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!Always like places with these old keys!
Spider Volkswagen – Wolf Creek, Oregon
Spider Volkswagen – Wolf Creek, Oregon
Sandwich, New Hampshire
WARNING: They do not have a place to get a sandwich in Sandwich. No Joke!
Sandwich, New Hampshire – Cool little village as long as you don’t want to find a sandwichSignposts in Sandwich, NH. No restaurants!
Story Inn – Story, Indiana
Sumoflam at the Story Inn in Story, INThe nice old wooden floors of the Story Inn dining areaAntique 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 TucsonMeditation – San Xavier del Bac, Tucson, Arizona
Success, Missouri
Finding Success in Missouri
Shoshoni, Wyoming
The seemingly run down business section of Shoshoni, WYOld Motel Neon sign in Shoshoni, WY
Space Aliens Grill & Bar – Waite Park, Minnesota; Fargo, North Dakota
Space Aliens Grill & Bar – Waite Park, MNSumoflam with an Alienized Smile at Space AliensSpace Aliens Grill & Bar, Fargo, ND
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, OntarioScreaming Heads – Burk’s Falls, Ontario
Spud Drive-In – Teton Valley, Idaho
The Spud Drive-In – Teton Valley, IdahoThe Spud sign – Teton Valley, ID
Sandhill Cranes – Barren River Lake, Kentucky; Cecilia, Kentucky; Dell, Montana
Sandhill Cranes take flight1000s of sandhill cranes converge on a field near Cecilia, KYSandhill Cranes near Red Rock Ranch in Dell, MontanaA pair of Sandhill Cranes at sunset near Cecilia, KY
Stone Mountain – Stone Mountain, Georgia
Stone Mountain, GA in 2015
Scary Creek, West Virginia
Scary Creek Church of God signScary Creek Paintball billboard
Silver Saddle Motel – Manitou Springs, Colorado
Silver Saddle Motel – Manitou Springs, CO
Sapp Brothers – Nebraska City, Nebraska; Council Bluffs, Iowa
Sapp’s Coffee Pot Water Tower in Nebraska CitySapp Brothers Water Tower in Council Bluffs, IA
Solomon, Kansas
US Post Office, Solomon, KansasSolomon Water Tower
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
Spar Cafe – Olympia, WAInside the Spar Cafe in Olympia
Salida, Colorado
Salida, ColoradoOdd metal buffalo in Salida, Colorado
Seth, West Virginia
Seth, West Virginia
Sam Houston Statue – Huntsville, Texas
77 Foot Tall Sam Houston Statue in Huntsville, TexasSumoflam 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 2007Live Long and Prosper – Sumoflam and the Starship Riverside
Seagull with clam in Port OrchardA flock of seagulls on the deck of the Hyak in Puget Sound, WAA couple of seagulls “converse” as they enjoy the view over a lake in Ashland, WisconsinSeagull in flight in Gulf of Mexico near Galveston, TexasA 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
Smiley Water Tower in Adair, IowaWinking Smiley on backside of Water Tower in Grand Forks, NDBeloit, WI Smiley Water TowerSmiley Water Tower – Cedar Creek, Texas
And finally…one without a Smiley Face….
A Smiley Water Tower without a Smiley Face…Smiley, Texas
Seattle as seen from a boat in the Puget SoundWelcome to the Seattle WaterfrontSeattle’s famed “Great Wheel”
Shenandoah National Park – Luray, Virginia
Visiting Shenandoah National Park on Easter Sunday 2017Easter Sunrise as seen from Shenandoah National ParkHills 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, WAA skeleton pirate guards the entrance to a shop in Fisherman’s WharfA skeleton keeping guard at Porter’s Sculpture Park in Montrose, SDSkeleton Walking Dinosaur near Murdo, South DakotaCloseup of Murdo Skeleton
Sorehead Cafe – Rudyard, Montana
The Sorehead Cafe – Rudyard, Montana
Stoneville Saloon – Alzada, Montana
Stoneville Saloon in Alzada, MT taken in June 2005Stoneville Saloon – Cheap Drinks – Lousy FoodCanned 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
Stoner Drug in Hamburg, IAThe old fashioned soda fountain inside of Stoner Drug
Sawtooth Mountains – Stanley, Idaho
Sawtooth Scenic Byway in IdahoJagged Sawtooths near Stanley, IDSawtooth Range as seen from Galena Overlook
Sod House Museum – Gothenburg, Nebraska
Sod House Museum, Gothenburg, NEBarbed Wire Indian Chief and Horse – Sod House Museum – Gothenburg, Nebraska
A bit of Superman – Metropolis, Illinois; Cleveland, Ohio; Ashland, Wisconsin
Superman Mural in Metropolis, ILAt the house that used to be the home of Jerry Siegel, the Creator of the Superman stories. This is in Cleveland, OhioSuperman 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
Livestock Sign – Newell, SDSign at the door of TJ’s Cafe in Newell, SD. Bear in mind this is sheep country.
