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.
Judy Garland Birthplace – Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Sumoflam at Judy Garland birthplace in Grand Rapids, MNJudy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, MN
Jakeman’s Maple Syrup – Beachville, Ontario
Jakeman’s Maple Products – Beachville, OntarioJakeman’s Sign
Jackalopes Everywhere – Superior, Wisconsin; Wall, South Dakota; Douglas, Wyoming; Fort Worth, Texas
Jackalope CrossingA cuddly Jackalope at Wall Drug, SDA Jackalope Bird or something at Gronk’s in Superior, WisconsinDouglas, Wyoming JackalopeJackalope on top of a car dealership in Ft. Worth, TX
Jungle Jim’s Restroom – Cincinnati, Ohio
Jungle Jim’s Restroom entrances are deceptive. They actually lead to immaculate huge restrooms.
Jimmy’s Ice Cream – Waldo, Arkansas
Jimmy’s Ice Cream – Waldo, Arkansas
Jolly, Texas
Jolly, TexasI am being Jolly – I think
Juke Boxes – Mel’s Diner – San Francisco, California
Rockola Juke Boxes line the store and fill it with 50s and 60s music
Jerry Siegel / Joe Schuster – Creators of Superman – Cleveland, Ohio
Story of Superman at Joe Shuster’s former homeSuperman Street signs at the corner of Kimberley and Parkwood in Cleveland – Jerry Siegel Lane and Lois LaneA plaque in front of the Jerry Siegel house gives the history of his work.Action Comics blowups at Joe Schuster HomeAmor St. has become Joe Shuster Lane. It too is on Parkwood (known also as Lois Lane)
James Frank Kotera – JFK The Twine Ball Man – Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin
James Frank Kotera – JFK – The Twine Ball Man of Lake Nebagamon, WI
Jumbo the Elephant Statue – St. Thomas, Ontario
Sumoflam with Jumbo in 2008
JELL-O Museum – Le Roy, New York
JELL-O Museum in LeRoy, New YorkHead shot of JELL-O Cow in Leroy, NY
Future Birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk – Riverside, Iowa
Future Birthplace of James T. Kirk in Riverside, IA
Jurustic Park – Marshfield, Wisconsin
Another of the premiere roadside attractions in America!!
Jurustic Park – Marshfield, Wisconsin20 foot tall Jurustic Park dragon in Marshfield, WIJurustic Park
J.C. Penney Mother Store – Kemmerer, Wyoming
Where it all started
J.C. Penney Mother Store
Jesus in Cowboy Boots – Evergreen Cemetery – Paris, Texas
The famed “Jesus in Cowboy Boots” monument at Evergreen Cemetery in Paris, TX
Jolly Green Giant – Blue Earth, Minnesota
Jolly Green Giant in Blue Earth, MN
Jerusalem Rocks – Sweetgrass, Montana
Jerusalem Rocks near Sweetgrass, MontanaJerusalem Rocks near SweetgrassSumoflam at Jerusalem Rocks in December 2012
One of the Jelly Belly WallsSCORE! Tabasco flavored Jelly Belly candies!! How exciting!
John Wayne House – Winterset, Iowa
Birthplace of John Wayne, Winterset, IowaJohn Wayne Drive, Winterset, Iowa
Jeffersonville, Indiana
Welcome to JeffersonvilleThe Howard House – one of 12 floodwall murals in Jeffersonville
Three Jamestowns – Jamestown, New York; Jamestown, North Dakota; Jamestown, Virginia
Large Lucy Mural in Jamestown, NY painted by Gary Peters Jr. and Gary Peters Sr.Lucy Desi Museum – Jamestown, NYFrontier Village, an old-timey Western Village in Jamestown, NDWorld’s Largest Buffalo in Jamestown, NDMy sons Seth and Sol on deck of one of the ships in Jamestown, VA in August 1995Kids in the Jamestown Settlement in August 1995
Joplin, Montana
Joplin, Montana…Biggest Little Town on Earth
James Garfield Monument – Lake View Cemetery – Cleveland, Ohio
James Garfield Statue inside Garfield MonumentThe James Garfield Memorial at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland
Jackalope Capital of the World – Douglas, Wyoming
Get your Jackalope Hunting License Here
My Official Jackalope Hunting License from Douglas, WYNew Douglas Chamber of Commerce Logo with a JackalopeLarge Jackalope – Douglas, WYKissing the Jackalope goodbye
Joseph Smith Cabin – Palmyra, New York
LDS Church founder Joseph Smith’s Cabin in Palmyra, NY
Big Jud’s Gourmet Burgers – Rexburg, Idaho
Big Jud’s Gourmet Burgers, Rexburg, IDTotal indulgence in a Big Jud’s “small” burger
Jaarsma Bakery – Pella, Iowa
Jaarsma Bakery – Pella, IowaYummy Dutch Goodies at Jaarsma Bakery
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Welcome to Jackson, Wyoming!!Jackson, Wyoming and Ski SlopeAntler Arch of Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Joe Mama’s Fine Italian – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Joe Mama’s Fine Italian Restaurant
Jacobson Park – Lexington, Kentucky
My Happy Place
Lovely parhelion (sun dog) over Jacobson Lake in December 2016Winter sunrise at Jacobson ParkFall at Jacobson Park
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.
