Roadside Attractions
The birth of the roadside attraction began in the late 1920s with the rising popularity of the automobile. However, it was the expansion of highways throughout the U.S. in the 1950s that brought about the family vacation boom. As Americans took to the roads in record numbers, roadside attractions were built to lure tourist to local businesses along the way. Many of the roadside attractions from that era are still scattered across the United States, from Wall Drug in South Dakota to the Wigwam Motel along Route 66. Each of these roadside attractions promises to add a spark of interest to any road trip.
In 2019, I had the unique opportunity to work at a roadside attraction, alongside my Mom and daughter. At the time, The Shoe House was owned by family friends, Jeff & Melanie (Mel) Schmuck. After the sudden death of his wife and business partner, Jeff enlisted the support of family and friends to help run the Shoe House, which included an ice cream parlor, gift shop and tours. For the next two summers, three generations of women from our family worked side by side at the Shoe House.
Waylon and Naomi Brown bought the Shoe House in 2022, taking it from a quaint ice cream parlor & gift shop to a short-term rental property, complete with hot tub. This quintessential roadside attraction was originally built in 1948 by wealthy shoe salesman, Mahlon Haines, as a giant advertisement for his successful shoe business. Today, this five story house has been featured on The Amazing Race, as well as the HGTV series What's With That House.
As the Shoe House continues to reinvent itself as it changes with the times, I'm so glad I had this opportunity to work there for a season or two. It was quite the experience and one that was made sweeter by sharing it with my Mom and daughter.
If you'd like to learn more about staying at the Shoe House, just click the link below:
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