Map of United States showing 2026 road trip bucket list route with orange location pins marking 12 destinations plus 3 wishes across multiple states

2026 Road Trip Bucket List Across America

Why does this year need a fancy title like “2026 Road Trip Bucket List”? Let’s be real – somewhere along the way, Zach and I lost our mojo. We’ve been rolling through the same triangle route (Florida, Arkansas, Michigan, repeat) for years now, and lately it’s felt more like we’re just… existing on the road …

Mr Peanut statue Fort Smith Arkansas, seated sculpture of the iconic character with top hat, monocle, gloves, and cane, posed with one leg crossed and one arm resting on its knee, located outdoors near a building with large windows, surrounded by grass and trees, with Zach standing beside the statue wearing a black shirt and pants, one hand on the hat and the other on his hip

Mr. Peanut Fort Smith Arkansas | Planters Landmark

Updated: December 9, 2025 Sometimes the best roadside discoveries happen when you’re not even looking for them—you just follow your curiosity and see where it leads. That’s exactly how we discovered the Mr. Peanut statue in Fort Smith, Arkansas—standing proudly on Planters Road. This particular adventure was part of what we call our Mystery GPS …

The World’s Largest Christmas Pickle statue wearing a Santa hat at Christmas Winter Wonderland in Fort Smith, Arkansas, photographed during dusk with the building and sign in the background.

World’s Largest Christmas Pickle

The World’s Largest Christmas Pickle Gets a Second Chance (And a Surprise Bonus!) Remember back in 2022 when we told you about the World’s Largest Christmas Pickle? Well, buckle up, because we’re going back—and this time, the story gets even better. The Backstory: Nobody Knew About The Pickle Picture It: Fort Smith, 2022 – Zach …

Entrance to the corn maze at Johnson’s Pumpkin Farm in Michigan, with the admission sign and the cornfield visible behind the small maze building.

Johnson’s Pumpkin Farm: Corn Maze, Hay Sculptures & Fall Fun in Michigan

Where the Hot Cocoa Rating System Was Born We rolled up to Johnson’s Pumpkin Farm around 3pm on one of those perfect overcast fall days where the sky is doing that moody gray thing and everything feels very atmospheric. The map at the entrance showed us everything this place had to offer—corn maze, soybean maze, …

Holly Michigan water tower with green leaf logo and ‘1864’ text, photographed at sunrise with power lines and trees in foreground

Holly Michigan Water Towers

Three Historic Landmarks & A Breakfast Adventure The Holly Michigan water towers aren’t your typical roadside attraction—this small town has THREE distinct historic water towers, each with its own character. We headed into Holly early on a crisp fall morning with one mission: photograph all three. We expected fog, quiet streets, and maybe a few …

Towering metallic sculpture of a hand making the “I love you” gesture in American Sign Language. Mounted on a pedestal with a plaque reading “I LOVE YOU,” the piece celebrates inclusivity and connection. A person in a black outfit and beanie mirrors the sign beside it, adding a human echo. Set against a backdrop of trees and a bright blue sky along a paved walkway, the scene feels heartfelt and iconic

Columbia SC Public Art Guide: Murals, Sculptures & Interactive Art Hunt

🗿 Sculpture Hunt in the Chill — Columbia SC Public Art at Its Most Unexpected February’s forecast? Cold hands, warm hearts, and roadside art that made us pull over with zero hesitation. Our Columbia SC public art stroll served dinosaurs with emotional boundaries, clangy sculptures that hit Zachary’s sweet spot, and murals designed to make …

Things to Do in Ames Iowa: Metal Art & Reiman Gardens

Things to Do in Ames Iowa: A Surprising Travel Gem We were on our way to Minnesota to attend Unicon21 and decided to make a stop in Ames Iowa. Usually, we keep our stops brief, but this time we took a day to explore the area, and we’re so glad we did! If you’re looking …

Reiman Gardens Ames Iowa: Complete Visitor Guide & Review

 A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering Nestled in the heart of Iowa State University’s campus, Reiman Gardens Ames Iowa offers an unexpected botanical paradise that delights visitors year-round. Located at 1407 University Blvd in Ames, Iowa, this stunning destination combines natural beauty with unique attractions, making it a perfect stop for travelers exploring the Midwest. What …

Giant yellow Kraft macaroni noodle sculpture outside Springfield Missouri, marking the entrance to Springfield Underground cheese storage facility

Springfield Underground Cave Tours: Kraft Noodle Adventure

Springfield Underground Cave Tours: Following the Kraft Noodle Trail It all started with a noodle. Not metaphorical, not culinary—just a giant, unapologetic elbow macaroni looming roadside like a beacon of processed cheese devotion. This Springfield Underground cave tours adventure began when Kraft placed their pasta sentinel there, creating an unlikely gateway to Missouri’s most fascinating …

Wooden gazebo with white benches and red trim at the Angus Barn, flanked by lanterns and trees, offering a quiet resting spot beside the chaos of the Kicking Booth.

The Angus Barn Kicking Booth: A Southern Rite of Ridiculousness

Angus Barn Kicking Booth 📍 Angus Barn Steakhouse, 9401 Glenwood Ave. Raleigh, NC 27617 Right off Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh—where filet mignon meets roadside folklore—there sits a steakhouse with a surprise tucked behind the trees. The Angus Barn is legendary for its prime rib, its wine cellar, and its unapologetic Southern flair. But if you’ve …