Heading out of North Carolina, we began to notice a change in the roadside attraction landscapes. We didn’t think it was possible, but South Carolina seems to have even stranger things on offer!

Want to know what we found? Read on to find out…

1. UFO Welcome Center: Bowman, South Carolina

A warm welcome is given not just to the aliens, but also to those strangely interested visitors to the UFO Welcome Center in Bowman, South Carolina.

The owner of this wacky attraction, Jody Pendarvis, has been awaiting the arrival of non-human beings since 1994 and insists that his attempt at a UFO will be a welcoming environment for aliens to get to know the human kind.

2. Button King Museum: Bishopville, South Carolina

Is there a cure for insomnia? While there may not be a definitive answer, one man has certainly made the most of this tiring condition, turning his time into a lifelong obsession with buttons.

From button suits, to button cars, Dalton Stevens has it covered…quite literally. The Button King Museum showcases a man’s lifework and offers quite a sight to look at.

3. South of the Border: Dillon, South Carolina

The South of the Border Tourist Complex is guarded by the very lovable Pedro, shaded from the harsh Mexican sun by an imposing sombrero. Pedro is a sign of what you can expect as you head further south…so basically every stereotypical embodiment of Mexico.

However, the kids seem to love this kind of thing, so either avoid this stretch of highway like the plague, or be prepared to make a roadside stop to scramble through the endless buckets of cheap novelties, all in the aim of bagging a bargain.

4. Kingdom of Oyotunji African Village: Sheldon, South Carolina

Regarded as a whole other country in its own right, the Kingdom of Oyotunji is a relatively uncrowded African Village that can be found right in the heart of Sheldon, South Carolina.

Home to several bizarre concrete monuments, and well, not much else, this African village does provide an interesting day out for the family, if nothing else.

-Chrissy

Know of any other South Carolina attractions that are just plain weird. Comment us below to tell us more!

North Carolina is a state that is growing fast, and the roadside attractions on offer here are following suite and multiplying as well. With this increase in numbers comes more attractions contesting for the title of “World’s Biggest”, while come are just content to remain just plain strange.

So come along for the ride as we uncover some of the biggest and strangest things on offer in the great state of North Carolina.

1. World’s Largest Chest of Drawers: High Point, North Carolina

High Point has taken the lead in the “world’s biggest furniture” battle, boasting two giant chests of drawers. The largest of these stands at an impressive 80-foot tall, dwarfing its little sister on the other side of town, which comes complete with socks and all.

2. World’s Largest 10 Commandments: Murphy, North Carolina

Never before has the presence of God felt so big than at North Carolina’s World’s Largest 10 Commandments.

This 300-foot tableau rests on the side of a mountain in one of the state’s most obscure western corners, and is accompanied by a Prayer Mountain and a replica tomb of Jesus, from which you can roll the stone away, literally.

3. Shell Shaped Gas Station: Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Winston-Salem’s shell-shaped gas station is the last of its kind and stands proud on the roadside just a little north of Interstate 40.

This clamshell structure has been preserved and given a whole new burst of life with a fresh coat of paint making it the ideal background for a tourist photograph.

4. World’s Oldest Coffee Pot: Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Coffee is something very close to the hearts of many Americans so it should come as no surprise that many towns across the states have put these feelings into large tin structures.

Old Salem is home to the oldest of these, boasting a shiny metal vessel that has been standing proud since 1860. Pose for a photo with the 12-foot shiny metal structure, if only to prove you’ve been to the world’s oldest coffee pot.

5. Belhaven Memorial Museum: Belhaven, North Carolina

If the sight of some of the things in this museum isn’t enough to make you sick to the stomach, you may very well have a stomach of steel!

The Belhaven Memorial Museum houses the knick knacks of a 92 year old woman who didn’t have the heart to throw anything away. And when we say, anything, we mean EVRYTHING.

From one-eyed fetal pigs and two-headed kittens, to stuffed snakes and 30-year-old jars of chicken fat, this museum gives a whole new meaning to the word wacky!

