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We explore the charming town of Floresville, Texas, as we attend the 23rd annual Geocaching Texas Challenge and discover what makes small-town America so special through conversations with locals and participation in this unique competitive event.

• Host to the Texas Challenge geocaching mega-event with teams competing for regional pride
• Meeting Mayor Gloria Morales-Cantu who welcomed geocachers to her community of 8,000 residents
• Exploring the stunning town mural depicting local landmarks including the courthouse and famous peanut statue
• Visiting Finders Keepers, a treasure-filled antique store owned by former teachers who transformed the old town grocery
• Experiencing local cuisine at Scooters Eats 181 where we enjoyed incredible brisket mac and cheese
• Discovering the world-record Adventure Lab art installation with over 600 possible finds
• Participating in the Texas County Challenge celebration honoring geocachers who found caches in all 254 Texas counties
• Enjoying southern hospitality at The Den in LaVernia with its expansive outdoor seating, live music, and family-friendly atmosphere

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Buckle up for our most anticipated episode of the year—the 2025 Roadside Attractions March Madness Championship! With special guest Courtney from The Brewery Adventure podcast completing our judging panel, we're setting out to crown America's ultimate roadside attraction from a bracket of 23 quirky, fascinating, and sometimes bizarre destinations.

The competition features everything from architectural oddities to pop culture landmarks. Marvel at the Paper House in Massachusetts, where everything from walls to furniture is constructed entirely from layered newspapers. Discover the Beer Can House in Houston, a shimmering masterpiece adorned with 50,000 beer cans that create wind chimes with the slightest breeze. Venture to Moab's Hole in the Rock, a 5,000 square foot home carved directly into sandstone, surrounded by punny sculptures like the "jailhouse rock" (literally, a rock in jail).

As we narrow down our contenders, cultural landmarks take center stage. Wisconsin's House on the Rock dazzles with its infinity room extending 218 feet over a valley and the world's largest indoor carousel featuring 269 animals. The Seattle Gum Wall, described as "one of the germiest yet most beloved roadside attractions," competes against classic Americana like the Blue Whale of Catoosa on historic Route 66.

The final showdown pits two Iowa attractions against each other—the Field of Dreams baseball diamond from the iconic movie and Captain Kirk's future birthplace in Riverside (a town that boldly claimed itself as the Star Trek character's birthplace despite it never being specified in the original series). Which will claim the championship? The baseball field where ghosts emerge from cornfields or the town that reimagined itself through science fiction?

Join us for this laughter-filled road trip across America's most unusual destinations, and discover which attraction truly deserves the title of roadside champion. Whether you're planning your next cross-country adventure or simply enjoy celebrating the quirky creativity that dots America's highways, this episode will inspire your wanderlust and appreciation for the unexpected treasures waiting just off the beaten path.

SHOWNOTES

The Brewery Adventure

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Join us as we embark on a delightful journey through America’s most unique roadside attractions, culminating in a playful March Madness showdown! Our exploration reveals how these quirky landmarks represent more than mere stops along the way; they capture the spirit of adventure inherent in all road trips. Excitement builds as listeners help us select the best attractions to compete in this year’s tournament.

• Overview of notable roadside attractions discussed
• Personal travel stories connected to various landmarks
• Insights from our community and patron suggestions
• Highlights of fun competition and selections for March Madness
• Teaser for the exciting guest appearance in our next episode

Call to action: If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcasting app!

