I was born and raised in Cadillac and while growing up here there was not much to do. You basically had like three options, go to the movies, bowling, or do an outdoor activity like swimming, hiking, taking out a four wheeler on the trails, fishing, skiing or snowboarding. You get the gist of it and a lot of people couldn’t afford the fancy outdoor toys including my family.

I spent a lot of time outdoors, hanging out with the neighbors and riding my bike. Thinking back on it, I now realize how few activities Cadillac had compared to the places I’ve lived since. It kind of makes me sad.

After a number of years away, I moved back last year and I’m rediscovering my hometown through fresh eyes and finding that there are so many things to do now compared to a decade ago.

Summer Fun For Locals and Visitors Alike

Camping

Cadillac offers great places to camp with a tent or camper, there are even cabin rentals on the lake!

Right between the lakes you have Mitchell State Park that offers many sites as well as some cabins. The benefit of staying at this one is you’re right between two lakes and across the street from Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center. The center offers hiking trails and numerous events throughout the year. This summer you can take a fly fishing seminar in July. Be sure to check out the other numerous activities available this summer. Another benefit of staying at the state park is the accessibility to nearby restaurants, and most importantly, coffee. Also, downtown Cadillac is just on the other side of Lake Cadillac about 10 minutes drive away.

Another campground to check out on the lake is Hemlock Campground. I haven’t stayed at Hemlock, but I’m definitely curious to try it. It looks perfect for campers that like a bit more privacy.

Shopping and Eating

Cadillac’s charming downtown is a delightful mix of retail shops, restaurants, and coffee spots. Some of our favorites include:

• Serendipity and The Bird House: Great for unique finds.
• Chunky Bear Coffee: A cozy spot to sip a cup of coffee.
• Wildflour Bakery: A perfect place to send a letter to your future self.

For when you’re feeling hungry, you can stop by Indian Spice, Clam Lake Beer Co., or Mi Mezcal Mexican for a delicious meal.

Gardening Stops You Should Visit This Summer

If you’re into gardening, Cadillac and the surrounding area are home to some great greenhouses and garden centers:

Flown in fresh daily the bagels are served up plain, toasted, with or without cream cheese, or even made into a delightful bagel breakfast sandwiches.

There are usually a dozen or more different flavored bagels to pick from and about that many cream cheese choices. The daily bagel choices are listed near the front window so you can see at a glance what’s available. There are also a few breakfast bagel options and, of course, they are very accommodating with requests.

I’ve had the breakfast bagel sandwich a couple times, usually on an everything bagel with bacon, egg, and flavored or plain cream cheese, depending on my mood.

However, they do offer seasonal cream cheeses and I’ve heard that the pumpkin cream cheese is absolutely divine. I need to get back to Wytheville in the fall to experience that.

It’s important to note that Ghetti’s also offers a number of pastries that are made in house and delicious. I’d recommend having a bagel for breakfast and grabbing a pastry for later.

Of course, you have to have coffee with your bagel, and luckily Ghetti’s serves up some of the best with Blackline Coffee. For the hard core coffee drinkers there is 0 Dark 30 coffee which will wake you right up. I prefer Sunday Morning which is a little more tame, but still delicious.

Open Tuesday – Friday, 7a-2p and Saturday, 8a-2p, Closed Sunday and Monday, hours subject to change.

What To Do In Wytheville, VA

If you’ll be in the area for a while there is so much to see and do:

17 Absolute MUST Things To Do When You’re In Wytheville in Southwest Virginia

13 Surprising Reasons to Visit Wytheville, Virginia – Don’t Miss Out!

Why Big Walker Lookout And Country Store Is The Best Roadside Attraction In Wytheville, VA

Kayaking The New River From Austinville to Foster Falls

How To Experience Everything From History to Hauntings At The Octagon Mansion

Where To Stay in Wytheville, VA

Wytheville sees an incredible amount of traffic so that means there are a lot of hotel options available. However, one of our favorites is the Bolling Wilson Hotel in downtown Wytheville. There are a few VRBOs in the area if that fits your needs better.

This is a place where nature and vintage cars intermingle to create the world’s largest classic car junkyard and one of the most photogenic stops you’ll ever find.

Located a short jaunt off of I-75 and a little less than an hour north of Atlanta is this under appreciated roadside attraction that appeals to car lovers and photographers everywhere.

Pull up to the nondescript, ramshackle building and enter a colorful, nature-loving world.

Here you will find 6 miles of trails on 34 acres with 4,000+ cars. Beyond the cars, there are a plethora of oddities to be discovered.

The trails hold so much more than cars as you’ll find words of wisdom scratched onto pieces of metal and wood throughout your adventure.

Wander around the grounds and see what treasures you can discover. I only had a short amount of time to visit. I covered as much as I could but I know I missed so much more.

Old cars, trucks, buses, artwork, folk art, and so much more.

This is truly a unique attraction that you won’t want to miss.

