26 October 2023

The Coolest and Most Unusual Roadside Enterprises in America

By Ronald Smith

Let’s take a exciting journey across the United States and explore the ten most remarkable and extraordinary businesses that you can find right by the side of the road!

1. The Wacky World of Wizardry

First up, imagine stepping into a real-life fantasy land at The Wacky World of Wizardry! You’ll be amazed by the enchanting decorations, magical potions, and wizardly artifacts that fill this whimsical store.

2. The Dinosaur Diner

Next, prepare to have your mind blown at The Dinosaur Diner! Feast with giant, life-sized dinosaur sculptures while enjoying your meal. It’s an experience that’ll transport you back to the time of the prehistoric creatures.

3. The Quirky Toy Museum

At The Quirky Toy Museum, you’ll embark on a nostalgic journey through the history of toys. From classic board games to vintage action figures, this museum showcases the best playthings from the past.

4. The Curious Cactus Garden

Enter into a desert wonderland at The Curious Cactus Garden. Explore an assortment of unique cacti and succulents, set amidst quirky sculptures and colorful installations.

5. The Alien Emporium

Prepare for an out-of-this-world encounter at The Alien Emporium! This otherworldly shop is filled with extraterrestrial merchandise, alien-themed souvenirs, and even a life-size UFO replica.

6. The Mystery House

Dare to visit The Mystery House and experience mind-bending illusions and gravity-defying tricks. This baffling establishment will leave you questioning the laws of physics!

7. The Retro Drive-In Theater

Immerse yourself in the nostalgia of the past at The Retro Drive-In Theater. Watch classic movies under a starry sky and enjoy mouthwatering snacks from the good old days.

8. The Oddity Art Gallery

At The Oddity Art Gallery, you’ll be mesmerized by the bizarre and extraordinary artwork on display. From surreal paintings to unconventional sculptures, this gallery celebrates the eccentric and the uncanny.

9. The Antique Gas Station

Take a step back in time at The Antique Gas Station. Explore a collection of vintage gas pumps and retro automotive memorabilia, transporting you to the golden age of automobiles.

10. The Whimsical Ice Cream Truck

Finally, treat yourself to a sweet surprise at The Whimsical Ice Cream Truck. Indulge in delectable and uniquely-flavored ice creams, served from a charming and magical truck.

So, whether you’re looking for wizardry, dinosaurs, toys, or extraterrestrial encounters, these roadside attractions are sure to leave you captivated. Hit the road and embark on an adventure to discover the most eccentric enterprises that America has to offer!

The Coolest and Most Unusual Roadside Enterprises in America

When it comes to getting people to notice your business, whether online or in person, it’s crucial to draw them in so they become paying customers and help your business grow.

But there’s a lost skill that’s often overlooked: capturing the attention of drivers on America’s roads and highways, convincing them to stop and take a closer look at what your business has to offer. This is especially important if they’re from out of town and aren’t familiar with your business.

Traveling through the United States, you’ll come across many one-of-a-kind stands and businesses that cater to the needs of road-trippers. Looking at these businesses, you might get some inspiration on how to better attract customers, no matter where your business is located, and set yourself apart from the competition. Allow me to share with you ten of the most exceptional roadside attractions currently serving customers all across the country.

Awesome Places to Visit on the Road

Let’s Check Out the Haines Shoe House

I have some exciting news for you today. Are you ready to learn about unique places you can find while traveling on the road? Well, hold on tight because we’re going on a fascinating journey!

First up, let me introduce you to the marvelous Haines Shoe House. This place is one-of-a-kind, and it’s definitely not your ordinary shoe store. In fact, it’s an entire house shaped like a giant shoe! How cool is that?

When you arrive at the Haines Shoe House, you’ll immediately be taken aback by its impressive design. Just imagine stepping inside a shoe that’s taller than you! It’s like entering a fairytale world where shoes come to life.

Once you’re inside, you’ll find yourself surrounded by all things shoe-related. From the decorations on the walls to the furniture, everything screams shoes! I bet you’ve never been in a house like this before.

But that’s not all—the Haines Shoe House has a story too. It was built back in the 1940s by a man named Mahlon Haines, who was a successful shoe salesman. He wanted to create a fantastic advertising campaign for his business, and what better way to do that than by building a giant shoe-shaped house?

Nowadays, the Haines Shoe House is not just a remarkable sight to see. It’s also a business where you can buy shoes, get a tour of the house, or even host special events like birthday parties or weddings. Imagine celebrating your special day in a shoe house—it’ll be unforgettable!

So, are you excited to explore this amazing place? I know I am! Pack your bags, grab your friends or family, and let’s hit the road. The Haines Shoe House is waiting for us, and it’s going to be a fantastic adventure you won’t want to miss!

The Coolest and Most Unusual Roadside Enterprises in America

Not only is the Haines Shoe House a unique building in the shape of a shoe, it also doubles as a charming ice cream shop in York, Pennsylvania. When you visit, you can treat yourself to delicious ice cream, refreshing beverages, and delightful baked treats. While you’re there, why not take a guided tour to learn more about the history and interesting facts of the Shoe House? Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop and browse through a selection of Shoe House merchandise, making it a memorable visit.

A Quirky Stop at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In

The Coolest and Most Unusual Roadside Enterprises in America

Delgadillo’s Diner: A Timeless Gem Along Route 66

Hey there, folks! Welcome to Delgadillo’s Diner, a charming spot nestled in the heart of Seligman, Arizona, right on the famous Route 66. Can you believe it’s been around since the 1950s? It’s like a time capsule!

Now, let me tell you about this place. Delgadillo’s is not your average joint. It’s known for its mouthwatering dishes with a creative twist. Picture this: a cheeseburger with, you guessed it, extra cheese! And how can we forget about their legendary dead chicken dish? Don’t worry, it’s just a name – no zombies involved!

