Roadside Fruit: Big Fruit Sculptures
Giant Apple, Oranges, and Strawberries
What is it about fruit that inspires people to make gigantic versions? Sure, at its core this type of attraction is smart marketing- but it is also valuable as folk art. The decision to build a giant-sized replica of fruit is much bolder than painting a billboard, and I personally think it’s one of those decisions that makes life (and road trips) so much more interesting (and fun).
Big Apples
According to the agilitynut.com, there are large scale apples in Maryland, New York, Wisconsin, Georgia and Ohio. At this site you can also see photos of the many apple sculptures found in Winchester, Virginia. Or, check out one of my favorite sites Go Big or Go Home, for an article that includes a visit to Winchester Virginia and photos of the apples. Visit Winchester at the end of April or Early May and you can join in on the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, which includes over 30 events (a parade, a 10k race, a carnival, wine tastings…).
The apple pictured above is a time capsule that will be opened in 2040 (location unknown).
Big Oranges
A site at Quazen.com has an interesting collection called the ‘World’s Biggest Fruits‘ (most of them are in Australia, but that is where I found out about the big Orange restaurant in Gibeau, Montreal- pictured above.).
Big Strawberry
Strawberry Point, Iowa is home to the world’s largest strawberry. It’s perched in front of the City Hall/Police Department. Strawberry Point has also been the home of the Backbone Bluegrass Festival for over 30 years.
I know I’ve seen some concession stands in the shape of fruit during my travels, but I can’t remember where. If you know of any fruit-shaped concessions please let me know.
Other Driving and Dining articles about roadside attractions:
Wigwam Hotels and TeePee Curios
Well the Tourist information booth in nearby Leamington Ontario is shaped like a giant tomato. (Tomato’s a fruit, right?) http://autos.ca.msn.com/editors-picks/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=29304587&page=2
Giant anything is always fun! Love the apple time capsule. Very cool idea!
It’s true
Thanks for stopping by! I should have included a clip from ‘James and the Giant Peach’ in this article (just thought of this now…)
Absolutely! Thanks for letting me know, I’d never heard of that one! There is a big peach concession in Penticton, British Columbia, too – just found pictures online at this blog.
There is a Giant fruit basket in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, Québec which is pretty cool and if I seem to remember correctly there is a giant apple on the Highway to Halifax from Truro. My favourite giant fruit has always been the Giant Peach in ‘James in the Giant Peach’, Roald Dahl. – but to be honest I hadn’t though much about it until now. Thanks for the fun post!
Thanks! I typed giant fruit basket quebec into Google and hit the jackpot – I landed at a site that had pictures of both the basket and apple in one post
I’d forgotten all about that apple and had never heard of the giant fruit basket – thanks very much! http://roadstories.ca/big-mascots-in-canada/
We saw the big apples in Winchester, VA! Well, we saw four of them. We went to see the world’s largest apple, and as we drove around the town, we started seeing others. We had no idea it was an apple town! http://gobigorgohomeblog.com/890
I had no idea you went there (but I’m not surprised!). I’m going to add your blog post to the article – thanks!
Fantastic blog! Great!