Quirky Attractions for Those Who've Seen Everything
Do your groups think they've conquered every adventure and seen all there is to see? Think again!
These funky, hidden gem attractions offer one-of-a-kind experiences to enthrall even the most seasoned travelers.
PONDEROSA SALOON | VIRGINIA CITY, NEVADA
The Ponderosa Saloon has a deep history—literally. Underneath the popular watering hole is an abandoned gold mine and bank vault dating all the way back to the 1860s. Groups could pull up a stool for a refreshing drink at the bar, follow it up with a tour of the historic mine shaft, step inside the sturdy vault, and admire the more than 300 pieces of mining artifacts and equipment present. The saloon also regularly hosts live music.
THE FARNHAM FANTASY FARM | UNGER, WEST VIRGINIA
What do a large fiberglass dinosaur and a giant Muffler Man have in common? They're two of the many colossal figures that call George and Pam Farnham's yard home. Because of where the Farnham's live, zoning (or lack thereof) allows them to decorate their property with eclectic statues for passersby to enjoy—to the delight of their neighbors. Groups could stop by to admire the figures and even chat with the Farnhams about their ever-growing collection.
DOLE PLANTATION PINEAPPLE GARDEN MAZE | WAHIAWA, HAWAII
If your groups want to be surrounded 14,000 Hawaiian plants on more than three acres of lush land, they're in luck! The Dole Plantation has 2.5 miles of paths that make up the world's largest maze. While seeking eight secret stations throughout the maze, groups could soak up the flora of the islands and enhance their experience with the Dole Plantation app to track their progress. Top off the adventure with a refreshing DoleWhip.
Photo courtesy of Mike Kelly.
PAN AM EXPERIENCE | LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
The Pan Am Experience—created by Talaat Captan, CEO of Air Hollywood, the world's largest aviation-themed movie studio, and Anthony Toth, an airline historian and AvGeek—lets groups get nostalgic in the best way. Located aboard a fully restored Boeing 747 in Los Angeles, the Pan Am Experience allows groups to check in with '70s-style boarding passes and enter the Clipper Club to peruse vintage Pan Am memorabilia before being served cocktails and a delicious five-course meal by Pan Am uniform-clad flight attendants. An optional tour of the rest of the Air Hollywood sets wraps up the experience.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF FUNERAL HISTORY | HOUSTON, TEXAS
Since 1992, the National Museum of Funeral History has educated the public on and preserved the heritage of death care. With over 30,500 square feet of exhibit space, the museum has become the largest educational center on funerary customs in the United States, and perhaps the world. Thousands of visitors each year explore the museum's 15 permanent exhibits of funeral-related topics, ranging from the ancient embalming rituals of Egypt to remembering celebrities and public figures. Groups could even admire Icons in Ash, memorial portraits created with the cremated remains of the deceased, by artist Heide Hatry.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Staff Writer for Groups Today.
Main image courtesy of Chris Wessling.
