Do you have…
- A vintage/ retro / mid century modern / cool old place you want to share?
- Information about places on the map that you want to share?
- Photos of places that should be on the map, or are there already?
I’d love to hear about ‘em, and possibly post them on the site!
Email me your submissions, suggestions, photos/ info!
Together we can make a great resource that we can all use and share with the world- wouldn’t that be cool?
Mod Betty
Helium Design
So many possibilities… where to start?
Let’s start with a recent discovery we made in Osage Beach, Missouri called the Golden Door Motel. Very cool and well preserved Rat Pack motor lodge from 1966.
OK, I goofed, you’ve already been to the Caribbean Motel. But have you been to Roadside America in Shartlesville PA? Not far from Cabela’s, (which is weird in its own way), it’s a beautiful vintage miniature world that has to been seen to be appreciated.
I have not been there, but I’ll put it on the list! Thanks for the suggestion, and keep ‘em comin!
Hey,
Have you covered the Red Rabbit, just outside of Harrisburg – the drive in burger place with great malted milkshakes? I did a search on your blog and came up empty.
Forgive me if you already posted about it.
WCD
WCD, thanks for swinging by!
We drove past the Red Rabbit on the way out to Pittsburgh this summer and I totally have a big ol’ star next to it in my notebook of places that seem like they deserve to be on the map, I just haven’t been there myself.
If you’ve been there and have photos and want to let folks know about it I’d love to share your post! I’m only one gal doing what I can, so I love it when people want to contribute to the map, so everyone can find these neat places and support them!
I had breakfast a few weeks ago at the Frazer Diner in Frazer, PA. I love railroad car diners, and this one has one of the coolest interiors I’ve ever seen. So much is originalm and it might be the only one I’ve seen with lots of woodwork inside. God only knows how the original appliances are still operating! Breakfast was yummy, too — good home fries.
Erin- thanks so much for stopping by!
It’s funny – I live right close to the Frazer diner, but we haven’t eaten there since we moved to the area, I guess because we’re so close, or we’re on the road when they’re open. Must change that! I ate there years ago on a roadtrip from Boston to Lancaster, funny to think that at the time I had no idea I’d live within a 10 min drive of the place, and be married to that guy I saw playing guitar that night!
Oh, here’s an outstanding idea if you ever vacation in the Shenandoahs of northern Virginia, Erin. I found this site on Virginia.org. Beautifully restored 1926 caboose that you actually stay in….www.guestcaboose.com.
sounds like fun! If you check it out before we do, make sure to post some photos and let us know how it is!
OOh I love this site! I am all about the roadside and vintage…But I am sad that MICHIGAN does not have place here on your site. We have alot of weird and wonderful places and things and oh yes diners! Please add Michigan soon!
Hello Roadside Diner Lover – Thanks so much for the kind words about Retro Roadmap! I too am sad that Michigan does not have a place on my site. You see, this site is a labor of love for me- aka I do this in my free time and don’t make money from it, so I personally can only report on places I can get to, which usually ends up in the PA MA DE NJ NY MD area.
I always encourage people to submit their own write ups and photos of Retro Roadmapworthy places around them to share with other Retro Roadmap Readers and add to the Retro Roadmap “database”. Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions, and if not, send writeups and photos my way!
Eat on the highway. Or more accurately, over the highway!
Most recently known as the “World’s Largest McDonalds,” this restaurant spans I-44 near Vinita, Oklahoma. Originally built in 1957 as the Glass House, it has been sorely in need of some sprucing up. Recently a project to refurbish this unique structure was approved, so hopefully we’ll be able to enjoy it for many years to come.
Love your website! Have you been to Bernie’s Dining Depot in Chicopee, MA? It’s a diner restaurant with an attached train car. Unfortunately it doesn’t look much like a diner on the outside, but it’s cool to eat in the train car.
I’ll have to check that one out – thanks for the recommendation Kristen!
Just posted another worthwhile vision of tomorrow from Oklahoma.
This is a very bizarre church just off I-235 in Oklahoma City. It’s well worth a visit!
MODBetty
When in Philly, Please check out the Termini Bakery on South 8th Street. It’s 3rd generation–a living antique to what a storefront building and a storefront bakery used to be like.
Just the stainless steel facade would have been enough, but add in the 1940 neon sign, the original wooden cabinets, the diploma from Bakery school in Rome from @1919 ( I forget the exact date), the metal ceiling, etc and its mind boggling!
And that doesn’t even touch on the pastries which are still done the way they were in the early 20th century. Ask for Vince Termini and tell him you do a blog and was told about the place by me; I take groups there on my neon tours, and if he is able he’ll take you on a tour of the back.
