A Tiny Illinois Town is Home to One of the Most Unique Antique Malls
Route 66 needs no introduction as the most iconic road in America. Populating Route 66 are no shortage of unique oddities, attractions, and places that are quintessentially of the USA.
Consider one of the most unique antique malls you're likely to see. It's called The Pink Elephant. Located in the tiny town of Livingston, IL, The Pink Elephant catches your eye off the iconic interstate thanks to its exterior décor. It's the kind of place that lures you in based on what is on the outside.
The antique mall gets its name for... the enormous pink elephant statue that stands tall in front of the building. In addition, there is even a large male statue from the 1990s thriller Flatliners. Those are just some of the attractions you'll see if you make a pit stop on Route 66.
There's also a gigantic ice cream cone, which houses a retro ice cream parlor, a giant bicycle, a bright-green UFO, and additional elephant statues. And that's before you even walk in the place!
Inside, the store houses two stories of antiques from over 50 different vendors. Everything you could think of is probably within the four walls of this establishment.
We all have our own personal tastes when it comes to antiquing. Personally, I love finding old sports cards, movies/movie-related memorabilia, old cigarette memorabilia, and lighters. Those are some of the oddities I like to collect, and I'm sure there's no shortage of finds at The Pink Elephant!
Furthermore, you could feasibly spend several hours at The Pink Elephant. Beyond the antique mall, there's a fudge factory, candy shop, and diner to explore:
[The Pink Elephant] also has two retro shops The Mother Road Fudge Factory and Candy Shop and The Twistee Treats Diner. The Mother Road Fudge Factory and Candy Shop is a 1950’s themed candy store that sells homemade fudge that is made on sight in a variety of flavors, caramelized roasted nuts made on sight, vintage candies, bulk candy, bulk salt water taffy, chocolates and Route 66 souvenirs.
The Twistee Treats Diner is a kitschy 1950’s themed diner. The diner is in an original Twistee Treats ice cream cone shaped building with the dining area decked out in a hot pink tile floor. The Blues Brothers overlook the dining area and the jukebox. The diner serves a full menu for lunch and dinner including their burgers that are made with fresh local beef that is never frozen. The ice cream is amazing including soft serve, hand scooped and a large selection of specialties. - per The Pink Elephant's website
Read more about The Pink Elephant on their official website, and follow them on Facebook!
The American Gothic House in Eldon, IA
Gallery Credit: Steve Pulaski