Stops at weird and wonderful roadside attractions are a part of the fun of a cross-country trip. Georgia has its share of these wayside oddities, including statues of giant food, unusual museums, enchanted gardens and even a cryptic message carved in stone.
Recognized by the Smithsonian Institute as the world's largest museum of this type, the Lunchbox museum is housed in the International Marketplace. It has been featured on the Food Network, Roadside America and The Today Show. The museum features thousands of metal lunchboxes circa 1950 through 1989, displayed alphabetically. Favorite topics include Hot Wheels, Knight Rider and Star Wars. Admission is free and includes access to the "barter room," which features collectible lunch boxes for sale.
The Lunchbox Museum
318 10th Ave.
Columbus, GA 31901
706-332-6378
lunchboxmuseum.com
According to Roadside America, more than a half-million people visit Rock City each year. Visitors come largely in response to the famous "See Rock City" slogan painted in black on a red background that adorns barns and billboards across the country. They wind their way along the "Enchanted Flagstone Trail," enjoying varied gardens and vignettes populated by gnomes and animal statues. Popular points include "Fat Man Squeeze," "Swing-Along Bridge" and "Lover's Leap." Rock City's founders claim that the view from Observation Point includes seven states on a clear day. As of 2010, admission was $17.95 for adults and $9.95 for children aged three to 12, with kids under three free.
Rock City
1400 Patten Road
Lookout Mountain, GA 30750
706-820-2531
seerockcity.com
In 1979, a mysterious stranger paid $50,000 to have an engraved granite Stonehenge replica erected outside Elberton... then left town, never to be heard from again. The stone features writings in Egyptian hieroglyphics, classical Greek, Sanskrit, and Babylonian cuneiform, as well as English, Russian, Hebrew, Arabic, Hindi, Chinese, Spanish, and Swahili. The stone dictates 10 "commandments" for future generations. Visitors can see the stones from Highway 77.
The Georgia Guidestones
1065 Guidestones Rd.
Nuberg, GA 30707
thegeorgiaguidestones.com
This 13-foot monument to America's 39th president sits in Jimmy Carter's hometown of Plains. It bears a wide grin intended to replicate that of the former president. Visitors can view the monument any time, but are encouraged not to deface it, as vandals and souveneir-seekers have inflicted damage during the 30 years of the statue's history.
Jimmy Carter Peanut
Highway 45 N
Plains, GA 31780
229-824-7701
