I don’t know what it is, but I love the kitschiest places. I look up these bizarre sights for any drive I take. Maybe it’s the oddity or maybe the Americana, but I enjoy it. I usually find them on Roadside America. Others are from The Great American Road Trip by Eric Peterson. Here are my favorites:
UFO Welcome Center (Bowman, SC): 4004 Homestead Rd., $3 admission, call ahead
When I first drove past this place on my way to Charleston, I couldn’t believe my eyes. No one else in the car had seen the huge silver saucer, so I thought I was losing my mind. One day, I came upon Roadside America’s entry on this UFO Welcome Center. I have yet to go inside but even driving past it is a sight to see. Bowman is about an hour outside of Charleston.
Coburg Cow (Charleston, SC): 975 Savannah Hwy, US-17 South
This rotating cow is for the local dairy. It has been the site of post homecoming game celebrations by Citadel cadets, but now has an electric fence around it. It is a good spot to stop and take a picture.
The Big Chicken (Marietta, GA): Cobb Parkway (US-41) & Roswell Road
This landmark in my hometown is used to give directions around town (“left at the Big Chicken, right at Waffle House,” etc) and is formerly Johnny Reb’s Restaurant. It was taken over by Kentucky Fried Chicken in the 1970s. The triangular bird, with moving beak and eyes, is damaged in storms every year but has undergone restoration. The KFC has an exhibit on the restaurant, but the food is the same as at any chain.
Bonanza Gifts (Las Vegas, NV): 2460 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas as a whole is kitschy to me, but Bonanza is outrageous. You won’t be able to miss the giant sign, but once inside, you can find any tacky Vegas gift anyone back home could want.
Smallest Church In America (South Newport, GA): Coastal Highway 17
I happened upon this tiny church on the drive back from St. Simon’s Island, GA. It is a beautiful little chapel that barely has room for more than 2 people to stand. It has a few pews and a pulpit and some lovely stained glass windows. It is easy to miss, so keep an eye out.
Peachoid water tower (Gaffney, SC): I-85 North
This highway landmark has been called many things, but whatever you call it, the giant peach water tower is hard to miss and quite the conversation piece.
Hardeeville Elephants (Hardeeville, SC): Highway 17
The pink and blue elephants named Thelma and Louise sit in front of Papa Joe’s Fireworks.
Angel Oak (John’s Island, SC): 3688 Angel Oak Road
This enormous live oak tree on the islands surrounding Charleston is estimated to be thousands of years old. Although threatened by development, the tree is free to visit. It is a great place for a picnic. The park closes at 6 so go in the afternoon. It is believed to be the oldest living organism east of the Mississippi River.
Oyotunji African Village (Sheldon, SC): 56 Bryant Lane off US-17
I always pass this place on the way back from Savannah, GA and for some reason it freaks me out. Any “African Village” that claims to be as seen on TV must be a hoax, right? You drive down a creepy dirt road and arrive at a gate that tells you to honk for someone to come out. I have never gone into the village since I was always traveling alone, but I’ve often wondered if people really live there. After doing some research, I discovered that it was founded by a sleazy used car salesman who decided to start his own religion and country to escape the law. According to Roadside America, founder “King” (Oba) Ofuntola Oseijeman Adelabu Adefunmi I appeared on Oprah to defend his right to practice polygamy. I suppose if he has his own country he can do whatever he wants.
Babyland General Hospital (Cleveland, GA): 73 West Underwood Street
I frequented this place while growing up but didn’t believe it still existed until I took a road trip to the area two years ago. This is a “hospital” where Cabbage Patch dolls are “born” out of the cabbage patch. You can purchase dolls, see how they are born, etc.
The Parthenon (Nashville, TN)
This replica of the Parthenon is in the middle of Nashville. It is interesting to imagine its Greek cousin in its original glory with large columns and colorful paint. There is also a recreation of the statue of Athena, which has never been found. It was built for the 1897 Centennial Exposition.
Helen (Helen, GA)
Helen is the mother of all kitsch. Modeled after Bavarian towns in Germany, this North Georgia river town has one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the country.
Rock City (Lookout Mountain, GA): 1400 Patten Road
In the North Georgia-Chattanooga area, there are lots of amazingly touristy sites like this, including Ruby Falls and There are swinging bridges, lover’s leaps, view of seven states, and all the things you expect from a place called Rock City. There is also a petting zoo and an elf/fairy display.
Here are the places I have yet to see:
- Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden (Summerville, GA)
- Button King Museum (Bishopville, SC)
- God’s Acre Healing Springs (Blackville, SC)
- Winchester Mystery House (San Jose, CA)
- Watts Towers (Los Angeles, CA)
- Cabazon Dinosaurs(Cabazon, CA)
- Fremont Troll (Seattle, WA)
- Four Corners(CO, NM, AZ, UT)
- Hole N The Rock (Moab, UT)
- Forbidden Gardens (Katy, TX)
- Wall Drug Store (Wall, SD)
- Superman (Metropolis, IL)
- House on the Rock (Spring Green, WI)
- Coney Island (Brooklyn, NY)
- Graceland(Memphis, TN)
- Pasaquan<(Buena Vista, GA)
- Bee City (Cottageville, SC)
- Jimmy Carter Peanut (Plains, GA)
- South of the Border (Dillon, SC)
- Fountain of Youth (St. Augustine, FL)
- Lizard Man of Scape Ore Swamp (Bishopville, SC)
- Land of Oz (Beech Mountain, NC)
- Tweetsie Railroad (Blowing Rock, NC)
- Hindu Temple (Lilburn, GA)
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