Original 2016 Post:

Don’t forget, Retro Roadmappers – holiday shopping is a great opportunity to put your money where your mouth is, supporting the places we all love! Remember to visit mom-and-pop shops before resorting to a big and boring chain store or some online giant.

If you’re in or heading to Dutchess County NY at any time of year, you’ll definitely want to stop into A.L. Stickle 5 & 10 Variety Store, located in downtown Rhinebeck. It’s one of those places Mod Betty loves, where you open the door and feel like you’re stepping back into the past.

Swoon!

Linoleum floor and pegboard fixtures. Hair nets, pinwheels, teaberry gum and curtain rods. The scent of candles mixed with mothballs and furniture polish takes me right back to the Woolworth’s of my youth.

There’s a large knitting room in back (The Knitting Garage), and a whole section of timeless toys, like those pink spaldeens my mom remembers, hula hoops, and spud guns. Turkish taffy and assorted sweets line the checkout counter, and you’ll spy cleaning products that you probably haven’t heard of since visiting your grandmother’s house (Mrs. Stewart’s Laundry Bluing, anyone?) But never fear, there’s plenty for the modern shopper to buy here as well.

Established in 1946 by A.L. Stickle after he returned home from WWII, today it is still in the Stickle family, as A.L’s grandson Matt has run the shop for almost 20 years.

I spoke with Matt during our visit, and was delighted to hear how proud and enthusiastic he is about the shop, and keeping the tradition going. His enthusiasm and the fact that the family owns the building are the two key ingredients Mod B always looks for when gauging whether a Retro Roadmap-worthy business will survive, and Stickle’s is all set in both cases.

One thing Mod B was over the moon to discover was the wonderful assortment of vintage inspired souvenir dish towels, retro kitchen towels, and tote bags! They make a great and useful souvenir, and Matt says they are a big seller. Lord knows Mod B snagged a bunch, but so hard to choose!

And, shameless plug – YOU can buy these state dish towels  directly from Stickle’s website, along with retro dish towels, aforementioned vintage souvenir inspired tote bags and other unique products in the Stickle’s online store. (If I send you to an online version of a Retro Roadmap worthy shop it’s almost like being there, right? every little bit helps.)

The other thing I loved were the original vintage signage, photos, merchandising displays and examples of long-ago stock decorating the shop. “My grandfather never threw anything away” explained Matt, “Most all of this was downstairs covered with dust” but now they add to the sense of history and nostalgia to your shopping experience.

So if you’re in Rhinebeck, swing on by Stickle’s, or if you can’t make it right away, at least hop on over to their online store to purchase a few holiday gifts, as this will help to support them too. Ah, 5 & 10 shopping in the 21st century!

Good news for everyone, it’s virtual this year, meaning you don’t have to travel to PA to see Mod Betty’s “Retro Roadmapping Vintage Philadelphia & Suburbs” show! Just get your ticket, be entertained and help out a local treasure.

More info here, see you there!

21st Anniversary Wine, Wit & Wisdom

In addition there will be a food truck, ice cream mobile, tiki bar, and the Vintage Sarasota Gift Shop will be offering discounts.

More details here, I’ll see you there!

DST Celebrates Three-Year Anniversary!

Tickets:
https://www.discoversarasotatours.com/trolleybash/

Meet Mod Betty from 10-4, I’ll be selling my books, autographing them for you or a loved one (hint, personalized books make excellent holiday gifts) and can’t wait to see what else the gals from Lulu have in store (or in parking lot that is…!)

More details here, I’ll see you there!
https://www.facebook.com/awholelotoflulu

Saturday October 23, Phoenixville PA
Whole Lot of Lulu
Vintage & Handmade Market

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with clutter and chaos, instead of being calm and in control of your life, Just Drive Your Life might be just the thing to get you out of your rut and onto the road driving toward your dreams! Join at the link below and get weekly inspirations and first dibs on coaching opportunities with Mod Betty herself! http://justdriveyourlife.com

Thank you to my wonderful musician husband Cliff Hillis help me bring it to life (as well as him singing, playing, recording, mastering it) my actress pal Heather Plank to star in the video,  SuzyQ and Steve for the cool VW Bug “Moonstone”, and my filmmaker pal Rob Waters of W Films Media create what you see here. Enjoy!

Thursday July 8, 2021 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EDT

Hold onto your hats and hop in our virtual convertible for this fast-paced virtual tour across Pennsylvania. In just one hour, our guide, Mod Betty of Retro Roadmap, will reveal her carefully curated, #1 recommendation for vintage fun in each county.

It’s a don’t-miss session that’s sure to put you on the right road when you plan your next road trip adventure!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

I’ll be sharing my faves and finds in the Central PA region and beyond.

Ticket info here – includes a full day’s lineup of speakers, morning blueberry buckle and lunch.

Read more about the history of Chautauquas here, and I look forward to seeing you there!

Donations can be made to enter a raffle for an ultimate Historic Route 20 gift package valued at over $200 and be eligible for localized individual gifts as well.

Click here or at the link below for the invite, and see you there!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1106253936541864/

Click here to go directly to Episode #190  or listen on your preferred podcast platform:

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/us-modernist-radio-architecture-you-love/id986108444?mt=2

Windows and Android: http://usmodernist.libsyn.com/

Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/us-modernist-radio-architecture-you-love/PC:32035
 

https://usmodernist.org/usmodernistradio.htm

ORIGINAL 2021 POST:

One of Mod Betty’s fave new arrivals on the scene NMOP or Neon Museum of Philadelphia. Go! Become a member! Support!

“The Neon Museum of Philadelphia is dedicated to preserving historic signage as an important element of community heritage in Philadelphia and America. The Museum also promotes neon art and appreciation of the 20th century American roadside.  We’re an American art and history museum disguised as a neon museum.”

https://neonmuseumofphiladelphia.com/

Here’s the link: https://www.preservationpa.org/wellsboro-diner/

https://nashville.eater.com/2021/2/8/22272159/rotiers-closing-nashville

ORIGINAL 2017 POST:

Nashville is changing so quickly nowadays that it is becoming harder to find authentic vintage places there.

Thank goodness Rotier’s is hanging in there since 1945!

That vintage neon sign, Formstone front and metal awning were a sight for our retro lovin’ eyes, after seeing all the new construction going on all around town. Rotier’s is the real deal –  none of that pre-made “meant to look old but really shiny and new” stuff here.

Started by the Rotier family 70+ years ago as a burger and beer joint, and their cheeseburger served on french bread is what they’re noted for today.

They’ve recently been named the best burger in the state by Business Insider.

Had Retro Roadhusband not wolfed his burger down so quickly I would’ve gotten a photo of it! I had a piece of lemon icebox pie and it was delish!

If you’re a bit weary of all of the changes going on in Music City, make sure to get to Rotier’s for some authentic vintage relief.