I thought this was somehow associated to Dinty Moore canned stew, but learned that it was a man's name and he opened this restaurant around the 1930's. He ran it for around 30 years and it was run by others until some time in the 1980's. I am not sure if it was always in this location, but this building was built in 1955. The Coca-Cola sign on the front of the building says Regal Begal Restaurant. I thought this was a funny coincidence, or perhaps not, as both Dinty Moore and

This pawn business was established in 1989 in a building that appears to be perhaps the office of an old motel. The building is surrounded by a U-shaped row of small cottage type dwellings that were a popular design of 1940's and 1950's motels. Sadly, I was unable to find any solid historical information about the building. It's a very cool design with rounded corners and artistic brick work around the roof line. You'll see it on West Broadway Street in Newport, TN

This is one of those places that you might see in a Hallmark movie. It is the oldest continually operating business in the county. It began in 1911 in this great red brick building with the fancy roofline brickwork and yellow diamond design. Founded by Dr. Tinsley and his pharmacist nephew, then joined in 1933 by pharmacist Lloyd Bible hitching the two names together as they still are today. In 1942 the store expanded and added the historic lunch counter and soda fountain whe

I have so much appreciation for businesses who honor the history of their building or location with vintage neon signage. The Smoke and Barrel opened in 2015 in a building that was built in 1905. The space was most notably occupied by Oliver's ladies clothing store from 1946-1992. When the restaurant opened, their renovations also preserved some of the space's original character. Bravo! You can visit them on South Steele Street in Sanford, NC

I happened to spot this interesting looking building while making a gas stop. The Big Chief neon sign mounted on the building is in great shape but it appeared that whatever the building had been, it had been closed for some time. As it turns out, it actually never opened. The property has been carefully adorned with vintage memorabilia and was one man's vision that was never fulfilled. The neon sign was originally used at the Big Chief Motel in Bean Station, TN. The building

Since 2011, this towering pale green saguaro cactus, rising out of the asphalt, has been the mascot for Cinco Amigos Mexican Restaurant. The building behind the sign perfectly matches the signs energy and color. It's not hard to spot this giant cactus on North Willow Avenue in Cookeville, TN

Named in honor of the nearby Sawtooth Mountains, this club is one of the few historic storefronts along Arco's main streets that remains active. The date of it's opening or years in operation are a bit of a mystery, but the sign probably dates to the 1950's or 1960's. You can stop by for yourself on West Grand Avenue in Arco, ID

This unique looking building was historically known as the Arco Recreation Hall. It was constructed in 1937 and 1938 as a gymnasium using local basalt (lava rock). The nature of the rocks required them to be used in their randomly shaped and sized form which, along with the barrel-vaulted roof, give the building it's distinctive look. The sign was added around 1955 when the city earned the honor of being the first city on Earth to be lit entirely by atomic power. For a little

The club was opened in 1953 as a bar and dance hall. At some point the steak house restaurant was added. It was purchased by Harvey and Betty Helderman in 1955. They, and later their son, ran it for over 60 years. Great word play on Melody for the name. You can still see this great neon sign on Sunset Drive in Arco, ID

This store had it's beginnings during the scandalous reign of Governor Ray Blanton. The Oak Liquor store was tied to a retail liquor license application by R.B. Sowell in 1977. The Blanton administration was infamous for corruption in regards to the illegal sale of these licenses. Blanton was eventually convicted of conspiracy, mail fraud and extortion for controlling who received highly sought-after retail liquor store licenses. This could, of course, have no connection to t

Alex Madonna opened the inn in 1958 with 12 rooms that quickly expanded to 110 themed rooms, a bakery, restaurant, wine cellar, coffee shop, cocktail lounge, spa, gift shop and much more. All with a lot of pink. It looks like it was designed by a Barbie dreamhouse enthusiast. I'm not a big pink fan, but I have to say that I totally didn't hate it. This place is great! Definitely worth a visit. Stop by and embrace the pink on Madonna Road in San Luis Obispo, CA

The pub began in 2008. The building that it is located in was built in 1920. I couldn't find what the origins of the building were but it may have always been some kind of eating establishment as I found an application for a liquor license by the Tamo Brothers in 1933. They were an early Swiss-Italian immigrant family of the time. You can see the retro neon sign on historic Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo, CA

This historic neon sign has been standing at the Rancho Super Car Wash since 1966. Adding to 5 car washes in Washington state, this sign was originally created for an additional car wash in Portland but was packed into a moving truck with the families other belongings, rebuilt and installed at this location where it has become a treasured landmark. Locals have so much pride in the sign that in 2023 it was awarded a full historic designation to ensure it will remain as a perma

The original location opened in 1971 and this one in 1992. Easily the best pizza I've ever had, with it's unique charred, but not burnt, cheesy caramelized crust. The restaurant is named for the whaling ship from "Moby Dick" and has a shameless whale mascot, sipping a beer and wearing a thong, giving a nod to the "whale tail" fashion statement of the 90's. Located on Clybourn Avenue in Chicago, IL, it's worth the trip. When your pizza arrives, don't be surprised if you are mo

One of the most iconic signs in Lake of the Ozarks. The motel was opened in 1955 and had a good run, closing about 10 years ago. The sign is in great shape, standing there proudly, on the legendary Bagnell Dam Strip, like it's just waiting to be turned back on. For now, you can see it on Bagnell Dam Boulevard in Lake Ozark, MO

This great classic neon sign was at an old fashioned drive in style restaurant that opened in 1951. The food was really good, but the star of the show was the butterscotch milkshake! I may, or may not have, gone back later for another! Stop by and try one on US Highway 68 East in Aurora, KY

This iconic glowing arch of neon nostalgia was built in 1941. The sign is a true celebrity having appeared in many movies and TV shows. The yacht harbor actually sank in the 1970's, but the sign has remained unchanged. Exactly as it should. The message is a little outdated, but the sign is proof that some things are worth preserving exactly as they are. You won't have trouble finding it on Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica, CA

Billed as the last diner on Route 66, this retro diner began in 1986 but hasn't updated their calendar since the 1950's. The diner maintains it's nostalgic charm with bright neon signs, the decor and the menu. There are even vintage newspapers and a jukebox the plays the oldies. You can stop by for some classic diner fare on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA

We were so close to the finish line of Route 66 that we didn't stop to get a better picture of this timeless theatre. The theatre opened in 1930. Look closely at what's playing on the marquee and you'll see the theatre's claim to immortality. It has been showing "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" every Saturday night at midnight since 1986. Starting sporadically in 1976, it became a staple by the 80's and has shown continually from 1986 on. At over 40 years, it may be the longes

This hotel was built in 1967 and still has the same glowing blue neon sign. The building had an interesting rounded corner where the hotel diner was located. Still run by the original family owners, some renovations have been made but much of the original charm still remains which earned them a Preservation Award in 2022. You can see this iconic hotel on Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA