Hugo, Oklahoma -
Circus Town USA

Hugo has been a circus wintering home for over a half-century, calling itself "Circus Town, USA." Two operations still park here when the snows come -- the Carson & Barnes Circus, and the Kelly Miller Circus. If you're in Hugo, you'll see circus wagons and trailers stored in fields or pulled up next to modest homes. The town water tower has a big-top theme, there's a sanctuary for elephants, and the Circus Diner is plastered with vintage circusabilia. Ask a local to point you the right way.

There's also a performer-packed Showman's Rest at Mt. Olivet Cemetery at Trice and 8th Sts. [Roadsideamerica.com Team, 01/01/2005]