Muffler Men

Muffler Man – Jersey City, NJ

The last time that I visited the Jersey City, NJ muffler man was way back in the summer of 2008. Since that time Wilson's Carpet has closed and the building is now home to a dispensary. Though Wilson's is gone, the muffler man is still steadfastly holding his green carpet ...

Big John the Muffler Man Cowboy – Prescott, Arizona

Arizona is home to a handful of muffler men. This one, called Big John, is found in the town of Prescott. When I visited him in the fall of '23 he was in really great shape. I don't know when he was last painted but he's doing great out there ...

Muffler Man – The Greensburg, Pennsylvania Glow Up!

The first time I visited the Greensburg, Pennsylvania muffler man, it was a cold winters day in 2009. Objectively, he was looking a bit worse for wear. The most noticeable flaw being, that he was, well, headless. At the time, he was sporting black and yellow Pittsburgh Steelers colors and ...

Muffler Man: Sunny the Big Man – Farmington, New Mexico

My personal experience with Muffler Men over the last decade+ has been largely intentional. When I am passing through or close by a town where there is a big guy, I'll make it a point to swing by and see what's doing. That means I need to be armed with ...

CBS News: Fans of Muffler Men to the Rescue – Video

In August of 2023, CBS News ran a segment called "Fans of Muffler Men to the Rescue." It follows Joel Baker of American Giants and his fantastic work of tracking down histories of muffler men, their restoration, and also about his new muffler man museum on Route 66 in Atlanta, ...

The Deerfield, NJ Carpet Viking – Muffler Man

Summer 2023 If I'm not mistaken, the carpet vikings get called muffler men but since they don't share the same mold they're really like siblings or maybe cousins. For what it's worth I still refer to them a "muffler man vikings." Hopefully the roadside police don't haul me in. This ...

Muffler Man and Giraffe – Happy Halfwit of Oaks, Pennsylvania

This happy halfwit Mortimer Snerd style Muffler Man and his super-cute giraffe friend can be found standing outside of Arnold's Family Fun Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania. Is it just me or does this muffler man look kind of shrug-y? Like his neck is too short. Or maybe his traps are ...

Muffler Man: Big Chip from the Inside Scoop – Coopersburg, Pennsylvania

Looking for some place to road trip to? Why not pick a place that combines two magical options - ice cream and a muffler man? Say hello to Chip, the ice cream scoop wielding giant who welcomes you to The Inside Scoop in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania. This place is a roadtrippers ...

To All the Muffler Men I’ve Loved Before

The Gemini Giant is on Route 66 in Wilmington Illinois: 810 E Baltimore St, Wilmington, IL 60481 Muffler Man - A Roadside King Muffler Men are the handsome superstars of the American roadside attraction universe. With their chiseled good looks and steadfast perseverance they are a welcome sight to many ...

Muffler Man of Mentone, California

The muffler man of Mentone, California stands watch over the desert valley from behind a fence in someone's front yard. The plaque on his middle, like an ersatz giant belt buckle says "Outboard Inn, Mentone Beach." With his baseball bat at the ready it seems like he's ready to rough ...

Big Josh – The Joshua Tree Muffler Man

As of 2018, there is a new guy in town, the Joshua Tree Muffler Man - Big Josh. In December of 2016, I traveled south along Route 111 on my way towards Salvation Mountain near the town of Mecca, California. At the time, the only thing on my mind was ...

HOW TO: Meet Tall, Handsome Men While Riding Your Motorcycle

Don't forget to bring a friend for some extra excitement! My How To guide for meeting tall, handsome men while riding your motorcycle. Step One: Have a Motorcycle OMG, seriously? You already have a motorcycle? Well then, you're already part of the way there! Go you. Step Two: Navigate to ...

The Rapture of a North Carolina Muffler Man

Much like the Spanish Inquisition, no one expects a religious experience.  It's just one of those things that sneak up you when you aren't lookin'. If not the sight of Saint Pete at the gates or Archangel Michael eating tacos, what could you attribute the expression on this guy's face ...

