Wild Travels
Episode 303
TUGFEST LeClaire, IA & Port Byron, IL
Once a year for more than three decades, two small towns on opposite sides of the Mississippi have shut down river traffic in order to hold a tug-of-war contest; yes, the rope stretches all the way across the river, and yes, the winner will have bragging rights for the next 364 days.
MOVIE MADNESS Portland, OR
Who says video stores are a thing of the past? With its massive selection of movies and amazing array of Hollywood memorabilia, Portland’s Movie Madness is a definite must-see…unlike some of the schlocky films they have for rent.
DINO HOTEL Lakeland, CO
Check in to this inn near Denver and you'll want to check out the incredible collection of fossils that has rightfully earned this place the nickname “DINO HOTEL.” And if you haven't seen enough dinosaur bones in the hotel's lobby, the manager just might take you on a field trip.
WORLD’S LARGEST TRUCKSTOP Wolcott, IA
The Iowa 80 Truckstop is hands down the world’s largest, and boasts a movie theater, 300-seat restaurant, chapel, laundry facility, barbershop, chiropractic clinic, and dentist’s office. For a tired, hungry, disheveled and bored trucker in need of a sermon, a change of clothes and some dental work, this place is nothing short of nirvana!
MOONING AMTRAK Laguna Niguel, CA
Every year on the second Saturday in July, the patrons of the Mugs Away Saloon run out to the nearby railroad tracks and bare their posteriors to a passing train. This singular event is called "The Mooning of the Amtrak", and it just celebrated its 35th Anniversary of shameless exhibitionism.