Roadside Weirdness

Little's Jewelry

2011-10-25T13:37:00.000-07:00

This little jewel of an abandonment is on Main Street in downtown Mt. Sterling. I'm not sure how long Little's Jewelry has been closed, but to my eye, it looks like at least the eighties.

The blue box above the awning says "Burglar Alarm". I would love to get into the apartments upstairs and see what's there.

Check out the old neon work! Wonder if it were plugged in if it would still fire up?

The Weirdness Next Door...

2011-10-25T10:53:00.001-07:00

I always feel kinda redneck when I tell people my beauty shop is "next to the old taxidermy place."

Waverly Hills Sanatorium

2011-10-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

As far as reportedly haunted locations go, Waverly Hills Sanatorium is a legend. The hospital building was completed in 1926 and was considered to be one of the most modern facilities for treating the disease tuberculosis. Patients with TB had to be quarantined away from the general public. Before antibiotics, the prescribed treatments involved plenty of rest, fresh air, and sunlight. The hospital had long porches called solariums where the patients would be wheeled outside, even in the winter. Electric blankets were invented specifically for sanatoriums to assist in this practice. If the weather was too inclement to take them outside, the patients would sit under sunlamps in the hope that the ultraviolet light would kill the bacteria. If these treatments didn't work, the last resorts were Pneumothorax and Thoracoplasty. Both surgical procedures seem downright brutal by today's standards, but back then, it was all they had. Pneumothorax was a way of collapsing part of the lung and giving it a chance to heal. It also closed any holes the disease may have caused. Thoracoplasty involved opening the person's chest and removing some of the rib cage bones. It was only safe to remove a few at a time, so many patients had to endure the agonizing procedure several times before it was complete.

Of course, no discussion of Waverly is complete without mention of the Body Chute aka the Death Tunnel. At the height of the epidemic, patients were dying every day. In order to keep up the spirits of the living, the staff discreetly removed the dead bodies using the underground passage, which employed a rail car wench system. It was originally constructed to bring supplies and heat up to the hospital, but also served as a good way for the staff to get up and down the hill in the winter. Over the course of the years, approximately 30,000 people made their last trip down the hill in this fashion.

After the invention of antibiotics, sanatoriums were no longer needed. Waverly was closed down, disinfected, and re-purposed as WoodHaven, a geriatric home. It was closed down in 1980 by the state due to patient abuse. The building sat abandoned for many years. In that time, the legends surrounding Waverly only grew...

Many specters are said to still haunt the premises. One of the most famous stories is the nurse of room 502. According to the tales, she was unmarried and pregnant. Supposedly, she was so overcome with grief at her situation, she hung herself in room 502. Her presence has been felt by many, especially pregnant women. They are said to get very sick and dizzy when they go into this room. A few years later, another nurse committed suicide by jumping out the window of 502. No one knows why she did it.

A homeless man and his dog lived here while the building sat unused. He fell down an elevator shaft to his death, but is often seen along with his ever-loyal dog who never left his side. There have been many reports of disembodied voices and poltergeist activity, but to me the most unsettling involve the children's ward. In that area of the hospital, voices have been heard singing "Ring Around the Rosy." Creepy!

Waverly Hills was bought several years ago by Charlie and Tina Mattingly who have been working tirelessly to restore and preserve the site. Every year they put on one heck of a haunted house! My friends and I went a few nights ago, and while we had to wait for four hours in line, it was absolutely worth it. It was a great show, and the tour seemed to go on forever. It was very dark, so my shots of the exterior didn't come out as well as I had hoped. They also do overnight visits, but they sell out quickly! We were going to go this summer, but they were already booked up, so make those reservations early.

I have been to this place twice and can tell you from personal experience that there is an energy here. Whether you believe in these things or not, it isn't anything I can really describe except a feeling of imposing. The building and the grounds resonate with something more than we can see and I can't wait to go back to find out more!

Shoes by the Road

2011-09-21T15:52:00.000-07:00

Every time I see a shoe by the side of the road, I am filled with so many questions... Who lost a boot? Where were they going? What happened to the other one? This is an old work boot I saw on 460. My best guess is that someone had it on the back of a truck and it fell off. Any other ideas?

Giraffe Lawn Ornament

2011-08-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

I love creative lawn ornaments and this one takes the cake! A big giraffe peeks out from beside a house in downtown Mt. Sterling. Look carefully, or you might miss him!

Red Caboose in Powell County

2011-08-27T12:23:00.000-07:00

We took the kiddos to Natural Bridge, and stopped to check out this re-purposed red caboose! I have no idea which train line it was a part of, but according to the sign, it serves as the Powell County Tourism Information Center. No one was there when we stopped, and it was full of boxes. Maybe they are using it for storage?

There's ONE Druther's left!

2011-08-27T11:51:00.000-07:00

First, the joy... There is one Druther's left in the world. Druther's was a chain of restaurants that began as Burger Queen. They changed the name after a few years to reflect that they had more than just burgers. Druther's offered fried chicken, a salad bar, and the best fish sandwich you ever ate! We had one in my hometown of Morehead, and it was quite a popular spot. I really don't know why the chain shut down- it always seemed busy, and I know my family was always there. Many of the old Druther's restaurants were converted into Dairy Queens in the late 80's and early 90's, but there was one holdout... This one is located at 101 N Columbia Ave, Campbellsville, KY.

