The New Roadside America: The Modern Traveler's Guide to the Wild and Wonderful World of America's Tourist Attractions

by Mike Wilkins, Doug Kirby, Ken Smith

There are wacky, one-of-a-kind treasures lurking among the Gaps and Burger Kings alongside our highways and byways, and The New Roadside America hightlights them all--covering every interest and organized for easy reference. 250 photographs; line drawings.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Reference

288 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1992

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went to a book fair with Gina and I found this in the dollar section and I was like, alllright! This is right up my alley!

Then I got home and realized it was written in 1992. Damn! This stuff doesn't exist anymore. This book is full of animal acts, circus side shows, and strange museums so it's more a relic of the past than a guide to random statues and things.

I'm pretty disappointed. I mean, I can't even go to Confederama in Chattanooga, TN anymore. I totally need...whatever racist shit they sold there. And omg, there's no way these space-aged themed hotels still exist. Did they give you those space themed pjs in the picture? Oh god. I will never know.

It's pretty cool that it mentioned Centralia, and the future birth place of captain James T. Kirk.

Not to mention the stupid drive thru redwood and giant Paul Bunyan/Babe the Blue Ox statue in Klamath, Ca. It's hardly worth seeing, but I feel entitled to have my childhood roadside attraction destinations mentioned in every roadside encyclopedia ever.

[Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book, even though it is out-of-date. Many of the attractions mentioned no longer exist, and that is one reason why I added this book to my historical collection. The book is actually educational and interesting! All the pictures are in black and white, but that doesn't detract from the research that was done for the book.

[Kookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made me want to pack up the car and take a long road trip. Super fun!

[Dan Ream · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in 1992, this is now more of a history book about wacky roadside attractions. Far better is the web site that has grown from this book, also called Roadside America, where readers post updates about the attractions described.

[Carye Bye · Rating 5 out of 5]

While almost two decades old, I found this book at a thrift store and read it cover to cover. I love Roadside art, fantastic collections, and the people behind them. This book had a great layout, fun chapters, and good photos. And even though I bet 20% or more may not exist or has changed. It's a fun book just to read about fun places knowing I'll never make it to all of them (unlike their no. 1 fan Wade!) I'm assuming the online Roadside America is related. But I like the book format, and it's a great tradebook size. I've seen a fair amount of the attractions and oddities, but am excited to make some more lists when I know I'll be traveling to a new part of the US. This a wonderful book I'm excited to add to my Museum book Collection!

[Jamie Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this book as one of several guides when traveling across the country. It is hilarious and cleverly written, but doesn't give specific details about where exactly to find things. But if you're smart enough and have a good map (and aren't afraid to ask perfect strangers about some weird, random thing) then you'll find it. Since it's 10 years old, some of it was outdated, but I'd say we managed to find about 1/2 the things of interest in this book!

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

2004 wrote: Found at Thrall, this book was a fun read. Inspired me to get the hell outta here for awhile, which still hasn't happened just yet. What was very cool about this book, was not just the bizarro roadside attracts the authors found, nor their zany descriptions, but rather the inspiration and suggestion for everyne to find their own roadside wonderment. The true essence of a roadtrip is captured. It is the journey, not the destination. Have fun!

[Alyssa Axtell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have an obsession with roadside attractions and this book. I purchased this book and it literally changed my life. Helped me see things that I would perhaps never of discovered without it. I carry it with me every time I travel. I love the photos and the layout. It is designed so you can look at it state by state to find attractions you might want to adventure towards. I have gone many of the places featured inside and have never been disappointed.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love this book. The most accesible and useful of all the "kitschy america roadside attractions" books that Ive read. Once in oakland a homeless guy was selling books off a blanket and I managed to score the 1st edition too.

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a valuable reference for everyone. It is especially helpful for those want to take a vacation but don't have a destination in mind, as pretty much every place in this book provides a good excuse for road trip.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Book. We take it with us when we travel and read through the listings for the state as we drive through. We have stopped at alot of them and not stopped at alot more. If you like wacky and unique things, this is a good one.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book itself is out of date, but still quite useful and fun!

For more recent information on where to go on your roadside trips visit their website: www.roadsideamerica.com

Happy travels!

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fantastic Guide for All Things Crazy to find on day trips or long Extended Road Trips. A Must Have For Any Road Trip Lover.

[SeriouslyJerome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someday, in our Airstream, we'll drive across country, visiting all these places... the largest peanut in the world, the largest chair, etc...

[Johna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book.. I'm a huge fan of kitschy attractions and traveling so this book was interesting to me.

[Anjanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you don’t want to stop at the Hologram Museum with me, or drive out of our way for a photo with a Muffler Man, I don’t even know what we are doing here…

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

My travel bible for years and years