Welcome to Shelby, MSColorful buildings of Shelby, MSDaniel’s Snack Shack, Shelby, MS
Sedona, Arizona
Agave in Sedona, ArizonaChapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, AZOak Creek runs by the famed Cathedral Rock in Sedona, AZ
Stinky’s Country Well – Gilboa, Ohio
Stinky’s Sign – Gilboa, OhioStinky’s Country Well – Gilboa, Ohio
Showmen’s Rest Cemetery – Hugo, Oklahoma
Showmen’s Rest in Hugo’s Mt. Olivet CemeterySumoflam with an Elephant Headstone at Showmen’s RestA final view of Showmen’s Rest
Santa Claus, Indiana
Santa Claus Welcome SignA Santa Selfie at Santa Claus Post OfficeSanta Claus Police
Scandinavian Heritage Museum – Minot, North Dakota
The Gol Stave Church replica and museum at the Scandinavian Heritage Center in Minot, NDThe 30 foot tall Dala Horse at the Scandinavian Heritage Center in Minot
Sparta House – Sparta, Ontario
Sparta House Tearoom – Sparta, Ontario
Scotty’s Hamburgers – Idaho Falls, Idaho
Scotty’s Hamburgers – Idaho Falls, Idaho
Severed Head Trading Post – Perryville, Kentucky
Severed Head Trading Post – Perryville, Kentucky
Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway – Nebraska
Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway on Nebraska Hwy 2Nebraska Highway 2 Sandhills JourneySunset over Beem Lake in the Sandhills of Nebraska…
Seabrook, New Hampshire
Sign Post in Seabrook, NHWelcome to New Hampshire! US State #48 for me.
Schroeder’s Drive-In – Danville, Illinois
Schroeder’s Drive-In – Danville, Illinois
Shakespeare, Ontario
Welcome to ShakespeareAntique Shops in Shakespeare
Steubenville, Ohio
Welcome to Steubenville, OHMarket Street by Michael Wojczuk. This was the first mural painted in SteubenvilleSumoflam and Dino in Steubenville
Swedesburg, Iowa
Welcome to SwedesburgThe famous Straw Goat from Swedesburg.Caution – Swedish Crossing in Swedesburg, IA
Sam Black Church, West Virginia
Sam Black Church in Sam Black Church, WVSam Black Church historical Marker
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.
June 15, 2005: Today we departed on our trip to Great Falls, Montana for Amaree’s wedding, the second in a string of 3 weddings in 8 weeks. Accompanying me on the trip is Seth, Solomon and Marissa, who will be married on the 25th of June in Louisville, which is in 10 days. Our Road Trip will comprise about 4500 miles as we drive north thru Indiana and Illinois and then across Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and into Montana. Our return will be a
similar trip, except thru a corner of Wyoming and then across South Dakota and then Minnesota and Wisconsin. A general map of the trip can be seen below:
My goal was to leave at 5:30 AM since we have such a long trip ahead of us. However, we got out at 6:00 AM. Then, we had to stop at Wal-Mart to get some new tennis shoes for me since I blew my others ones out yesterday. After Wal-Mart, we made a quick stop at McDonald’s for breakfast and then headed on the road.