White’s Muffler Man – Wilson, North Carolina

Do you think the people who live in this neighborhood are tormented by the irresistable urge to wave back to this muffler man? I mean, look at him. What a friendly guy. "Mornin', Bob. Have a great day at work." "Hi, Mable. Hair looks great today." "Hey, Jimmy. Goodtaseeya, buddy." ...

Paulverizer – The Cyborg Muffler Man of Buena Vista, Virginia

This ain't your mama's muffler man. No, this? This is somethin' else! You've got that familiar sturdy jaw and that manly mug but that's about it. And a nice little hat tip to the motorcycle. Unfortunately, with the sky so hazy and the crazy backlighting, I didn't snap very many good ...

The Very Handsome Muffler Man of Hancock, Massachusetts

Well, well, well. Would you look at this dapper gent with his new paint job! The last time I stopped in for a visit The Big Man was suffering from a heinous case of the peels. This picture was snapped in 2012. He'd even lost his hat. Poor fella. Seeing ...

I Finally Replaced My Stank-Ass Street Helmet

I finally broke down and replaced my manky street helmet. After riding in the outer bands of a hurricane during the Void Rally last October, it never smelled quite right again. As a matter of fact, the clearcoat was destroyed and the graphics peeled away. I've never seen that before. The poor ...

KTM 990 Adventure on a Summer Saturday Ride

Some days motorcycle photos are good for what ails ya, aren't they? They'll put a smile on your face when the turkeys getcha down. These pics were taken over the summer when my hubs Kenny sent me off to run some gas through his KTM 990 Adventure. Even with a ...

Travel Inspiration in a Cup o’ Coffee

You never know where you'll find inspiration to get out and see good stuff! 🙂 The Blue Whale Route 66 Catoosa, Oklahoma The Gemini Giant Route 66 Wilmington, Illinois Tall Paul Route 66 Atlanta, Illinois ...

Pal’s Sudden Service with Bonus Mufflerman

The facade of the Pal's Sudden Service chain has to be one of the best around. Normally I wouldn't say such things in polite company but, look at that huge wiener! Back in 2012, when Kenny and I were heading towards the Shady Valley Country Store on TN 421 (The ...

Believe In The Power of Daydreams

Then turn those daydreams into reality! These days, our lives are filled with information. Maybe too much of it. Every second of the day we open up wide and words and images are shoveled in. This information tsunami fills up a lot of space set aside for daydreams. What we ...

The Gemini Giant Muffler Man of Wilmington, Illinois

The Gemini Giant stands sentinel on Route 66 in the town of Wilmington, Illinois. For as long as I can remember being aware of muffler men, he has captured my imagination as being special. Is it the handsome green space suit? The helmet? Maybe his name? I can't say for sure ...

Quirky Roadside Attractions from Illinois

This morning when I saw the Daily Page prompt: What's the quirkiest thing about you? I had to smirk. Personally, I don't think I'm exceptionally quirky but then, who does? It's other people who find your you-ness quirky and comment on it. I don't think I dare ask my husband ...

Well, Hello, Mr. Bedroom Eyes – Uniontown, Pa. Mufflerman

At first glance, you might think that the Uniontown, Pennsylvania muffler man is your run of the mill handsome Bunyan. But, upon closer inspection? Oh, no, he is not. Check out the come hither eyelashes! ::hubba::hubba:: In a funny way, he looks more come at me, bro than some of ...

Road Tripping: Roadside Goodies from Western New York

After deciding to hang a left at the decision point, I set off to see the Whispering Giant in Dunkirk, New York. Since I was just 'round the way, I also decided to see a muffler man or two and some other roadside gems. When I got up that morning ...

Uncle Sam Muffler Man – Happy Fourth of July

While I was cruising around the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, I stopped to visit the Rockwood, PA Muffler Man at the Scottyland RV Resort. Kenny and I passed there once before a few winters ago but the resort was closed so we had no muffler man joy. Persistence finally paid ...

