These days we’ve been spending a lot of our time here in Maine. Of course, we’ve had a few fun road trips through New England, but for the most part, we’ve been exploring the local roads around us. It’s been fun, but we can’t help but be a little nostalgic for the days of travel. When getting on a plane or even going on a much longer road trip to other parts of the country was an option. If you’re also missing the days when traveling was just a bit easier, you might want to visit this roadside attraction that makes the world feel a little bit closer.

Like a lot of us, if you're missing the feeling you get when you're traveling to a far-off place, you might just need to take a trip to the western mountains of the Bethel/Lynchville area.
Google Maps
Located at the side of the road where Route 5 joins Route 35 there's a very curious sign telling visitors that they can travel to China in just 94 miles. Norway? A mere 14 miles away! But how?
Henry Danico / Google
To the surprise of many out-of-staters, these are all actual town names in Maine.
Orange Satyrsis / Google
The sign was created in the 1930s to promote tourism in Maine and it still draws tourists and locals today.
John Erickson / Google

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Most of the towns on the sign were named back in the late 1700s and early 1800s.
Henry Danico / Google
While most people might assume the towns were named after homes left behind, the reality is a bit different. The people who ended up in America were often celebrating their independence. For instance, Denmark was named as a show of support for the country when the British navy attacked Copenhagen in 1807.
Dan Neeley / Google
Mexico and Peru were named to celebrate independence from Spain.
John Fitch / Google
Of course, the names aren't all the result of pride. One was a simple misunderstanding. Norway was meant to be either Norwich or Norage, but some confusion led it to be recorded as Norway in 1797. Either way, we love it!
Brian Johnson / Google
Each of the towns can be visited and it's a fun trip!
Google Maps
If you can't see them all, simply make your way to the sign and live out your travel dreams without the need for a passport.

You can learn more about the World Traveler Signpost by visiting the official Maine Tourism website. Have you seen it? How many selfies did you take? Be honest!

And, for those of you happily exploring we’re lucky to have an amazing place right here. The almost perfect sights and sounds of Baxter State Park in Maine will be a memory you won’t forget.

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1439-1435, ME-35, Bethel, ME 04217, USA