Before I go into detail about the trip, I need to make a special note of gratitude to Randy O’Neal and his wife. Randy works with me at Lexmark. We have worked in the same are for nearly five years. Anyway, last Sunday Randy called me out of the blue. I was curious why he would call me on a Sunday and wondered if there was a work
emergency that came up. In the long run Randy told me that he and his wife would like to offer us the use of their conversion van for the long trip. They felt that this was probably the best gift they could give for these weddings and that it would fill a big need since he knew we were planning on renting a car for the trip. I told him how far we were going and that I would feel bad if anything happened. But, he continued to press and so I graciously accepted. This was such an extremely kind and thoughtful act on the part of Randy and his wife. I know that this will make the trip more comfortable for all of us. Below is a picture of the van:
Randy’s van – our wheels for this trip
We finally got on the road at about 6:45 after taking care of all the errands. We headed west through Versailles and then onto I-64 towards Louisville. We then headed north on I-65 through Indianapolis and on up to Gary, Indiana. By the time we got to Gary it was already 11:45 AM. My goal was to be in Chicago at our first stop by 10:00. But, due to traffic and a late start, we were already way behind. Nonetheless, I was thrilled to be on the road. I had not taken a road trip like this for a couple of years and love to get out and see the countryside and the personality of these United States and all that is offered. I kind of themed our trip to see the ‘Wacky and Wonderful’. We would be going across the Northern states to Montana and they are fairly well known for a number of cheesy and interesting sites (and in the case of Wisconsin–REAL Cheesy). I spent alot of time scheduling out all of the sites, most of which would be free. But, we also had a tight schedule to keep since we had to make it to Great Falls by late Thursday night. So, we really had to push it.
Our first planned stop was in Chicago, at Millennium Park. We finally pulled into the underground parking lot in downtown Chicago at 12:54 PM, basically three hours later than planned. The traffic was TERRIBLE into Chicago. There were instances that we didn’t even move along Lake Shore Drive. But, I wanted to at least get to Millennium Park. I had read about it in the AAA Magazine and
thought it would match our theme. I also felt that this would be a great point for all of us to get out and stretch and walk a bit.
Chicago traffic was terrible.Thus parking garage was just one of many novelty sites on this trip.
Millennium Park is right in the center of downtown Chicago, on the location of Grant Park. It is a 24.5 acre park that features some fabulous art and architecture. I will not go into the history of the park here, but instead will provide a link to the park’s website:
Millenium Park
My hopes in visiting the park were to see the three main works: The Crown Fountain, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and the Kapoor sculpture, entitled “Cloud Gate”.
Our first stop was the Crown Fountain. The fountain consists of two 50-foot glass block towers at each end of a shallow reflecting pool. The towers project video images from a broad social spectrum of Chicago citizens (apparently over 1000 subjects were videoed), a reference to the traditional use of gargoyles in fountains, where
faces of mythological beings were sculpted with open mouths to allow water, a symbol of life, to flow out. I was excited to see the fountains and see how the faces were projected on to them. More details about the fountains can be found here: The Crown Fountain
Here we are visiting Crown Fountain:
Seth and Solomon get a toothy grin at the Crown Fountain.Missy and I are ooking at the “gargoyle”
The fountains are actually kind of freaky. The subjects were video-taped, so they blink, move their mouths, etc. It is as if the structures were alive.
Our next stop on the park was a stroll over to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. To me this looks very similar to the Sydney Opera House in architectural design. Details about the pavilion can be seen here: Jay Pritzker Pavilion
The Pavilion is a concert venue that stands about 120 feet high. The stage is surrounded by a number of brushed steel ribbons. I guess they call this the “headdress”. There is a large lawn in front of it that makes this much like an amphitheater. While we were here, there was an orchestra and choir rehearsing for an upcoming concert. It was pretty unique.
Solomon, Seth and me at the Jay Pritzker PavilionBrothers carrying sister Marissa under the “headdress” of the pavilion
Our next visit in the park was to the “Cloud Gate”. This is a large silver sculpture that looks like a drop of mercury. Unfortunately, we could not see it in its entirety as much of it was covered for repair work. Here is a link to more details about the sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor: Cloud Gate on SBC Plaza
Despite the construction, we were able to get some pictures as one side of it was open. It was pretty neat to take the pictures with a backdrop of the city behind us. Here we are at Cloud Gate:
If you look carefully, you can see me in the middle taking the picture…to the left of Seth’s head.One of the massive pieces of art at Millennium ParkA view of the fountain
We spent about an hour at the park. It was a refreshing experience and a nice break. But, we needed to get back on the road as we had a lot of ground to cover. I was quite disappointed that we were so far behind schedule. One of the other sites that I really, really, really wanted to see was the Cermak Plaza, famous for the Cars on a Spike (NOTE: I did eventually make it to Cermak to see Spindle and, thank goodness I did as it has since been taken down). Since we didn’t get there, I don’t have photos. But here is a link: Spindle
Another place I had hoped to see was the Leaning Tower
of Niles…Niles, Illinois that is. But, time did not allow for that
either. But, here is a link from my favorite site Roadside America: Leaning Tower of Niles, Illinois
Hopefully, on my next Road Trip to Montana to see Amaree and Aaron we can hit those sites.
