Roadside Wonders: Discover New England’s Quirkiest Attractions

Hi,

Welcome to this week’s edition of 'Somethin New in New England'! Today, we’re exploring some of the region’s most unique roadside attractions. These quirky stops are perfect for adding a little adventure and a lot of personality to your next road trip. Let’s hit the road!

🎩 Feature: The Giant Paul Bunyan, Bangor, ME

Standing 31 feet tall, Bangor’s Paul Bunyan statue celebrates the city’s rich lumber history. It’s an iconic New England photo-op, complete with a lumberjack plaid shirt and massive ax. Legends say Paul was born right here in Bangor!

• Location: Main Street, Bangor, ME

• Perfect for: Fun family photos and a quick local history lesson

🦞 Curiosity Stop: The Big Blue Lobster, Rockport, MA

Head to Rockport to see this oversized crustacean statue, a colorful tribute to Maine’s favorite seafood. Known locally as “Big Blue,” this lobster is a fun, unexpected surprise that gives a nod to the coastal culture.

• Location: Bearskin Neck, Rockport, MA

• Perfect for: A quirky seaside photo and a walk through local shops nearby

🧙‍♂️ The Weird & Wonderful: America’s Stonehenge, Salem, NH

Believed by some to be thousands of years old, America’s Stonehenge is a maze of mysterious rock formations with uncertain origins. Some say it’s an ancient ceremonial site, while others think it’s just natural rock formations. You decide!

• Location: Haverhill Road, Salem, NH

• Perfect for: History buffs and mystery seekers

🧁 Sweet Treat: Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard, Waterbury, VT

Pay your respects to discontinued Ben & Jerry’s flavors at this whimsical “graveyard.” Each retired flavor has a tombstone with a witty epitaph, making it a fun stop for ice cream lovers. Don’t worry, plenty of flavors are still available!

• Location: 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury, VT

• Perfect for: Ice cream fans and unique photo ops

🚕 Retro Throwback: The World’s Largest Globe (Eartha), Yarmouth, ME

The World’s Largest Rotating Globe, known as Eartha, is an impressive 3-story, true-to-scale model of Earth. Built by the mapmakers at DeLorme, it’s a must-see for geography fans and anyone who loves giant roadside oddities.

• Location: Route 1, Yarmouth, ME

• Perfect for: Educational stops and massive photo moments

🧭 Pro Tip: Roadside Adventure Essentials

Bring along a cooler with drinks and snacks, a good camera or smartphone, and a map to help you locate these unique stops. Roadside attractions can be quick stops, but they add so much charm and memory to your journey!

Thanks for joining us this week on 'Somethin New in New England'! If you visit any of these roadside attractions, tag us with #SomethinNewInNE – we’d love to see your photos and hear about your adventures. Happy road-tripping!

Best,
The Somethin New in New England Team