A to Z Challenge: The J Towns #atozchallenge

During the month of April I am participating in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. The challenge has each blogger select a theme and then do a post thematically from A to Z during each day of April , except Sundays. My blog is number 1337 out of 1670 participating blogs. This year my A to Z posts will take you across the back roads of America to many unique what other bloggers will be posting about, check out the link: A to Z Theme Reveal List for 2016

J The J Towns

Jamestown, North Dakota

World's Largest Buffalo in Jamestown, ND
World’s Largest Buffalo in Jamestown, ND
Frontier Village, an old-timey Western Village in Jamestown, ND
Frontier Village, an old-timey Western Village in Jamestown, ND
The Chuckwagon Cafe - serving a 4 Meat Buffet
The Chuckwagon Cafe – serving a 4 Meat Buffet

One of my fun places to stop in North Dakota is Jamestown. It is known as the “Buffalo City” and one can find all kinds of Buffalo things, including “the World’s Largest Buffalo” statue and  the National Buffalo Museum.  It was commissioned in 1959 by local businessman Harold Newman, and built by art students from Jamestown College, under the supervision of art instructor and designer, Elmer Peterson. It is visible from Interstate 94, overlooking the city from above the James River valley. The statue is 26 feet tall, 46 feet long and weighs 60 tons. It was constructed with stucco and cement around a steel beam frame shaped with wire mesh and is one of the giants across the US. See more about my visit to Jamestown HERE.

Joseph, Oregon

Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
Joseph, Oregon is the Gateway to Hell’s Canyon
A view of Hells Canyon
A view of Hell’s Canyon near Joseph, Oregon
The Spirit of Joseph by Steve Parks
Sumoflam with “The Spirit of Joseph” Eagle sculpture in Joseph, OR. Sculptor was Steve Parks
Sacajawea Peak
A view of Sacajawea Peak near Joseph, Oregon
Wallowa Lake
Wallowa Lake near Joseph, OR

Known as “The Little Switzerland” of the United States, Joseph, Oregon is a scenic town on the shores of the lovely Wallowa Lake. I visited this community in 2007 and was enthralled by the beauty.  Like many towns, they have an art walk with many fine outdoor sculptures, including the intricate eagle sculpture “The Spirit of Joseph” by Steve Parks.  Joseph was named after Chief Joseph of the Wallowa Band of the Nez Perce Tribe.  Joseph is also about an hour away from the awe inspiring Hell’s Canyon. Despite the grandeur and wide expanses of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Hell’s Canyon has been carved much deeper by the Snake River. The canyon is about 100 miles in length and there is one 40 mile section that is nearly 5500 feet deep. But the steepest point from river to rim is at Granite Creek. This is an amazing 7900 foot deep section of the canyon!! The widest expanse across the canyon is 10 miles. The Hell’s Canyon Scenic Byway is an awesome way to spend a day driving and taking in the wonderful views.  See more about my NW Oregon  and SW Washington roadtrip from 2007 HERE.

Jeffersonville, Indiana

Jeffersonville, Indiana
Welcome to Jeffersonville, Indiana
One of the many floodwall murals of Jeffersonville, Indiana
One of the many floodwall murals of Jeffersonville, Indiana
Jeffersonville, Indiana Visitors Center
Jeffersonville, Indiana Visitors Center
Louisville as seen from across the Ohio River in Jeffersonville, IN
Louisville as seen from across the Ohio River in Jeffersonville, IN
Meriwether Lews meets John Clark at the Falls of the Ohio near present day Clarksville, IN
Meriwether Lews meets John Clark at the Falls of the Ohio near present day Clarksville, IN
Gargoyle at Industrial Terrorplex
Gargoyle at Industrial Terrorplex (added especially for my Gargoyle loving friend and author Tui Snider)

Just across the Ohio River from Louisville, KY is the river town of Jeffersonville, Indiana. Two different cities and a shared river and bridge.  In September 2013 , with camera in hand,  I drove around Louisville and then across the river to Jeffersonville.  The town has a series of floodwall murals which are delightful to walk along and see. Turns out that the 12 murals depicting the history of Jeffersonville were painted by Robert Dafford and his crew.  This project began in 2007 and was completed in 2012.  Ironically, I had seen his mural works in previous visits to Point Pleasant, WV, Paducah, KY and Portsmouth, OH. (see Paducah work here and the Point Pleasant work here). Dafford apparently has his photorealistic mural art in over 200 locations around the world. Jeffersonville is also home to The Industrial Terrorplex, a massive haunted house and “horror complex” created using state of the art Hollywood effects, offered up some surprises as I rounded the corner.  A couple of huge gargoyles were waiting on the fencepost to pounce down on me. See more about this unique Ohio River town in my 2013 post HERE.