Note the Queenie Bee still on the sign:

My girlfriends and I took a jaunt out to the Maker's Mark distillery and planned to stop in Campbellsville on the way back for a snack and some nostalgia. Now the sorrow... THEY CLOSE AT FIVE!!!! We arrived just as they locked the doors! Talk about a heartbreak! However, this very sweet girl saw us taking pictures and asked if we wanted to have a picture with a Druther's worker. Of course we said "Heck yeah, we do!"

No Royal Burgers for us, but we plan to go back much earlier next time!

Strange Trailer Phenomonon

2011-05-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

In Salt Lick, near the By-Pass Church stand two very old trailers. They look like the metal has been ripped off the sides leaving the insulation to blow in the wind. What is the purpose of this? Was it to recycle the metal? Whatever the reason, it looks uglier than homemade sin.

Lonely Farmers

2011-05-28T06:07:00.000-07:00

These two abandoned houses sit across old US 60 from each other. They haven't been occupied in over 20 years.

The door is blocked to keep the curious out....

This one looks quite a bit older than the other.

Abandoned Salt Lick and Ale-8 Mural

2011-03-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

Just off of US 60, in Salt Lick, Ky 211 snakes through the tiny community. These two buildings rest quietly on Main Street. Salt Lick used to be a bustling little town, boasting at least two hotels, a number of stores, and a train station. I can remember going to this store when it was a five and dime. I believe it was last open in the mid-eighties. The Ale-8 mural still looks good for the most part.

The Ale-8 mural was originally painted by Bill Fitch. I have started looking for more info on this artist, but haven't had luck, yet. I'd really love to know if he did any other murals that are still visible. According to the date, he did this in January! I looked up what the weather was that day, and the Farmer's Almanac site lists the high on January 24, 1958 as 35 degrees! Eeeek! I don't like to venture out if it's below 50, and this guy did a whole mural in the cold!

Re-painted by Rhonda Armitage...

The windows are broken, but bars keep everyone out.

Ron left his mark here.

The shelves are still there, but haven't held any merchandise in a while. The sun trickles in through holes in the ceiling.

If anyone has any info or stories about these buildings, or the painters of the mural, please inform us in the comments!

By Pass Church of God

2011-03-17T08:09:00.001-07:00

US 60 was re-routed several years ago to straighten the road between Salt Lick and Midland. Sitting high on the hill, overlooking the new alignment rests this old church. It is wasting away, like so many other small country churches in rural Kentucky.

All the doors were locked, but I put my arm through the broken window to snap these shots of the interior. It looks as if the members got up after the service and just never went back. Bibles and pillows still sit on the pews, waiting. I wonder about things like: Who sat in those seats and why didn't they come back? Did anyone get married here? Did any funerals take place? Who was the pastor? And who painted that mural of Jesus?

In the basement were the Sunday School rooms, where the children played and learned. Overall, the building is really in decent shape, except for the broken windows. Maybe it could be rescued.

Abandoned in Farmers

2011-03-17T07:26:00.000-07:00

This once cozy little cottage is disintegrating quickly. Looks like a lot of water damage and mold... Ew!

Ingram-Stevens Cemetery

2011-03-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe after all the exploring and roaming I have done in this area, that I could miss this tiny cemetery right under my nose! On US 60 in Farmers, beside the old Beach Way/Krossroads Diner is this tiny plot in an odd location, just steps away from the busy highway.

New Spot Roller Rink

2011-03-17T06:33:00.001-07:00

You gotta love a place that hasn't changed...ever! I started coming to New Spot Roller Rink when I was in elementary school about 25 years ago. It still looks exactly the same as I remember, and suspect it looks pretty much like it did when it opened in 1947. The battered wood panel walls are lined with LP covers from the 70's and early 80's featuring former jukebox choices as Kenny Rogers, The Temptations and Barbara Streisand. The benches are the same, the hand-painted signs are still there, and come to think of it, those roller skates look familiar, too! The people are friendly, the prices are awesome, but best of all is the old-school feel of stepping back into your childhood. The rink is located on US 60 in Salt Lick.

Other Rothwell sights

2010-10-31T20:58:00.000-07:00

Next to the Post Office and across the street there are several other interesting places.

Inside the window of this old building, there was a jug with a corncob as a plug. Classic!

This is the porch light behind the general store.

Across the street from the Post Office is the Hotel. The family is currently working on renovating it. Look closely and you can see the main staircase is out of the house and on the porch!

Rothwell Post Office

2010-10-31T20:33:00.000-07:00

This tiny building used to be the post office for Rothwell, Ky. Rothwell is a tiny community between Frenchburg and Means, and was once a hoppin' place! In addition to the post office, a former hotel and general store still stand nearby, as well as several homes in various stages of use and decay.

Several WWII themed posters still hang on the walls.

That's one big battery!

More Olive Hill Cemetery pics

2010-09-12T20:04:00.001-07:00

This melancholy place has a strange beauty...

I think this may have been part of the original sign. It rests on the ground, against a tree.

Olive Hill Cemetery, downtown Mt. Sterling

2010-09-12T19:40:00.000-07:00

Olive Hill Cemetery in downtown Mt. Sterling is a stark contrast to Machpelah, just a few blocks away. While Machpelah is immaculately groomed, Olive Hill is almost forgotten and much of it is overgrown. Even the sign that once arched over the road has fallen down.

