Bubblegum Alley

I was in SLO (otherwise know as San Luis Obispo, CA) this past weekend and took some pictures of Gum Alley. My husband had never seen it before and was intrigued yet more than a little grossed out. Personally? I think it rocks. Or sticks. Whatever the case may be.

Apparently this tradition began in or around 1960 when someone stuck a piece of gum on the wall. Then someone else put a piece of gum. And so on and so on. What used to be called Garden Alley is now known as Bubblegum or Gumball Alley. ABC gum at its finest!! Just goes to show, anything can be art. In fact, artists have actually visited the site and created gum-art.

Along with gum, wrappers are also used in Gum Alley such as in this fine, fine piece of art.

Disgusting though it may be, it is truly a must see when you visit this fun college town. But be warned--it isn't for the weak stomached or faint of heart. Nah, it is not really that bad as long as you don't think about it. Millions and millions of sticky, slobbery pieces of gum SO close to you on both sides of this really narrow alley.....

Damn! I sure hope this wasn't all in someones mouth at once. Hubba Bubba explosion!

There is actually a fairly big write up about Bubblegum Alley in Wikipedia. Provides a lot more history and some pretty cool pictures too.

Chew ya later.....