Weird, Wacky, Wonderful spots in North Carolina (part 1)

The House of Mugs in Collettsville, North Carolina, is a charming and unique private property showcasing in the neighborhood of about 30,000 coffee mugs.  Owners Avery and Doris Sisk have adorned the home, fence, and archway leading to the property with mugs. Visitors are welcome to add their own mug to the collection if they can find a free spot! Nestled amidst the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, this quaint establishment is a haven for mug enthusiasts and collectible enthusiasts alike. The shop showcases an impressive collection of handcrafted mugs, each intricately designed by local artists, showcasing their passion and skill. 

The Musical Parking Garage in Charlotte, North Carolina is a unique musical marvel by Janney Sound that seamlessly blends architecture and sound. The art installation named the “Touch My Building”, transforms the mundane act of parking on 7th Street into a musical experience. The exterior walls are adorned with 30-foot tall red fins which indicate where to place your hands. When a passerby touches the fins, they light up and play music. This one-of-a-kind parking facility not only serves a practical purpose but is a delightful destination for music enthusiasts and curious tourists alike.

The Devil's Tramping Ground, located in Bear Creek, North Carolina, is a mysterious and eerie phenomenon that has captivated locals and visitors for generations. In the heart of a dense forest, a perfectly circular barren patch of earth, about a foot wide and 40 feet in diameter, exists where no vegetation can grow. Legends and folklore surround this peculiar spot, claiming it to be the Devil's stomping ground, where he paces in the darkness, plotting his mischief. Other theories link it to Native American tribes, The Lost Colony of Roanoke Island, and possible horse paths from an old molasses mill.  Despite attempts to plant trees or even grass in the area, nothing thrives, adding to the enigmatic aura of this unusual site, shrouded in supernatural tales and inexplicable phenomena.

The Land of Oz theme park in Beech Mountain, North Carolina, is a whimsical destination that brings to life the beloved world of L. Frank Baum's classic tale, The Wizard of Oz. The park opened in the ’70s, fell into disrepair, and was closed in the ’80s.  Then in the early ‘90s, the park made a comeback and is in operation today. Nestled amidst the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, this enchanting park offers visitors a magical experience. As guests step through the gates, they are transported into Dorothy's journey, following the yellow brick road through Munchkinland, encountering the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion along the way. The park features beautifully landscaped gardens, interactive exhibits, and live performances that capture the spirit of Oz. Autumn at Oz, the largest Oz festival in the world, celebrates its 30-year anniversary this September. With its vibrant colors, charming characters, and nostalgic ambiance, the Land of Oz theme park provides a delightful escape for both children and adults, allowing them to relive the wonder and adventure of this timeless story.

Rose Hill, North Carolina, boasts the world's largest frying pan. This colossal cooking apparatus, measuring 15 feet in diameter and weighing in at two tons, has become a symbol of the community's culinary pride. Housed in its own gazebo, it attracts visitors to marvel at its impressive size. The pan was originally constructed in 1963 to promote the area’s thriving poultry industry. It holds up to 200 gallons of oil and fry up to 365 chickens at once. The pan’s real time to shine is at the yearly NC Poultry Jubilee.

Cloud Chamber for the Trees and Sky is an art installation by English artist Chris Drury that can be found on the grounds of the North Carolina Museum of Art.  The chamber is made from all-natural wood, stone, and turf material that is native to the area, conjuring images of a magical hobbit house. Once inside, it’s a light-tight room with just a small opening in the roof (creating a camera obscura). Light passing through this tiny hole creates an ethereal mirror image of the sun, clouds and sky inside the chamber.