Downtown is a real mix of businesses trying to make a go of it - a coffee shop, two restaurants, a brand new brewery, along with lots of empty storefronts. It looks like Elkton also offers convenience if you need a bail bondsman with two places right next to each other and a shared entrance. Cut 'Em Loose is cleverly named, but you can call Angelucci collect.
This sign is in the window of what I think is a liquor store. The main sign says "package goods" but the fireman's hat and balsa wood models seem out of place. I was tempted to go in and investigate, but the sign made me a bit fearful. After stating NO extra anything, at least they thank you for your cooperation.
I'm not sure if the AAAA Driving School is actually in business, but I'm betting they're first in the phone book. They do have a 5-star Google review from two months ago that states "Buissness [sic] was very clean and welcoming." Something tells me this may not be a real review. Most remarkable is the pay phone on the front, and it even has a dial tone!
After three fairly depressing things, I want to leave you with a happier bonus fourth thing. Elkton Florist is lovely, well-kept, and even has a painted elk. There is one other plain blue one in town, but this one looks more cheerful. John wants one for our yard, but that probably won't happen.
Head on over to Carole's for more Three on Thursday.
That's certainly an interesting assortment of storefronts! I am really surprised at the working pay phone -- I thought they'd gotten rid of all of those!
ReplyDeleteWhat curious store fronts! But, I love that elk! And, that pay phone is a throwback and a half!
ReplyDeleteI am so curious about the "NO Extra Anything" place! What could that possibly mean????? Your storefronts remind me of my up north town -- which is a mix of great businesses trying to make the best of it . . . alongside those with hand-lettered cardboard signs announcing the equivalent of "NO Extra Anything." Thanks for sharing! :-)
ReplyDeleteThose storefronts are very interesting and I'm especially curious about the "no extra anything" store. I am looking forward to a day nice enough to get out for a walk, I am so tired of dark, dreary, damp weather!
ReplyDeleteI've told several people that some day I'll work up enough nerve to actually go in to No Extra Anything and see if I can figure out the story, so I guess I'll have to actually do it. I imagine this curmudgeonly old man who has been asked for extra smokes, extra change, extra liquor, etc. so many times over the years that it just broke him and he put up the "NO Extra Anything!" sign.
Delete"Cut 'Em Loose" cracks me up. I am curious about the NO Extra place like others. You MUST be brave and find out what it is!!! The Elk is great and I agree with John - you should have one for your yard.
ReplyDeleteAAAA Driving School looks like it could be a great little shop of some sort! Pay phones are getting so rare.
ReplyDeleteGet the Elk! :-) And yes, we'll be waiting to find out what goes on in No Extra Anything!
ReplyDeleteWow! A working pay phone - haven't seen one of those in years! That driving school looks a lot like the place my daughter took drivers ed. The building was terrifying but they did a fantastic job teaching her. Perhaps they building was so scary looking in an effort to take the parents' mind off the fact their kids were getting behind the wheel. :) Love the elk!
ReplyDeleteYou should totally go for the elk in the yard. You could pick your own theme. Think of all the fun! Downtowns, sad and clinging to life, downtowns are always an interesting slice of life.
ReplyDeleteA fascinating look at downtown. Our downtown is actually making a comeback, but it was a dead and dying place for years. I agree that the person running the package store is probably just "over" being asked for anything. If it is a package store, at least you would have an excuse to go in next time you want something alcoholic. Report back if you do. I am very curious! I love the elk. I'm with you. I would not want it in my yard, but it is whimsical. Keep up the walks, Bonny. They are so good for you, and it's a great way to keep your mood up. Have a great Thursday.
ReplyDeleteI totally think y'all need an elk! (and I'm so glad a few other commenters agree with me - I'm sure John must be jumping up and down with glee!) ... as for actually stepping inside those other places, I'd be wary, too.
ReplyDeleteLittle towns really need their population to support them in order to thrive .We have had quite an education in small towns since we moved to rural Wisconsin. Some towns manage well, others don't....hmmmmmmm
ReplyDeleteThat is so true. Our little town in NJ is always looking for ways to improve Main St businesses, but like you said, some towns figure it out, and others, not so much.
DeleteWouldn't it be nice if new businesses opened up in Elkton one day soon? Loved the photos and commentary and I'm glad you saved the best for last.
ReplyDeleteNow that is very interesting tour of Elkton. In our community we have had public art work projects - large figures, I think fiberglass, that artists decorate. We've had bicycles, light bulbs, and now hands. Personally I loved the light bulbs but I had a four year old grandson in the back seat as we drove all over town to look at them. A pay telephone booth - where was superman?
ReplyDeleteNo extras for you! hahaha I am pretty curious about that place, though. Thanks for the tour of your new town.
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