In 2018 I will feature a random (yet alphabetical) selection of photos I have taken from my nearly 20 years of back roads travel in the United States and Canada. I may even throw in a few random shots from other trips to Japan, Mexico and the Philippines. My theme is called America’s Back Roads: A Grab Bag of Places in Pictures.
Only, Tennessee
This way to Only, TNThe one and only Only Baptist Church
Oak Creek Canyon – Sedona, Arizona
Sumoflam at the Oak Creek Canyon Overlook in 1982A Century plant in bloom with the scenic Red Rock country of Sedona below. This was taken at the top of Schnebly Hill Road in 1983
Ostriches – Fossil Rim Wildlife Center – Glen Rose, Texas
Angry Ostrich at Fossil Rim
Otterville Falls – Otterville, Ontario
Otterville Falls in Otterville, Ontario, Canada
Owl Heads Grocery – South Irvine, Kentucky
Owl Heads Grocery in South Irvine. Love the sign!
Oculus – Council Bluffs, Iowa
Oculus by Broward Hatcher, at Bayliss Park in Council Bluffs
Family Home For 4 Years – Oita, Japan
Making a New Year’s TV Show in OitaThe village of Usuki, also in Oita, is home of a famous Buddha statue. It is also the original landing place of the Dutch when they first arrived in Japan in the 1600s.
Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean as seen from Old Orchard Beach, MECatching the sunrise with grandchildren Jos and Rockwell at Old Orchard Beach
Odd, West Virginia
Odd, West Virginia Post OfficeOdd School Road takes you into the town of Odd, WV
Orca Art – Seattle, Washington & Port Orchard, Washington
Orca Wall Art in SeattleUndersea World mural in Port OrchardA nice Orca Sculpture across the street from the Seattle Aquarium
Dignity: Of Earth & Sky: Oacoma/Chamberlain, South Dakota
Dignity is a stainless steel, 50-foot-tall statue was specifically designed by sculptor Dale Lamphere to honor the cultures of the Lakota and Dakota people.Sumoflam at the base of the amazing statue called Dignity which overlooks the towns of Chamberlain and Oacoma in South Dakota.
Omaha, Nebraska
Pioneer brotherhood – Pioneer Memorial, Omaha, NebraskaGiant Wall Mural in Little Mexico district of OmahaOld Zesto Neon near the Omaha Zoo
Over-the-Rhine District – Cincinnati, Ohio
Historic buildings in the Over-the-Rhine district
Orin, Wyoming
US 20 east out of Orin, Wyoming
Orange Moose Bar & Grill – Black River Falls, Wisconsin
Orange Moose in Black River Falls, WI
Olympia, Washington
Washington State Capital Building – Olympia, WashingtonA wonderful Super Hero Mural located in Downtown Olympia, WashingtonAn Octopus mural, one of many wall murals in Olympia
Oldest Lake in America – Clear Lake, California
A view across Clear Lake, one of the oldest freshwater lakes in North America
Once in a Millennium Moon – America’s tallest wall mural – Shreveport, Louisiana
Tallest wall mural in US “Once in a Millennium Moon” is 14 stories tall…in Shreveport, LA
Olde Heidelberg Restaurant – Heidelberg, Ontario
Olde Heidelberg Restaurant – Heidelberg, OntarioSumoflam gnoshing on pig tails at Olde Heidelberg
Okay, Oklahoma
Sumoflam – An Okay ParentThis is an Okay Police DepartmentThis church caters to Okay followers
Our Lady of the Rockies – Butte, Montana
Our Lady of the Rockies, Butte, MTOur Lady of the Rockies info sign at Butte Overlook
Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ – Kansas City, Kansas & Kansas City, Missouri
Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ in a gas station – Kansas City, KSThe waiting line at Oklahoma Joe’sStopped in KC to enjoy lunch with my good friend Brad Sweeten at Oklahoma Joe’s in KC, MO
Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath – Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Sumoflam at Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Ohio and Erie Towpath Bike Trailhead
Oddville, Kentucky
Oddville, KentuckyOddville United Methodist Church, Oddville, KY
Oil Springs, Ontario
Oil Springs, Ontario – The location of the First Commercial Oil Well in North AmericaScrap Metal Art in Oil Springs, OntarioOil Springs Scrap Metal Art
Off the Beaten Path Ice Cream – Damascus, Virginia
