23 Forgotten American Towns You’ll Always Remember
17. The Villages, FL: The Place Retirement Went Wild
When most people think of Florida, retirement communities may or may not be on their list but one such community has gained notoriety… for being racy? The Villages million-person arbitrarily designed retirement community, the place known more for bingo and early bird specials than sexually transmitted diseases, is home to some of the highest rates of STDs in the state. Yep, you read that right! And The Villages’ residents are rewriting the rule book: Not only on the dance floor.
Who knew the 55+ crowd at The Villages prefers to do more than just jump on the greens? There were sightings of senior citizens getting their groove on at the communities 34 golf courses and who knows where else! This is no standard pension village, that is for sure. Seriously, think about a place where older adults are still romance and adventuring around. Could be the water or could he just because they have all that free time to enjoy life!
If you have ever wondered what it would be like to live in a retirement community, The Villages should put the whole concept into question. Would you expect to see such energy in a place where the majority of people have long left their jobs? I guess it is just about the age but living life to the fullest maybe!
18. Homosassa, FL: The Wild Story of Monkey Island
Ever heard of a place called Monkey Island? It’s not your typical tropical getaway, but it’s a real spot in Homosassa, Florida. The island actually began as nothing more than a small rock outcropping, a hidden danger for unsuspecting boats. The story goes that a local developer got frustrated with the rocks and told his crew to “throw some dirt on it.” By the time he returned from a trip, they had turned that tiny outcrop into its own little island! Now, that’s one way to make a plot of land.
But here’s where it gets even crazier the monkeys. They weren’t always part of the picture, but in the 1960s, they were brought to Homosassa for an experiment related to the polio vaccine. After causing a bit of a ruckus, the monkeys were moved to the island, where they’ve lived ever since. Now, tourists can visit and observe these wild residents from a safe distance. Can you imagine a whole island of monkeys just living out their days?
If you’re looking for something unique to do in Florida, how about a trip to Monkey Island? What would it be like to see these mischievous monkeys in their natural, albeit man-made, habitat? It’s a strange, fascinating spot you won’t find anywhere else—who knows, you might even get to watch some monkey business!
19. Philippi, WV: Home to American Mummies
One of the more unusual slices of our history, American mummies even rests in Philippi, West Virginia. Don’t expect artifacts of ancient Egyptian origin though. Some of these mummies are preserved corpses of two insane women sent to an asylum in the town. They were then embalmed and toured with the P.T. Barnum circus before finally being given a permanent home at the Barbour County Historical Museum after their deaths. Curious? If you fancy something a little different today, why not visit them!
But Philippi is not just about that too. The town also is of historical interest for being the site of America’s first land battle in the U.S. Civil War. The Union won here and it cemented this region’s decision to secede from Virginia and stay with the Union. The Civil War history doesn’t stop there, as Philippi holds reenactments, so if you’re into that stuff, it’s a great spot for some history reliving.
Would you like to see these mummies yourself, or are you more interested in the Civil War history of the town? Philippi may come off as a little creepy, and though they have some fun ghost tours on Saturdays, these are more of an educational experience than anything else gives you even more reason to stop by if you are interested in that quirky brand of American history.
20. Dudleytown, CT: The Town That Went Mad
Ever hear of a town where everyone allegedly lost their minds? And it is the creepy story of Dudleytown, Connecticut Dudleytown was first settled in 1738, but the infamous reputation only came with the arrival of the Dudley family in 1747. The family had a pretty dark history, including run-ins with plague, royalty, and even a beheading. As the story goes, misfortune followed the family to the town, with untimely deaths and residents slowly losing their sanity. Eventually, the town was abandoned, leaving it eerily empty.
Now a nature park, the site no longer houses residents but remains an attraction for inquisitive travellers. This place has a spooky history due to the second legend of madness in Dudleytown. Walking through space where so many supposedly went crazy. Others contend the spirits of those who suffered will forever haunt the area.
Those who enjoy ghost stories or creepy areas may want to stop by Dudleytown. Is any town worth visiting if they have that dirty of a history? Even if the hauntings sound dubious to you, its history is reason enough to see (and get a creepy feeling about) it.
21. Williamstown, KY: Home to Noah’s Ark
You probably think of bourbon and horses maybe the Derby. However, you probably did not know that the largest replica of Noah’s Ark is located in illiamstown, Kentucky. Built in 2016, this massive replica of the biblical Noah’s Ark is an essential visit for those interested in the story of the great flood. That is a pretty big slab around 510 feet long and seven decks high but then the real question: does it float? Who knows, though, but what a sight to behold it is!
Today, the ark operates as a museum featuring just about everything you want to know about the flood and animals that might have climbed aboard. It just so huge that can be one of the biggest attractions in the U.S. It is said to be the largest timber-framed building in the world, according to its backers! Now that is quite the accomplishment, huh?
If you find yourself travelling through Williamstown, it is definitely worth a visit to see the giant ark. Even if you’re not a believer, it’s quite an impressive view. Would you go to a gigantic, Bible-themed edifice like this, or is that too far over the edge?
22. Hell, MI: A Town That’s Far From Heaven
Because who wouldn’t be curious as to what a town named Hell would look like? The twisted little bastards have to be even just a bit crafty, right? Well, Hell, Michigan has a backstory that is much less sinister than you think. Hell was first settled as a small mining town in the mid-1840s and later became a prominent bootlegging location during Prohibition. However, the fun story of its name is slightly different. Tales say that one of the first settlers used to pay local farmers with his moonshine. So the wives would ask where their husbands had gone, and upon hearing the news, they’d answer him “Oh he’s off to Hell again.” And so be it the name stuck!
There are other tales circulating that describe how Hell became a thing but wherever the etymology came from, it’s made for one eccentric stop. There are all sorts of Hell-themed things to do, from Weddings to the Hell Hole Bar and Grill for a drink. And if you really want to serve your community, run for mayor even though elections are only held when ‘Hell freezes over’ the website notes.
Would you ever visit somewhere like Hell? Hell is certainly notorious, and whether your aim is to find an unusual wedding venue or simply add “I went to Hell and back” to your story, this tiny little town has plenty of entertainment if you know how to look!
23. Ferndale, CA: A Victorian Paradise in the Redwoods
Located in the Redwoods region of California, Ferndale is a place that feels like time has stood still. The town is a U.S. historical monument with stunning Victorian-era architecture, so not surprising really. With all of its little nooks and crannies, the buildings are impressive but captivating in their own right making Ferndale one of those cute,sort-of-small-towns you hear about (and not just from people who live there).
Established by two brothers in 1852, Ferndale was a pioneer spot for settlers who wanted to chase the gold bubble. Most of these pioneer settlers went to the town with backgrounds in farming from various areas of Europe, and that helped develop it into a prosperous settlement. With that wealth, the stunning ornate buildings we see today were built. If photography is your forte, this place could be a paradise for you – every turn here gives a perfect shot.
Have you ever been to a place that seemed to breathe history If not, perhaps Ferndale is where you should go. It is a charming little Victorian town where you can see the architecture, history or just enjoy a small escape and will leave you asking for more. Who could resist walking through its quaint streets?
