The USA wouldn't be the USA without a road trip, and a road trip's not a road trip unless you see one of the country's quirky roadside attractions. From the world's largest confederate flag (see it while you can, in Brandon, Florida) to the artichoke capital of the world (Castroville in California), and from the world's largest brick (Montgomery, Alabama) to the world's largest Santa (North Pole, Alaska) and the world's biggest ball of string (several contenders), everywhere has something unique to boast about and to tempt you to break your journey... if only, in some cases, for ten minutes.
The World's Biggest Glass of Bourbon (Louisville, Kentucky)
This is inside the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience - well, they'd be fools to leave it outside, wouldn't they? Evan Williams was a settler who started distilling whiskey in Kentucky way back in 1783, although the company doesn't date back that far and only borrowed the name. The visitor center is good, though, and incorporates a small distillery, two tasting rooms and a recreated speakeasy. 'Joe sent me' gets you in.
World's Biggest Baseball Bat (Louisville, Kentucky)
If you thought Texas was famous for the biggest and the best, then Kentucky gives it a home run for its money with not only the world's biggest glass of bourbon but also the world's biggest baseball bat - and they're both in Louisville. The bat is outside the Louisville Slugger Museum, where you can not only discover the history of the famous baseball bat but tour the factory and see them being made. Oh, and buy your personalised bat.
Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, Texas)
There's nothing much to see here, just a bunch of ten spray-painted Cadillacs buried nose-down in the ground in a cow pasture. This isn't a junkyard, though, it's art. The Cadillacs are buried at an angle that is the same as the Great Pyramid in Cairo, although it isn't clear why. It was an art installation meant to baffle people, but if you want to join in you're welcome to bring your spray-paint and add to the art.
The World's Largest Garden Gnome
And why not? His name is Chomsky and he lives at Kelder's Farm in Kerhonkson in New York State's Hudson Valley. Chomsky is 13 feet tall. When he gets bored he goes to play on the farm's mini-golf course, which is made out of fruit, vegetables and herbs.
Peanut Statue (Plains, Georgia)
This giant peanut is the same height as Chomsky, the world's largest garden gnome, and can be found in the tiny town of Plains, Georgia. It has a population of 776, one of whom is the USA's 39th President, Jimmy Carter, who was born here. Carter got the nickname 'Peanut' because he was a peanut farmer, and you'll find the giant peanut outside the Davis E-Z Shop.
Carhenge (Alliance, Nebraska)
Carhenge is a replica of England's Stonehenge made out of cars. It's pretty obvious, really. It's just north of Alliance and was built by Jim Reinders as a memorial to his father. The vintage American autos are painted grey, and Carhenge is open all-day, every day, and is free.
Foamhenge (Natural Bridge, Virginia)
Not to be outdone by Nebraska's Carhenge, Virginia boats a full-scale replica of Stonehenge made out of foam. Foamhenge is just down the road from the Natural Bridge Zoo and was created by Mark Cline of Enchanted Castle Studios, an artist who believes in having some fun. He also makes fiberglass leprechauns, goofy golf courses, time machines, and much else besides.
The World's Biggest Basket (Newark, Ohio)
This wonderful 7-storey building is the headquarters of the Longaberger Basket Company. It's 160 times bigger than the basket it replicates and the company moved here in 1997, from their old office building, which was merely a picnic basket the size of a house.
The World's Biggest Beagle (Cottonwood, Idaho)
Book a night in the Dog Bark Park Inn and you'll have no trouble spotting it as you drive along Highway 95 in Cottonwood. You can stay in the world's biggest beagle, which was made by the inn's owners, Frances Conklin and Dennis Sullivan. Dennis is a chainsaw artist and Frances a wood-carver. You can also stay in a sitting beagle, which is a one-bed camper cabin, or just stop to admire the 12-feet-high fire hydrant and coffee pot.
World's Biggest 6-Pack (La Crosse, Wisconsin)
The City Brewing Company in La Crosse decided to brighten up their storage tanks and turn them into the world's biggest 6-pack. It's been calculated that when they're full they hold the equivalent of 7,340,976 cans of beer. Cheers - and let's drink to road trips and the USA's great roadside attractions!
Getting There
To plan your own road trip to see some of these roadside attractions rent a motorhome through Frontier Motorhomes.
The Author
Mike Gerrard is an award-winning travel and drinks writer who divides his time between the UK and the USA. He is co-editor of the 101 USA Holidays website, and blogs about travel at Perceptive Travel.