We finally got back on the road at about 2 PM and continued to head north towards Wisconsin. Along I-90 we must have hit 5 or 6 toll stations. What a pain. All totaled, we spent $11.00 on tolls between Gary, IN and the Wisconsin border.
We drove up I-90 through Madison, WI and then took exit 126 to DeForest, WI, which was our next scheduled stop. The first stop was the Ehlenbach Cheese Chalet, famous for its cheese and also famous for its large Holstein Cow statue in the front of the shop. Here we
are in Wisconsin:
Welcome to Wisconsin!Ehlenbach’s Cheese Chalet in DeForest, WI
Of course, besides a nice bag of cheese curds, the real goal here was to see Sissy the Cow:
Sissy the Cow..udderly mooving. Sissy the Cow is NOT wearing the tie dye shirt!!!I did say there were some cheesy things in Wisconsin!!
Sissy is 19 feet tall, 20 feet long, and two tons — a Holstein cow made of structural steel and fiber mixed with epoxy. She used to be known as the World’s Largest Cow, along with her sister Chatty Belle in nearby Janesville, WI. However, as you will soon see (in a later post), she is now nowhere near the world’s largest (which is Salem Sue, in New Salem, ND).
Another site we planned on just down the road from Sissy, in fact, at the same exit, is Pinky the Elephant. This was Marissa’s hope and dream to see Pinky. Pinky is one of three or four of these bespectacled Pink Elephants dotting the United States. I think there is one in Tennessee, one in Illinois and one in Georgia. However, due to its proximity with Sissy, this one is probably the most famous. Here are some shots of Pinky and Missy:
Pinky the Elephant in DeForest, WIMarissa kissing Pinky on the snoutMissy gave Pinky a love pat on the rear.And yes…you can EVEN buy souvenir stickers of Pinky for a quarter!! (As of 2014 they were 50 cents)
After our little venture into DeForest, it was time for us to head west towards Minnesota. There were many other places along the way that we wanted to see, but time was a factor for us as we needed to get to St. Cloud, Minnesota in time for dinner at a special place.
We cruised across the state and got to the Mississippi River at about 7:15 PM, still about 3 hours behind schedule. This was really disappointing to me here as well. I had hoped to get to Darwin, MN to see the Largest Ball of Twine made by one person. But, since
we couldn’t make it this time, I will at least put a link to it:
World’s Largest Ball of Twine. There are other Balls of Twine out
there as evidenced by this site: World’s Largest Twine Balls. I hope to get to all of them some time.
Solomon doesn’t look to excited to be welcomed to Minnesota.The kids with the Mississippi River behind them.
But, despite missing the twine ball, I was very determined to get to Space Aliens Grill and Bar in Waite Park, MN, just outside of St. Cloud. We were all hungry and we had to push it to get there, which we finally did at 10:00 PM. Thank goodness they close at 11:00 PM (I did my research in advance so I knew this!!). It was great to get there when we did too. It was a Wednesday and that meant All-You-Can-Eat Ribs. The boys were thrilled.
I wanted to go to Space Aliens either here or in Fargo, but didn’t think we could make it all the way to Fargo. This is one of those novelty theme restaurants as can be seen below. Here is a link to their web site: Space Aliens Grill & Bar
The Waite Park restaurant was not difficult to locate. We got there and all Seth and Solomon could say was “Let’s Eat!!” I don’t think I need to say anything about the restaurant except that the ribs were fantastic. The boys ate a ton of ribs, in fact, the waitress said she could not recall any group having as many as we did. The photos below should tell it all:
Notice that Earthlings are Welcome at this place.Sumoflam outside the restaurant at 10 PM CSTSeth at the ‘UFO Crossing’.Some of the typical artworkThe ceiling artworkNow this is what we came for!! All-You-Can-Eat Ribs.The boys set a record at this place and also wiped out the ribs.
Empty bones and platesAnd full tummies and smiling faces after a well-eaten meal!!
After a great dinner, and our first real meal of the day, we were ready to crash. We found a nearby motel and did just that. A long, long day 1 of the trip to Montana was finally over.
The entire roadtrip set of journals can be seen in its original form HERE
As I travel across these great United States (and Canada too) perhaps the most common sight along the way is Barbecue (BBQ) places and diners, big and small. Following are a few of the places I have visited (or at least passed and wished I had time to stop in for a visit….).
