Old-School American Towns That Are Still Full Of Fun 1950s Charm

Drive-in movie theaters. Soda fountains. The baby boom. Elvis Presley. The classic sitcoms "I Love Lucy" and "Leave It To Beaver." It doesn't matter how long it's been since these 1950s staples; we still miss them. Their simple life and "The Golden Age of American Capitalism" seem awfully rosy compared to the problems of today.

Although we don't have a time machine you can borrow to meander back to this nostalgic era, we can lead you to the U.S. towns that make it seem as if no time has passed. These towns feature fun throwbacks like retro diners and bright colors, as well as pieces of history like Andy Griffith's barbershop and Dwight D. Eisenhower's childhood house. Explore rounded up the best mid-century retro towns, ranging from America's oldest seaside resort to the friendliest town in Florida. Here's where to go if you have a hankering for the past that just won't quit.

Dwight Eisenhower dominated the American political scene in the '50s, serving as president from 1953 through 1961. His hometown of Abilene, Kansas, is just 10 minutes from Detroit, Kansas. Eisenhower once said, "The proudest thing I can say is that I am from Abilene," according to KWCH. His childhood home, which was preserved in 1946, is just as his family left it, with mid-century touches like a strawberry patch, floral wallpaper, and a chicken coop. Visitors can tour it and see exhibits about Eisenhower's life and presidency, namely, the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home. These are a few reasons Abilene is one of the best Midwest cities for history buffs. It was also named one of the finest historic small towns in the country by USA Today multiple times.

Abilene is also home to throwback businesses like Joe Snuffy's Old Fashion Grill. A simple luncheonette, this hometown hangout's motto is "Nothing Fancy Just Great Food." Here, choose from dishes like mashed potatoes, grilled cheese, and chicken-fried steak priced so low you'll think it really is 1950. "This place is NOT fancy, but it is entirely authentic and it has a strong local following," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "You need to drive about 10 minutes off of I-70 to find this place, but if you are tired of chain restaurants and want a slice of small town nostalgia, Snuffy's is your place."

You won't find big-name chain restaurants or stores in Bakersfield, California, which is a 20-minute drive from Lamont. But you will discover businesses that pay homage to the town's past. Reminiscent of a small town in the '50s, Bakersfield has an Antique Row with 8 antique stores. Choose from shops like the 19th Street Antique Mall, home to comics and records. There's also the Merry Go Round Antique Mall, which has a replica old-fashioned movie theater and plays throwback music while you shop.

The town even has an original Woolworth's, a department store that thrived through the 1950s. The last Woolworth's Luncheonette — a staple of the store from days past — is also in the building, serving up fare like milkshakes and burgers. It's all presented in a nostalgic space with black-and-white checkerboard flooring, vintage Coca-Cola fridges, and a counter-serve bar. Also in the Woolworth's building is a cozy coffee shop and a record store, perhaps not so different than what would have been there decades ago. 

The '50s are rolling through Bakersfield's speakers, too. The Bakersfield Sound, a type of country music created with fiddles and steel guitars, emerged from this town during the '50s. It's not so surprising, given that Bakersville has been called the "Country Music Capital of the West Coast" and "Nashville West." People can learn about Bakersfield Sound at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, a multi-purpose space that's a restaurant, museum, and 550-seat music venue.

Most towns are lucky enough to score one throwback diner, but Branson, Missouri, which is a 30-minute drive from Ozark, has 2. In this town, visitors can enjoy classic fare at the Cakes-n-Creams 50s Diner and Mel's Hard Luck Diner. With black-and-white checkerboard floors and servers dressed in '50s attire, Cakes-n-Creams 50s Diner is a blast from the past. That's even true in its backyard, as the diner has a drive-in movie theater. "Definitely a fun place to enjoy a meal/snack/treat," one past visitor wrote on Tripadvisor. "The facility is an homage to a 50's diner/soda/ice-cream shop; with all the atmosphere/decor of a Happy Days episode."

Those looking for a vintage experience can also find it at Mel's Hard Luck Diner, a '50s-themed diner with burgers, colossal banana splits, and more. Every meal here is with a show, as servers are always singing and getting into the '50s spirit. You can also enjoy a '50s show at the Branson Hot Hits Theater, which showcases "Platters: Golden Sounds of the 50's Tribute" every Tuesday to Thursday. The show features hits from Motown and The Platters' songs like "Twilight Time" and "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes." Fifties tunes are also on the calendar at the Clay Cooper Theatre, which performs "Hot Rods & High Heels" three times per week. In this theater favorite, women in poodle skirts and a Buddy Holly impersonator bring the era to life.

Drive into Cape May, New Jersey — less than an hour from Atlantic City — and you'll wonder if you've time-traveled to your grandparents' summer vacation home. In this town filled with pastel vintage buildings, you have your pick of retro businesses like an old-fashioned fudge shop, a gift store in the former home of a historic department store, and a saltwater taffy store. You can reach them all on a bright red trolley. It's no surprise, then, that Cape May is known as "America's Original Seaside Resort," and keeps out establishments that appear too modern.

