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.
Aliens on a Coke Machine – Roswell, New Mexico

Airstream Factory – Jackson Center, Ohio

Alder Lake Tree Stumps – Elbe, Washington

Adair Smiley Water Tower – Adair, Iowa

Antique Archaeology – LeClair, Iowa
You know the place from TV – Home of American Pickers!


Antelope Sightings on the Road – Colorado and Wyoming


Alligator, Mississippi
A unique town name. A fun place on the Mississippi River and the Blues Highway (Route 61)



An outdoor hot spring spa – Amagase, Japan
Yep, shed the clothes and hop into the roadside spa. I did this for a Japanese TV show in 1988.

Appalachian Trail Mural – Damascus, Virginia

Agate Fossil Bed National Monument – Harrison, Nebraska

Wild Horses in Assategue National Seashore – Berlin, Maryland

Armadillo Palace – Houston, Texas

Atomic City, Idaho

American Gothic House – Eldon, Iowa

Ada Covered Bridge – Ada, Michigan

Amish Country – Intercourse, Pennsylvania; Charm, Ohio; Arthur, IL



Fun Tourist Trap – Akela Flats – Deming, New Mexico

Antler Arch – Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Arthur Bryant’s BBQ – Kansas City, Missouri


American Falls – Niagara Falls, New York

Abingdon, Virginia


Austin, Texas

Arrowleaf Balsamroot – Craters of the Moon, Idaho

Antlers, Oklahoma

Arco, Idaho

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.

Love your theme! So many places I’d like to check out! I’ve been to Arthur Bryant’s and Niagara Falls, and I know where Antlers, Oklahoma, is! look forward to further posts from you during the Challenge!
Wow – you are the Champion of A to Z! OK, so I’ve been to Abingdon and Damascus, Assateague, and Amish Country. I always thought it was gross seeing dead opossums on the road and then I saw an armadillo.
That’s a lot of As! I never knew there was an Armadillo Palace in Houston, so that is probably the only reason I would ever return to Texas (I lived in Austin for several years), at this point. Thanks for sharing these fun pix.
Looking forward to reading more of your posts this month. Happy A to Z’ing!
These are great photos! I went camping at Assategue National Seashore 30 years ago! The ponies were not shy about hanging out in the campground.
So much fun, so many places! I never kept track of the places other than broad generalities. Going to really enjoy your series of posts.
Donna B McNicol, author & traveler
Romance & Mystery…writing my life
A-Z Flash Fiction Tales: http://dbmcnicol.blogspot.com
A-Z of Goldendoodles: http://ourprimeyears.blogspot.com
So many fun, quirky A destinations. Looks like you’ve visited some amazing places. Weekends In Maine
I’d love to visit the Pickers site. Hubby and I love to travel the backroads – he drives – I take photos! My A To Z is All About Nancy Drew …. my fav childhood sleuth! https://everyonehasafamilystorytotell.wordpress.com/category/2018-a-to-z-all-about-nancy-drew/
That’s a fun assortment of sites and places. Last summer I actually drove through Abingdon VA rather than just bypassing it on I-81. Looks like a pretty nice little town that I may have to explore more in the future if I can.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out