Nostalgia tourism is on the rise in 2025, and there’s no better way to embrace it than by hitting the open road to explore some of the quirkiest, most iconic roadside attractions in the northeast, like Lucy the Elephant in New Jersey and the Coffee Pot in Pennsylvania.
“Places like (these) drive tourism. They drive interest. People plan vacations around them. They tell stories we can all connect with, not to mention they are inherently fun and quirky,” said Rolando Pujol, author of “The Great American Retro Road Trip: A Celebration of Roadside Americana.”
For classic Americana and timeless charm, here’s what to add to your retro road trip itinerary.
L.L. Bean Boot
Freeport, Maine
Few things scream “Maine” like a gigantic 16-foot-tall duck boot. Standing proudly outside the L.L. Bean flagship store in Freeport, this oversized icon pays tribute to the state’s rugged culture and the legendary rubber-bottom boot that put L.L. Bean on the map. Inside the store, you’ll find classic duck boots in much more reasonable sizes to help you gear up for your next adventure.
Paul Bunyan Statue
Bangor, Maine
Standing 31 feet tall and weighing 3,700 pounds, Bangor’s Paul Bunyan statue is a must-see for fans of timeless roadside attractions. This legendary lumberjack has been keeping watch over his birthplace since 1959, erected in honor of Bunyan’s 125th birthday. Skeptical about Bangor’s claim? Check out Bunyan’s “official” birth certificate at City Hall. Maine’s own Stephen King even gave the statue a brush of pop culture fame, bringing it to life in his 1986 novel, “IT.”
The Coffee Pot
Bedford, Pa.
Built in 1927, the 18-foot-tall Coffee Pot first operated as a roadside diner serving up hot coffee and hearty meals along U.S. 30. By 1937 it had been transformed into a bar with a hotel behind it. Over time, this caffeine-forward landmark fell into disrepair. Then, Bedford County and the Lincoln Highway Heritage Park Corridor stepped in to restore this iconic landmark in 2004. Today, this giant, coffee pot-shaped relic is a nostalgic tribute to the golden age of road travel.
Doo Wop Museum
Wildwood, N.J.
Step into the past at the Doo Wop Museum, a nostalgia-inducing tribute to the 1950s and 1960s. Explore vintage mid-century artifacts, including neon signs, pop culture memorabilia and plenty of vinyl upholstery. The Neon Sign Garden features carefully restored signs from iconic Wildwood motels, like the White Star Motel and Swan Motel. Inside, you’ll find a malt shop and a gift shop stocked with merch to show off your love for the Doo Wop era.
For more offbeat attractions, check out these quirky museums in the northeast.
Lucky Snake
Atlantic City, N.J.
At the Lucky Snake within the Showboat Hotel you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported back to the heyday of arcades. This expansive complex features vintage pinball, classic video games, and water gun games, as well as mini golf and roller skating. Not only does Lucky Snake proudly boast the title of the world’s largest arcade, but it’s also home to what could be the world’s largest Zoltar, a towering 11-foot-tall fortune-teller machine.
Plan your next arcade road trip with this guide to classic arcades.
Lucy the Elephant
Margate, N.J.
Standing 65 feet tall, Lucy the Elephant has watched over the Jersey Shore since 1881, originally built as an eye-catching real estate advertisement. Now a National Historic Landmark, she welcomes visitors who come to admire her in all her glory. Snap street-view photos for free or book a guided tour inside for sweeping views across the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a fun way to step back in time at one of the top roadside attractions in the northeast.
Fingerlakes Drive-In
Auburn, N.Y.
Since 1947, the Fingerlakes Drive-In has been keeping the magic of old-school movie nights alive. As the oldest operating drive-in theatre in New York, it offers the best of both worlds — tune in through your FM car radio or enjoy the vintage charm of classic speakers. Roll up for a double feature under the stars, just like the good old days. A classic concession stand serves up hot dogs, nachos, and crispy onion rings. It’s a must-visit for anyone craving nostalgic summer fun.
TWA Hotel
JFK Airport
Step into the jet-set era at the TWA Hotel, a mid-century marvel at New York’s JFK Airport. Housed in the iconic 1962 TWA Flight Center, this retro-chic hotel celebrates the golden age of air travel. Sip cocktails in the stylish Sunken Lounge or Connie Cocktail Lounge, take a rooftop pool dip with runway views, or explore a museum filled with artifacts, interactive exhibits, and stories curated by the New York Historical Society.
Haines Shoe House
York, Pa.
Ever dreamed of sleeping inside a shoe? Probably not — but at the Haines Shoe House in York, Pennsylvania, you can do just that. Built in 1948 to promote a local chain of shoe stores, this larger-than-life roadside attraction is pure Americana. Once home to a museum and an cream shop, it’s now a one-of-a-kind Airbnb, complete with a hot tub, foosball table, and an outdoor fire pit. Featured on HGTV’s “What’s With That House” and “The Amazing Race,” this oversized shoe is a must-stay for any offbeat or retro road trip adventure.
The Flavor Graveyard
Waterbury, Vt.
Where do retired ice cream flavors go? At Ben & Jerry’s, they find a final resting place in the Flavor Graveyard where curious visitors can pay their respects to dearly departed pints like “Peanut Butter and Jelly” and “Tennessee Mud.” Perched on a scenic hilltop adjacent to the iconic ice cream factory, this funky graveyard features 35 flavors, each with a clever epitaph. It’s a bittersweet (but mostly sweet) stop for any ice cream lover.
Have you been to any of these retro road trip destinations? Tell us your favorite in the comments.
Need a ride? Rent a car.
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