There are a couple of interesting plaques on the pillars on either side of the entrance. Wonder what the 'Dirty Dozen' club is?

Many of the stones almost disappear into the grass and weeds.

Old flower baskets sit under a tree in the corner.

Belcher's on 460

2010-09-12T17:08:00.000-07:00

At the corner of 460 and 599 in Jeffersonville, this building was one time a church that held it's last service long ago. There is a large old sign, but the only words I can make out on it are "Belcher's" and "Mountain". It kind of looks like it could have been a garage at one point.

Ocean Isle Weirdness!

2010-09-05T20:52:00.000-07:00

This display was in front of a beach house on Ocean Isle in North Carolina. My kids were just chomping at the bit to get to the large array of Barbies!

Abandoned on Clearfield Hill

2010-09-05T19:02:00.000-07:00

Many things have changed on Clearfield Hill since I was a child. This little house is no exception. Personally, I never knew the old couple who lived here, but used to wave at them as I drove by. Any time the weather was nice, they would be outside on the porch, and as the years passed, I would see them less and less. Not long ago, we stopped seeing them altogether. I do not know if they passed away, or maybe they moved in with family, or to a nursing home, but the house has gone downhill fast. A few months ago, the windows were removed. I figured that someone was getting ready to tear it down, but it has sat like that for months- open to the elements. Today, I finally stopped after visiting my mother, who lives up the road. I didn't figure on seeing anything inside, but the house was full of belongings that told the story of these people's lives. There were bags of clothes, and a few nice things hanging up. There were newspapers from years ago, including one that featured an article about Nixon. There was an exercise bike and old mail. It was really melancholy to think that it was once so full of life... and now no one cares about the things that remain. The floors are somewhat sturdy in the front, but towards the back of the house, they get weaker and weaker.... Pretty soon, there will only be gaping holes. There was a lot of old furniture that was probably nice in it's day, but has rotted with the rain and moisture coming in. If I find out what happened to the couple, I will be sure to post it in an update. By the way, to the left of the house is now a car repair business, but it used to be the location of the old Clearfield Elementary school.

Notice that stamp only cost 8c! And that Clearfield was such a small community at the time, you didn't even need a 'real' address. Just the name and town will do just fine. Everyone knew everyone here.

*UPDATE* No longer standing as of June 2011

Small Wooden Airplane

2010-09-05T18:54:00.000-07:00

On US 60 West, between Farmers and Morehead is this cute model of an airplane. The handmade patriotic biplane has been here for years as a yard decoration, and the paint is starting to peel off it's weathered frame. Looks to me as if it is holding climbing attitude!

Old Store in Farmers

2010-08-12T20:18:00.000-07:00

This long-abandoned store is located on old US 60 in Farmers. According to CaveRun.org, it belonged to Jessie "paw paw" Carter. Through the broken windows, you can see the remnants of shelving and an old trunk.

Masters Cemetery

2010-08-12T19:47:00.000-07:00

Down the road from the Sloan cemetery is the Masters cemetery. Visitors are greeted by a very colorful statue of Jesus with a lion and a lamb. The families have put a lot of work and creativity into making their loved ones final resting place beautiful. There is never a shortage of flowers here and the stones are very detailed. Many feature art, inscriptions, and photographs of the deceased.

Abandoned House Beside Grange City Bridge

2010-08-07T21:59:00.000-07:00

Beside the Grange City Bridge is this abandoned house... It has such a pretty view.

Grange City Covered Bridge

2010-08-07T21:23:00.001-07:00

The Grange City covered bridge crosses Fox Creek in southeastern Fleming County, near Hillsboro. The bridge spans 86 feet and was built sometime between 1865-70. It carried traffic until it was bypassed by Highway 111 and closed in 1968, after one hundred years in service. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, and is one of only three remaining covered bridges in Fleming County, Kentucky.

Above, the view through the bridge with abandoned house in the background. Below, an interior view of the double king post brace design.
The view from the other side of the bridge.

Abandoned on Rock Fork

2010-08-04T12:09:00.000-07:00

This little house is on Rock Fork, off Cranston Road, near Morehead. It belonged to the mother of my grandmother's second husband. It was abandoned after she passed away and has been left to the elements.

Sloan Family Cemetery

2010-08-03T19:28:00.000-07:00

Many years ago, two teenage boys trekked up Sloan Mountain in Carter County, Kentucky. They were on their way to enlist in the Civil War, though no one knows now which side they would fight on. It didn't matter, because the boys never made it. Instead, they were ambushed, robbed of their horses and guns, and shot dead by unknown assailants. After several days, some family members discovered the bodies, and due to the level of decomposition, they were buried where they fell. That clearing became our family graveyard. My great Uncle Milton had a farm right down the road and when I was little, I remember taking rides on his tractor to the top of the hill to visit the graves. The Sloans settled this area as far back as the 1700's and many of their descendants still remain around here. Most of the gravestones were handmade.

