Smile at the Unusual
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Click on picture to enlarge
Random Shots, ME
These random snapshots come from that revolutionary concept of actually slowing down and *looking* around, instead of just rocketing down highways like we’re trying to beat the world's land-speed record. Sometimes you’ve got to give the GPS a timeout, ease up on the gas pedal, and take in the full 360-degree view—because life is short, but the array of quirky sights is infinite! Only in Maine!
Various Locations, ME
Buckle up for a cosmic trip unlike any other—a road trip to a solar system within a solar system! Ever wondered if you could zoom through an entire solar system in a single afternoon? Or better yet, do it all from the comfort of your car? Well, hold onto your seatbelts, because this isn’t just a wild idea; it’s a stellar reality in Maine.
Imagine cruising for 100 miles along US Route 1, all while marveling at meticulously scaled models of our solar system’s planets that you can spot right from your vehicle. Only in Maine can you traverse the galaxy in a day, proving that the final frontier is just a scenic drive away!
Imagine cruising for 100 miles along US Route 1, all while marveling at meticulously scaled models of our solar system’s planets that you can spot right from your vehicle. Only in Maine can you traverse the galaxy in a day, proving that the final frontier is just a scenic drive away!
Houlton, ME
Houlton, ME
So what? Two legendary highways just crossed paths! At this junction in northern Maine, you can travel non-stop from one ocean to the other across the entire U.S. Or, you can play tag from Maine all the way down to sunny Florida. Tough choices—what adventure will you pick? 🚗💨
Dear Isle, ME
Nestled deep within a spruce forest 🌲🌲 on a quaint island in Maine lie an unforgettable jelly kitchen, rickety wooden shacks, and peculiar humanoid metal sculptures! As you explore the foresty meadows, be ready with a grin from ear-to-ear. The meadows 🪻🌼 are alive with captivating sculptures crafted from repurposed metal and locally sourced lumber. You have entered Nellieville, Maine! The front shop carries homemade jellies, jams, and many artisan art pieces and decor. Oh, another enchanting day in the state of Maine!
Bangor, ME
At this quirky little police station museum, the highlight is undoubtedly the "Duck of Justice." More on that shortly! Inside, you'll discover a fascinating array of artifacts from both criminals and law enforcement. Surprisingly, police officers once had the legal right to carry brass knuckles. Among the most unusual exhibits is the Tramp Chair, which was used as an alternative to jail when one wasn’t available. This chair allowed officers to showcase their apprehended suspects by wheeling them through the streets. Now, back to the "Duck of Justice." This endearing duck was rescued from a trash bin by an officer and decided to stay with the force. Taxidermied and on display, it stands as a proud reminder that cops are indeed the good guys.
Bucksport, ME
Cushing, ME
Get ready, art explorers, because this is BIG! It’s a visual extravaganza that you won't want to miss! 🌟 Meet the legendary Bernard "Blackie" Langlais, the creative genius behind more than 3,500 sculptures crafted from scrap lumber—talk about transforming discarded materials into masterpieces! So, let’s park the vehicle, step outside, and prepare for an art adventure that’s guaranteed to make you smile from ear to ear!
Trenton, ME
In Trenton, Maine, Jack Wentworth’s yard is a quirky gallery of junk art made from old propane tanks—because who needs typical materials? Locals dropped off these tanks, probably wondering what he was up to. With a wild imagination and a can of spray paint, Jack turned them into sculptures that could make a propane tank blush. After his passing in late 2019, he found his final resting place among his whimsical creations, which still seem to be plotting their next artistic coup!
Belfast, ME
“So where’s the theater?” asks the tourist, squinting at the map like it’s hiding something from him.
“You can't miss it!” the locals chuckle. “It’s the Colonial downtown—just look for the elephant on the roof!”
“Wait, what? An elephant?” The tourist blinks in disbelief.
“Yep! He’s kind of a big deal around here. His name is Hawthorne, and he’s been running the show since the ‘90s. Pretty sure he thinks he’s the star of the town—though, to be fair, he does have a great view!”
