Major attractions in central Florida?

I went on a trip to see the space shuttle launch in April. Well, sort of. Sadly the launch was postponed so we never got to see liftoff. We did, however, visit the Kennedy Space Center while there. If you've never been, you should go. I was always fascinated by the space program, but now I'm in love with it.
It's about $40 for a ticket, but it's a two-day ticket. We were literally there all day and could have spent even more time there. And you can upgrade to an annual pass for only about $10 more, which I did because I do plan on going back. It's probably one of the MOST amazing places I've ever been. A definite must-see before you get to old to go.



In addition to visiting the boys and girls at Cape Canaveral we took a little trip over to Tampa. Why, you may ask? Because it is home to the World's Largest Bowling Pin! Huh-zah! It's quite large, and awesome. It was a little tricky to find, as it sits in a sort of a pavilion of sorts along the water. If you can find the bowling alley it is home to, you can find the bowling pin. If only we had been there later in the day for a couple frames...




But what makes our trip to Tampa even better was finding a dinosaur on the side of the road. Are you confused? Because we were at first. And then we saw that the dinosaur belonged to a mysterious place called "Dinosaur World," and our interest was peaked. So on our return back to from Tampa to Orlando we stopped and were very happy with what we found. Dinosaur World was worth the trip alone! It looked like they were even expanding Dinosaur World... what wonderful things it might hold for the future. Plus, they had Godzilla action figures in the gift shop which in itself tells you how cool this place is.





It was definitely better than the disappointed Recyclosaurus Rex at the MOSI that we also went to Tampa to find, and though he was quite cute, he wasn't worth more than a drive-by. Recyclosaurus Rex resides outside the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa, Fla. It very hard to get up close to him, although as we were driving away we did see the sidewalk running in front of him.

I can tell you that when you visit Florida make sure to go when it's not unbearably hot. Other than the space shuttle and the world's largest bowling pin, our main reason for visiting Florida was to get away from the bitter cold of the Pacific Northwest. We couldn't take it anymore. The idea of flip flops and sundresses was much more desirable than bundling up in a parka and rain boots. April was a perfect month to visit... except for the whole Easter thing. That part we didn't plan so well. The cost of renting a car was much higher than usual because of the holiday. So beware what holidays surround the days of your travel. A lesson learned for future trips.

There was so much more we wanted to see in Florida, but we ran out of time. I've got a list for when I return. Also, note that driving is more of an art than a science in Florida. High speeds, changing lanes without signaling, and passing cars in either the right or left lanes are all part of the art. I took to it quite well, which surprised me.

Also, you should bring a beach chair as checked luggage. Best. Idea. Ever. I'm not even joking. When you're waiting for the hotel shuttle to come pick you up, you can pop it open and have a rest because Orlando's airport didn't have much outdoor seating. And when you're waiting your fellow traveler to change into warm weather clothing, you can have a seat in the middle of baggage claim. It also provides entertainment for all airport employees and passersby. Plus, you have a chair to bring to the beach (if you go, which sadly we didn't, and which is doubly sad because that was the whole reason we brought them, to sit at the beach and watch the space shuttle launch - this is where sad face comes in).

And I HAVE to go back to spend at least a week in Disneyworld. We went there for dinner one night, and based on that meal alone I decided I had to do it at some point in my life. And I have to stay at a Disney resort hotel, because really, if you're going to go to Disneyworld you should do it properly and do it all.

And I decided the best piece of furniture ever invented is a rocking chair and very nearly bought one at Cracker Barrel to bring home and put on my deck.

See you again sometime in the future, Florida. I think I like you.

Nothing big in the Bay?

I am visiting my hometown of San Leandro for a couple of days. It is nestled in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area. It is home of the Cherry Festival, Portuguese people, and lays next door to Oakland.

Before I came down here I researched to see if I might be able to find one of the world's largest to visit. Sadly, there are not many that are convenient for me to visit in my few days here. There is the world's largest garlic in Gilroy, but that's quite a trip south. I did find out that Oakland is home to the grave of the Black Dahlia, but that's kind of creepy, even if it is located in the next town over. It's also home to Fairyland, but that's a place I visited when I was five, so I don't know how much entertainment that can provide me when I'm almost 25. There are apparently scenes of taxidermied mice in San Francisco, but our plans to visit that fine city were spoiled yesterday by the weather and the fact that parades make it difficult to navigate the City.

I am also limited by lack of transportation. The vehicles I would use are currently occupied by my mom and brother who need them to get to work. If I did have one of those cars I might go up to wine country and actually pull over to take a picture of the Giant Grape Crusher sculpture I have seen as I drive. Or maybe head down to visit the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, which I have never visited in all my years growing up in the Bay Area.

