Virginia has its own fake Stonehenge, and this one is much easier to transport. “Foamhenge,” built by artist Mark Cline, opened on April Fool’s Day in 2004. It’s a full-scale recreation, and while the story goes that ancient British druids hauled the huge stones across hundreds of miles, Cline probably didn’t even need help to carry all of these fake rocks.
The attraction was dismantled in 2016, only to move to its current location in Centreville, Virginia. If you feel the need to stop here, jump out, take a pic, and then keep driving. There’s literally nothing else.
The Other End of Elvis
You've heard about the famous mansion, Graceland, but now marvel at the humble home of one Elvis Aaron Presley, in Tupelo, Mississippi. Visit and you'll be treated to a museum site that features wonders: a two-room cottage where Elvis was born in 1935 – and was built by his father – a chapel, and an Assembly of God Church where Elvis and his family worshiped.
Elvis wasn't even all that old before the family had to move out. Nothing wrong with being a big Elvis fan and making a stop. Just don't expect too much.
Everything's Bigger in Texas, Including the Disappointments
The Big Texan restaurant in Amarillo, Texas is sure to grab your attention. It's covered in Texan fineries, like flags, steers, bright colors, and advertisements. Taxidermy covers the walls, and the Wild West is alive and well both in the restaurant and the gift shop.
Prices are high, crowds are dense, and the food is mediocre. Their famous steaks have been described as “tough and dry.” Texas is huge, and while it may seem like you're in the middle of nowhere most of the time, there are lots of other attractions that are more worth your time.
West Virginia's Worst-Kept Secret
The Congressional Bunker was supposed to be a place for Congress to hide out during national emergencies (the code name was “Project Greek Island”), but word got out before too long, which sort of defeats the purpose. It's been turned into a luxury resort. You can not only stay there, but you can also take a tour.
Despite a beautiful exterior, it's still a bunker. For a tour price of thirty-four dollars, you'll get to visit cinder block walls, wooden bunk beds, and canned foods. Look at pictures online instead of wasting your time and money here.
It's a Prison! Take the Kids!
Wyoming is the least-populated state in America, but even they have some things to see. The Frontier Prison sits on the National Register of Historic Places, and was in use for eighty years, from 1901 to 1981. If you visit, they even let you take a seat in the gas chamber.
If you're a fan of the macabre, this dark, gloomy structure might be right up your alley. It even has an interactive tour. How interactive, you ask? Our reporter hasn't come back yet. Even if you do visit, maybe the kids should stay at home.