Roadside Attraction Adventures and What They’ve Taught Me
Hey, if you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m a bit of a fanatic when it comes to roadside attractions. Just like some folks have a knack for reciting movie lines, I can chatter about these attractions all day. An excellent example: let’s talk about the world’s largest balls of twine.
There are three vying for this title, scattered across Minnesota, Kansas, and Missouri. While the one in Missouri is the tallest, unfortunately it’s also the least exciting. The original is in Minnesota, and you also stumble upon the world’s largest fiberglass chicken and snowman on your way there. Then there’s the one in Kansas, extra cool, because they add more twine every August and have a quirky gift shop and downtown area filled with twine-related themes!
Over the past few months, I’ve seen quite a bunch of weird stuff. My brush with the world’s largest chili pepper and pistachio on the same day was one of those spontaneous discoveries. But let’s be honest, it’s usually not that easy.
Now, onto the wisdom I’ve gained from these jaunts:
**Lesson #1: Remember, You Get What You Pay For**
Some of these attractions are super cheap or even free, but not always worth it. Case in point: a small piece of the Blarney Stone in Shamrock, Texas, or the underwhelming Yo-Yo Museum in Chico, California.
**Lesson #2: Research is Your Friend**
Yes, accidental wonders like the above-mentioned pepper and pistachio exist. However, plan and research to enjoy the fun adventure of finding these hidden gems. And remember, the best time to visit can change with seasons.
**Lesson #3: Make the Best of It**
Experience can be elevated by what you make of it. We took bunch of pictures at the desert mural which was on a deserted store or had fun at a rudimentary mini-golf course in Wisconsin just because we kept an open mind.
**Lesson #4: Experience Improves Your Hunt**
With every adventure, you’ll get better at spotting the worthwhile from the letdowns. It’s just a matter of time and exposure.
Well, that’s all for now, folks. What has travel taught you? Ever seen the world’s largest anything?