I've also come to realize that most of the world's largest things in California are all in Southern California or the very top of Northern California. Well, shoot, Bay Area - let's work on getting some big stuff in town so people will want to come visit. I mean, it's not like Alcatraz is a major tourist attraction or anything (...).

I think I will do more research before I come back down here next month. I will also make sure it's on a weekend or on a day my brother has off so we can actually go venture someplace and visit something really big. It's a shame the world's largest rubber band ball got moved from San Francisco.

A quicker way to get to Seattle

From Portland, thirty minutes on a plane is way easier than two and a half hours in a car. It's also less of a burden on the driver, and you don't have to pay attention as much... so long as you make sure you get on the right plane going to the right destination.

I flew up to Seattle yesterday for a quick visit with some Seattlites. Literally, I was there for about three hours. My original plan called for arriving to the Emerald City before lunch time to enjoy lunch with some friends, but alas the non-revenue lifestyle did not abide, and I did not arrive in Seattle until just after 2:00.

I am making a mental note of a couple of things. One, Monday is a tough day for Horizon because everyone wants to leave town that day. Two, not only does Alaska/Horizon oversell flights, but they also let you fly standby no matter what time your flight is. For example, someone with a ticket on an 8:00 pm flight can try to fly out on a noon flight as long as there is room. Third, little planes make like feel like it's going by really fast, in the air or on the ground (Horizon flies Q400s). And finally, for someone in my position, it is far more convenient to fly up to Seattle and rent a car for the day than it is to drive up there; it's probably more convenient for people who don't like spending hours in the car, stuck in traffic, spending money on gas and other driving essentials, with maniacs on the road who cannot drive.

My original plans called for seeing quite a few people and places, but as mentioned before it didn't really work out that way. That's the deal in the world of flying standby. I did get to have a very late lunch with my friend Vicky, who graciously picked me up and dropped me off at SEA-TAC. I briefly saw my friend James as he returned from the gate to the ticket counter. Sadly, I missed the third of my Seattle JetBlue musketeers, as Brendan fell asleep on the couch at the ultrasound appointment with his lovely wife. And again, quite a bummer, did not get to catch up with my lawyer-friend Kate.

Speaking of Kate, I believe the last time I visited the Rainy City was to visit my friend, and she took me to see some of the most wonderful things in all of the world I have ever seen!

Now, I had never heard of this Troll, but if you are from Seattle you should take your friends to see it. The placard describing why there is a troll underneath the Fremont Bridge said it won out in a neighborhood competition, being the top of the four finalists to welcome visitors to the neighborhood. And, Kate reminded me, it is featured in the classic '90s movie, "10 Things I Hate About You."


If you walk down the hill toward the heart of the Fremont District you will find even more wondrous things. Kate had saved this area for me, knowing my love of quirks and originality. She brought me to the largest statue of Lenin in the world! Now, I don't remember why they moved it to the heart of liberal Seattle, but I do know that he is a great landmark, especially for the tourist maps located just below him. We also decided on that day that we needed to start up the Pink Coat Tour Company, as we both managed to wear our pink raincoats.





















I think next time I will have to fly up on SeaPort Airlines. They fly right into Boeing Field, which is conveniently located closer to downtown and right next door to the world's largest cowboy hat and boots. Perhaps I will be able to get there before the end of the year (the big western apparel, not necessarily the Gateway to Alaska). And there is a lot more for me to see in the Fremont area. There was a rocket hanging off the side of a building - decommissioned, but a rocket nonetheless. Plus, it's been a while since I've been to the top of the Spaceneedle, so I should probably go check that out again.

A co-contributor?

My buddy Derek and I had a great chat this week. Apparently I've inspired him to research some places to go on his road trips - I may have mentioned he visited the World's Largest Prairie Dog on my suggestion. Recently he and his wife visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which I let be known is the home of the World's Largest Rubber Stamp.

He is about to continue his adventures on a trip to Nashville, and on the way will be able to visit a few more of the world's greatest roadside attractions, such as World's Largest Baseball Bat.

As we are on opposite sides of the country and privy to seeing different sculptures and statues and structures, I think I shall make him an administrator on documenting these big travels... or perhaps encourage him to have a brother blog about his adventures? (I almost said sister blog, but that would be awkward since he's a boy, but who's heard of a brother blog?).

The Parthenon in Nashville, Tennessee

It has been decided that I must return to Nashville. I made that decision as soon as I realized all the things I didn't get a chance to do. Add it back to the list! But for now...

