Pam,
I’ve been meaning to send you a couple things that I’ve had for awhile. Life is crazy …
A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I made a short weekend getaway trip to Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. We’ve been meaning to do this for some time, because we haven’t really traveled much in our region, as we’re always making trips to visit family in the East. Of course, being an afficionado of all things vintage and a little bit off the beaten path, we stayed in one of the only three remaining concrete wigwam motels in the U.S., Wigwam Village No. 2, in Cave City, Kentucky. At one time there were seven of these motels; they were built in the 30s. Here’s the website: wigwamvillage.com. We had a great time; they were still furnished with the original unpeeled twig furniture, and had the original bathrooms. The lumpy mattress was pretty uncomfortable, but it was worth it. One of the funniest things about the place was that a bunch of little kids were playing cowboys and indians around the campfires their parents had built that night. It reminded me of my youth! These kids were dressed up with guns in holsters and Indian feather headdresses and war paint (all available for sale in the gift shop!). All incredibly non-PC but so much fun for those kids.
The towns surrounding Mammoth Cave are full of the sort of old roadside Americana that I just love. I’ve taken a bunch of photos of some of the MCM motel signs.
Oh yeah…and Mammoth Cave was pretty spectacular too!
Deb
Click on through… 6 photos in all…
Judy says
If you go to Mammoth Cave, you have to stay at the wigwams. They are adorable, and when we went (2006?) the owner was very hip to the retro value of the place. This is a long-weekend vacation destination that’s accessible and affordable. There’s even a little amusement park with some low-tech rides like a super-long wooden slide, bumper-boats, etc. We went horse-back riding, too. Oh yes–and there’s this BIG CAVE!!!
Eartha says
Fun! We go there every Fall. Definitely a must visit for anyone who can!
PugFreek says
ooops Í mean ‘with BIG pineapples’ sorry!
PugFreek says
What about a Giant pineapple hotel with bug pineapples and kitchy pineapple lamps?
Sumac Sue says
What fun to see the wigwams on your site! We have a postcard of the place on our fridge. We’ve stopped and taken photos, but haven’t actually slept in a wigwam — I guess the reason is it’s not that far from our home. The Mammoth Cave area is indeed a retro lover’s paradise. Thanks, Femme1, for sharing these great photos.
DanaMc says
Pam,
I found your site about a week ago and I LOVE it! Long story short, I love the 40s and 50s and cherish some originals I was lucky enough to inherit.
Like Deb, I too have “Slept in a Wigwam.” The late 30’s tilework and original furniture are a dream. And, the bottle opener in the inside of the bathroom door made me crack up.
I have many pics and a write-up of my night around the Wigwam campfire at my blog Cooking at Cafe D if anyone is interested.
(It was Day 3 of a 4 day trip through Indiana and Kentucky. The Wigwam photos and comparisons of vintage Wigwam No 2 postcards with modern day photos are at the bottom.)
I look forward to reading more on your site. It’s an amazing resource. Thanks 🙂
DanaMc
Chicagoland