Hillbilly Hot Dogs – Lesage, WV
Hillbilly Hot Dogs – Lesage, WV
Ever eaten at a junk yard? Ever had enough guts to do so? Well, if you head north of Huntington, WV along the Ohio River to the small little village of Lesage you can do just that at Hillbilly Hot Dogs. A junk collector’s dream and a neatnik’s nightmare!
Hillbilly Hot Dogs long viewHillbilly Hot Dogs from the frontOrder Rite Cheer at Hillbilly Hot Dogs in Lesage, WV
I really got quite a kick out of some of the wackiness here…
The Delivery Van – Hillbilly Hot DogsPermanent Menu at Hillbilly Hot Dogs
Like many offbeat roadside eateries, Hillbilly Hot Dogs has been featured on TV shows. They have also been featured on the Travel Channel, the Food Network and others. Here is a short clip from Diner’s Dives and Drive-ins.
Then, there is their famous BIG SIZE dog called the Homewrecker!! They also have a Big Bad Bubba Burger!!
The Homewrecker at Hillbilly Hot DogsDon’t Forget to Wipe (off your face)
Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ – Kansas City, Kansas
Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ – Kansas City, KS
Oklahoma Joe’s in Kansas City, Kansas is a BBQ joint in a gas station. I actually think the gas station takes second fiddle to the BBQ. Fortunately for us, we got there just before the rush. By the time we got our food, the line was clear out the door. Like many of the places on this post, Oklahoma Joe’s has been featured on TV shows including some on the Food Network and PBS.
Oklahoma Joe’s NeonThe waiting line at Oklahoma Joe’s
I have discovered thru my travels that many BBQ places participate in competitions for best sauce, best BBQ, etc. Oklahoma Joe’s is no exception. In fact, that is how they got their start. Owner Jeff Stehney began his career in BBQ by participating in Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) competitions. In 1993 he and his partners (team Slaughterhouse Five) won eight grand championships. They did this with their Oklahoma Joe’s 24″ smoker. In 1996 they opened their first shop in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Kansas City location opened in 1996. They now have three locations in Kansas.
Daily Menu at Oklahoma Joe’sOklahoma Joe’s T-shirt
But, of course, the best part….the BBQ!!
Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ with all the fixins including jalapenos!
Big Jud’s Country Diner – Archer, Idaho
Big Jud’s Country Diner – Archer, Idaho
Continuing the string of made famous by TV diners, I visited Big Jud’s in March 2013. Located in Archer, Idaho, a small town outside of Rexburg, this “country diner” is rustic, but, the food isn’t! I have never seen such HUGE burgers and portions anywhere!!
Home of the 1 LB BurgerBig Burger Menu at Jud’sBig Jud’s 1 Lb BurgerA REAL Mouthful at Judd’s
Like many places, they have their “Chow Down” contests. Eat the big burger in a certain amount of time and you get a t-shirt, a photo on the board and even a free meal. My friend Trevor Mortensen, from Rexburg, joined a team to try this…
Tried but failed….….but finished this one off
But check out what this other kid was having while we were there….
The Big Jud
Hutch’s on the Beach – Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Hutch’s on the Beach – Hamilton, Ontario
Hutch’s on the Beach in Ontario is a classic 1950s style burger joint (actually, since 1946!). This place is practically right out of American Graffiti (even though it is in Canada). Black and white checkerboard floors, big fresh made burgers, great fries and shakes. A juke box that played music from the 1950s….
Hutch’s Menu boardThey have Fish and Chips too…it is in Canada mind you.
I loved the nostalgia that Hutch’s brought me….
Old Style Milk MachineCheckerboard Tile and BoothsLots of stuff too
Of course, like any of these places, we came for the “real” food…burgers, fries and milk shakes made the old fashioned way.
Burgers and fries and goodies at Hutch’s on the Beach. Fries are home made too!This is a REAL burger – not something like McD’s production line burgersHanging behind the counter with the Hutch’s team – April 2008
Stewart’s Drive In – Russell’s Point, Ohio
Stewart’s Drive In – Russells Point, Ohio
Located in central Ohio, southeast of Lima, Russells Point, Ohio is a touristy destination with Indian Lake bordering it. While driving to Indian Lake to see the sights, I came across the old fashioned drive in. I had to stop for a drink and an ice cream cone. What a pleasure!! Had someone come to the car and everything!
