Farmland, Indiana, USA

Welcome to cognitive dissonance. Farmland is located in the North American Corn Belt. But, the grain elevator rising above Main Street just screams Wheat Belt, and the mural suggests there might just be a Tomato Belt somewhere nearby. [2018]

Waitsburg, Washington, USA

Grain mills usually receive grain. This one receives mail. It captures local color, exemplifies the Palouse's economic base, and transforms the roadside into a museum of shop projects. [2019]

Hendersonville, North Carolina, USA

It's just about two weeks to Valentine's Day. Better start shopping, for a card, at least, and a gift, at best. Of course, if your name were Valentine, everyday would be Valentine's Day. The name comes from Latin, meaning 'strong and healthy,' two words which apply strikingly well to the heart. [2012]

Cuba, Kansas, USA

What is the most produced staple crop in the world? Corn. Don't yawn! Only a few decades ago rice held that honor. Think: the mega-populations of China, Southeast Asia, and India. In fact, rice may still hold that honor if you consider that 45% of corn goes to the production of ethanol for powering internal combustion engines. [2009]

Bellows Falls, Vermont, USA

What services can a covered bridge provide? It can carry a couple of mailboxes for nearby residents. Alas, the original Hall covered bridge was destroyed by an overweight truck in 1980. Given Vermonters love of the bucolic, however, it was immediately rebuilt to exacting, authentic standards. Thank you Milton Graton.[2009]

Philippi, West Virginia, USA

The Philippi covered bridge (pronounced with a -pee at the end) spans the Tygart River. It is a rare double-barreled, two-lane bridge, a three-lane bridge if you count the outside pedestrian walkway. If you visit, be sure to take in the local museum where you will find a collection of human mummies from the late 1800s. [2021]

Stevens, Pennsylvania, USA

Bucher's Mill covered bridge is still open to traffic, both human and canine. It spans a waterway with one of the most colorful names in American toponymy: the Cocalico Creek. Across the region, though, there are more watercourses with equally entertaining names: Chiques, Conestoga, Conowingo, Conewago, Codorus, Conodoguinet, Conococheague. [2023]