Summary

The article explores quirky named places in the Western United States, offering insights into their unique attractions and historical significance beyond just their curious names.

Abstract

In the second episode of a series exploring uniquely named destinations, the author takes readers on a journey through the Western United States, highlighting towns and landmarks with intriguing names and rich experiences. From Yolo, California, with its native American origins and river activities, to the mysterious Flower Pot, Arizona, and the boomtown of Pahrump, Nevada, each location offers more than a humorous name. The article emphasizes the cultural, historical, and natural attractions of these places, such as the Gold Rush museum in Sacramento, the artist colony in Sedona, the outdoor adventures in Pahrump, and the ancient petroglyphs and dwellings near Bullfrog, Utah. The piece encourages travelers to discover the depth beyond the names, suggesting that these destinations provide memorable experiences and sights.

Opinions

The author believes that quirky named places offer substantial cultural and recreational experiences, not just a funny name to laugh at.
There is an appreciation for the historical context of place names, such as Yolo's native American roots and the Gold Rush significance of Sutter's Mill.
The article suggests that small towns and lesser-known locations can be as rewarding to visit as major tourist destinations.
The author expresses a personal connection to Arizona, hinting at a familial history in the state.
There is a recommendation to prepare for travel in rural areas, particularly in Arizona, where roads can quickly become challenging for standard vehicles.
The writer endorses booking activities in advance, as seen with the suggestion to book at Out of Africa Wildlife Park for a discount.
The author seems to enjoy outdoor activities and encourages readers to engage in kayaking, hiking, and skiing in the destinations mentioned.
There is a playful nod to the saying "What happens in Vegas..." by suggesting that experiences in Pahrump might be too unbelievable to share.
The piece conveys a sense of wonder and adventure, inviting readers to explore the natural beauty and historical richness of the American West.

Quirky Named Places and What to Do There, Episode 2

Valley of Fire state park, NV — original photo J. Black

Small towns around the world come up with clever names. Some for gaining notoriety, some named after a leading citizen. And some, it’s a head scratcher. Years ago, I read a travel memoir. The author packed up his camper truck and motored zig zag around the United States. One of his objectives, find quirky named places. He was successful, in more ways than one, his book, Blue Highways inspired adventures on America’s highways, small towns and peculiar named locations. In the second installment, we will travel the West. The twist on this series, many of these towns or points of interest are more than an origin story of a name-place. Many have truly interesting sights and experiences.

All these places offer more than a funny road sign. It could be a can’t miss restaurant, an historic event, a natural setting, or a community event open to all. There’s a there, there. Strap on your seatbelt, put on your shades and turn up your music. Starting in the Golden State, read on.

The second episode, electric boogaloo.

Yolo, CA

The first episode, we visited the sunshine state. We begin in the golden state round two. Ten years ago this small northern California town wouldn’t have registered a laugh or a smirk. Now the little rural town near the state capitol Sacramento is now a contender. The popular acronym, makes for a long, yet misinterpreted town label. Yolo, the town’s name, originates with a local native American band. It may have been a misspelling of a chief or Indian village near the site.

The county in fact is also named Yolo. The small town is not the biggest in the county. That claim belongs to Woodland. North and east of Yolo is the mighty Sacramento River. Several canoe, innertube and kayak rental shops dot the riverbanks. A scorching hot Central Valley day calls for a cool river.

The river snakes through the state capitol, Sacramento. The biggest city for miles, the golden state first city offers year round sporting events, the basketball Kings, triple AAA baseball and numerous equestrian events throughout the year. Near the state capitol, Sutter’s Mill, once a thriving enterprise, is now a museum dedicated to the tales of the Gold Rush that spurred the first big population boom in California.

The namesake fort in Sacramento shares it’s name with the mill where John Marshall is said to struck gold, “Eureka!” That’s the state motto, by the way. You only live once. That’s what the kids call it, right?

Flower Pot, AZ

A speck on a map. Aside a place name, there doesn’t appear to be a town. Both sides of my family have Arizona roots. No confirmation yet, why the quirky name. It is just east of highway 17, north of Phoenix. If there’s no sign, the place needs one. About 45 minutes rumbling up 17 is the alpine desert retreat, Sedona. Outdoors lovers unite! Little Sedona is also well known as an artist colony. Bring your smartphone or art sketch pad, the landscape is magnificent. Pack light, you just might be toting home an original work to show and tell your friends all about Flower Pot, I mean Sedona. Be aware, many of the rural roads in Arizona quickly turn into dirt roads without a through point. I’ve done it myself, more than once. Be prepared to backtrack unless you are in an off-roader.

On your trek to Sedona, pull over and hike to the Montezuma Castle monument. It’s a lesser known and visited cliff dwelling, or detour on state highway 260 to the west and ramble through Out of Africa Wildlife Park. Booking in advance on the park’s website, there usually is a pre-paid discount. And, if none of that gets you excited, there’s probably a dusty cave near Flower Pot to ponder the universe.

Pahrump, NV

It’s not a sound your body (or mine) made. It’s a boomtown, northwest of Sin City, Las Vegas. On the backroads, explore the massive Death Valley national park, just across the state line. You want to gamble? Who needs Las Vegas? Pahrump has a casino. The outdoors is spectacular in the region, the summer less so. A ninety minute drive, your compadres will marvel at the numerous hiking trails on and around Mount Charleston, the big mountain in the background for all the Vegas skyline photos. In the winter, bring your snowboard or skis. There’s a resort with numerous amenities. Who said you can’t have it all? What stays in Vegas…wait, now it’s what happens in Pahrump, no one’s going to believe that’s really the name of the place, so it must not have happened.

Bullfrog, UT

Rounding out the wild west edition, hop on over to the camping grounds along scenic Glen Lake. Up river on the famous Colorado River, from Lake Powell. Water babies unite. Bring your kayaks, splash in the cool waters and paddle. Boat rentals are available at the marina. Campgrounds and a lodge are nearby. Make the journey up river and explore the primitive dwellings named Defiance House. It’s not easy to get there, the remoteness is apparent. It’s just your group and mother nature. Be on the lookout for ancient petroglyphs.

An entire hard earned vacation boating in the wilderness may not get the team all fired up. In close proximity are some of the grandest national wildernesses in the world, Canyonlands National Park, Grand Staircase, Capitol Reef and the outdoor adventurer’s mecca, Moab. It’s a drive. Once you are home, you can tell the co-workers all about the time you stayed at Bullfrog.

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Thank you for indulging my writings.

I write about three topics: music, tourism, and sustainability.

By profession, I am a: Travel Designer. My goal is creating for you: a vacation, holiday, road trip or travels as epic as possible.

Open to collaborate!

My personal website, find me @ https://uxfol.io/joshblackprofessional