A recent international travel poll has crowned Georgia’s own World’s Largest Peanut, in Ashburn, as a must-see “alternative” U.S. landmark for travelers who want something a bit out of the ordinary.
While the massive roadside peanut may not rival the Grand Canyon or the Golden Gate Bridge, it has nonetheless secured a coveted spot on the list of Top 120 offbeat American travel destinations.
Coming in at 93rd place, this 12-foot peanut sculpture is Georgia’s best-known quirky attraction, celebrating the state’s peanut-growing heritage.
Top 10 Alternative Landmarks: According to the poll, here are the 10 quirky American landmarks international travelers are most excited to visit:
1. The Seven Magic Mountains – Las Vegas, Nevada: An art installation of colorful boulder stacks in the Nevada desert.
2. Pyramid Lake – Northeast of Reno, Nevada: Known for its blue waters and cultural significance to the Paiute Tribe.
3. International UFO Museum and Research Center – Roswell, New Mexico: Dedicated to the infamous UFO incident with exhibits on extraterrestrial life.
4. North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame – Medora, North Dakota: A museum celebrating cowboy culture and rodeo history.
5. Little Wild Horse Canyon – Near Goblin Valley State Park, Utah: A winding slot canyon popular for family-friendly hiking.
6. Old Slave Mart Museum – Charleston, South Carolina: A poignant museum dedicated to the history of slavery in Charleston.
7. The Dunes – Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana: Features unique sand dunes along Lake Michigan’s shores.
8. Detroit Historical Museum – Detroit, Michigan: Showcases Detroit’s history, from its automotive heritage to its music scene.
9. Museum of Pop Culture – Seattle, Washington: Exhibits on pop culture, including music, video games, and science fiction.
10. Carlsbad Caverns National Park – Carlsbad, New Mexico: Known for its stunning cave formations and bat flight program.
Just the Facts:
• Poll Origin: Conducted by Barefoot Yachts Indonesia, the survey polled 3,000 international travelers.
• Georgia’s Entry: The World’s Largest Peanut in Ashburn ranked 93rd on the list of 120 “alternative” landmarks across the U.S.
• Traveler Motivations: Top motivators for travelers included solitude, adventure, and learning about local culture.
What’s Unique About Ashburn’s Big Peanut: Ashburn’s giant peanut, situated along the I-75, isn’t just a roadside spectacle; it’s a testament to Georgia’s agricultural prowess and a nod to the state’s title as the peanut capital of the world.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist with 25-years experience in journalism. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is the publisher of The Georgia Sun and a fifth-generation Georgian.