I am rich…very rich. Not in money, but rather rich in experiences and rich in grandchildren. As the Proverb says “Children are like arrows. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them.”
At age 60 I have been blessed to have 10 grandchildren (so far). These are my joy and I am so grateful. And, besides loving them to death, I have also passed on the fascination of wanderlust. Most of my grandchildren are already well traveled thanks to my daughters and sons that have continued the tradition of getting on the road and seeing the world.
With some family and geandkidz in Port Orchard, WAHeading east with the grandkidz!
I have had numerous opportunities to join my grandchildren on roadtrips. It is absolutely amazing to see their reactions to the world around them, to watch them scamper on a beach, to play with butterflies or to hold a baby gator.
Following are a few photos of my travels with the “grandkidz” as I refer to them. They represent travel all over the country from the past few years.
Grandkidz Rawk! Enjoy the Ride!
Grandkidz enjoy their first look at the Atlantic Ocean on Old Orchard Beach in MaineOn the road with da grandkidz in New EnglandThe Grandkidz all made the Good List in Santa Claus, IN (photo by Marissa Noe)The grandkidz get a view of Manhattan from Frank Sinatra Park in Hoboken, NJ. (Photo by Marissa Noe)Hiking in Mt. Rainier National Park in WashingtonRunning on the Pacific Ocean Beach in Neah Bay, WAHanging out in St. Louis, MOWelcome to West VirginiaBecoming a Packers Fan in Green Bay, WIBiking the Little Miami Rail Trail near Xenia, OHPlaying in White Sands National Monument, NMWatching animals in Tacoma Zoo in WashingtonGoing Gothic at American Gothic house in Eldon, IARock Climbing at Jerusalem Rocks in MontanaGetting a Hershey Kiss grandkid style in Hershey, PAHaving fun at the beach house in Old Orchard, MERiding the ferry in Puget Sound, WAClimbing up to the top of Memorial Falls in Montana, Aaron (son in law), Kade and SolomonGrandson Benson enjoys handling a budgie at Tacoma ZooHolding butterflies in MissouriVisiting Cumberland Falls in KentuckyRiding the luggage cart in PennsylvaniaWalking the Yellow Brick Road in Champaigne, ILHeading out on road trip to PittsburghGetting goodies at the Fish Market in SeattleLooking at PittsburghGoing alien in Roswell, NM
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
The S Towns
Steubenville, Ohio
Welcome to Steubenville, OHFort Steuben Historical Site, Steubenville, OHMarket Street by Michael Wojczuk. This was the first mural painted in SteubenvilleDean Martin mural in Steubenville, OH painted by Robert Dever in 1998Veterans Memorial Bridge in Steubenville, OHOhio Valley Steelworker by Dmitri Akis
On the banks of the Ohio River bordering the upper panhandle of West Virginia lies the old steel mining town of Steubenville, Ohio. This is the hometown of the famous actor/singer Dean Martin and is known as the City of Murals, with over 25 larger than life murals painted on the sides of buildings around town. The town of over 20,000 seems to be one of those dying steel towns. As I drove around town I got a sense of sadness. Many old crippled folks hobbling along the streets and many of the downtown businesses were welfare-related businesses. Up on the hill above the city there seemed to be a little more life. But, I also saw obvious signs that the town is trying to redefine itself as a historical tourism location with the murals, a new museum dedicated to the Old Fort Steuben and then the Ohio River scenery of course. Check out my 2008 blog post about this and other Ohio River towns HERE.
Stanley, Idaho
Welcome to Stanley, IdahoJagged Sawtooths near Stanley, IDTeepee in Stanley, IDThe Sawtooths as seen from Lower Stanley, Idaho
I visited Idaho a couple of times in 2013 for some work and took the weekends to travel an see some of the sights. One place I had dreamed of visiting was the Sawtooth Mountain Range. Nestled at the base of the mountain range is the pristine little community of Stanley, which boasts a whopping 60-70 residents year round. I could SOOO live in this place. Pristine views, clean air and a few log cabins….even a Teepee…dot the town. There is only one gas station and a couple of places to eat. But what got me was the stunning views. Check out more about my visit to Stanley in 2013 by clicking HERE.
