Stops on the Road

The Weird, Wonderful & Must-See Hidden Gems

Somewhere along our journey, I got an electric scooter. I sent my kids a picture of me on it, and my daughter said I looked tiny. Naturally, I ran with it. I told her my height was a figment of her imagination—I was, in fact, Oompa Loompa-sized. She didn’t buy it, but the idea stuck.

Then, we started encountering larger-than-life attractions, and I got to thinking… what other giant things could I stand next to, fully committed to my Oompa Loompa persona? (Side note: she gave me the glasses long before this idea existed, but now they’re a crucial part of the story.)

From there, a mission was born—to track down The World’s Largest attractions across the country. But why stop there? Travel is about discovering everything weird, wonderful, and worth seeing.

So, this list grew into a full roundup of unique road trip stops, factory tours, must-see roadside gems, and hidden treasures that make every journey unforgettable.

Hidden Gems Along the Way

Not all great stops are giant. Some are unexpected treasures—the places that pop up when you least expect them, but end up being exactly what you need.

Sometimes, the bus needs repairs or a makeover, and when it does, our favorite places to find materials aren’t the “big box” stores—they’re the small, sometimes massive, repurpose shops packed with gems for renovation projects.

And crafting? That’s always on the agenda. We knit. We create. And we always need supplies. Turns out, repurpose stores have some of the best crafty finds, making them a must-stop on our travels.

Factory Tours: Behind-the-Scenes Adventures

Another one of our favorite things to do is go on Factory Tours—or really, any tour where we can learn how things are made.

There’s something fascinating about seeing the process behind everyday products, exploring places that few people think to visit. From food factories to historic manufacturers, these tours give a whole new perspective on the world around us.

If you know of one not on this list, let us know! Some of the best discoveries are tucked away and don’t show up in the usual searches.

TV Shows in Real Life

We love Reality Shows—but not the ones about celebrity drama. We’re talking FOOD… and FISH… and FIXER-UPPERS.

Among our favorites? 🍔 Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives 🐠 Tanked 🍽 Restaurant Impossible

So, we thought it’d be fun to visit some of the featured locations from our favorite shows. (Side note: We can’t guarantee the Tanked aquariums are still in the same spots, so if you’re planning a visit, call ahead!)