TIPS FOR VISITING OLD CAR CITY USA

1. Visit during cooler months to avoid stifling heat and ticks.
2. Wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes.
3. Make sure your camera battery is fully charged.
4. If you are a car aficionado or just love finding unique photo opportunities allocate at least 2 hours to your visit.
5. Try to get a lay of the land before wandering around as it can be a bit of a maze once you begin to wander.
6. Old Car City USA is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9a-4p.
7. Do your research and check out images about Old Car City USA to get an idea of what you’ll find and what you’ll want to photograph.

Pro Tip: Inside the building be sure to take a peek upstairs to check out a massive styrofoam cup collection consisting of 1500+ cups that each have a unique hand-drawn design.

This collection is the result of 36 years of creating and collecting.

Admission starts at $20 with discounts offered for military and children under 13. Hours are Tuesday – Saturday 9a -4p, closed on Sunday and Monday.

More: OldCarCityUSA.com

***PIN OLD CAR CITY TO PINTEREST***

The Pacific Northwest had been my siren song for so long and stepping foot on that soil was a balm to my soul. 

Our first task, pick up our Escape Campervan. Yes, part of the dream was to drive around Oregon in a decked out campervan, waking up in nature or to the sounds of the ocean and exploring. No hotels required. It was epic!

Renting the Escape Campervan was exactly the right decision!

5 Reasons To Rent An Escape Campervan for Your Next Epic Adventure

The Escape Campervan is Surprisingly Affordable

When we first started planning our trip I quickly realized that a car rental was going to be crazy expensive. Add that to hotel costs and I started to hesitate on my decision to vacation in Oregon. 

I’d always made the assumption that a Campervan would far exceed my budget even though I’d always wanted to travel in one. So, instead of guessing, I jumped on the site, put in my info and was pleasantly surprised. 

There are a couple different campervan models. We went with the largest campervan, the Big Sur model, with a pick up and return in Portland. We added a bedding and kitchen kit (more on that later) as well as a couple of camp chairs.

All told, we paid around $1800 for 9 nights/10 days.

While it ended up only saving us a couple hundred dollars it was worth it for the experience.

It’s a vacation home and rental car in one

The campervan comes kitted out with a queen size bed, a camp stove and a small sink. For additional fees, we rented a kitchen kit and bedding kit from Escape Campervan.

The kitchen kit included pots, pans, plates, cups, and utensils and worked perfectly well for our road trip. We bought a pour over coffee maker because for us coffee is life and an absolute must.

A solar panel on the roof powered the refrigerator so we didn’t have to lug around a cooler and worry about our ice supply and keeping things cold.

The bedding kit was a sheet, light comforter, and two pillows. We traveled in September and the nights were cool and in some areas it was COLD. The bedding kit did not work for us and we wouldn’t rent it again. 

Instead, we stopped at a large box store and bought a heavy duty blanket, a 2-inch memory foam topper (because the bed was way more comfy with it) and an extra pillow. Our nights were much cozier after that investment.

Now that we know we can pack accordingly for our next trip.

It’s A Picnic Every Day

Because we had a kitchen with us we were able to picnic at some really lovely locations. We simply found a spot we liked and set about making lunch or dinner. Sometimes, we simply stopped to make a cup of coffee and enjoy the view.

No waiting in line for a table, no crazy expensive food cost, simply find a spot, open the back of the campervan, and cook up your next meal. 

If there is inclement weather the queen bed can be converted back to seating and the van table set up to work or dine at.

I know for some that eating out is part of the travel experience and while we did go out a couple times we really enjoyed the experience of spending our time outdoors for our meals.

Sleep Under the Stars

We, unfortunately, visited the PNW while the wild fires were raging through the region which meant a LOT of hazy, smoke filled days and nights. 

However, spending our evenings tucked in the campervan (I would say around the campfire, but those were banned during our visit except for one location), reading a book, and falling asleep to the sound of nature is everything. Waking up in the trees and quiet is seriously everything for us. 

We mostly stayed in National Forest and State Campgrounds

If you love camping this is the way to go. We are not RV people (a whole list of reasons why, but for us, it just doesn’t feel like camping), however, the campervan is a great compromise between a tent and an RV. 

Traveling In The Escape Campervan Is A Lot of Fun!

It is perfect for long road trips as we proved during our epic trip around Oregon. We picked up our Campervan in Portland and from there we explored as much of the state, from mountains to shore, as we could over 10 days and drove about 1100 miles. 

Picnicking with epic views of the ocean, sleeping tucked in the woods under the shelter of some of the tallest trees, and driving to waterfalls was all part of our adventure.

Plus, the campervans all have unique and fun exterior designs. They are painted by local artists. You’ll find different designs on each van. Next time I’d love to pick my van based on the art work. 

 Where To Rent An Escape Campervan?