Wow! Len thanks so much for the info- I’ll have to make a trip down there very soon! Sounds right up the Retro Roadmap alley!
And hey, readers- if I can’t get there soon, take Len’s advice and get yourself down there- sounds fabulous!
Harolds Country Club, Yemassee, SC 29945.
Gas/bait/shot & beer/Thurs potluck/Sat Steak night.
1938 car dealership. what else y’all want for memories that still live in 2010.
http://www.savannahoffthebeatenpath.com/Food/harold%27s_cc.htm
WC- what a VERY cool place, and your blog is right up the Retro Roadmap alley! I will let folks know about Harold’s for sure and I really love your quote ” We consider this project to be an example of social entrepreneurship – a contribution to the kind of community that we want to strengthen and maintain.” because that’s exactly what Retro Roadmap is all about. Thanks for stopping by, come back again soon!
Here is a ghost town on old US 66 near Winslow Az. called Two Guns. The reason for our interest is that it has on site a very derelict KOA A-frame. The retro signs that remain and the remaining buildings have an eerie feel. “Road side lost” at its apex.
http://www.legendsofamerica.com/AZ-TwoGuns.html
http://maxmccoy.com/blog/uploaded_images/IMG_0130a-729060.jpg
http://pictureroute66.com/2009/11/10/shooting-in-two-guns/
Bill Olendorf
Old Sled Works, DUncannon, PA (Within moments of Red Rabbit Drive-In)
Old sled factory buildings now contain over 125 antique and craft vendors, sled museum, working penny arcade (over 80 games) and vintage soda fountain.
Check it out!
Jimmy- you are the 2nd person to recommend this place to me, I’ll have to make a plan to get out there- thanks for the reminder!
Bear with me while I try to get my email changed for Retro Roadmap — so I can read at my leisure at home instead of at our shop in Venice, Florida!
In the meantime, for any readers in the Indianapolis area, check out Peppy Grill in the Fountain Square area. I haven’t been there in a number of years, but if shopping in the retro district there, it’s a great diner-y type of place to nosh.
Howdy Jeff! Glad you can sit back and relax with Retro Roadmap in the luxury of what I know must be a swanky pad! I’ll be googling Peppy Grill and putting it on my own personal map to check out- thanks for the tip, if you’ve got some photos I’ll add it to the Retro Roadmap as a Reader Recommendation!
If you want an amazing breakfast (Make sure to get there before 2pm) head to Severna Park, Maryland to the Breakfast Shoppe.
http://www.thebreakfastshoppe.com
I recommend the french toast and fresh squeezed orange juice but I’m boring. NOWHERE compares to the breakfast shoppe! (They are packing up shoppe for a much needed expansion and moving down the street any day now. It seems once a place expands quality goes down which would be devasting, perhaps you can get in a visit beforehand.)
Great site- I’ve been painting this genre for many years and love your photos and” discoveries”- glad to see there are still things that I didn’t know about-
Good Luck
gordon Inyard
http://www.facebook.com/pages/wwwgordoninyardcom/112442412104283?v=info
Thanks for swinging by the Retro Roadmap Gordon- you’ve got some cool roadsidey type paintings, my fave!
I nominate Clare & Carl’s in Plattsburgh, NY, near Lake Champlain. When we were there a couple summers ago, we ate at Clare & Carl’s more than once. Looks kind of dive-y from the outside, but the food is great, the prices are cheap, and it’s been in operation since 1942. One of the servers/carhops told us the reason the place looks the way it does on the outside is that it was built without a foundation, so it’s literally sinking. There are some good pics on this site, and Rich said he took some as well when we were there: http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=4556
Donna W – that place is definitely right up the Retro roadmap alley! Thanks for sharing- Ask Rich if he can forward me pix and between that and your report it’ll be added to the Retro Roadmap. See, folks, how easy that is?
http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/bigmap/manhattan/uws/pandg/index.htm
Another NYC you’d like
take care
Gordon Inyard
Gordon- very cool!!! Thanks for the share, we’ll have to check it out next time we’re in that neck of the woods!
i see you dont have really anything in WV. well here is one for you in moundsville wv they still operate a drive in movie with current movies right on route 2 just before you enter the town.
Joe, that sounds right up our alley! Do you have a photo? I’ll add it to the map! Thanks for being the first one to put WV on there!
really enjoy the website. i love the diner photos, especially the nj endangered list.i grew up in middlesex, nj right down the street from swingle diners. i just visited the bound brook diner from bound brook, nj. it is now in charlotte, nc and it is still beautiful. anyone living in the area of charlotte should go eat there. it is a 1948 fodero and it is a gem. go on my facebook and look at the diner photos
Neil – thanks for the info on the diner – Retro Roadhusband and I were in Charlotte NC last fall and missed it, I can’t believe it! I’ll have to see what you’re talking about, thanks for swinging by the Retro Roadmap!
