Mr. Bendo Muffler Man in Chicago, Illinois

Mr. Bendo Muffler Man in Chicago, Illinois (Blue Ridge, Georgia)

Muffler men are tall fiberglass sculptures created by International Fiberglass in Venice, California, that were once popular advertising icons on the roads of America. There were many types of this roadside attraction produced — classic, Bunyan, cowboy, Indian — and they are found holding everything from hot dogs to American Flags. Another type is the …

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ROAD TRIP Light painting

Road Trip! Photos From a Quick Illinois Road Trip

ROAD TRIP! Over the weekend I took a quick Illinois road trip and drove around to a few roadside attractions near Chicago to check out a few of the best Illinois roadside attractions. I’ve already seen all of these oddities on previous road trips, but they were all worth a second look. It was a …

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Buckingham Fountain in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago’s Buckingham Fountain

It’s kind of sort of freezing here in Chicago. And snowy. Very snowy. I’m itching to get away (in fact, I spontaneously decided to plan a road trip to Texas in a few months!) but for now I just am wrapping myself in my Snuggie (don’t judge, my mom gave it to me for my …

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World's Tallest Abraham Lincoln Statue in Ashmore, Illinois

Abraham Lincoln Roadside Attractions in Illinois

In honor of Abraham Lincoln’s 201st birthday today, here are some awesome Abraham Lincoln roadside attractions in Illinois! You might not automatically think roadside attractions when you think of our 16th President of the United States but he is actually the subject of quite a few tourist traps in the state. From the world’s tallest …

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Tootsie, an iron sculpture in West Side Park in Champaign, Illinois.

Tootsie – the Iron Whatchamacallit in Champaign

Meet “Tootsie,” a colorful metal creature who makes her home in downtown Champaign’s West Side Park! Site: “Tootsie” Iron Statue Location: West Side Park, 400 W. University, Champaign, IL Cost: Free Hours: Always Visible (observe park closing times) Date: October 17, 2009

Superdawg Wheeling Opening Day

Superdawg Wheeling is now open!

Sometimes its 3pm and you’re at work, which means you are also on Twitter (hey, you’re only human) and you see the tweet you and many others have been waiting for too long: Superdawg Wheeling is open. Superdawg was opened in Chicago in 1948 by Maurie Berman and his wife Florence. The neighborhood carhop is …

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Hidden Trout Fisherman Statue, a roadside attraction in Niles/Des Plaines, Illinois

Trout Fisherman Statue in Des Plaines, Illinois (Moved)

This giant trout fish and trout fisherman statue was once found tucked away behind a fence and some overgrown greenery on the side of the road in Des Plaines, Illinois. So overgrown was the surrounding foliage, driving down Golf Road on a Chicago road trip, they’d have been easy to miss. Luckily between my and …

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God Bless America - American Gothic Statue by J. Seward Johnson - in Chicago, Illinois.

God Bless America – American Gothic Statue

While much of American culture is based on the philosophy that “bigger is better,” creating something too big can sometimes be controversial. Currently, in Sarasota, Florida, a 25-foot rendering of “The Kiss,” entitled “Unconditional Surrender” is causing a ruckus and debates between supporters and opponents. While some like the piece and believe that it should …

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Moose (W-02-03), a chrome moose statue on Michigan Ave. in Chicago, Illinois.

Moose (W-02-03) in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago’s Michigan Avenue isn’t considered the “Magnificent Mile” for nothing. A stretch along the street plays home to shops galore, restaurants, skyscrapers, and river views that keep tourists coming back. But alongside business and pleasure there is a wacky side to the street that showcases some of the silliest sites Chicago has to offer. Yesterday …

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Jack Brickhouse Memorial Statue in Chicago, Illinois.

Jack Brickhouse Memorial Statue in Chicago, Illinois

Jack Brickhouse was a Chicago sports legend. Although he wasn’t known for swinging a bat or tossing a pitch he was known for his contributions to both of Chicago’s baseball teams as an announcer. From 1948 to 1981 Brickhouse called Cubs games on WGN-TV and had also called for the White Sox until they left …

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The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book - Everything You Need to Have and Record an Epic Road Trip! By Valerie Bromann

The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book

Everything You Need to Have and Record an Epic Road Trip!

BY Valerie Bromann

Enjoy fun games and challenges to pass the time on your next road trip and have a keepsake to look back on for years to come with this entertaining must-have for your next vacation.

The road trip you’ve been dreaming of starts here! Journal about your stops and get to know your fellow passengers with activities and exercises designed to pass the time and bring you closer together. Instead of “Are we there yet?” you’ll find yourself asking, “We’re there already?”. Complete with prompts you can turn to while driving between locations, this journal will one day be a memento of your life-changing trip.