Off the Beaten Path Ice Cream in Damascus, VAIce Cream Chart in Off the Beaten Path… LOL
Annual Oshawa Rib Fest – Oshawa, Ontario
Davor Zuder and some smokin’ ribs at Oshawa Rib Fest in Ontario in 2008BBQ Pitmaster Oliver Zuder showing off his trophy at the Oshawa Ribfest in 2008 in Ontario
Ocean City, Maryland
Old Paradise Cafe sign in Ocean City. What is a beach resort town without a flamingo or two?Christmas sunrise near Ocean City, Maryland with a dolphin swimming byOcean City, MD in December 2016
Olympic National Park – Washington
Mount Olympus and Olympic National Park as seen from Hwy 104
Onalaska, Wisconsin
I-90 Near Onalaska, Wisconsin
Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse – Paxton, Nebraska
Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse – Paxton, NebraskaBig Moose at Ole’s (and one with antlers too)
Ohio Valley Steelworkers Statue – Steubenville, Ohio
If you like what you see, you may want to check out my book: Less Beaten Paths of America: Unique Town Names, available on Amazon. My second book, Less Beaten Paths of America: Quirky and Offbeat Roadside Attractions, will be available in late April or early May 2018. Click on the photo below for more details or to get a copy of the book.
In 2018 I will feature a random (yet alphabetical) selection of photos I have taken from my nearly 20 years of back roads travel in the United States and Canada. I may even throw in a few random shots from other trips to Japan, Mexico and the Philippines. My theme is called America’s Back Roads: A Grab Bag of Places in Pictures.
The Nutt House Hotel – Granbury, Texas
Who would stay in the Nutt House Hotel?
Nice, California
We all know who is really Nice! Nice, CA
New River Gorge – Victor, West Virginia
A view of the New River Gorge in West Virginia taken in 1995New River Gorge Bridge – One of the largest Arch bridges in the United States
Neah Bay, Washington
At Neah Bay in the northwesternmost corner of the contiguous United States in 2015Looking out at Wa’atch Point, which is a cape off the northwestern peninsula near Neah Bay
Nashville, Indiana
One of the many kitschy shops in Nashville, Indiana. Really a fun place to visit
Not the Hotel California – Lima, Montana
“Not the Hotel California” in Lima, MontanaNo Steaks and Burgers at this place in Lima, Montana
Tuckhannock Viaduct – Nicholson, PennsylvaniaThe viaduct is dizzying when looking up from below
Nekoma Pyramid – Nekoma, North Dakota
The Pyramid in Nekoma, NDSumoflam and MSR Pyramid in Nekoma, ND
Nada Tunnel – Slade, Kentucky
The rough hewn stone Nada tunnel near Slade, Kentucky
Niagara Falls – Niagara Falls, Ontario
Niagara Falls, OntarioNiagara Falls
Novelty, Ohio
I found Novelty in OhioNovelty Post Office
Normal, Illinois
Am I Normal? Who knows?A Normal Water Tower
Nikko Shrine – Nikko, Japan
Perhaps the best “old shrine” in Japan, Nikko has been around for centuries. This is north of Tokyo. I visited Nikko in 1990.The colorful pagoda in Nikko
National Mustard Museum – Middleton, Wisconsin
National Mustard Museum Sign, Middleton, WIPoupon U Degree from the Mustard Museum – I got my MBA (Master of Bad Attitude)
North Bend Rail Trail – Cairo, West Virginia
My wife Julianne and her sister Laura at the North Bend Rail Trail HQ in Cairo, WV
Naches Tavern – Greenwater, Washington
Naches Tavern in Greenwater, WA (featuring Bigfoot!)Dollar Bills on the walls at Naches Tavern
Newport, Oregon
Giant Mural on outside of Mo’s in Newport, OregonMo’s Seafood – Newport, Oregon
Salem Sue – New Salem, North Dakota
Salem Sue Sign in New Salem, NDSalem Sue in New Salem, ND – the World’s Largest Holstein Cow (Yes, that’s Sumoflam under the Udders)
Northside Murals – Cincinnati, Ohio
Large Mural on side of building representing the Northside districtTall mural on side of a building in Cincinnati’s Northside
Nagasaki, Japan
Remains from A-Bomb in Nagasaki in 1988Japans second most famous China Town (Tokyo’s is first). This one is located in Nagasaki
JJ’s Cafe – Newell, South Dakota
J J’s Cafe in Newell, SDSign at the door of TJ’s Cafe in Newell, SD. Bear in mind this is sheep country.
