Roadside attractions in Upstate SC include Peachoid, Chaser and 'Radio' statues, Medusa
Now that the kids are out of school for the summer, it's traveling season, and it's time to hit the road and check out some sites.
You don't have to plan a long trip to do some exciting sightseeing because there are fascinating attractions along the highways in the Upstate. Take the family and look around. You can be home in time for dinner.
Attractions around Spartanburg County
Statue of Chaser, the World's Smartest Dog. Located at 101 Dunbar St., Spartanburg, in Morgan Square. Chaser was deemed the "World's Smartest Dog" when she appeared on an episode of "60 Minutes." Chaser was taught to understand more than 1,000 words by her owner, John Pilley, a psychology professor.
Statue of Chaser: Statue of Chaser, the world's smartest dog, unveiled in Spartanburg's Morgan Square
Peachoid Water Tower. It is located at Peachoid Road in Gaffney, on the north side of Interstate 85, between exits 90 and 92. This 135-foot water tower was rumored to be repainted in the '90s to look less like a butt. A New Jersey artist, Peter Freudenberg, painted the sphere after studying local peaches for many hours. It took 50 gallons of paint in 20 colors. It was also featured in a storyline on the Netflix series "House of Cards."
Peachoid in 'House of Cards' 'House of Cards' puts spotlight on Gaffney
Trojan Horse Bridge Mascot. It is located at Limestone Street, in Pacolet, at the north end of town, on the Pacolet River. The statue is next to SC-150, Limestone St. Bridge, and the reservoir. In 1996, the statue was added to the bridge piling, with a sign touting the Pacolet Trojans' sports teams.
Our Lady of Vietnam. Located at Highway 14, in Greer, on the east side of Hwy. 14 and roughly 12 miles south of Interstate 26 Exits 1 or 12 miles north of I-85, Exit 56. This attraction is a Virgin Mary statue built by Vietnamese Catholic refugees in South Carolina in 1991. It is believed to be the only shrine dedicated to Mary in South Carolina.
Attractions around Greenville
Jet Memorial to Cold War Casualty. It is located at Ridgeland Drive, Greenville, in Cleveland Park. It is dedicated to Maj. Rudolf Anderson Jr., a Greenville High School graduate, was shot down over Cuba in a U-2 spy plane during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.
Medusa Tree is at Furman College Way in downtown Greenville, on the south edge of Falls Park. This 80-year-old tree displays an impressive labyrinth of exposed roots that are too beautiful not to see in person.
Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum is at 56 Field St. in Greenville, across from Fluor Field on the West End. "Shoeless" Joe Jackson was a famous old-time baseball player who received the nickname after playing a game while barefoot.
Weird Peg-Leg Bates. Located on E. Washington Street, Greenville. Peg Leg Bates became famous as a tap dancer despite a leg injury. The theater where he started was located where the statue stands now. In 2013, Greenville put up a statue of him made from twisted pipes and bolts.
Attractions around Anderson
Big Adirondack Chair is in Anderson at Denver Downs Farm, Clemson Boulevard. A sizeable wooden chair is perfect for photo opportunities. The festival farm also offers seasonal crop mazes, hay rides, and a goat walk.
James "Radio" Kennedy Statue is at 2600 N. Highway 81, Anderson. In 2006, a life-sized bronze statue of James Robert "Radio" Kennedy was revealed. He was a cherished figure in the community and an icon of T.L. Hanna High School. A 2003 movie, "Radio," starred Cuba Gooding Jr. in the title role was based on a story that originated in the Independent Mail in 1993. Three years later, it was expanded for a Sports Illustrated story.
Radio's legacy lives on After a year without James 'Radio' Kennedy, his legacy remains alive
This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Roadside attractions of Peachoid, Shoeless Joe Jackson, what to know
