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Art & Inspiration A cool roadside attraction!

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Ron Funkhouser, Jan 1, 2018.

  1. Boneyard51
    Joined: Dec 10, 2017
    Posts: 6,440

    Boneyard51
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  2. KustomLincolnLady
    Joined: Oct 17, 2003
    Posts: 1,030

    KustomLincolnLady
    Member

    Omg it was horrible, there was a sign warning motorcylist whole bridge was grates. And there was a curve on it. It was hard gettong the bike back to our side it pulled you over into the oncoming traffice side. The Mackinaw bridge isn't bad at all on the grates.

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  3. KustomLincolnLady
    Joined: Oct 17, 2003
    Posts: 1,030

    KustomLincolnLady
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  4. KustomLincolnLady
    Joined: Oct 17, 2003
    Posts: 1,030

    KustomLincolnLady
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    Beautiful chapel in Sadona, Frank Lloyd Wright was one of the designers FB_IMG_1540342268670.jpeg

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  5. I've visited that chapel in Sedona. It's a fantastic drive to get there and the view from the chapel is breathtaking. Thanks for posting. It brings back great memories.
     
  6. Dan Greenberg
    Joined: Aug 18, 2008
    Posts: 8,014

    Dan Greenberg
    Member
    from Parker, CO

  7. Dan Greenberg
    Joined: Aug 18, 2008
    Posts: 8,014

    Dan Greenberg
    Member
    from Parker, CO

  8. Thanks Dan for all your great photos too. I only take pictures with my cellphone. I took this one yesterday.It's not cool, but a sad reminder of a sad time this week.:( The flag was at half mass. For the victims of the Pittsburg shooting. ( So Sad ). I went to leave and my starter motor had died. Called my good friend Gene (Oh Henry) on here, to come and save the day! THANKS, Ron.... 20181103_190344.jpeg

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  9. Stogy
    Joined: Feb 10, 2007
    Posts: 26,345

    Stogy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Thanks Dan...there's something about old buildings (Service Stations even better)
    that just works with Ole Cars...:rolleyes:...If they are sinking into the ground even Better...:D
    Last time I went by it was still there but time is definitely taking its toll...​
     
  10. I took the kids and grandkids on Air Force One yesterday. No not really, it was just a replica. lol This is a photo of the real one so I can find this thread with my phone. :rolleyes: Ron....[​IMG]
     
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  11. A few photos from yesterday. 20181106_073434.jpeg 20181106_073357.jpeg 20181106_073319.jpeg 20181105_114438.jpeg 20181105_114957.jpeg 20181105_114438.jpeg

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  12. I took the kids to the MGM casino in Md. No I'm not a gambler, I've never even bought a lotto ticket. Lol But the building and Hotel is a must see. [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Nov 10, 2018
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  13. i.rant, Bowtie Coupe, Lil32 and 6 others like this.
  14. loudbang
    Joined: Jul 23, 2013
    Posts: 40,276

    loudbang
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    Best Grandpaw strikes again :)
     
  15. Petejoe
    Joined: Nov 27, 2002
    Posts: 12,263

    Petejoe
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    from Zoar, Ohio

    One of our long weekend trips across state.

    [​IMG]
     
  16. jnaki
    Joined: Jan 1, 2015
    Posts: 9,288

    jnaki

    upload_2018-11-13_4-19-21.png The only lighthouse in all of Orange County.
    Hello,

    Victoria Beach in Laguna Beach is one of our favorite beaches. It was on our daily to do list from 1972-76. It is one that cannot be seen from the busy PCH Coast Highway. It is only found by wandering down a curvy road from the main highway to the beach area in between a bunch of homes. The beach is fairly private, only populated by the usual locals and some fearless visitors.


    There is little to none in the parking spots, as the locals need the spaces for their own vehicles. Yes, some have garages, but other multiple housing places do not. The fearless usually park across the busy Coast Highway and walk under the roadway to the beach.

    The beach itself is so pretty and isolated, in contrast to the crystal blue waters. Since parking is a premium, the attendance at this beach is limited, even on holidays. The beach is nice because of the isolation and less people. The problem with this beach is that it is considered a "deep water" beach.

    The sand beach slopes directly into the water and at high tide, the depth of the water is instantly overhead as anyone walks gently into the deep blue ocean. Larger swells, there is a side current / outflow that is pretty dangerous. At low tide, the skimboarders have used these waves for many years. It is not a surfboard kind of place.