-Chrissy

Been to North Carolina lately and discovered any other strange things. Let us know about them in the comments below.

Home to everyone’s favorite kind of deep-fried chicken, Kentucky is a southern state that has enough strange roadside attractions to, well, fill a bucket!

So join us as we twister our way through the land of Colonel Sanders and uncover the weirdest and wackiest attractions on offer here.

1. Mammoth Cave Wax Museum: Cave City, Kentucky

These days wax replicas have taken on a whole new meaning, with some so realistic, it’s hard to tell between the wax figure and the real person. However, due to the age of the Mammoth Cave Wax Museum, many of the figures aren’t quite as realistic as one would expect.

From Martin Luther King and Mark Twain, to the cast of Baywatch and Elvis, Mammoth Cave boasts everyone significant to both the Hollywood and History worlds.

2. The First KFC: Corbin, Kentucky

This is where the junk food craze that was to take the nation, and inevitably the world by storm, began. Experience the original recipe in its original setting…fortunately though, you won’t be offered the original chicken!

3. World’s Largest Bat: Louisville, Kentucky

The search for “world’s biggest things” was met with another entry in the country town of Louisville, Kentucky, when we stumbled across a giant baseball bat. In fact, it weighs in at an impressive 34 tons to be exact.

The bat appears to wreck havoc right across town, with a 3D painting of the ball smashing into a window of the local glass shop, and a leathery bat also found at the nearby costume shop.

4. Vent Haven: Ventriloquist Museum: Fort Mitchell, Kentucky

Ventriloquism is something that has intrigued the public for many years, and as fascinating as it may be, many of us are still wary of just what these “dummies” can do.

This museum really puts you right in the thick of it, as you walk through endless rooms of silently grinning dolls, it’s hard not to get a slight feeling of the “heebie-jeebies” and wonder just what’s going on in their little wooden heads.

5. Answers in Genesis Creation Museum: Petersburg, Kentucky

Offering some sort of answer to the age old debate between Evolution and Creationism, the Answers in Genesis Creation Museum is an attraction that is guaranteed to surprise even the most skeptical among us.

From dinosaurs and cave men, to Damnation Alley and the Garden on Eden, this museum has it all, leaving no stone unturned and no myth left without an attempted answer.

-Chrissy

Think there’s more to fill the bucket? Leave your ideas in the comments below.

The Great American Road Trip is a journey that is quintessential to any American vacation. While many stick to famous roads like Route 66, others are simply willing to enjoy the immense and true natural beauty of this great land.

So we’ve picked out 5 of the most scenic drives in the US in the hope of instilling an eagerness to discover again just how beautiful this country is.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway

Regarded as America’s favorite drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway winds through Virginia and North Carolina, touching on sections of the Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks.

Along the way be sure to check out the Humpback Rocks, Whetstone Ridge and the Buena Vista Overlook.

2. Highway 1

The US road system simply wouldn’t be the same if the famous Highway 1 were to shut up shop and cease to exist. Highway 1 is monumental to the United States and runs for an impressive 3,800 kilometres, connecting most of the major cities on the East Cost.

This route is overflowing with history and the coastal sections are also sure to be highlights as well.

3. Going-to-the-Sun-Road

While the name of this road shouldn’t be taken in the literal sense, its metaphorical title should work as an indication of the surprising beauty of this dramatic stretch of road.

Spanning the heart of Montana’s Glacier National Park, this road is dominated by views of the Going-to-the-Sun Mountain (hence the name) and boasts natural attractions like the Bird Woman Falls, Weeping Wall, Jackson Glacier and Rising Sun.

4. Great River Road

Discover the all-American Mississippi River when you embark on an adventure along the Great River Road. While it isn’t a single road (as the name may suggest), it is comprised of several amazing stretches of road, each offering brilliant views of the river and its surrounding natural attractions.

The Great River Road is the perfect option for those who can’t be bothered to hire a boat to make their way up this famous stretch and would rather hire a car to do the job.

5. Seward Highway

Running through the US state of Alaska, the Seward Highway is a masterpiece when it comes to spectacular scenery and great Alaskan highlights.

