Bubble Gum Alley

If you are squeamish about chewed food and germs, this is not the place for you. Located in San Luis Obispo, the tourist destination is 15-feet high and 70-feet long, completely covered in gum left by those who have walked the path before. It is one of the most talked about landmarks in the area and is believed to have been started after World War II by a local high school class. Some believe their may have been a rivalry involved in the beginning between two different high schools. The alley was cleaned of bubble gum in the 1970's, but visitors continued to remake the landmark. It has since been suggested there be cleanings again, but the local city council is never able to get the event fully underway. The alley has received national media attention on several occasions. Many of the area school adorn parts of the alley with their sorority and fraternity letters stuck in gum. There are also a number of numbers represented in gum representing incoming freshman classes at the local colleges. Individuals also leave gum tidings and occasionally spell messages and words with their chewed gum. Bubble Gum Alley is not without controversy and the unsanitary nature bothers many area residents and politicians. Local businesses occasionally complain about the alley, but others believe it increases traffic to their stores and therefore, helps boost business.