There are more than 4 million miles of roads and more than 190 million licensed drivers in the United States. That works out as a whole lot of driving…and from time to time, a whole lot of boredom.
America’s roads are lined with thousands of independent and eccentric attractions offering drivers rest and rejuvenation. Many of these weird and wonderful roadside curiosities are ingenuously creative. But just as many are shamelessly shambolic.
RoadsideAmerica.com is dedicated to this uniquely American phenomenon. The website has rated more than 10,000 of them, advising readers whether they’re ‘Mildly Interesting’, Worth a Stop’, ‘Worth a Detour’, ‘Major Fun’ or ‘The Best.’ Here are some of our favorites:
The Congressional Bunker – White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
This 1960s Cold War nuclear shelter lies partly beneath a hill and party under one of America’s most highly respected hotels – The Greenbrier.
Hitler’s Tea Service and Spy Weapons – Anniston, Alabama
Two World War II spies who spied on each from opposing sides met ended up marrying and setting up historical artifacts museum. The collection’s prized asset is Hitler’s silver tea service.
Dorothy’s House and Land of Oz – Liberal, Kansas
Where would you find the world’s most trippy celebration of all things The Wizard of Oz. Why, Kansas of course! Naturally, the tour begins with a walk along a yellow brick road.
X-10 Nuclear Reactor – Oak Ridge, Tennessee
This former top-secret facility produced fuel for America’s atomic bombs. Much of its story (we’re pretty sure not all) is revealed on a three-hour bus tour.
Carhenge – Alliance, Nebraska
Made from 38 cars, this has to be the best of America’s many tributes to the prehistoric World Heritage Site in England.
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
(Image: cm195902)