Sedona, Arizona
Century Plant overlooking Sedona, AZOak Creek runs by the famed Cathedral Rock in Sedona, AZAgave in Sedona, ArizonaChapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, AZSumoflam at the Oak Creek Canyon Overlook in 1982
In the early 1980s I attended college at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. During my four years there, I spent much of it working for Nava-Hopi Tours as a tour guide. One of my twice weekly trips was to Sedona via the amazing switchbacks of the Oak Creek Canyon scenic drive. Personally, I am a fan of the Rocky Mountains, but Sedona most certainly is one of the most scenic places in the United States. The massive red rocks, the colorful character of the residents, the Pink Jeep Tours, the impressive Chapel of the Holy Cross and more…this is a must see location. I look forward to my next visit to Arizona as I have not been to Sedona since the 1990s.
Santa Rosa, California
Front side of Larry Kirkland’s “Agraria” in Santa Rosa, CASumoflam at the base of “Cyclisk”“Guardian of the Creek” by Mario Uribe. In Santa Rosa’s Prince Memorial Greenway
In 2015 I visited California to attend the Woodflock event with Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours. Prior to getting up to Red Bluff, CA where the event was held, I spent a couple of days with some of my acquaintances in the Santa Rosa area and actually got to tour around this funky town. I visited The Hand statue shown above, which is actually titled “Agraria” and is by artist Larry Kirkland. Then there is the ultimate in quirky attractions, a giant obelisk made completely of bicycle parts. Called “Cyclisk,” this was created in 2010 by Petaluma-based artists Mark Grieve and Ilana Spector and weighs about 10,000 lb and is made from roughly 340 recycled bicycles collected from local nonprofit community bike projects. It took nearly four months of welding to manufacture. There are a number of other fun attractions in this artsy little town. You can see many more photos and more details in my 2015 blog post HERE.
Staunton, Illinois
Henry’s Ra66it Ranch in Staunton, ILRich Henry and Sumoflam with their rabbit at Henry’s Ra66it Ranch in Staunton, ILSumoflam with buried cars at Ra66it Ranch in Staunton, ILRabbit Yield Sign in Henry’s Ra66it Ranch
If you have been following my A to Z Blog Post, you would have noticed on the A Towns post that I covered both Amarillo in Texas and Alliance in Nebraska. These two locations are home to two of the most well know “Car Art” sites in the United States, namely Cadillac Ranch and Carhenge. Cadillac Ranch is right off of US Highway 66 in Amaraillo. But if you continue east on US Route 66 into Illinois, you will come across a lesser known “Car Art” and Route 66 memorabilia spot near Staunton, Illinois. Known as “Henry’s Rabbit Ranch (also sometimes written as ‘Ra66it Ranch’),” this place celebrates Route 66 and the people along the highway with its emporium of highway and trucking memorabilia that includes a collection of Campbell’s “Humpin’ to Please” trailers next to a replica of a vintage gas station. Owner Rich Henry and his wife Linda have built up a shop chock full of Route 66 memorabilia, a collection of old half buried VW Rabbits in their unique replicating of “Cadillac Ranch” (thus Rabbit Ranch….) and even have a pen full of live rabbits. See more about my 2013 visit HERE.
Sisters, Oregon
Welcome to Sisters, OregonThree Sisters – nicknamed Faith/Hope/CharityMt. Jefferson – at 10,497 feet the second highest peak ion Oregon
I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Oregon three times between 2011 and 2012 while working for iHigh.com. On one of the trips I attended the Oregon High School Athletic Directors Conference at a resort near Bend and, along the way, drove some back roads, one of which took me into the town of Sisters, Oregon. The town gets its name from a set of three mountains in the Southern Cascades known as “The Three Sisters.” From town you can also get a spectacular view of Mt. Jefferson, Oregon’s second highest peak. Though not as high in altitude as Stanley, Idaho, this westernesque town (their biggest employer is a huge ranch), Sisters is another place that I could most certainly love and enjoy. Definitely worth a visit!
Seymour, Wisconsin
Welcome to Seymour, WIHamburger Charlie statue in Seymour, WIHamburger Charlie’s dignified face
Do you like hamburgers? How about hamburger history? Back in 2012 on a visit to Wisconsin, we made our way into Seymour, which claims to be the home of the hamburger. According to its history, Charles Nagreen (1870-1951), put ground beef patties in a bun and began calling them Hamburgers back in 1885. They have an annual hamburger festival and there are a couple of giant hamburgers in town. You can see more about Seymour by clicking HERE.