But it’s not just the food that makes Delgadillo’s special. Oh no, it’s also the decor. Step inside and you’ll be transported to a world of quirkiness and nostalgia. The walls are adorned with all sorts of knick-knacks and oddities, creating an atmosphere that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Hole N The Rock: A Curious Cave Dazzling the Desert

The Coolest and Most Unusual Roadside Enterprises in America

Let me tell you about this amazing place called Hole N’ The Rock in Utah’s Canyonlands Country. It’s not your average tourist spot – it’s got something for everyone!

First of all, imagine a souvenir shop like no other. At Hole N’ The Rock, you can find all sorts of cool things to take home as a memento. They’ve got their own merchandise, unique and special, just like the place itself. From shirts to keychains, you’ll find treasures that remind you of your visit.

But wait, there’s more! They even have a Trading Post store where you can find beautiful Native American crafts. Pottery, jewelry, dreamcatchers – you name it, they’ve got it. These one-of-a-kind gifts will make you feel connected to the rich Native American culture.

Now, let’s talk about the location itself. Picture this: a gigantic rock with a hole carved right into its side. That’s where Hole N’ The Rock is situated! It’s a jaw-dropping sight that will leave you in awe.

Randy’s Donuts

The Coolest and Most Unusual Roadside Enterprises in America

Hey, did you know about Randy’s Donuts? It’s this really cool donut stand near Los Angeles that I absolutely have to tell you about! It’s right off the San Diego Freeway and guess what? It’s open 24/7! So, whenever you’re craving a delicious donut or need a quick snack, you can always count on Randy’s Donuts to be there for you.

But here’s the best part… You won’t be able to miss it! This place is famous for its giant donut sitting right on top of the roof! It’s like a big, mouthwatering billboard calling out to all donut lovers. The donut even has the name of the place on it, making it a super smart and eye-catching marketing strategy.

Guess what? Because of this brilliant idea, Randy’s Donuts has become quite the celebrity in its own right. It has been featured in movies like Mars Attacks! and Volcano. How cool is that? It’s even made appearances in popular music videos like Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Californication and Randy Newman’s I Love L.A. It’s safe to say that Randy’s Donuts is not just famous for its tasty treats, but also for its unique and incredible presence in the entertainment world.

The Old Riverton Store

The Coolest and Most Unusual Roadside Enterprises in America

Let me tell you about the Old Riverton Store in Kansas. It’s been around since 1925, right on Historic Route 66. This place has a lot to offer, from groceries and flowers to deli sandwiches, gifts, and unique handcrafted items. Oh, and they’ve got all sorts of cool stuff related to historic Route 66 too!

Now, let’s talk about the Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store.

The Coolest and Most Unusual Roadside Enterprises in America

So, have you ever heard of Historic Route 66? Well, there’s this really cool place called the Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store that you can find along that route in Saint Robert, Missouri. It’s like a bunch of cool businesses right by the highway.

Now, what’s really awesome about this place is that they make and sell these super yummy fudges in all kinds of special flavors. And the best part? They use only natural ingredients! So you know you’re getting something really good and tasty.

But wait, there’s more! They also have a bunch of awesome gifts and souvenirs for sale. So if you’re looking for something unique to take home or give to someone special, this place has got you covered.

Wall Drug Store

The Coolest and Most Unusual Roadside Enterprises in America

Let me tell you about this awesome place in South Dakota called Wall Drug. You can find all sorts of delicious treats there, like burgers and homemade donuts. And guess what? They even serve five-cent coffee! But let me tell you why Wall Drug is really famous – it’s all because of their ice water.

See, a lot of people drive past Wall Drug on their way to Mount Rushmore and other tourist spots. So, the clever founders, Ted and Dorothy Hustead, came up with a cool idea. They decided to offer free ice water to anyone passing by. Can you believe that? And guess what? If you stopped by for some water, you could also buy yummy ice cream or other cool stuff they sell.

Oh, and here’s another reason why Wall Drug is super cool. They have this huge Jackalope statue right outside the store. It’s perfect for taking fun photos with your kids. Plus, the store is known for its awesome hand-painted signs along the road. They’re like little works of art and draw a lot of people in.

Now let me tell you about the Hood Milk Bottle.

The Coolest and Most Unusual Roadside Enterprises in America

Did you know that this famous spot is actually a special part of the Boston Children’s Museum? It’s called the Hood Milk Bottle, and it’s a gigantic milk bottle sculpture that’s been in Boston since way back in 1977. Cool, huh? You won’t believe this, but they actually shipped it to the city on a ferry!

Nowadays, the Hood Milk Bottle has a pretty cool job. It’s a concession stand right outside the museum, where you can grab all sorts of yummy treats. They’ve got lots of different flavors of ice cream and other snacks. Yum!

Check out Pops 66 Soda Ranch

The Coolest and Most Unusual Roadside Enterprises in America

Situated in Arcadia, Oklahoma right by Highway 66, Pops 66 Soda Ranch is where I go to stop and chill during my road trips. They’ve got an incredible selection of 700 unique sodas, sparkling water, and other refreshing drinks. Not only that, they also offer a mouthwatering menu packed with delicious food and a variety of shake flavors. And to top it all off, they have this amazing outdoor sculpture that actually looks like a giant soda bottle!

The Unclaimed Baggage Center

The Coolest and Most Unusual Roadside Enterprises in America

Have you ever thought about what happens to all the things that people lose or forget on airplanes or at the airport? Well, guess what? I have the answer for you! There’s this amazing place called the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, Alabama, where they buy all the luggage that people leave behind, clean it up, and then sell it in their very own thrift store!