While they are very popular on the west coast of the United States (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, PNW, and Salt Lake City). There are locations on the East Coast as well as Canada.

Old North State Food Hall

Old North State Food Hall, located in Selma, NC, it is the nation’s first roadside food hall offering an alternative to the usual fast food options with a mix of regional and international cuisines. From Cuban & Indian street foods, authentic Neapolitan pizza, quintessential American hamburgers, and more from the kitchens of local and regional talent. Seriously, something for everyone in your group.

Clayton Steakhouse

Clayton Steakhouse is a casual, family-friendly restaurant that sits among the charming shops and eateries on Main Street in Clayton, North Carolina. Full bar, homemade desserts and, of course, great steaks!

Hinnant Winery

Hinnant Winery is the biggest producer of Muscadine Wine in North Carolina. They have a long history of crafting this wine and, if you love sweet wine, you will enjoy a glass of Muscadine. Be sure to take a tour of the winery and spend some time enjoying the vineyard views.

Double Barley

Go for the beer, stay for the food. Double Barley offers a great selection of hand crafted beer that pairs well with the menu items. The pizza with balsamic vinegar was my favorite of all that we tried, but, honestly, there wasn’t a bad slice in the house. I liked the lighter beers. I really enjoyed the taste of the Revelation Pale Ale and the name and story behind FFF Holiday Ale.

Deep River

Located in downtown Clayton you’ll find Deep River Brewery, Johnston County’s first legal brewery. Opened in the Spring of 2013 and going strong ever since Deep River should be on your must visit list just to try the Mango Tango FoxTrot. They seriously need to ship this beer to Michigan so I can enjoy it this summer. It’s so incredibly good. Deep River doesn’t serve food, but you can bring food in and once a week they have food trucks at the brewery.

Gregory Winery

Gregory Winery is so much more than just wine. You’ll find some of the most welcoming and personable owners and employees as well as some North Carolina moonshine. If you are hungry during your visit you’re in luck because Gregory Winery is also home to Lane’s Seafood & Steak House. Gregory Winery creates their line of wines from Muscadine grapes and offers both white and red varieties. They also offer wine slushies to enjoy during your visit<<—highly recommend on a hot summer day.

Simple Twist

Looking for a great place to have lunch? Look no further than Simple Twist Cafe. They honestly have so many great menu items that you should take some friends and plan on sharing so you can each try a bit of everything. I really liked the Fried Green Tomatoes, Twisted Guac and Short Ribs.

Traveling around the state? Here is where to eat in Onslow County, NC

Learn more about a North Carolina Culinary Adventure and touring Johnston County here.

Jeremy shared a brief history with us about how Broadslab began. You can watch the video or continue past to read the recap. It’s a fascinating story of facing adversity and making something new and profitable out of it.

The distillery is located on the family farm where, originally, a living was made selling fruit via an honor system at a roadside stand. That business model sustained the family for years, but then interstate 40 was built and the business dried up.

Jeremy’s granddaddy went to the still at age 5, started distilling at 13 and bootlegged up until 1950’s when he quit, but he shared dozen of distilling and bootlegging stories with Jeremy which peaked his interest. By the time Jeremy was in high school he was making wine and distilling whiskey. No one thought twice about a teenager making his own spirits. The area has a rich history of whiskey making and if your family is from the area you have ties to the tradition.

When people quit coming to the farm and the produce business died Jeremy’s granddad gave him the idea of starting a moonshine museum and putting in a still. At the time Jeremy didn’t have the capital to make the investment, but after he got up a bit in age he purchased 60 acres of the farm property and tended it. After two years he realized that you can’t farm small in America and make a living so in 2007, he decided to run with his granddad’s idea.

In 2008 he built the distilling barn and still from scratch. It took him four years to put together the entire infrastructure for the business, was licensed in 2011 and went to market on August 1st, 2012. From there, Broadslab has quickly become one of the best distillers in the state.

After our tour we headed back to his granddaddy’s house, which has been converted into a tasting room and gift shop, to try what Broadslab has been crafting. For our group Jeremy invited Jordan, mixologist at Chef and the Farmer, to mix up any cocktails of our choice.

Of course, my first choice is always an old fashioned. Jordan gladly mixed one up for me and even added a little flare to top it off.

Broadslab whiskey bourbon is good, but the AppleShine was, hands down, my favorite!

The next time you find yourself in the moonshine capital of North Carolina be sure to stop by Broadslab Distillery for a cocktail and a tour.

Also be sure to swing by the Ava Gardner museum while you’re in the area.

By taking care of these details, you’ll enjoy your trip and the scenery along the way. Remember, a successful road trip depends on how well you prepare beforehand. Let’s take a closer look at a few steps to take before your next road trip, covering everything from checking your auto insurance to home security measures.

Check Your Auto Insurance

Before starting your journey, checking your auto insurance, especially the roadside assistance coverage, is crucial. This service can be a lifesaver in case of unexpected issues like breakdowns, flat tires, or other vehicular problems. Ensure that your policy is active and covers the essentials such as towing, battery service, flat tire replacement, and emergency fuel delivery.