This highway runs through the towns of Bear Creek, Moose Pass, Portage Glacier and Anchorage, offering unsurpassed lake views and mountain landscapes.

-Chrissy

Driven any other amazing roads you think are worthy of this list? Let us know about them in the comments below!

Georgia is a fantastic place to visit for those who can’t manage to get to the “real” attractions…and I mean this in the most affectionate way possible. Georgia is a state that takes its nationalism and patriotism seriously. It is also a state that is hung up on “big attractions” and strange roadside attractions that never seem to fail at attracting the oddest of visitors.

So come on a Jurnii with us as we venture towards the coast through the surprising state of Georgia.

1. Lunchbox Museum: Columbus, Georgia

Inspired by the lunchtime memories of the years before the 1980’s, the Lunchbox Museum offers an extensive collection of America’s most beloved lunchtime metal pales.

The boxes have strategically been placed in alphabetical order allowing visitors to embark on a journey through their favorite cartoon covered pales, or to simply skip to the one that they loved the most.

From Adam 12 to Yoda, this museum seemingly has it all.

2. Babyland General Hospital: Cleveland, Georgia

For anyone born around the 1980’s, a journey to the Babyland General Hospital of Cleveland will bring back the fondest memories and introduce new ones to the next generation’s culture.

Cleveland is the birth town of the Cabbage Patch Kids, and the Babyland hospital here pays tribute to this phenomenon like no other institution could.

See the birth of these iconic dolls and experience the opportunity to nurture them into this world and even take one home with you.

3. Little Grand Canyon of Georgia: Lumpkin, Georgia

The Grand Canyon of Arizona is a place every true American should visit at least once in a lifetime. However, if you can’t manage to make it to the real thing, the Little Grand Canyon of Georgia shall nicely suffice.

Now we’re not claiming that it is anywhere close to being as remarkable, spectacular and awe-inspiring as the real thing, yet it is still aesthetically pleasing in its own right.

The area covers a total area of 1,108 acres and boasts an impressive 15 canyons, but sadly only reaches 1/30^th of the depth of the true Grand Canyon.

4. Statue of Liberty Replica: McRae, Georgia

Once again, this attraction is ideal for those who can’t actually make it to the real thing.

Constructed entirely just by looking at photographs of the New York version, this replica of the Statue of Liberty is scaled to 1/12 of the actual Miss Liberty and is particularly beautiful at night under the carefully placed glowing lights.

5. The Georgia Guidestones: Nuberg, Georgia

Regarded as southern America’s answer to Stonehenge, the Georgia Guidestones may not be quite as visually breathtaking, but they do inspire some sense of awe.

Standing strong since 1930, the granite formations stand an impressive 19-foot tall each and are engraved with messages in a total of eight different languages.

Nobody really seems to know what they mean and why they are there, but nevertheless, they are still quite a fascinating attraction to visit if you can’t get to the real thing.

-Chrissy

Are you a fan of replicas and know of any more that can be found in Georgia? Tell us about them in the comments below.

The great state of Tennessee is home to some of the country’s best (and strangest) attractions. Home to everything Elvis, Tennessee is also prone to “big” attractions along with a lot of cultural highlights that only the locals seem to “get”.

So come along on a Jurnii as we travel into the South and uncover some of the strangest attractions that can be found on the great American roadside.

1. Museum of Appalachia: Clinton, Tennessee

The terms weird and wacky take on a whole new meaning once you have visited the Museum of Appalachia; home to seemingly endless oddities and strange attractions.

Boasting over a quarter of a million artifacts, highlights of the museum include the perpetual motion machine, the American axe and the tribute to the history of the nail.

2. Museum of Salt and Pepper Shakers: Gatlinburg, Tennessee

If you like your food seasoned (and seasoned well) you are going to love the Museum of Salt and Pepper Shakers.

Walk the halls of this crazy museum and come across almost 20,000 salt and pepper shakers, each placed into their own unique category, in a manner that is pleasing to the eye and quirky enough to make you stop and take a look.

