Southern Byways

Off-the-Beaten Path: Airstream Ranch

by Apryl on May 5th, 2008

Chances are, you’re probably familiar with the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, or if not, you have probably heard about it. But, unless you live near the Tampa, Fla.- area, you probably haven’t heard about the Airstream Ranch. Located off the heavily-traveled I-4, yes, the Interstate that connects Orlando to Tampa, is Frank Bates’ (owner of Bates RV) homage to Airstreams.

The former Texan native came up with this idea as a way to honor Airstream’s 75th birthday celebrated a couple of years earlier. He recalled reading an interview with Stanley Marsh, the creator of the Cadillac Ranch, who said his creation was a way pay respect to Cadillacs, which he referred to them as the premier automobile people drove as they explored America.  Well, the Airstream to Bates is the premier RV that people used (and still do) to camp in across America. Using a backhoe and crane, he buried seven big ones and one little on to represent 75 years.

To see the Airstream Ranch up close, you can stop by Bates RV and they drive you over in a golf cart, or if you are familiar with the backroads, you can find it yourself. 

Now, the Ranch is met with some controversy  and while the fate of it still hangs in the air, it is recommend to get out there while you can, because you don’t want to miss this piece of Americana.

All photos are courtesy of Frank Bates/Bates RV

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POSTED IN: Camping, Free Attractions, I-4, Off the Beaten Path, Southern Byways, Things to See in Florida, attractions