This stump marks a special place. My Uncle Milton made it back from WWII safely, but shortly after, was in a bad car wreck and lost his leg. He had a wooden leg as long as I could remember. Milton used to play pranks on us kids by hitting it to make us think someone was knocking at the door. He would let some cousins take a swing at the false limb with a stick and pretend that he was some kind of superman, tolerant to all pain. That is, until one cousin hit the wrong leg! His leg was buried here, right by this tree stump. A good sense of humor runs in the Sloan family. I think it's kind of sad that the rest of his body is buried in a different place. Just seems wrong....

Two sisters, Nannie May and Ada were 2/3 of a bluegrass/folk music group known as The Sloan Sisters. The other sister, Bessie, is still living in Morehead. All three played guitar, sang and were pretty well-known in the area. I have been trying to find recordings of them, but haven't had any luck so far.
Eliza Jane was my great-great-grandmother. She suffered from what would later be known as Alzheimer's. According to the stories I have been told, she had some violent delusions, and despite being a tiny woman, tried to attack several family members with knives!

Uncle John I. Sloan was the last person to be buried up here. The 'I' didn't stand for anything, just like Harry S. Truman. I only met him a few times, and the only person buried here who I really remember was my Uncle Gary. He passed away when I was four years old under circumstances we are still trying to figure out thirty years later. I only have a few memories of him, but they are very clear, even from that young age.

Many of my family members buried here were moonshiners. Meanwhile, my great-grandfather on my mother's side was the Sheriff's deputy in nearby Olive Hill. Wonder if they had any run-ins with each other...

Very pretty abandoned house near 519

2010-08-03T18:59:00.000-07:00

On one of the service roads parallel to 519, sits this lovely little house. It is perched beside the road and covered in vines and greenery, but otherwise seems structurally sound. Through the window closest to the road, I saw several very old pieces of furniture. There was a sign on the door that read "No smoking-oxygen in use." Because I was wearing shorts, and was afraid there might be snakes in the tall grass, I didn't wade deeper for a closer look. Next time, I'll bring boots!

Old Cemetery on 519

2010-08-03T18:51:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this very old and well-maintained graveyard while exploring 519 near the Rowan/Morgan County line. Some of the stones are so old, the engraving has all worn away. A few of the ones that are legible date back to the early 1800's and most bear the name Blankenship. One grave has a tree growing through it. I wonder if the relatives of whoever is buried there planted it as a loving gesture in their memory.

Paragon Tunnel

2010-08-03T18:41:00.000-07:00

Off 519 in Rowan County, on the opposite side of Cave Run Lake is a flooded former creek called Paragon. The road now travels over what used to be a tunnel that was collapsed on itself several years back when it was deemed unsafe. As a child, I used to go fishing here with my family. When we went through the tunnel, my dad would stop in the middle and turn out the headlights. The sound of water dripping from the rocky ceiling, the darkness, and general spooky atmosphere of the place would freak me out! Of course, my dad also used to tell me that the branches poking out of the water were dead people's bones, but that's a whole different post! In the photo, the place where the road curves up over the hill is where the tunnel used to be.

Abandoned Daycare

2010-08-03T18:38:00.000-07:00

Another Frenchburg find is this closed daycare along US 460. No one plays in this yard anymore, and the parking lot is being slowly overgrown by weeds.

Shop Rite or don't shop at all!

2010-08-03T18:27:00.000-07:00

This defunct grocery is in downtown Frenchburg. The fixtures are still inside, waiting for someone to restock the shelves and open for business.

Update: NR Crump General Merchandise

2010-01-02T17:06:00.000-08:00

On my way to Lexington and I saw this old store is no longer there. The child's playhouse is gone, too.

Scranton, Ky

2009-10-17T20:09:00.000-07:00

Scranton, Ky is a tiny community near the Long Bow area of Cave Run Lake. This building once served as the general store as well as the post office.

Sportsman Paradise

2009-10-17T19:59:00.000-07:00

Sportsman's Paradise is one of several defunct bait and tackle stores near Cave Run Lake. It is located on 1274 beside the Bangor boat ramp, near the Rowan-Menifee county line.

Lions, Tigers and Graves OH MY!

2009-07-25T21:34:00.000-07:00

The hubby and I took the youngsters to the Louisville Zoo this past summer. Thanks to my online acquaintance, Jeffery Scott Holland, I was ready for this little bit of weirdness. In the middle of the zoo, there is a really old cemetery! There are no individual headstones, just this single large stone bearing the names of those who were buried here. There is a marker nearby that reads:

"The American branch of the Phillips family began with Jenkin Phillips, born in 1744 in Loudon Co., Virginia. He fought with George Washington and helped survey what was then called Kentucky County for Patrick Henry and the Commonwealth of Virginia. For his services, Phillips was deeded 1,00 acres of land radiating out from this spot. At the time of his death in 1822, the family owned land extending from this area into southern Indiana."

Huge American Flag on Roof

2009-07-22T19:02:00.000-07:00

Near the house with the airplane in the yard is this HUGE flag painted on a barn roof. The photo does not do justice to the size of this thing!

Abandoned in Little Rock, Ky

2009-07-22T18:56:00.000-07:00

This tiny brick building is in an advanced state of decay, with a missing roof and rotted floors. When I got out to investigate, a cat jumped out and scared the bejeezus outta me! The size makes me think it may have been a post office, but the porch doesn't seem to fit that theory.