    Jnaki

    But, the interesting thing about this beach, besides its hidden location is something just around the first big point north. Around a few rock outcroppings is the most unusual thing about this part of the coast: Orange County’s only “lighthouse.” Visiting it from the beach is done during low tide and the outgoing surge. You can get trapped during an incoming tide.

    upload_2018-11-13_4-21-33.png
    “The staircase to Victoria Beach is hidden in an alley between two homes on Victoria Dr. Take the steep stairs down to the beach, hang a right around a rocky outcrop, and you’ll be greeted by one of the most unique sights in Orange County -- what appears to be a Middle Ages lighthouse clinging onto the side of the cliff. Also known as “Pirate Tower” to locals, the enigmatic 60ft-tall structure has been the basis of many an urban legend. The truth behind it? California State Senator William E. Brown built it (along with his home on top of the cliff) in 1926. The tower contained a metal staircase allowing him and his family easy access to the beach below.”

    upload_2018-11-13_4-25-43.png
     
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  17. Just wondering if anyone's traveling this Thanksgiving? If so, be safe and post some cool pictures of the roadside. Here's a few photos from last year. We'll be staying home this year. So the family will be having turkey at our house.:) Ron...... 20171013_134137.jpg 20161106_153107.jpg 20171013_133704.jpg Also this is a good time to say thanks, for your post of {Roadside Attractions} this past year.:) Ron....
     
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  18. Looking at that last photo I get the sense that you’re the,umm, chairman Ron.


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  19. Mtn Goat
    Joined: Apr 1, 2017
    Posts: 28

    Mtn Goat
    Member

    Neptune on the Virginia Beach boardwalk. Thanksgiving trip up the east coast. We ended up in your neck of the woods Ron in Ashburn, Virginia at my sister in laws. VBneptune.jpg VBneptune sign.jpg
     
  20. Cool Jeff, my oldest daughter lived in Ashburn. They now live in Point of Rocks Md. We like having Thanksgiving at Va. beach. The family likes seafood much better than they do turkey. This year we had Turkey, and HAMB at our house. But the kids and grandkids said, they want to go back to the beach next year. Yeah, I like the beach much better too!;) Ron...... A few photos from last year. 156.jpg 175.jpg 149.jpg
     
  21. verde742
    Joined: Aug 11, 2010
    Posts: 6,267

    verde742
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    GREAT MODEL... Wonder if it has "bump steer "....[​IMG]..
     
  22. loudbang
    Joined: Jul 23, 2013
    Posts: 40,276

    loudbang
    Member


    Does having seafood on turkey day make you CRABBY? :rolleyes:

    Sorry I couldn't resist that one :)
     
  23. jnaki
    Joined: Jan 1, 2015
    Posts: 9,288

    jnaki





    upload_2018-12-2_3-57-32.png
    Hot rod travel influence in Ojai, CA window shopping.

    Hey Ron,


    It is great that your family goes to a ton of places. That is the plan with a close family. We made our annual Thanksgiving road trip to the Santa Barbara area arriving at Goleta, CA. The trip was a roundabout way since we knew of the past week’s inland/coastal fires (we all saw on TV) that crossed Freeway 101 and burned over coastal Highway 1 at the Malibu Coast. So, a few miles North of the 101 Freeway allowed us to by-pass any traffic (North-South) that those recovering fire/telephone/electrical workers/ homeowners and “looky loos” would create.

    The East-West freeway/country road allowed us to go on the backside of the damaging fire areas and skirt into Ventura for a side trip to Ojai, (on the way to the late afternoon, Goleta hotel check in.) This was an area that we have not driven in quite some time, 35+ years. It was pure back woods, So Cal, country, roadside attractions.

    “Ojai, which means 'nest' in the native Chumash language, is a stone's throw from Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.”