From feet and crab claws, to every vegetable imaginable, this museum covers it all!

3. Elvis Museum: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

No museum encompasses the true extent of the Elvis phenomenon quite like the Elvis Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Die-hard fans are likely to swoon over his old sweaty clothes, the underwear that was hurled at him onstage and the two sets of his x-rays. Add to this collectables of the last personal hygiene products he used and you have yourself a shrine that could easily compete with (and even surpass) the bedroom of any completely obsessed fan.

4. Dinosaur Walk Museum: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Americans seem to love all things big so it seemed an obvious move to combine this notion of big with the ancient creatures of terror; the dinosaurs.

Walk among creatures that existed over 65 million years ago, being careful to avoid a run-in with the 42-foot long T-Rex and the 70-foot long Apatosaurus.

The Dinosaur Walk Museum is a huge novelty but definitely not one to miss!

5. International Towing and Recovery Museum: Chattanooga, Tennessee

The town of Chattanooga has a rich towing history; in fact some may liken it to Detroit’s strong connection to the auto industry.

The International Towing and Recovery Museum pays tribute to all things towing, housing an impressive collection of odd-looking tow trucks that each tell their own unique story. The aim of the museum is to lift the dark shadow that usually follows tow-truck drivers around, and achieves this through the colorful displays and exhibits.

- Chrissy

Been to Tennessee lately and think we’ve left anything off the list? Let us know about them in the comments below!

Sweet Home Alabama is home to some pretty sweet roadside attractions, but it’s the wacky ones that stand out the most. Offering world-renowned “big” attractions and historic relics from some of the world’s most well-known names, Alabama is packed to the brim with all things weird.

So join us as we Jurnii across Alabama and discover what is so sweet about it!

1. Hitler’s Typewriter: Bessemer, Alabama

As morbid as Hitler memorabilia may be, it’s hard for many to ignore their inquisitive nature about history’s most reviled maniac. Keepsakes of this hated man are scattered all across the country, but it’s the town of Bessemer, Alabama, that has the most interesting of the lot.

Hitler’s typewriter is the most popular exhibit in this Hall of History and folks around here like to push the point that “orders that marched armies to their death were typed here”. Slightly sinister yes, but it doesn’t stop the crowds lining up to check out this incredible slice of history.

2. African Village in America: Birmingham, Alabama

As far as weird and wacky in Alabama goes, there really is nothing stranger than Birmingham’s African Village. Joe Minter has been developing this tribute to African-America in his backyard since 1989, and all attractions have been built from the likes of old sports equipment, baking pans, footwear, toys and Christmas lawn decorations.

Most of Joe’s creations carry or moral or political message so if you look hard enough you will begin to recognize the hidden messages this park is trying to put across.

3. Ave Maria Grotto: Cullman, Alabama

Finding a Grotto on the roadside that isn’t, well grotty, is a hard feat, but you may just be pleasantly surprised when you come across the Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman, Alabama.

This Grotto pays tribute to the world’s most important religious structures, along with fascinating structures like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Hansel and Gretel’s Temple of the Fairies.

4. DeSoto Caverns: Childersburg, Alabama

More than just a hole in the ground, the DeSoto Caverns are an ideal kiddies attraction, with more novelty attractions than some theme parks. Pan for gold and run around the maze, and be sure to check out the 2000-year-old jaw bone of a 7-foot tall Woodland Indian.

However it’s the caves that are really set to amaze, with their frozen Niagaras and Stalactites never failing to disappoint.

5. World’s Largest Chair Battle: Anniston, Alabama

The ongoing battle for the title of “World’s Largest Chair” has been amusing Americans for over a century. However it wasn’t until 1981 that one was erected in Anniston, Alabama. The chair was set to break all records at an impressive 31-foot tall and was constructed using 10 tons of steel.

This chair is one for the ages and is the town’s claim to fame.

-Chrissy

Do you call Alabama home? Tell us about your strangest experiences here in the comments below.