Little Rock Consolidated School

2009-07-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

Little Rock is a small village in Bourbon county off of KY 537 near Paris. It was originally called Flat Rock, but that name was already taken by a town in Pulaski County. They renamed the community Little Rock, for all the limestone in the area. I found this old school, built in 1929. We stopped to admire the beautiful old building and thought to ourselves that it was in remarkably good shape for it's age. When I got to the other side of the building, I found out why. Someone is living there! What an awesome house this would make! Imagine all the room! Whoever lives there is doing a wonderful job preserving this piece of history.

This is an example of the many beautiful limestone rock fences in the area.

Judy Drive In Theater

2009-07-22T18:29:00.000-07:00

There aren't many of these left! Drive ins used to be all over the place, but they are sadly falling to the wayside. My family and I visited the Judy last year for a double feature. Too bad I fell asleep before the first movie was over!

I thought these went INSIDE the grave?

2009-07-22T18:23:00.000-07:00

I was out driving near Bethel when I spotted this thing at a cemetery... It was just sitting in the graveyard, nowhere near any particular plot. I thought these things went over the casket after it was placed in the ground. Why would this be out? Kinda creepy.

NR Crump General Merchandise

2009-07-22T17:49:00.000-07:00

NR Crump General Merchandise sits beside US 60 near the Montgomery/Clark county border. I do not know much about it, so if you have any information, please contact me. I fear it will not last too much longer. The awning fell off a couple years ago, and there is a real estate sign in front of the building now, which means it will probably be torn down soon. I would love to get inside and check it out before that happens. It is locked up tight, but the windows are broken, revealing a ton of stuff left over from it's days in business. Boxes of cigarettes rest on the shelves, along with cans of motor oil and soda bottles. There are two benches in front that I can just imagine the old farmers around the area sitting on... and check out the old hand-operated water pump!

Adding a sense of melancholy is this tiny house beside the building. My guess is that the shopkeeper had a child that played here while the parents worked. I wish I had something like this as a kid! It must have been awesome when it was new. It even had a porch! Inside, there is a child's desk, chair and a baby doll cradle. The child who played with these toys is undoubtedly all grown up by now, leaving her playthings behind.

Mt. Sterling High School UPDATE!!!!

2009-05-02T20:49:00.000-07:00

The old building is going to be renovated and made into a hospital for children! I am so happy this structure is not going to be torn down! Score one for preservation!

UPDATE Abandoned HIgh School to Get New Life!

2009-04-08T15:34:00.000-07:00

I just read that the old Mt. Sterling High School is going to be renovated! The details have not yet been finalized, but I'll let you know when I find out more! I love it when old buildings get rescued instead of bulldozed. My hometown of Morehead could take a cue from Mt. Sterling, which does a wonderful job of preserving it's history!

Tiny Old Store?

2009-04-08T15:21:00.001-07:00

Spotted on Highway 2 near Carter City. Looks to me like an old gas station.

Carter City Gingerbread House II

2009-04-08T15:12:00.000-07:00

This lovely abandoned home is on the way to Carter City. It looks almost exactly like another one on the other end of town. They both have beautiful carved details on the porches. We were able to creep into this one and check out the bottom floor. There are two gorgeous fireplaces in each of the living rooms. It is truly a shame that homes this beautiful have been left to rot.

Carter Jamboree

2009-04-08T15:07:00.000-07:00

This was spotted in Carter City, Carter County. Anybody know what the Carter Jamboree is? Whatever it was, it looks like it's over now.

An Airplane in the Yard!

2009-04-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

My dad and I have a dream... To have a runway and be able to land airplanes at our house. I was out driving aimlessly (as usual) and ran across this farm in Montgomery County. The guy has a huge yard with a powered glider right next to his house! He even has a big bright windsock! He is living the dream! One day... this will be me!

Abandoned Grocery in Bethel

2009-04-08T09:45:00.000-07:00

This long abandoned IGA grocery is in Bethel, Ky. It has some beautiful architectural details, but unfortunately looks very unstable. I do not think it will stand much longer.

Krossroads Diner

2009-04-08T09:37:00.000-07:00

This little restaurant has been closed for a few years, but it used to operate as the Beachway Diner. It was owned by a man (whose name I unfortunately can not remember) who could cook like nobody's business! It was open 24 hours, and had some of the best breakfast you'd ever want! There was also a game room downstairs, which was popular with the local kids. It is located in Farmers, Ky at the corner of US 60 and 801.

Ruth Hunt Candy Company

2009-04-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

On her Spring Break, I took my daughter to the Ruth Hunt Candy Company in Mt. Sterling for a tour of the factory. They are the makers of the amazingly delicious Blue Monday bars. In case you have never had the delight that is a Blue Monday, it is cream candy covered in chocolate. Our tour guide, Rachel, showed us around the building and told us how the candy is made. Junior, the cook, even lifted my girl up so she could look down into the big vats of chocolate. We got LOTS of samples and had a wonderful time! Everyone there was SO SWEET! No pun intended...

Machpelah Cemetery

2009-03-26T09:19:00.000-07:00

Atop the hill on Locust Street, overlooking downtown, is the largest cemetery in Mt. Sterling, Machpelah. It is the final resting place of many civil war soldiers, the town's founders and contains many interesting markers and beautiful statues. Machpelah was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. The cemetery is divided by Locust Street, over which there is a wooden bridge. The bridge is sturdy, but doesn't sound like it when you are driving over!

