Life-sized sculpture of a blue whale made of hand-recycled plastic trash.

In the remote high desert of New Mexico, a strange array of poles beckon fury from above.

Giant origami sculptures tucked into desert scenery beckon passers-by to explore further.

These Pre-Columbian petroglyphs contain representations of birds, deer, hunters, and even some early Native flute players.

Legends surround this jagged rock formation in the New Mexico desert.

A futuristic temple of light uses prisms and rainbows to create an atmosphere of peace.

A multi-storied adobe complex has been inhabited for more than a thousand years.

A phenomenal assembly of pueblos in New Mexico is the most complete example of ancient ruins north of the border.

A clear blue swimming hole with hidden caves, still unexplored.

These aggressively sustainable art homes look like something out of 1970's science fiction.

This fast-food outlet is the only space and UFO-themed McDonalds in the world.

Seemingly grown on some other world, these New Mexico rock formations look like a disused science fiction set.

Explore the largest pure gypsum deposit in the world, and go dune sledding while you're at it.

One man has carved a number of natural New Mexico caves into psychedelic sandstone temples.

If drivers cross the rumble strip on this stretch of Route 66 at just the right speed it plays "America the Beautiful."

Opened in 1911, this small shop is the oldest ongoing establishment in St. George.

An off-the-beaten-path boutique stuffed with an eclectic collection of upcycled goods.

The land is full of geologic eye candy, such as otherworldly spires, mushroom-shaped hoodoos, and prehistoric fossils.

There are eight natural springs around town, each with a slightly different taste.

A 24-hour vending machine restocked daily with homemade full-sized pecan pies.

The pharmacy's retro ice cream mixer is one of the last of its kind.

A museum in Mississippi celebrates the history of Coca-Cola and the man who brought it to the masses.

A four-hour holy-rolling, Hallelujah-shouting, Southern gospel service, rendered as a country market where "All Is Welcome, Jews, and Gentiles."

Hub of Scandinavian culture in a Minneapolis deli.