Lady in the Lake, Dinosaurs and a Knight in the Woods
I’m pretty sure I was drawn to this place for a reason – the Cheezy Americana energy is strong. Like the Force is strong in the Star Wars Universe.
Come to think of it, I was pulled to this area. Ok, maybe it was more like how a moth is pulled to a flame. But in my defense, I didn’t know any of this stuff was here before I started exploring the area.
Remember George Barber? My second cousin, (probably)? That guy who loves goofy roadside attractions, like Bamahenge? (We have to be related.)
Well, Bamahenge isn’t his only goofy roadside attraction… On his massive, wooded property leading up to Barber Marina, Mr. Barber let loose dinosaurs, knights, the World’s Largest Sundial, a Caesars Palace-style fountain, and the Lady in the Lake. (It’s mostly pictures from here on out, so don’t give up now.)
Dinosaurs and Knights in the Woods
You went to Bamahenge, right? Good. Well, keep heading down the same road and before long you’ll start to see dinosaurs in the woods.
T-Rex in Elberta, Alabama
Godzilla’s cousin, T-Rex is in Elberta, Alabama.
Ceratopsia spotted in Elberta, Alabama
You know I had to look up that name. They don’t make movies about Ceratopsia because it doesn’t roll off the tongue like “raptor”.
Stegosaurus in Elberta, Alabama
After the Stegosaurus, keep heading south.
The World’s Largest Sundial is hidden back off the road. It’s behind a fence, and the area is not well maintained. This was as close as I could get… if you look closely you can see the tall, metal dial reaching up toward the trees.
The World’s Largest Sundial.
Ok, so I’m not 100% sure this is the World’s Largest Sundial, but it’s certainly the largest I’ve ever seen, and it has to be the largest in Alabama.
Keep heading south toward Barber Marina. At the entrance, you’ll find a fountain reminiscent of Caesars Palace. For all I know, Mr. Barber bought it from them. I’m starting to think he’s the kind of guy who would do that. Hey, he commissioned Bamahenge.
Yup.
Caesars Palace fountain at Barber Marina in Alabama.
Drive toward the only building that looks like it isn’t for ship maintenance or storage and park your car. On the way, you’ll see some statues scattered about…
Seahorse statue at Barber Marina.
Knights in the Woods
Look for the nice little park. Walk around and you’ll see the knights sort of hidden among the bushes. I think there are four. Can’t find the knights or the park? Do what I did and grab a snack at the marina convenience store. While you’re at the counter, ask the nice lady the stupid questions she undoubtedly gets all day long.
A knight in the woods.
I caught my Knight in (not so) Shining Armor. He was easy to catch, didn’t struggle much. Actually, not at all. He must like me.
And now, the most popular attraction in Barber Marina…
Lady in the Lake
From my conversation with the store clerk (see above), the Lady in the Lake is the most popular of Mr. Barber’s attractions. Commissioned by Mr. Barber, she is posed as if she, a fifty-foot woman, is sitting in the marina, with only her head and knees showing. And, she floats around the lake!
The Lady in the Lake at Barber Marina in Elberta, AL.
The Lady in the Lake isn’t always on display, so it’s a good idea to call before driving out there. She wasn’t in the water when I first went, but the many other goofy roadside attractions were well worth the trip, and a second trip was a pleasure. The marina is beautiful all on its own.
She reminds me of a character in the old sci-fi movie, Attack of the 50 Foot Woman.
I wonder if Mr. Barber saw that movie. Ya think?
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Hi! Great post on some of the more unique things to do there. Heading to that general area myself and will have to check these out! Looking forward to a week on the beach in Destin/Ft. Walton and then another week in Pensacola, FL on my way to wintering over in New Orleans. Have to admit that Elberta, AL wasn’t on the visit list but I just may have to check out the dinosaurs 🙂
Elberta is fairly close to Pensacola. Where in NOLA do you winter? Have you wintered there before? I’ve always heard it isn’t safe there. Went on a day trip with a friend, and before we went all everyone said was, “Be careful! Stay in the tourist areas!”
Hi…NOLA is a great place to winter over. I’m staying at Pontchartrain Landing. It is on the northern end of the canal that connects the lake to the Mississippi River. The park sits right between the Lakefront neighborhood and an industrial area and is very secure with quite a few long term residents that maintain their spots much better that I’ve seen at other parks….plus lots of “weekenders”. Sure, the city itself has some issues and there are parts of it that I will avoid, particularly at night but you really do not have to confine yourself to the French Quarter….in fact I spend very little time there. C’mon over 🙂
Thanks, Dave! I’ll keep that in mind if I head that way!
Very cool, thanks – I have been past there a few times and never knew about this place, will have to stop by mext time 🙂
You’re welcome! It’s a hidden gem loaded with goofy roadside attractions!
Alabama, USA?
Yes. There couldn’t possibly be two Alabamas, could there?
Everything revolves around America, I forgot. You never know, could’ve been Alabama, Russia. That would be a difficult road trip however. Lol
Loving the goofy roadside attractions, just brilliant!
And LOL at the “World’s largest”, you Americans are so funny in own your little world 🙂
We Americans do very much so live in our own little world. Further still, I live in a little world all my own. 🙂