Another Car on the Train to Nowhere

2009-03-16T11:17:00.000-07:00

This old red caboose is located in Olive Hill, just off US 60. I believe it was part of the C & O rail.

What the Heck is This?

2009-03-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

Across from the old brickyard is this mystery: A field of concrete pyramids. No one I have talked to seems to know what they are for or what they are doing there. Right in the middle of the pyramids is an old junk car... Perhaps a sacrifice to please the concrete spirit?

Olive Hill Brickyard

2009-03-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

A long time ago, Olive Hill was thriving because of the brickyard that employed many of it's residents. It has been years since anyone worked here. Now, the brickyard is chain-fenced, padlocked, and deserted. The property is on the west end of town, below the bridge on US 60.

Statue of Liberty... In Olive Hill?

2009-03-04T21:43:00.000-08:00

This small reproduction of the Statue of Liberty stands on Main Street (US 60) in front of the old Olive Hill Elementary.

Soldier Market

2009-03-04T21:21:00.000-08:00

Nothing much goes on anymore at the old Soldier Market. Located in Soldier, Ky off Hwy 174.

Stepstone Road area

2009-02-28T12:37:00.000-08:00

The Stepstone Road area of Montgomery/Bath county is chock full of abandonments. Here are a few of the more interesting ones. I am particularly intrigued by the one missing part of it's roof.

Carter City Gingerbread House

2009-02-28T11:55:00.000-08:00

It is such a shame to see a gorgeous house like this in decay. The ornate gingerbread detailing is just beautiful. They don't make them like this anymore!

Abandoned General Store

2009-02-28T11:05:00.000-08:00

On a recent quest for weirdness, my best buddy and I ran across this old general store at the corner of Highway 2 and 182 in Carter County. It was wide open, so we went in. The shelves and displays were still in place, but the merchandise and customers were long gone. The downstairs of the structure was in decent condition, but the upstairs was pretty rickety with a saggy floor that I didn't venture too far into. To the side of the building was what looked like an addition that never got finished. According to the handmade plaque, it was built in 1937 by C.R. Kiser and son.

Jordan Fork One-Room School

2009-02-28T10:35:00.000-08:00

Off Highway 2 in Carter County, north of I-64, is this boarded-up one room school. My best friend and I thought it was a church at first, but I was able to peek between a couple of the boards to see a tiny desk. It sits right next to a small creek. If you know anything about this or any other one-room schools in Kentucky, please contact me!

Mt. Sterling Central School Building

2009-02-28T08:35:00.000-08:00

Located directly behind the abandoned high school is this much older building that used to house the offices for the school district.

Old Mt. Sterling HIgh School

2009-02-28T07:02:00.000-08:00

In the heart of historic downtown Mt. Sterling, sits the abandoned high school. It was built in 1912, and left to rot in the 1990's. I hope to go back to get interior photos soon (I had my kids with me and it isn't a safe place for the youngsters with all that broken glass!).

The school is located on Maysville Street and is easily spotted due to the walkway that stretches over the road, leading to the Mt. Sterling Elementary school. There is talk of the old building being renovated, and I'll be sure to update when I know more.

Path of the Old Railroad

2009-02-28T06:57:00.000-08:00

If you know where to look, and what to look for, you can see where the old railroad tracks used to run through downtown. This is near Fox Street.

South Queen Street Church

2009-02-28T06:51:00.000-08:00

One of Mt. Sterling's oldest buildings is located on South Queen Street downtown. This beautiful old church was built in 1878, and the new addition is dated 1893. It is still in use and is in wonderful condition.

Abandoned on Stepstone Road

2009-02-20T10:29:00.000-08:00

I set out looking for the site of an old church which was center of a ghost story, but instead, found this really cool house! It sits on one of the many gravel roads that branch off of Stepstone Road. The inside of the house is filled with junk furniture and hay, and the chimney is still intact- but barely. The remants of what used to be a cellar are still out back. I didn't venture inside because it looked way too unstable.

Stairway to Heaven?

2009-01-31T10:12:00.000-08:00

Also in Machpelah Cemetery is this unusual headstone. There is nothing else on or near the steps, except the name Barnes.

Red Buck the Dog

2009-01-31T10:04:00.001-08:00

Next to Judge Reid's monument is this carving of a dog. Not sure if the dog is buried here, too, but the stone is beautiful. Apparently, his name was Red Buck.

Judge Reid's Grave Monument

2009-01-31T09:09:00.000-08:00

Judge Richard Reid was a man stuck between a rock and a hard place. On April 16, 1884, he went to attorney John Cornelison's office to discuss a case. Unknown to the judge, Cornelison was upset about a perceived slight to his honor and asked him to his office in order attack Reid. He beat Reid with a cane and chased him out into the street, where he continued the assault with a cowhide whip!

The incident in this tiny town was front page national news! How would Judge Reid react? He was a Christian man of the law, but traditional custom dictated that he kill Cornelison in a duel. His feisty wife publicly declared she would kill his attacker herself if her husband didn't. He struggled with the decision for a while, but in the end, the pressure was too much and he shot himself. His grand monument overlooks the Mt. Sterling, but his back is to the town, as if he couldn't face them after what he did.

The monument is in Machpelah Cemetery.

