You can find the darndest things in Michigan

Only in Michigan can you see roadside attractions such as the World’s Largest Tire (I-94 east of Detroit Metro Airport), The World’s Largest Cherry Pie Pan (Traverse City), and the World’s Largest Stove (Detroit). Some of the state's roadside attractions include:

• Big Gus, the world’s largest working chainsaw. Gus is 23 feet long, is powered by a V-8 engine and is the star of the fittingly named Da Yooper’s Tourist Trap in Ishpeming.

• The Eiffel Tower. Well, sort of. In Paris, Mich., north of Big Rapids, you'll see a 20 foot tall replica of the landmark. Crafted by welding steel, the monument sits among the tall trees and was made by industrial arts high school students.
• The house with 60,000 soft drink bottles. The bottles lay on their side with the bottoms forming the outside wall. the Bottle House is in Kaleva, 10 miles from Lake Michigan.
• Mystery Spot. Someone tall is suddenly small. Or climb a wall into the air without falling. This puzzling attraction is 5 miles west of St. Ignace and the Mackinac Bridge on Highway US-2.
• Cross Village. Following a short drive through the Tunnel of Tree that begins in Harbor Springs, you come upon upside-down stove legs that decorate the roof of the inn. Meanwhile, the interior features unusual shapes crafted from polished twining tree roots. Good Polish food is available, too.
  
• The Musical Fountain. From Memorial Day through Labor Day on Friday and Saturday evenings, you'll hear and see this sound and lighting masterpiece as it pumps out 4,000 gallons of water a minute and sprays 125 feet in the air. Grand Haven, where the foiuntain is located, had the idea in 1963, way before Las Vegas built the Bellagio.
• Paul Bunyan. The statue stands 15 feet tall in Manistique..
• The Shrine of the Snowshoe Priest Bishop Baraga. This one is 35 feet tall, high atop US-41 in L’Anse. The good Bishop founded 5 missions after he first came to the Upper Peninsula in 1830 from Slovenia.
• Hiawatha. This statue, in Ironwood, tops them all. It's 50 feet high, weighs 16, 000 pounds and can withstand 140 mph winds.

For other quirky attractions and destinations, visit www.michigan.org.

15 years of fire and water in Rhode Island
Water Fire is celebrating 15 years as one of the premier attractions in Providence. The award-winning art installationconsists of 100 bonfires that wind through the three downtown rivers, with lightings on selected Saturdays during summer and fall. Upcoming lightings take place on July 17, July 31, Aug. 14, Aug. 28 and Oct. 9. WaterFire has attracted millions of spectators through its visual aesthetics and fragrant wood smoke scent. The lightings are synchronized with music from around the world and often accompanied by dance performances. The July 31 lighting, for instance, will feature a live performance from the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, accompanied by a dance performance from Festival Ballet Providence. Spectators can enjoy every WaterFire experience on both land and water with boat and gondola rides available for an additional fee.

Visit www.waterfire.org or www.goprovidence.com.

Worth quoting
"When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money." -- Susan Heller

Here's a chance to stay in Cinderella's castle
A Southwest Airlines sweepstakes with an entry deadline of July 15 promises the winner a chance to win a package for four to Walt Disney World and stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite. Included are roundtrip flights, a one-night stay in Cinderella's digs, two nights at another deluxe Disney resort property and four-day park tickets. For details, go to www.southwest.com and wait for the Cinderella squib to magically appear.

Fascinating fact
Bagpipes are believed to have originated in Rome, not Scotland.

Explore Nassau's past with Hilton package
Validthrough Dec. 31, British Colonial Hilton's Historic Tour of Nassau Package takes guests on a journey through the island's culture and history. With rates starting at $239 per night based on double occupancy, the package offers renovated accommodation, daily breakfast and a two-hour guided Surrey ride of the island’s most enchanting sights. Travelers will visit old forts, botanical gardens, white-sand beaches and parliamentary buildings, accompanied by the driver’s tales of old. For reservations or more information, call 1-877-GO-HILTON and mention promotion code P7.

BoltBus marks a milestone
BoltBus, a discount curbside bus service, has reached its 3-millionth passenger milestone since it was launched in March 2008. The bus now provides express service between New York and the following locations: Baltimore; Boston; Cherry Hill, N.J.; Greenbelt Park & Ride, Md.; Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Tickets are available for purchase in advance at www.boltbus.com, bycalling 1-877-BOLTBUS (265-8287) or from a driver before boarding. Prices are available on the website.