    The Ojai city location is in the Los Padres National Forest. Nearby, there is Lake Casitas, the site of the 1984 Olympic Rowing events. The Highway 150 from Ojai to the lake, continues and ends up in Southern Carpenteria, between Rincon Point Beach and Carpenteria’s Nature Preserve. It is very scenic and a cool cruising road for hot rods or anyone.
    upload_2018-12-2_4-2-48.png
    In the late 60s and into the 70s, the Santa Barbara area hot rodders had several car rallies and shows in downtown, Ojai. It is home to the famous Ojai Valley Inn. (Starstruck? This place has them in droves...) But, the two scenic highway drives into Ojai from the South and East are worth the trip. The Western highway (150) towards Santa Barbara is just as scenic and creates a fun atmosphere on the winding country road, ending up right at one of the best surf spots on the California Coastline.
    upload_2018-12-2_4-4-21.png
    The downtown area is full of little shops. There are tons of restaurants and coffee shops, too. In one of the little shops along the covered downtown area, a little old Ford pickup sign kept swaying in the breeze as people went in and out of the small store. I was waiting for the door to open to get a clear shot of that hanging old Ford pickup sign.
    upload_2018-12-2_4-6-4.png
    One of the oldest and for us, the best Mexican Restaurant is Agave Maria’s. It was established in the mid 60s. But, the new owners recently renovated the restaurant and it was outstanding. No waiting and the food was superb. It is located on a side street, so one must know where it is as other restaurants are littered all over the main street.

    The most historic building just happens to stick up by the side of the main road through the town. It is the old, Bell Tower Post Office at the Southern end of the street. It just exudes history and is located next to a scenic, community park and playground.

    upload_2018-12-2_4-11-14.png
    Vnak photo

    San Diego architect Richard S. Requa designed the domed, four-story Spanish tower after the campanile over Christopher Columbus' tomb in Havana. It was built in 1917. The tower is closed for viewing, but the post office lobby is open 24-hours a day.

    The 65-foot bell tower of the Ojai post office tolls every hour between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. and peels out patriotic tunes at noon on amplified Westminster chimes. The tiny door to the spiral staircase is locked to all except volunteer bell keeper, a local contractor, who has kept the chimes tolling over Ojai for 21 years.

    On June 30, 1975, the Ojai Post Office tower and sidewalk portico became Ventura County Historical Landmark No. 26, along with an old Sycamore tree in Libbey Park nearby.

    upload_2018-12-2_4-12-10.png
    Being avid readers, we could not pass up the very unusual converted old house and outdoor patio into a giant bookstore. (So, we actually asked for directions to this unique place!) Bart’s Books is off of the main street and is/was a converted, old, Ojai home. The roofline covers most of the bookshelf areas. But, during a blinding rainstorm, the open roofing tile areas probably get the books wet.
    upload_2018-12-2_4-13-50.png
    "In 1964 Bart’s Books was little more than a sparkle in the eye of Richard Bartinsdale whose collection of books had gotten so overwhelming that he constructed a series of book cases along the sidewalk so that passersby could peruse the titles."
    upload_2018-12-2_4-14-50.png
    "In lieu of a cash register, “Bart” left coffee cans atop the book cases. People would select a title or two and leave payment in the cans, giving birth to Bart’s world famous tradition of selling books via the honor system.

    Since that time Bart’s Books has become host to nearly one million books ranging from the thirty-five cent specials which line the outside walls and are still for sale on the honor system, to rare, out of print first editions, and art books valued in the thousands of dollars.

    Nearly half a century after its inception, Bart’s Books continues to mystify patrons, journalists, and book lovers with a character and charm that beggars description and a selection of books that is beyond compare."

    Jnaki
    Ojai is a little out of the way, but portrays some of the small roadside attractions all over So Cal. Like other historic places, this whole portion of the inland, coastal area has many places that would fit in the category. "Cool Roadside Attractions..." Thanks and keep it going, Ron !


    P.S.
    The drive back down the coast through Malibu was very sad. The normal green countryside, during the fall season, was pitch black with many burned out homes and structures. The construction workers were still doing their thing to get the public back on track.
     
  24. BrerHair
    Joined: Jan 30, 2007
    Posts: 5,005

    BrerHair
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Cool Americana thread Ron, great Sunday morning read. My dad, son, son's friend, and I went about 11 years in a row to the annual Battle of Cedar Creek reenactment in Middletown, VA. starting in late '90s. Our great-grandfather was taken prisoner of war that day by Gen. George A. Custer's troopers (Oct. 19, 1864) and he spent the remainder of the war at Point Lookout, MD prison. The Battle of Fisher's Hill in your post was one month before Cedar Creek. Our grandfather was a private in the 20th South Carolina Volunteer Infantry, part of Jubal Early's Army of the Valley.
    We really enjoyed our annual trip to your beautiful Valley, so much American history and natural beauty.
    BillyZach&Custer.JPG
    2013-10-20 13.49.38.jpg

    We did many side trips during those years. My daughter and grandkids were living in DC at the time. One year we took my dad to the WWII memorial, he was a corporal in the Army Air Corps in '44-45.
    IMG00097-20101017-1223.jpg

    Enjoyed this thread, thanks!
     