If you’re ever in Louisville, KY, you MUST visit this place. The decor is “early yard sale” and it’s simply FAB! They even have a pair of pants hanging from the ceiling made of used tea bags! It’s the coolest thing I ever saw!
(BTW, thanks so much for the excellent review of the Roxy Theatre in Northampton! I’m the web designer and I also live there. Tell Richard to call me when you come back again, as I’d love to meet you!
Thanks for the link, Lori, that place looks like a hoot! I’m hoping to bring Retro Roadhusband and a couple of pals up to the Roxy some time in the near future, I’ll be sure to post about it!
Betty- Great blog, I love it! Another interesting retro place to visit in Scranton is the Electric City Trolley Museum http://www.ectma.org/. They also have a trolley ride. Located adjacent to the Steamtown NHP in downtown Scranton. Easy walking distance from the Radisson.
Thanks George for the great tip, and it looks like the Trolley Museum will be offering rides this Sunday because of the Veteran’s Day weekend holiday. I’ll get the word out! – I also put your comment below the writeup about the Scranton Get Together.
Rosie’s Diner – the same one used in the commercials, is located in Rockford, MI.
http://www.rosiesdiner.com/
Love this site. I found it through a PeeWee facebook post. I absolutely love the Del Rubio Triplets. Thanks for the address. Also, I love roadtrips and will keep my eyes open for good ideas.
Lola- so glad you found RetroRoadmap! We’re big fans of PW here, and of course the Del Rubio Triplets. Would love to inundate this little lady with valentines, so trying to get the word out and spread the good will. Glad to know you love roadtrips too! I can’t wait to go to the basement of the Alamo when we head down to Texas next month!
mostly enjoy finding old frozen custard stands, diners,hot dog joints looking for all type unique sites — 200 mile radiius of pittsburgh,pa please suggest!!
Arnie- thanks for stopping by RetroRoadmap! Feel free to check out the map of the areas you’re interested in, and if you know of places we should add please let me know!
Approximately 35-40 miles from the Frost Top in LaPlace you will find a cozy retro experience with the best food in Hammond, La. The name of the place is Lee’s Drive Inn. From LaPlace you would take I-55 North to Hammond, La. Once in Hammond anyone can tell you where you can find
Lee’s Drive Inn. It is still a Southeastern Louisiana College students hangout, along with us old folk. Please see the restaurant’s website below. Hope you can visit while you are in La. My husband and I saw your vehicle today while at the LaPlace Frost Top, and did not want you miss Lee’s while you were so close. The food can’t be beat. Melvina Doss, Hammond resident.
http://www.leesdrivein.com/dotnetnuke/Default.aspx
Melvina – thanks for the tip! We’re already in Texas but I love adding places to the map for our next trip!
Hey Betty! I found your website when doing a search for Nokomis Groves. I just love your site (In fact, I used to publish a web magazine in the 1990s called “RETRO”). What a great writeup you did on our little treasure of an orange grove store, just a few blocks from here! I have a small resort-ette of three vintage cottages called Floridaloha that I rent for vacationers. One is from 1917, one from 1955 and one from 1925. All are just a mile from Nokomis Beach and across from a nature preserve, all have period furnishings and amenitites with modern conveniences, all are on the local historic register. I hope you’ll check out the cottages on my website at http://www.floridaloha.com and come by next time you’re in the area again!
Nancy – thanks for the kind words, we love your little neck of the woods on the West Coast of Florida, and enjoy staying down there with our pals who own in Venice. Your cottages sound lovely – I’ll pass along word of them to our pals, and look forward to seeing them in person next time we’re in the area!
check out meyers dairy in boalsburg, pa.—right outside of penn state u. their ice cream far superior to penn state! all hand made with real berries, nuts, and spices. cheap. cheap. 4 bucks for a half gallon. take a cooler and ice. we buy a dozen on a trip. their choc almond does not have any coloring or dye. it is a light brown with chunks of almonds. incredible. vanilla is an off white. wonderful. you will never eat store made again. at least not happily.
oooh, good to know! I’m an ice cream fan for sure. Good friends of ours travel to State College often – I’ll share your find with them as well!
Can’t wait to explore your posts!
Check out DeLorenzo’s on Hudson Street in Trenton. Old school tomato pie shop. Few things to note, they have no bathroom for public use and they’re open only Thurs through Sun. Area is a bit sketchy so just be aware. BYOB
Ooh Heather. Good call! We’ve been trying to get to the original DeLorenzos fro rhe longest time. Stopped by their new 2nd location on the way back from Mass but ended up not eating there. Looked too fancy!
