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.
Let’s start this off with a Whispering Bang!!
Whispering Giants – art by Hungarian artist Peter Toth – Idaho Falls, Idaho; Bethany Beach, Delaware; Murray, Utah; Red Lodge, Montana; Ottawa, Illinois; Hopewell, Illinois; Paducah, Kentucky; Astoria, Oregon; Ocean City, Maryland; Iowa Falls, Iowa; Utica, Illinois
Over 62 of these around the U.S. Here are the ones I have seen:
Gigantic Peter Toth carved Indian Head in North Tourist Park in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Placed in 1980Chief Little Owl in Bethany Beach, Delaware placed in 2002Chief Wasatch in Murray, UT placed in 1985Detail of the “Whispering Giant” of Red Lodge, Montana, placed in 1979Ho-Ma-Sjah-Nah-Zhee-Ga in Ottawa, IL, placed in 1990Hopewell Giant in Hopewell, IL placed in 1975Chief Wacinton in Paducah, KY placed in 1985Ikala Nawan in Astoria, Oregon placed in 1987The Inlet Indian, Nanticoke, dedicated to the Assateague tribe, is in Ocean City, MD and placed in 1976Whispering Giant of Iowa Falls, IA in Veterans Park, placed in 1999Chief Walks With The Wind in Starved Rock State Park, Utica, IL
Wigwam Village – Sleep in Wigwam – Cave City, KY
Wigwam Village, Cave City, KYWigwam Village KeySleep in a Wigwam neon sign in Cave City, KYHanging with ALL 10 Grandkids at Wigwam Village in Cave City, KY
Wahkeena Falls – Corbett, Oregon
Wahkeena Falls in Corbett, Oregon
Wupatki National Monument – near Cameron, Arizona
Son Seth at Wupatki Ruins off of US 89 south of Flagstaff in 1992
Water Buffalo – Cebu, Philippines
Carabao Water Buffalo taken on Cebu Island in the Philippines
Winnett, Montana
Winnett, MT Welcome SignOld Store Front – Winnett, MTOld Hotel Sign – Winnett, MT
Courthouse in Weatherford, TexasSkinnys Hamburger sign in Weatherford, TXRelaxing – Weatherford, Texas
Murals of Welland, Ontario
Mural of Grandfather telling stories about Welland to GrandsonA portion of a massive mural on the side of a shopping mall. Entitled “History of the Niagara Peninsula” by Heinz Gaugel“Main Street” by Mike Svob“Wagons” by Andrew Miles
Washington, Pennsylvania
Washington, PA Historic MarkerWashington County Courthouse in Washington, PAWelcome to Washington, PA
Williams, California
Williams Hotel mural by John Ton in Williams, CADetail of a mural on the side of a building in Williams, CA
Winner, South Dakota
Winner Winner..no chicken dinner, just the name of a town in SDWinner, South DakotaPheasant Statue, Winner, SDPheasant Bar, Winner, SD
Waldo, Arkansas
Waldo Post Office, Waldo, ARWaldo, ArkansasWaldo Water Tower
Winterset, Iowa
Welcome to Winterset, Covered Bridge Capital of IowaWinterset building frontsRoseman Covered Bridge in Winterset, Iowa
Wyoming Dinosaur Center – Thermopolis, Wyoming
Large Sign about the Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis, Wyoming
World Trade Center (before 9/11) – New York City
In New York City in 1990 before the World Trade Center Twin Towers met their demiseWorld Trade Center 1990
One World Trade Center (after 9/11) – New York City
One World Trade Center all lit up at night, as seen from Sinatra Park in Hoboken, NJOne World Trade Center under construction – March 2, 2013
Wall Drug – Wall, South Dakota
Where the Heck is Wall Drug?Welcome to Wall, SDOne of many Wall Drug Billboards – notice the uniqueness?The 80 foot tall Wall Drug Brontosaurus
West Virginia Capital Building with the gold dome – Charleston, West Virginia
Wonde West Virginia’s Capital Building in Charleston, WVWV Capital Building
Wharton, Texas
Black History Mural by Dayton WordrichBuildings in downtown Wharton, TXFuture of Wharton, TX Mural by Dayton WordrichOld Plaza Theater in Wharton, TX
Wonderland Road – Upton, Kentucky
Sumoflam at Wonderland Rd. in Upton, KY
Winter Wheat – Sparta, Ontario
Welcome to Winter Wheat in Sparta, ONWinter Wheat Main BuildingBroom People at Winter Wheat in Sparta, ONThe performance room at Winter Wheat
