Rudyard MT – Less Beaten Paths of America Travel Blog

September 29, 2018September 30, 2018

Offbeat and Quirky Roadside Attractions Now Available on Amazon!

Yesterday my new book, “Less Beaten Paths of America: Quirky and Offbeat Roadside Attractions” made its debut on Amazon!

The book is 130 pages of FULL COLOR whimsy and kitsch as I tell stories of my visits to these places all over the U.S. and Canada. Definitely was fun taking these back roads trips to quirkville and I am excited to share them with you in words and photos.

Even more exciting was that after a few hours the book was already #5 on Amazon’s Road Travel New Releases chart and #24 on their Travel Reference chart!!

I hope you will be able to check out the book or even get it on Kindle (#14 on the Road Travel chart). You Chang the book here:

SEE NEW BOOK

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April 27, 2018April 27, 2018

A Grab Bag from America’s Back Roads – The S Things #AtoZChallenge

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.

Sunset Motel – Belle Fourche, South Dakota

Great little place in the geographic center of the continental US!

Spider Volkswagen – Wolf Creek, Oregon

Sandwich, New Hampshire

WARNING: They do not have a place to get a sandwich in Sandwich. No Joke!

Signposts in Sandwich, NH. No restaurants!

Story Inn – Story, Indiana

The nice old wooden floors of the Story Inn dining area

Antique Checkerboard on the Story Inn front porch. Checkers are actually old pop bottle caps

San Xavier del Bac – Tucson, Arizona

Old Church “San Xavier del Bac” in Tucson

Success, Missouri

Shoshoni, Wyoming

The seemingly run down business section of Shoshoni, WY

Space Aliens Grill & Bar – Waite Park, Minnesota; Fargo, North Dakota

Space Aliens Grill & Bar – Waite Park, MN

Sumoflam with an Alienized Smile at Space Aliens

Screaming Heads – Burk’s Falls, Ontario

Screaming Heads. Canadian secondary school teacher Peter Camani created these spooky yet fascinating landscape artwork. Since the mid-1970s besides being a teacher, he has built these massive structures and amazing castle.

Sumoflam at Screaming Heads in Burk’s Falls, Ontario

Spud Drive-In – Teton Valley, Idaho

Sandhill Cranes – Barren River Lake, Kentucky; Cecilia, Kentucky; Dell, Montana

1000s of sandhill cranes converge on a field near Cecilia, KY

Sandhill Cranes near Red Rock Ranch in Dell, Montana

A pair of Sandhill Cranes at sunset near Cecilia, KY

Stone Mountain – Stone Mountain, Georgia

Scary Creek, West Virginia

Silver Saddle Motel – Manitou Springs, Colorado

Sapp Brothers – Nebraska City, Nebraska; Council Bluffs, Iowa

Sapp’s Coffee Pot Water Tower in Nebraska City

Sapp Brothers Water Tower in Council Bluffs, IA

Solomon, Kansas

Shipwrecked Brew Pub – Egg Harbor, Wisconsin

Ahoy matey…how about some lunch at the Shipwrecked Brew Pub in Egg Harbor, WI

Suizenji Park – Kumamoto, Japan

Enjoying a visit to the famed Suizenji Park in Kumamoto

Spar Cafe – Olympia, Washington

Salida, Colorado

Seth, West Virginia

Sam Houston Statue – Huntsville, Texas

77 Foot Tall Sam Houston Statue in Huntsville, Texas

Sumoflam with Big Sam Houston towering behind him in Huntsville, TX

Star Trek Places – Vulcan, Alberta; Riverside, Iowa

Sol and Sumoflam live long and prosper with the Starship Enterprise in Vulcan, Alberta Sept 2007

Live Long and Prosper – Sumoflam and the Starship Riverside

Shiner, Texas

Sarris Candies – Canonsburg, Pennsylvania

Sarris Candy in Canonsburg. One of the world’s largest candy stores

Sisters, Oregon

South Congress Cafe – Austin, Texas

I had breakfast at the South Congress Cafe. It was truly an upscale cafe, if there is such a thing

San Francisco, California

At Golden Gate Bridge in in San Francisco, CA May 2015

Skykomish, Washington

Springfield, Illinois

Seagulls – Port Orchard, Washington; Puget Sound, Washington; Galveston, Texas; Ashland, Wisconsin

A flock of seagulls on the deck of the Hyak in Puget Sound, WA

A couple of seagulls “converse” as they enjoy the view over a lake in Ashland, Wisconsin

Seagull in flight in Gulf of Mexico near Galveston, Texas

A closeup shot of a seagull taken on Bremerton Ferry while crossing the Puget Sound in Washington

Chief Standing Brave – Big Cabin, Oklahoma

Giant Indian Chief “Standing Brave” in Big Cabin, OK

Spindle (Cars on a Spike) – Cermak Plaza – Berwyn, Illinois

As seen in the movie Wayne’s World – sadly, no longer around

The famed “Spindle” sculpture as seen in the movie Wayne’s World. Apparently, it wasn’t worthy. This was taken in 2007 and in 2008 it was torn down…meh

Smiley Water Towers – Adair, Iowa; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Beloit, Wisconsin; Cedar Creek, Texas; Smiley, Texas

Winking Smiley on backside of Water Tower in Grand Forks, ND

And finally…one without a Smiley Face….