“You can't miss it!” the locals chuckle. “It’s the Colonial downtown—just look for the elephant on the roof!”
“Wait, what? An elephant?” The tourist blinks in disbelief.
“Yep! He’s kind of a big deal around here. His name is Hawthorne, and he’s been running the show since the ‘90s. Pretty sure he thinks he’s the star of the town—though, to be fair, he does have a great view!”
Scarborough, ME
Have you ever tried moose? How about chocolate mousse? Ha, ha! Meet Lenny, the world’s only life-sized chocolate moose! Weighing in at 1,700 pounds of pure milk chocolate, he stands eight feet tall and stretches over nine feet from nose to tail, with his hooves cooled in a white chocolate pond. To keep Lenny from melting, Libby’s Candies keeps the shop below 70 degrees. Fun fact: moose antlers can grow up to six feet long. Isn’t Lenny sweet? 🍫🦌✨
Owls Head, ME
As I stand in front of the imposing wrought-iron gate, a mix of excitement and curiosity swirls within me. I am in Bangor, Maine, not just for the towering figure of Paul Bunyan, but also for the home of a literary giant. This house, however, is no ordinary abode; a sense of mystery envelops it, amplified by the unusual metal sculptures that dot the yard, their eerie shapes lurking in the shadows. Behind those doors lives someone with a unique quirk—triskaidekaphobia, a genuine fear of the number 13. I take a deep breath, thinking about the incredible influence this individual wields in the literary world. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, he is the author whose works have been adapted into movies more than any other living writer. With over 80 books attributed to his name and a title that proclaims him the "King of Horror," I find myself in awe, imagining the universes he creates. I scan the yard, hoping to catch a glimpse of Stephen King—yes, Stephen King—tending to his plants or perhaps walking his dog. But the scene remains still and serene. A wave of disappointment washes over me, yet I can’t shake the sensation of being in the presence of greatness. Another big stop is on the horizon for Bangor – see you tomorrow!
Begins in Mexico, ME
So, I took a trip to Mexico... Okay, let’s clarify: I’m talking about Mexico, Maine. Turns out it’s not quite the fiesta I imagined. No tacos in hand, no bulls leisurely strolling down the street, and absolutely zero piñatas hanging from the trees. Honestly, I was expecting a mariachi band at least, but instead, I found a sleepy little town that was named in tribute to the epic battle for independence from Spain. Talk about a plot twist!
As I drove through this peaceful little place, I stumbled upon a gigantic chair just sitting there along the side of the road. I pulled over and googled the significance. I learned there are TEN of these colossal chairs scattered around like some sort of oversized lawn ornament treasure hunt! I’m just itching to uncover the legendary tales behind each chair. Stay tuned, though, because tomorrow I’ll spill the beans on these monumental masterpieces! Spoiler alert: they’re really just giant chairs, but hey, let’s not ruin the suspense!
As I drove through this peaceful little place, I stumbled upon a gigantic chair just sitting there along the side of the road. I pulled over and googled the significance. I learned there are TEN of these colossal chairs scattered around like some sort of oversized lawn ornament treasure hunt! I’m just itching to uncover the legendary tales behind each chair. Stay tuned, though, because tomorrow I’ll spill the beans on these monumental masterpieces! Spoiler alert: they’re really just giant chairs, but hey, let’s not ruin the suspense!
Hold onto your hats, folks! Ten gigantic wooden chairs have popped up along the dirt roads of River Valley County, Maine! Why, you ask? Oh, brace yourselves—it's a story so big it’s practically wearing a pair of double XL pants! Seriously, it's a tale so tall that even your tallest friend will be like, “Dude, really?”
Let’s just say it involves a man so gigantic he likely has to duck under door frames and his two-ton beast of a companion, who probably enjoys a good romp through the countryside. Each town they stomped through has its own fantastically absurd yarn about these oversized duo. Intrigued? Too bad! You’ll have to twiddle your thumbs for one more day before I spill the beans on this two-for-one tall tale! Stay tuned and keep your chairs close—they might just take off!
