MORE WHIMSY FOUND ON THE ROAD
This is the final post for unique roadside attractions from 2024. This one is a hodge-podge of interesting attractions and even a few “seasonal” things that were whimsical and fun that I found along the roads of America.
Slack Plaza Sculptures – Charleston, West Virginia
Two 16-foot-tall whimsical musicians (plus a smaller dog) were installed in Charleston’s Slack Plaza in December 2021. Sculpted by Pittsburgh artist James Simon, they were created to show off West Virginia’s Appalachian music history.
Brother Morgan – Giant Warhammer Figure – Grapevine, Texas
When I was driving around Grapevine (see my previous posts) I happened upon this 10-foot-tall statue of Brother Morgan, a Warhammer gaming figurine. It sits on from the of the Warhammer Citadel Store and Cafe. I am not a gamer, but this was certainly a unique guy to run into. The plaque on his huge gun reads: “Give me a hundred Space Marines. Or failing that give me a thousand other troops.”
Low Rider T-Rex at Texas Through Time Museum – Hillsboro, Texas
In the small town of Hillsboro, Texas there is a unique museum called the Texas Through Time Fossil Museum which features fossils, dinosaurs and other historical items. It is located in what was known as Grimes Garage – The Most Famous Garage in the World. Supposedly, Grimes Garage advertisements could be found all of the United States in the early 1900s. Though the Museum was closed when I got to Hillsboro, I was able to get a couple of shots of the “Low-Rider T-Rex” which sits in the front of the museum. I am not sure why it was built this way, but I can assume that it was for tourists to sit on it and take selfies. I settled for a simple shot of it.
T-Rex Head on Building – Grapevine, Texas
Speaking of T-Rex art, how about the one popping its head out of a building in Grapevine, Texas? Located on the Grapevine Texas Tower, it is basically there to advertise Grapevine’s Dino Adventure which typically runs during June and July. Young kids can dig for fossils, take selfies with a big T-Rex in the building and learn more about dinosaurs. I just like the head popping out of the building.
Statues at University of Oklahoma – Norman, Oklahoma
My niece began her college career last year at the University of Oklahoma. So, I go to visit Norman last year. On one of the days I drove around campus and found a few fun pieces of art. There are a number of sculptures, but I only really had time to get shots of a couple. Here is what I found.
Statues of Edmond, Oklahoma
Edmond may be a Route 66 town, but it is also a great place to see art with dozens of murals and a plethora of sculptures dotting the town. Sadly, on my last visit I didn’t have much time to drive around. That will be resolved on my next drive through there. I did get a few sculptures.
STATUES IN OKLAHOMA CITY
SCULPTURE GARDENS
I didn’t used to take trips to sculpture gardens, but on occasion I find a unique piece of art in a sculpture garden and therefore look at the rest of the works. A prime example can be seen below in Meadowbrook Sculpture Garden in Arlington, Texas. Thanks to my good friends at Roadside America, I learned about a huge Kaleidoscope that sat in the sculpture garden. The site needed a photo of the sculpture so I took a spin to Arlington while visiting in Fort Worth.
Arlington Sculpture Garden – Meadowbrook Park – Arlington, Texas
This privately-funded sculpture garden was established in Meadowbrook Park near downtown Arlington in 2006. It is walking distance from the massive sports facilities of AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field. Though there are not many sculptures in this lovely setting, there are definitely a good mix of works. I didn’t get them all. As mentioned above, the highlight for me was the working Steampunk-style Kaleidoscope. It is titled Brighten My Day and was created by Mansfield, Texas artists Mary and Eddie Phillips. It is a working Kaleidoscope. The giant wheels are actually hand-made blown glass!
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park – Hamilton, Ohio
Unlike the sculpture park in Arlington, the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park is considered to be one of the best sculpture parks in the United States. It does require a nominal fee for entrance and upkeep and it was well worth it. The driving loop covers about 1.75 miles and can be found on Ohio State Route 128. Just look for the giant red sculpture at the entrance (shown below). The name Pyramid Hill comes from the large earth mounds that were created by the Myaamia (Miami) and Saawanooki (Shawnee) peoples. The park also serves to protect these sacred lands.
And following are few more pieces that I couldn’t locate information on
TOTALLY OFFBEAT
Then there are the whimsical things and even some quirky seasonal things for fun. So many one off things that can be seen on the backroads of America. Here is a little taste.
Did you enjoy what you saw here? My books cover so much more.
Enjoy the Ride With Sumoflam
LESS BEATEN PATHS OF AMERICA TRAVEL SERIES
You can get my books online! The series now has five books and I am working on books six and seven. Book Six will be all about murals from all over the country!! Watch for them in 2025.