Every now and then, we like to venture off the beaten path (aka interstates) to take a road less traveled. Often, these intentional detours bring whimsy and delight to an otherwise ho-hum RV trip. Why? Roadside attractions and oddities, of course!
Offbeat pit-stops are everywhere, but here are some unusual sights you can see in the Northeast U.S.
Note: Before heading out, note that many of these sites welcome RV parking, but it’s best to check ahead. Plan to enjoy each stop with 30–60 minutes carved into your itinerary.
Now, let’s dive in!
Sit on Einstein’s lap (Washington, D.C.)
Just off the National Mall at the National Academy of Sciences sits a 12-foot bronze Einstein beckoning visitors to climb up and perch on his bench for the ultimate nerd selfie.
Cost and hours
• Free—outdoor memorial open daily, dawn to dusk.
• Visitor ID or appointment only required for building access; the statue itself is freely accessible.
What you’ll see
• A larger-than-life Einstein with engraved quotes on the granite bench.
• Surrounding grove of elm and holly trees—a peaceful hideaway amid the city bustle.
Tour time
Plan 15–30 minutes for photos, reading inscriptions, and a quick stroll.
Nearby must-dos
• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (a 5-minute walk to get there)—explore gems, dinosaur fossils, and more.
• Lunch at the Pavilion Café on the National Gallery terrace—light bites with a Mall view.
The Haines Shoe House (York, PA)
Channel your inner nursery-rhyme character at this 1948 “work boot”.
UPDATE: The Haines Shoe House is no longer open for tours, but you can rent it through Airbnb.
Nearby must-dos
• Prospect Hill Cemetery and Picket Statue (5 mi. northeast)—Civil War monument walk.
• The First Post Restaurant (2 mi.)—classic Pennsylvania diner fare.
PEZ Visitor Center (Orange, CT)
Get your sugar fix at the world’s largest PEZ dispenser and peek into the history of this popular candy.
Cost and hours
• Self-guided admission: $5 adults; $4 (ages 3–12, 60 and +); under 3 free.
• Open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
What you’ll see
• More than 4,000 sq. ft. of PEZ memorabilia, from classic dispensers to a motorcycle made of PEZ heads.
• Viewing windows into the production floor and trivia kiosks.
Tour time
• 30–45 minutes for the exhibits, interactive games, and shopping.
Nearby must-dos
• Sally’s Apizza (0.3 mi.)—New Haven-style thin-crust pizza.
• Hammonasset Beach State Park (15 mi. south)—coastal boardwalk and salt-marsh hikes.
Wild Blueberry Land (Columbia Falls, ME)
Embrace all things berry at this family-run farm, where you can taste pies and shop Maine–made goods.
Cost and hours
Free admission to gift shop, mini-museum, and farm grounds; purchases extra.
Seasonal hours: Thurs.–Mon., 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (mid-summer only; check site before visiting).
What you’ll see
• Gift shop with syrups, truffles, and blueberry tea.
• On-site bakery café serving blueberry pie and scones.
Tour time
Plan for 45–60 minutes to browse, snack, and photograph the Pleasant River views.
Nearby must-dos
• Downeast Sunrise Trail—scenic riverside walk (0.5 mi. north).
• Ruggles House Museum (2 mi.)—local heritage site with guided tours.
The Fantastic Umbrella Factory (Charlestown, RI)
Step into a hippy-bazaar on a former dairy farm, complete with statuary, a petting zoo, and artisan stalls. (Note: Not just umbrellas!)
Cost and hours
• Free to wander gardens and shops; pay only for feed or crafts you buy.
• Open year-round, daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
What you’ll see
• Eclectic boutiques selling vintage-style clothing, candles, and pottery.
• Bamboo forest paths, emus, chickens, and local artwork.
Tour time
Allow 1–2 hours to meander through gardens, browse vendors, and snap quirky sights.
Nearby must-dos
• Matunuck Oyster Bar (5 mi. north)—fresh Rhode Island oysters and waterfront dining. [UPDATE: Closed temporarily due to devastating fire on May 20, 2025.)
• Ninigret Conservation Area (3 mi. west)—salt-pond wildlife refuge with easy trails.
Bottom line
These five roadside attractions and oddities promise pocket-change fees, unbeatable photo ops, and detours that are anything but dull.
Do you know of any more odd roadside attractions in the Northeast? Tell me about your favorites in the comments below.
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RVT1211
Public tours are no longer given at the Haines Shoe House, but you can rent it for a night or more on AirBNB.
https://www.hainesshoehouse.com/rental
Thank you for letting us know, Craig. The info has been updated in the post. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
At Niagara Falls State Park in New York, you can sit on Nikolas Tesla’s lap similar to the Einstein statue. Plus at night, they light up the falls.
In Charlestown RI at Ninigret Conservation Area there are the Thomas Dambe Trolls
You have to try Boston’s I 93 aka the Southeast Expressway at rush hour. In Jest I say. Otherwise you’ll be hunting me down. And miss Cape Cod!
You continue to bring us some of the best RVing articles, Gail. Thanks.
Happy trails 👣
Thank you, Gail, for the information. Well, there certainly are places easier to drive if one cannot avoid all the large northeast cities while traveling in that part of the country. Have a great day and safe travels!