Stewart’s Drive InBringing out the ice cream at Stewart’s
If you have ever watched the Andy Griffith show or Mayberry RFD, you would have heard about “The Snappy Lunch,” which was mentioned in Episode 007 of the Andy Griffith Show on November 14, 1960. Andy Griffith actually ate there as a young boy growing up in Mt. Airy. Opened in 1923, it is the oldest eating establishment in Mt. Airy and is famous for its Pork Chop Sandwiches.
Snappy Lunch MenuAndy Griffith loved Snappy Lunch
The pork chop sandwiches served up at Snappy Lunch were a first for me. I had never had one, but I would most certainly return for another. I caught owner Charles Dowell busy at work cooking up his specialty back in March 2012. He passed away in September 2012 at the age of 84. He began working at The Snappy Lunch in 1943 and by 1960 he had purchased the cafe.
The Late Charles Dowell cooking up the pork chops at Snappy LunchSnappy Lunch Pork Chops
So, if you are wondering what time it is…..
Snappy Lunch Clock….it’s time for a Snappy Lunch World Famous Pork Chop Sandwich
Space Aliens Grill & Bar – Waite Park, Minnesota
Space Aliens Grill & Bar – Waite Park, MN
While on a trip to Montana in 2005 with my kids, we made our way into Waite Park, MN, just west of St. Cloud. We got in fairly late after a day of traveling in Wisconsin and Minnesota. We had pushed to get here in time so that we could eat at Space Aliens. And, we were lucky, it was a Wednesday and all you can eat night. I had two BIG HUNGRY boys, along with myself and one of my daughters. We chowed down to say the least!!
Kitschy Mars theme in Space AliensAliens everywhere!!30 foot tall Space Themed Ceiling Dome
Mort Bank and David Glaser, like other BBQ proprietors, got their start in BBQ competitions. Having won the National Barbecue Convention for “America’s Best Ribs” in Tennessee, they returned to their home in North Dakota and opened up a store in Bismarck and a second one in Fargo, North Dakota.
Space Aliens Grill & Bar – Fargo, NDWall Mural on Fargo Space Aliens Grill & Bar
As for the Barbecue — they have actually trademarked “Positively the Best Ribs in the Entire Universe”. Their slowly smoked 20 spice ribs were really fantastic. In fact, we ate them empty that evening!!
An order of Space Alien ribsMy boys gnoshing on Space Alien RibsDem Bones – all that was left was a pile of bonesSumoflam with an Alienized Smile at Space Aliens
Stoneville Saloon – Alzada, Montana
Stoneville Saloon – Alzada, Montana
Alzada is a very small unincorporated community in the far southeast corner of Montana, practically bordering Wyoming and South Dakota. The long empty stretch of U.S. Highway 212 is basically the only way in and out. Originally named Stoneville in 1880, the town’s named needed to be changed due to a Post Office conflict. In 1885 it was named Alzada in honor of the wife of the postmaster. It is an old cowboy town steeped in cowboy history. But, it also is known for the Stoneville Saloon – “Conveniently located in the middle of Nowhere!”
Stoneville Saloon T-shirt
I think the real draw is the tag line “Cheap Drinks – Lousy Food”
Stoneville Saloon – Cheap Drinks – Lousy Food
We had been driving all the way from Great Falls in 2005 on our way home from Montana and this was one of the MAIN destinations for us that day. We got here starved. Turns out that this is now a “biker bar” frequented by many bikers on their way to Sturgis, SD, which is about 67 miles to the southeast of Alzada. We stopped and ate, but enjoyed the atmosphere more than anything…
Unique motorcycle at Stoneville SaloonMany antler mounts – Stoneville SaloonPool tables in the SaloonLove the Signs – “Yes, the customer is always right. However, the bartender determines who is no longer a customer” and more….
OK, we had some burgers and fries while here. But they do serve steaks and a few other goodies. Needless to say, we were in a hurry so we didn’t try their famed canned delicacies…
Canned Delicacies at Stoneville Saloon – Alzada, Montana
Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Genos & Pats in Philadelphia
A write up about diners cannot truly be justified without noting the Philly Cheesesteak rivalry in Philadelphia. No place represents the heart and soul of the Philadelphia better than the corner of 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue in South Philly. This is the cheese-steak epicenter where Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks face off 24 hours a day for the Cheesesteak crown. So, what’s the best way to do it? My friend and I hit BOTH places in the same evening.
Geno’s Steaks – Philadelphia
First stop was Geno’s Steaks, located in a corner of the intersection of E. Passyunk and 9th Street. Geno’s was started in 1966 by Joe Vento with $6.00 in his pocket, 2 boxes of steaks and some hot dogs. If you can’t order in English, then don’t try this place. They have signs up that explicitly state you must order in English.
