These are just a few more artifacts that make Virginia so much fun. We’ve compiled a short list of Virginia’s most bizarre destinations.
Up to Speed. Weighing a mere 34 tons, one of four manganese bronze ship propellers from the S.S. United States once propelled the 990-foot ship, built in 1951 and retired in 1969. It remains the world’s fastest ocean liner (45 mph vs. Queen Mary 2 at 35 mph). The Mariner’s Museum, 100 Museum Dr., Newport News. 757-595-2222. MarinersMuseum.org
Hokey Pokey Extreme. Originally a float for a fireman’s parade in the early 1980s, the Guinness-certified world’s largest roller skate is 10 feet tall and made of wood and concrete. Just outside Warrenton, the skate is considered a local landmark, though the roller skating rink it once heralded is now closed. 12099 Marsh Rd., Bealeton.
A Head for Nuts. And who wouldn’t think to convert a former tar silo into a 30-foot-tall nutcracker head? Lighted at Christmastime to welcome the season on a colossal scale, it’s green with a black hat. Berry Hill Rd. and Blue Ridge Dr., Orange.
Garden Tools. Giant rusty watering can and flower pots, made of carbon steel, were reviled by townspeople when they were installed in 1999. They remain at the entrance to downtown Staunton and are now a source of delight for many. Highway Median Garden, 201 Greenville Avenue, Staunton.
Down Under. Built in the 1850s, but only accessible for a bike ride or stroll since 2020, the Blue Ridge Tunnel is 4,273 feet long and 700 feet underground at its mid-point. Deep below the surface of Afton Mountain, it’s an uncanny constant 50 degrees year-round. Those who’ve been through say that you must take a warm jacket, water, and two flashlights in case one conks out, because it’s pure darkness.
East trailhead: 215 Afton Depot Ln., Afton.
West trailhead: 483 Three Notched Mountain Hwy., Waynesboro. BlueRidgeTunnel.org
Healing Powers. The story of Edgar Cayce, aka “the sleeping prophet,” and his many clairvoyant “readings” are the focus of exhibitions and resources at The Association of Research and Enlightenment (ARE). Tapping into the “universal consciousness” while in a trance-like state, Cayce provided specific medical recommendations from the 1920s until 1945, much of which was the subject of plenty of debunking and controversy. Here, on the site of his hospital, you can browse card catalogs for ailments like leg pain and see what he had to say (follow a diet of Irish potato skins). 215 67th St., Virginia Beach. EdgarCayce.org
Bumpers and Flippers. Taking a serious approach to a fun game, the Roanoke Pinball Museum informs on the “science, art, and history of pinball.” But it’s not all academic—there are interactive exhibits, too. As in, visitors can actually play on their 70+ perfectly maintained machines that date back to 1932. 1 Market Sq. SE, Roanoke. RoanokePinball.org
Bare Bods. Named with a clever wink, White Tail Resort Family Nudist Community is all about sunning and funning in birthday suits. Pickleball (of course), a pool, bingo, dancing, darts and lots more activities await those who wish to stay in the motel, campground, or an RV clothing-free. Clothing is allowed, however. 39033 White Tail Dr, Ivor. 757-829-6123 WhiteTailResort.org
Subterranean Sounds. Deep underground at Luray Caverns is the Great Stalacpipe Organ, the biggest musical instrument (3.5 acres) in the world. Since 1956, stalactites (vertical rock formations) have been tapped with 37 rubber mallets to produce tones. It plays automatically during every cavern tour. 101 Cave Hill Rd., Luray. 540-743-6551. LurayCaverns.com
Poe’s Pad. While a student in 1826 at the University of Virginia, poet Edgar Allan Poe resided in room number 13 of the prestigious West Range. The school’s Raven Society, of which he was a member, maintains it for visitors who can peek in the door to see the room appointed as it would have been when he was a student. West Range #13, McCormick Rd., University of Virginia, Charlottesville
This is web-exclusive content from the October 2024 issue.
