While there isn’t much left to see at Hobbiton, USA, there is more than just a defunct roadside attraction to access from the same parking lot. The Living Chimney Tree gained its titular characteristic in 1914 when a fire hollowed out this 78 foot tall tree without actually killing it. The resulting charred inner room is about 12 feet in diameter and stretches so high that it is difficult to see where the chamber ends. I wouldn’t have been against setting up camp inside for a night. There certainly was plenty of room. When it comes to burnt out trees, this one is pretty remarkable. It makes for a pretty short stop: walk in, turn around, sing a song to test the acoustics, then exit.
We made a point to also stop at the Living Chimney Tree Grill for a burger and to find out anything more we could about Hobbiton, USA. The burger and fries were tasty and we could sit on a patio with a view of the Living Chimney Tree. General news of Hobbiton was…grim.