My adventure to Tennessee was really to spend time with my friend, Aggie. She lives outside of Nashville near the Kentucky border. Literally. We were driving around her town and she said, "On the other side of that power truck is Kentucky." Things are much more compact on the eastern side of the country, I guess.

I knew I loved Tennessee the moment we headed out of the airport. A collection of white wooden rocking chairs sat in the arrivals lobby, filled with loved ones awaiting the arrival of a family member or friend. It was beautiful and what I imagine to be a physical representation of the Tennessee spirit. If I had been smart about things I would have had my camera out of my carry-on and ready to take the classic picture, but instead I snapped a shot of one of these chairs on my way out of the state. If only I could have brought it home with me...

The biggest thing on my list of places to see in Nashville was the Parthenon. Yes, you read that correctly. Nashville is known as the Athens of the South, and they built a Parthenon to prove it. Actually, the built the thing out of wood back in the day for the Centennial Anniversary as a symbol of strength and prosperity. They later had to redo as wood wasn't the best building material for an exact replica of the Greek monument. All I can say about the Parthenon is it is SO BIG! Like, really big. Huge! I still can't wrap my mind around the sheer size and volume of that place. And inside is a statue of Athena as tall as the building! We didn't get to see it as we were on a trolley tour of the city, but I will be back someday! And it has inspired me to visit Greece to see the first Parthenon. Aggie wasn't as impressed as I was because she drives by it on the way to see her baby doctor. Well, I think I was gobsmacked enough for the both of us.

We had visited the Parthenon as we were on a trolley tour of Nashville. You may laugh at this, but let me tell you, it felt all right to be a tourist in Nashville. The tour guides wanted us to learn about their city, to share the culture and stories that go with every building, street and sculpture. Otis took us on our first tour, the trolley ride of Nashville. Otis taught us all about the history of certain parts of Nashville and quizzed us on our music knowledge on the ride back. He told us the real reason Nashville is called "Music City" and showed us where Taylor Swift lives. He showed us the best BBQ in town (a place called Jack's on Broadway) and pointed out where to find the best burgers (he pointed to at least four places).

We stumbled into our next tour by accident as we de-trolleyed and inquired about the Ryman Auditorium. Jill took us to see the path musicians follow before they play a gig at the famed former home of the Grand Ole Opry. We stopped into Hatch's and learned that it's unlucky to get your posters printed anywhere else, as well as saw the famed Hatch's cats (well, the big one, at least). We walked by the place to get your guitar, and hoped to see Keith Urban or Brad Paisley in the parking lot as apparently happens sometimes. We didn't, though. We walked up to the Ryman, toured the dressing rooms and backstage, learned the rules for the Opry performers (1. Never come late; 2. Never swear backstage), and learned that you only get two shots before you're banned for life. Hank Williams Sr. is still banned. We walked down the alley where Willie Nelson sold his first song, "Crazy," which Patsy Cline hated at first. We went into Tootsie's where Brad Paisley and Kid Rock like to jam with a reggae beat in the background, that was painted orchid because the painter didn't know what color taupe is. We went into Ernest Tubb's Record Shop, where every night at midnight they host a Midnight Jamboree, although it's moved locations and hours.




















We had lunch at the Wildhorse Saloon, which would be a great place to take in a show. Horse caricatures are literally everywhere, as well as horse murals and horse heads made out of license plates and horse replicas hanging from the ceiling. We learned (twice) that Broadway, the heart of downtown Nashville, is split into smoking and non-smoking sides of the street. Stick to Tootsie's and Jack's if you're like me, allergic to smoke and everything about it.

The thing I enjoyed most about our tours was the stories. It's like everyone in Tennessee knows all of the stories ever told about the Music City. Otis was pointing out where Kenny Chesney got his start and the place that Elvis recorded his albums and his buddy sitting over by the restaurant Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman ate at over the weekend. They love their state! When you walk through the airport even the big names in music welcome you to their town. Plus, they have boots and hats you can buy at every other store.

If you're going to visit Nashville, definitely stay in the downtown area, and definitely take a Gray Line tour or two. Not only was it cheaper ($15 for a tour of the Ryman that was probably better than the $17 tour from the Auditorium itself), but you also learned a lot more about other areas tied to a show and got to see a lot more. Plus, you still get to stand on the stage and sit where Keith Urban sits before shows (but no Keith, darnit). Walk around and visit the different areas of Nashville, from the honkytonks on Broadway to the studios on Music Row (maybe you'll see Taylor Swift heading to the studio) to the monuments and sculptures around the Capital and Bicentennial Park.

