West Virginia is noted for its mountains and diverse topography, but what it really should be known for is its wacky roadside attractions.

From what we have seen, it seems to have a bit of a thing for what lies underground, with secret caves and mystery holes frequenting several of the towns.

So what’s so fascinating about these kinds of attractions? Read on to find out more!

1. Mystery Hole: Ansted, West Virginia

While you may be a bit hesitant to enter a “mystery hole”, don’t be alarmed; this attraction isn’t really all that mysterious. The exterior is actually rather tacky, making this attraction the perfect addition to the theme of “America the Strange”.

We can’t actually share what’s in the mystery hole, so you’re just going to have to go check it out for yourselves.

2. World’s Largest Teapot: Chester, West Virginia

It seems every state across the nation seems to have some “World’s Biggest” whatever, and West Virginia is no exception.

Enjoy a roadside cup of tea at, yep you guessed it, the “World’s Largest Teapot”. Measuring in at 12 feet high and 44 feet wide, this is one afternoon tea that without a doubt will stretch into the night.

3. John Brown Wax Museum: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Some say John Brown works better as a house-of-horrors wax museum, and after visiting this place, we would have to agree.

This museum tells John Brown’s life story, beginning in his childhood and ending with a scene of his execution by hanging. The museum is slightly morbid, but definitely with the entrance fee.

4. Lost World Caverns: Lewisburg, West Virginia

These lost caverns were made famous back in 1992 when claims of a “Bat Boy” living in these caves hit the tabloids. The large-eyed, fanged human child was said to have been raised by the bats in the cave that measures over a thousand feet long, and reaches 10 stories high.

Take a tour down under and then head up to the surface to explore the adjacent Natural History Museum, another great local attraction.

5. West Virginia State Farm Museum: Point Pleasant, West Virginia

This farm museum is home to many attractions you wouldn’t quite expect from an attraction of this kind. The highlight is without a doubt the “World’s Largest Stuffed Horse”, valued at an impressive $25,000 and attracting keen horse lovers from across the nation.

The rest is rather typical of an American farm with a log cabin, old school house, doctor’s office, blacksmith shop, barber’s house and post shop adding to the authenticity of the place.

- Chrissy

Know of any other odd attractions in West Virginia? Let us know about them in the comments below.

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Heading out of North Carolina, we began to notice a change in the roadside attraction landscapes. We didn’t think it was possible, but South Carolina seems to have even stranger things on offer!

Want to know what we found? Read on to find out…

1. UFO Welcome Center: Bowman, South Carolina

A warm welcome is given not just to the aliens, but also to those strangely interested visitors to the UFO Welcome Center in Bowman, South Carolina.

The owner of this wacky attraction, Jody Pendarvis, has been awaiting the arrival of non-human beings since 1994 and insists that his attempt at a UFO will be a welcoming environment for aliens to get to know the human kind.

2. Button King Museum: Bishopville, South Carolina

Is there a cure for insomnia? While there may not be a definitive answer, one man has certainly made the most of this tiring condition, turning his time into a lifelong obsession with buttons.

From button suits, to button cars, Dalton Stevens has it covered…quite literally. The Button King Museum showcases a man’s lifework and offers quite a sight to look at.

3. South of the Border: Dillon, South Carolina

The South of the Border Tourist Complex is guarded by the very lovable Pedro, shaded from the harsh Mexican sun by an imposing sombrero. Pedro is a sign of what you can expect as you head further south…so basically every stereotypical embodiment of Mexico.

However, the kids seem to love this kind of thing, so either avoid this stretch of highway like the plague, or be prepared to make a roadside stop to scramble through the endless buckets of cheap novelties, all in the aim of bagging a bargain.

4. Kingdom of Oyotunji African Village: Sheldon, South Carolina

Regarded as a whole other country in its own right, the Kingdom of Oyotunji is a relatively uncrowded African Village that can be found right in the heart of Sheldon, South Carolina.

Home to several bizarre concrete monuments, and well, not much else, this African village does provide an interesting day out for the family, if nothing else.

-Chrissy

Know of any other South Carolina attractions that are just plain weird. Comment us below to tell us more!

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Georgia is a fantastic place to visit for those who can’t manage to get to the “real” attractions…and I mean this in the most affectionate way possible. Georgia is a state that takes its nationalism and patriotism seriously. It is also a state that is hung up on “big attractions” and strange roadside attractions that never seem to fail at attracting the oddest of visitors.

So come on a Jurnii with us as we venture towards the coast through the surprising state of Georgia.

1. Lunchbox Museum: Columbus, Georgia

Inspired by the lunchtime memories of the years before the 1980’s, the Lunchbox Museum offers an extensive collection of America’s most beloved lunchtime metal pales.

The boxes have strategically been placed in alphabetical order allowing visitors to embark on a journey through their favorite cartoon covered pales, or to simply skip to the one that they loved the most.

From Adam 12 to Yoda, this museum seemingly has it all.

2. Babyland General Hospital: Cleveland, Georgia

For anyone born around the 1980’s, a journey to the Babyland General Hospital of Cleveland will bring back the fondest memories and introduce new ones to the next generation’s culture.

Cleveland is the birth town of the Cabbage Patch Kids, and the Babyland hospital here pays tribute to this phenomenon like no other institution could.

See the birth of these iconic dolls and experience the opportunity to nurture them into this world and even take one home with you.

3. Little Grand Canyon of Georgia: Lumpkin, Georgia

The Grand Canyon of Arizona is a place every true American should visit at least once in a lifetime. However, if you can’t manage to make it to the real thing, the Little Grand Canyon of Georgia shall nicely suffice.

Now we’re not claiming that it is anywhere close to being as remarkable, spectacular and awe-inspiring as the real thing, yet it is still aesthetically pleasing in its own right.

The area covers a total area of 1,108 acres and boasts an impressive 15 canyons, but sadly only reaches 1/30^th of the depth of the true Grand Canyon.

4. Statue of Liberty Replica: McRae, Georgia

Once again, this attraction is ideal for those who can’t actually make it to the real thing.

Constructed entirely just by looking at photographs of the New York version, this replica of the Statue of Liberty is scaled to 1/12 of the actual Miss Liberty and is particularly beautiful at night under the carefully placed glowing lights.

5. The Georgia Guidestones: Nuberg, Georgia

Regarded as southern America’s answer to Stonehenge, the Georgia Guidestones may not be quite as visually breathtaking, but they do inspire some sense of awe.

Standing strong since 1930, the granite formations stand an impressive 19-foot tall each and are engraved with messages in a total of eight different languages.

Nobody really seems to know what they mean and why they are there, but nevertheless, they are still quite a fascinating attraction to visit if you can’t get to the real thing.

-Chrissy

Are you a fan of replicas and know of any more that can be found in Georgia? Tell us about them in the comments below.

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