Well, the Blogging Challenge is winding down. It has been a wild and wacky challenge for me.
Through the month I have provided readers with a wide variety of wonderful signs which I wandered upon during the year. As I do with all of my posts, I try to be witty and wry in my presentation. I hope that I have brought out the wanderlust in my readers as well. This post will be all about Welcome Signs. Please now enjoy my special edition of W Signs from my travels over the years. Enjoy the Read. Enjoy the Ride.
Welcome Signs Everywhere!
Welcome to my happy place…traveling everywhere
I love feeling welcome in places! Perhaps one of my bigger “collections” of place signs along the highways of America are the Welcome signs to states, communities and places. Here are just a few of the dozens and dozens have wandered upon in my travels. This post features welcome signs taken from 2005 to present. Want everyone to feel Welcome.
Welcome to my Welcome Blog PostWelcome to Oklahoma
Welcome to Carew Tower Sign in Carew Tower Elevators, CincinnatiWelcome to Henry, IllinoisWelcome to Kentucky, home sweet homeWelcome to Dime Box, TexasWelcome to Zelienople-Harmony, PennsylvaniaWelcome to Kingston, WashingtonWelcome to Punkyville, Kentucky… near Falmouth, Kentucky
We all know who is really Nice! Nice, CA
Welcome to Nevada sign in Denio, NevadaWelcome to Leavenworth, WashingtonWelcome to Shiner, TexasKabetogama Lake – Voyageurs National Park, MinnesotaWelcome to Gauley Bridge, West VirginiaWelcome to Cave City, Kentucky… gateway to Mammoth Cave National ParkWelcome to Tonica, IllinoisWelcome to the Monongahela Incline in Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaWelcome to Millersburg, OhioWelcome to Butte, MontanaWelcome to Big Stone Gap, VirginiaWelcome to Dublin, OH, Home of Wendy’sWelcome to Estill County, KentuckyWelcome to Santa Claus, IndianaWelcome to West, TexasWelcome to Alligator, MississippiWelcome to Silver Gate, MontanaWelcome to Choteau, Montana signWelcome to Metropolis, IllinoisWelcome to the Rockpile Museum in Gillette, WyomingWelcome to Council Bluffs, IowaWelcome to New Mexico at Raton PassWelcome to Damascus, VirginiaWelcome to Wyoming sign on US 30Welcome to What Cheer, IowaWelcome to Winner, South Dakota – Pheasant Capital of the WorldWelcome to Hope, Arkansas – birthplace of Bill ClintonWelcome to PittsburghWelcome to Viborg, South DakotaWelcome to Hell, MichiganWelcome to Peculiar, MissouriWelcome to Sisters, OregonWelcome to Yellville, ArkansasWelcome to Boring, OregonWelcome to Earth, TexasWelcome to Vulcan, Alberta sign in KlingonWelcome to Mystic Seaport, Mystic, ConnecticutWelcome to Seymour, Wisconsin Home of the HamburgerWelcome to Pella, IowaWelcome to Montana in West YellowstoneWelcome to Clallam Bay and Sekiu, WashingtonWelcome to Stanley, IdahoWelcome to Colorado at WY 789 and CO 13Welcome to Bemidji, MinnesotaWelcome to Crawford, NebraskaWelcome to Sharkheads in Biloxi Beach, MississippiWelcome to Salem Sue in New Salem, North DakotaWelcome to Paris, Tennessee Catfish – they claim to be the Catfish CapitalWelcome to Real Goods, a great store in Hopland, CaliforniaWelcome to Kountry Korner’s Krazy Kreatures in Kingston, WashingtonWelcome to Orr, MinnesotaWelcome to Mena, ArkansasWelcome to White Castle, LouisianaWelcome to New Hampshire in Sept 2015 – State #49!Welcome to Gourdough’s Donuts in Austin, TexasWelcome to Vermont, near Brattleboro on Vermont Hwy 142 — the 50th state I visitedWelcome to KansasWelcome to Alvin, Texas, hometown of Nolan RyanWelcome to West VirginiaWelcome to Kensington District of Toronto, Ontario
