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Jack Kerouac inspired a whole generation to drive across the United States in search of the unknown. Back then, Kerouac relied heavily on meeting people and making stops to keep himself occupied during his long drives. These days, more and more roadside attractions are popping out for those who want to spice up their road trip around the highways and back alleys of the country. From towering dinosaurs to visiting the King of Rock, here are the top 5 locations that you need to visit during your road trip around the country.
Iowa 80 – The world’s largest truck stop
Throughout the course of your road trip, you need to rely on the number of truck stops and pit stops where you can use the bathroom and enjoy the local delicacy. If you want to visit the ultimate truck stop, then head on to Interstate 80 where the world’s largest truck stop is located. Iowa 80 is a sprawling truck-stop that’s located in a 200-acre land. Much like ordinary truck stops, you can choose from the variety of food services and get a full tank in one of the fifteen refilling stations. It’s huge and it’s wonderful.
Cadillac Ranch – Where cars come to die
Built in 1974 by an art group called Ant Farm, Cadillac Ranch is an art installation that shows how the Cadillac car has evolved throughout the years. Brightly painted Cadillac cars emerge from the ground at an angle that is reminiscent of the Great Pyramids of Giza. Bruce Springsteen famously wrote a song about his experience when he visited the site. Today, people are encouraged to write graffiti and add their own artistic flair to the installation pieces.
General Sherman Tree – The largest currently living tree
Measuring over 250 ft. tall, the General Sherman tree is a giant sequoia tree that can be found at the Sequoia National Park in California. The age of the tree is estimated to be between 2,300 – 2,700 years old making it one of the oldest trees that’s recorded. The tree is a sight to behold and although weather conditions continue to wear the tree down, it continues to thrive and is expected to live for another thousand years.
Graceland – Long live the King
With over 600,000 visitors every year, Graceland is considered to be one of the most visited private homes in America just trailing behind the White House. Graceland is of course, Elvis Presley’s 13-acre mansion in Memphis. The place is declared as a National Historic Landmark and it was the place where the King died back in 1977. You can tour around the mansion and see how the King lived within the comforts of his kingdom. Once you’re done with the tour, pay your respects to the King by visiting his grave nearby.
Cabazon Dinosaurs – Park for dino-lovers
If you want to relieve the feeling of Jurassic Park but don’t want to be chased by a genetically cultivated T-rex, then the Cabazon Dinosaurs in California is the best roadside attraction that you can visit. Just a short distance from Palm Springs, the dinosaurs were constructed in the 1960s. Visitors frequent the area to see Dinny the Dinosaur, humongous Apatosaurs and Mr. Rex, a T-rex sculpture that weighs more than 100 tons. The site has an open-air museum and a sand-pit where kids can join in on the dino dig activities.
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