Vehicle Maintenance

If you plan to hit the road for a long trip, ensure your vehicle is in top condition. Keeping your car well-maintained will prevent breakdowns and accidents. Check your car’s oil level, tire pressure, brakes, lights, and battery before a road trip. In addition to these checks, you should always have a professional mechanic inspect your vehicle before a long journey so that you can identify any faults that could cause problems.

Plan Your Route

Advance route planning is essential. Decide on the roads you’ll take and identify rest stops, gas stations, and eateries along the way. Having a GPS or reliable navigation app is helpful, but keeping a physical map in case of tech glitches is also smart.

Pack an Emergency Kit

Always carry an emergency kit in your car. This should include first aid supplies, a flashlight, extra batteries, a blanket, non-perishable snacks, water, and basic tools. Being prepared for unexpected situations can make a difference in an emergency.

Home Security

Securing your home before leaving is just as critical as preparing your vehicle. Inform a trusted neighbor or friend about your trip and request they watch your house. Use timers and lights to give the impression that someone is home. Ensure all doors and windows are locked, and consider a home security system for added peace of mind.

Pack Smart

Packing efficiently can enhance your road trip experience. Bring comfortable clothing, snacks, entertainment options like music or audiobooks, and a camera to capture memories. Don’t forget chargers for your devices and a portable power bank.

Before embarking on a road trip, proper preparation is key to ensuring a successful and stress-free experience. This involves taking care of your vehicle, obtaining the right insurance coverage, securing your home, and packing smartly. Remember, the journey itself is just as significant as the destination, so it’s important to take the necessary time to get ready and make the most of your road trip.

Ideally, we’d celebrate the holidays in Europe, however, our responsible adulting minds told us to stay domestic. And that is how we ended up in Helen, GA for the holidays.

Why Helen, GA?

This small German-esque town has streets lined with Bavarian-inspired buildings, German restaurants and is located in one of my absolute favorite places….the north Georgia mountains.

And, during the holidays Helen, GA adorns itself in an array of lights and festivities that will make you think you’ve landed in Germany instead of having your feet still firmly planted on American soil

Celebrate the Holidays in Helen, GA

The line up of things to do this holiday season makes me want to find time to go back to this Alpine village. The weather is so much better than northern Michigan and they have holiday celebrating down to an art form.

Here’s what you can enjoy this year:

Festival of Trees takes place November 13-December 6. Beautifully decorated trees and wreaths are displayed at Unicoi State Park where you can stroll through and bid on your favorites.

Fill up your shopping bags at Helen’s annual Christkindlmarkt, a German tradition where the center of town is filled with booths offering specialty gift items, decorations, assorted savory food, drinks and candied treats, November 25-26, 2023 & December 2-3, 2023. Located at Helen Market Platz. 

Join in a Victorian Christmas, at the Hardman Farm State Historic Site and see the house gently dressed in period holiday decor while learning about Victorian holiday traditions, Sautee Nacoochee. 

While you enjoy the holiday spirit in Helen you absolutely MUST visit the village of Sautee where authentic Appalachian artwork, pottery, and hand-made toys make it easy to find something for everyone on the Christmas list.

For my friends that love romantic Christmas movies:

“Christmas Love Letter,” a Lifetime Films movie was filmed in Helen, Georgia.  What the movie is about : When relationship advice columnist Amalie Hess receives an unsigned love letter in a Christmas card, she returns to her hometown to solve the mystery of who sent it and maybe find true love.

Read on to see why a visit to Helen is fabulous at any time of year!

What To Do in Helen

Valhalla Resort and Spa – 688 Bahn Innsbruck, Helen, GA 

Take a time out for some R&R at the Valhalla Spa. It’s a small spa (no relaxation room, small changing rooms), but the service is top notch.

We left feeling relaxed, refreshed and that our legs could take on more miles of hiking.

Folk Pottery Museum of NE Georgia – 283 HWY 255 North, Sautee, GA 

This region of Georgia is rich in the arts and the Folk Pottery Museum is a must visit to appreciate the skills of the artists in the area.

In addition to the museum, there is a museum store that has many different types of pottery available for sale.

Nora Mills – 7107 South Main Street, Helen, GA 

Be sure to stop here to buy the best flour and grits. Seriously, it’s a good thing they do a mail order business because I don’t think I can go back to anything else.

It’s a working mill and you can watch as they stone grind grains.

Lots of cute gifts for the kitchen beyond their epic products as well. Be sure to stop at the coffee shop next door for a cuppa joe.

Jumpin Goat Coffee Roasters

Located directly next to Nora Mills they are serving up fresh, hot coffee as well as roasted beans you can take home.

I’m always a go for local coffee shops and this one was so good we may have stopped by a number of times to get our coffee fix.

