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In my travels on the back roads doing genealogy research, I’ve seen hundreds of remnants of times gone by. These iconic symbols of "Americana" inspired me to create this blog. By documenting them, I'll remember and maybe you'll find something interesting to hunt down next time you are in one of these areas!
You can use the search feature in the blog to look for specific cities or states. Enjoy!
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Giant Milkshake Cup, King North Carolina
At the site of the original Dairi-O location, framing the entrance of the restaurant, is a giant milkshake cup. The cup has two giant red straws sticking out the top because obviously, it's big enough to share. Dairi-O began in 1947 and now has several locations across North and South Carolina. A retro roadside giant that serves up just enough nostalgia to draw you in. You can step right inside this towering shake on East Dalton Road in King, NC
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Apr 11


The Drippy Snowman, Santa Claus Indiana
Out behind Frosty's Fun Center, my grandkids spotted this lumpy, dingy snowman presiding over a murky, algae tinged pond. He was once the centerpiece fountain of a miniature golf course that had become overgrown and slightly tragic. The restaurant is now Fat Santa's Pizza but Frosty is still silently standing out back doing his part in keeping the days merry and bright. You'll find him on Cedar Lane in Santa Claus, IN
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Apr 11


Carl The Ice Cream Man, Normal Illinois
This muffler man can be found standing outside of Carl's Ice Cream Factory luring customers in with a giant ice cream cone in one hand and a giant cheeseburger in the other. He reminds us that life is too short not to enjoy custard and burgers. Carl's waiting to join you for a selfie on West College Avenue in Normal, IL
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Mar 17


Santa Claus Firefighter, Santa Claus Indiana
This town does not miss an opportunity to display their holiday spirit because nothing says "Christmas cheer" like Santa Claus moonlighting as a first responder. Decked out in full fire fighting gear, complete with a Ho Ho hose, the big guy stands in front of the Santa Claus Volunteer Fire Department. See if you can spot the twinkle in his eye on North Holiday Boulevard in Santa Claus, IN
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Mar 17


Giant Baseball Glove, Bloomington Illinois
Near the entrance to the batting cages at Grady's Family Fun Park is this giant baseball glove. The glove mimics the real deal down to the stitched webbing, laces, and that classic tan hue. While it's not snagging any actual giant fly balls, it's mostly just a big chair for park visitor's photo ops. Snap one for yourself on Morrissey Drive in Bloomington, IL
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Jan 24


World's Largest Pie Pan, Traverse City Michigan
This giant pie pan was built in 1987 by the Jacklin Steel Company to bake a record setting cherry pie. The pan is 18 feet wide and 26 inches deep. The pie weighed 28,350 pounds and fed about 35,000 people. Today the retired champion pie pan sits roadside on Cass Road in Traverse City, MI
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Jan 24


Fork In The Road, Pasadena California
Where Pasadena Ave splits into two roads, there is literally an 18 foot tall giant fork in the road. Originally installed in honor of a local business owner's birthday, this art piece has been adopted as an official piece of public art by the city. You can see this culinary metaphor on South St John Avenue in Pasadena, CA
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Nov 30, 2025


Madonna Of The Trail Monument, Upland California
This 18-foot-tall, five-ton tribute to the pioneer women who traded bonnets for bravery and helped tame the American West was dedicated...
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Aug 25, 2025


Historic Orange Stand, Fontana California
This giant orange was built in the 1930's as an orange and fruit juice stand. It was one of six that Bob DeVries built for his family...
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Aug 23, 2025


Psychedelic Giant Cow, Oro Grande California
Another giant cow, only this time it's a little less "Old MacDonald" and a little more "Cosmic Cowboy". It's sitting on the rooftop of...
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Jul 10, 2025


Giant Miner, Yermo California
The Calico Ghost Town Giant Miner sign is impossible to miss. It’s got the kind of charm that only comes with age. Faded but proud, it...
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May 18, 2025


Dinosaur City, Yampai Arizona
In the parking lot of the Caverns Inn at the entrance to the Grand Canyon Caverns are the remains of Dinosaur City. This part of the...
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Feb 9, 2025


Giant Neon Cow, Williams Arizona
Not only was there a giant neon cow sign at Rod's Steak House, but on the side of the building was the third giant cow statue that we saw...
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Aug 21, 2024


Junior Giant Paul Bunyan, Flagstaff Arizona
At the site of the former Paul Bunyan Cafe, later named Lumberjack Cafe, stands a slightly smaller rendition of the cafe's original Paul...
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Jul 27, 2024


Giant Guitar, Winslow Arizona
Outside of the Arizona 66 Trading Company, you'll find a giant guitar. The store is located on the opposite corner of the Standin' On The...
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May 12, 2024


The Jackrabbit Trading Post, Joseph City Arizona
Several signs lead the way to this trading post which started in 1949. This was the 2nd giant jackrabbit we had seen on Route 66, the...
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May 12, 2024


Brontosaurus At A Barber Shop, Holbrook Arizona
This dinosaur roadside attraction is in front of the Moon Lite Barber shop. I thought it was someone's house, but you can also see a...
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Jan 25, 2024


Giant Cowboy, Gallup New Mexico
We spotted another muffler man on top of John's Used Cars, standing in the classic muffler man pose. I couldn't find much of anything...
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Jan 25, 2024


Mac's La Sierra Coffee Shop, Albuquerque New Mexico
This was the second giant cow on a sign we'd seen in two days, and it did get my attention but I wondered why a giant cow was a good...
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Jun 17, 2023


30 Foot Tall Giant Sombrero, Tucumcari New Mexico
The La Cita restaurant, which opened in 1940, has a great neon sign and neon lettering on the giant sombrero, which was added in 1959. It...
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Mar 25, 2023
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