Logan, our 14 year old son, has been working hard from home online now that school is back in session. I keep nearby and attentive to help him stay focused and on track.
Once the kids return to onsite schooling, we won't have to be with Logan anymore. He has teachers dedicated to instructing children with ADD and Autism.
Something that struck out today as I played the role of Logan's aide, is how interesting 8th grade subject matter can be. Roadside Attractions were on the material menu for today's learning.
What Characteristics Define A Roadside Attraction?
Just as the first word in the name suggests, it must be near a roadside. Such an attraction doesn't necessarily have to be on the side of a major road. It should at least have signage (marketing) on a major road and not be too far off for travelers to wander.
In essence, a Roadside Attraction has these three features:
Is at least close to a major roadway and has marketing seen from the major roadway.
Has a product interesting enough to catch the attention of passers-by.
Draws people to an otherwise lackluster area to bring in tourist revenue.
That's right. While Roadside Attractions may not themselves charge a fee for attendance, people tend to spend money when they visit a place for more than a few minutes.
Lunch, gas, refreshments, and souvenirs are a few of the likely culprits that separate people from their earnings when visiting a Roadside Attraction. Of course, the main pull may charge a fee as well.
What Is/Are Your Favorite Roadside Attraction(s)
Some may have been to one just yesterday. For others, it may have been some time ago. But I'll venture a guess that most of us have been to at least one Roadside Attraction in the course of our lives.
Think back if you can to that far off memory or share some pics from a recent adventure! It would be cool to hear about any interesting or even weird Attractions you've visited.
To get those mental wheels spinning, here are three that I've been to. I suppose they qualify as my favorites. That may change after you show me yours! 🤣🤣
🎰🎰 !!!Las Vegas!!! 🎲🎲
Perhaps you didn't think of Vegas as being a Roadside Attraction? It does seem to have many attractions on most every road in town. Take a closer look, though, and Las Vegas meets all the qualifications.
It's right off Interstate-15 in Nevada. Whether you're driving North out of California or South out of Utah, you can't miss Vegas from I-15.
Vegas definitely has the power to draw in a crowd. Finally, it may be the best Roadside Attraction ever known when it comes to relieving people of their money.
🤡 The Circus Comes To Town! 🤡
Vegas has it all. You can see a circus right in Circus Circus if you like. Circuses do travel around and offer ticket sales to the local community. You might not head off the roadside on your travels to attend one, but the signage will still draw ticket sales.
Ever seen Circus Vargas? They used to come round every so often. Growing up, our family went at least one time that I can remember. If you've never been... the sights, sounds, and smells under the Big Top are something special to behold.
🎠 County Fairgrounds 🎠
Every summer (during non-Covid years) we have fairgrounds in Del Mar that come to life for about a month and a half. There's no missing the fairgrounds driving either direction through Del Mar on I-5 when the fair is open.
At the fair, thousands attend daily to enjoy all sorts of weird fried food. Beer gardens exist aplenty with local brewers pouring their craft. There's a ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and other rides that spin til your stomach churns in protest.
Perhaps the best acts at the fair are the bands that come to play on the grandstand. I saw Bob Dylan, Milli Vanilli, Howard Jones, and Big Mountain all at the Del Mar Fair.
So Many Around The World
I only named three out of so many around the world. Roadside Attractions come huge like the Grand Canyon or small (in comparison) like our Carlsbad Flower Fields.
It might be a chain of famous restaurants such as Pea Soup Anderson's or a little Christmas Village. Can you think of a Roadside Attraction that stands out from your travels? I hope to hear about them in the comments below.
Thanks for your time and as always...
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