| NEBRASKA |
Producer: Hawk Buckman
Welcome to Trails West Travel Magazine’s 4K 48-Hour Road Trip! In this episode, we travel to Alliance, Nebraska, and embark on an unforgettable adventure. Our first stop takes us to the iconic Carhenge, where we explore its fascinating history and intriguing sculptures. Afterward, we indulge in a delightful experience at Vintage Espresso and Antiques, savoring their exceptional brews. We treat ourselves to a delicious Taco Tuesday lunch to satisfy our taste buds.
Energized and ready for more, we continue our journey by visiting Highway 2 Threads, a fantastic little shopping destination located on the Bricks in downtown Alliance. Here, we peruse through an array of trendy and unique items, adding a touch of style to our road trip memories. As our day draws to a close, we go to The Dead Unicorn Society, which embraces the macabre and holds a special place in our hearts as one of Trails West Magazines’ must-see destinations in western Nebraska.
Join us on this thrilling escapade as we discover the hidden gems of Alliance, Nebraska.
| Emblem of Nebraska
Carhenge is a unique roadside attraction located in Alliance, Nebraska, United States. It is a quirky and creative art installation replicating England’s famous ancient stone circle, Stonehenge, but with cars instead of stones. Carhenge was created by Jim Reinders, a local artist and engineer, as a tribute to his late father. The installation was erected in 1987 and has since become a popular tourist destination.
Carhenge consists of 39 vintage automobiles arranged in a circular pattern to mimic the layout of Stonehenge. The cars are mostly old American-made vehicles from the 1950s and 1960s, including various models of Chevrolets, Fords, and Cadillacs. Some of the cars are partially buried in the ground, while others are positioned upright, resembling the standing stones of Stonehenge.
The placement and orientation of the cars at Carhenge closely match those of the original Stonehenge, giving visitors a sense of the ancient monument’s grandeur. The cars are painted gray to mimic the color of stones, and some are adorned with additional car parts to enhance the resemblance. The entire structure covers an area of about 96 feet (29 meters) in diameter.
Over the years, Carhenge has become more than just a roadside attraction. It has gained recognition as a work of art and a symbol of creative expression. The Friends of Carhenge organization has preserved and maintained the site, ensuring its continued existence for future generations.
Carhenge has inspired similar car art installations worldwide, with replicas popping up in various countries. It has also been featured in popular culture in films, television shows, and music videos. The site hosts annual events and celebrations, including solstice gatherings and car-related festivals, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Carhenge is not just a whimsical reinterpretation of Stonehenge but also a testament to the human desire for self-expression and the power of art to captivate and inspire.
| SPECIAL THANKS
Vintage Espresso & Antiques
Highway 2 Threads
The Dead Unicorn Society