Wander +

Wonder.

A hand-curated guide to Artist-built environments, visionary architecture, and backroads art — coast to coast.

This is the new home of Detour Art, Best Road Trip Ever!, and Road Trip 66! — three projects born on the open road and now gathered into one stop shop.

For years, I’ve been turning off highways and following backroads in search of places built by people who simply needed to create something because they have to. Some of these environments are famous. Many are quietly weathering in fields, deserts, forests, neighborhoods, and forgotten corners of towns. All were found the old-fashioned way: by driving, asking, photographing, researching, and returning when the story needed more time.

Everything here is hand-curated.

Visited. Documented. Chosen with intention.

No scraped lists. No algorithmic “top ten.” Just miles logged and places that felt worth remembering.

You’ll find:

  • Artist-built and visionary environments across the United States

  • Self-taught artists and the origin stories behind their spaces

  • Route 66 landmarks (approaching its 100th anniversary)

  • Off-beat travel suggestions from Best Road Trip Ever!

  • Regional guides organized coast to coast

Think of it as part field guide, part archive, part invitation.

Turn off the highway, you’re in the right place.

A woman with short blonde hair, wearing sunglasses, a black jacket, and blue jeans, sitting on the grass and smiling at the camera while holding a professional camera. Behind her is a wire fence with red and pink heart-shaped signs displaying various names and words, set outdoors under a clear blue sky.

Detour Art

Explore an offbeat collection of artist-built environments that celebrates America's vibrant, creative voices.

Route 66

Travel the iconic Mother Road on her 100th anniversary, discovering quirky relics and timeless charm from America's most storied highway.

Midwest

Experience the heartland's blend of small-town charm and artistic surprises, nestled in rolling landscapes and bustling towns.

Southwest

Discover a land of vivid landscapes, vibrant cultures, and eclectic art woven into the American desert tapestry.

South

Step into the soulful South, where Civil Rights history, the Blues, creativity, and hospitality create a rich cultural journey.

West

Venture into the vast, rugged beauty of the West, where art and adventure collide across mountains, valleys, and coastlines.

Northeast

Uncover the Northeast's fusion of history, innovation, and artistry, from bustling cities to quaint coastal towns.

“PECULIAR TRAVEL SUGGESTIONS ARE DANCING LESSONS FROM GOD.”— Kurt Vonnegut