Old Sautee Store –  2315 HWY 17, Sautee, GA 

The front of the store is a small museum with a gorgeous fireplace. After you walk through the historical part you enter the “store” that has gift items and clothing.

A great place to pick up gifts for friends and family back home.

Wine tasting at Habersham Winery –  7025 South Main Street, Helen, GA 30545.

Great tasting room right across the road from Nora Mills and Jumping Goat Coffee.

Buy a bottle of Scarlett but be sure to try the others. There are lots of wine gifts as well.

The Christmas Shoppe – 8749 N. Main Street, Helen, GA 

No matter the time of year be sure to make a stop at the Christmas Shoppe for holiday inspiration year round. Their themed trees are awesome!

Uhuburg Castle – 571 Ridge Rd, Helen, GA

Who would have thought you’d find a castle in the north Georgia mountains, but that is exactly what you’ll find.

This unique attraction is definitely a must while visiting. Walk along the castle walls, check out the murals, visit the gardens and simply explore.

In the future the castle will offer overnight accommodations so you’ll want to come back for a stay.

Shop Downtown 

The business district is just a couple blocks so it’s very easy to walk to everything.

If you are staying at a local hotel in town leave your car parked and walk to the shops and restaurants.

Where To Eat In Helen

Bigg Daddy’s – 807 Edelweiss, Helen, GA 

Hot pizza, cold beer, live music, and outdoor seating. What’s not to love?

Bodensee Restaurant – 64 Munich Strasse, Helen, GA 

Great choice for authentic German food.

Hofbrau Haus Restaurant – 2220 HWY 17, Sautee, GA 

Another German joint to get your fix 😉

Cowboys & Angels –  60 Chattahoochee Street, Helen, GA

Fun place with live music and good food.

Unicoi State Park – 1788 HWY 356 North, Helen, GA 

They have a great brunch. If you spend the day out this way for other adventures definitely stop in for a bite to eat.

Hofer’s Bakery – 8758 N. Main Street, Helen, GA

It’s a bakery, seriously, what’s not to love? The way I love taverns is the way Alan loves bakeries -lol-. It’s a win-win for both of us in Helen.

Here’s where to find the best German food in Helen or take the opportunity to hire a private chef to cook for you during your stay. 

Where To Stay in Helen

Holiday Inn Express & Suites – 8100 South Main Street, Helen, GA 

The perfect location for your visit to Helen.

Walk to area restaurants and shopping to save money on parking, but still an easy drive to all the outdoor adventures and attractions that are nearby.

The hotel is new, modern, has a great staff and a good breakfast that is included with your room. I loved the furnishings and our room included a Jacuzzi tub 🙂

Find unique accommodations here.

Where To Get Outside in Helen

We visited in December so the cooler temps didn’t allow for any river time, but we did spend a fair amount of time outside hiking to waterfalls.

Anna Ruby Falls – 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Rd, Helen, GA 

Easy hike from the parking area to the falls.

The path is paved making access to the falls incredibly easy. The viewing platforms can become crowded if you go later in the day.

We were there as soon as they opened and had the falls pretty much to ourselves for about 10 minutes before the crowds caught up with us 🙂

Absolutely beautiful waterfall!

Stovall Mill Covered Bridge -2617 GA-255, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 

For covered bridge lovers, this 38-foot covered bridge from the 1890s was part of a mill complex.

The mill and damn washed away in 1964 but the bridge still remains. Located at a small roadside park.

For my friends that like a good ghost story it is, of course, reported that this bridge is haunted. It’s a story you would expect to hear.

Standing on the bridge at night, you can hear the cries of unseen babies and the sounds of horse-drawn carriages.

Crying baby bridges are found all across the United States and seem to be quite the popular story.

I wasn’t able to visit at night, but I’d be willing to go back and check it out.

Nacoochee Indian Mound -7086 Unicoi Turnpike, Helen, GA 

Located a short distance from Nora Mill there is a  small area to pull over for photos.

Originally the mound was an Indian burial site and years later was used as a site for ceremonial rites.

The mound is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Water Sports, Ziplining, Horseback Riding

There are a number of adventure guides in the area that can arrange for you to participate in any number of outdoor activities.

Seriously, this area has something fun for everyone.

Take to the trees with a ziplining adventure or cool off on a float down the river.

If the slow and steady pace of a horseback ride is more your thing you can do that as well.

Hiking Around Helen, GA

There is an incredible number of great hikes in the area.

I wish I would have kept more detailed notes, but basically, we tried to hit all the nearby waterfall trails.

The trails were not too difficult and each one was definitely worth the hike! We met a lot of great people on the trail that were happy to suggest other trails and share their experience on the trail we were hiking.

The locals were friendly and always willing to answer our questions. Outdoor peeps are the best!

Find more Helen, GA outdoor adventures here!

