As a travel writer since 1977, Candy Harrington has been writing about accessible travel exclusively since 1996. She’s the founding editor of Emerging Horizons, and the author of the popular Barrier-Free Travel national park series. With thousands of bylines to her credit, Candy hits the road often, in search of new accessible travel finds. Candy and her travel photographer husband Charles Pannell reside in NE Washington, where they tend to their chicken flock and enjoy a rural lifestyle.
East Dickinson Boulevard & North Main Street Fort Stockton, Texas
Although he’s no longer the-record-holding “largest roadrunner”, Paisano Pete is still dearly loved by the locals in this gateway town to Texas Hill Country. Built in 1979, old Pete measures in at an impressive 22 feet long and 11 feet tall. He’s located on the corner of Main Street and Dickinson, and unlike many other large statues, he’s kept up by the locals. The even dress him up for Christmas. There’s no official parking area, but there’s a large level dirt lot next to Pete that serves the purpose. And if you’d like to get a closer look at the bird, there’s curb-cut access up to the nice mini-park that surrounds him.
14880 Interstate 90
Valentine, Texas
This permanently installed sculpture by artists Elmgreen and Dragset is located about a mile or so north of Valentine along a lonely stretch of Texas Highway 90. Most likely Marfa Prada takes its name from the the non-profit that sponsored the installation — Ballroom Marfa — as it’s located some 35 miles from the namesake town.
There’s no parking lot per-say for the store, but you can pull over on either side of the freeway, park in a level dirt area and find a barrier-free pathway to the locked building. The faux showroom contains 20 left foot shoes and six purses from the 2005 Prada collection, and it’s been dubbed a “permanent land art project” by the creators.
Although the installation has been vandalized a few times, it’s always been restored to its original state. And today the Prada purses hide part of the elaborate security system. It’s a nice stop in the middle of nowhere, plus you’ll probably also bump into some interesting characters who seem to flock to this popular roadside attraction.
Located about seven miles west of Marfa, this “Giant” Marfa Mural is a series of larger-than-life plywood cutouts that pays tribute to James Dean’s final flick, Giant. The work of John Cerney from Salinas, California, this cutouts depict the characters that James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson played in the 1956 movie. There’s also a large cutout of the mansion that was featured in the flick, which was filmed on the property where the installation stands. Sadly Dean was killed in a car accident before the film was released.
The figures are easier to spot traveling west, but you can still see the silhouettes in enough time to pull over on an eastbound journey. There’s no organized parking, but there’s a level dirt spot in front of the fenced-in figures, with plenty of room to get out and take a closer look. There’s also a small solar panel that powers a country music track — by Michael Nesmith of Monkees fame — that plays on a continuous loop. A must-stop photo op for sure; and it’s about 30 miles east of the Marfa Prada (www.emerginghorizons.com/marfa-prada)
4203 Loring Park
Converse, Texas
If you need a break from the monotonous drive along Interstate 10 near San Antonio, then take a short detour to check out this interesting — and massive — art installation. Just take exit 585 and head north on FM 1516 for about a half-mile. Make a right on Hays Park Road — the Giant Junk Stag sculpture is just down the road.
This larger-than-life stag is perched on a mound of dirt in the first round-about through the upscale subdivision. There’s parking in a level paved lot near the playground, which is the perfect vantage point to view the piece. Crafted by Mexico City artist, Florentino Narcis, this community centerpiece is comprised of junk, including engine parts, rusted fenders, license plates and even a bicycle seat or two. Check it out and see how many scrap parts you can spot. And if you’d like to get a closer look at the sculpture, there’s curb-cut-access to a short sidewalk from the parking area. There aren’t any public facilities at this stop, but this interesting sculpture is definitely worth a short look on the way through the Lone Star state.
This local artist’s ongoing creation is just a short jog off of Interstate 40, about midway between Nashville and Memphis. If you take exit 66 and follow Highway 70 for about eight miles, you’ll find yourself cruising down Brownsville’s main drag, just minutes away from the installation. You can see Billy Tripp’s Mindfield from the street, but for a closer look, park at the Food Giant next door. There’s accessible parking in the lot, and it’s a level roll over to a good vantage point.
Started in 1989 with some salvaged metal, this burgeoning sculpture represents Mr. Tripp’s emotional and personal growth over the years. The installation towers over the nearby businesses, and includes everyday objects that are intricately woven into the piece. From a basketball hoop and a claw foot bathtub, to a canoe and several grain hoppers, it’s clear that just about anything is fair game for inclusion. Don’t miss the water tower, which was transported to the site from a defunct Kentucky factory, and is said to stand as a memorial to the artist’s parents. And when Tripp dies, he’s already got permission from the city to be entombed in his work of art.