Shownotes

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In this episode of Treasures of Our Town, hosts Joshua and Craig explore the unique and charming towns across the USA, focusing on the oldest active geocaches. They share their experiences from the recent BamaRama mega event, discuss the significance of geocaching, and highlight the hidden gems surrounding these historical caches. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, travel tips, and insights into the geocaching community. In this conversation, Joshua and Craig explore various geocaching locations across the United States, sharing personal experiences and insights about the unique challenges and rewards of each site. They discuss the beauty of Oregon's wilderness, the historical significance of caches in Illinois, and the vibrant culture of Chicago. The conversation also delves into spooky adventures in New York and the unique charm of Kansas City, culminating in a thrilling tale of swimming in a snowy pond during a geocaching trip. In this episode, Joshua and Craig discuss their experiences with hiking, geocaching, and exploring unique roadside attractions across the United States. They share stories about high-altitude hikes, local museums, and the thrill of finding hidden caches. The conversation also delves into local legends like the Mogollon Monster, the quirky UFO Watchtower, and the impressive Bishop's Castle. Listeners are encouraged to explore these hidden gems and enjoy the beauty of nature and adventure.

ShowNotes 

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Ever wondered what makes a town truly unique? Picture yourself in the heart of America’s quirkiest festivals, from the hilariously chaotic Testicle Festival to the high-stakes North American Wife Carrying Championships. As we narrate these tales of eccentricity, we also weave in personal stories, such as Josh's emotional farewell to his loyal Ford Edge after a whopping 273,000 miles and his new adventure-ready Subaru Crosstrex, perfect for Minnesota's unforgiving winters.

Get ready to be part of our geocaching escapades as we traverse the land of winter wonders and upcoming events that promise thrill and camaraderie. Discover the world's largest ice maze in Minnesota, set to make its dazzling appearance in our next YouTube video, and join us in anticipation for BamaRama in Alabama and the legendary Texas Challenge. And don't miss out on Geowoodstock’s "giga" status celebration, where we’ll reconnect with geocaching enthusiasts and live stream the pulse-pounding excitement of finding hidden treasures.

Ever tossed a mullet fish or flaunted your worn-out sneakers for a prize? These bizarre contests across America spotlight the joy found in the unconventional. Our hometown boasts and quirky tales will have you laughing as we explore everything from the dawn of the hamburger to slides of ketchup. Don’t forget to support our quirky pursuits on Patreon, where you can indulge in extra giggles and exclusive content. Buckle up and join our zany journey through the unexpected gems and colorful festivals that make America wonderfully peculiar.

LINK to SHOWNOTES

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This episode highlights the fascinating world of quirky museums across the United States, featuring ten unique destinations that offer a blend of amusement and insight. From the Museum of Bad Art to the Neon Museum, we delve into a range of unconventional choices, each offering a special charm and a story worth exploring.

• Highlighting the Museum of Bad Art in Somerville, MA
• Exploring the interactive National Video Game Museum in Frisco, TX
• Discussing the International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, ME
• Visiting the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour in Ticonderoga, NY
• Celebrating the Spam Museum in Austin, MN
• Showcasing the Oz Museum in Wamego, KS
• Introducing the Mutter Museum focusing on medical curiosities
• Taking a trip to the Dr Pepper Museum in Waco, TX
• Celebrating velvet art at Velveteria in Los Angeles, CA
• Wrapping up with the Neon Museum in Las Vegas, NV

If you enjoy discovering hidden gems like these museums, consider supporting our podcast!

FULL SHOWNOTES

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Our listeners are in for a treat as we welcome John O’Sullivan, the mastermind behind One Minute Tours. John shares his journey as a tour guide and how he transitioned this experience into compelling short-form content that highlights the hidden gems of Minnesota and beyond. We discuss his approach to storytelling, the significance of connecting with local history, and the exciting launch of his new TV show, "Hidden Middle."

• Exploring the essence of quick storytelling in travel content
• The importance of humor and connection in tours
• John’s journey to becoming a content creator
• A dive into Minnesota’s rich history
• An introduction to “Hidden Middle” and its mission
• Encouraging community support for emerging media initiatives

One Minute Tours
Hidden Middle

SMS Productions

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Ever wondered if Santa's sleigh has been replaced by drones? Join us as we explore this whimsical theory while navigating a festive road trip across the USA, uncovering hidden treasures through geocaching. Joshua unwraps his geocaching-themed Advent Calendar from Cache Craft, and Craig shares tales from his trusty van, Tuesday, on the road to New Jersey. Between holiday cheer and adventure, we reminisce about our podcast's journey to becoming the number one geocaching podcast worldwide, celebrating our 49th episode milestone and expressing gratitude for our vibrant listener community.