Order in English only sign at Geno’sEven the cooks wear shirts about speaking in English at Geno’s
The intimidation doesn’t stop at English only. There is a specific way to order as well. You must order with Provolone, American or Cheese Whiz. If you don’t do it right they may chew you out!! Fortunately, there is a constant stream of customers ordering so you can listen and learn. They whip out those steaks with whiz pretty quick!
Steak Sign at Geno’sGrilling the steaks at Geno’s in Philadelphia
After indulging in a tasty, hot and yummiferous Geno’s Steak sandwich (mine had Provolone), my friend and I meandered across the “X” to Pat’s King of Steaks. This shop is older than Geno’s, having opened in 1930 by Pat Olivieri, who ran a hot dog stand originally.
Pat’s King of Steaks – “Don’t Eat a Misteak”Best of Philly – Pat’s King of Steaks
Their website claims that this was where the cheesesteak was invented … there is even an historical marker on the site:
Pat’s King of Steaks Historical Marker
Unlike Geno’s, there are not “Speak English” signs, but they are still persnickety in terms of ordering in a timely fashion as they also whip those cheesy meaty sandwiches out quickly.
Grilling up the steaks at Pat’sSteaks!! These will make a lot of cheesesteaks!
The final product is what everyone comes for:
One of Pat’s cooks shows off “the goods”Yummiferous! A Steak with peppers, cheese, mushrooms, onions and the goods.
And the winner? It was definitely ME!! I got the best of Philly in a double take.
Dash-Inn Drive In – Shelby, Montana
Dash-Inn Drive In – Shelby, Montana
This is another one of those drive up diners where someone will come out to your car and serve up great burgers, fries, onion rings, tater tots, etc. My wife and I had the opportunity to eat here in March 2013. It was as you would expect…great prices, great service and great food!
Camp 31 BBQ – Paris, Ontario
Camp 31 Bar-B-Que – Paris, Ontario
I have eaten at BBQ places all over the U.S. and in parts of Canada. However, I have to admit that the absolute best experience I ever had was at Camp 31 in Paris, Ontario. In 2008 I had the opportunity to work in Woodstock and I rented a place in Paris, about 20 miles south of Woodstock. I made my way to Camp 31 at least twice a week. It was heavenly.
Camp 31 Menu
Started originally in a Sawmill in Alabama, the owners moved to Canada and opened up in an old sawmill building in Paris. The inside is rustic which makes the BBQ all the better tasting.
Smoking in giant smokersBringing out the ribs from the smokerGrilling the Ribs after they have been smoked – Camp 31
Camp 31 BBQ has a diverse menu and a good variety of goodies. Their cornbread is sweet, their BBQ sauce is tangy, their meats are tender and their service is impeccable.
April takes the ordersCamp 31 Seating
Many BBQ places compete and Camp 31 is no different. In fact, they compete all over Canada and in the US. They even have a tour bus with built in smokers!!
Camp 31 Hawgs Gone Wild BusOne of a gazillion trophies on display at Camp 31
And here is why….
A satisfied Sumoflam at Camp 31Pulled Pork SandwichBarbecue Ribs at Camp 31Robs at Camp 31 – Tender and JuicyOliver Zuder serving up the best at Camp 31
Goody Goody Diner – St. Louis, Missouri
Goody Goody Diner – St. Louis
Goody Goody Diner opened their doors as a Diner in 1948. Started by Cecil Thompson, it is now owned by Richard Connelly who has worked at Goody Goody since 1955, when he was 14 and began peeling potatoes and working as a carhop.
Giant Coffee Cup Sign at Goody GoodyGoody Goody owner Rich ConnellyScale Model Goody Goody delivery truck
There is plenty of seating at Goody Goody and very little wait. They really move the folks through and the service is fast.
Counter Seating – Diner StyleSeating at Goody Goody
The diner has a diverse menu, but they are especially famous for their “Wilbur”, a breakfast omelet filled with potatoes, peppers, onions and tomatoes and then covered with chili and cheese. Sometimes it is referred to as a “slinger” A delectable delight of a dish.
The “Wilbur” from Goody GoodyThe works – Wilbur, English Muffin and Grits. Rib sticking breakfast or lunchThe Wilbur brings a smile to Sumoflam
Another favorite is Goody Goody is the waffles and fried chicken, a good southern dish.
