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.
Books 1 & 2
2 thoughts on “A Grab Bag from America’s Back Roads – The J Things #AtoZChallenge”
I’ve been to several of these places. That’s a great collection of photos.
I’ve been to several of these places. That’s a great collection of photos.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Thanks Arlee!!