Ten of North Carolina's Strangest Roadside Attractions That Are Worth Taking a Break for

North Carolina is packed with quirky, offbeat stops that make any road trip memorable. Here are ten of the strangest roadside attractions across the state—each one worth a detour:

1. Shangri-La Stone Village (Prospect Hill)

A miniature stone village built by retired farmer Henry Warren, featuring 27 tiny buildings made from local rock and quartz. The whimsical “town” includes a church, hotel, theater, and more, all about five feet tall. Visitors are welcome to explore this magical, hand-built world for free.

2. House of Mugs (Collettsville)

Also known as the Collettsville Cup House, this mountain cabin is covered—inside and out—with more than 30,000 coffee mugs. Started as a quirky collection, it’s now a beloved oddity where visitors can even add their own mug to the display.

3. Devil’s Tramping Ground (Chatham County)

A mysterious, perfectly round barren circle in the woods where nothing grows. Local legend claims the Devil himself paces here at night, and anything left in the circle is mysteriously moved by morning. It’s a classic North Carolina legend and a must-see for the curious.

4. World’s Largest Chest of Drawers (High Point)

Standing 38 feet tall, this giant Victorian dresser—complete with two dangling socks—celebrates High Point’s status as the “Furniture Capital of the World.” It’s a whimsical photo op and a true roadside icon.

5. Shell-Shaped Shell Station (Winston-Salem)

A bright yellow gas station shaped like a giant seashell, built in the 1930s. It’s the last of its kind and now serves as a museum, delighting fans of novelty architecture and roadside Americana.

6. Big Blackbeard Statue (Beaufort)

A towering statue of the infamous pirate Blackbeard, who once terrorized the North Carolina coast. Located on Highway 70, it’s a fun and slightly eerie tribute to the state’s swashbuckling history.

7. House of Mugs/Cup House (Collettsville)

A second mention for this mug-covered marvel, as it’s truly one of the state’s most unique stops. The Sisks’ ever-growing collection is a testament to eccentric creativity and Southern hospitality.

8. The Last Shell Oil Clamshell Station (Winston-Salem)

This is the only remaining example of the eight original clamshell-shaped Shell stations built in the 1930s. It’s a quirky, historic landmark and a favorite among roadside attraction hunters.

9. Grahamland Fiberglass Statues (Bolton)

Hundreds of oversized fiberglass figures—dinosaurs, animals, and more—line the roadside in the middle of nowhere, creating a surreal and slightly bizarre landscape for passing travelers.

10. The Big Chair (Thomasville)

A massive 30-foot-tall Duncan Phyfe chair stands in the center of Thomasville, celebrating the town’s furniture-making heritage. It’s a classic example of “big thing” roadside Americana and a fun spot for photos.

Honorable Mentions:

Judaculla Rock (Cullowhee): A mysterious, ancient petroglyph-covered boulder.

Whirligig Park (Wilson): A park filled with giant, spinning folk art sculptures.

Rock Garden of America (Littleton): A yard filled with whimsical rock sculptures.

These stops showcase North Carolina’s love for the odd, the oversized, and the unforgettable—perfect for anyone who enjoys a little weirdness on the open road.

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