Roadside GIANT: Steel Virgin Mary New Castle, Delaware

Visitors traveling from New Jersey to Delaware are greeted as they enter the first state by a giant steel Virgin Mary. She's pretty hard to miss with her steely open arms looking to comfort every passing motorist, or intimidate them.

The steely figure has been in place since 2007 when the folks of Delaware decided they wanted their very own giant Mary. Local artist Charles C. Park had previously created two similar sculptures that were displayed prominently in the state before finding permanent homes in California and Illinois. Beginning in 1999 the faithful throughout the state began raising funds for their own. The statue was done in sections as funds were being raised.

The massive statue stands over 34 feet tall and weighs over 8,000 pounds. The work is not solid steel but instead is strips welded together. In between the steel spaces people place their prayers and memorials. The wind also howls through these strips making for a quite unique sound. The statue is done in a way that seems it could come to life at any moment. Certainly intimidating.

Roadside GIANT: Doctor's Bag Newark, Delaware

Did you know doctors used to come visit families door to door? They would even take payments such as eggs, chickens, or even a freshly baked pie. Well those days are long gone, but can be remembered...kinda!

Hidden away in a medical center in Newark, Delaware rests a medical bag, just like they used to carry door to door.  Protruding out of the top of the bag is a stethoscope. And oh yeah, it stands about 20 feet high and approximately 15 feet across, making it the Worlds largest doctor's bag. I certainly wouldn't wanna be receiving any proctology exams from the doctor carrying that!

Roadside GIANT: Quarter Everett, Pennsylvania

A drive along the historic Lincoln Highway can be quite pleasurable, as well as quite mundane. But along this historic heritage a few towns are trying to catch a bit of attention. Constructing roadside giants along the path allows travelers a chance for unique photo opportunities and for towns to get a little recognition.

In 2008 the small municipality of Everett, Pennsylvania had their roadside giant constructed. Standing 20 feet tall and weighing in at 1,600 pounds it's surely gotta be one of the largest quarters in the country. The sculpture was created in the local town of Bedford. Area students from the local technical institute helped in the creating process, as well as other local manufacturing facilities. The construction took a period of three days.

The quarter was chosen because of George Washington's ties to the county. He would often spend evenings in the county, as well as frequent local pubs and establishments. Another roadside giant accompanies the quarter in this rural county. The giant coffee pot in Bedford, Pennsylvania is located on a few miles away. Now if only there was a way to get a cup of coffee for a quarter.

GIANT Paint Can Shippensburg, Pennsylvania

Driving along interstate 81 in Pennsylvania can be quite montonous and unenjoyable. Luckily there are a few bright spots along this nearly 233 mile stretch of highway. Near the Mason-Dixon line at exit 24, welcoming you to the Blue mountains sits one of the largest paint cans in the world. The 35 feet high can comes adorned with a lid and a handle. Originally the structure was a water tower from the previous owner. When the Benjamain Moore paint company purchased the property they decided to use the eyesore as a marketing tool. Now if only we could find a way to spruce up all of I-81. Maybe they should put a giant object near every exit!