When you're living in New York, seeing something bizarre seems to to just come with the territory. Whether it's an oddly shaped statue or an usual looking home, we've all seen one strange thing or another. Most of the time you'll be enjoying a scenic drive, when all of a sudden you find yourself shouting to everyone in your car, asking if they're seeing what you're seeing. You may even go as far as to make a U-turn to double back and figure out what exactly it is you just drove by! Here are 14 strange spots in New York that will make you stop and look at least twice:
1. Shark Girl, Buffalo
Turning two years old this August, the out-of-the-ordinary statue has become a popular spot for people to come and visit. Currently undergoing some work, the statue will be back at the Canalside park on May 16th!
2. The World's Largest Pancake Griddle, Penn Yan
Large enough to grab your attention...but can you figure out what this nearly 30-foot circular object is? Back in 1987 this remarkable kitchenware was actually used to make one of the world's largest pancakes. Yummy!
3. Pratt Rock, Prattsville
Known also as Pratt's Rock or New York's Mount Rushmore, these curious rock carvings will completely throw you off. Not your ordinary sight, the quirky location was put on the National Register of Historic Places back in 1992! Open every day, be prepared for a bit of a climb at Pratt Rock Park to get to the carvings.
4. The World's Third Largest Garden Gnome, Kerhonkson
I mean... the saying does go "first is the worst," does it not? This oddly adorable tourist attraction is a popular place for visitors to stop along their way to vacationing in Lake George!
5. Balanced Rock, North Salem
One of this small town's largest attractions, the balanced rock is a popular debate for visitors to argue over. Some people believe that the rock formation is an "erratic" while others have begun to speculate that it is actually a dolmen!
6. Wing's Castle, Millbrook
Like castles in general weren't eye catching enough, this particular one in New York has a little bit of extra flare. Currently functioning as a Bed & Breakfast, the owners say this unique castle is still "under construction" like it has been since it began construction in 1969.
7. Tom Otterness Creation Myth, Rochester
Located in the Memorial Art Gallery, these tiny figures will make you glance twice and then instantaneously warm your heart. The small and strange works of art by American sculptor Tom Otterness will win you over once you actually stop to take them in for what they really are.
8. Steve Heller's
One that is sure to grab your attention, this fabulous furniture spot can be found on one of the Catskills many scenic roads. Using objects others would have no use for, Steve Heller creates fascinating works of art that you'll find distracting you out on the property's front lawn.
9. Big Duck, Flanders
Out on Long Island you'll find the largest piece of wildlife you've ever laid eyes on in our state, the Big Duck. You may also be surprised to hear that this glorious duckling has made its way onto the National Register of Historic Places!
10. Toynbee Tiles, New York City
Spotted in cities across the globe, one of the places these mysterious tiles have shown up is in New York City! No one has yet to find out who is behind these tiles or the political themes they tend to have, but needless to say they're definitely interesting!
11. Mushroom House, Pittsford
A truly unusual location that we've talked about before, the mushroom pods are clearly unlike your average neighborhood home.
12. The World's Smallest Church, Oneida
That's right! What may look like some sort of abandoned doll house is actually the Cross Island Chapel that fits a total of two people! Take a quick boat ride out to the chapel and wow your guests with one of the most bizarre wedding locations possible. Oh, New York.
13. Pig Rock, Speculator
Another spot on our list that you'll usually stumble upon during a scenic drive, the famous Pig Rock! Located up in the Adirondacks, this favorite New York piglet always brings a smile to our face.
14. Greenwich Locksmiths, New York City
What better way for a locksmith to grab the attention of possible new customers than to decorate the entire outside of their store with keys? None that we could think! Definitely a sight to be seen in person, we'd love to know how many keys make up this storefront.
Have any of the spots on our list ever made you do a double take? Share with us the strangest places you've ever visited or seen from afar in New York!
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