Facts we learned on our tour of Nashville:
Nashville got the name "Music City" from the Queen. That's right! The Frist Singers performed for Her Majesty and she wrote a letter back to Nashville saying that she was so impressed with there performance that it must be the music city.

Elvis was booed off the stage the first time he performed at the Ryman and refused to ever play Nashville again. He never did, although he was willing to record a few hit songs in the city.

Dolly Parton sends every child born in Tennessee a book every month for their first five years. Jill the tour guide said that her daughters have all 60 books. We wondered how to sign Aggie's baby boy up on the list.

Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson slept (still sleep?) on the roof of Tootsie's because Tootsie didn't want them sleeping on the street.

Tim McGraw is on the bad boy list at the Ryman. He swore backstage and he got his first strike. If he breaks any other rules he's banned from the building for life! And yes, they do have a hall monitor to watch for rule breakers.

Johnny Cash is the only person who was allowed back into the Ryman after being banned for life. Hank Williams didn't show for four consecutive shows and was banned. And the only excuse they take for being late is if you were in a Nascar race.

In preparation

I pretty much spend my time thinking about where the next large monument or statue will be seen.

For example, I walked through Barnes and Noble today to get to the mall. The first thing I saw on the display table in front of me was the Guinness Book of World Records for 2011. This, I thought to myself, is exactly what I need for my adventures. I could look up the official "world's largest" and make sure I was actually seeing the world's largest whatever.

I looked up frying pan, but I didn't see it in there. I did find the world's largest gnome, though, located in Poland. I need to go to Poland now.

But I decided that I need to find some official records or these places I visit, to make sure they are the official record holder. I suppose either way I'm seeing something really big and out of the ordinary, which is pretty awesome, but I'd like to see the officially biggest of these roller skates or rocking chairs.

I spend quite a bit of time on the following websites, as well. I recommend them if you are looking for the world's largest duck or what have you:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roadside_attraction/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_World%27s_Largest_Roadside_Attractions/
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/

I also google a lot of the world's largest. Sometimes this gets me into trouble, like the time I tried googling "world's largest bra." It came back with a lot of big chested ladies, but I know I saw a picture of an overly sized bra in my searches and I have yet to find it.

Also, I applied to be a Finnair Quality Hunter. It would be the perfect opportunity to go international to see some of the world's largest. For example, the world's largest gnome in Poland! http://rethinkquality.finnair.com/about/

Take a look at the competition; it's pretty entertaining: http://rethinkquality.finnair.com/entrants-gallery/

Origins

You may be wondering why I went to visit the world's largest frying pan. You may not care. For those in the former group, here is the answer to your question. And this may look familiar if you read Dutranation, so sorry for the redundancy.

In 1996, a John Travolta film hit theaters. Well, actually, a couple probably did, but it is this specific movie that inspired me to visit these roadside attractions. That movie was Michael. The story of a fallen angel that agrees to be interviewed by two tabloid reporters as long as they take him to see a couple of American originals, such as the world's largest ball of twine.

I still recommend the movie, whether or not it inspired me from my childhood to now. In fact, I should watch it again. And it's not just a story about a fallen angel visiting really big things. It's got Andie McDowell, William Hurt, Oliver Platt, and an adorable dog.

In July I went home to visit my family. Sitting on my bed I usually find a collection of items my mom has collected because she knows I'll appreciate them. Included in the pile that month was this clipping:


I don't think she remembered me talking about this after watching Michael, and I am not sure why she kept this clipping, but boy did it make my day! I finally had a place to start my adventures!

I continued to research different large sculptures and statues from around the world. I found the closest one was in Long Beach, Wash., and decided to make that my first American original to visit.

You may ask yourself, why even bother to visit these places? My answer to you is: why not? Clearly someone in that town or city built these structures to attract foreign visitors. In my research I found that there is actually a documentary in production about the efforts of small towns to attract tourists.

I don't know if I'll be able to visit every one of these tourist attractions, as many of them are in cities I've never heard of or seen on a map. I'm going to try to visit as many as possible, and even go overseas if I can. As an employee of an airline I have the added bonus of transportation at my fingertips. There are also multiple claims to fame of similar objects. For example, there are apparently three world's largest balls of twine.

Put it to my quirky personality to have me look for these objects. I mean, who in their right mind would intentionally hunt for the world's largest roller skate? But it's more than just seeing the claim to fame of the city I visit. I'll be contributing to the local economy, bring back stories of a place I would not have ventured to if it weren't for the landmark in their fair city, and hopefully I'll bring back some great pictures.