Virginia’s 10 weirdest roadside attractions

Of all of Virginia’s roadside attractions, these are by far the weirdest. 

Virginia is known for its history, natural beauty, and charming small towns, but tucked away along its roadsides are some of the quirkiest, most unexpected attractions you’ll ever find. Forget the usual tourist traps; from Foamhenge in Centreville to The Coffee Pot House in Lexington, these 10 bizarre sights offer a glimpse into the commonwealth’s quirky side.

Buckle up and get ready for a road trip unlike any other, as these unique stops promise to surprise and delight even the most seasoned traveler.

Foamhenge

15621 Braddock Rd. Centreville, VA 20120

There’s no need to travel to Wiltshire, England, to see Stonehenge when you can make a quick try to Centreville to see Foamhenge. The full-size replica made entirely of Styrofoam has been amazing visitors to Cox Farms since 2017. Originally created in 2004 by artist Mark Cline of Enchanted Castle Studio, the structure previously stood in Natural Bridge. Located on private property, Foamhenge is accessible for limited hours during the spring and summer but can be viewed during the fall with the Fall Festival and Fields of Fear admission. 

Giant roller skate at Rollerworks Family Skating Center

12099 Marsh Rd. Bealeton, VA 22712

Rollerworks Family Skating Center has taken roller skating to the next level with the giant skate that sits outside the center. It has been dubbed the world’s largest roller skate. Made from wood and plaster, it has been a popular roadside attraction since the 1980s. Be sure to stop and get your picture beside it.

“Stonewall” Jackson’s arm in Ellwood Cemetery

36380 Constitution Hwy. Orange, VA 22960 

While most cemeteries contain the full body of the deceased, Ellwood Cemetery, a non-assuming family cemetery, only serves as the final resting place for Confederate Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s arm. In fact, his arm was buried there in 1863 during the Battle of Chancellorsville. The location of Jackson’s arm was memorialized in the early 1900s when his former aid organized the creation of stone markers in places associated with the Confederate Army in Northern Virginia. The marker at Ellwood Cemetery reads: “Arm of Stonewall Jackson, May 3, 1863.”

Photo courtesy of Slave2TehTink/CC BY-NC 2.0.

Menokin

4027 Menokin Rd. Warsaw, VA 22572

Menokin is a literal glass house. The 18th-century house served as the home of Francis Lightfoot Lee, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. After falling into a state of ruin, the house underwent an extensive restoration effort spearheaded by architect Machado Silvetti. As part of the effort, innovative display techniques were used to reveal the historic fabric of the ruin in its current state, with missing portions of the original house replaced with architectural glass. The effect is a unique combination of stonework and glass. 

Dinosaur Land

3848 Stonewall Jackson Hwy. White Post, VA 22663

Who needs Jurassic Park when you can visit Dinosaur Land right here in the Commonwealth? The historic park features 50 life-sized dinosaurs that will sure captivate adults and children alike. Self-guided tours are available. 

Photo courtesy of Matt Lehrer/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Mount Trashmore Park

310 Edwin Dr. Virginia Beach, VA 23462

They often say that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, but in Virginia Beach, it turns out that one man’s trash is another man’s park. Beginning in the late 1960s, the city converted a 640,000-ton pile of garbage into the nation’s first landfill park, which has come to be known as Mount Trashmore Park. Today, the main mountain is 60 feet tall and 800 feet wide. Created by compacting layers of solid waste and clean soil, it is recognized as an environmental feat. The park also features a smaller mountain and two lakes.

Photo courtesy of m01229/CC BY 2.0.

Statue of Liberty at American Celebration on Parade

261 Caverns Rd. Quicksburg, VA 22847

There’s no need to travel to New York to see the Statue of Liberty when a miniature, yet still impressive in size, version can be found at American Celebration on Parade at Shenandoah Caverns. In fact, the building is choked full of memorabilia from America’s entertainment and political history, including parade floats, props, and stage settings. Be sure to pose for a picture with the Statue of Liberty on your way inside. 

Photo courtesy of Shenandoah caverns.

The Coffee Pot House

1870 E. Midland Trail Lexington, VA 24450

If you love a good cup of Joe, you’ll love The Coffee Pot House on US Highway 60. The two-story corrugated metal structure is rounded and features a spout, giving the appearance of a coffee pot. A nearby large coffee cup completes the set. Those who visit it are said to leave coffee cups outside.

Mini Graceland

65 Riverland Rd. SE Roanoke, VA 20414

Those who love the “King of Rock and Roll” and want to see his famous Memphis home, Graceland, should visit Mini Graceland instead. The attraction is a collection of small structures that resemble the real thing. Located in the front yard of a house, it was erected in the late 1980s by a man who loved all things Elvis Presley. It even includes a life-size statue of the icon. Despite going through periods of decline, Mini Graceland has continued to attract visitors to the quiet neighborhood at the base of Mill Mountain. 

Roanoke Star

2000 Jb Fishburn Pkwy. SE Roanoke, VA 24014

Roanoke’s answer to the famous Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles, the Roanoke Star cuts a striking image from its perch on top of Mill Mountain. In fact, it’s the largest free-standing man-made illuminated star in the world. Erected in 1949, it stands at 88.5 feet in height and weighs 10,000 pounds. Its 2,000 feet of neon tubing is primarily illuminated in white but occasionally turns red, white, and blue for special occasions.

Photo courtesy of Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.