What Ever Happened to the Big Nail? – Screamin’ Scott
Anyone who has traveled from Detroit’s Metro airport toward the Motor City over the years has encountered the Big Tire on the south side of I-94. As Captain Obvious knows,…
Question mark
Anyone who has traveled from Detroit’s Metro airport toward the Motor City over the years has encountered the Big Tire on the south side of I-94. As Captain Obvious knows, it was a giant Ferris wheel at the 1964 New York World's Fair. But the big question I want to know is, what happened to the Big Nail?
The Big Nail is an 11-foot-long, 250-pound metal stake that was in the tire in 1998. It promoted the Uniroyal promotion self-sealing tire and was purchased at an auction to Ralph Roberts for $3,000, who bought it just because he wanted to own the world's largest nail. The nail even became its own celebrity for some time! I remember one night hanging out in downtown Mount Clemens upstairs at the Emerald Theater in a bar they called The Rock Room.
I thought I had a little bit too much to drink when I looked out the window and saw a giant nail being towed up the street. Through my research, I have found the nail has since been retired to an undisclosed site in Utica, Michigan. Who knows? Maybe in 2023 we will all get nailed again.
Michigan Has One of the Top Travel Spots in the U.S.
Michigan is known for its gorgeous lakes, both the Great Lakes and inland ones. Now, the Mitten has bragging rights when it comes to more than just its lakes- try the state's glorious islands.
Travel + Leisure recently released its World's Best Awards list. "Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more," they state in the article.
When it comes to the Best Island in the Continental U.S., Michigan has it. Last year, the winner was Hilton Head, South Carolina, so this is a new honor for Michigan. Moreover, this beloved Michigan spot came out on top of 14 other areas, including the Florida Keys and other major U.S. island destinations.
That prized destination is Mackinac Island. You can't be surprised, as it's a very special place. Here's what the publication said regarding Michigan's most popular island: "Eighty percent of this roughly four-square-mile island on Lake Huron is protected as a state park. The family-friendly downtown has many restaurants, fudge shops, and galleries. There are also several golf courses, one of which, known as 'Wawa,' lies on a battlefield where the British captured the island from the Americans in the War of 1812. You can explore the island by foot, bike or horse-drawn carriage, but no cars are allowed. Accommodations include the Grand Hotel, which dates back to 1887 and earned the No. 6 spot on this year’s list of the Best Hotels in the Midwest." Find the full roster of incredible island spots here and below.
10. Amelia Island, Florida
Amelia Island has 13 miles of beautiful beaches, abundant native wildlife and pristine waters. Nice!
9. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island features 12 miles of pristine beaches. Sounds lovely!
8. Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Who hasn't yearned for a trip to Martha's Vineyard?
7. Mount Desert Island, Maine
Mount Desert Island (MDI) is the largest island off the coast of Maine.
6. Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks are famous for their expanse of open beachfront and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
5. Golden Isles (Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, St. Simons Island), Georgia
Located on the Georgia coast, midway between Savannah, GA, and Jacksonville, FL, the Golden Isles feature four beautiful barrier islands.
4. San Juan Islands, Washington
The San Juan Islands offer whale watching, kayaking, biking, hiking, farm-to-table dining, cozy lodging and more.
3. Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket Island offers events, island maps, beaches, accommodations, dining, arts, activities and more.
2. Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Kiawah Island is just a few miles from historic Charleston, South Carolina, and features the famed Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
1. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is a unique vacation spot boasting fine dining, historic sites, and exciting attractions.
Best Islands in the Continental U.S.
This list is via Travel + Leisure. Find the full list here.
