DETOUR AHEAD

The odd and unexpected places that make the trip

The divergence will happen. The trip takes on a life of its own. In my travels, there always comes a moment when the hours I’ve spent researching, planning and imagining must see places and mapping my agenda inevitably shifts. The unexpected happens.

What’s that?! Over there! Should we stop or turn around?

When I look back, it is often these unanticipated stops - roadside discoveries, art, oddities or route detours that play along the highlight reel in my mind. If you’ve ever visited Atlas Obscura or watched the movie Michael, you might know what I mean. Much like John Travolta’s character Michael the angel’s excitement in seeing the World’s Largest Frying Pan or World’s Largest Ball of Twine, it can be the space in between the destinations, perhaps along a long and unwinding road that the unexpected is waiting to change your course. The best news? Often these hidden gems cost nothing to see. That’s right, FREE! Just beware the gift shop.

Growing up on family trips we stopped to see Touchdown Jesus (Notre Dame, IN), Lucy the Elephant

(Atlantic City, NJ), and spent too long driving in search of Top Gun filming locations (San Diego, CA) - sorry, Dad!

I think one of my first and favorite discoveries was the Fremont Troll during my first trip to Seattle. I was there alone because I was tired of visiting the Pacific Northwest and having never been to Seattle. I don’t know how I found out about the Troll under the bridge, through word of mouth or maybe Tripadvisor, but it is a must see, and brings you to the funky cool neighborhood of Fremont as an added bonus. If you’re in Seattle, be sure to stop and make your contribution to the Gum Wall at Pike Place Market while you’re there. Art, murals, and public sculpture parks are great free places to explore and take some cool and colorful photos. I love the way local art attractions reflect the character of a town or city and the people that live there.

On a stay in Las Vegas, ending a National Parks trip with my Dad in 2017, we spent our last morning

before heading to the airport at an art installation in the Mojave Desert called Seven Magic Mountains, by artist Ugo Rondinone. The work involves seven towers of stacked, brightly colored boulders that stand vibrantly punctuating the muted desert landscape. A paradise for putting my eye to the Nikon, and a welcome reprieve for those looking to avoid the Las Vegas Strip.

Finding these unique and special places during a trip adds a bit of adrenaline, a shake up, an opportunity to live spontaneously and drive off the beaten path, maybe even restructure your day. For those that read my Angel’s Landing article, you might remember that we hiked a day later than we’d originally planned. That’s because of a detour to Mystic Hot Springs midway through our drive from Salt Lake City. There’s just something about travel that makes me dream of hot water, and hot springs or hot tubs are forever on my radar. I’m always on the lookout. Mystic Hot Springs in mid January was an absolute must with cute vintage cast iron bathtubs set into the landscape with frost from the steam sticking to the surrounding plants and my wet hair freezing in the cold morning air.

Utah is a place that I love for the wonderfully unexpected surprises around every turn. The evening after hiking Angels Landing and Bryce Canyon, our late arrival in Torrey, UT left just one option for dinner. Curry Pizza. Ten miles back up the road we’d just driven, Bhinda’s Curry Pizza Palace in Bicknell was an unexpected highlight of the meals on that trip. The restaurant had a strong community feel and the friendliest service. Something we’d been so wary of trying will be a must stop for me on a future trip and I would recommend it to anyone. I just learned of a place serving curry pizza in Pittsburgh and I can’t wait to try it.

Even the wildest of travelers can agree, road trips are exhausting, with hours and hours spent in the car. Sometimes the best thing to bring life back to the journey is something unexpected. The unresearched magic of roadside America. We’re not talking about tourist traps.

My Dad thought he saw a Prada shop stocked with shelves of shoes on an early morning drive down a country road near Marfa, TX en route to Big Bend National Park. I didn’t believe it, I didn’t see it, but it was there (since 2005)! I did see what came next -- cue the U-turn. In the same area known as Valentine, TX, John Cerney’s Giant Marfa celebrates the place where the 1956 film Giant was filmed with larger than life cut outs of James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, and Rock Hudson. If you’re like me you’ll take a roadside photo looking super cool and casual with an arm (miraculously) placed along the barbed wire fence that surrounds the exhibit.

I can’t imagine how many life size dinosaur exhibits, Paul Bunyons or Babe the Blue Ox statues stand watch over roadsides, blessing weary travelers with selfies and good cheer. How many bigfoots are out there to be found? Will you pull over? Take a detour down a small town road? It’s almost certainly worth it. Next time you hit the road, I challenge you to find the art and oddities in the area. What are your favorite finds from past adventures? Share a story or a photo in the comments below, or let’s start up a conversation on social media. Until next time, Live Wildly and, if you've been to Asheville, Stay Weird.

Looking for more adventure? Join me on social media through Instagram and Facebook.