Tourist Traps

I LOVE tourist traps. In fact, Woody and I have books and apps about roadside attractions. Some traps we read about, others we happen on. The one pictured here is like an old friend in the desert. To be on our personal trap list, there are certain qualifications that must be met. There either needs to be an attraction to see and experience or an eats or treats speciality offered. In addition there should be wild signs trying to get us to pull off the road. Most traps have a souvenir/gift store attached. Dateland may not qualify as a tourist trap to many people, but we get trapped every time we pass by. The date shakes are fabulous and have become a tradition with us.

As we travel out and about, we have seen traps come an go over the years, especially some of the older ones. I am always sad to see one go as I view them as a part of Americana. These are little businesses whose owners are usually trying to eke out a living by snagging us off the road and encouraging us to spend a little time and a few dollars at their establishments. Many times I am happy to oblige. 

However, that said I am now to the age and stage where I am trying to rid myself of possessions as hard as it is. I touch and look at all the souvenirs. I buy a mug here and cheap jewelry there. I feel extremely guilty not spending more than the few dollars I do. I so want these businesses to survive. But, I have hundreds of charms (which I truly love and continue to collect if they're available), plenty of mugs (which I no longer have room for), a pile of patches (which I have no idea what to do with but I like anyway), and enough jewelry to last me a lifetime.  I no longer collect 'dust catchers' ~ pretty things to put out on display that I have to continually dust. And, I have gifted my friends until they have asked me to stop. Sometimes I feel so guilty about not buying anything that rather than stopping at the traps, we drive on by. So, I spend travel time thinking of ways that these little businesses can trap new or returning customers...specifically Woody & I. 

I haven't come up with a great idea yet, but I keep thinking and cogitating on it. Most of my ideas revolve around a passport of some sort similar to the National Parks Passport. I could collect a stamp, patch, and a charm from each stop. Cute idea, but not really a money maker for the trap. 

The dinosaurs in this photo are from a defunct trap on Route 66/I-40. Woody and I toured it in the early 90s. Although it's gone, the wonderful dinosaurs remain along the interstate beckoning travelers to stop and spend. We'd love to.