A Traveler’s Guide to Roadside Attractions

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Just a heads-up: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. I only share products, places, and experiences I truly love and think you will too. Thanks for supporting Around Dusty Roads and helping me keep the adventure going!

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📝 Lists: These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

I love lists. I like to check off the things I’ve done and review the things to come. One of my favorites? A well-worn copy of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. It’s part bucket list, part daydream fuel.

Every now and then, I stumble across a list of Roadside Attractions—those quirky, unforgettable stops that dot the highways like exclamation points. Starting in the 1920s and ’30s, the rise of the automobile road trip sparked a craze among entrepreneurs to build eye-catching structures and clever advertisements to lure passing motorists. The trend flourished through the 1950s and ’60s, often considered the “Golden Age” of roadside Americana. Route 66 was famous for it. And yes, I’ve driven parts of Route 66 myself.

Rt 66 2011 – Photo Credit Deb Neumann

⏳ Time Is Passing

Sadly, as time marches on, many of these roadside oddities are falling into ruin—or worse, being sold to developers and replaced with modern billboards and generic signage. The charm fades, but a few gems still linger.

📍 Three Attractions That Linger

Here are three roadside wonders I’ve personally visited—and they’ve left a lasting impression.

🦖 1. Wall Drug Store — South Dakota

Located near Badlands National Park, Wall Drug is more than a pharmacy—it’s a full-blown destination. Think kitschy souvenirs, an 80-foot animatronic T-Rex, and a dining room that serves up hearty fare. When people say “You can’t miss it,” they mean it. Just follow the signs off Route 16.

Wall Drug Store 2011- Photo Credit Deb Neumann

Thanks to a catchy jingle—
“Get a soda / get a beer / turn next corner / just as near / to Highway 16 and 14 / free ice water / Wall Drug”—
the cars started rolling in and haven’t stopped since.

🦕 2. Dinosaur Park — Rapid City, South Dakota

After a snack at Wall Drug, why not swing by Dinosaur Park? Built in 1936 during the Great Depression, this hilltop attraction features a towering 80-foot brontosaurus and six of its prehistoric pals.

Dinosaur Park Rapid City SD 2011- photo credit Deb Neumann

The idea was sparked by local discoveries of dinosaur bones and footprints—and it worked. The park captured traffic headed toward Mount Rushmore and became a beloved symbol of Rapid City. Today, the brontosaurus still stands tall, watching over the town like a gentle giant.

Big Brontosaurus- Rapid City photo credit Deb Neumann

 

🧜‍♀️ 3. Weeki Wachee Springs — Florida

Heading south to the Sunshine State, I was on the hunt for manatees—and found mermaids instead. Weeki Wachee Springs is famous for its live mermaid shows, a nostalgic nod to old Florida charm. But like the vintage ads say, “Wait—there’s more!”

Mermaid Show Weeki Wachee Springs 2012 – photo credit Deb Neumann

Visitors can take a nature boat ride, go kayaking, or splash around in the water park. It’s a fun day for all ages. And yes, if you’re lucky, you might just spot a manatee gliding through the springs. ( Yes, that’s me swimming with the baby manatee)

Baby Manatee

Manatee Whisperer 2017

 

A Gothic Cat Tree That’s Drop-Dead Fabulous

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🖤 “Paws of the Crypt”: A Gothic Cat Tree That’s Drop-Dead Fabulous

This Halloween, give your feline familiars a throne worthy of their mysterious majesty. The Heavy Duty Gothic Cat Tree isn’t just a scratching post—it’s a statement piece for cats who rule the night. With blood-red accents and a coffin-shaped bed, it’s the purrfect blend of spooky and stylish.

Whether your cat is a curious vampire or a lounging ghost, this single-tier tree offers spacious comfort and eerie elegance. Designed for large cats who love to sprawl, scratch, and survey their haunted domain, it’s built to last through nine lives and beyond.

Available at Welcominghaven.com Here

🎃 Why Your Cat Will Love It

  • Spacious Coffin Bed: Measuring 23.8 x 16.1 inches, it’s deep enough for dramatic naps and midnight musings.
  • Stable Square Base: At 13.8 x 13.8 inches, the heavy-duty box keeps things grounded—even when your cat’s zoomies go full poltergeist.
  • Elevated Platform: The 19.7-inch rise from base to bed gives your cat the perfect perch to judge mortals from above.
  • Tree Branch Accent: Standing 23.6 inches tall, it adds a whimsical, witchy vibe that’s more Salem than suburban.

