Across the country, we are spoilt with unique and colourful attractions. We all love a road trip and the impromptu discoveries we make along the way, so why not take a detour off the beaten path and explore some of the weirdest gems around? With this wanderlust guide, you’ll be able to navigate your way through some of the quirkiest roadside attractions, giving you remarkable memories, stories, and experiences to treasure forever.
1. Journey to Unconventional Sites
Are you longing for vacation adventure that isn’t your typical tourist or family experience? Experiencing untapped landscape, vistas, and diverse cultures is a crucial tie to our human heritage and self-discovery. Wherever you roam, there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Explore Awe-Inspiring Sights
From the wind-twisted boulders of the Badlands to the cobalt waters of Central Idaho, and from the volcanic ridges of Hawaii to the fog drenched wetlands of the Everglades, there is a wealth of jaw-dropping beauty to behold in the US. Take the initiative to find the unexpected experiences as you wander off the beaten path and open yourself up to something different. Use off-the-beaten-track travel guides, personalized map apps, or speak to people in the local area for tips on amazing sights that are still largely undiscovered.
Try Authentic Cuisine
Shying away from the predictable tourist restaurants with their indulgent menus, one of the best ways to authenticate your travel experience is to dine like a local. Sample regional delicacies, explore local markets, grab a bite to eat from a street vendor, or learn how to make a dish with the local fare. Traveling is also the perfect opportunity to connect with interesting people and share ideas over a meal. Seek out food blog reviews, online forums, local neighborhood associations and ask the locals for recommendations.
Experience Unique Cultures
Get out of the tourist bubble and dig deeper to get an understanding of the history and cultural norms of the inhabitants. Consider participating in activities related to music, art, sports, and other activities that will expose you to the locals. Visit museums or take a guided city tour – this is a great chance to learn from the locals, ask questions, see the sights, and immerse yourself in the culture of the place. Alternatively, if you are traveling with a camera, respect the culture before you take pictures, this goes for selfies as well.
- Meet locals and get a sense of the culture
- Visit museums and cultural sites
- Take scenic walks through picturesque landscapes
- Explore local cuisine and specialties
- Discover unique off-the-beaten-path experiences
Reach beyond the norms for a rare and eye-opening . This type of travel will open up your heart and soul to new and exciting life lessons.
2. Exploring Oddities Along the Way
As you embark on your journey of exploration, it’s almost impossible to notice every little oddity along the way. Whether it’s the way the light illuminates an old railway bridge, or the dancing winds that blow through a valley, or a forgotten building jutting up from a lush landscape, there are countless ways to feel amazed and inspired during your travels.
On foot or on wheels, the path ahead of you never stays the same. Perhaps you encounter a crumbling tobacco barn in rural North Carolina, the front half covered in weeds and the back half standing tall, as if it’s bracing itself for another 100 years of abandonment.
Maybe you come across a forgotten lighthouse in foggy Oregon; its silence broken only by the sound of waves delicately lapping along the shore.
Or perhaps you stumble upon a wondrous forest filled with trees both alive and dead, scattered in a magnificent array of greens and browns.
- Follow the path less traveled, and you might just stumble upon a hidden gem that mesmerizes you in the most unexpected ways
- Observe the ever-evolving landscape; you never know what sort of oddity awaits around the bend
- Keep an open heart and mind ; there’s beauty in the strangeness of the world, and it’s up to you to discover it
No matter where your journey takes you, you’ll likely come across countless little oddities along the way. Embrace the mystery and stay curious; the world has countless wonders to offer, and you’re sure to unearth a few during your travels.
3. Encountering Uncommon Sights on Your Road Trip
Taking a road trip is a classic experience; the feeling of finally departing from the familiar and getting a taste of something new is second to none. With every new highway comes a new opportunity to uncover some of the more unusual and interesting sights of the world. Now, here’s a few to set off the journey on the right foot.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Heading into Ohio, you will find the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ready to amaze even the most seasoned traveller. Each exhibit offers a unique view of the rich history behind the 20th century’s favorite genre of music. The unforgettable sight of instruments used by legendary rockstars from yesteryear will create memories to last a lifetime.
The Waverly Hills Sanatorium
In Louisville, Kentucky, stands a building with a truly chilling past. The Waverly Hills Sanatorium was known as one of the creepiest places in America at the time of its construction in 1910. The grim past of this property has kept it among some of the nation’s most notorious abandoned structures, a perfect place to get a little scare on those brave enough to venture in.
Meteor Crater
Out in the Arizona desert, you’ll find one of the planet’s most impressive natural curiosities, the Meteor Crater. Standing at over 4,000 feet wide, it’s the biggest impact crater in the world and a sight to behold in person. A stop here, whether for an educational tour or to take in the extraordinary view, will be a moment to remember.
The Wave
The Wave is an incredible geological formation nestled in the Arizona desert. It’s constantly changing appearance is beautiful and mesmerizing, with its warm orange and red hues making for an unforgettable sunrise. With a little luck and the right timing, those wanting a chance to catch this thatched sandstone wave rolling through the desert have to get a permit from the Bureau of Land Management.
4. Unexpected Pleasures of Roadside Wonders
Nothing beats the joy of hopping in the car and hitting the open road. Wherever you go, you’ll come across unexpected sights, sounds and experiences that will add an extra element to your journey.
Exploring local roadside wonders is a great way to break up long drives and uncover hidden gems you never knew existed. Whether it’s a stunning architectural attraction, small-town delights or stunning rural settings, you’re guaranteed to experience something new.
Here are some unexpected roadside pleasures to discover:
- Small-town farmers markets
- Antique stores
- Windy roads with stunning landscapes
- Bridges spanning rivers or canyons
- Charming small-town culture
- Small local galleries and art installations
Stop off at one of these roadside gems to pick up unique souvenirs or just take in the local atmosphere. Many of these attractions are usually off the beaten track and don’t get the attention they deserve, so they’re often relatively unknown compared to major tourist hotspots.
Make sure you’re prepared for your adventure by taking along a backpack with snacks and plenty of water – you never know when you’ll be tempted to explore a hidden corner or embark on an unexpected detour. By allowing yourself to be spontaneous and losing yourself in the joy of the journey, you’re sure to find some unexpected roadside pleasures.
As you hit the open road and set forth on your roadtrip, keep your eye out for the amazing roadside wonders that will come your way. From Giant Ball of Twine to giant statues of American presidents, you never know what may be hiding around the bend. You may just discover a piece of history, or even a treasure that you would have missed just flying by. So take the scenic route, and be prepared to be awed and amazed – you never know what wonders you may uncover.
