The first stop on our journey to the Ship this year is Dallas. Coincidentally that’s also where we’re hoping to end up come January for the BCS National Championship.
Either way it’s safe to assume that one way or another, you may end up on a road trip to Dallas this year. Since the ominous 13 hour drive is bound to get unpleasant at some point, take a break from driving and stop at these weird roadside attractions.
Whether a large animal sculpture or one of the world’s largest somethings, this list will keep you entertained on your way to the Cowboy Classic.
1. Top Gun Mufflers: This sculpture made entirely of car parts is only the first notch on the totem pole of roadside weirdness. At 10 feet tall, this muffler man advertises a car garage shop and pleasantly greets visitors passing through Lafayette. Directions: I-10 exit 100 (Ambassador Caffery Pkwy). Drive south, then make a left at the McDonald's onto US Hwy 90/Cameron St. The muffler sculpture will be on your right, less than a mile.
2. Giant Frog: Smack dab in the middle of the frog capital of the world, Rayne, Louisiana, this dapper frog is decked out with a tuxedo and top hat. The town itself has hundreds of frogs decorating the streets and windows but this one standing at least 20 feet tall is right off the freeway and waiting for you to snap a pic with it. Directions: I-10 exit 87. Drive south on The Blvd/Hwy 35/98 for a quarter-mile. The statue will be on the right, just as the divided highway loses its divider.
3. El Camino Chicken: If you’re planning on getting gas anywhere in Alabama during your short drive through there plan on stopping in Irvington for the El Camino Chickens. With a larger than life statue of a chicken and a hen fused into a 1977 El Camino, this chicken themed gas station will have you clucking and chuckling the rest of the ride there. I-10 exit 10, then south to Irvington. Around two miles east of town, at a gas station on the south side of US 90/Government Blvd/Spanish Trail, at the intersection of Padgett Switch Rd.
4. Giant Armadillo: Once you’ve made it into Houston stop by Goode's Armadillo Palace in West University for some good BBQ and a view of the infamous large armadillo. With added longhorns, piercing red eyes and smoke pouring out from it’s nostrils is more reminiscent of a demon yet it has continued mesmerizing visitors since 2008. Directions:Just south of US Hwy 59 at 5015 Kirby Drive.
5. Beer Can House: Also in Houston is a unique house lined solely with flattened aluminum beer cans, approximately 39,000. You can simply drive by at anytime of the day or call for a weekend tour. If ever there were a house for college kids to appreciate, this would be it and it’s sure to get you in the mood for some serious tailgating and pregaming. Directions: From I-45, just south of the intersection of I-10, take the Memorial Drive exit. Head west about a mile. Soon after you pass the North Shepherd Drive exit you will make a right on Malone St. The Beer Can House is two blocks north, on the right.
6. Beatles Statue: Almost everyone can appreciate a good Beatles tribute. This 36 foot statue of the infamous band is only one of the few sculptures located on this artist’s studio lot. The picture opportunities are unlimited and if a picture with a giant Beatles statue doesn’t get you at least a hundred Instagram likes then I don’t know what will. Directions: Northwest side of downtown. I-10 767-B, then south on Taylor St. for six blocks. Turn right onto Summer St. and drive to the end.
7. 30 Foot Eyeball: After traveling from Chicago to Wisconsin and then to Dallas, this eyeball has finally settled in a downtown park. Standing 3 stories tall, this glaring artwork is inspired by a picture of his own eyeball, with the veins, iris and all. This modern art is certainly a sight to see while in Dallas. Directions: Downtown. On the north side of Main St. between N. Ervay and N. Akard Sts. Gated, but visible from the street.