Things To Do Near Helen

Baby Land General Hospital:  – 300 NOK Drive, Cleveland, GA 30545.

Seriously, probably one of the most interesting things we did while in Georgia. For adults and kids alike you would be remiss not to stop at Baby Land General Hospital: Home of the Original Little People and Cabbage Patch Kids.

Cottage Vineyards & Winery –5050 HWY 129, Cleveland, GA 30528.

Make a stop at the winery after your Baby Land visit to chat with your friends about the experience while enjoying some great wine.

Clyde’s Table & Tavern on the Cleveland Square – 5 E. Jarrard Street, Cleveland, GA 30528.

Fantastic tavern on the town square. Order a burger with bacon and bbq on top. Don’t think about the calories.

Just order and enjoy. It’s worth every bite!

We really enjoyed the atmosphere here, but I usually feel pretty at home in taverns 🙂

Helen, GA proved to be an unexpected delight and one that I highly recommend especially for outdoor lovers and those that love faux international travel without breaking the bank.

Need more ideas? Check out these additional resources:

A Guide to All The Fun and Unique Things To Do in Helen Georgia

5 Unique Georgia Attractions You Can Only Experience Around Helen

Pin Holidays in Helen GA To Pinterest 

ROAD TRIP TIME!!

ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS ALONG I-80

We try to take a break every couple of hours during long road trips and we are always looking for odd roadside attractions.

I found these roadside attractions along I-80 that make a great place to stop and stretch your legs for a few minutes. Don’t miss these roadside attractions along I-80.

I’m sharing some of the best stops from New York to San Francisco.

Roadside Attractions I-80 Pennsylvania

The Boulder Field, Lake Harmony, PA

Get out and stretch at this boulder field in Pennsylvania.

There are different sized and shaped rocks, some up to 26-feet long in a field that was created by glacial action.

This is a great spot to get out of the car for a bit. Be sure to wear good shoes. 

Located at Hwy 534, Lake Harmony, PA.

T-Rex and Bigfoot, DuBois, PA

I found Bigfoot in Pennsylvania!!!! Now I can say I spotted Bigfoot. You can find him at DooLittles Station. In addition to Bigfoot, you’ll find his friend, T-Rex. Be sure to grab lunch or a treat while you’re there. 

Located at 1290 Rich Hwy, DuBois, PA.

Sharon, Pennsylvania: Daffin’s Chocolate Kingdom

Chocolate lovers are going to love this stop. A 400-pound turtle, frog, deer and other woodland creatures. So very sweet. 

Located at 496 East State St., Sharon, PA.

Roadside Attractions I-80 Ohio

Warren, OH: David Grohl Alley, World’s Largest Drumsticks

This is the PERFECT stop for music fans. An entire alley of art dedicated to David Grohl plus you’ll be able to see the World’s Largest Drumsticks.

Located at Near W. Market St & Main Ave SW.

Clyde, Ohio: Ice Cream Cone-Shaped Building

Stop for a tasty treat at this ice cream cone shaped building. How fun! 

Located at 314 W. McPherson Hwy, Clyde, OH

Roadside Attractions I-80 Indiana

Whiting, Indiana: Mascot Hall of Fame

Seriously, a great place to run off extra energy. This 25,000 square foot facility pays tribute to America’s furry freakish sports ambassadors. 

Located at 1851 Front St., Whiting, IN.

Gary, Indiana: Fusion: Steel Workers and Fairies

Pretty cool sculpture of fairies flying out of a massive molten pot!

Located at 440 Broadway, Gary, IN.

Roadside Attractions I-80 Iowa

Freedom Rock, Menlo, IA

Make a stop at this patriotic rock.

Located at 120th St., Menlo, IA.

Walcott, IA World’s Largest Truck Stop

This is a great stop to note on your road trip guide.

Plus, you can grab a bite to eat, fill up the car with gas and stretch your legs.

Located at 755 W. Iowa 80 Rd.I-80, Exit 284 Walcott, IA.

If you have some extra time, head over to Winterset, IA and visit the Bridges of Madison County. It’s about 20 minutes south of I-80 and worth the stop if there’s time. A fun stop to see the covered bridges.

Brayton, IA Tree In The Middle of the Road 

Might want to be careful taking the scenic route off I-80. Yikes.

Located at 2401-2449 350th St, Brayton, IA 50042.

Riverside, IA Future Birthplace of James T. Kirk

Just in case you need a refresher of the awesomeness that is Captain Kirk…I guess instead of a road trip planner, Captain Kirk would have used a space trip planner 😉

NOTE: Riverside, IA is about 25 minutes south of I-80, but for Trekkie fans it’s worth the detour!

Located at 350th St., Brayton, IA.

Alliance, NE Carhenge

Step aside Stonehenge there’s a more modern take on your historic display.