Get a glimpse into the future of content creation with our discussion on AI-generated podcast segments and the art behind crafting our unique episode titles. We share fond memories of our creative adventures, like recording live in Orlando and exploring quirky roadside attractions during the exhilarating Roadside Attraction March Madness. From the World's Largest Ball of Paint to the enchanting Enchanted Highway, these tales of travel continue to inspire our wanderlust and future journeys.

Unravel the joys and challenges of traveling solo versus with friends, as we dive into personality types and the balance of introversion and extroversion in our escapades. We chat about Renaissance festivals, highlight memorable moments from our trip to Fort Worth, and share insights from our popular solo travel episode. Whether it's geocaching across the USA, planning milestone achievements, or mingling with fellow adventurers at events like Geo Woodstock, this episode celebrates the spirited community and diverse experiences that fuel our passion for discovery.

Cache Craft
SMS Productions

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What happens when a mini-bank cache needs a car battery, and how does an Alaskan cruise tie into geocaching? These are just a couple of intriguing tales from our latest journey on Treasures of Our Town. Join us for a delightful conversation of our part 2 of the Potpourri series, where we answer your questions and share our travel dreams. We're buzzing with excitement about our upcoming adventure at the Texas Challenge Mega Event, a highlight in the geocaching world, and can't wait to bring you along through our stories and plans for the event.

Our exploration continues as we navigate the creative geocaching landscapes of West Virginia, marveling at the genius of West Virginia Tim's caches. From mini-banks to breathtaking views at Cache Across America, the journey is filled with adventure and surprise. We also take you on a non-geocaching tour, sharing our experiences with movie location pilgrimages and food and drink trails, all while intertwining these with our geocaching escapades. Ever thought of a geocaching-themed cruise? We brainstorm this exciting possibility and dream of sharing the adventure with you.

As we wrap up, we share the thrill of geocaching challenges that push our limits, highlighting cross-country quests and the camaraderie they inspire. Our heartfelt Thanksgiving tradition of watching "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" adds a personal touch to our episode, celebrating community pride and shared passions. Whether you're a geocaching enthusiast or love cinematic adventures, this episode promises a blend of excitement, nostalgia, and anticipation, inviting you to explore the treasures of our town and beyond.

LINK to Shownotes

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Ever wondered what makes a hamburger different in America versus Australia? Join us on a journey filled with cultural quirks, musical magic, and personal anecdotes as we explore the vibrant world around us. This episode celebrates musicals, with stories from the premiere of "Wicked" the movie and a nostalgic dive into classic theater favorites, creating a lively conversation about our top musical picks. Alongside our musical musings, we share heartfelt stories about selling cars, buying vans, and embracing healthier lifestyles, all while strengthening our connection with our patrons.

Travel and food enthusiasts will savor this episode as we recount culinary adventures across the globe. From the unique experience of catching "throwed rolls" at Lambert's Cafe to the bold flavors of New Jersey pizza, our tales of tasting local delicacies will inspire your next culinary exploration. We also recount our visits to iconic eateries like Chicago's Billy Goat Tavern and Dick's Last Resort, where the dining experience is just as flavorful as the food itself.

Planning a road trip soon? We've got you covered with tips and tools to enhance your journey, from essential travel apps like Road Trippers and iOverlander to quirky attractions like Denver's Casa Bonita. Our adventures don't stop there; discover the world of Thomas Dambo's trolls and the fun of geocaching with our vibrant community. As we celebrate our achievements, including being ranked as the number one geocaching podcast for 2024, we look forward to more interactive sessions with our listeners and continue to explore the treasures of our town and beyond.

ShowNotes LINK

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