Instagram: El Salsero! #mufflerman

Malibu, California ...

Instagram: Hiiiiii, Kevin

Van Nuys, California ...

New Jersey’s Cowtown Rodeo Muffler Man

Well, this is embarrassing. The Cowtown Rodeo cowboy and I showed up to the party wearing the same shoes. For its petite size, New Jersey is really full to the brim with silly roadside stuff. They've got a high concentration of mufflermen including one of the highly coveted Uniroyal Gals. There ...

Old Blue Eyes and the Concord Point Lighthouse

When I turned off of I-95 at the exit for Havre de Grace, Maryland I had only one goal in mind. I would visit the Desert Storm muffler man. As I approached the station where he stood outside, my GPS chirped "Approaching. Desert Storm muff-a-ler man. On right," in that ...

Visiting The Queen of the Roadside – Nitro Girl

For all of the cliche popular images of the scary, hardened bikers - I feel like I must exist on the opposite end of the spectrum. When I'm out and about on my bike strangers approach and talk to me all the time. So much for a tough image. I ...

Roadside Giant: The Muffler Man of Groveland, Massachusetts

While I was in the neighborhood during my super-donut-extravaganza, I decided to swing by the town of Groveland to visit with the local muffler man. Incidentally - his name?  Yvon. (Formerly) With decades of standing outside and leering under their belts, weather-beaten muffler men have been altered, they peel and need ...

The Riverhead Mufflerman Indian Is Back in Action!

You can breathe easily. I'm excited to report that the Riverhead Mufflerman Indian "Chief Running Fair," who had his butt kicked by hurricane Sandy is back in action! Not only is he back together, but he's been spiffed up a bit with some fresh paint AND... a Christmas wreath. ::sniffle:: ...

Riverhead Muffler Man Indian – Downed by Hurricane Sandy

The Riverhead Muffler Man Indian whose name I've just discovered is "Chief Running Fair," was downed by the winds of Superstorm Sandy. When I saw photos of the poor guy, torn in half at the waist shortly after the storm subsided he looked like he was reaching for a lifeline ...

Mission: Lake Vanare, New York Muffler Man

Since I feel like I need to work on my sit-still stamina a bit, riding over 250 miles to see a refurbished Muffler Man seemed like as good a reason to get out of bed as any on Sunday. That would also guarantee me a 500 mile day. A "Tin ...

Roadside Sights: Pal’s Sudden Service

Could there possibly be a better fast food chain facade than the one used by Pal's? Nahhh, I don't think so. Can you even handle the greatness of the big hot dog... the soda...? The FRIES, oh... the fries.  :weeps tears of joy: And to top it all off, one ...

Sights from the Road: The Cherokee Muffler Man

Kenny and I made a quick stop in Cherokee, NC to snap a photo of a gent we'd passed many moons ago but never stopped for. The Cherokee Muffler Man: Handsome, right? And look - he has nipples! This was the first time I was ever consciously aware of an ...

Day 2: Detour to the Roanoke Muffler Man

Some time around midday I pulled us off of the BRP around Roanoke, Virginia. When we finally stopped at the first traffic light we'd seen all day, Kenny looked at me quizzically and slowly said, "um,... wherrrrre are we going?" Foolish boy. After all this time, he still has to ask? I ...

Muffler Man: Checking in with the Jackson, NJ Halfwit

Over the last few weekends my travels have added two more checks in the "Visited" column of my Muffler Man to-do list. There are still plenty more to see but I'm enjoying picking them off one by one. Sometimes I think about those places that I've visited, towns I've passed ...

Muffler Man: Mohawk Motors Indian of Shirley, Ma.

A few weekends ago I took a ride with some friends who wanted to stop in to the open house at MotoMarket in Acton, Ma. Since I had no interest in buying anything I let the guys know I would be excusing myself for about a half an hour while ...