Walpi, Arizona
While working in Arizona I made over 100 trips to Walpi on the Hopi Indian Reservation in Northern Arizona
White Sands National Monument – east of Alamagordo, New Mexico
White Sands National MonumentVisiting White Sands, NM in 2013Granddaughter Joselyn runs on a sand dune at White Sands National Monument in NM
Walnut Ridge, Arkansas
Walnut Ridge, ArkansasSumoflam with the Beatles in Walnut Ridge, ARWelcome to Walnut RidgeScene from Abbey Road, Walnut Ridge, AR
Wendy’s Museum – Dublin, Ohio
Dave Thomas statue at Wendy’s in Dublin, OHThe Wendy’s Original $150,000 Crystal Cheeseburger created by Waterford Crystal“Where’s the Beef?” memorabilia from the famed advertising campaign in the Wendy’s Museum in Dublin, OH
Wigwam Drive-In – Ravenna, Kentucky
Sumoflam at the Wigwam Drive-In in Ravenna, KYInterior of the Wigwam Drive-in Ravenna, KYThe Famous Country Boy Burger
Washington Court House, Ohio
The Washington Court House in Washington Court House, OH was one of many unique buildings I got to visit in 2016Washington Courthouse Statue
Whitetop, Virginia
Welcome to Whitetop, VAWhitetop StationAll of us at Whitetop Station at the beginning of the 10 mile downhill Virginia Creeper Bike Trail near Damascus, VA
West Side Theater – Newman, California
West Side Theatre – a common stop for Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours
Wimpy’s Hamburgers – Dallas, Texas
Wimpy’s Hamburgers – Dallas, Texas – I’ll gladly pay you Thursday for a hamburger today….
Walcott Castle – Walcott, Iowa
Castle Hall in Walcott, IAOne of the Towers on Castle Hall in Walcott
Wind Farms – Shelby, Montana; Nekoma, North Dakota; Adair, Iowa; Bloomington, Illinois; Iona, Idaho; Rugby, North Dakota; Port Burwell, Ontario
An old cabin falls apart in the midst of the giant wind turbines of the Glacier Wind Farm near Shelby, Montana
A silo and wind turbine coexist near Nekoma, NDWind Turbines of the Rolling Hills Wind Farm near Adair, IAWind Farm near Bloomington, ILApproaching Wolverine Creek Wind Farm, near Iona, IDWind Turbines seem to blossom like flowers out of the corn fields of IowaWind Farm near Rugby, NDWind Farm info center in Port Burwell, OntarioWind Farm near Shelby, Montana
Watkins Glen State Park – Watkins Glen, New York
One of over 50 waterfalls in Watkins Glen State Park, NYWatkins Glen State Park, New York
Wilbur, Washington
Wilbur, WashingtonBilly Burger, Wilbur, WABig Pig and Spider at Welcome center in Wilbur, WA
Winnemucca, Nevada
Sumoflam in Winnemucca, NevadaBig casino in Winnemucca, NevadaDriving through Winnemucca
Mount Washington – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Mount WashingtonPanoramic View of Pittsburgh from atop Mt. Washington
West Yellowstone, Montana
Welcome to West Yellowstone, MontanaWestward Motel – West YellowstoneDude Motel – West Yellowstone, Montana
Whiskey Rebellion – Washington, Pennsylvania
Whiskey Rebellion Statue in Washington, PA
Webster Falls – Hamilton, Ontario
Webster Falls near Hamilton, ONSumoflam at the top of Webster Falls, Hamilton, Ontario
White Castle, Louisiana
Welcome to White Castle, LAThere is a White Castle Fire Dept, but no White Castle restaurants to be seen
Worland, Wyoming
Highway into Worland, WYMammoth Bronze Statue by Chris Navarro in Worland, WY
Working Women mural – Welland, Ontario
“Working Women” by Ted Ziegler shows the contribution of women to the industrial work force in the factories of Welland
Wolf Creek Pass – Colorado
Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado July 1993
Wind River Canyon – Wyoming
History of the Wind River CanyonOne of many spectacular views of Wind River CanyonEntering Wind River Canyon on US 20 from Thermopolis, WY
Walking to the Sky Sculpture – Pittsburgh, Penssylvania
“Walking to the Sky” by Jonathan Borofsky
Washington Monument – Washington, D.C.
