Big Roadside Landmarks from Hazard, Kentucky & Boston, Massachusetts to Kissimmee, Florida & Inglewood, California
When it comes to people, it seems that we just cannot get enough of things that are big, especially if it is sitting on the side of the road with an open invitation to come and get a closer look as to what it is all about. In fact our appreciation of big things is evident through creative architecture, photography and the documentation of such huge creations documented throughout history. Maybe this is why architects, dreamers and creative souls have invented some of the most intricate, unique, whimsical, and fascinating objects from buildings and breathtakingly aesthetically pleasing things that exist, and are nothing less than stimulating to the eye. Not only because they are big, but because they are unusual, obsolete and they have the power to attract and appeal to our senses.
Across the nation each state offers it’s share of the biggest roadside icons, from buildings resembling food products, famous characters, towers, and other unique objects. Many of these buildings offer educational value, a place to eat, rest or to shop for a local souvenir. Most of these roadside attractions are historical monuments, and even though each of them are unique they are strangely similar in that when it comes to being big, they never fail to keep fascinating us, because in this case, bigger is better.
Big Roadside Icons Located in the United States
Randy’s Donuts: When driving or walking down Manchester Boulevard in Inglewood, California, you cannot help but notice the giant donut that is housed on top of the famous Randy’s Donut building. You will also take note that it is sending subliminal messages to onlookers to come in and sink your teeth into the freshly baked, honey, sugar or chocolate glazed-treats. Built in 1953, the donut chain has been the backdrop in many movies made in Hollywood. Pop-culture junkies snap photos and add the picture of the famous 22-foot circle of fried-dough to their list of historical monuments that are still standing today. As for those sweet smells that overpower the local smog, anyone that lives in the area is well aware of the familiar aroma’s that permeate the air in the southwestern neighborhood of Los Angeles County, located just a few short miles from the LAX Airport. Phone: 310-645-4707
Eli’s Orange World: Kissimmee, Florida welcome’s visitors with the biggest and brightest orange landmark in the world. The top of the fiberglass dome-shaped building resembles one of the Sunshine State’s favorite fruits, but this orange allows for you to physically walk into it. The roadside attraction is a gift shop that has been family owned and operated since 1973, and was crafted to keep you thinking about oranges with the uplifting and gentle reminder brought on by the sweet-citrusy smell of fresh oranges and grapefruits while you shop. Everything from orange-blossom perfume, orange souvenirs, fruit baskets, Indian River fruit, jellies and chocolates can be found under one big building resembling an orange. Eli’s Orange World offers a “order today, ship tomorrow” that guarantee’s customers a fresh product with a full guarantee. Eli’s Orange World is located at: 5395 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, Florida. Phone: 407-239-6031 or 1-800-531-3182.
The Hood Milk Bottle: If you just happen to be walking past the wharf next to the Fort Point Channel or you are outside of the Boston Children’s Museum in Boston, Massachusetts, you will spot a milk bottle that has the potential to hold fifty-thousand gallons of milk. The 40-feet tall wooden milk bottle was built in 1933 and was once an ice-cream stand. The Hood dairy company, founded in 1846 is the largest in New England, so it is no wonder that a huge bottle of milk proudly displays their name. Newly relocated and renovated after being vacant for several years, the bottle today is used for a snack bar and ice cream stand and sits appropriately next to the Boston Children’s Museum, located at 308 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts.
Mother Goose Food Market: This quirky roadside landmark serves as a reminder of the builder’s creativity. George Stacey, an L & N Railroad worker started on his feathered dream in 1935 and finished it five years later. It is a humble abode that would make even Mother Goose proud. The store get’s national attention due to the thousands of tourists that stop in each year to see the huge goose, and to shop. The unusual building get’s local attention because the people of Kentucky grew up with the Mother Goose Food Market being their go-to store for groceries and soft ice-cream. The house has become so famous that it was featured in the New York Times and on the Oprah Winfrey show where Oprah stated to viewers that “when you get a gander at this house in Hazard, Kentucky, you might think you’ve gone quackers”! The oval shape resembles a nest for the goose, and there are eight egg shaped windows. The goose’s head is fifteen-feet high and his body serves as a two-bedroom home, complete with a livingroom, family and dining area. The food mart sells groceries and novelty items, and something unique for just about everyone. Location: 2880 N. Main Street, Hazard, Kentucky.
Sources:
http://www.wqed.org/tv/specials/unusual/orange/index.shtml
