The New Roadside America by Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, and Mike Wilkins
reviewed by Jeffrey Sward
 
 

The New Roadside America by Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, and Mike Wilkins is the preeminent reference work about the wonders of roadside America. Do not expect descriptions of mainline corporate attractions such as Disneyland in this book. The New Roadside America celebrates extant small-scale attractions which show the ingenuity and pride of individual entrepreneurial initiative. The authors report every palpably gaudy, tacky, and tawdry detail of each roadside attraction. The authors' descriptions should not be interpreted as disapproval. On the contrary, the lack of polish of roadside attractions is part of their appeal. The authors relish the dilapidated splendor of each attraction, as should the reader.

One caution: the second edition is becoming dated. Because of the intrinsically high attrition rate of roadside businesses, many attractions are now closed. Check before starting your journey. A third edition is eagerly anticipated.

The New Roadside America by Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, and Mike Wilkins. Don't leave home without it.

 

Visit the Roadside America Web Site. Better yet, obtain your own copy.

 

The seven wonders of Roadside America, per the authors:

 

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