Welcome to Whitetop, VirginiaWelcome to Delaware…first time since 1986. Visited in 2016 during Christmas HolidayWelcome to Heini’s Cheese Factory in Charming, OhioWelcome to Uranus, MissouriWelcome to Hopkinsville, KY for the Solar Eclipse 2017Welcome to Egg Harbor, WisconsinWelcome to Huntsville, TexasWelcome to Wilsall, Montana (with the Welcome Bird on top of the sign!)Welcome to Crookston mural in Crookston, MinnesotaWelcome to Cokeville, WyomingWelcome to Gregory, South DakotaWelcome to Mars, PennsylvaniaWelcome to Talent, OregonWelcome to Pascagoula, Mississippi, Birthplace of Jimmy BuffetWelcome to Waterville, WashingtonWelcome to Canonsburg, PennsylvaniaWelcome to Ketchikan, Alaska … from my wifeWelcome to the Guitar Walk at Cavanaugh Park in Walnut Ridge, ArkansasWelcome to Dienner’s Country Restaurant in Amish Country, Ronks, PennsylvaniaWelcome to Granbury, TexasWelcome to North DakotaWelcome to Hugo, Oklahoma… home of the country’s only cemetery dedicated to Circus PerformersWelcome to North CarolinaWelcome to Papa Joe’s Oasis, Crescent Junction, UtahWelcome to Hochatown, OklahomaWelcome to Doolittle, MissouriWelcome to Nitro, West VirginiaWelcome to Hipp Station of the Holmes County Rails to Trails in Millersburg, OhioWelcome to Pierre Part, LA, home of the TV Show Swamp PeopleWelcome to the Oyster Capital of the World, South Bend, WashingtonWelcome to the Corn Palace…Mitchell, South DakotaWelcome to Sweet Home Alabama with some of my grandchildren in early 2017Sumoflam in Floodwood, MinnesotaWelcome to Luling, TexasWelcome to Washington, PennsylvaniaWelcome to Jackson, Wyoming!!A giant troll sculpture greets you at the Mount Horeb, Wisconsin Welcome Center. Created by Wally KellerWelcome to Oacoma, South DakotaWelcome to the Seattle WaterfrontWelcome to Hemingford, NebraskaWelcome to Saco, Montana, birthplace of 1960s newscaster Chet HuntleyWelcome to Nekoma, North DakotaWelcome to Jackson Center, Ohio. Home of AirstreamWelcome to Rabbit Hash, KentuckyNicholson, Pennsylvania’s welcome sign features the famous ViaductWelcome to Chelsea, MichiganWelcome to Lost Springs, Wyoming Population 1 in 2007. Population 4 in 2017.Welcome to Chinook, MontanaWelcome to Dallas, South Dakota where the main street goes under the water towerWelcome to Buffalo, WyomingWelcome to Salida, ColoradoWelcome to Swedesburg, IowaWelcome to Steubenville, Ohio, a small town full of murals and historyWelcome to Montana on US Route 2 heading westWelcome to MissouriWelcome to Salt Lake City, UtahWelcome to Walnut Ridge, Arkansas…home of the Rock N Roll HighwayWelcome to Wall, South Dakota, home of Wall Drug. Now you know where the heck it is.Welcome to Many, Louisiana Not just a few here!Welcome Sign in Indianapolis, IndianaWelcome to Gold Bar, Washington Gateway to the CascadesWelcome to Virden, ManitobaWelcome to SaskatchewanWelcome to Vulcan, Alberta Sept 2007 (look for me…)Welcome to Beachville, Ontario…birthplace of BaseballENJOY!
Like what you see? Well, there is lots more! I currently have two books about offbeat and quirky places to take on your road trips. You can see both of my books at http://amzn.to/2ks6fQZ. Working on Book 3, coming in late Spring 2019!!
