Time to continue exploring my state through roadside attractions! Last time, I shared pictures of a wrought iron bridge, neon pig, and carrot pierced through a building. Today I have six new places for you to check out in Maryland, courtesy of Roadside America. Most of them are in Silver Spring, because that place has a lot of cool things to check out, so I did a bunch at once!

Attraction: Big Acorn
Location: Silver Spring

Roadside America:

This big acorn gazebo is located in “Acorn Park”, and you have to crunch some actual acorns on your way to sit inside the giant one. There is some street parking on Kennett Street, and it’s near a lot of other cool things. It’s within a mile of the giant hand releasing birds, which you can see below. There are also some non Roadside America worthy attractions within walking distance, like a giant colorful glass wall and super tall reflective tower.

Attraction: Prayer Stop (Tiny Church)
Location: Silver Spring

Roadside America:

This adorable little attraction is on the side of a windy road. There’s a little gravel area where you can park your car, but be warned that it’s basically in front of a house in a rural neighborhood. I didn’t go inside, because I wasn’t sure what the protocol was since it appears to be on private property. But the surrounding area is great to drive through, especially in Autumn with the changing leaves.

Attraction: Big Hand Releasing Birds
Location: Silver Spring

Roadside America:

Outside a corporate building, surrounded by a bed of flowers. There are nearby garages, but you can also just park closer to the Big Acorn and take a walk over. It’s really cool how the birds look like they’re actually flying at first glance.

Attraction: Giant Earth Globe
Location: Silver Spring

Roadside America:

This is something that I added to Roadside America. I was driving down Georgia Avenue and saw it out of the corner of my eye and had to turn around. Apparently the globe can spin, although it wasn’t when I visited. It was, however, decorated with a pink ribbon to honor Breast Cancer Awareness month. It’s right outside a retirement community and shopping plaza. I’d recommend parking in the plaza parking lot, because you can’t get into the community unless you’re a resident.

Attraction: Pink Flamingo
Location: Baltimore

Roadside America:

This giant flamingo in front of the famous Cafe Hon in Hampden is a staple of that hipster neighborhood. Flamingos are very “Hon”, which is the 1960’s version of the Baltimore woman that has sustained itself over the decades. We honor it at Honfest, but also every day. Beehive hair, cat framed glasses, and a sassy attitude go a long way here in Charm City, don’tchyaknow. You’ll find plenty of parking on The Avenue (36th), and there’s tons of adorable shops to check out while you’re there.

Attraction: Longest Single Span Escalator In Western Hemisphere
Location: Silver Spring

Roadside America:

I timed the escalator ride, and without moving it takes two minutes and forty seconds one way. You have to buy a Metro ticket (minimum $3) in order to ride the escalator, but you can just ride back up to the top when you’re done. I waited for a while to see if I could get a shot with no people in it, but even in the middle of a week day, that’s hard to do.

Which one of these places would you most like to visit?