Nitro, West Virginia
Nitro WW I museum – Nitro, WVBig Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox in Nitro, WV
Nolan Ryan Statue – Alvin, Texas
Sumoflam with Nolan Ryan in Alvin, TXWelcome to Alvin, Texas, hometown of Nolan Ryan
New Orleans, Louisiana
Bourbon Street in New Orleans in 2011
Nebraska City, Nebraska
Sapp’s Coffee Pot Water Tower in Nebraska CityArbor Day Farm Tree Adventure – Nebraska City, NebraskaDowntown Nebraska City
Nauvoo, Illinois
The completed LDS Nauvoo Temple in 2002
The Jay Vintage Neon – Needville, Texas
The Jay Cafe in Needville, Texas. Vintage neon sign
Mark Twain Statue – New London, Missouri
Mark Twain Statue in New London, Missouri
Willie Nelson Shrine – LSA Burgers – Denton, Texas
Willie Nelson Shrine at LSA Burger Co. in Denton, TXWillie Nelson Portrait above his shrine
Nanobozho Muffler Man – Bemidji, Minnesota
Nanobozho, Muffler Man Indian in Bemidji, MN
Number Hill – Arco, Idaho
Number Hill – Arco, ID
If you like what you see, you may want to check out my book: Less Beaten Paths of America: Unique Town Names, available on Amazon. My second book, Less Beaten Paths of America: Quirky and Offbeat Roadside Attractions, will be available in late April or early May 2018. Click on the photo below for more details or to get a copy of the book.
In 2018 I will feature a random (yet alphabetical) selection of photos I have taken from my nearly 20 years of back roads travel in the United States and Canada. I may even throw in a few random shots from other trips to Japan, Mexico and the Philippines. My theme is called America’s Back Roads: A Grab Bag of Places in Pictures.
Mystic Pizza – Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic Pizza in Mystic, CT with my sweet wife
Moon Township, PA
Township of Moon, PA
Muscovy Duck – Damascus, Virginia
A unique Muscovy duck in the river in Damascus
Mammy’s Cupboard – Natchez, Mississippi
Mammy’s Cupboard in Natchez, MSMammy’s Cupboard Dining Room – Much bigger than it looks on the outside
Mail Pouch Barns – Brinkhaven, Ohio; Friendly, West Virginia; Hargett, Kentucky
Mail Pouch Barn in Brinkhaven, OHMail Pouch Barn in Friendly, WVA rare Mail Pouch barn sighting in Hargett, KY
Billy Tripp’s Mindfield – Brownsville, Tennessee
Sumoflam at Tripp’s Mindfield Cemetery in Brownsville, TNA portion of the Mindfield Cemetery in Brownsville, TNMindfield Cemetery, Brownsville, Tennessee
Mr. Roger’s T-Rex Statue – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Mr. Rogers T-Rex
Mountain Bluebird – The Badlands National Park, South Dakota
A Mountain Bluebird perched on a fencepost in the Badlands
Mac the Moose – Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Mac the Moose in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Monument Valley – Utah
Monument Valley, UtahEnjoying the splendor of Monument Valley in southern Utah and Northern Arizona around 1983
Monongahela Incline – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Welcome to the Monongahela InclineMonongahela Incline going upMonongahela Incline in Pittsburgh
Maid of the Mist – Niagara Falls, Ontario
The Maid of the Mist at the bottom of Niagara Falls filled with tourists
Melt Eclectic Cafe – Cincinnati, Ohio
Melt in CincinnatiMelt Cafe
Metal Green Bay Packer – Pagac’s Bar – Ashland, Wisconsin
Robotic scrap metal quarterback. The guy in the bar said you can plug it in and it actually moves!
