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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North Carolina is a state that is growing fast, and the roadside attractions on offer here are following suite and multiplying as well. With this increase in numbers comes more attractions contesting for the title of “World’s Biggest”, while come are just content to remain just plain strange.

So come along for the ride as we uncover some of the biggest and strangest things on offer in the great state of North Carolina.

1. World’s Largest Chest of Drawers: High Point, North Carolina

High Point has taken the lead in the “world’s biggest furniture” battle, boasting two giant chests of drawers. The largest of these stands at an impressive 80-foot tall, dwarfing its little sister on the other side of town, which comes complete with socks and all.

2. World’s Largest 10 Commandments: Murphy, North Carolina

Never before has the presence of God felt so big than at North Carolina’s World’s Largest 10 Commandments.

This 300-foot tableau rests on the side of a mountain in one of the state’s most obscure western corners, and is accompanied by a Prayer Mountain and a replica tomb of Jesus, from which you can roll the stone away, literally.

3. Shell Shaped Gas Station: Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Winston-Salem’s shell-shaped gas station is the last of its kind and stands proud on the roadside just a little north of Interstate 40.

This clamshell structure has been preserved and given a whole new burst of life with a fresh coat of paint making it the ideal background for a tourist photograph.

4. World’s Oldest Coffee Pot: Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Coffee is something very close to the hearts of many Americans so it should come as no surprise that many towns across the states have put these feelings into large tin structures.

Old Salem is home to the oldest of these, boasting a shiny metal vessel that has been standing proud since 1860. Pose for a photo with the 12-foot shiny metal structure, if only to prove you’ve been to the world’s oldest coffee pot.

5. Belhaven Memorial Museum: Belhaven, North Carolina

If the sight of some of the things in this museum isn’t enough to make you sick to the stomach, you may very well have a stomach of steel!

The Belhaven Memorial Museum houses the knick knacks of a 92 year old woman who didn’t have the heart to throw anything away. And when we say, anything, we mean EVRYTHING.

From one-eyed fetal pigs and two-headed kittens, to stuffed snakes and 30-year-old jars of chicken fat, this museum gives a whole new meaning to the word wacky!

-Chrissy

Been to North Carolina lately and discovered any other strange things. Let us know about them in the comments below.

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The United States have exposed us to some of the weirdest and wackiest attractions we could have ever thought possible. One peculiar thing we did notice was the state’s mild obsession with Santa Clause. In fact there is even a town named after him!

So come on a jolly adventure as we traverse the strange terrain of Indiana and discover the weirdly wonderful things on offer here.

1. RV Hall of Fame: Elkhart

Elkhart’s claim to fame is its status as the “RV capital of the world”. “Exciting” may not be the first word that springs to mind when you learn of this, but with a quick visit to the local RV Hall of Fame, you may have to think twice.

This fascinating hall of fame houses a unique collection of antique trailers, memorabilia, historic photographs and artifacts that have all stemmed from the RV world. The scaled models are particularly exciting!

2. Giant Ladies Leg Sundial: Roselawn

Steeped in somewhat of a sordid past, the Giant Ladies Leg Sundial is a highlight for those who enjoy slight glimpses of nudity, even if they are made of plaster and plastic.

The attraction is a “clothing option” camp, which means you CAN actually leave your clothes on while posing next to the structure for some happy snaps. However, to keep those who are a little more conservative among us happy, there is a sign that indicates a “Stop. You must be dressed beyond this point!”

3. Oldest Santa Clause Statue: Santa Claus

Although there is contention for the status of the title of “oldest” Santa Claus, you wouldn’t think it by looking at this statue.

Weather and age have not been kind to this once glorious masterpiece, with Santa’s original vibrant red now a sickly pink shade. However, the statue is definitely worth a visit, if only to absorb the controversial history that surrounds it.

4. Santa’s Candy Castle: Santa Claus

While the castle itself falls short of being the wackiest thing you will see in Indiana, it is its owner, Kevin Klosowski, who takes the cake (or candy in this case).

Klosowski’s big dream was to “fill the castle moat with hot chocolate”, but on further reflection, and the inevitable disapproval from the health inspector, this dream has been flushed down the drain – quite literally!

5. Drippy Snowman: Santa Clause

In a town named Santa Clause sits a miserable-looking snowman, which in its prime may have once been considered a water fountain.

Nowadays, a weak trickle flows from under his bowler hat, down his face, which makes him seem more like a sad snowman. Still worth a visit, especially if you happen to be travelling right in the middle of summer.

- Chrissy

Visited any other wacky attractions in Indiana that you think are worthy of sharing? Let us know about them in the comments below!

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