Tat’s Bizarre Travels

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Philadelphia, PA - So, the world’s largest piñata isn’t really a travel destination as much as it is/was an event, but it’s still giant so I’m going to write about it.

The plan, concocted by Carnival Cruise Lines, was to built the world’s largest piñata and crack it open so that 8,000 pounds of candy would shower a parking lot of onlookers. It didn’t really happen that way, thus disappointing all that had come to watch… and nearly causing a riot. All in attendance were hugely disappointed, and although I was sad, there were some highlights that made it worth while.

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Hopwood, PA - I’ve been to Laurel Caverns loads of times in my former life a a Girl Scout, but it’s been a good 20 odd years since I’ve been there and it had yet to be viewed through my cynical eyes. So I jumped in the car for a quick drive up to the Laurel Highlands in order to revisit the only cave I’ve ever been in.

The first thing I noticed was that as a Girl Scout you don’t really get to enjoy the slightly out of the way scenery (Import Export Tire’s Muffler Man), or the cool sights you may see as you drive along Route 40 (Searights Toll House). Instead you stay on course until you get to your camping spot and then spend the evening building fires and singing songs about bears chasing you up Redwoods. This trip was much more informative. I also haven’t built a fire in 20 odd years…well unless you count the one’s I built in trash cans in college, thus proving that the camp fire badge was less than worth the effort.

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Uniontown, PA - I’m really beginning to dig the muffler men. They’re an easy attraction to spot, which is just fantastic. All you have to do is turn a bend that there they are, larger than life and with a steely grin. This time the muffler man I sought stood guard at a tire store. Seems kinka apropos…too bad they weren’t a muffler shop.

The Paul Bunyan style giant hangs out in front of Import Export Tire and is dressed in a burly red and blue. It doesn’t appear to phase the tire guys that there’s somebody outside snapping pictures, they just continue on with their work. I don’t think they’re rude, just used to it. I imagine they get that everyday.

The best part of the tire shop is the sign above the office door:

The Men Who Know Tires Best

I’m fairly certain that the muffler man knows tires best of all.