Roadside Attractions I-80 Nebraska

Bayard, NE

Chimney Rock National Historic Site

Lincoln, Nebraska: Giant Paper Airplane

A 32-foot long paper airplane replica that looks realistic. W. Adams St., Lincoln, NE

York, Nebraska: Marble Museum: World’s Largest Collection

Proof that there is a museum for everything. This one is all about marbles. If you’ve lost yours by this point on the road trip with the family this might be a good place to look for them.

Potter, Nebraska: 24-Hour Duckpin Bowling

Need a stop in the middle of the night. This is just the spot to try your hand at duckpin bowling.

Roadside Attractions I-80 Wyoming

Buford, Wyoming: Smallest Town In America

This used to be the smallest town in America with a population of 1, but that resident left over a decade ago and it’s now considered a ghost town.

Cheyenne, Wyoming: Giant Coffee Pot

Be sure to check out this coffee pot water tower when you stop for gas at Sapp Brothers fuel.

Pine Bluffs, Wyoming: Tee Pee House 

This home is shaped like a giant teepee with smaller teepee surrounding it. Definitely a unique home.

I-80 Service Rd., Pine Bluffs, WY

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I was thrilled to receive an email from a community member (Big thanks to Jason!) sharing all the cool things there are to do in Bloomfield. Everyone always wants to go to the big cities, but these small communities are so worth a visit. 

If you’re already in Indianapolis or the immediate surrounding area I encourage you to consider taking the short drive to Bloomfield to spend the day or longer.

10 Things To See and Do in Bloomfield, Indiana

America’s Longest Railroad Trestle (aka the Tulip Trestle)

This is an amazing structure that now has an observation area with lots of great views. The trestle is 2,307 feet long and 157 feet tall steel-girded railroad trestle and is one the longest of this type of bridge in the world still in use today by the Indiana Railroad Company. Located near the Tulip Community.

World’s Largest Jack

This was a gift to the Bloomfield Jack Factory from their supplier in Europe. The cast iron replica jack is 20 ft. tall and weighs in at 2,980-pounds. Located at West Spring St. in Bloomfield outside the factory.

Gnome Village

A local artist creates sculptures from junk and has a full gnome village to see. Located at 2740 N Harshman Rd Bloomfield IN 47424

Outdoor Metal Sculpture Museum

Sculpture Trails Outdoor Museum is located deep in the woods amongst the rolling hills of Solsberry, Indiana. Founded in 2002, it displays over 166 large-scale sculptures by artists from around the world along a 3-mile trail. This might be the best thing, in my opinion.

The Goose pond

Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area in Greene County is the perfect place for my wildlife and birder friends. The “pond” is a huge expanse of wetlands that includes over 30 miles of earthen dikes, 1,400 acres of prairie, and nearly 4,000 acres of shallow water.  

The area is becoming a significant destination for Midwestern birders and hunters; and home to many migrating bird species, attested by the impressive Sandhill Crane fly-in each spring, as well as many endangered species such as the Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Short-Eared Owl, Wilson’s Phalarope, King Rail, Sedge Wren, Henslow’s Sparrow, Whooping Crane, and American and Least Bitterns. Located Southwest of Linton.

Shawnee Summer Theatre

Indiana’s longest, continuously-running summer stock theatre. Since opening its doors in 1960, it has become a favorite Indiana summer tradition. This is closed for the season but is a good reason to come back. Located south of town in Bloomfield

Greene-Sullivan State Forest (not in Bloomfield, but worth the visit)

Fish, camp, or just rest and relaxation at Greene-Sullivan State Forest. This is one of the most beautiful and serene places to visit in the area.  Nearly 9,000 acres of wooded rolling hills dotted with more than 120 easily accessible lakes, making It one of the most unique areas in Southern Indiana.  

Many of the lakes are stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill and red-ear sunfish offering some of the finest fishing in the State.  With over 100 family campsites available between Narrow Lake, Wampler Lake, and Reservoir #26 and an additional 20 sites in the Horseman’s Campground near Ladder Lake, there is something for everyone including picnicking, mushroom hunting, horseback riding, photography, and wildlife viewing.

Redbird Off-Road State Recreation Area

This 1400-acre property contains approximately 50 miles of “marked” Off-Road Vehicle Trails.  From gentle slopes to technically difficult trails, “Redbird” (as it is known locally) delivers trails for all skill levels as they twist through the spoil piles left by early-era mining in the region.

Redbird has something for every off-road enthusiast, whether pick-up truck, dirt bike, SUV, ATV, UTV, or dune buggy. Located in Dugger this is a fun way to spend the day.

Richland-Plummer Creek Covered Bridge

This is a historic Burr Arch Truss wooden covered bridge located in Greene County, it was built in 1883 measuring 102’ long, 14’ wide, and 16’ tall. Located 2 1/2 miles south of downtown.

Largest Sycamore Tree (not quite Bloomfield, but nearby)

If you’re a fan of odd roadside attractions like us than make the 15-minute drive north to the town of Worthington to see the Largest Sycamore Tree. 