Let’s just say it involves a man so gigantic he likely has to duck under door frames and his two-ton beast of a companion, who probably enjoys a good romp through the countryside. Each town they stomped through has its own fantastically absurd yarn about these oversized duo. Intrigued? Too bad! You’ll have to twiddle your thumbs for one more day before I spill the beans on this two-for-one tall tale! Stay tuned and keep your chairs close—they might just take off!
Get ready to meet the giant of legends—Paul Bunyan! This colossal lumberjack isn’t just big in size; his legacy looms even larger! Picture this: it took five enormous storks to deliver baby Paul (already a big baby!) to his parents in Bangor, Maine, the charming capital of the Pine Tree State.
Standing a jaw-dropping 31 feet tall and tipping the scales at a whopping 3,700 pounds, Paul’s statue in Bangor is a sight to behold! Alongside his trusty buddy, Blue the ox, Paul had dreams of exploring the majestic Western Mountains of Maine, now known as the “River Valley.”
As he rolled through 10 towns, each one has its own epic tale of the lumberjack legend. Keep your eyes peeled when you’re passing through—every town boasts a gigantic chair, complete with a sign sharing their unique story about Paul’s shenanigans! So grab your sense of adventure and get ready to dive into the larger-than-life world of Paul Bunyan! If you want to read the adventures of Paul's time in these 10 towns, click on the button below.
Standing a jaw-dropping 31 feet tall and tipping the scales at a whopping 3,700 pounds, Paul’s statue in Bangor is a sight to behold! Alongside his trusty buddy, Blue the ox, Paul had dreams of exploring the majestic Western Mountains of Maine, now known as the “River Valley.”
As he rolled through 10 towns, each one has its own epic tale of the lumberjack legend. Keep your eyes peeled when you’re passing through—every town boasts a gigantic chair, complete with a sign sharing their unique story about Paul’s shenanigans! So grab your sense of adventure and get ready to dive into the larger-than-life world of Paul Bunyan! If you want to read the adventures of Paul's time in these 10 towns, click on the button below.
Various Locations, ME
So many roads leading to so many far-flung destinations! Just remember, if you get lost in Maine, you're not wandering through a mythical land of "Narnia"—these are real cities, we promise! And yes, we’re going to cram as many of them into our itinerary as we can... because why stop at a ‘few’ when we could drive ourselves into a glorious state of confusion across this massive state? Bring snacks! We'll need them for the journey!
Thomaston, ME
This teeny bookshop sits in the middle of the Maine woods and is considered the smallest bookstore on the planet. Curious about its size? It’s a mere 9 feet by 12 feet. Yet, when you enter, you'll find an ambiance akin to that of a bustling city library. Simply walk in, browse the shelves overflowing with literary treasures, and leave your payment in a tin on the table.
Thomaston, ME
Maine is brimming with local shops that cater to the throngs of tourists who visit each year. Have you ever explored a store run by inmates? In Maine, you can do just that at the aptly named State Prison Showroom. Every item here is handcrafted by those within the Maine prison system. You'll find a variety of unique creations, including wooden birdhouses, children's toys, hand-drawn greeting cards, and much more. Interested in a deck of playing cards that the prisoners themselves used? They have that too! The showroom also features displays of contraband that has been confiscated by the guards. The staff, who are eager to share their stories, are friendly and welcoming—if you dare to ask!
Various Maine Roadside Oddities
Keep your camera on standby! You might need it to dodge some moose-related drama or to snap pictures of quirky sights that will leave your friends wondering, “Is that real?” Maine promises a treasure trove of roadside hilarity! 🚗💨
Woodstock, ME
The final "crank" call ever made in the United States took place in Woodstock, Maine. In 1983, the last hand-cranked phone system in the country ceased operations, leaving all 431 customers of the Bryant Pond Telephone Company to wake up to the monotony of direct-dial service. To commemorate that momentous day, a giant telephone now stands in the town center. This small community was so quaint that a local couple, Elden and Barbara Hathaway, managed the entire phone operation from their home until its closure in 1983. Interestingly, it's also said to be the largest telephone in the world.