I know your not supposed to have ads with word press, unlike blogger. I’m sure your site could get a good amount of ads on it, but maybe your not interested in that?. I’m not sure how you can find the time and money to travel like this, but i think your site is great. Richard from the Amish community of Lebanon county.
RIchard- you’re right about the ads, I’m still working on figuring out the “right” way to make a lil pin money doing RetroRoadmap without junking it up
Been a sign painter for the better part of 45 years. Obviously that career is about over, due to the computer and (on my part) age. It was a great run. It is heart warming to know that someone felt this “ancient” industry, with it’s roots deeper than most realize, worthy enough to establish this kind of tribute. I am sure there a a lot of wall dogs smiling up there from the top scaffold in the sky.
I’ll be sending you an inquiry about whether or not you would be interested in my (passed on for 2 generations) sign kit. You probably wouldn’t recognize 1/2 the stuff in there, these days. Won’t have much use for it when I retire, and there doesn’t seem to be anyone around who would keep it working.
Best to you and thanks for all of your wonderful energy.
G.Kelly
California
old drive in movie on rt 11 in West Nanticoke Pa ;not far from the victory pig in wyoming pa] THE GARDEN DRIVE IN open fri-sun weather permitting closed in late fall to spring.Also Maureen’s drive in burger joint right out of the 1950′s on rt 29 in w nanticoke….perfect country road to “park” and make out lol…..than breakfast on sat or sun morning at the stainless steel diner on rt 11 in Larksville called THE LARK a good retro summer weekend.——- D Fields w nanticoke pa
Deb, thanks so much for the great recommendations in your area! I didn’t even know the Garden Drive-In existed, and it’s not too far from us, I’ll have to check ‘em out. Thanks for swinging by Retro Roadmap!
The Hotel Congress in Tucson Arizona was where John Dillinger was arrested… it is still a functioning hotel and hub of the independent music scene.
Of course, we only spent time in the Taproom when we passed through… the hotel bar that hasn’t changed in over 40 years… or it’s jukebox. When in America we only drink Pabst Blue Ribbon from a bottle.
Harvey’s in Los Angeles is back after 17 years and is bringing out his collection of Vintage Rattan and his Mid Century Modern. My shop is Mad Men Modern and Harveys and Tropical Sun Rattan ,I can’t make up my mind! http://www.TropicalSunRattan.com
I would love to see my old friends again.
Harvey- we’ll have to check your place out next time we’re in LA! We’re overdue for a visit out west.
Wow, I haven’t clicked through Google Reader to your site in a while. It looks awesome!
Kaitlin – thanks so much! I’m getting some work done to it and have plans for grandeur! Glad you stopped by!
Hi Betty
I came across your website cause I am trying to find a cool motel for a photoshoot.
I am after an authentic vintage motel with 50s look both outside and inside the rooms. pastel colors, flowery curtains, and so on…
I am in NY and we can’t travel as far as wildwood, NJ.
do you have any suggestions for long island or north of NJ?
thanks a lot
M
Marco – Promise me you’ll share your photos if you shoot ‘em here- I don’t know if the interior of the rooms is as great as the exterior, but why not try the Silver Sands in Greenport, NY?
http://198.1.119.1/~retroroa/2010/09/10/greenport-ny-long-island-vintage-haven-part-2/
Check out Shane’s Confectionery in Philadelphia. Neat Victorian era candy shop!
Good call, Mary – we love Shane’s and were so happy when they opened up just in time for the holiday season! http://198.1.119.1/~retroroa/2011/12/08/shane-confectionery-philadelphia-pa-berley-brothers/
Hi
Candi and I are a lot like you and your husband as we seek out unusual places on our road trips. Also have a fascination with diners as my father had one in the 40′s and 50′s. We would be happy to volunteer to be road scouts. By the way, we did the ‘runout’ in 2008 and spent a very cold night in Punxy for groundhog day.
Keep up the good work!
Peter and Candi
Peter & Candi = Thanks for stopping by Retro Roadmap! I always love it when people offer to scout places where we haven’t been yet – just a few snapshots and a line or two as to why you’d recommend the place is usually all it takes! Glad you participated in the running of the blob – we need to do that someday, but I try to make room for the out of towners, and just watch from the roadside. Happy trails!
My Dear Retro Roadmap Readers –
In an effort to reduce comment spam by bots on my site, I’ve closed the comments on this post.
But the last thing I want to see happen is that it stops the conversation on this topic, especially if you have something you want to add!
So if you want to comment on this post all you have to do is email me at modbetty AT retroroadmap DOT com and let me know what you want to say and what post it goes with. I’ll make sure your info gets matched up and added to the conversation!
Thanks for understanding!
Your hostess, Mod Betty