Big Things

My few minutes of roadside attraction research last week has really paid off. It certainly extended our travel day (12+ hours), but it has made it a memorable day with our eldest. When I told him that I had researched some attractions, he was excited that this was “more than just a drive.” 

We made a quick stop in Abilene to see the world’s largest horseshoe (stop for coffee was too long though). Our next stop at “Truckhenge” was a success, but our trip through Lawrence, KS was not (too much road construction meant for confusing directions). However, D-man was happy to see Allen Field house and take a picture in front of his friend’s fraternity house. 

Our stop for gas outside KC was quick, but Whataburger was not, but our attitude of going with the flow and no set schedule meant it was all okay. 

Our next stop was the oldest soda fountain in St. Louis - a great stop. And then a drive by the Arch and downtown St. Louis. We detoured off a bit to see the world’s largest catsup bottle before tackling the Illinois part of our drive. 

In Illinois, we saw a fire breathing dragon, the 2nd largest cross in the US and the best spot of the trip, Casey, Illinois: big things, small town (after stopping for gas and Mediterranean food). This town has 13 items that are in the Guinness Book of world records for being “the biggest.” D-man was super excited and it was a fun stop. It didn’t hit me until we were walking around town how perfect a stop it is for a kid who enjoys reading the new Guinness Book every Christmas. We got there right before sunset and walked around the town and saw seven of the largest items. 

We then hit the road to finish the last leg of our drive through the last of Illinois and all of southern Indiana. Tomorrow we enter Ohio and the new phase of our life- the biggest thing in our life at this moment. 

Spangler’s (local KS chain) for some morning doughnuts) 

Largest spur 

Truckhenge (we didn’t go in - just shots from the dirt road) 

Crown Candy soda fountain 

So cute! 

The arch from afar (we got closer than that, but I was driving) 

Largest catsup bottle - had to stop here for Bob 

2nd largest cross 

Largest mailbox - from which you can mail a letter! 

View of Casey from the mailbox - you can see the world’s largest barber pole 

From the mailbox 

The gardens were impressive! 

Largest golf club and a big mousetrap 

Largest wind chimes 

Rocking chair 

Enjoying the stroll through town 

 Largest teeter totter (which we got to ride thanks to the volunteer that happened to be sitting in her car) 

“Riding” the teeter totter 

Largest crochet hook 

Largest tee at the golf course 

Large bird cage (not world’s largest)