Juneau, Alaska

Downtown Juneau Alaska
Downtown Juneau Alaska
Cruise Ship in Juneau
Cruise Ship in Juneau as seen from OUR Cruise Ship at 5:30 AM
Juneau Tram
Mount Roberts Tramway
View of Gastineau Channel as seen from top of mountain
View of Gastineau Channel as seen from top of mountain
Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau
Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau

One of the few places you cannot get to on a backroad by car is Juneau, Alaska.  Only accessible via air or boat, we visited while on a cruise in June 2004 with other family members.  Sitting along the Gastineau Channel, the town is picturesque and touristy.  It is the gateway to Mendenhall Glacier as well.  Mendenhall Glacier is about 13.6 miles long located in Mendenhall Valley, about 12 miles from downtown Juneau. We also took the Mount Roberts Tramway to the top of the mountain and enjoyed a spectacular view.  The tramway’s cars rise 1,800 feet from the cruise ship dock in downtown Juneau through the rain forest to the Mountain House, offering expansive views of Juneau and Gastineau Channel. The Tramway is one of the most vertical tramways in the world. See the entire report of this trip HERE.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

"Howdy Stranger" Sign at Teton Pass summit
“Howdy Stranger” Sign at Teton Pass summit
Jackson Hole Valley as seen from Teton Pass
Jackson Hole Valley as seen from Teton Pass
Antler Arch of Jackson
Antler Arch of Jackson
The famous Cowboy Bar neon sign
The famous Cowboy Bar neon sign
Mt. Moran in the Grand Tetons as seen from Colter Bay Lodge
Mt. Moran in the Grand Tetons as seen from Colter Bay Lodge
Grand Tetons as seen from outside Jackson, WY
Grand Tetons as seen from outside Jackson, WY

One of my FAVORITE places in the US is Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  It is the gateway to the Grand Tetons National Park and is a beautiful town nestled in a picturesque valley. See my full post from a 2013 visit HERE.  It is one my “Heaven on Earth” places.

Janesville, Wisconsin (Honorable Mention)

Bessie the Cow in Janesville, WI
Bessie the Cow in Janesville, WI

Another of the interesting towns in Wisconsin, Janesville is not too far from Madison and north of Beloit.  The town has big cows and cheese factories as well as a great history.  Definitely worth a visit.

Jackson Center, Ohio (Honorable Mention)

Airstream Factory in Jackson Center, Ohio
Airstream Factory in Jackson Center, Ohio
Wally Byam Caravan Club HQ in Jackson Center
Wally Byam Caravan Club HQ in Jackson Center
Sumoflam hanging at the Airstream Visitor's Center
Sumoflam hanging at the Airstream Visitor’s Center

Jackson Center, Ohio is the home of the Airstream Factory. Everyone has seen these iconic trailers on the roads.  This is where they come from.  They give tours!!  Check out a report about my visit there in May 2008 right HERE.

Jamaica Beach, Texas (Honorable Mention)

Jamaica Beach Water Tower
Jamaica Beach Water Tower
Pelicans in formation reminded me of Jet Planes in formation
Pelicans in formation reminded me of Jet Planes in formation

On one end of Galveston Island in Texas is Jamaica Beach, with nice beaches, condos to stay in and wonderful views of the Gulf of Mexico.  Brown pelicans are in the air everywhere.  See my 2014 post with many pelican shots and lots of views of the beautiful gulf coast HERE.

Jamestown, New York (Honorable Mention)

Large Lucy Mural in Jamestown, NY painted by Gary Peters Jr. and Gary Peters Sr.
Large Lucy Mural in Jamestown, NY painted by Gary Peters Jr. and Gary Peters Sr.
Big wall photo of Lucy and Desi in Jamestown, New York
Big wall photo of Lucy and Desi in Jamestown, New York
Lucille Ball Birthplace
Lucille Ball Birthplace

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t include another Jamestown.  (And yes, I have also been to Jamestown, VA to see the old Jamestown history!!) Jamestown, New York is the birthplace of iconic TV star Lucille Ball.  There is Lucy and Desi stuff all over town.  We didn’t have time to visit the Lucy-Desi Center, but I did at least get shots of the facilities and the murals.  See my full report about my New York trip to Jamestown and other places nearby by clicking HERE.

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