Icy Patch Ahead, And Behind
A sagging jet stream chills most of the nation -- those parts that aren't on fire -- but the bitterest December day is beach weather compared to the frostbitten Cold War. Two attractions, one from each side of the conflict, bring heat to the 1960s frigidaire years: the LBJ and Wende museums. President Lyndon Johnson dragged America into Vietnam to battle the Reds, while the average Joe Soviet endured a dreary life of cheap light bulbs and bad public art. Life in 2017 has sometimes seemed unhinged, but 50 years ago it was even more nuts.
Lyndon B. Johnson Library, Museum, Robot
Wende Museum of the Cold War
*****
Alaska's Santa Claus House
The nation's northernmost North Pole-themed attraction. Gift shop and town (with candy cane street lights) dedicated to Christmas. Has all the trimmings, including live reindeer and the World's Largest Santa. Story
Weird Rock Powers of Devils Tower
Singular monolith of rock, USA's first National Monument, sacred place for Northern Plains Indians, and rendezvous spot for amiable Hollywood space aliens (November was the 40th anniversary of the release of Close Encounters of the Third Kind). Story
Mr. Bill: NJ's Happiest Halfwit?
From the comical end of the Muffler Men spectrum, gap-toothed, jug-eared Mr. Bill has greeted drivers on their way to the Jersey Shore for years, now with a much-needed power washing and new coat of paint. Story
Scaled for Success: 33-Foot-Long Iguana
A restaurant owner, on some instinctive level, knew just what he needed: a big red iguana in the parking lot. Two years to build, using over 120,000 hand-sculpted scales.
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See Gators Without Leaving Your Car
This drive-thru gator park is designed for those who want to see Florida alligators without, um, going outside into Florida heat, rain, and bugs. Reptilian detachment just for you.
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Gem Capital Of The World
In the Gem Capital of the World, the Ruby City Museum displays the World's Largest Sapphire (385 pounds), plus human skulls and a shrunken head from somewhere.
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Excruciatingly Cute: The World's Smallest Park
Built in an abandoned post hole, the park is only 452 square inches, supports one tiny tree, and sits in the middle of a busy city street.
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Trail's End? The World's Largest Covered Wagon
Designed and built by Ken Dahle in the 1970s (it was also Dahle's gas station). Currently awaiting a 21st century pioneer with four giant wheels.
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*****
Farewell, McDonald's Museum and Store No. 1 (Replica)
An essential Fast Food Heritage Trail stop, the replica Store No. 1 interior closed years ago due to flooding. Barring a miracle, it will be demolished this month. The first McD's franchised by Ray Kroc was demolished on this same spot in 1984.
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*****
Hot cocoa time!
The RoadsideAmerica.com Team
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