Tag: Roadside America
International Banana Museum Proves Slippery

International Banana Museum Proves Slippery

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Everyday I count my lucky stars that I am fortunate enough to have been born and live in a place in which we have such roadside attraction gems as the International Banana Museum. What a wonderful world.

International banana Museum Sign

Twice. TWICE! That’s how many times I’ve stopped at the World Famous International Banana Museum in Mecca, California only to find it closed.

International Banana Museum - Mecca California - Building front

In January of 2020, once again my chance to go inside and peruse mountains of banana-themed wares slipped through my fingers. My only option was to slip around the side of the building to see if there was anything… appealing… to look at.

International Banana Museum Restrooms Banana Toilet Mural

And while not being able to run my fingers across DIY knitted banana cozies was disappointing, seeing the magnificent artwork painted on the outdoor restrooms was a consolation.

international banana museum restroom murals

It wasn’t until that very moment that I realized how healing a newspaper reading banana with fart-lines sitting on a toilet would be to my tired soul. But, it was.

It is.

Look at how happy that guy is. We could all learn a thing or two from him.

banana on a toilet mural

After snapping these photos, I… split.

banana mural on international banana museum in california

Until we meet again AGAIN, International Banana Museum. Hopefully the third time will be a charm.

International Banana Museum
98775 CA-111
Mecca, CA 92254
Big Josh – The Joshua Tree Muffler Man

Big Josh – The Joshua Tree Muffler Man

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As of 2018, there is a new guy in town, the Joshua Tree Muffler Man – Big Josh.

Where is the Joshua Tree Muffler Man?

You can find Big Josh the Joshua Tree Muffler Man outside of The Station, in the town of Joshua Tree. It is just east of the National Park entrance.

The Station
61943 29 Palms Hwy
Joshua Tree, CA

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 racing the setting winter sun so that I could have enough time to visit the attraction.

To my surprise, a muffler man came in to view as I motored along. All decked out in his cowboy finery, he was a handsome surprise.

Fast forward to 2017. The Mecca Muffler Man was sold and removed from his perch along the Salton Sea.

After being out of sight for almost a year, in 2018 he returned to view with a spiffy new paint job in the town of Joshua Tree. You’ll find him now a hop, skip, and a jump from the World Famous Crochet Museum standing outside of The Station.

In addition to his spiffy new livery, he’s also got himself a new name: Big Josh!

Fuzzygalore visits big josh the Joshua Tree Muffler Man

Say hello to Big Josh – The Joshua Tree Muffler Man.

Big Josh the Joshua Tree Muffler Man at the Station

Big Josh the Joshua Tree Muffler Man stands outside of The Station, welcoming visitors from far and wide with his rugged, handsome exterior.

His newly painted orange shirt, blue jeans and cowboy hat are a nice sartorial update. And, they do a good job of protecting his delicate skin from the ever-present sunshine of the desert. No one likes a wrinkly muffler man with age spots. Truth.

The Station
61943 29 Palms Hwy
Joshua Tree, CA

Unfortunately, The Station wasn’t open when I stopped by. Based on my peek through the window, it looks like they have a few items that I would have enjoyed.

Come for the muffler man, stay for the Gay Bikers for Jesus.
World Famous Crochet Museum – Joshua Tree, California

World Famous Crochet Museum – Joshua Tree, California

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In the town of Joshua Tree, California at the gateway of the National Park, sits another glorious American institution – the World Famous Crochet Museum. While on a riding trip in January of 2020, I stopped in for a visit.

A what…? you might ask. Well, have a look:

Nestled in the belly of a cheerfully repainted former 1-hour photo kiosk, museum visitors are treated to wall-to-wall, floor to ceiling, wholesome treasures. Each piece lovingly hooked and looped into being. Crocheted objects fill the space – and your heart with smiles.

While inside, little vignettes of similar genres come into view. Oh, look, it’s the watermelon slice section! There were clusters of poodles, desserts, sushi and clowns. You’ll also fine bears, sea critters, cakes, rabbits and more.

But what really caught my eye was the dainty amigurumi bathroom suite.

Yes, indeedy – a full bathroom set. Not just a sink. Not just a tub. Nope! Guests are treated to the whole shebang including a toilet and rug. It’s safe to say that whoever made this little ensemble doesn’t do anything half-assed. They’re whole ass all day in every way.

Just ask yourself – wouldn’t you want to be friends with the type of person who crochets a tiny toilet on a Tuesday night? I think we can both agree the answer is ‘yes.‘

Inside the World Famous Crochet Museum

The pink frosted donut was of course near and dear to my chubby little heart. A thing of beauty, really.