Crafted in bold black and red, these Gothic Themed cat trees turns your living room into a haunted haven. It’s not just décor—it’s a lifestyle upgrade for cats with flair. Order Here

Globlazer Heavy Duty Gothic Cat Tree, 72in Large Cat Tower with Coffin Bed, Sturdy Maine Coon Cat Tree for Large Cats 20 lbs+, Medieval Castle Style with 6 Scratching Posts & Hammock, S72, Black & Red

🕸️ Affiliate Disclosure

Heads up, cat lovers! This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that fit the vibe of Around Dusty Roads and make tails wag (or curl mysteriously around a candle).Thanks for supporting Around Dusty Roads and helping keep the storytelling flowing

Want to add a little haunted luxury to your home? This Gothic Cat Tree is more than a Halloween treat—it’s a year-round throne for your furry familiars. Banner and Balboa would approve.

Banner and Balboa – photo credit Deb Neumann

 

 

Crispy Deliciousness

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🥔 Crispy Delicious Potato Skins

I always assumed those cheesy, crunchy appetizers known as potato skins were deep-fried. But recently, I stumbled across a recipe for oven-baked skins—and I had questions. Could baking really deliver that decadent, crispy shell? Let’s dig into the golden goodness and find out. Feel free to chime in with tips, tricks, or tasty tweaks. To help you get started, I’ve included affiliate links to appliances that make crispy success a breeze.

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.

🧑‍🍳 To Fry or Not to Fry—That Is the Question

Traditionally, restaurant-style potato skins rely on deep frying to achieve their signature crunch. However, modern recipes often swap the fryer for the oven or air fryer, offering a healthier twist without sacrificing texture. Regardless of the method, most versions get loaded with cheese and bacon, then baked just long enough to melt the toppings into gooey perfection.

🔍 How Restaurants Make Potato Skins

Here’s the classic process, step by step:

  • Bake: Start by baking whole potatoes until tender.
  • Scoop: Slice them lengthwise and scoop out the centers, leaving about ¼ to 1 inch of flesh.
  • Fry: Drop the shells into hot oil until they turn golden and crisp.
  • Top: Fill each skin with cheese, bacon, and green onions.
  • Bake Again: Pop them back in the oven to melt the cheese.
  • Serve: Finish with a dollop of sour cream and serve hot.

🌿 Healthier Variations Exist

If you’re looking to lighten things up, you’re not alone. Many home cooks and restaurants now offer baked or air-fried versions that skip the deep fryer altogether.

  • Baked Skins: After scooping, brush the shells with seasoned oil and bake until crisp. A quick broil at the end adds extra crunch.
  • Air-Fried Skins: These deliver a similar texture with less oil and faster cook time.

🧀 Loaded Baked Potato Skins (Oven Method)

Servings: 4
Prep Time: ~1 hour

Allrecipes

Ingredients:

  • 4 large baking potatoes, scrubbed
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp ground paprika
  • ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 4 green onions, sliced

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Gather all ingredients.
Step 2: Prick potatoes with a fork and bake until tender—about 50 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 3: Let cool slightly, then slice lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a ¼-inch shell. Save the scooped potato for another dish.

Step 4: Mix olive oil, Parmesan, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper. Brush mixture over both sides of the skins.

Step 5: Bake skins for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp.

Step 6: Sprinkle with cheese and bacon. Return to oven for 2 minutes, just until cheese melts.

Step 7: Serve hot, topped with sour cream and green onions.

 

Mine didn’t win any beauty contests—and I was fresh out of sour cream—but they still turned out crispy, cheesy, and downright delicious. If you’ve got a favorite twist or topping, I’d love to hear it!

photo credit Deb Neumann

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love and think you’ll enjoy too. Thanks for supporting Around Dusty Roads and helping keep the storytelling flowing

Find Small Appliances Here 

And at Welcoming Haven

The Great Computer Caper

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The Great Computer Caper: A Tale of Cords, Confusion, and Cat Interference

There comes a time in every digital wanderer’s life when their trusty old computer begins to sound less like a machine and more like a wheezing accordion. Mine had started sighing audibly every time I opened a browser tab. It finally laid down its virtual head to enter sleep mode never to awaken again.  It was time.

Chapter One: The Seduction of Specs

I entered the electronics store with the confidence of someone who’d Googled “best computer for bloggers” exactly once. The sales associate greeted me with a smile that said, “I’m about to upsell you into oblivion.” Suddenly, I was knee-deep in acronyms—SSD, RAM, GPU—and nodding like I understood any of it. I picked the one that looked sleek and promised “lightning-fast performance,” which I later learned was code for “you’ll need a dongle for everything.”

Chapter Two: Setup or Summoning Ritual?

2+ Thousand Computer Wires Mess Royalty-Free Images, Stock Photos & Pictures | Shutterstock

Unboxing the new machine felt like opening a treasure chest—until I realized it had no USB ports. My printer, camera, and external hard drive stared at me like abandoned pets. I bought adapters. Then adapters for the adapters. Banner tried to chew one. Balboa sat on the keyboard and activated Siri in Spanish.