Ohio may be located right on the far edge of the mid-west region of the United States, but all of its roadside attractions follow the same pattern as its homeland. Home to a large handful of big, wacky and just-plain-strange attractions, Ohio is a must if you are looking for something really out-there!

So come along as we Jurnii across the last state of the mid-west and say Hi to Ohio!

1. American Sign Museum: Cincinnati, Ohio

America’s roadside is what it is because of the weird and wacky things that can be found along it, and these odd attractions would be nothing if it were not for the signs that lead you to them.

The American Sign Museum pays tribute to these signs and is in fact the only one of its kind in the country. But don’t be mistaken by the usual nature of roadside museums; the owner is serious about signs and this more than shines through in this epic tribute to them.

2. Cincinnati Police Museum: Cincinnati, Ohio

American’s seem to have a bit of a fascination with stuffed animals so it should come as no surprise that Cincinnati’s local police museum boasts a taxidermy hero dog!

Handsome is a local hero and stands proud in the Cincinnati Police Museum, which is also home to the likes of  an entire case of murder weapons including bombs, hammers, bayonets, and concrete blocks. In fact, the only thing missing from this museum is an electric chair; but don’t fret, one is one its way.

3. World’s Largest Rubber Stamp: Cleveland, Ohio

As with most other states in America, Ohio also has a mild obsession with “World’s Largest Things”, and the city of Cleveland is no exception. The world’s largest rubber stamp has been making its mark on this town since 1991, and measures an impressive 28-feet tall and 48-feet long.

4. Bible Walk and Living Bible Museum: Mansfield, Ohio

The experience you will have at the Living Bible Museum will be like walking through a wax bible. The Old and New Testament tours are particularly fascinating and will take you on a spiritual journey through the world’s holiest book.

The wax dummies depict the stories in a realistic manner and will leave any religious fanatic (or non-fanatic) in awe of these fascinating stories of the past.

5. World’s Largest Basket-shaped Building: Newark

Coming home from work as a basket case is given a whole new meaning at the world’s largest basket in Newark, Ohio. The basket is a replica of Longaberger’s Medium Market Basket…but measures in at more the 160 times larger, and is the home office of Longaberger’s company.

If you get a chance to visit at night, you won’t be disappointed as the sight of the basket lit up is quite remarkable.

-Chrissy

Visited Ohio lately and come across some other strange attractions? Tell us of your travels in the comments below!

The world just wouldn’t be the same without the great minds of Americans. In fact, our minds have been responsible for some of the worlds most useful and life-changing inventions.

Where would we all be these days without the World Wide Web and the optiont to swing by a tasty burger joint at 2am? Well, we would probably be a thinner nation, but regardless, these inventions are a winner and should be rewarded more credit!

1. The Internet

I know it may be hard to do, but think back to the days when Internet wasn’t around. Hard, isn’t it?

When it was first introduced in the United States in the 1960’s it could only be accessed on a fridge sized box referred to as a computer. The mind-numbingly slow speed of the connection was seen as the triumph of the 20th Century.

50 years on, it is now one of the world’s most widely used-phenomonem making all things Twitter and Facebook possible.

2. NASA

Any organzation that can put a man on the moon in the 60’s deserves a spot on this list. Sure, they were just trying to beat Russia, and sure we haven’t gone back yet (even though technology these days would allow it to be possible), but NASA’s work truly is out of this world (literally).

Some may argue that other countries are ahead, technology wise, but hey, we got there first!

3. McDonald’s

Easily one of the most recognizable symbols in the world, the giant “M” represents an empire that is still going strong (and fat), 69 years after its founding in San Bernardino, California.

Serving fatty mcfat hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken products (if you can even call them that) and French fries to 47 million consumers each day, business is booming (literally) with sales going through the roof (along with consumer’s cholesterol).

Forget public debates about obesity; this is the McAmerican way of life.

4. The Statue of Liberty

While it may seem an obvious addition to any “Wonders of the USA” list, it is actually largely forgotten. The lady of liberty stands tall in the harbor of New York, and embodies the freedom and liberty all Americans are entitled to.

