The Atlas Obscura Podcast

Pegged as the “world’s greatest indoor miniature village,” Roadside America was a beloved roadside attraction in Shartlesville, Pennsylvania. The creator Laurence Gieringer and his family ran the business for 85 years until its closure in 2021. Today, the pieces of this miniature village have been auctioned off to past visitors all over the country. And there may yet be more auctions this year.

Saying farewell to summer with a lazy day in Mallorca, and a blustery night in Massachusetts. “3 p.m. in Sa Cabaneta” and “7:10 p.m. in Provincetown” were edited by Aube Rey Lescure. Both essays originally appeared in Off Assignment.

Producer Emma Morgenstern spends nearly 6 hours waiting in a famous line. Will she get into the most exclusive tennis tournament in the world – or face bigtime disappointment?

The world’s largest random, assorted key collection located outside Denver, CO, was inspired by a literary infatuation and includes keys to danger and memory.READ MORE IN THE ATLAS: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/baldpate-inn-key-collection

In 2023, 60% of Americans chose to be cremated instead of having a traditional burial. If that trend continues, do cemeteries need to be worried about the future? Loren Rhoads, author of 222 Cemeteries To See Before You Die (which is coming out on August 27), explains how old cemeteries are working to bring in the living…and tells us about new and experimental ways to be buried and memorialized.

District Six is a neighborhood in Cape Town South Africa that was destroyed under the apartheid regime. Today, a museum stands as a  monument to the people who once called the neighborhood home.

Writer Meghan Gunn shares her captivating encounter with a stranger in the Borneo rainforest, where a simple letter leads to a profound connection. She reflects on the transformative power of fear and vulnerability in such a wild environment, exploring the bonds forged through shared experiences. Gunn also delves into the juxtaposition of community celebration and isolation within the jungle. This enchanting tale invites listeners to consider their own memorable encounters and the magic that nature can inspire.

Discover the fascinating story of an aquarium that was part of a Berlin hotel, only to meet a tragic end through an explosion. Journey to Centralia, Pennsylvania, a once-thriving town now reduced to ruins due to a coal mine disaster. Experience the haunting legacy of this ghost town, where few residents remain amidst decaying structures turned into tourist attractions. Reflect on the memories of places that no longer exist, sparking thoughts about the places we cherish and have lost.

Listeners are invited to share heartfelt memories of places that no longer exist. From beloved shops to art spaces transformed into housing, each story reveals personal connections and nostalgia. The narrative touches on a ghost town and a hotel symbolizing lost dreams, sparking emotions tied to what was once vibrant. The call for stories emphasizes the importance of remembering and cherishing these places, fostering a community of shared experiences.

In 1954, boys at a summer camp unknowingly participated in a psychological experiment that divided them into rival groups. Tensions escalated between the Rattlers and Eagles, leading to a dramatic nighttime raid. The narrative shifts as a crisis forces these boys to cooperate, showcasing how shared problems can mend divisions. Ethical questions arise about manipulating young participants without their knowledge, prompting reflections on the long-lasting impact of such studies. The legacy of this experiment continues to influence our understanding of human behavior.