1. Metal Man riding a pig dog, west Asheville.
Is it just me or does he bear a striking resemblance to Sam the Snowman from the Rudolph Cartoon?
2. Backyard school bell collection, Angier.
This 30-foot structure was built by Mr. Robert Coats. Now deceased, Robert used church bells, school bells, and fireman bells for his display. The "Ringing of the Bells Celebration" is held on July 4th at 12:00 PM.
3. The Odditorium, Asheville
Not your typical dive bar, The Odditorium pairs live music with an array of the strange, the unusual, and the downright weird. From a two-headed duck to an albino rabbit shoved into a jar, some "oddities" are for sale while others change daily.
4. Brevard, Aluminum Tree and Ornament Museum
Open to the public Nov. 23th-Dec.23rd the aluminum tree museum highlights the glory days of tinsel and fake trees. It's the only one in the whole nation. It's full name is The Aluminum Tree and Aesthethically Challenged Seasonal Ornament Museum & Research Center.
5. Speaking of Christmas...there's also Santa's Land Family Theme Park and Zoo in Cherokee.
Christmas happens year-round here at Santa's Land.
6. Maggie Valley
A town that really embraces the saying "lets get weird." Maggie Valley is host and home to some real oddities. For starters, there is the Indian Death Tiki of Awesomeness along US-19. Then, there's Ghost Town in the Sky. A wild-wild-west town located 6,400 feet above sea level and only accessible by ski lift. You can also get your fix of vintage and antique motorcycles at The Wheels of Time Museum.
7. Plastic Flamingo Petting Zoo, Cedar Point
Don't worry, they won't bite! These little flamingos are surrounded by a white picket fence and signs encouraging visitors to give some love to these pink plastic flamingos, or even take one home for adoption!
8. The Angus Barn Self-Kicking Machine, Raleigh
Modeled after the original by Tom Haywood in Croaton, you can give yourself a good kick in the butt with this machine.
9. Reminiscing, the Giant Ode to Marilyn Monroe's Legs, Henderson
I'm just going to leave this here...
10. The 'Disco Chicken' Charlotte, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art.
Originally named "The Firebird" by creator Niki de Saint Phalle, locals started calling the sculpture the Disco Chicken, cause lets face it, Disco Chicken could beat us at a dance off any day.
11. Tobacco Museum Talking Robot, Durham
Half terrifying, half interesting, this larger-than-life talking farmer-robot will teach you about tobacco at the push of a button. That is, if you don't run away in fear first. Watch him in action here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko4CvrL2XJM
12. Fayetteville Eiffel Tower
This 80-foot replica of The Eiffel Tower is used as a creative advertising technique.
13. License Plate Building, Sylva
An array of diverse license plates adorn the side of an automative garage in Sylva.
14. Nina Simone Wavy Keyboard Statue, Tryon.
More cool than weird, this bronze statue pays tribute to Tryon native and famous musician Nina Simone.
15. Harry's Grill and Piggy's Ice, Hendersonville.
This roadside attraction pays tribute to ALL roadside attractions by rescuing abandoned advertising statues and placing them throughout the exterior.
For several of the oddities I wanted to write about, like the world’s largest quilt, the hillside of concrete statues in Slate Mountain, and even the tombstone in the middle of a cotton field, I had so much trouble finding images. Are any of you roadside spectators with a knack for photography? I’d love to use your images(with credit provided to you) so I can elaborate on more fascinating finds in North Carolina. Please leave them in the comments section or send a message to the Only in North Carolina Facebook Page !
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