A Smiley Water Tower without a Smiley Face…Smiley, Texas

Stardust Motel – Wallace, Idaho

Stardust Motel Neon sign – Wallace, Idaho

Seattle, Washington

Seattle as seen from a boat in the Puget Sound

Shenandoah National Park – Luray, Virginia

Visiting Shenandoah National Park on Easter Sunday 2017

Easter Sunrise as seen from Shenandoah National Park

Hills of Shenandoah Valley in presunrise hours on Easter 2017

Skeletons on the Highways – Port Orchard, Washington; San Francisco, California; Montrose, South Dakota; Murdo, South Dakota

Closeup of the Biker Skeleton at Bethel Saloon in Port Orchard, WA

A skeleton pirate guards the entrance to a shop in Fisherman’s Wharf

A skeleton keeping guard at Porter’s Sculpture Park in Montrose, SD

Skeleton Walking Dinosaur near Murdo, South Dakota

Sorehead Cafe – Rudyard, Montana

Stoneville Saloon – Alzada, Montana

Stoneville Saloon in Alzada, MT taken in June 2005

Stoneville Saloon – Cheap Drinks – Lousy Food

Canned Delicacies at Stoneville Saloon – Alzada, Montana

Saketumi Restaurant – Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Japanese food at the Saketumi Asian Bistro in Rehoboth Beach, DE

Stoner Drug – Hamburg, Iowa

The old fashioned soda fountain inside of Stoner Drug

Sawtooth Mountains – Stanley, Idaho

Sawtooth Range as seen from Galena Overlook

Sod House Museum – Gothenburg, Nebraska

A bit of Superman – Metropolis, Illinois; Cleveland, Ohio; Ashland, Wisconsin

At the house that used to be the home of Jerry Siegel, the Creator of the Superman stories. This is in Cleveland, Ohio

Superman is hung forever on the side of Boudreau’s antiques…saving a little doll?

Sumoflam and the 12 foot tall bronze Superman in Metropolis (not fiberglass, but a neighbor to Big John)

Sheep Capital of America – Newell, South Dakota

Sign at the door of TJ’s Cafe in Newell, SD. Bear in mind this is sheep country.

Shelby, Montana

Shelby, Mississippi

Sedona, Arizona

Oak Creek runs by the famed Cathedral Rock in Sedona, AZ

Stinky’s Country Well – Gilboa, Ohio

Showmen’s Rest Cemetery – Hugo, Oklahoma

Showmen’s Rest in Hugo’s Mt. Olivet Cemetery

Sumoflam with an Elephant Headstone at Showmen’s Rest

Santa Claus, Indiana

A Santa Selfie at Santa Claus Post Office

Scandinavian Heritage Museum – Minot, North Dakota

The Gol Stave Church replica and museum at the Scandinavian Heritage Center in Minot, ND

The 30 foot tall Dala Horse at the Scandinavian Heritage Center in Minot

Sparta House – Sparta, Ontario

Scotty’s Hamburgers – Idaho Falls, Idaho

Severed Head Trading Post – Perryville, Kentucky

Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway – Nebraska

Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway on Nebraska Hwy 2

Sunset over Beem Lake in the Sandhills of Nebraska…

Seabrook, New Hampshire

Welcome to New Hampshire! US State #48 for me.

Schroeder’s Drive-In – Danville, Illinois

Shakespeare, Ontario

Steubenville, Ohio

Market Street by Michael Wojczuk. This was the first mural painted in Steubenville

Swedesburg, Iowa

Caution – Swedish Crossing in Swedesburg, IA

Sam Black Church, West Virginia

Sam Black Church in Sam Black Church, WV

Sunset Crater National Monument – Flagstaff, Arizona

Family at Sunset Crater National Monument north of Flagstaff in July 1993

Silver Dollar Saloon – Leadville, Colorado

Silver Dollar Saloon storefront – Leadville, Colorado

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.

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April 25, 2018April 25, 2018

A Grab Bag from America’s Back Roads – The R Things #AtoZChallenge

Ric’s Grill – Steak in Water Tower – Lethbridge, Alberta

Route 66 Soda / Route Beer – Mokena, Illinois

Rabbit Hash, Kentucky

The Old Rabbit Hash General Store. It burned down in 2016 and had to be rebuilt.

