Architectural Oddities in North Carolina

This hollow steel globe is the second-largest in the world.

The enormous 250-room Vanderbilt mansion conceals hidden doors and secret passageways.

A cabin completely covered in coffee mugs, where visitors are welcome to leave one of their own—if they can find an empty nail.

This bright yellow relic is the final survivor of a short burst of seashell-shaped petrol pumps.

A retired tobacco farmer's pet project turned into a sturdy miniature city.

Beautiful Gothic-inspired lighthouse stands out among the run-of-the-mill striped fare on Bodies Island.

This too-low North Carolina railroad trestle is still a notorious big rig executioner.

An abandoned village that doubled as "The Hunger Games"' post-apocalyptic wasteland is up for grabs.

Largest display of Wesleyana anywhere in the world.

Jule Körner's house full of bizarre architectural details.