  25. Jnaki, We've been keeping you and California in our prayers. It's so sad about the wild fires. Thanks for making this a fun thread, and also for keeping it going so long. I really enjoy your history of Hot Rodding, and surfing back in the 50s and 60s! Also thanks ( BRERHAIR) I grew up playing on that battlefield. My grandparents home place is on the Fishers Hill battlefield..Here's A few fun pictures of, { The Awakening an 1980 sculpture } :) Ron... 20181108_185256.jpeg 20181108_185053.jpeg 20181108_184533.jpeg 20181108_184143.jpeg 20181108_184847.jpeg

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    Last edited: Dec 3, 2018
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  26. Kerrynzl
    Joined: Jun 20, 2010
    Posts: 2,905

    Kerrynzl
    Member

    Lake Tekapo , in the McKenzie district NZ [visible from the state highway]
    The Church of the Good Shepherd. This is usually swarming with Asian tourists getting wedding photos
    Lake Tekapo Church of the Good Shepherd.jpg
    If you stay in overnight at Tekapo township at the campground right on the lakeside .
    Get up and go for a walk about 3.00am .
    The night sky is the clearest in the world [astronomers come from all over to Mount John observatory which is only 6 miles from Tekapo]
    Lake Tekapo Night Sky.jpg
     
  27. Kerrynzl
    Joined: Jun 20, 2010
    Posts: 2,905

    Kerrynzl
    Member

    30 miles up the road along the same state highway is the beautiful Lake Pukaki Mount Cook in the background.
    On a nice sunny day both Tekapo and Pukaki lakes glow a bright green colour [it looks like camera trick photography]
    It is actually "Glacial Flour" made from ground-up fine particles of quartz suspended in the water.[from glaciers]
    If you get tired of the scenery, you can buy fresh pink Salmon from the roadside stalls in the car park.
    Lake Pukaki.jpg

    Mount Cook Viewpoint with Lake Pukaki.jpg
     
  28. jnaki
    Joined: Jan 1, 2015
    Posts: 9,288

    jnaki

    upload_2018-12-18_5-9-36.png 4 windmills in Solvang, CA.
    Hello,

    We have a history with the little town of Solvang, CA. From the time my dad used to drive us on a coastal (fishing/camping) vacation car trips to later, visiting Grandma and Grandpa in nearby Santa Ynez, to having my brother’s family in Santa Barbara and stopping by our favorite restaurant in the whole valley, Mattei’s Tavern in nearby, Los Olivos. The place was a fun to visit countless times. We even went to the hospital at the south edge of Solvang because of an emergency for my son.


    California really does have everything. In the same state that has one of the tallest mountains in the lower, USA, Hollywood and some of the oldest living trees in the world, also sits the strange and awesome, fully Danish town known as Solvang. Only a short distance off Highway 101, Solvang is a fantastic place to visit and a great spot for a weekend getaway. It was a perfect place to stop for a rest/food, coming down the 101 highway South from the Bay Area, or going north from the OC.

    In Solvang, there were many hot rods and custom car shows in the late 60s early 70s. The place was just built as a backdrop for having those cool cars rolling around the city. It was a time that Solvang was a hot rod destination, as the ride on the 101 Freeway North or South in this area was pretty outstanding. If one were to choose any of the inland routes, the mountains, lakes and forested area views are also outstanding. The top of the San Marcos Pass is so high, the cruise downhill back into Santa Barbara gives the hot rod occupants, views that makes shivers while not riding in an open roadster.