Restroom Hiker Mural – Damascus, Virginia

Hiker painting on a restroom wall in Damascus

Other Restroom Fun – Story, Indiana; Hopland, California; San Francisco, California; Cleveland, Ohio; Cypress, Texas; Cincinnati, Ohio; Nebraska City, Nebraska; Ashland, Montana; Frenchglen, Oregon

A sign outside the restrooms at the Story Inn in Story, Indiana

The sign talking about “Weird Restrooms” at Real Goods in Hopland, CA

There were also a number of tile mosaics. This one was at the entrance to the restrooms in Golden Gate Park visitor’s center

Tavern of Little Italy Restroom is plastered with the history of Little Italy in Cleveland

Men’s Stall Door in restroom at Burger Shack in Cypress, Texas

Jungle Jim’s Restroom in Cincinnati have entrances that are deceptive. They actually lead to immaculate huge restrooms.

Men’s Restroom at Mo’s in Reedsport, Oregon

Sapp Brothers in Nebraska City, the “Cleanest Restrooms on I-29”

Restroom Door in a Convenience Store in Ashland, Montana

Sometimes even a place like this looks heavenly – the ceramic toilet is a planter. The real place is in the outhouse. Frenchglen, Oregon

Rock City – near Valier, Montana

Rock City Rd. and Dean Rd., north of Valier, MT

Sumoflam at Rock City north of Valier, Montana

Geographical Center of North America – Rugby, North Dakota

Rugby, ND – The Geographic Center of North America

The Rugby Geographical Center of North America monument juxtaposed with the HUB Motel sign in Rugby, ND

Real Goods Store – Hopland, California

Sumoflam with Solar Expert and Real Goods founder John Schaeffer

Riscky’s Steakhouse and BBQ – Fort Worth, Texas

Rudyard, Montana

Ragged Falls – Algonquin National Park, Ontario

Ragged Falls in Algonquin National Park in Ontario

Rosie the Fish – Sekiu, Washington

Sekiu’s somewhat famous “Rosie” welcomes you to the town

Red Squirrel – Nebraska City, Nebraska

A red squirrel with a mouthful in Nebraska City, NE

Rising Eagle Sculpture – Bismarck, North Dakota

Rising Eagle Sculpture in Pioneer Park, Bismarck, ND

Royal Donut – Danville, Illinois

Royal Motel – Ironwood, Michigan

A Route 66 type of vintage neon sign at the Royal Motel in Ironwood, MI

Riverside, Iowa

Future Birthplace of James T. Kirk in Riverside, IA

Random Road – Cleveland, Ohio

Mayfield Road and Random Road, by the little park in Little Italy

Romance, Missouri

Roseman Covered Bridge – Winterset, Iowa

Roseman Covered Bridge in Winterset, Iowa

Raton, New Mexico

Rio Brazos Dance Hall – Granbury, Texas

Roxy Theatres – Choteau, Montana; Langdon, North Dakota; Clarksdale, Mississippi; Shelby, Montana

Montana Grill and Roxy Theater in Shelby, Montana

Rockpile Museum – Gillette, Wyoming

Roosters Roosters – Needville, Texas; E. Peoria, Illinois; Seymour, Missouri; Eldon, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri; Granbury, Texas

A big metal rooster sits in front of the Jay Cafe in Needville, Texas..doesn’t look like a jay to me.

Sumoflam with the giant Rooster with a Top Hat at Carl’s Bakery in E. Peoria

Uncle Rooster’s Big Rooster on US 60 near Seymour, Missouri

Red Rooster (looks white to me) – Red Rooster Collectibles Eldon, IA

Giant Rooster greets you at Joe’s Cafe entrance in Greg Freeman Park, St. Louis

Roadhouse Relics – Austin, Texas

Russell Flat Holiness Church – Sand Springs, Kentucky

Regent, North Dakota – Home of the Enchanted Highway

Welcome to Regent and Enchanted Highway Road Map

Enchanted Highway Gift Shop in Regent, ND – closed the day were there

Ronks, Pennsylvania

Dutch Haven Restaurant, Home of the famed Amish Shoo Fly Pie, located in Ronks, PA just down the road from Intercourse

Russell’s Point, Ohio

Roswell, New Mexico

Need some alien stuff? Plenty in Roswell

Rexburg, Idaho

Rocket Rest Stop – Elkmont, Alabama

At the Rocket Rest Stop in Elkmont, AL – home of a Saturn 1B. Taken in 2005

Large Saturn Rocket at Welcome Center in Elkmont, Alabama

Ride the Ducks – Seattle, Washington

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – Cleveland, Ohio

Real Quiet Lane – Lexington, Kentucky

Shhh…this is a Real Quiet Lane in Lexington, KY

Red River Gorge – Slade, Kentucky

Visiting Kentucky’s Red River Gorge in November 2016

Rachel the Golden Pig – Pikes Place Market – Seattle, Washington

Rachel the Golden Pig (on the right!!!) and Sumoflam at Pike Place Market in Seattle

Redcliff, Colorado

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Tag: Rudyard MT

Offbeat and Quirky Roadside Attractions Now Available on Amazon!

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A Grab Bag from America’s Back Roads – The S Things #AtoZChallenge

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