Santa Claus, Indiana
Santa Claus Welcome SignSanta Claus exit and SumoflamSanta Claus Post OfficeSanta Claus Police in Santa Claus, INSanta Claus Statue near the Santa Claus Museum
Perhaps you prefer Christmas year round. You can get that in the village of Santa Claus, Indiana. There are a number of Santa Claus statues around town, Christmas-themed shops, a Post Office that has a Santa Claus in the front and even a Santa Claus Police Department!! As a family, we made a visit there during the Christmas season of 2015 and had a good time. You can see more about our visit to Santa Claus and a ton of photos HERE.
Sandwich, New Hampshire
Sandwich, NH – Discovered that you cannot buy a sandwich in Sandwich, NH…but none of the signs led to a sandwich place in Sandwich, NH. #SandwichFail!
On a trip to Connecticut in the summer of 2015, we made our way into New Hampshire and Vermont so i could knock off the remaining states in my quest to hit all 50. One of my “wish list” stops was to go to Sandwich, NH in order to get a sat a sandwich there. We even planned the trip such that we would get there around lunch time. But, alas, there are no Sandwich places in Sandwich, New Hampshire (that we could locate anyway.)
Sweet Grass, Montana
Blue roofed church in Sweet Grass, MontanaJerusalem Rocks near Sweet Grass, MontanaSumoflam at Jerusalem Rocks in December 2012Jerusalem Rocks near Sweet GrassA giant hoodoo overlooks the prairie valley below at Jerusalem Rocks near Sweet Grass, Montana
Way up north in Montana, practically at the Canadian border is the town of Sweet Grass, Montana. Though predominantly a border crossing, the town has a couple of interesting things. First off, there is a church with a blue roof…a rarity on the back roads of America. And then there are the interesting geologic hoodoo formation of the Jerusalem Rocks. These outcroppings can be visited via a rough dirt road. I have written about these and some other similar formations in a post HERE.
Shakespeare and Stratford, Ontario
Welcome to ShakespeareShakespeare Pies – Shakespeare, OntarioAntique Shops in ShakespeareThe Avon River and Lake Victoria in Stratford, OntarioStratford, OntarioA lovely swan on the Avon River in Stratford, Ontario
As I have noted before, in 2008 I was working in Canada. On one a couple of occasions I got to visit the small town of Shakespeare and the neighboring town of Stratford in Perth County. Full of little antique shops and some beautiful scenery, these are certainly two unique places to visit. You can read about some of my exploits in this part of Ontario in 2008 in my post HERE.
Sikeston, Missouri (Honorable Mention)
Sumoflam and wife at Lambert’s Cafe – Home of Throwed RollsThrowing Rolls at Lambert’sLambert’s Cafe – Sikeston, Missouri – big place
I wanted to mention Sikeston, Missouri namely because it is home to one of America’s more unique eateries…Lambert’s Cafe – the Home of the Throwed Rolls. Offering great home style cooking, big portions, and yes, Throwed Rolls – literally throwing them to you across the room – it is a fun and delicious place to eat. Close to the entertainment town of Branson, Sikeston is a great stop along the way. Read more HERE.
Success, Missouri (Honorable Mention)
Success, Missouri directionSuccess, Missouri
I was heading north on US 63 in Missouri one day. As I got to Houston, MO (in Texas County — NO JOKE!!), I passed the sign above. I took the 16 mile trek to look for Success. The road to Success from Houston is lined with old doublewides and rusted out cars. No joke!! And once you find Success, you will see that there is not much there. At least you can say you found it.
Soda Springs, Idaho (Honorable Mention)
Soda Springs Historic MarkerIdan-Ha Drive In Theatre – Soda Springs, IdahoMurals in Soda SpringsThe Soda Springs Geyser – erupts every hour on the hour
And my final S Town is Soda Springs, Idaho. It sits on top of many hot springs and has a geyser too!! There is a lot of history here. In fact, Brigham Young, the great Mormon leader, even had a home here. Soda Springs has the only captive geyser in the world. It was discovered in an attempt to find a hot water source for a swimming pool. On November 30, 1937, the drill went down 315 feet and unleashed the geyser. The extreme pressure is caused by carbon dioxide gas mixing with water in an underground chamber. The water is around 72 F. It is now controlled by a timer. It erupts every hour on the hour and reaches heights of 100 feet year round. You can read more about my visit to Soda Springs and other areas in Idaho and Wyoming HERE.
Did You Miss My Other A to Z Challenge Posts? Click on a letter below to see the others.