The World Famous Crochet Museum in Joshua Tree, California

Before leaving, I left a little donation and took a sticker from the museum. Places such as this keep the child inside our heart giggling.

If you’re in the area, it’s worth the stop.

sign inside the world famous crochet museum

(Enjoy my squeaking boots!)

wheels of fortune fence at the world famous crochet museum in joshua tree california

It came as a surprise to find a Rokon Trailbreaker leaned up against the wall, baking in the sun like a 2-wheel drive James Dean. If James Dean were a nerd who wore orthopedic shoes, that is.

World Famous Crochet Museum
61855 Highway 62
Joshua Tree, California
The Tepee: Cherry Valley, NY

The Tepee: Cherry Valley, NY

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The TePee, Cherry Valley, NY’s famous roadside attraction has been around since 1950. It’s made up of a pinch of giftshop, a dash of Americana, and a whole heap of awesomeness.

I’d stopped there once before years prior, but I was hot and miserable. The experience wasn’t especially pleasant. Thankfully, my latest visit was the opposite of that.

This time I bought a Tepee shot glass to commemorate my excellent trip.

the Tepee Cherry Valley, New York

The TePee looks out across the Mohawk Valley. The valley spills out to the edge of the Earth. And in between the Tepee and eternity, there are lovely roads to ride.

Telescope at the Tepee Cherry Valley, NY

During my visit, I had a little tête-à-tête with the sleepy-eyed buffalo. He didn’t have a lot to say, he just kinda grazes in the parking lot; keeps an eye on things.

It’s hard to tell from this photo, but Buff is smiling, too.

Fuzzygalore selfie withe the buffalo at the Tepee in Cherry Valley

I’ll be honest. The first thing I thought when I saw the buffalo was that I wanted to sit on it. They must get that a lot.

Please do not ride the buffalo sign at the Tepee

During a quick search, I was able to find vintage postcards that feature The Tepee.

This particular image was taken before the attached building was built.

It’s fun to imagine what the woman would be saying to the brave on the bucking bronco if they were real. Maybe she was part of something like a carhop service, but for horse riders. “What can I getcha, hon?”

Vintage postcard

How much do you love that bucking bronco out front? Unfortunately, it is no longer there. And can we talk about the totem pole? So good. Sadly it too is no longer around.

vintage postcard

When the Tepee was built, it was clad in silver like a disco space tepee. Everybody knows that disco space tepee parties are the best parties.

vintage postcard

The Tepee
7632 Hwy 20
Cherry Valley, NY 13320

Long Island Roadside Attractions
Long Island Roadside Attraction – Flying Pig!

Long Island Roadside Attraction – Flying Pig!

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Ready for a fab Long Island roadside attraction? You came to the right place!

Pink Flying Pig of Miller Place, NY

Taking up residence front and center at the Flying Pig Cafe in Miller Place, this adorable piggy is sure to fly out of the cafe and into your heart.

Within the Long Island roadside attraction game, this flying pig is a relative newcomer to the scene. And a most welcomed addition. Having a kickass symbol of overcoming impossible odds is an uplifting message.

when pigs fly
 idiom
Definition of when pigs fly

US, informal
—used to say that one thinks that something will never happen

Merriam-Webster

Fly, piggy. Fly!

long island roadside attraction flying pig

When riding my motorcycle I’m always on the lookout for quirky roadside sights. This happy pig makes me smile every time I pass by!

Just look at that sweet face.

He’s squealy cute, right?

And what a ham!

He’s always hogging the spotlight when people stop to snap photos. This smiling oinker is selfie material, for sure.

Taking a guess, this cow-spotted porker is about 6-feet long from snout to its curly-tailed caboose. And its size puts it firmly into the roadside attraction category versus just being your garden variety animal statue.

long island roadside attraction flying pig

Where Is the Pink Flying Pig?

The Flying Pig Cafe
825 NY-25A
Miller Place, NY 11764

Where Is the Pink Flying Pig?

The Flying Pig Cafe
825 NY-25A
Miller Place, NY 11764

Long Island Roadside Attractions

Within the boundaries of Long Island’s 1,401 square miles – we host several roadside attraction worth writing home about. This angel pig is but one.

If you’re looking for weird things to do on Long Island or Instagram-worthy spots – look no further:

Long Island Roadside Attractions

Long Island Roadside Attractions

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Are you a fan of pigs in general? These roadside stops will be right up your alley:

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