After a morning walk in a nearby park (and possibly on the town's only walking trail longer than a mile) then returning to the hotel to work, I prepared myself for my first solo date night. Not wanting to have dinner out just anywhere, I decided to go on an adventure (obviously). On my way to and from Bismarck earlier this week (a hour and a half drive to the east), I saw signs on the side of the road for the "Enchanted Highway". Upon returning to the hotel that day, I researched the highway, finding it had giant metal sculptures scattered along it and found it led to a castle. Enough said... I was sold.
The drive was about an hour long. The "Enchanted Highway" consisted of large scrap metal figures, often depicting a scene, which popped up from the sides of the road every 5-10 miles. One sculpture even brags it's a Guinness World Record setter for largest metal sculpture in the world. Each sculpture (many 2 or 3 stories high) had a parking area to pull over and take pictures, as well as a donation box if you felt so inclined. The tourist in me loved the kitchy-ness of it, while the frugal person in me loves that I could just drive and marvel at the occasional "enchantment" without having to stop and pay. A lot of these roadside attractions have miles and miles of advertising, which makes you start wondering "maybe I should see the world's smallest shoe", but then you have to pay something insane in order to see it and get your one picture to realize it really isn't that great anyhow.
What was more noteworthy during the drive for me was actually seeing some of the remains of old structures. I won't claim to know if they were houses, stores or farm sheds, but the stone wall remains showed they must be over 100 years old (maybe even 200?). These old buildings (some more intact than others) were found a few times on this highway. They weren't labeled, there was no informational sign, but they just stood there humbly. I found it interesting the comparison between the boastful sculptures and the subtle structures.
The "Enchanted Highway" led to the town of Regent, ND. A fitting name indeed. The outside of the old-school-turned-castle was hokey, complete with a 3-4 story knight slaying a dragon (all made with scrap metal). The check-in desk had no one but I saw signs for the Tavern so I made my way through the hallways, praying I wasn't the only one there.
Ever hope you aren't the only person doing something so you don't get stuck talking to someone with no way out? I pride myself on being able to talk with almost anyone. I am genuinely curious about people and have little problem finding questions to engage if needed. I have more struggles getting out of conversations. If they keep talking, what's the option: "please stop"?
I showed up to find an empty bar and restaurant with the two staff members talking to each other. There was no turning back now. So I mustered my confidence and sat at the bar. One of the staff members hurried back to the kitchen while the other took his position behind the bar. He must have been so lonely, he just went for it. I learned all about his car (how much he paid, why he bought it, the issues it has, the work he has put in), the town (60 people and 1 cop), the mayor (who keeps getting re-elected because the majority of the town seems to dislike change), groups that have come to the bar (shame on you class of 1960!). I know about the owner of the scrapmetal structures and hotel, a nearby town's recent murder and the integrity of the local press, the town's population decline in recent years enough to close the school, the bartender's boat and the trout he hopes to fish soon. In the hour I was there, he asked me two questions: "What can I get you to drink?" and "Did you want that grilled or fried?".
This is why I am doing this trip this way. People are fascinating!
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