than they should be!Cooking Fools is a Bucktown, Chicago biz offering cooking classes, carry-out gourmet, and catering among other foodie goodies. Though I've never had any of their food (I'm sure it's delish) I love them for their Big Whisk. It's a whisk. It's on the building and it's flipping huge!It's as big as a

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-68666284502513865772007-01-21T20:33:00.000-07:002007-01-21T20:44:32.468-07:00

If you have the chance to stop by the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN., I recommend it. The spot where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated is haunting and sad and is frozen in time. The Civil Rights Museum is housed here and it is, of course, an important document of a pivotal time in American history. My quibble with the place is that the the location itself defines the museum in a way that

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-68522585474463664922007-01-21T20:23:00.000-07:002007-05-15T18:12:50.566-07:00

Radio Flyer's headquarters is located on Grand Ave. in Chicago not far from my house--just a few minutes down the road! The company's headquarters features a very large Radio Flyer Wagon out front. I wanna touch it!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-42646279200696715922007-01-13T18:49:00.000-07:002007-01-21T20:32:51.541-07:00

Located in pretty much the middle of nowhere, Oswald's Bear Ranch is the largest Bear Only Ranch in the U.S.! There are 30 live roaming bears (on the other side of a big ol' fences) and you see them lounging about and doing what bears do. Including making the love. See here:Sorry. Couldn't resist. This is not something you see everyday! That said, this is only a tiny part of the attraction. There

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-15646069822399359512007-01-07T10:13:00.000-07:002007-05-15T18:15:06.660-07:00

I consider Big Boy a real slice of American culture. And I don't care who knows it. It's about a chain restaurant with kitsch and what could be better than that? I heard a radio show a few years ago that asked callers if they every swiped something big--as a prank--and what happened to the item? At the time, I think huge Spongebob's or some such character were being stolen from Wendy's or Burger

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-25546850462098646122007-01-07T10:07:00.000-07:002007-01-07T10:10:58.119-07:00

At Henry Ford Museum in Detroit, MI there are lots of odd pop culture and roadside-esque attractions. I love the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile so, clearly, this was a fun thing to find at the museum. I've seen it tooling about Michigan (or at least I've seen one of the weinermobiles) but I've never been able to snap a picture before. So I had to score it in captivity. What can you do? It's still a

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-72509705280826725712006-12-09T11:23:00.000-07:002006-12-09T11:28:25.818-07:00

Deustch Marque BMW and Mercedes Specialist's Service Center features a wonderful monster man made of tires! We went out of our way for this one--all the way to Scotland. Somehow we never got around to Loch Ness or its monster! Crazy, right?I love him. His legs are about five feet tall!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-31889071468114556022006-12-01T07:26:00.000-07:002006-12-09T11:29:19.897-07:00

In honor of the rare winter event, a snow day, an early present:A small town in Northern Michigan is called Christmas! And they are short on the quality souvenirs, in spite of what you see here! At any rate, the town takes its name seriously enough to have an adorable motel and a cute gift shop. They need more ornaments, is all I'm saying!On the roof of the hotel! It's Santa and his reindeer!At

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-68320051606432922372006-11-28T20:48:00.000-07:002006-12-01T07:18:47.182-07:00

Along I-57 in Effingham, IL is a fantasticly over the top monument to modern Christianity! Towering roughly 200 feet tall, the giant cross is on the edge of the expressway. I wouldn't make a special trip but on the road between Chicago and Memphis, it's one of only two sites.Sadly, I missed my chance to snap a pic of the bizarro Abe Lincoln.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-1162786435813172532006-11-05T21:05:00.000-07:002006-12-01T07:26:03.792-07:00

Sun Studio in Memphis, Tenn. is infamous and amazing! Legends have recorded at Sun Studio since the 1950s. Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, even U2!The tour itself is not that fascinating unless you are a true devotee of the sound but the pure Rockabilly kitsch value is there for those who are only it for the sights. It's a pretty great experience either way.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-1162182703478008412006-10-29T21:27:00.000-07:002006-12-01T07:25:31.197-07:00

Ace Hardware in River Forest is where my husband likes to go to get his hardware. It's a nice small store packed the rafters with goodies.I like to go just to pull the door handle--it's a welded hammer. It's awesome.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-1162045263901877772006-10-28T07:15:00.000-07:002006-12-01T07:25:07.734-07:00

Carson aSPIKE!Cars on a spike! The focal point of Cermak Plaza's public art exhibit is The Spindle by Dustin Shuler, 1989. It's spectacular. It makes me happy every time I drive past it. Sadly, it was overcast the day I took the photo. But I'll be back to check this one out again! LOVE IT.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-1161792376186897632006-10-25T08:57:00.000-07:002006-12-01T07:24:55.147-07:00

