San Luis Obispo, California - Bubble Gum Alley

A 15-foot high and 70-foot long alley that has from time to time inspired local artists such as this writer:

"We write our epitaphs on walls with gum, And though it may be meaning less to some, We have a symbol of our gummy youth, Whose walls may not tell some glorious truth, But eloquently speak of better times, Of cruising, shopping sprees, and nursery rhymes. If gum is all you see upon our wall, Your mind is closed, your spirit shrunk and small, Though memories of youth may never last, Gum Alley is our present to our past." -"M", Arroyo Grande [Taryn Bays, 07/24/2009]

The gum started appearing on the walls in 1960. People complained but the gum kept on coming. I can't even guess how many wads of gum are stuck to the walls. One side of the brick wall maybe have to be replaced due to earthquake retrofitting but it shouldn't take long for the new wall to be covered. [Mike Villa, 02/26/2006]

Found two somewhat bizarre sites last week in CA. Both were in San Luis Obispo. In the center of town in SLO there is an alley way called Gum Alley which is fully covered on both sides with wads of gum. the alley goes well over 100 feet, it is quite the site. Also the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo just off of Route 101 has two of the most unique mens rooms around. In one you pee on a wall which has water running down it and the other has a western motif with a copper trough which is about 10 feet long as its urinal. The sinks draw water from two wells which you pump up. You have got to see it to believe it. It was the first time I have ever taken a camcorder into a bathroom. [Neal Dover, 07/16/1999]

It's located between Higuera Street and Garden Street -- a passageway covered with millions of wads of gum. Many creative individuals have used their special talents to create words and a few images in chewing gum. The best way to find it is to park in the lot behind SLO Brewing Brew Pub (1119 Garden Street). Walk to the alley (called Garden Alley, it's marked with a sign and also on our AAA city map) that runs beside the brewpub and look to your left. You can't miss it. Also, the Higuera Street entrance is clearly marked "Gumball Alley." If you look towards the bottom right wall, about twelve feet down from the Garden Alley entrance and two feet up, you'll see a "K & L." That's my work. A little remembrance of when my husband Kurt and I visited this amazing tribute to the world of used bubblegum. [Lisa Wagner, 06/02/1999]