4 Reasons Why You Should Start Visiting Roadside Attractions
Roadside attractions used to have this sketchy aura behind them. There’s actually a good episode of Bob’s Burgers that shows that some roadside attractions can be a bit of a rip-off. But for the most part, not all of them are. If you’re going on a road trip, then you know that road trips are meant to be spontaneous. Unlike planes and trains, you don’t have a set itinerary (usually), so you’re going to be able to set everything at your own pace.
That means that you can stop and try the “World’s Best Pancakes” according to some random billboard or stop and see the World's Biggest Spoon. In general, roadside attractions are quirky and deserve some praise. So here are some reasons why you should consider visiting them.
They Can Be Silly and Fun
Roadside attractions are just meant to be fun and harmless overall, just as road trips are meant to be. You can get a cheap rental car and just take off and see the unique sites (and sights) that surround you. From stunning botanical gardens to cozy small towns, each stop is more unique than the next, and they are all worth stopping at!
They’re meant to be silly, and you’re meant to have fun. Plus, some of these weird places are perfect for taking and making great photos. It can be something you laugh on when you look back at pictures. Plus, the main point of these attractions is to break up the monotony of driving long distances!
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They Can Be Educational
You might be surprised to learn that some of these roadside attractions can actually be educational. More specifically, they very well may be one of the only things that help fuel a small town that’s close to the highway. It’s all going to depend on the roadside attraction itself, but some may feature special statues or museums that have the sole purpose of being educated.
They Bring Character to Your Road Trip
In the end, the whole point of a road trip is to have a unique experience, and everything with a character, from a fancy car from Edmunds to a wacky roadside attraction, is going to bring that zest, that pizzazz your road trip needs.
Maybe back in the 1980s, those giant statues on the side of the road used to be the “it thing” (and a lot of them were), but nowadays, most cars won’t stop to gaze at them. So why not take a few minutes out, pull over, check it out, snap a pick or two, and keep going on? It really can make all the difference in making that boring car ride more fun.
Can Be a Conversation Starter
Believe it or not, a lot of countries actually don’t do the whole “roadside attraction thing.” You’ll find them in North America, France, and maybe a few other countries, but that’s it. America’s highways and interstates are dotted with kitschy theme parks, bizarre curiosities, larger-than-life fiberglass animals, and “world’s largest” objects. It’s no surprise that roadside attractions can be a hit with tourists and locals alike
To a degree, roadside attractions are dying out; since they’re slowly fading into obscurity, fewer people are going to be aware of them. This can benefit you because it means you have a good conversation starter at hand!
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