Soda Fountain Fun

A one-stop shop, the soda fountain is sure to have something for everyone. From egg creams to root beer floats, not only can you satisfy your sweet tooth, but at most shops you can also have lunch, pick up your prescription and grab the latest issue of Better Homes and Gardens. Betty makes it a summer tradition and every Monday she and the kids indulge in burgers, fries and, of course, dessert. On warm autumn and spring afternoons she surprises them with a trip to the soda fountain for an after school snack.

While these versatile ice cream shops started to decline in popularity in the 1970’s, it doesn’t mean that they don’t still exist! Below is a list of a few of our favorites. And if you can’t find one near you, recreate a retro soda counter at home with Betty’s Etsy picks, some classic pop and ice cream.Clockwise wise from top left: www.HelloVictory.etsy.com, www.amberfilkins.etsy.com, www.SweetAnneVintage.etsy.com, www.olderthanyouare.etsy.com, www.swoonshop.etsy.com, www.ehunt72.etsy.com, www.BehindTheScreenDoor.etsy.com, www.sportsmansguide.com, www.papertreats.etsy.com

Dr. Jazz Soda Fountain and Grille- Lebanon, IL
Brooklyn Pharmacy and Soda Fountain- Brooklyn, NY
Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain- Pasadena, CA
Hall’s General Store- East Otis, MA
Highland Park Pharmacy Fountain- Dallas, TX
Jimmy’s Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain- Duncannon, PA
Kaiser’s Grateful Bean Café and Soda Fountain- Oklahoma City, OK
Lagomarcino’s- Moline, IL
Mundt’s Candy Sales and Soda Fountain- Madison, IN
Skipper’s Soda Fountain and Ice Cream Parlour- Minden, LA
Sodie’s Fountain and Grill- Flipping, AZ
Village Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant- Lebanon, OH

When The Road Is Calling

Every summer Betty loads the kids into the car, her husband fumbles with his map, and they are off. But Betty is not the type of woman to spend two weeks driving across the country squished into their old Ford. Yes, she knows that comfort waits at every site they visit because of the new Airstream trailer attached to their car. Outfitted with all the necessities of home, Betty’s family is ready for anything! Sitting outside in their Russel Woodard chairs they start each morning sipping coffee and end every night wrapped in blankets looking up at the stars. The only time the kids complain is when they start to head home.

Whether you're restoring a mid-century trailer, just bought a new Airstream, or redecorating your mobile home, check out Betty’s vintage Etsy finds. Don’t forget the kitsch! Cute planters like the ceramic bird above and old beer coasters are simple and fun!

If sleeping in a trailer is your idea of the perfect vacation, then check out these wonderfully retro mobile home hotels.

The Shady Dell Trailer Court: Bisbee, AZ

StarLux: Wildwood, NJ

BelRepayre Airstream and Retro Trailer Park: Southern France

Kate’s Lazy Meadow Motel: Mt. Tremper, NY

Clockwise from top left: BelRepayre Airstream and Retro Trailer Park, EmilyLynch.etsy.com, JLRinaldi.etsy.com, The Shady Dell Trailer Court, BettysKitschen.etsy.com, LaBellaVitaBoutique.etsy.com, The Shady Dell Trailer Court, kitschcafe.etsy.com, thevintagesupplyco.etsy.com

Easy Living with Russel Wright

Betty knows that life isn’t always easy, but it can be. As mid-century design focused on function and form, Russel Wright took these ideas further. He was the first designer to create inexpensive and mass-produced lines of dinnerware, furniture, textiles, and appliances, in turn bringing modernism to the average American. But Wright's ideas went beyond clean lines and innovative design, he wanted to revolutionize the home. In 1950, Wright and his wife Mary co-wrote the best selling book “Guide to Easy Living,” in which they reject formality and suggest informal living, redefining Betty’s views on entertaining and maintaining a home.

If you really want to step back in time, you can visit Russel Wright's house, Manitoga, in Garrison, New York. Be sure to buy your tickets ahead!

Clockwise from top left: www.moderntoretro.etsy.com, www.karapegg.etsy.com, www.thecaravancollection.etsy.com, www.VioletCrownEmporium.etsy.com