Walking the USA – Some Other Roadside Attractions
- Author Tony Maniscalco
- Published March 15, 2011
- Word count 435
An entire generation grew up with the beat novels of Jack Kerouac; inspiring a love of travel and the ‘dusty Americana’ of the roadsides - whether they’re seen by driving, hitchhiking, or even plain old walking. USA travellers are spoilt for choice these days if they plan to follow in Kerouac’s footsteps and carve out a path to see the unique attractions of the American roadsides for themselves. Here are some you may never have heard of, but which are well worth the journey.
Vulcan, God of the Forge
On the summit of Red Mountain, overlooking Birmingham Alabama, there stands a 56-foot tall statue of Vulcan, blacksmith of the Roman Gods. Originally created for the 1904 World’s Fair, he personified Birmingham’s pride in its iron industry, weighed nearly 51 tonnes, and remains the largest cast-iron statue in the world. Those walking USA roads in Alabama will probably be able to spot this pagan landmark from a long way off.
The House of the Temple
Neo-classically majestic and menacing, the House of the Temple in Washington D.C. looks as if it’s stepped straight from the pages of a thriller novel (and indeed makes appearances in several recent Dan Brown thrillers). Modelled after the Mausoleum of Maussollos, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, its guardian sphinx statues (named ‘Wisdom’ and ‘Power’) each weigh 17 tonnes. The House of the Temple is the museum, library, and clubhouse of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. If you’re interested in walking, USA history, and the chance to learn more about a historically semi-secretive organisation, there’s no better place to be.
World War 2 Monument
If you’re walking USA soil with an eye on its military history, it might be worth stopping in Savannah, Georgia, to see their Chatham County World War 2 Monument. Officially titled ‘A World Apart’, it features two halves of a 20-foot-high globe split straight down the middle, to symbolise a world divided by war. The globe is steel, and features bronze oceans, and copper continents.
Unofficial Lego Museum
Here’s one museum to visit to satisfy the child in all of us: originally a school built in 1930, it has since been adapted to become the home of three-and-a-half floors worth of Lego statues. It houses everything from pictures of Harry Potter and the Mona Lisa, to the undeniably awe-inspiring life-sized replica of an eighteen-wheeler truck that was featured in the Guinness Book of World Records. Icons such as Darth Vader and Spider-Man can also be found painstakingly reconstructed from millions of Lego bricks within the museum.
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries. Join our walking USA tours with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, and you will see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- “Blood, Power, and Legacy: The Godfather Trilogy’s Triumphs and Tragedies.”
- The Healing Flame: Why Ginger Deserves Its Place Beside Turmeric.
- Visionaries Beyond Tomorrow: The Five Directors Who Reimagined Sci-Fi Cinema.
- The Timeless Power of Turmeric: Nature’s Golden Secret to Vitality
- New Port Richey Fl: Navy Vet found dead in Walk in Freezer.
- Golden Roots: How Turmeric Became the World’s Most Powerful Natural Healer.
- “Greta Gerwig and the Rise of Women Behind the Camera in Hollywood.”
- “The Crown of Cinema: From Citizen Kane to The Godfather.”
- The Miracle of Mother’s Milk: Unveiling the Lifelong Benefits of Breastfeeding.
- The Evolution of James Bond: Six Decades of Cinema’s Most Enduring Spy.
- Pumpkin Spice, But Make It Office-Friendly: A Beginner’s Halloween Makeup You Can Wear to Work
- The Man Behind the Cape: The Life and Tragic Fall of George Reeves.
- Is Learning to Drive in an Automatic Car Easier? — Expert Answers from Autogear Driving School Glasgow
- Nature’s First Superfood: Why Breast Milk Is the Ultimate Nourishment for Your Baby.
- Decorating the Humble Ranch House This Holiday Season with Vintage Carved Wood Furniture
- Personalized Carved Wood Doors: Your Gateway to Resort-Style Living at Home
- Cozy Neutrals and Natural Textures: Creating Your Deep, Lived-In Sanctuary
- Home for the Holidays: Creating Wholesome Spaces with Vintage Furniture and Antique Carved Doors
- Beyond the Buzzword: Understanding the Difference Between Ketosis and the Ketogenic Diet.
- The 24-290 mm Paradox: Why a 12× Zoom from 2001 Still Outresolves Today’s 8K Sensors
- The Power of Ketosis: Unlocking Your Body’s Hidden Energy Source.
- Navy Veteran With Dementia Found Dead in Assisted Living Freezer!
- Fueling the Future: Why Ketosis Is the Key to Lasting Energy and Metabolic Health.
- The Genetic Stew
- Common challenges in IT modernization
- Naka Solutions Reviews: Innovation, Quality Service, and Trader Trust
- The Style Upgrade: Why Coretec Floors Outshine Traditional Vinyl
- Ketosis Unlocked: The Science Behind Your Body’s Natural Fat-Burning State.
- Luxury Morocco Shore Excursions: Discover Authentic Beauty in Comfort and Style
- The Silent Disruptor: Understanding How Thyroid Imbalance Affects Your Body.