Entrance to Garlyn Zoo in Naubinway, Michigan, showing a rustic wooden building with “Entrance” and “Gifts & Souvenirs” signs, surrounded by trees and an elephant sculpture.

GarLyn Zoo | Exotic Animals & Nature Trails on US-2

Garlyn Zoo | Naubinway, Michigan We stopped at the Garlyn Zoo and Wildlife Park during one of our Upper Peninsula drives a few years back — one of those spontaneous “why not?” detours that ends up being a highlight. I didn’t write about it at the time (rookie mistake), but I’m fixing that now so …

Group of elk resting behind chain-link fence at Elk View Park in Gaylord, Michigan. Foreground elk lies on grass with large, branched antlers; others visible in background. Trees, dirt path, and cloudy sky frame the outdoor enclosure next to the Elk's Lodge Gaylord Michigan elk viewing site.

Elk’s Lodge Gaylord Michigan Elk Viewing

🦌✨Where roadside randomness meets actual elk We weren’t planning to see elk, Zach was just trying to find a decent parking spot. But Gaylord, Michigan had other plans. Turns out, the Elk’s Lodge Gaylord Michigan elk viewing setup is not just a fluke — it’s a full-on roadside jackpot. You park once, and boom: lodge …

The Bear Store Hale Michigan – Quirky Roadside Stop

Giant Chairs, Spicy Humor, and a Quick Roadside Detour Bear Store Hale Michigan is parked right at 6787 M‑65 in Hale. You can find more details here if you want the official scoop — but honestly, just pull over when you see it. Why Bear Store Hale Michigan is Worth the Stop We weren’t even …

World’s Largest Spinach Can

Popeye’s Garden Alma, Arkansas We went in search of the World’s Largest Spinach Can and found it’s location, but it had sadly been painted over.   On our travels, we ran into Popeye’s Garden, so still a win!

Fantastic Caverns | Tour of Missouri’s Underground Wonder

Fantastic Caverns is located at 4872 North Farm Road 125 in Springfield, MO Our last stop in Springfield was an amazing cavern.  Fantastic Caverns to be exact.  While most of our excursions run on the frugal side, this one cost a bit more, but really was worth it.   We got to ride through the cavern …

Springfield Sculpture Walk | Rotating Public Art

Springfield Sculpture Walk  We love outdoor art. Simply captivated by the sight of sculptures created from unconventional materials and thematic artworks that can completely transform entire towns with the presence of bears, butterflies, or bison. Each piece offers a glimpse into the vision and creativity of the artist. You can print out a map HERE!

World’s Largest Fork by Mass | Giant Utensil & Hidden Gem

 The World’s Largest Fork by Mass  is located at 2215 W. Chesterfield St, Springfield, MO (also listed as the World’s Second Largest Fork by height) While we were in Springfield, we came across the World’s Largest Fork by Mass. This fork was amazing! It’s huge, really tall, and very impressive! It was just standing in …

World’s Second Largest Rocking Chair – Route 66 Red Rocker

A Must-See Roadside Attraction at Fanning 66 Outpost – 5957 State Hwy ZZ, Cuba, MO On our Route 66 adventure, Zach and I couldn’t resist stopping at one of Missouri’s most charming roadside attractions – the World’s Second Largest Rocking Chair! This magnificent giant red rocker has been welcoming travelers since the 1940s and continues …