Introducing the Resties: These Are the Best Quirky Attractions Across the U.S. 

In my one-on-one travels with my kids, I've been known to literally make a U-turn to stop at an intriguing spot I see along the road (I'm looking at you, 1A Relics!). For me, these "detours" often lead to experiences that become trip highlights.

I'm not alone in my never-ending quest for hidden gems and quirky discoveries. Abi and Nikki Rodriguez are full-time road trippers who love sharing funky finds and unique treasures with their followers on Instagram (give them a follow @letsplayrideandseek!).

This road-tripping team loves pulling over for beautiful views and unusual attractions and they're sharing some of their favorite finds for Only In Your State's first-ever Resties, an award series celebrating the delight of the journey through the best stops, stays, sights, tastes, and experiences. Below are their picks for the best quirky attractions in the U.S., as told to Only In Your State by Abi and Nikki Rodriguez:

Northeast Winner: International Cryptozoology Museum, Portland, Maine

The International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, Maine, is truly a fun and one-of-a-kind attraction. We nominated this location because it is a rare find as the world’s only cryptozoology museum. The museum is small enough to fully explore in a couple of hours and admission prices are low ($10), so it's budget-friendly. We enjoyed the experience there and found ourselves both intrigued to be learning new things and laughing at some of the more outlandish exhibits.

Southeast Winner: Robbie's of Islamorada, Islamorada, Florida

Robbie’s is a must-stop while road-tripping through the Florida Keys. Buy a bucket of fish and hand-feed tarpons off the dock at Robbie’s for an incredible wildlife interaction that will leave you breathless. We visited 6 years ago and still vividly remember the spectacle. It was so cool! Bonus… get some food and drink before or after and enjoy the beautiful ocean views.

Southwest Winner: Eiffel Tower, Paris, Texas

People travel from all over the world to Paris, France, to see the Eiffel Tower, but did you know that there's a Paris with an Eiffel Tower of its own right here in the U.S.? The Eiffel Tower replica in Paris, Texas, is topped with a 3.5-foot-tall red Stetson cowboy hat, and at night, it lights up with the colors of the Texas flag. This is a truly hilarious and photo-worthy road trip stop. Bonus, it’s free, pet-friendly and open 24 hours.

West Winner: Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild International Sculpture Park, Lincoln, Montana

Years ago when we were road tripping through the Northwest, we happened across this quirky attraction, and it’s lived in my mind ever since. This park features a meandering path through an unusual sculpture garden. The sculptures were both interactive and thought-provoking for a visceral experience that will inspire you. It’s open 24 hours and free to enter. There’s a restroom and picnic tables, which make it a perfect mid-day stop on a road trip.

Midwest Winner: World's Largest Easel, Goodland, Kansas

Just off I-70 in Kansas is the world’s largest easel. Honestly, this quirky stop made our road trip through Kansas much better. A quick and photo-worthy stop, the tall canvas features Van Gogh’s popular painting, “Sunflowers”, ideal for the Sunflower State. It’s free, open 24 hours and pet-friendly. We definitely loved getting a cute photo here with our dog.

Editor's Pick: The Troll Hole Museum, Alliance, Ohio

If you've ever wanted to feel the uncanny stares of 8,000 troll dolls en masse, head to Alliance, Ohio's Troll Hole Museum. Featuring Sherry Groom's Guinness World Record-holding collection of the aforementioned dolls plus 40,000 troll-related items, this museum is an immersive experience that's wonderfully wild and weird. Come for the trolls, stay for tour, and then peruse the gift shop after a quick bite at the on-site cafe.

The Resties celebrate the best of roadside America; you can view all of the winners here. Want to nominate your favorite pit stops? Fill out the nomination form.