The Washington Monument and the US Capitol in Washington DC in 2016
Willie the Walleye – Baudette, Minnesota
Son Solomon (at 6’3″) at Willie the Walleye in Baudette, MN
Wichita, Kansas
Welcome to Wichita muralDonut Whole – Wichita, KansasKeeper of the Plains – 50 foot tall statue in WichitaWicked Street Art in Wichita, KS
What Cheer, Iowa
What Cheer, IowaWhat Cheer, IowaDowntown What Cheer – many abandoned buildings
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.
Vulcan, Alberta
Vulcan, AlbertaVulcan Visitor CenterStar Trek Wall Mural in Vulcan, AlbertaSolomon and Sumoflam become part of the Star Trek gang in Vulcan, Alberta Sept 2007
Valliant, Oklahoma
Welcome to Valliant, OK
Vietnamese Buddhist Center – Sugar Land, Texas
Vietnamese Buddhist Center in Sugar Land, TXPagoda at the Vietnamese Buddhist CenterSumoflam at the Vietnamese Buddhist Center
Vista Motel – Shelby, Montana
Vista Motel – Shelby, Montana
Voodoo Doughnut – Portland, Oregon
Voodoo Doughnut in PortlandThe Voodoo Doll – Raised yeast doughnut filled with raspberry jelly topped with chocolate frosting and a pretzel stake!It is no wonder there are always lines at Voodoo Doughnut – 24/7
Vandalia, Illinois
Vandalia Water Tower with Lincoln on itMadonna of the Trail Statue in Vandalia, ILSumoflam and the Fire Breathing Dragon of Kaskaskia in Vandalia, IL
Victor Emporium – Victor, Idaho
Victor Emporium is famous for their Shakes at their Old Fashioned Soda Fountain
Van Tassell, Wyoming
Van Tassell, WYA scene from Van Tassell, WY
Vivian, Louisiana
Flag mural in Vivian, LouisianaHistory mural in Vivian, Louisiana
Volcanoes and Volcanic Craters – Capulin, New Mexico; Craters of the Moon, Idaho; Sunset Crater, Arizona
Capulin Volcano – part of the Capulin National Monument in New MexicoCraters of the Moon drive amidst the lava fieldsFamily at Sunset Crater National Monument north of Flagstaff in July 1993
Virginia Creeper Trail – Damascus, Virginia; Abingdon, Virginia
A section of the Virginia Creeper Trail near Damascus, VAVirginia Creeper Welcome Center – Abingdon, VAHad to add this sign…this place was one of our true 2016 highlights!Fall colors from the Virginia Creeper Trail in Virginia
Voyageurs National Park – International Falls, Minnesota
Kabetogama Lake – Voyageurs National ParkKabetogama Walleye
Viborg, South Dakota
Welcome to ViborgVelkommen to ViborgKountry Kookin’ Cafe – Viborg, SD
Valier, Montana
Welcome to Valier, MontanaFormations at Rock City north of Valier, MT
Vermeer Dutch Windmill – Pella, Iowa
Vermeer Dutch Windmill in Pella, IA – the largest working windmill in the United StatesSumoflam and the Vermeer Windmill
Versailles, Kentucky
A mural on a water tower in Versailles, KentuckyThe CastlePost Castle near Versailles, KYHorses graze in the fall on a Woodford County farm near Versailles.
Vincennes, Indiana
The kids learn about an Old Printing Press in Vincennes, Indiana. Summer 2001Family at the George Rogers Clark National Historic Park in Vincennes, Indiana Summer 2001
Virden, Manitoba
Virden, ManitobaAt an oil well display in Virden, Manitoba
Vicksburg, Mississippi
Old Hotel Sign on side of The VicksburgSumoflam and Cannons at Vicksburg National Military ParkVicksburg Wall MuralThe Biedenharn Coca Cola Museum in Vicksburg
Villa Theater – Malta, Montana
Villa Theater in Malta, Montana. One of many old theater fronts to be seen along the Hi-Line of Montana
Vernal, Utah
Welcome to Vernal, UTDinosaur National Monument, Vernal, UT
Virginia Heritage Music Trail – Wise, Virginia
The Crooked Road – Virginia Heritage Music Trail
Vander Ploeg Bakery – Pella, Iowa
Vander Ploeg Bakery in Pella, IADutch Letters pastries at Vander Ploeg bakery in Pella
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.