As Seen on TV – The Riverhead Muffler Man Indian

Continuing the tv/movie vibe from my post about the Buzz's Skelly ~ In the same town of Riverhead is a Muffler Man Indian that was featured in an episode of the Sopranos. I have posted about him before but, every now and again I stop by to say hello. With ...

2011 In Review: Big, Silly, Weird and Wonderful Sights from the Road

Finding a roadside treasure while riding my motorcycle is one of the simple joys in my life. There is a happiness that only spotting a 15 foot fiberglass cauliflower can bring. Am I right? From the Road in 2011: Bigfoot - Happy Camp, California While riding along on CA96, I was ...

Muffler Man: Willits, California Rodeo Cowpoke

Unfortunately, you cannot get up close and personal with the Willits, California Muffler Man unless the rodeo is open. I had to peer through the fence at this rootin' tootin' cowpoke. Handsome, isn't he? Anyone know if he wear cowboy boots? My Muffler Man Photo Gallery Willits Muffler Man – ...

Muffler Man: Hat Creek, California

This handsome cowboy once stood in Dunsmuir, California but now calls Highway 89 in Hat Creek home. You Might Also Like: ...

Hello, Handsome! Hayward, California Muffler Man

You didn't think we were going to go all the way to California and not stop and say 'hello' to some of the neighborhood Muffler Men, did you? This guy was standing outside of a now belly-up business called Tyre Treds. Seeing the building vacant made me a little nervous ...

Muffler Man: Plantation Man from Chicopee, Mass.

A few weeks back a commenter named Bill left me a note on my Muffler Man Photo Gallery asking where the big man from Chicopee, Massachusetts was. Well, Bill - here he is: I snagged him a few weeks ago on what was probably the hottest day in the history ...

Checking in with the Muffler Man of Cheshire, Connecticut

Muffler Men are a funny bunch. Clearly they need looking after and checking in on now and then. The last time I was in the neighborhood in 2009, I stopped in to take a peek at the Bunyan-style Muffler Man that hangs out at the House of Doors. He was ...

Moto Photo Blog-O-Rama: Muffler Men

I saw this photo theme on To Cold To Hold Photo Theme: Muffler Men Long Island has one Muffler Man on it's shores. It is an indian-style man that stands outside of the Riverhead Raceway oval where he's been waving to the traffic since the 1970's. He's always visible. Why ...

Long Island Roadside Attractions – The Ultimate List!

Fun Things to do on Long Island One of the best things to do while visiting our shores is check out our Long Island Roadside Attractions! Many people know Long Island as home to beautiful beaches, the glamour of the Hamptons, quaint walkable towns, and wonderful wineries. But we are ...

Interview: Roadtripping with Wendyvee from RoadsideWonders.net

When I first found RoadsideWonders.net it was like discovering a long lost road sister; another woman motorcyclist who is crazy about muffler men, giant chickens and roadside treasures that the kooks of the world put on display. Since then, I've been hooked on Roadside Wonders. There is always something fabulously ...

Say ‘Hello’ to Stan the Muffler Man from Birmingham, Alabama

No trip to another state is complete without checking to see if there is a Muffler Man in the vicinity. You can never be sure if you'll pass that way again, so stopping is a must! Our recent trip to Birmingham, Alabama was no different. We stopped in to see "Stan" ...

Fuzzygalore’s Muffler Man Photo Gallery

With the new addition of 2 muffler men from Pennsylvania on our recent excursion to visit the Bedford Coffee Pot, my little collection of photos has grown. I'm pretty sure the first Muffler Man I photographed was back in March of 2007 while on a cold ride around the Mohawk ...

Offbeat Road Trip Destinations – My RoadsideAmerica.com Published Tips

It's no secret that the love of offbeat, unusual and downright silly roadside architecture and objects is something that oftentimes motivates me to hop on the motorcycle to go and have a look-see. Over the years I have made it a habit to first consult the online bible of Offbeat ...