Chicken and Waffles at Goody Goody. Super Good!
Gronk’s Grill and Bar – Superior, Wisconsin
Gronk’s Grill and Bar – Superior, Wisconsin
Gronk’s Grill is the ultimate mixture of hamburger joint and BBQ joint. Like Jud’s, they offer HUGE 6 and 8 pound burgers (The “Enger Tower Burger” and the “Great Divide” respectively). You finish these off you get a t-shirt and a place in their Hall of Fame. They also offer BBQ ribs and hot dogs.
Enter Here at Gronk’s – a GIANT handCarved bears greet you at the door
This is what you can get if you are really really hungry…the Enger Tower
Gronk’s Enger Tower Burger
Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue – Kansas City, Missouri
Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue – Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City is known for its barbecue and one of the prime establishments of Kansas City Barbecue is Arthur Bryant’s. This BBQ joint opened in the 1920s and once it moved from its original location to the corner of 18th and Brooklyn, near the old Municipal Stadium, it gained its national fame as major league baseball players and others visited the place. Some claim that Arthur Bryant is the “legendary King of Ribs” and is considered by some to be “the most renowned barbecuer in history.” Bryant died in 1982 at the age of 80, but the legendary flavor continues.
Arthur Bryant’s Meat TrayOne of the BBQ Masters at Arthur Bryant’s shows off the goods!
Unlike many BBQ places, Arthur Bryant’s serves their BBQ on slices of white bread. I had never had it that way except at home. Apparently, Bryant had created his special sauce so you “could put it on bread and eat it.” Well, they did put it on bread and I did eat it. Fabulous barbecue, great prices, good smoky environment (smoky from BBQ that is) and sweeeeet sauce!
BBQ Pork on bread at Arthur Bryant’sBBQ Meat Sandwich with Ham and Brisket at Arthur Bryant’s
Cozy Drive In – Springfield, Illinois
Springfield is one of those iconic Route 66 towns and along this road is the Cozy Dog Drive In, which claims to be the home of the all-American famed Corn Dog! Though there is some dispute as to the true origin of the corn dog, the Cozy Dog story is that Ed Walmire and his friend Don Strand invented the deep fried battered hot dog on a stick while stationed in Amarillo, Texas during World War II. They called them crusty curs, but, upon Ed’s return to Springfield, Ed and his wife decided on the name “Cozy Dog” and began selling them from their house and at the Illinois State Fair in 1946. Ed’s wife designed the “hot dogs in a loving embrace logo” for the drive in. In 1996 they moved their Drive In a bit up the road to its current location and gave it a decidedly Route 66 theme.
Cozy Drive In – Home of the famous Hot Dog on a StickRoute 66 Memorabilia in Cozy Drive InCozy Drive In – Springfield, IllinoisTypical Table Top at Cozy Drive In – Springfield, IllinoisCozy Drive In is an official Route 66 attraction
And of course, this is why we come to Cozy Dog – not healthy at all, but sure Yummiferous!!
Cozy Dogs and Homemade Fries – Cozy Dog – Springfield, ILWe got our kicks with a Cozy Dog!!Sumoflam and Cozy Dog
Paul’s Drive In – Kansas City, Missouri
Paul’s Drive In – Kansas City
Apparently, Paul’s is so good that locomotive engineers literally stop the train on the tracks and get out to get some of Paul’s tenderloins and burgers. On my visit we were more interested in something cold and sweet on our palate after enjoying some great Kansas City BBQ elsewhere. And, this was a chart topper!!
Giant Ice Cream Cone at Paul’s Drive In – Kansas City – DQ can’t beat this one!
Patche’s Mini Mart – Bradfordsville, Kentucky
Patche’s Mini Mart – Bradfordsville, Kentucky
As I drive the Less Beaten Paths, I do run into little gems like Patche’s. Patche’s is named after owner Patsy, who is called Patche’s by all her friends. It is a gas station, mini mart and a little grill. I was hungry on a long drive so I stopped. I asked her what was the specialty and she told me “grilled boloney sandwich with egg and cheese.” I had her make one up for me.
Seating area at Patche’sHats and goodies for sale at Patche’s
Patche’s is a two person show – Patche’s on the grill and her assistant.
Patche’s cooking up the baloney sandwichThe final product – Baloney Sandwich Extraordinaire
There are so many places on the road to stop. I have another set of shots I will include in a “Leftovers” section in a week or so. But, as you enjoy the ride, also make sure to enjoy some of the local fare. It’ll do you good.