For handmade sweets with a historic feel, a trip to Cape May isn't complete without a visit to the Original Fudge Kitchen. You'll see fudge being made behind the counter in copper pots in varieties like rocky road and pistachio. "Classic fudge from the shore!" one past visitor wrote on Tripadvisor. "Always delicious when you purchase here. Highly recommend the peanut butter fudge!"

Or, satisfy your inner child's sweet tooth at Fralinger's Salt Water Taffy, served in the same 1-pound box it has been in for more than a century. Both businesses are located on the pedestrian-only Washington Street Mall, a quaint brick-lined staple of town with its own clock tower. Also in the mall is the Cape May Trading Post at Dellas' gift shop, housed in the historic Dellas building. Paying homage to the past, the structure still has its old ice cream and soda fountain counter.

There's a reason viewers never saw Lucy Ricardo on "I Love Lucy" WhatsApping her friends, or Beaver Cleaver on "Leave It To Beaver" asking his parents for more time on the iPad. In the '50s, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other types of modern technology were just distant dreams. In Green Bank, West Virginia, that phone-less existence is still the reality. Located 30 minutes outside of Seneca State Forest, it has garnered the nickname, "The Quietest Town in America." Due to the presence of the National Radio Quiet Zone, cell phones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other types of electronic transmitters are not allowed.

That's because the National Radio Astronomy Observatory's Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope is here, so the 13,000 square miles need to be free of radio signals. If any were to make their way through, the research garnered by the 2-acre-wide telescope — the largest steerable radio telescope in the world — could be compromised. And if that were to happen, who knows what could become of the telescope's findings about stars, galaxies, and the universe? Those who attempt to use connected devices in this town in the Allegheny Mountains could be charged with a crime.

The rest of the town looks like it's straight out of the '50s, too. The houses here, which are homes to less than 150 people, were all built in the early 1900s. They're surrounded by modest businesses like an antique shop, quilt store, and barbershop.

With classic cars lining the streets, Havana, Cuba, looks straight out of the '50s. That's not the only Havana with a nostalgic vibe, though. Havana, Florida — named for its Cuban counterpart — seems like it's from an era long past. It has plenty of history that harkens back to the mid-century when it was an epicenter of the shade tobacco industry. When the sector relocated in the 1960s, time stood still, and many of its buildings remained untouched.

Havana has more than two dozen antique shops that even attract shoppers from other states. Over 34 vendors are located in the historic Planters Exchange building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. "The almost complete history and culture of olde town yesteryear Havana lies within these hallowed walls," one past Planters Exchange visitor wrote on Tripadvisor. Havana is also on the Florida Antique Trail. It's no surprise that this quaint town is deemed friendly and one of the best places for antique shopping in the state. It's just a 30-minute drive from Tallahassee.

People can also shop for art in this delightful town. Plenty of art galleries are here, such as the D. Arthur McBride Portrait Studio and Gallery, which sells oil paintings of everything from wildlife to landscapes. Plus, public art is abundant, as nearly a half-dozen murals line the town's buildings.

"The Andy Griffith Show" is an iconic television sitcom that leaves viewers reminiscing about life in the mid-century. But in Mount Airy, North Carolina, it's just everyday life. The show's setting in the fictional town of Mayberry was inspired by actor and comedian Andy Griffith's upbringing in Mount Airy, which is about an hour's drive from Greensboro. Even the town's website is visitmayberry.com.

Every year, Mount Airy celebrates its most famous resident at the Mayberry Days festival, which includes live renditions of the sitcom's songs, pork-chop sandwiches, and "The Emmett" golf tournament. It's held at flagship venues celebrating the star, like the Andy Griffith Playhouse and the Andy Griffith Museum Theatre. You can also visit this museum to see props and costumes from the show, all collected by Griffith's childhood pal.

However, you don't need to reserve your visit for the Mayberry Days festival to get a taste of the '50s. Mount Airy — which is sometimes even referred to as Mayberry — has lots of nostalgic nods. On Main Street is the half-century-old-plus Floyd's City Barber Shop, just like the one on "The Andy Griffith Show." Besides Griffith, it's been visited by big-name celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Lou Ferrigno. Also in the town is Snappy Lunch, a classic red-and-white-striped luncheonette dating back to 1923. Like Floyd's, you likely remember this spot from Griffith's show, as well as its flagship pork chop sandwich. Visitors can even rent an overnight stay in Griffith's former home.

It's hard to believe that a century ago, Lowell, Arizona, was a bustling town. It was home to about 6,000 people, as well as saloons, restaurants, a stable, a post office, a movie theater, boardinghouses, and more. However, when an open-copper pit called the Lavender Pit opened in 1950 and began to expand into the town, everyone left, and Lowell became part of the 300-acre pit. That abandonment got even more pronounced when the pit closed about 24 years later.

