Balls of Twine, Worlds Largest Statues: Quirky Attractions Await Travelers

As 2013 comes to a close, the team at Grasshaven began to reminisce about the year.  As we started, we thought about our travels.  For fun, we began to compile a list of quirky attractions in each state.  From balls of twine and paint to purportedly large statues, the US is chalk full of crazy and obscure attractions.  Often, all it takes is a little detour to create unique and memorable experiences.  With so many attractions in each state, it actually was a challenge to narrow down the field but here are our favorite, family friendly stops across the US.

We want to know how many have you been too?  

What are the best quirky US attractions you've visited?

Ava Maria Grotto, Alabama

Santa’s House, Alaska

Mammoth Orange Drink Stand, Redfield, Arkansas

London Bridge, Lake Havasu, Arizona

Cabazon Dinosaurs, Cabazon, CA

Randy’s Donuts Inglewood, CA

Coney Island Hotdog Shaped Diner, Bailey, Colorado

Wells Dinosaur Heaven, Connecticut

Huge Doctor’s Bag and Stethoscope, Stanton, Delaware

Largest Aligator, Christmas, Florida

White House Replica, Atlanta, GA

King Kamehameha Statue, Hilo Hawaii

Balanced Rock, Castleford, ID

Lincoln’s Watermelon Monument, Lincoln, Illinois

World’s Biggest Ball of Paint, Alexandra, Indiana

World’s Largest Popcorn Ball, Sac City Iowa

World’s Largest Ball of Twine, Cawker City, Kansas

Worlds Largest Bourbon Bottle Bardstown, Kentucky

Giant Mailbox, Newellton, Louisiana

Lenny, the Chocolate Moose, Scarborough, Maine

Shark from Jaws, Berlin, Maryland

ATM Tree Stump, Greenfield, Massachusetts

Worlds Biggest Tire, Allen Park, Michigan

Jolly Green Giant Statue, Blue Earth, Minnesota

Graceland Too, Holly Springs, Mississippi

Celebrity Mount Rushmore, Branson, Missouri

Worlds Largest Purple Spoon, East Glacier, Montana

Ball of Stamps, Boys Town Nebraska

World’s Largest Fire Cracker, Amargosa Valley, Nevada

Mini Trains in a Train, Gorham, New Hampshire

Insectropolis, Toms River, New Jersey

Giant Rattlesnake Albuquerque, New Mexico

Upside-Down Bridge, Lockport, New York

Big Acorn, Raleigh, North Carolina

World’s Largest Buffalo Sculpture, Jamestown, North Dakota

World’s Largest Basket of Apples, Frazeysburg, Ohio

The Castle, Muskogee, Oklahoma

Paul Bunyan Statue, Portland, Oregon

Flying Saucer Statue, Mars, Pennsylvania

Mr. Potatohead, Pawtucket, Rhode Island

Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail, South Carolina

Big President Heads Hermosa, South Dakota

Upside Down Building, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Cadillac Ranch, Texas

Giant Soda Cans, Salina, Utah

Big Lady Squirrel Statue, Salisbury, Vermont

Giant Rollerskate, Bealeton, Virginia

Underground Tour, Seattle, Washington

Mystery Hole, Ansted, West Virginia

Giant Bass Sculpture, Ashland Wisconsin

World’s Largest Hot Spring, Thermopolis Wyoming

Check out http://www.roadsideamerica.com for a more complete list

Best Glamorous Camping and Outdoor Style Featured

When Grasshaven founder, Dawn Bitz sat down with Colorado's Best co-host Joana Canales, you know stylish and glamorous ideas would fly.  Picnic and camping inspirations were presented to get everyone in the family outdoors and camping together.  From camping and picnic food and recipes to outdoor fun and games, ideas abounded in the segment.  And with stylish camping, Rv'ing and picnic ware, you know everyone will want to get outdoors this Labor Day.  Click here to see the full segment

Grasshaven Best on Colorado's Best

Always delighted when Grasshaven can bring stylish camping and outdoor comfort to a broader audience.  This morning on Colorado's Best Show on Denver's CW network, Dawn Bitz, founder of Grasshaven Outdoor did just that.  With Labor Day around the corner, Joana Canales and Dawn Bitz discussed innovative picnic products to help everyone get outdoors this weekend.  Featuring both functional and gorgeous picnic baskets like the  Vintage GH Picnic Basket ; the Seine Deluxe Tote and the Seine wine and cheese tote for two, the show gave visibility to some highly selected products for the discerning taste.  

And as always on the menu, the show featured some of the Grasshaven teams' favorite picnic recipes and ideas.  We thought we'd share some of those ideas here as well.

