Tourist traps

[Zathras]

One of the podcasts I listen to, Anteup (www.anteupmagazine.com), has monthly poker tournaments.  They are called Anteup Intercontinental Poker Series, or AIPS.  Besides the cash, winners get an artificial banana.  I won the Stud hi/lo event a couple of months ago.  I'm taking my banana around, a la the travelling gnome.  I'm looking for interesting places to snap some pics.  Ideally, the locations will be near a major highway and within walking/biking distance of 18 wheeler parking.

But, to make it more fun, I'd still like to hear about any tourist traps.  Even those not in the U.S.   

I'll be posting my picks at www.myspace.com/zombies_are_your_friends  and http://flickr.com/people/zorag/

Be careful, there are pics of a 6'5, 250 pound zombie there, and some disgustingly cute pics of my daughters, too.

[bluerequiem]

I have been to no greater tourist trap than Billy the Kid's grave in Ft. Sumner, New Mexico.  You go through a "museum" that has two headed calves and other wild west attractions and nothing at all to do with Billy the Kid, through a gift shop full of native american baby dolls made in taiwan, and out to a courtyard that you could have just walked into in the first place, where Billy the Kid may or may not be buried.

[wintermute]

Outside the US, you say? I can't think of anywhere better to take pictures than The Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague. When you take a city that historically had a large Jewish population (from about 800AD to WWII), and only allow one small graveyard for them, you end up with something like this.

[Zathras]

I have been to no greater tourist trap than Billy the Kid's grave in Ft. Sumner, New Mexico.  You go through a "museum" that has two headed calves and other wild west attractions and nothing at all to do with Billy the Kid, through a gift shop full of native american baby dolls made in taiwan, and out to a courtyard that you could have just walked into in the first place, where Billy the Kid may or may not be buried.

Well, since I live in Albuquerque, I think I'll pass on that.  My wife did take the kids to the Smokey the Bear site last summer.

In Arizona, on I-10, there is "The Thing", I've heard it's a mummy.

[Russell Nash]

Outside the US, you say? I can't think of anywhere better to take pictures than The Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague. When you take a city that historically had a large Jewish population (from about 800AD to WWII), and only allow one small graveyard for them, you end up with something like this.

When I was in Prague, we didn't think about the cemetery until Saturday.  So we didn't get to go in.

[CGFxColONeill]

in AZ... There used to be an Ostrich farm that was a pretty much a tourist trap it would be close by anyhow...

[Windup]

Well, since I'm married to a South Dakota native, I can't fail to mention: Wall Drug. This is to tourist traps what the Taj Mahal is to tombs. The photos both there and on their web site do not begin to do justice to what may be largest above-ground collection of knick-knacks, doo-dads, novelty items and "photo opportunity spots" in the world.

[wherethewild]

Outside the US, you say? I can't think of anywhere better to take pictures than The Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague. When you take a city that historically had a large Jewish population (from about 800AD to WWII), and only allow one small graveyard for them, you end up with something like this.

When I was in Prague, we didn't think about the cemetery until Saturday.  So we didn't get to go in.

Actually I'd say that the best is the Sedlec Ossary in Kutna Hora outside Prague. I mean, you can't beat chandeliers and coats of arms made entirely of bone .

[wintermute]

Outside the US, you say? I can't think of anywhere better to take pictures than The Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague. When you take a city that historically had a large Jewish population (from about 800AD to WWII), and only allow one small graveyard for them, you end up with something like this.

When I was in Prague, we didn't think about the cemetery until Saturday.  So we didn't get to go in.

Actually I'd say that the best is the Sedlec Ossary in Kutna Hora outside Prague. I mean, you can't beat chandeliers and coats of arms made entirely of bone .

I'd planned to go to Kutna Hora, but I failed. Next time I'm in the Czech Republic, it's a certainty, though.