But Lowell's Erie Street remains today, looking just as it did in the '50s — minus the residents. That's thanks to the Lowell Americana Project, which helped to preserve this blast-from-the-past town and make Erie Street one of the most photographed streets in the region. People come to this ghost town-turned-outdoor museum to take photos of the classic cars lining the streets, retro signs, vintage gas stations, and more. It's even been used in music videos by Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts. Plus, it's only about 30 minutes from Tombstone.

Although people are asked not to touch some of the historic storefronts, they can get up close and personal at the Bisbee Breakfast Club, which remains open for business. It serves classic American fare named for the area, like the Copper Queen Skillet and Miner Burger, in the town's former pharmacy. It even has a counter jukebox. While here, also look out for highlights like a restored Shell gas station and an old Greyhound bus.

From the 1920s through the 1950s, the best way for Americans to embark on a cross-country trek was to hop on Route 66 and ride anywhere from Chicago through St. Louis to Los Angeles. As a result, the towns along its route became tourist havens, exploding with mid-century stores and restaurants. But in 1956, that came to an end when five new interstates stole Route 66's thunder. Today, Seligman, Arizona — which is about 40 minutes from Williams — still looks much as it did when Route 66 was in its heyday. It's full of mom-and-pop shops, kitschy restaurants, retro signage, and other nods to yesteryear, all in buildings restored to their 1950s vibe.

One of those nods is in The Roadkill Café/O.K. Saloon, whose wood-lined interior showcases taxidermized animals, serves everything from Deer Delectables to Swirl of Squirrel." It's attached to a historic jail that housed Old-Western crooks like Seligman Slim and Four-Fingered Frank. Around the corner is the Historic Route 66 Motel. You'll know you found the motel when you see its retro neon sign. The town also features an old-school general store and a hardwood store with a small-town vibe.

However, Seligman's '50s flair wouldn't be possible without local barber Angel Delgadillo, Jr., who is a lifelong resident of Seligman. He created a museum, gift shop, and visitors center at his barber shop. He now gives historic talks there about Route 66's past with a firsthand edge.

Drive-in restaurants were staples back in the day, offering classic American eats without patrons ever needing to get out of the car. However, just about 250 of these retro restaurants still exist in the U.S. One is still serving up mid-century vibes in Taylors Falls, Minnesota, at the simply-named The Drive-In. Here, visitors can dine on handmade patties served on red-and-white checkerboard paper, homemade root beer, and milkshakes topped with whipped cream and cherries.

In this town that's less than an hour's drive from Minneapolis, those hungry for '50s-style bites can also head to Schoony's Malt Shop & Pizzeria, which features decadent malts as well as throwback fun like pinball machines. Once you finish chowing down on all of that classic Americana fare, pick up a Taylors Fall souvenir at River Alley Shoppes, a vintage store with items from the '50s and beyond. "Love this gem of a store and the owners are so friendly and helpful!!" wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "I always enjoy visiting to see what treasures I can find! I can never just buy one thing!!" Afterward, head to this overlooked Minnesota city with a great downtown and food scene that's just a 35-minute drive away.

Wildwood, New Jersey, is just a 5-mile island, but within that small space are the most doo-wop-style buildings — a staple of the 1950s — in the country. This has helped the vacation town garner the nickname, "Doo-Wop Capital of the World." Visitors won't have to look far to see this style in person. The town is home to more than 90 historic doo-wop structures, characterized by their bright colors and neon signs. Even new businesses get in on the fun by styling their buildings the same way. The architectural style is so important to Wildwood that it has been recognized by the National Trust.

To learn about the doo-wop style, all visitors need to do is walk down the boardwalk, which is one of the most popular old-school boardwalks in America. But for an inside look, they can also head to the Doo Wop Experience Museum and Neon Sign Garden, which has a massive collection of '50s artifacts from the seaside town. Or, they can hop on the Doo Wop Bus Tour to see the best examples of doo-wop buildings while on wheels. They can get a taste of this throwback style, too, at tons of local restaurants such as the Doo Wop Diner. Behind a neon sign, it serves American eats in a space with a jukebox and black-and-white checkerboard floors. It's all just a short walk from one of the best boardwalk beaches on the Jersey Shore.

If you're taking a '50s road trip, you won't have to venture far from Seligman, Arizona, to Williams, Arizona, which are just 40 minutes from each other. Also along Route 66, this town is marked by vintage neon signs and plenty of '50s tunes, giving this small Arizona town a unique retro charm. It's also home to the Goldies Route 66 Diner, an old-school eatery that serves malts, milkshakes, and fries cut and cooked to order. Plus, it has a small-town feel, since its downtown is just a half-dozen blocks, and only 3,000 people live here.

If you visit during the summer, you'll get another Old West treat in the daily shootout show. In this free performance that takes off at 7 p.m., the Cataract Creek Gang takes to the streets to bring outlaws to justice. Continue your historic experience overnight by staying at the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel, which was established in the early 1900s and enjoyed its peak through the mid-century. Then, ride one of the oldest vintage trains in the world by hopping on the Grand Canyon Railway.