July 5, 2017

San Luis Obispo: Bubblegum Alley; things to do

101 South

Bubblegum Alley  

Next to 7335 Higuera St./Broad St., downtown. 

Since the 1950s and possibly earlier, gum-chewers have been depositing their product on these brick walls.  Some have even taken the time to make designs.  A vulgar, tacky eyesore to many, Bubblegum Alley is a cheap thrill for gum aficionados and most children.  It was cleaned up in the 1970s but is currently back at its gooey best.  Stock up on different colors of gum before arriving, and note that Double Bubble reputedly sticks best.  We used Double Bubble green watermelon and purple grape, which looked great but didn’t hold my business card in place.

Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California
Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California


applying gum in Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California
applying gum in Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California


art in Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California
art in Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California


bubble art in Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California
bubble art in Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California


heart in Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California
heart in Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California


business card in Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California
business card in Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California


peace sign in Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California
peace sign in Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California


If you find yourself stuck here without a stick, grab a big gumball from the huge machine in Ambiance clothing boutique located next door

Ambiance


big gumball machine in Ambiance boutique next door to Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California
big gumball machine in Ambiance boutique next door to Bubblegum Alley
in San Luis Obispo, California


or 

Rocket Fizz


at the Rocket Fizz candy shop just up the street. In addition to a wall devoted to soda pop, vibrant Rocket Fizz also has a smallish section devoted to gum--you’ll find Double Bubble and plenty more.  Oh yeah, try not to stumble over the VW bug that sits in the middle of it all.

VW Bug parked inside Rocket Fizz candy shop near Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California
VW Bug parked inside Rocket Fizz candy shop near Bubblegum Alley
in San Luis Obispo, California


gum display in Rocket Fizz candy shop near Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California
gum display in Rocket Fizz candy shop near Bubblegum Alley
in San Luis Obispo, California


soda display in Rocket Fizz candy shop near Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California
soda display in Rocket Fizz candy shop near Bubblegum Alley
in San Luis Obispo, California


More things to do in San Luis Obispo.

More ideas for exploring Northern California. 

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

7 comments:

  1. This sounds like a "you've to see it to believe it" attraction ...I hope no-one decides to create a bubble gum wall on my house :) But I have to say that the peace symbol is rather cute

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm a fan of the odd and quirky and this bubble gum wall certainly qualifies. Nasty-looking black gum, though!

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  3. I flew in and out of the San Luis Obispo airport last year when I spent time in Paso Robles but didn't have a chance to explore the city of San Luis Obispo itself. This looks like a fun place to go and I'll remember it if I return to the area!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Unbelievable! But true, eh? It's amazing what we come across when travel. Thx for shsring, Carole.

    ReplyDelete
  5. All I can say is 'Oh Yuck' talk about a tourist attraction with a difference.

    ReplyDelete
  6. mmm... I like street art, but I'm not sure about bubble gum!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Fascinating. I liked how it was cleaned up and then appeared again. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. :-)

    ReplyDelete

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