FOODIE IDEAS

Mason Jar Salad

What's the easiest way to transport salad to the picnic or campground?  A mason jar of course. Just layer your salad fixings then shake a few times just prior to serving

Layer 1 (bottom): Vinaigrette 

Layer 2: Salad veggies (carrots, sundried tomatoes, celery, etc)

Layer 3: Lettuce

Layer 4: Cheese, nuts and fruit

Layer 5: Croutons

Mason Jar Apple Pie (serves 2)

Nothing is more Americana than momma's apple pie and nothing brings more vintage nostalgia to apple pie than cooking and serving it in a Mason jar.  Just line a half pint jar with pie crust, fill with your favorite apple pie filling (or flavor of your choosing) and bake.  Bring that jar full of deliciousness and your picnic will be a success.


Picnic Skinny Dips

Nothing risque here, just bring some fun and healthy dips to the campsite transported in what else, Mason jars.  Use these utilitarian jars to easily bring hummus, bruschetta topping and cucumber and dill yogurt for a little interactive epicurean outdoor experience



Banana Pirates

Argh!  We let these little guys bring a bit of whimsy and smiles to the little ones faces at the picnic.  Cut them up and dip into a little chocolate mixed with cream and your pirate friends turn into Chocolate Fondue for two



GOOD IDEAS

Frozen Water Balloons

Fill'em up.  Freeze'em.  Let'em thaw and get ready for a soaking.  Water balloons can be used in so many ways.  Freezing then makes transporting them to the campsite or picnic easier.  They won't rupture as easily.  And if transported in the cooler, they serve double duty as they'll keep everything cold.  Just make sure to thaw them (and let them warm up a little in the sun) before the battle begins.





Straw Ties

Tie your straw to the drinks before departing for your picnic and you won't go searching for your straw when you arrive.  Finding fun paper straws also add some whimsy to your picnic or outdoor adventure  and makes your table look stylish too




Shoo Fly Drink Covers

Don't let pesky bugs, bug you at the picnic.  Invert a large cupcake liner.  Poke a straw through the center and your drink will stay bug free with this nifty little bonnet

Place Setting Perfection: 

Wrap up everything needed in a compact place setting.  Add some real plastic semi-reusable silverware; a napkin, straw, salt and pepper and your picnic will be the stylish talk of the town.

Eat, Pray and Love the Outdoors this August

Each month and occasionally in-between, we publish our Grasshaven BLISS Newsletter.  This August, our newsletter centers on eating great meals in the outdoors.  Whether camping, RV'ing or just spending time in the outdoors, camping menus and recipes can be as gourmet as at home. Click here to see all the great information in our newsletter.

  

Celebrating National S'Mores Day

Do you know what today is????

Well yes it is Antonio Banderas, Justin Theroux and Kylie Jenner's birthday.  

But more importantly, it's

With simplicity of three decadent ingredients, National S'Mores Day celebrates chocolate, caramel and graham crackers and all it's melted gooeyness that makes everyone call for "some more."

The official S'More recipe was first featured in the Girl Scouts Handbook in 1927 but many believe it originated much earlier.  This scrumptious dessert has been passed between generations of campers and has become the quintessential campside treat.  We wanted to share three favorite recipes in celebration of this great day!

Traditional S'Mores

Let this traditional recipe become the foundation of your camping experience.  The carmalization of the sugars in the marshmallow pair sweetly with the creamy chocolate.  Sandwiched between two crunchy graham crackers and this treat beckons outdoor fun.  Add caramel, salt, candied ginger or fruit to elevate this campsite treat.
Click here for the full recipe.




Salted Caramel Monkey S'Mores

Mmmm, this is a self contained treat that will delight everyone.  Sometimes called banana boats, we call them Monkey S'Mores.  Combine one banana, some caramel, chocolate, graham crackers and sea salt and the result is a gooey melt in your mouth campsite (or backyard) outdoor dessert.  Click here for the full recipe.




S'More Martini

Even the adults can get into the S'Mores mood with this S'Mores Martini.  Mix marshmallow flavored vodka, chocolate liqueur, and Irish cream for the drink and pair with some graham cracker and toasted marshmallow garnishes.  Click here for the full recipe.

Carpe Diem: Shopping List for Gourmet Four Family Camping Menu (four days / three nights)

Shop till you drop

With lots of hungry mouths to feed over a four-day camping trip, the shopping list might seem extensive.  But, keep in mind, four families over four days that’s 144 mouths over nine meals.  And those are mouth fresh from hikes, kayaking and generally running around outside, so they are really hungry.  The shopping list is scaled for mostly adults and young children so if your group has older kids, the items and sizes should be increased.  Our bill was about $175.00 which equates to about $19.40 per meal for 16 people.  Not too bad for all the food (and no one went hungry).

The correlating menu also uses left over items from one meal to complete the next.  If your appetites are big, adjust the shopping list accordingly.  Loaded baked potatoes one evening form the basis for Maxwell potatoes the next; while, left over fire-roasted corn is added to campside prepared Pico de Gallo and left over pork making mouth-watering Corn and Pork Quesadillas for lunch.   Also to note, this shopping list accounts for making mixes for pancakes, biscuits, scones and Caesar salad dressing from scratch, which is far easier than people might think.  However, if your interest centers on pre-made mixes and dressings add those to the list instead.  All in all, just stock up on the freshest ingredients available and leave the pre-processed stuff at home.   The outdoors is calling for you to seize the day!

