Mugwump Talks Roadside Distractions

A writer in the Traveling Stories Magazine calling himself Mugwump wrote about something dear to my heart. And that would be the so-called "tourist trap" both of yore and as they exist today. Give me a stop at the world's largest ball of twine, picnic basket, or hare,or at Mule Trading Post or Totem Pole Trading Post, and I am just a happy lad.

Mugwump says that also often they are fee free and, he has an "affection" for them. They are Americana and stubbornly refuse to be digitalized, lazerized, or any other such -ized that may signal their capitulation to 21st century sensibility. They are the last vestiges of the traveling carnivals and freak shows that are the stuff of childhood wonder and dreams- if not nightmares."

Well put Mugwump!! I couldn't have said it better.

There are still new "tourist traps" being made. The new Pops store and restaurant in Arcadia, Oklahoma, right on good old Route 66, comes to mind. This is a throwback to the old days.

Also, any trip on Route 66 in Illinois needs to go by Rich Henry's Rabbit Ranch in Staunton. The first time through there, we got lost and stopped at a convenience store and asked for directions. I was a bit confused when I was told to look for the camels. What would camels be doing in Illinois? Oh, Campbell Express' "Snortin' Norton Humpin' to Please" trucks. And did I mention rabbits, both the real ones and Volkswagens.

Lovin' Those Old "Tourist Traps." --RoadDog