The lady likes to be climbed, and for just $12 each, you can gain access to whichever part of her you so desire.

5. Elvis and Graceland

The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is without a doubt one of the best things to come out of America’s music world. A cultural icon from the minute he stepped into the spotlight, Elvis is incredibly still making money even though he has been long gone for over 30 years.

Today you can experience everything Elvis at his original home in Graceland.

Thank you, Thank you very much!

6. Hollywood

The Godfather, The Shawshank Redemption, Pulp Fiction, Star Wars and The Dark Knight; some of the greatest films of our time. And they all derive from one place: HOLLYWOOD.

Every actor dreams of making it big, and in these dreams this is the only place to do it!

Hollywood expresses everything America is about: big, loud, creative expression, high budget, in your face and sure to be a hit!

7. The Yellow Cab

Before public transport became as good as it is today, where would we be if we were stuck 10 miles from home, in the middle of the night, with no sense of direction and an unreliable friend who forgot to pick you up? A yellow cab is probably where you would find yourself.

Its birth in Chicago, Illinois signified the change of a travelling era. They are the most recognizable car in NYC (perhaps because these are pretty much the only cars on the road) and can be brought to a stop at the simple sound of a wolf whistle.

- Chrissy

Think America has invented a few more than these 7 fantatsic, life-chaning things? Let us know about them in the comments below.

Michigan is a state that prides itself on its Great Lakes, but ask any true Michigan-born American and they will argue that it’s their status as the “Automotive State” that really makes them special. And this is clearly evident through the countless automotive attractions and museums you will find sprinkled along the roadsides of the state.

Weird and wacky is something Michigan does well, and this does not just extend to its proud collection of everything cars. So come with us as we Jurnii through this unforgettable state and uncover its strangest, yet most interesting attractions.

1. World’s Largest Tire: Allen Park

Nothing captures the state’s automotive history more than this tribute to one of the world’s most useful inventions: the tire!

Weighing in at 12 ton and standing an impressive 80-foot tall, this tire will put the tires on your car to ABSOLUTE SHAME!

2.  Hiawatha, World’s Tallest and Largest Indian: Ironwood

Pass through the town of Ironwood and it will be hard (if not impossible) to miss the looming statue of America’s tallest and largest Indian.

This sturdy structure weighs in at 16,000 pounds and reaches into the sky 52-feet high. Built to withstand winds up to 140 mph, nothing is going to be moving this stature anytime soon, but it still doesn’t hurt to take a look before the sun once again threatens to take away his shininess!

3. Weird Michigan Wax Museum: Moran Township

If the word “weird” appears in the title of attraction, it’s a safe bet you’re in for a treat! Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is known for its, lets say, oddities, but this museum has to take the cake (and the candles).

Although the displays are somewhat “tongue in cheek”, they do well to capture the weird and wacky of the Upper Peninsula and will have you shaking in your boots, or simply just crept out!

4. World’s Largest Cherry Pie: Charlevoix

A gruesome battle played out on the streets of Charelevoix and Traverse City between the years of 1975 and 1987: a battle in which Traverse City smeared the victorious juices of cherries over the faces of the residents of Charlevoix.

While the mess on the streets has since been cleared up, what remains is a salute to the pie dish that encompassed the once “World’s Largest Cherry Pie”. The Charlevoix pie dish is proudly displayed in its original brick oven and is big enough to hold a pie that weighs 17,420 pounds.

5. Da Yoopers Tourist Trap: Ishpeming

While you are in the Upper Peninsula visiting the weird Wax Museum, be sure to swing by D Yoopers Tourist Trap; home to some Michigan’s wackiest attractions yet.

This is the land of snow, mosquitoes, pasties, smelt and Bosch beer, and this is something this tourist attraction celebrates. Home to Big Gus (the world’s largest working chainsaw) and Big Ernie (the world’s largest working rifle), this is one roadside attraction you will want to bring the camera along for.

- Chrissy

Visited Michigan lately and discovered any other weird attractions? Let us know about them in the comments below!