One of the greatest appeals of travel for most individuals, regardless of age, is the thrill of discovery. There is a special joy in stumbling upon something delightful and unexpected, or uncovering a hidden gem known only to locals. The excitement of encountering new and wonderful experiences is a feeling that never fades with time; it is what keeps us feeling youthful. In response to this, many towns in the South have introduced a range of art installations throughout their city, encouraging visitors to explore top attractions, lesser-known spots, and everything in between. These installations, including sculptures, murals, and other hidden treasures, now bring happiness to both locals and visitors, creating a fun and engaging itinerary for travelers.
From whimsical horses to majestic herons, charming gnomes to doors that seem tailor-made for them, these scavenger hunts are worth traveling to the South to experience.
Mice on Main – Greenville, South Carolina
While Swamp Rabbits are a prominent symbol in this down-to-earth town (even serving as the mascot of the local hockey team), another kind of four-legged creature has quietly gained recognition: mice. Mice on Main originated as a high school senior project by Jim Ryan, who proposed placing a family of nine bronze mouse sculptures—inspired by Goodnight Moon—along Main Street. Tucked away along the downtown area and sometimes integrated into other sculptures, finding them can be a challenge. To add an extra element of excitement, the Visit Greenville SC Visitor Center offers a guide with clues instead of a straightforward map. This scavenger hunt has become so popular that it inspired a children’s book, Mice on Main, illustrated by the sculptor. Moreover, it motivated other local spots to initiate similar projects, such as Toads on Trade in nearby Greer and the Brewmiceter Hops Hunt across the region’s breweries.
Tiny Doors ATL – Atlanta, Georgia
Ten years ago, artist Karen Anderson Singer embarked on an artistic journey by creating Tiny Doors ATL, installing miniature seven-inch doors throughout Atlanta’s neighborhoods. Her inspiration stemmed from the ongoing dialogue surrounding street art in Atlanta, with a desire to craft artworks that resonate with and pay homage to the neighborhood while igniting curiosity and imagination. Singer shares, “Every door is made in collaboration with the neighborhood or institution. The installations are meant to reflect and amplify the unique qualities of the environment. I dedicate up to a year to each door, immersing myself in the architecture, colors, and most importantly, the essence of the surrounding community.” As the collection expands, so does the excitement among Atlanta visitors, with the online map of doors garnering over a million views.
Peanuts Around Town – Dothan, Alabama
Dothan, Alabama, known as the Peanut Capital of the World, boasts over half of the nation’s peanuts grown within a 100-mile radius. The city has been hosting the National Peanut Festival for more than 80 years, cementing its pride in this leguminous crop. This community pride
Many cities have strong connections to their colleges, but the University of Memphis truly stands out. In honor of the university’s 100th anniversary, the alumni association launched Tigers Around Town, placing 50 tiger statues throughout the campus. Local fans and businesses joined in, doubling the number with their own sponsored tigers across the city and beyond. Each statue, uniquely decorated by artists, students, and alumni, can be found using a campus map or Google map for a fun scavenger hunt.
In a similar spirit, Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana, initiated “The Bulldog Project” to celebrate their mascot. Fiberglass bulldogs were placed around the town, bringing art and school spirit to the community. The project continues to grow, with more statues expected in the coming years.
Palm Coast, Florida, embraced the Loggerhead turtle with the Turtle Trail project by the Flagler County Cultural Council. These sculptures pay tribute to the local wildlife and art scene, adding colorful beauty to the coastal town.
Abingdon, Virginia, honors its history with The Abingdon Wolf Project, inspired by the legend of wolves in Wolf Hills. Painted ceramic wolves were created to raise funds for the local museum, and the project has evolved over the years to include more wolves on public display.
In Aiken, South Carolina, equine culture takes center stage with Horse Around Aiken and Kitting Around Aiken. Local artists crafted fiberglass horses in the “Horseplay” series, adding whimsical charm to the community. These sculptures were auctioned to support the arts center, enriching the area’s cultural landscape.
North of scholarships, the remaining ones can be found on display in the downtown area. Everyone is encouraged to pick up a Horse Around Aiken map and participate in the scavenger hunt to win a prize token. Meanwhile, Kitting Around Aiken is celebrating another traditional equestrian activity: fox hunting. Thanks to Kitfox Pediatric Dentistry and the City of Aiken, there are six bronze baby fox sculptures hidden downtown in playful poses. This wildlife-safe “fox hunt” pays homage to the old sport. Each fox has a name and backstory, with clues available on the dentistry’s website. Test your guesses and locate their positions—answers, including addresses and photos, are available as needed.
In Virginia, not only are there attractions in major hubs but also in communities situated off the main scenic highways. Traveling through Virginia presents an excellent opportunity to explore charming towns like Wytheville, where visitors can encounter three unique displays within minutes.
In the town of Wytheville, travelers can immerse themselves in the local culture and history through various artistic installations. One notable example is the Wings of the West trail, which offers a creative way for individuals to engage with their surroundings. This trail features life-sized murals that provide the perfect backdrop for memorable photos. Each set of wings represents a different aspect of the area, offering insights into the region’s identity and character.
For instance, at Skydive Deland in West Volusia County, visitors can pose in front of airplane wings that symbolize the thrill of aerial adventures. These interactive murals serve not only as photo opportunities but also as a means of connecting with the essence of the place. With a total of six installations scattered throughout West Volusia County, the Wings of the West trail acts as a whimsical guide for tourists, encouraging them to explore this vibrant part of Central Florida.
By engaging with these artistic displays, travelers can gain a deeper appreciation for the local attractions and landmarks. The Wings of the West trail exemplifies how art can enhance the travel experience, offering a unique perspective on the destinations visited. Whether snapping a picture with the colorful murals or learning about the symbolism behind each set of wings, visitors can create lasting memories while connecting with the culture of the region.
Exploring Virginia and Florida through initiatives like the Wings of the West trail allows travelers to participate in the storytelling of each location. By becoming part of the artwork, individuals can forge a personal connection with the places they visit, transforming their journey into a meaningful and enriching experience. Through these creative encounters, tourists can not only capture moments but also become active participants in the narrative of the destinations they explore.
In conclusion, the Wings of the West trail offers a captivating way to engage with the culture and heritage of Virginia and Florida. By discovering these artistic installations, travelers can delve into the essence of each location, uncovering hidden gems and unique stories along the way. Embracing the spirit of adventure and creativity, visitors can embark on a transformative journey through these vibrant communities, leaving a trail of memories as colorful as the wings that adorn the walls.