Mayan Ruins – Tulum, Mexico
Enjoying a visit to the Tulum Ruins on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico
Midlothian Castle – Burk’s Falls, Ontario
Midlothian CastleHeadstone on one of the Gates to Midlothian Castle
Home of Mayberry – Mount Airy, North Carolina
Snappy Lunch – Mt. Airy, NCMayberry on MainMayberry Cheese
Mount Rainier National Park – Greenwater, Washington
Entering Mt. Rainier National Park on WA 410 south of Greenwater, WAMt. Rainier in Washington – visited in 2015A ferry passes by us in the sound with Mt. Rainier in the background
Migrating Snow Geese – Arkansas
Snow Geese everywhereRan into a HUGE flock of migrating snow geese in central Arkansas
Medicine Hat, Alberta
Giant Teepee in Medicine Hat, Alberta
Mickey Mantle Statue – Commerce, Oklahoma
Mickey Mantle Statue in Commerce, Oklahoma
Memorial Falls near Great Falls, Montana
Memorial Falls near Great Falls, MT
Meerkats at Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska
The Meerkats are my favorite animal at the zoo. This one posed for me!Lounging Meerkats at Henry Doorly Zoo
Metropolis, Illinois
Welcome to Metropolis, home of SupermanGiant Grocer Statue in Metropolis, IL
Dinosaur Tracks – Moenave, Arizona
Moenave Dinosaur Tracks near Tuba City, AZThe kids at the Dinosaur tracks in Moenave, AZ near Tuba City (July 1993)
Mama Santa Pizzeria – Little Eatery – Cleveland, Ohio
Sumoflam with Mama Santa’s owner Papa TioSumoflam with Nancy Starvaggi Schaffer, showing off the AMAZING homemade sausage and pasta from Mama Santa Restaurant in Cleveland, OH
Montour Trail – Canonsburg, Pennsylvania
Montour Trail – Canonsburg, PA
Miner’s Memorial Mural – Ironwood, Michigan
The men in Miner’s Memorial Mural represent the thousands of men who worked in the Gogebic Range Mines of Michigan and Wisconsin.A section of the Miner’s Memorial Mural in Ironwood, which was completed in 2012
Mt. Fuji – near Fujinomiya, Japan
Enjoying wintertime at a resort at the base of Mt. Fuji, near Fujinomiya, Japan in 1987Mt. Fuji, Japan as seen from my airplane seat in 1990 as I flew to Tokyo from Oita.
Multnomah Falls – Multnomah County, Oregon
At Multnomah Falls in Oregon
Mud Street Cafe – Eureka Springs, Arkansas
The unique and quaint Mud Street Cafe in Eureka Springs, ARCozy Mud Street Cafe
Memphis Egg – Memphis, Tennessee
With the famous Memphis Egg in 2007
Mothman Museum – Point Pleasant, West Virginia
Glowing Red Eyes of the MothmanMothman Museum in Point Pleasant, WV
Mel’s Diner – San Francisco, California
Sumoflam at Mel’s Drive-in in San Francisco
Mapleton Taxidermy and Cheese Shop – Mapleton, Ontario
Taxidermy and Cheese StoreTaxidermy and Cheese
If you like what you see, you may want to check out my book: Less Beaten Paths of America: Unique Town Names, available on Amazon. My second book, Less Beaten Paths of America: Quirky and Offbeat Roadside Attractions, will be available in late April or early May 2018. Click on the photo below for more details or to get a copy of the book.