    Jnaki

    In all of So Cal, this area is full of great places with tons of views, ocean, mountain, ranches, wineries, and lakes. There is a secret (or not so secret) hot springs area just off of the 101 freeway and a desolate single lane road from one side of the mountains (Santa Ynez side) to the top and back down to the ocean at Refugio State Beach. That is a drive, for sure, only in dry weather.
    upload_2018-12-18_5-10-32.png
    One of the most well-known stores in Solvang is the shoe shop with the giant wooden shoe sitting outside. We have seen people put their kids in the shoe for pictures and do pretty much every other type of pose you could imagine. If you are looking to buy shoes, they have a wide assortment, as well with all of the brands you would expect. These are not the “sneaking up or quietly walking around “style of shoes.
    upload_2018-12-18_5-24-35.png
    In the 60s and 70s, there was a big yellow clog in the nearby park, where a lot of kids got there photo taken, sitting inside of the shoe. This was when the red shoe was not in front of the shoe store. The big, yellow shoe was in competition with the “balancing rock” that is still in that community park in the middle of town. The yellow clog is gone, but the balancing rock is still there.
    upload_2018-12-18_5-25-3.png Christmas in Solvang


    “Staying on SR 246 past La Purisima, we soon see that the roadway connects with nearby Buellton, then heads on to California’s haven for windmills and wooden shoes---Solvang. Solvang means sunny field in Danish and the small, European-like fillage is indeed enveloped in the sunny fields of the Santa Ynez Valley. The village was founded in 1911 by Danish Lutherans who were seeking a refuge for their way of life. Today, the popular tourist destination with windmills, Ebleskiver (Danish buttermilk pancake balls), and wooden storks perched on rooftops boasts a healthy population of Danish speaking natives.”

    “Most California tourists know of Solvang’s old world shopping and bakery offerings. But, a few worthwhile discoveries lie off the main beat of the village. For a tranquil country canyon drive, turn on Alisal Road in town, off of the main thoroughfare, Mission Boulevard and head south. A great bike or car ride, the country road slides downhill into the canyon filled with oaks. Along the shady road is the Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort, tucked away past the golf course, Sycamore groves, grazing cattle and horses.”

    “The Alisal, whose name means “Sycamore Grove” in Spanish, was once a prosperous cattle ranch. The resort’s current owner purchased 10000 acres of the ranch in 1943 to winter his cattle. Alisal is the epitome of a world-class resort, steeped in true western culture.”

    One last nearby restaurant that is a "do not miss"...built in 1886:
    upload_2018-12-18_5-26-50.png Mattei’s Tavern in Los Alisos, just 10 minutes away from Solvang.

    Note: They are currently remodeling the restaurant. But, back when it was open, a Wisteria covered back patio gave the summer dining, extra points for ambience. During the winters, the dark, historic, interior was a refuge from the surrounding weather. The food was always outstanding.


    The menu was worked over by us every time we stopped here for a great dinner event. (No, we do not own stock in this establishment! It is just a Cool Roadside Attraction that has been the stopover destination of many local area hot rod folks and travelers like us…)

    “Built in 1886 as a stagecoach stop by Swiss American Felix Mattei, the tavern provided an inn, a dining room and a bar for travelers making their way up and down California via the rugged San Marcos Pass. It also represented the southern end of the line for the narrow-gauge Pacific Coast Railway that linked the Santa Ynez Valley all the way up to San Luis Obispo.

    Mattei’s Tavern became a gathering place for farmers, ranchers, cowpokes, gold miners, politicians, lawmen -- and travelers. As the population grew in the Santa Ynez Valley, it served as a focal point for private and social gatherings and became intertwined with the lives of local residents.

    Over the decades, the tavern's facade and theme remained relatively unchanged, and the Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission designated the inn a historical landmark on Nov. 15, 2010.”

    “Mattei’s Tavern is currently booking Weddings and Private Events on the property. Please contact Taylor, our Event Manager, at [email protected] - (805) 335-3237 - Santaynezvacationrentals.com/events-at-matteis-tavern.”

    “The newly renovated Bungalows are also open and available to rent during our brief closure under the management of Santa Ynez Vacation Rentals. Please contact [email protected] - (805) 770-7100 - Santaynezvacationrentals.com/matteis-tavern for further information.”

    “The restaurant at Mattei’s Tavern is temporarily closed. We expect to reopen in the 2019 while we continue to restore and enhance this beautiful historical property. We look forward to bringing you an unforgettable and authentic dining experience in the near future.”
     
  29. Thanks Jnaki, for sharing more cool stories of places that I would love to visit. :) Has anyone seen any cool roadside HAMB Christmas decorcations?[​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Dec 19, 2018
  30. I did take the kids to Washington D.C. To see the White House decorations, and the National Christmas tree. You guys have a very Merry Christmas.:) RON.... 20181217_172725.jpeg 20181217_173147.jpeg 20181217_172547.jpeg 20181217_121201.jpeg 20181217_111418.jpeg

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