DeHart's Bible and Tire Center

2009-01-10T07:38:00.000-08:00

When it comes to odd combination businesses, DeHart's Bible and Tire Center is the grail. The concrete block garage is located east of Morehead, at the intersection of US 60 and 174. Mr. DeHart was once quoted in the Morehead News as saying he "sells things to get people places." Amen to that.

C and O Train Station

2009-01-03T07:02:00.000-08:00

The Chesapeake & Ohio Railway once passed through Mt. Sterling, carrying passengers and freight, which were loaded here, at this long abandoned train station. The buildings are in pretty good shape, It is on the National Register of Historic Places and a group of high school students have plans to restore the buildings to their former glory. The station is located on Railroad Street.

Fox Street Caboose

2009-01-02T20:26:00.000-08:00

Here's another car on the train to nowhere... This little red caboose sits next to the road on the corner of Fox Street and East Locust, very near the path the old railway took through Mt. Sterling.

Harvest Diner

2009-01-02T06:21:00.000-08:00

Jack and Margaret's Harvest Diner just opened in Jeffersonville! In a cute little white house near the corner of 460 and 213, you can enjoy some home cooking and attend a Bible study at the same time.

New stuff comin' soon!

2008-12-29T14:01:00.000-08:00

I know, it's been a minute since I have posted anything new! The kids have been out of school and it has been freakin' cold and Christmas kept me busy and (insert excuse here)! I have some new photos and there will be more in the next couple days! Check back soon!
Nicosia

Rothwell

2008-11-28T05:25:00.000-08:00

Rothwell, Kentucky is now nothing more than a small cluster of houses and a few abandoned buildings. The old general store is boarded up tight, but there is a tiny old post office next door full of posters and cards from WWII. Rothwell is located on US 460 between Jeffersonville and Frenchburg.

2008-11-12T14:48:00.000-08:00

Upper Spencer is a very well-preserved abandoned church on Highway 713 in Montgomery County. According to the sign, it was built in 1845. There is an addition to the building that is falling in, but other than that, the church seems to be in good shape. I would have loved to have gotten into the main part of the building, but it was locked up tight, and the windows were too high for me to peek into. I'll see what I can find out and hopefully I'll have an update on this lovely structure soon!

Greenbrier Lake

2008-11-12T14:00:00.000-08:00

This small, lonely lake is located in Jeffersonville. Turn off US 460 onto the very twisty and turny McCormick Road. After driving past several miles of small farms and lovely country homes, the road leads over a peak from which Greenbrier Lake is visible. I accidentally found it while driving around aimlessly one day and was totally surprised! But as many times as I have driven by it since, I have never actually seen anyone here.

The Kuntry Kitchen

2008-09-10T16:20:00.001-07:00

On the corner of US 460 and 213 in Jeffersonville stands the now-closed Kuntry Kitchen. It was once a restaurant serving home-cooking. It also appears to have gone through an incarnation as a cigarette and video rental shop, according to the sign on the side of the building. I have only seen the place open once, and that was for an indoor yard sale.

*UPDATE* The building has been re-purposed as a pawn shop. I stopped in once to get a paper notarized and received the worst service ever.

Midland Grocery

2008-09-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

Just about one of the cutest abandoned stores I've ever seen! The lady who owns it says it is about fifty years old, but was unsure of when it closed down. Midland Grocery sits on US 60 across from the New Spot Roller Rink.

Do Wooden Quilts Keep Anyone Warm?

2008-09-09T12:49:00.000-07:00

Truly a bizarre phenomemon. A couple of years ago, these large wooden squares painted to look like quilts started popping up on barn sides across Kentucky. I did a little research, and apparently, this began in Ohio. A lady wanted to honor her mother, who was a quilter, so she erected a large wooden quilt on her barn.

I know what you're thinking... "Well, that's logical!" Now these things are everywhere, even on random concrete buildings. There is some kind of statewide program to paint wooden quilts and put them on barns. Sure they are pretty, but I am still puzzled... Why not just make some actual quilts? Maybe teach others how to quilt... That would preserve the art form for future generations...and they'd be toasty warm, too!

UPDATE- My sister calls these Amish gang signs!

Christian Barn

2008-09-09T12:34:00.000-07:00

I am not really sure what goes on at the Christian Barn, but I am sure it's a good time! Maybe one of the many churches along this road uses it for dances or gatherings. But you gotta love the signage! The barn is located in Means, Ky, on US 460.

Farmers Airport

2008-09-08T17:53:00.000-07:00

When I was about eight years old, my father became a pilot and gave me my first ride in a single-engine plane. A few years ago, he taught me how to fly. We had a lot of fun at this runway, the former Morehead-Farmers Rowan County airport. It was shut down last year and the big, yellow X's were painted over the numbers to signify that it is no longer in use. A new airport opened off of HWY 801 North and from what I have heard, is a safer, nicer strip. The old runway was nestled in the hills and was easy to lose sight of at lower altitudes. Pretty scary for a beginner! It was in a very scenic area, though, and I am really sad that I won't be flying out of here anymore.

Farmers Airport is beside Cave Run Lake, a man-made lake created when the Licking River was dammed in 1973. Acres of farms, homes, and barns were covered. When viewed from above, it is amazing how much of the topography can still be made out under the water. Several graveyards were flooded as well. They say they moved the graves, but that's another post!