A required stop on any Badlands Visit, Wall Drug Store is appropriately located in the hamlet of Wall, South Dakota. Back in the 1930s Dorothy and Ted Hustead brought visitors to their drug store with Burma Shave-like billboards advertising free ice water. Today the operation has expanded, but this iconic drug store still attracts visitors in droves. The most recent incarnation includes everything thing from a life sized-carving of Butch Cassidy and a giant jackalope to a silver dollar bar, a shooting gallery and even a life-sized animated T-Rex. And yes they still have free ice water.
There’s accessible street parking on Main Street near 5th and 6th streets, with level access to most areas of the massive drug store. Stop by and browse, people-watch, shop or have a bite to eat. Stop at the soda fountain for a scoop of their excellent homemade ice cream, and just sit back and take it all in. There’s something there for just about everybody, and there’s truly nothing like it anywhere in South Dakota.
Located in Eastern South Dakota, the World’s Only Corn Palace makes a great stop on any Interstate 90 road trip. This multi-use center hosts stage shows, concerts and sports events, but it’s worth a stop even when there’s no live entertainment. What sets this venue apart are the corn murals that adorn the outside of the structure. Each year they are stripped down and new murals are created, so even if you’ve seen the corn palace once, it’s still worth a return visit.
Accessible parking is available in nearby lots, with level access over to the front entrance. Inside there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair throughout the venue. A free guided tour, which includes a video that tells the story of the corn palace is available. Afterwards, visitors are free to browse through the historic exhibits at their own pace. And if you visit in the peak summer season, you’ll mostly likely see folks adding new murals to the outside facade. Don’t forget to get your photo taken with the statue of Cornelius, the World’s Only Corn Palace mascot. He’s located across the street form the corn palace — just look for the giant ear of corn!
If you happen to be on the way to see the historic Gettysburg Battlefield, plan on a short side trip to Orrtanna for a stop at Mr. Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium. The museum started after Ed Gotwalt received an “elephant-themed wedding gift”, and as he freely admits, “Things kind of got out of hand from there.” Today the collection has grown and his grandaughter Nicole has taken over the museum and candy store.
Located just off Highway 30 W, Mr. Ed’s offers an accessible parking place on a cement pad near the front door; and level access to the front entrance. Inside, there’s plenty of room to navigate a wheelchair through the candy store, and over to the museum proper.
There’s good access to the display area, which is literally lined with elephants. From wicker to ceramic, metal, glass and stuffed incarnations; the museum boasts more inanimate pachyderms than most folks have seen in a lifetime. Notable artifacts include an elephant hair dryer, a Dumbo riding model (a photo op for youngsters), and an unusual sculpture of a head with elephants protruding from the top. Add in the requisite Jim Beam collector bottles, a few elephant clocks and even a lamp, and you have a pretty comprehensive collection.
The candy shop is worth a visit too, as it’s filled with lots of sweets from yesteryear, and includes a large selection of mix-and-match wrapped goodies. Add in a Jelly Belly self-service bar, and an odd selection of edible insects and you’ll find something for just about everyone on your gift list. And don’t forget to sample the home-made fudge — the selection is impressive and the quality is second-to-none.
Built in 1949, this three-bedroom home looks like a giant work boot — a Haines work boot to be more specific. It was built in 1948 by Mahlon Haines to promote his shoe store chain. The 1500-quare foot stucco and wood frame house, which measures 48 feet long, 25 feet high and 17 feet wide, cost $26,000 to construct. Originally used as a vacation spot for newlyweds, it’s also been a public rental space and even an ice cream shop. Today it’s a vacation rental, but you can still drive by and snap a photo or two of this unusual domicile from the street. There’s room to pull off the road and take a gander at the Haines Shoe, but only guests are permitted to go any closer. Unfortunately the home is not wheelchair-accessible, but it’s worth a quick stop on any Pennsylvania road trip.
A must stop along the Mount Hood Infinity Loop (emerginghorizons.com/drive-the-scenic-mount-hood-infinity-loop/), The North American Bigfoot Center includes an impressive collection of artifacts about the “mythical” forest creature. There’s accessible parking outside, with level access to this unusual museum. Along with a life-sized Sasquatch statue for a photo-op, the galleries are filled with photos, videos and other documentation that prove — or disprove — the existence of Bigfoot. Add in some real-life Bigfoot researchers that man the front desk, and you’ve got all the makings for an very entertaining stop. And don’t miss the gift shop.