Staples

Olive oil

Salt

Pepper

Sugar

Baking soda

Baking powder

Flour

Butter

Onion powder

Garlic Salt

Vanilla extract

Dry Spaghetti

Lemonade mix

Tea Bags

Worcestershire sauce

Shopping List:

2 cans diced tomatoes (28 oz.)

Breadcrumbs (panko or Italian)

1 tin anchovies

3 medium onions

3 zucchinis

3 yellow squash

1 carton fresh mushrooms

2 orange bell peppers

2 bulbs fresh garlic

Fresh herbs: oregano, rosemary, thyme, tarragon, mint, dill, and chives

1 lemon

1 bunch romaine lettuce

Large carton strawberries

Large carton blueberries

12-14 navel oranges

2 apples

1 shallot

2 English cucumbers

14-16 large baking potatoes

4 lbs. fresh green beans

12-14 ears fresh corn in husks

12-14 bananas

2 apples

1 shallot

2 English cucumbers

14-16 large baking potatoes

4 lbs. fresh green beans

12-14 ears fresh corn in husks

12-14 bananas

1 loaf unsliced bread

14-16 pork chops

2 whole chickens

2 lbs. ground beef

2 cans of beer

1 box chocolate cake mix

Small bag and large bag marshmallows

Chocolate bars

Graham crackers

Nuts: Pecans & Almonds

1 package caramel pieces

2 large packages bacon (approximately 2 lbs. per package)

3 packages sausage

Package shredded cheese

8 oz. carton sour cream

4 orange juice concentrate

2 Gallons milk

1-quart heavy cream

2-3 cartons 18 count large eggs

Grated Parmesan cheese

1 package cream cheese (8 oz.)

Options for lunch and snacks

Flour Tortillas

Fresh cilantro

Tortilla chips

10 Ripe Avocados

Serrano peppers

Limes

Tomatoes

Lettuce

Sprouts

Mayonnaise

Mustard

Loaf sliced sandwich bread

Carpe Diem: Eat, Drink, be Merry and Let the Planning Begin

Now that the day has been seized and the spontaneous trip is planned, we say let the meal planning begin.  For this article, we wanted to highlight a four day, three night camping trip menu (links will be loaded soon to all the recipes - we only had one day to plan and shop the market).  Not only is the trip spur of the moment, but four families, including all their brood will be joining on the adventure.  This means 14 hungry, outdoor mouths to feed.  There are no burgers and brats on this trip; we always feed the entire crew with a level of campsite Grasshaven gourmet.

First, we start with a detailed plan.  This means planning breakfast and dinner dishes.  You might think we forgot lunch.  Lunch time can be variable for a group trip.  With some people hiking, canoeing or just lounging, getting everyone wrangled for an organized affair can be a challenge.  So we just let everyone forage during lunch.  There are always plenty of left overs and sandwich fixings to make sure no on goes hungry. But just in case you're looking for suggestions we have shared some lunch ideas using some of the menu fixings outlined
below.  We will also post the entire shopping list as a part of this spontaneous camping series.  So for now, take a look at the menu items.  We hope your mouths are already watering.  We know that when you see the pictures your eyes will appreciate the candy.

Carpe Diem 4 day Gourmet Camping Menu

Dinner 

Spaghetti alla Marinara

Thursday PM: Very intaliano and easy for camp arrival

Spaghetti alla Marinara

Grilled Meatballs
Garlic Fry Bread
Traditional Caesar Salad

Dessert: S'Mores of course

Breakfast

Friday AM: Kids campside favorites

Strawberry Pancakes

Homemade Strawberry Pancakes
Scrambled Eggs
Open-fire Bacon

Dinner

Apple Smoked Pork Chops

Friday PM: Old school barbecue, with flare

Apple Smoked Pork Chops
Campsite Baked Potatoes
Almond Green Beans with Bacon
Homemade Cooler Dill Pickles

Dessert: Orange Chocolate Cakes

Breakfast

Saturday AM: International adventure

Scones

Blueberry Stuffed French Toast
Pecan Scones
Grilled Sausage

Dinner

Salted Caramel Monkey S'Mores

Saturday PM: Herby delight

Tarragon Beer Can Chicken
Maxwell English Potatoes
Grilled Corn with Rosemary Butter

Dessert: Salted Carmel Monkey S'Mores

Breakfast

Chuck Wagon Breakfast Skillet

Sunday AM: Throwin' it together to finish the trip

Chuck Waggon Breakfast Skillet
Campfire Biscuits and Gravy
Open-fire Bacon

Drinks:

Lavender Mint Lemonade
Sweet Mint Iced Tea

BATLOCS

Arnold Palmer
Iced Tea

Lunch options:

Meatball Sandwiches
Pork and Corn Quesadillas
BATLOCS (Bacon, Avocado, Tomato, Lettuce, Onion, Cheese, Sprouts)
Chicken Salad with Blueberries