The hangar that once housed the planes is now full of hay.

Farmers Mercantile's Giant Boot

2008-09-08T17:40:00.000-07:00

Farmers Mercantile, home of the giant boot! It is as tall as me and the toe box is very elongated. The store used to sell things like farm supplies and cowboy boots, but now is an antique and craft mall. Don't forget to pick up your Corn Hole game while you are there! It is on the corner of US 60 and Airport Road.

*UPDATE* They still sell boots!

Large Cattle

2008-08-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

A majestic black cow looms over Ky 1274 in Menifee County near Cave Run Lake. Pictures do not do this gigantic fiberglass bovine justice! Just one of many over sized cows- Look for more soon!

Oh, The Irony!

2008-08-23T12:54:00.000-07:00

This is in a parking lot on US 460 near Camargo Elementary. I smile every time I see it!

Hillbilly Hot Dogs

2008-08-22T07:53:00.001-07:00

I could not make this up if I tried! Hillbilly Hot Dogs is located in Lesage, WV, beside the Ohio River. Michelle and I ran across it on the way back from Point Pleasant, but it was already closed for the day. You may remember seeing Guy Fierri of the Food Network here for his show "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives". The restaurant is a converted yellow school bus with plenty of genuine hillbilly decor. Everyone says the food is awesome, and I can't wait to go back when they are open. A must-see for those with a good sense of humor!

MOTHMAN!!!!

2008-08-22T04:15:00.000-07:00

This past spring, my best friend, Michelle, and I traveled to Point Pleasant, West Virginia to see the place that bore the legend of the Mothman. Our first stop was the humongous and very shiny statue of Mothman. Unfortunately, it was raining buckets, so we didn't stay outside long enough to get more pictures! Besides, my four-year-old was scared of the statue. We visited a cool little shop called "The Point" before going across the street to the world's only Mothman Museum! There were all sorts of Mothman-related items there, such as the original handwritten statements by the witnesses, props from the movie, and souvenirs. No "Mothman Tour" is complete without a stop at Harris Steakhouse aka "The Mothman Diner." Ms. Carolin Harris has operated the place for over 35 years and is a very sweet lady. She is still brimming with energy at six in the evening after being on her feet all day... It is well worth the trip just to visit her. The place hasn't changed a bit in all this time. I especially liked the old bar stools. We loved Point Pleasant- the locals are absolutely wonderful and we plan to go back for the Mothman Festival the September 20-21.

Old Store on Freestone Road

2008-08-21T08:34:00.000-07:00

This place looks like it could have been a store. There is a rusted "Royal Crown" soda sign hanging over the door, and all of the windows are boarded up. Located on Freestone Road in Farmers, Ky.

Freestone Road Bridge

2008-08-21T05:32:00.001-07:00

During summer in Farmers, Ky, it is easy to miss this iron bridge that once connected Freestone Road to US 60. It is covered in greenery and both ends are blocked off to traffic. I am not sure when it fell into disuse, but I seem to remember going over it as a kid. According to the plaque on the US 60 end, it was built in 1921.

The Train to Nowhere!

2008-08-21T05:11:00.000-07:00

This is a very old caboose that sits by Ky 801 just off of the I-64 exit. I believe it was once part of the C & O railway that ran through Morehead. The train stopped running over 25 years ago, and not long after it shut down, the caboose showed up here. It is no where near the old tracks! The red paint is slowly fading away, and the wooden planks are bending and splitting, but it stands as a silent reminder of days gone by.

"The Attic" in Jeffersonville

2008-08-20T05:31:00.000-07:00

I know nothing about this old building near Jeffersonville, but my guess is it was a store of some sort. Faded, hand-painted rainbows frame the name of the place, "The Attic". There is half of a "Red Baron" sign which I think refers to the pizza. With it's cement-block walls and boarded-over bay doors, it looks like it could have been a garage at one time.

Giant Cows!!!!

2008-08-20T05:27:00.000-07:00

Some places have Muffler Men, we have giant cows! This is one of many giant cows that populate Eastern Kentucky. It is on US 460 just outside of Mt. Sterling, on the way to Camargo. It stands on someone's lawn beside a large farm.

Welcome to Roadside Weirdness!

2008-08-20T04:52:00.000-07:00

Hi! My name is Nicosia, and I have always held a fascination with the weird, abandoned, and unusual. As a small child, Mom and I would accompany my genealogist and historian grandmother to every out of the way graveyard she could find. Mammaw Jean would let me do the rubbings on the old stones with my crayons while she documented the graves and told me how I was related to the person buried there. We checked out old empty houses, too! It wasn't until I grew up that I realized not everyone hung out in graveyards and traipsed around abandoned buildings for fun. Our journeys took us on many off-the-beaten-path detours to small towns filled with Mom and Pop diners, musty courthouses, abandoned buildings and lots of friendly people all over Eastern Kentucky! Mammaw could strike up a conversation with anyone about anything, but the talk always turned back to history in some form or another. She listened well and remembered every story and tried to pass them on to the next generation. In the process, she gave me a gift I treasure- the ability to find the adventure anywhere, even in your own backyard!

This little corner of the web will showcase whatever strange things I find on my travels, wether it be giant cows, abandoned gas stations, or wigwam shaped motels... Thanks for riding shotgun!