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Ever wondered what happens when two location-based gaming enthusiasts walk into a town called Uranus? This episode takes you on a journey to one of Route 66's most memorable roadside attractions—Uranus, Missouri—a place built entirely on juvenile humor and unexpected charm.

Discover the fascinating backstory of how this quirky destination came to be when businessman Louis Keene pivoted from adult entertainment venues to family-friendly (technically) attractions after pushback from the nearby town of St. Roberts. The result? A roadside stop that leans heavily into innuendo while remaining just appropriate enough for all ages.

From the moment staff members enthusiastically shout "Welcome to Uranus!" as you enter the Fudge Factory (where "the best fudge comes from Uranus"), to exploring the bizarre Sideshow Museum with its sword-swallowing performer and peculiar taxidermy, every corner of this place is designed to both make you laugh and shake your head in disbelief. We share our experiences playing the Pirate Mini Golf course, visiting the former world's largest belt buckle, and taking photos with the "Mayor of Uranus"—a muffler man statue with its own tornado survival story.

As Munzee and geocaching enthusiasts, we also dive into the gaming opportunities available in and around Uranus, including the Saturday Munzee event that brought players from across the country. We explore the differences between these location-based games and how they create unique social experiences for players.

Whether you're planning your next Route 66 adventure or just love hearing about America's quirkiest destinations, this episode captures the essence of what makes roadside attractions such a beloved part of American travel culture. So join us as we prove once again that sometimes the most memorable travel experiences come from the places that make you giggle like a 14-year-old.

Carry On Luggage - https://amzn.to/3YHW3Et

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Jeff Wagg returns to the podcast with a special travel challenge as he explores three supposedly "boring" American towns and reveals the fascinating stories, attractions, and historical significance hidden within each location.

• Bagley, Minnesota (pop. 1,305) offers beautiful Lake Lomond with its haunting loon population, the legend of "Green Jenny," and Minnesota's longest-used prison
• Sandwich, New Hampshire (pop. 1,466) served as the filming location for "On Golden Pond" and features incredible fall foliage due to its remarkable biodiversity
• Unity, Oregon (pop. 43) wasn't officially a town until 1972 when ranchers needed a water grant, and now features rentable fire towers with 360-degree views
• All three locations demonstrate how even the smallest American towns contain unexpected treasures waiting to be discovered
• Jeff shares his own approach to finding fascinating stories in seemingly ordinary places through research and appreciation for local history
• Each town has limited geocaching opportunities (1-3 caches) likely due to small populations of active geocachers

Visit our Patreon at patreon.com/treasuresofourtown for exclusive content including Jeff's "golden nugget" advice on finding interesting aspects of any town.

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St. Louis deserves far more than just a glance at the Gateway Arch as you drive through. This overlooked Midwestern gem offers some of the most unique attractions in America, as Craig discovered while celebrating his 50th birthday with an adventure-packed itinerary crafted by AI.

The Gateway Arch impresses not just with its towering presence but with fascinating engineering details. Did you know it forms a perfect half-circle, with its 630-foot height matching its width exactly? Or that its innovative elevator system combines traditional lift technology with Ferris wheel mechanics to keep passengers level while ascending the curve? These architectural marvels make what could be a quick photo stop into a truly immersive experience.

But nothing compares to the jaw-dropping surprise of the City Museum. Forget everything you know about museums - this 10-story former shoe factory has been transformed into an artistic playground where adults and children alike crawl through cave systems, slide down massive spiral slides, and explore repurposed industrial artifacts including suspended airplanes and school buses. The intentional lack of directional signage creates a space of genuine discovery and childlike wonder that had Craig thinking, "Josh would be in absolute heaven right here."

From floating down the Mississippi on a historic paddle wheel dinner cruise to experiencing the thrill of skydiving in the very city where the first parachute jump took place in 1912, St. Louis offers experiences that connect visitors to both history and adventure. Even the culinary scene impressed, culminating in an eight-course chef's grand tasting menu at The Crossing that celebrated local, seasonal ingredients with sophisticated flavor combinations.

The next time you're planning a weekend getaway, consider St. Louis - a city that rewards those who take the time to stop and explore. As Craig and Josh both agree: slow down, experience these overlooked cities, and you might just find yourself proud of a town that isn't even yours.

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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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