The Cermak Plaza is located on the corner of Cermak and Harlem in Berwyn, Ill. It's just outside Chicago and it feels me with immeasurable joy! The owner of the plaza is a fan of modern art and public art. His bizarre retro plaza is a testament to both of his passions!This is a beautiful mirrored mosaic called "The Embrace" by Gina Gilmore!From the back, the light from the store signage reflects

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-1161134105613913112006-10-17T17:59:00.000-07:002006-12-01T07:24:41.898-07:00

The Heidelberg Project is an unusual public art project in downtown Detroit. Originally opposed by the Detroit government, the artist Tyree Guyton's project has become a world renowned public art project. My husband took these pictures the day we were there. It's so worth the visit. To put it far too simply, Guyton has taken garbage and the remnants of a city on a long decline and created a

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-1160268060537489442006-10-07T17:31:00.001-07:002006-12-01T07:24:29.774-07:00

Time to represent the new hometown!I spotted this very exciting and masculine Muffler Man on Grand in Chicago.Apparently this monument to masculinity--he's bending iron, people!--has been in Chicago for years now, sitting atop his Auto Body Shop! He's rugged, he's sexy, he's man enough for us all! Meow!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-1159634161037345452006-09-30T09:28:00.000-07:002007-01-13T18:58:03.486-07:00

My husband is always a good sport. For our honeymoon, we opted to take a road trip--clearly a beloved past time of mine--and we headed to Northern Michigan with the intention of stopping at every ridiculous spot we could find that was still open late in the season. Next stop: St. Ignace's Deer Ranch. It's a petting zoo! It's a gift shop! It's got a lot of deer. I know we have photos of the deer

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-1158933669656529012006-09-22T06:36:00.000-07:002006-12-01T07:18:32.583-07:00

This probably falls outside a typical roadside oddity but I love mid-century modern furniture and architecture and, in my mind, the style is closely related to roadside Americana.At the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit is the only place to find the "Home of the Future" today! The Dymaxion House was created to be an efficient home of tomorrow. It's a domed building with little privacy but maximum

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-1158288658043918772006-09-14T19:44:00.000-07:002007-05-15T18:13:24.006-07:00

In the heart of Nashville there is an exact scale replica of the Greek Parthenon! Weird, but true. It serves as the city's art museum, though that was closed the day I was there. It was a Sunday, what can you do?It's a beautiful building in spite of having nothing to contextualize it. It's just a big ass Parthenon. Worth the side trip we took on our way back from Memphis. Oh, Elvis, you are on my

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-1157915189967521042006-09-10T11:56:00.000-07:002007-01-07T10:11:24.411-07:00

A couple of crazy busses make their way around suburban Detroit with some regularity. They are especially visible during Detroit's annual Dream Cruise. They make the rounds on Woodward all day, ensuring to horrify the millions of drivers and lookie-loos. They are class-a crazies. And I do love the crazies!The top bus is my favorite as it conflates all sorts of issues, including 9/11 and abortion.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-1157862030103666552006-09-09T21:15:00.000-07:002006-12-01T07:22:28.315-07:00

A memorial to the World's Largest Cherry Pie stands in Charlevoix, MI! It's just hanging along the side of the road. It's awesome.The ingredients list!A close-up on the pan--with a fake piece of pie still there!

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-1157772273878359182006-09-08T20:19:00.000-07:002006-12-01T07:22:05.124-07:00

Alfred E. Muffler Man! I stumbled upon this gem in my own backyard!Located in the parking lot of a rundown mall in my hometown of Flint, this old muffler man has been converted to look like Alfred E.! Sweet!I love finding things like this where I least expect them.

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-1157680572790249302006-09-07T18:41:00.000-07:002006-12-01T07:21:50.134-07:00

By far the best thing about the Cross in the Woods is the basement of the gift shop--it houses the World's Largest Nun Doll Museum. The "museum" has dozens of glass cases filled--and I do mean filled--with dolls of all stripes and sizes dressed in Catholic clergy/nun gear. I'm especially pleased with the photo above! Dioramas always draw me in.If you know much about dolls--or even if you have a

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-1157599005610573832006-09-06T20:02:00.000-07:002007-05-15T18:13:44.033-07:00

I drove past the billboard on I-75 many times before finally getting the gumption to pull over the car to check out the Cross in the Woods. The cross is actually a big ol' crucifix in the woods, complete with outdoor worship area, indoor church, grounds, gift shop, and the nun doll museum!The cross looms 55 feet tall and reportedly weighs 21 tons! And you can't walk on the marble steps on your

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33817842.post-1157506862006551922006-09-05T18:24:00.000-07:002006-12-01T07:24:07.539-07:00

Even among the Northern-most residents of Michigan's lower peninsula, there is talk about "da yoopers"--those folks that live in Michigan's upper peninsula. The U.P. is another world filled with self-referential humor and unabashed love of hunting, the outdoors, and drinking. It's rural America with a weird sense of humor.And it's got TONS of Roadside Attractions! One of my favorites is Da

Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361770887090099888noreply@blogger.com0