This is a monument containing one of the surviving remnants of this tree, the western limb (23 ft. 2 in. in circumference) and smaller of the two, was moved to this location in 1925 after it succumbed to a storm.

Estimated at 500 years old, the Oxford Journal of Heredity reported in September 1915 that the tree was the largest “Broad-Leaf Tree in the United States” measuring 42 feet 3 inches in circumference. In its heyday, the shady tree was a popular place young lovers because the tree was so hollow one could have picnics inside the trunk and so large that a horse and buggy could easily be hidden behind it.

Where To Shop in Bloomfield, Indiana

Persimmon Tree Foods and Gifts

A great place in Bloomfield to get unique items and foods. It’s a fun store to visit and the perfect place to find your next treasure. The store is located on Bloomfield’s Southside.

Second Times the Charm

An amazing thrift store that sells clothing, furniture and everything in between, not to mention their outreach programs that help the community. Second Times the Charm is located on Bloomfield’s Southside.

Season’s Greetings

This toy store is super cute and has high quality toys for every child that will last for generations. The store is located just off the square in Bloomfield.

Blue Barn Hill Farm

This small family farm has produce, plants, handcrafted items and homemade foods, they are online and have a self-serve roadside stand located 3 miles East of Bloomfield.

Where to Eat and Drink in Bloomfield, Indiana

Feed Store Beer Co

This watering hole brews beer and often has a food truck to serve dinner parked outside. They do trivia nights and other events. Located on the West side of Bloomfield.

Yoho’s General Store 

This is a wonderful little store and gas station that has a long history in the county. They have ice cream and pork tenderloins and other lunch foods. IYKYK, but in the South gas station eats are suprisingly delicious. I’m think the same can be said for Yoho’s. Located in Solsberry.

Belly & Kecky’s Pizzeria

Sit down, carryout or delivery. More than just pizza this family owned and operated restaurant is delightful. Find them on the Eastside of Bloomfield.

Mill Street Pizza

Carrying on a pizza tradition that has lasted over 40 years in the same location! The Home of the Square Pizza, located on South Seminary St. in Bloomfield.

Small-town festivals and Community Events

May – Bloomfield Town Wide Yard Sales

May – Barbecue, Blues, & Brews

July – 4th of July Celebration at Bloomfield Town Park & Fireworks Show

July – Bloomfield Downtown Revitalization Street Fest

October – Bloomfield Apple Festival – The perfect fall season activity 

December – Hometown Christmas

April 8th, 2024 – Bloomfield Indiana will be a prime view location for the solar eclipse!

Where To Stay In The Bloomfield Area

Hotels

Sleep Inn Newberry – Crane

Mainstay Suites Newberry – Crane

BnB Style Accommodations

Pleasant Grove Farm

Goose Pond Lodge and Retreat

Camping

Greene – Sullivan State Forest – Located about 30 minutes wests of Bloomfield. Primitive campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis PLUS 15 RENT-A-CAMP CABINS available for rent year round. Each cabin has a front porch with a swing. Inside there are two small rooms.

The front room offers a small table with bench seats, a corner shelf, a chair, a rocking chair, and a loft. The backroom offers a bunk bed (single) and a double bed (NO LINENS or MATTRESS PROVIDED). Air or cushioned mattress recommended. The cabins feature ceiling fans with light, a heating/cooling unit, and electrical outlets. While there isn’t a national park this is a good place for a great time outdoors. 

2024 TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE IN BLOOMFIELD, INDIANA

Bloomfield will be centered on the path of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. The eclipse, as seen from Bloomfield, will have a duration of 4 minutes and 4 seconds. During a total solar eclipse, the moon blocks the sun’s bright face called the photosphere, briefly revealing our sun’s outer atmosphere.

You’ll definitely want to book your stay now. I did a little research already and as of the date of publication, these accommodations still have very limited availability for April 7-9, 2024:

Sleep Inn Newberry – Crane

Mainstay Suites Newberry – Crane 

Greene-Sullivan State Forest. For my hard-core camping friends. There are 100+ PRIMITIVE camping sites BUT the sites are first come, first serve. Honestly, I’d arrive on Friday to try for a spot and make an entire long weekend of it. In our opinion this is always a fantastic way to spend a weekend.

More Information on Bloomfield & Surrounding Area

Bloomfield is located in Greene County, Indiana. You can find more information about visiting here.

How To Make The Most of Your Visit to French Lick, Indiana 1 hour southeast

Things To Do In Southern Indiana – Corydon 2 hours southeast

10 Reasons You Need To Visit Buffalo Trace Park In Southern Indiana 1.5 hours southeast

The Charm of Bloomington Indiana 45 minutes northeast

Reasons To Visit Santa Claus, Indiana This Holiday 1.5 hours south 

Outdoor Adventures in Hendricks County, Indiana You Don’t Want To Miss 1.5 hours north

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