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.
Traveling this great country brings me joy! You can see this thru the myriad selfies I take while on the road.
I make it a point to take selfies for posterity sake. First of all, it proves I was there. Secondly, it provides a record for my family to see where I’ve been. Lastly…it shows my joy of being on the road!
Jolly Sumoflam! In Jolly, TX
It makes me Jolly.
We all know who is really Nice! Nice, CA
It makes me Nice.
I found Novelty in Ohio
Travel is always a Novelty
Wherever I go I try to Endeavor,
Made it to Hope, AR,
To have Hope
Finding Success in Missouri
And find Success
Sumoflam at Friendship Post Office in Arkansas
Being on the road has helped find Friendship
Meeting a Friendly guy outside the Friendly, WV Post Office
And to be Friendly
Chunky, MS
And perhaps even Chunky
Welcome to Earth, Texas
It has brought me down to Earth
Township of Moon, PA
Zipped me to a Township named Moon
At the Starship Enterprise in Vulcan, Alberta 2007
Or by a Starship in Vulcan
And found Prosperity in PA
And to even find Prosperity
Santa Claus, IN
Heck…I even found Santa Claus!
Though I try to be Real Quiet about it,
Sumoflam and Big Fish in Bena, MN
I find that I have some Big Fish stories
Sumoflam at “Fisherman’s Dream” on Enchanted Highway in North Dakota
Maybe even Bigger Fish Stories
Willie the Walleye in Baudette, MN
Indeed, Giant Fish Stories
The Beef House in Covington, Indiana
I have found The Beef
Say “Cheese!” – You’re in Wisconsin!
But also found the cheese
Giant Macaroni in Champaigne, IL
And even a Macaroni to go with it!
Sumoflam with the cow that wears pink glasses
Those big cows are moooving
Salem Sue in New Salem, ND – the World’s Largest Holstein Cow (Yes, that’s Sumoflam under the Udders)
But they can be Udderly huge
Big Bull in Minnesota
And that is certainly no Bull
Giant Pheasant in Gregory SD
I have gotten joy at the feet of a big bird
Giant Sandhill Crane in Steele, SD
And maybe even a bigger bird
Sumoflam at Pheasants on the Prairie on Enchanted Highway in North Dakota
Ok, perhaps even giant birds!
One of my favorite shots…Alligator, MS
I have become a big Alligator
Baby Gator at Gator Chateau in Jennings, LA
But have held a small one
Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, NY 1990
Travel gives me Liberty
Sumoflam with Big Sam Houston towering behind him in Huntsville, TX
And helps me to stand at the foot of giants
The iconic Route 66 roadside attraction known as Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX
I have had many out of car experiences
Sumoflam at Carhenge in Alliance, NE
And I have been surrounded by cars
At Magnolia Market in Waco, TX – Home of the TV Program Fixer Upper
I have learned to be a Fixer Upper
Sumoflam with old Nash at Antique Archaeology in LeClaire, Iowa (home of American Pickers)
And an Antique Archaeologist
Voodoo Doughnut in Portland — lost my selfie
I’ve enjoyed some Voodoo doughnuts
Sumoflam at Carlo’s Bake Shop in Hoboken, NJ
And other baked goods from coast to coast
Sumoflam at Wonderland Rd. in Upton, KY
And have found the road to Wonderland
The Yellow Brick Road near Dayton, OH
I even found the Yellow Brick Rd.
A street with No Name in Millersburg, OH
A road with No Name
Finding Uncertainty in Uncertain, TX
May lead me to be Uncertain
Corner of This Way and That Way in Lake Jackson, TX
But whether I go This Way or That Way
Okay, Oklahoma in 2012
I’ll always be Okay
Winner Winner..no chicken dinner, just the name of a town in SD
Which makes me a Winner when I travel
Sumoflam at Top of the World on the Beartooth Highway in Wyoming
Well, the Blogging Challenge is winding down. It has been a wild and wacky challenge for me.