Sights from the Road: The Rumford Maine Muffler Man

For the 2009 President's week holiday, we spent our time in Maine. While there, we stopped off in the town of Rumford and had a tasty homecooked-style lunch at the River Valley Grille. It was the first time that I'd ever laid eyes on a red hot dog. Yes, that's ...

ROADSIDE KITSCH: Catching up with the Cheshire Connecticut Muffler Man

Valentine's Day here in the northeast was an absolutely stunning day to be out and about. Our travels brought us to Connecticut, where we spent the afternoon and evening monkeying around. While we were in the neighborhood we stopped in to see the Cheshire Bunyan Muffler Man. The last time ...

NJ Muffler Man: 2 Halfwits = 1 Wholewit?

Mr. Bill's Ice Cream Halfwit in Winslow, NJ: Seaside Heights Rooftop Mini-Golf Muffler Man Halfwit: ...

NJ Muffler Man: Werbanys Tire

Check out the veins in those arms. El hombre de silenciador es muy macho! (That 7th grade Spanish has finally been put to good use!)   ...

Jersey City Muffler Man – Fuggedaboudit

Anyone that has ever seen the Sopranos opening credits will recognize this fella who stands underneath the Pulaski Skyway in Jersey City, NJ. There is a pair of yellow fiberglass pants that lurks near by~ ...

Uniroyal Gal Awesomeness: Nitro Girl!

Sure, New Jersey smells a little funny sometimes but don't let that stop you from exploring its Americana riches. Behold the kick-ass awesomeness that is Nitro Girl. She's packing some serious junk in her trunk, a tres chic bob, and what's that? Yes! High heeled Go-Go Boots! ...

New York Boy Scout Bunyan – Muffler Man

Interestingly enough, this Bunyan Muffler Man has stood just a stones throw from my hometown for years though I've never had the chance to see him. Yesterday we finally made the time to stop in to say, 'Hey Paul.' He is clearly well cared for, an excellent specimen ...

Mufflerman 2.0: Insulating Foam Roadside Sculpture

This is the second time in as many weekends that I've been out on the bike and spied some roadside sculpture that was made out of what appears to be insulating foam. I was riding along and saw the muffler guy out of the corner of my eye. I pulled ...

Sights from the Road: The Bakersfield Indian Muffler Man

Found in Bakersfield, California this Indian-style Muffler Man stands tall and proud ...

ROADSIDE KITSCH: Muffler Man – West Virginia

Out in the wilds of Unger, WV stands a man. A Muffler Man. I finally had my opportunity to visit the Farnham Collossi on the way down to West Virginia this past weekend. He is indeed a perfect specimen. Not to be missed if you're in the area ...

Wednesday Wanderings

Sometimes when you're in the clutches of that mental state that lives in the fog between sleep and wakefulness, anything seems reasonable. I'm finishing up my month long break in between my old shitty job and my new fabulous one, so I'll just roll with the punches and see where ...

Postcard: Riverhead, New York – Start Your Engines

Ha! They have school bus racing and demolition derby at Riverhead. I think that'll have to go on my to-do list. When i left the house, the sun was peeking out. The sky was looking pretty red so I've been sitting here all day waiting for a storm to roll ...

Sights from the Road: The Yasgur’s Farm Muffler Man in the Wild

Sssshhhh. Try to remain perfectly still so as not to spook him. Here we have the Hippie Muffler Man in his natural habitat. The gentle, giant Bunyan stands contemplatively amongst the good vibes that permeate the ground at Yasgur's Farm ...

Sights from the Road: The Elmsford, New York Paul Bunyan Muffler Man

In the wee hours of Friday morning, the mighty Muffler Man of Elmsford, NY intently ponders the Bunyon-esque nature of his beard. Just look at him. Do you see that faraway look in his eyes? Surely he is reminiscing quietly of a time when he was shorn clean, free of his stubbled prison. 'Curse ...

Shake the Dust Off

Saturday I had a whole day all to myself. No place to go, no place to be, just me the sunshine and a the desire to kick this spring fever to the curb once and for all. I left my house around 7 am, heading for points north. Before I ...