60 Before 60 Project: #23 - Stop at a Roadside Attraction

Do you ever drive along a highway somewhere and pass those signs on the road highlighting some type of attraction? 

A soap factory, a craft brewery or some kind of farm are places that I often see posted but I always find myself zipping past the exits but  then wondering what they might be like to visit. 

My son lives a couple of hours away and we drive to see him quite often. The trip itself is usually quite mundane. We know the route by heart and almost go on autopilot when we go there with the intention of trying to make it as quickly as we can. 

During this drive, we always pass a large sign advertising a cheese factory outlet on the highway. I had heard from people that it was an interesting place to stop and the cheese they made was delicious. 

So the last time we went to visit my son, we actually took the time to get off the highway to check out this cheese outlet. 

The cheese outlet was about 15 minutes off the highway in a small town called St. Albert. As we drove into town, we saw signs welcoming us to the St. Albert - “The Curd Capital”. When we approached the building, you couldn’t help but notice their homage to cows. 

We went in and wandered around the store. There were certainly lots of cheeses to choose from and their famous cheese curds (fondly referred to as squeaky cheese) were available as well. They sold several other items as well as a restaurant which featured poutine – a famous dish of french fries, gravy and cheese curds. 

I bought a package of extra old cheese along with a bag of cheese curds. Turns out that they both were delicious! 

When driving somewhere I know, I’m often focused on strictly getting from point A to point B in the least amount of time possible. Through this experience, I discovered that getting off the highway to see a roadside attraction can be a way to break up a long trip and make it more enjoyable. It gives you a chance to stretch your legs, breathe in some fresh air, and see something different. 

It also adds a level of some spontaneity to an otherwise mundane drive. Plus, I now have the chance to tell other people when asked – I went there – it’s worth the stop. 

My 60 Before 60 Lesson: Stopping at a roadside attraction can turn a mundane trip into something memorable  

Interested in seeing all my 60 Before 60 experiences? Click here.