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

Mrs. Chapman's Angel Food Donut Shop opened in the 1950's. At one time there was a chain of 20 of them which began in 1941 but this one is the last to remain that still bears the original name. The name comes from the founder, Jack Chapman's, mother. Locals say, "meet me at the giant donut" is better directions than google maps as it is used by most for navigation. You can see this iconic donut for yourself on Santa Fe Avenue in Long Beach, CA

This isn’t your average theater. There’s no overpriced tickets or popcorn. Instead, you get a glorious collection of wheel-less, rusted, sun-bleached classic cars parked in perfect formation, all staring reverently at a retired semi-trailer truck serving as the world’s most improvised movie screen. This outdoor art installation gives off a post-apocalyptic wasteland vibe, where the loyal patrons showed up in 1975 and never left. Stop by and walk among the vintage cars on Aven

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

Standing out front of Whiskey Bill's Saloon and Liquor Emporium is this 20 foot tall, red jacketed, mustachioed gentleman, directing traffic towards the establishment. He was moved here from Chicago in 2021. He was an Arman's Hobo statue, made in the late 1960's, and originally would have been holding balloons in his out stretched hand and caring a hobo stick with a bag tied on the end in the other hand. He may be the last one of his kind so don't miss the opportunity to see

This store was opened in 1878 by Robert Lee Buchanan and his brothers and has been patiently waiting since then, floors creaking, screen door slamming, ready to sell you whatever you didn’t know you needed. They claim to be the longest continually running country store on the East Coast. There's a little bit of everything inside and their slogan is "If we ain't got it, you don't need it." If for no other reason than just to walk across the well worn, uneven original wood flo

At the site of the original Dairi-O location, framing the entrance of the restaurant, is a giant milkshake cup. The cup has two giant red straws sticking out the top because obviously, it's big enough to share. Dairi-O began in 1947 and now has several locations across North and South Carolina. A retro roadside giant that serves up just enough nostalgia to draw you in. You can step right inside this towering shake on East Dalton Road in King, NC

This place is pure underground magic. Located on the site of the original 1834 Galt Hotel, it sits in an almost 200 year old basement that has survived a fire and flood. In 2011 it was reborn with the original brick walls and reclaimed materials from the original building. If you are in downtown, duck under the bridge on West Washington Street in Louisville, KY

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

In front of the Tuckers Crossroads Antiques Store is this great vintage gas station sign from the American Oil Company, which later became widely known as Amoco. The store closed several years ago, but this great piece of the US petroleum industry history remains. You can see it on Trousdale Ferry Pike in Tuckers Crossroads, TN

This general store began in 1880 under another name during the days when Granville was a thriving riverboat town. It changed hands and names many times until Thomas Benjamin Sutton acquired it in 1925 and ran it for 45 years. In addition to selling food and dry goods, Sutton also ran a barbershop, pharmacy and fix it shop out of the store. After being closed for many years, it was finally renovated and reopened in 2001. Today the store is a gift shop, restaurant, museum and m

This bubble gum pink vintage Massey Ferguson tractor sits in front of The Pink Tractor boutique at Patti's 1880 Settlement. The tractor started life working on the property until it received a full Barbie makeover and retired to this spot. If you happen to be in the area, stop by and get a selfie with this farm machinery diva. It's located on JH O'Bryan Avenue in Grand Rivers, KY

Near the entrance to the batting cages at Grady's Family Fun Park is this giant baseball glove. The glove mimics the real deal down to the stitched webbing, laces, and that classic tan hue. While it's not snagging any actual giant fly balls, it's mostly just a big chair for park visitor's photo ops. Snap one for yourself on Morrissey Drive in Bloomington, IL

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

The finish line for America's most famous road trip. The sign that says Welcome to the end of Route 66, folks. The trail stops here but the spirit of the Mother Road goes on forever! On the pier in Santa Monica, CA

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