San Antonio | Palace of Versailles | Barney Smith | plumber

"Everybody in the car. Boat leaves in two minutes … or perhaps you don't want to see the second largest ball of twine on the face of the earth."

Clark Griswold knew what a good vacation is really all about: venturing beyond the beaten path.

Admit it.
You've seen the billboards along the interstate and the colorful brochures begging for attention in the stand at the IHOP. And you've even thought it might be kind of fun to check out the world's only beer-can house or the largest kaleidoscope. But you've never made it down that road to sample some of America's more unique tourist attractions. Here's your chance. (Crave even more oddball tourist attractions? Visit www.roadsideamerica.com .)

1. TOILET SEAT ART MUSEUM
Forget the throne room at the Palace of Versailles - this is a throne room. This museum in San Antonio is home to about 700 unique toilet-seat wall hangings, each lovingly made by Barney Smith … a retired plumber, naturally. 239 Abiso Avenue, San Antonio, Texas

2. WORLD'S LARGEST ROADRUNNERS