Tat’s Bizarre Travels

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.

This week I traveled deep into Ohio to see the giant baskets. More specifically the Longaberger baskets. There were three in all to see, but by the time I hit Dresden I was tired and cranky and there was some sort of street fair closing up so I passed. Now kicking myself for doing so. I totally should have pushed through the vendors closing up and visited the house sized basket.

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Jenner, PA - Poor giant praying mantis, he’s a bit worse for wear. According to Roadside America the big guy has been vandalized a number of times. On my visit he was again in less than perfect condition. An antenna had snapped and hanging down his face, poor guy. He’s a bit of cutie, with big red eyes and claws. Unfortunately the store was closed so I didn’t get to hear any stories about his life in Jenner, but I snagged some photos. I just wish that the local kids would let him be so everyone could get a picture of him at his best.