Off the Beaten Path: Unpacking NY & PA’s Curious Roadside Attractions
Nothing beats a summer road trip with windows down, music playing, and the open road stretching ahead. But no adventure is complete without those unexpected stops: silly, unique, and odd places that capture your imagination, causing you to pull over and explore. For American Adventure Month, we’re spotlighting charming, eccentric, and memorable roadside attractions in Pennsylvania and New York.
Haines Shoe House – York, Pennsylvania
Just outside York, PA stands a house taken straight from a fairy tale. The Haines Shoe House is a five-story building shaped like a work boot. Built in 1948 by self-proclaimed “Shoe Wizard” Mahlon Haines, the home has exchanged hands multiple times since. Though initially built as a promotional stunt for Haines’s shoe empire, the house has served many purposes over the years, including an unconventional billboard, an ice cream shop, and a museum. Now, the house is available for overnight stays through Airbnb, with bedrooms tucked into the toe and heel, an outdoor dining area, and even a hot tub! Whether you stay the night or pull over to snap a photo, this towering boot embodies entrepreneurial flair and Americana charm.
Balanced Rock – North Salem, New York
In the quiet countryside of North Salem sits a natural wonder known as Balanced Rock, a 60-ton granite boulder precariously set atop five smaller stones. Scientists believe the Balanced Rock was deposited by melting glaciers thousands of years ago. However, its perfect balance and positioning have sparked myths, legends, and plenty of puzzled visitors. It’s New York’s own Stonehenge! At the Balanced Rock, there’s no admission fee, no signs, no fences; just a pull-off by the road and a jaw-dropping sight that reminds you how strange and beautiful nature can be.
Secret Caverns – Howes Cave, New York
If you're up for a folksy, underground adventure, head to Secret Caverns in Howes Cave, New York. Discovered in the 1920s, this lesser-known neighbor of Howe Caverns features hand-painted signs along the highway, humorous tour guides, and a breathtaking waterfall buried 100 feet underground. The guided tour showcases unique geological features with special nicknames, such as “Liberty Bell” and “Frozen Niagara.” Finally, the caverns maintain a cool 50 degrees all year round. For a memorable, awe-inspiring way to beat the heat, consider visiting Secret Caverns!
Bedford Coffee Pot – Bedford, Pennsylvania
Coffee is a lovely complement to a morning drive, but this is excessive! This 18-foot-tall coffee pot was built in 1927 by David Koontz to attract passing motorists. Originally, the coffee pot served sandwiches and coffee to customers of Koontz’s gas station (a precursor to the modern convenience store.) In 1937, the coffee pot was relocated and attached to a hotel where it served as a bar and lounge. Now, the structure resides near the entrance of the Bedford County Fairgrounds, a nostalgic monument to the golden age of American road travel.
Big Mac Museum – North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
For many, stopping for lunch at McDonald’s is road trip must. One McDonald’s location in North Huntingdon has a unique claim to fame as the birthplace of the Big Mac. This restaurant houses the Big Mac Museum, which honors the iconic sandwich. Invented in 1967 by local franchise owner Jim Delligatti, the Big Mac sent ripples through the fast-food industry and remains a household name to this day. Inside the museum, visitors can view vintage ads, original packaging, and the world’s largest Big Mac statue. It’s a supersized tribute to fast-food history that makes for a lunch break to write home about.
Cherry Springs – Coudersport, Pennsylvania
There’s no better way to end a long day on the road than admiring the night sky. Cherry Springs State Park, right outside of Coudersport, is known for its incredible stargazing. The area’s low light pollution and wide-open sky consistently rate Cherry Springs among the 7 best stargazing locations in the world. On a clear night, lucky viewers might see a meteor shower, Venus, the Northern Lights, or the Milky Way. A night at Cherry Springs can be truly transcendental and the perfect conclusion to a summer of adventure.