Chapter Three: The Migration Mayhem

Transferring files was less “drag and drop” and more “drag and sob.” My old computer refused to cooperate, like a jealous ex. Passwords were forgotten. Cloud backups were mysteriously missing. At one point, I considered hiring a teenage hacker or just starting a new life as a forest-dwelling poet.  Even after desperation forced me to JustAnswer  it took the technician 2 days to help me find my Lightroom app.

Chapter Four: Victory (Sort Of)

Eventually, everything was set up. The screen was crisp, the speed was glorious, and I could open ten tabs without hearing a death rattle. Sure, I still don’t know what half the icons do, and yes, I accidentally sent an email with a cat emoji signature. But I’m back online, baby.

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Have you survived your own tech upgrade saga—or are you still tangled in cords and confusion? Drop your story in the comments and let’s commiserate.
And if you’re looking for cat-proof cables, adapters that actually work, or a chair that won’t judge your posture, check out my favorite finds below. Banner and Balboa approved (mostly).

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Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through this link—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love and think you’ll enjoy too. Thanks for supporting Around Dusty Roads and helping keep the storytelling flowing

🪑 Chair of Champions

Ergonomic Synthetic Leather Gaming Chair
When your computer setup feels like a medieval quest, this chair is your throne. With diamond-stitched faux leather, a massaging lumbar cushion, and a retractable footrest, it’s built for bloggers, gamers, and anyone who’s ever Googled “how to sit like a human.” Banner may still try to chew the armrest, but at least you’ll be reclining in style.
Check it out

🖥️ The Comeback Computer

Gateway 23.8″ All-in-One Desktop
This sleek machine boots up faster than your cat can knock over a coffee mug. With a vivid Full HD display, AMD Ryzen 5 processor, and enough ports to make a dongle cry with joy, it’s the perfect upgrade for bloggers, creators, and digital wanderers. Comes with a wireless keyboard and mouse—because cords are so last meltdown.
Explore the specs

💼 The No-Frills Workhorse

15″ Windows 11 Laptop with Intel Pentium J3710
If you’re looking for a reliable laptop that won’t break the bank—or your back—this slim, featherweight machine delivers the essentials without the drama. With a crisp 1080p display, 256GB SSD, and 8GB RAM, it’s perfect for blogging, browsing, and battling inbox chaos. No flashy lights, no touch screen tantrums—just solid performance and a battery life that lasts longer than your average Zoom call. Bonus: it’s light enough for Balboa to nap on without triggering a system crash.
See the specs and snag the deal Here

Available at Welcominghaven.com

 

 

 

Autumn in the Haven

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🍁 Autumn in the Haven: Where Cozy Begins

There’s a hush that settles over Taunton when the leaves begin to turn. The air sharpens, the light softens, and even Banner seems to nap a little deeper, curled in a sunbeam that flickers through golden branches. At Welcoming Haven, autumn isn’t just a season—it’s a feeling. A slow exhale. A velvet dusk.

This year, we’re celebrating the shift with our Autumn in the Haven collection: a curated blend of textures, tones, and tiny joys designed to turn your home into a sanctuary.

🕯️ Light the Season

Start with scent. Our Aroma Candles are infused with notes of cedarwood, clove, and a whisper of orange peel—like a forest kissed by firelight our Alpine Forest brings the outdoors inside. . Banner insists the “Vanilla” candle smells like breakfast in a treehouse. We don’t argue.

Affiliate spotlight: Fall Candle Set – “Smells like a forest kissed by firelight” – Apple Cider, Hot Cocoa, Maple Latte, Pumpkin

🛏️ Nesting Instincts

Balboa has claimed the Velvet Headboard as his personal throne. Rich in texture , it turns any bedroom into a retreat. Pair it with our Bath Sheets—plush enough to rival a cat’s nap pile—and you’ve got the makings of a perfect autumn cocoon.

Affiliate spotlight:
Velvet Headboard – “Where dreams fall like leaves”


Bath Sheets – “Wrap yourself in a cloud kissed by pine”

🍽️ Gather & Glow

Whether you’re hosting friends or just plating up a solo snack, our Ceramic Plate Set brings rustic elegance to the table. Think speckled glaze, earthy tones, and a shape that feels handcrafted—because it is.

Affiliate spotlight: Ceramic Plate Set – “Serve up autumn with every bite”

 

🐾 From Our Haven to Yours

This season, we invite you to slow down. To savor the rustle of leaves, the flicker of candlelight, and the quiet companionship of a cat curled nearby. Autumn in the Haven is more than a collection—it’s a moment. And it’s yours to create.

Explore the full collection here, and let your home tell its autumn story.

Affiliate Disclosure:
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely love and that fit the cozy, nature-inspired spirit of Welcoming Haven. Thank you for supporting my small business and helping me keep the candles glowing and the cats purring.