I decided to stop and have a look at the ruins since they were just off the freeway. I'm glad I did because there were two more abandoned places adjacent to it. The restaurant lay in a huge pile of rubble, but the red pavilion next to it was still standing.
And as an added bonus, a decaying billboard.
The Nickerson Farms franchise operated from the 1960s until the early '80s. At one point there as many as 60 locations, most of which were along interstate freeways in the Midwest. The franchise was born when a former franchisee of Stuckey's convenience stores decided he was fed up with the rules and regulations and struck out on his own.
Each Nickerson Farms consisted of a restaurant, gas station, and gift shop that sold honey made from bees on site. They even had a window into the beehive so customers could watch the bees as they went about their business.
Next door to the ruins of Nickerson Farms is the remains of another local attraction, The Picacho Peak Trading Post.
The place burned down in 2002. A neighbor, who witnessed a sudden flash just as the fire broke out, attempted to fight the blaze with a garden hose until fire fighters arrived. Attempts to save the trading post were unsuccessful. Now all that remains is a stone foundation and part of the legs of the giant statue the once welcomed customers.
Here's what it used to look like:
 |
| image from http://roadsidepeek.com/roadusa/southwest/arizona/azroadside/azroadmen/index.htm |
In the back of the property stands an abandoned trailer home, presumably the former home of the owners of Pichaco Peak Trading Post.
The place was in rough shape and the possessions left behind by the previous residents were scattered on the floor.
Just down the street is Arizona Nut House, a cute touristy shop that appears to have been vacated somewhat recently.
Thick bars cover every door and window. Remarkably, all the window panes were still intact.
A semi trailer sat on the property, presumably containing furniture and supplies from the shop.
But when I peered through the windows, I saw that most of the fixtures still remained inside the store.
As well as some merchandise.
I was able to get a peek inside.
The place isn't entirely abandoned. Apparently a band is using it as a practice space.
Next week I'll tell you about my last day in Arizona, in which I got my first peek at an abandoned Titan missile silo and had another minor run-in with the law.
Thanks for checking out this article. If you enjoyed it, please feel free to share it on Facebook. While you're at it, please subscribe to Places That Were and follow me on my social media sites:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/placesthatwere
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+JimSullivanPlacesThatWere/posts
EyeEm: https://www.eyeem.com/u/placesthatwere
flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/placesthatwere/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/placesthatwere/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jimplicit
Instagram: http://instagram.com/theplacesthatwere
Tumblr: http://placesthatwere.tumblr.com/
Thank you!
This web site Is Truly wonderful and amazing information maybe there is and looking so captivating... I look and feel good to generally be here... Keep sharing good things with buddies.. Thanks meant for sharing...
ReplyDeleteLawn Grass in Ludhiana
Hubby ( who is a professional musician) says musicians tend to like empty rooms for the acoustic sound that can be generated. I say they like cheap rent.
ReplyDeletethat's so sad about the trading post! used to stop there on my way back from tucson and they had the neatest stuff! from cool, unusual statures to unique t shirts to jewelry. I was heartbroken to hear it had burned. I was hoping they would have an online store but they are no more. Sad!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard about the fire. Thanks for the info. It's sad to see a unique place like that meet its end.
DeleteAlmost wish I hadn't stumbled upon this site. Almost. Just can not seem to tear myself away. Great Job!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! I'm glad you're hooked :D
DeleteFound this site researching this abandoned place in Arizona. Thank you
ReplyDeleteThe Nut House...And I thought you were gonna tell us in Pics and Words about 24th & Van Buren in Phoenix, the insane asylum!
ReplyDeleteI knew the owners, who owned Mitchell's Pecan Orchard in Mcneil, Arizona for many years. My late wife was their book keeper for several years until they sold the orchard and moved to Picacho Peak.
ReplyDeleteBeen in Tucson since 2002 and always thought the whole Peak losses of Business was a bit weird
Delete