NC roadside attraction sculptures have the largest representation of any of our groups. It also sports the most variety. Some sculptures are extravagant while others are simple, some large and others small, some are easy to find while others are hidden . . . you get the picture. They are all fun and worth a quick visit.
Clayton Stone Layered Cop
Clayton Police Department - 201 S. Barbour St., Clayton, NC
Next to the eclectic thrift store, Everything but Grannies Panties, are some highly intricate, and imaginative, metal roadside attractions. Located between the storefront and a BP gas station to the south is a collection of safari animals. Fittingly, each set of animals is comprised of various household ins-and-outs from rusted metal sheets and bike spokes to washing machine parts and chain links. Starting from the street you’ll find an elephant, a lioness (or cheetah?) and a family of giraffes. If you venture further into the store’s backyard you’re rewarded with a giant rooster created from chairs, fans, gas tanks (empty?) and endless other shop parts. As you examine each creation closely you can’t help but marvel at the creativity of each of these remarkable metal roadside attractions.
Bronto the Dinosaur
Wescott’s Bronto Trail – West Murray Ave., Durham, NC
Bronto the Dinosaur used to be part of the Museum of Life and Science in Durham until it was severely vandalized (even had its head cut off). This NC roadside attraction sculpture has been restored but also placed in the woods, behind a chain link fence. You can still see it in all its glory but must park at the Edison Johnson Aquatics Center, cross over W Murray Ave. street and walk east a few minutes then turn left at the sign designating Wescott’s Bronto Trail. You’ll see Bronto on your left and, while you can’t get super close you’ll still get a good enough view of this huge Brontosaurus replica.
Log Cabin Paul Bunyan & Blue
Log Cabin Homes - 7677 North Halifax Rd., Rocky Mount, NC
If you’ve ever traveled along the I-95 in central North Carolina there’s a good chance you’ve seen one of the state’s more well known “Muffler Men”, Paul Bunyan and his ox Blue. Located as part of the Log Cabin Homes sales center off Exit 145 in Rocky Mount, the 40’ (12.2 m) tall Bunyan standing next to Old Glory is a local landmark. Visit the sales center and Charles Leisure (pronounced in cajun “la-sure) will be happy to show you around and even take a picture of you and your family with this classic NC roadside attraction sculptures.
Yogi Bear, Boo Boo & Ranger Smith
Leon Parker Signs and Graphics - 4269 Barnes Hill Church Rd, Nashville, NC
Over time many of the NC roadside attraction sculptures get moved to different locations from their original sites. The excellent statues of Yogi, Boo and Ranger Smith have found a new home in Nashville after quite an adventure. Originally part of the ill-fated Yogi Bear’s Honey Fried Chicken franchise, these NC roadside attraction sculptures were largely abandoned as the last of the North Carolina chain locations closed. Eventually, in 2019, Leon Parker Signs bought them from a trailer park in Rocky Mount, had them lovingly restored and placed on an open plain next to their main building. If you visit be sure to check out the plethora of nostalgic signs they have towards the back of the property as well.
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