Atlas Obscuraflipped into Atlas Obscura Videos9:24Show & Tell With Antiquarian Horologist Nico CoxAtlas ObscuraIn this episode of Show & Tell, Atlas Obscura staff writer Jessica Leigh Hester speaks with Nico Cox, an antiquarian horologist—that is, one who fixes old clockwork mechanisms. Away from her wondrous workshop, Nico has several projects to tinker with at home, including the restoration of a player piano and porcelain ceramics of magical cryptids. Learn more about mechanical magic, the mysteries of a piano that plays itself, and a funky lava lamp!
Atlas Obscuraflipped into Atlas Obscura Videos12:29Show & Tell: The Tenacious Tendrils of Ithaca’s GourdlandiaAtlas ObscuraEven though she’s sheltering at home, Graham Ottoson has plenty to keep her busy at Gourdlandia. Nicknamed “The Gourd Lady,” Graham transforms gourds of all shapes and sizes into instruments, lamps, clocks, and other decor. In this episode of Show & Tell, Graham teaches Atlas Obscura co-founder Dylan Thuras the process behind her gourd-geous craft, from pollinating plants to carving with specialized gourd saws!
Atlas Obscuraflipped into Atlas Obscura Videos4:46The Mystery of Hawai‘i’s Doctor’s PitAtlas ObscuraDavid Douglas was many things: a horticulturalist, a mountaineer, and a famed botanist. He was last seen the morning of July 12, 1834, hiking around Hawaiʻi’s Mauna Kea; later that day, his body was found at the bottom of a cattle pit trap. What killed Douglas? Was it a rare instance of carelessness? Or, as unfounded rumors had it back in 1834, was he murdered by a man who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time? Note: This video was filmed in July 2019, and access may have changed. Please always check with Hawaiʻi local or regional offices for real-time updates on park access and closures.
Atlas Obscuraflipped into Atlas Obscura Videos4:48Oregon's One-Man Dessert WineryAtlas ObscuraShallon Winery, located in Astoria, Oregon, is one of the smallest wineries in the country. It is "the only fully operating brick-and-mortar working winery for 7,000 square miles" in that part of the United States, says winemaker Paul van der Veldt. He runs a one-man operation known for unique, all-natural dessert wines in unexpected flavors, including a rich orange whey wine made with six kinds of chocolate and a smooth, semi-dry cranberry wine called Cran du Lait.
Atlas Obscuraflipped into Atlas Obscura Videos4:30The Last Mayors of the Salton SeaAtlas ObscuraSouthern California's Salton Sea—often thought of as a wasteland—is home to a small community. Locals gather at the Ski Inn, one of the last taverns left in Bombay Beach. At 223 feet below sea level, it's known as the “lowest bar in the Western Hemisphere.” In this episode of Local Legends, we sit down with Wendell and Jane Southworth, the most recent co-owners of the Ski Inn.
Atlas Obscuraflipped into Atlas Obscura Videos6:12An Emotional Visit to Vermont's Dog ChapelAtlas ObscuraWarning: You’ll need tissues for this one. On a mountaintop farm in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, you'll find the Dog Chapel, a special space built out of love by the folk artist Stephen Huneck and his wife, Gwen. The chapel’s walls are covered floor to ceiling in handwritten notes and photographs dedicated to beloved dogs that have died. Atlas Obscura editor Sam O'Brien decided to visit for herself.
Atlas Obscuraflipped into Stories7 hours agoStrawberry Curry Is a Modern Twist on an Old Traditionverified_publisherAtlas Obscura - Sejal SukhadwalaFruit curries have a sweet and savory history. Every year, during the weekend of Wimbledon tennis finals, I make a curry from the two ingredients most …
Atlas Obscuraflipped into PlacesJan 21The Bridge Collectionverified_publisherAtlas ObscuraThe Bridge Collection is a comprehensive collection of drinking vessels, that shines a light on the stories and customs associated with drinking, …
Atlas Obscuraflipped into PlacesApr 21United Memorial Gardensverified_publisherAtlas ObscuraUnited Memorial Gardens might look like an ordinary cemetery at first glance, but walk through the grounds and you’ll notice quirky landmarks like a …
Atlas Obscuraflipped into Places10 hours agoDye Ditch Gangverified_publisherAtlas ObscuraIn the center of a parking lot in Fort Payne, Alabama, a pavilion holds a diorama commemorating a beloved piece of local history: a drainage ditch. …
Atlas Obscuraflipped into Places11 hours agoOld Applewhite Bridgeverified_publisherAtlas ObscuraSan Antonio’s own cryptid is said to hide out under a mysterious country bridge. Old Applewhite Bridge is only about half an hour’s drive away south …
Atlas Obscuraflipped into Places13 hours agoHand of Man Museumverified_publisherAtlas ObscuraWhat if the “world’s most interesting man” bought a small elementary school and filled it with whatever objects brought them joy? The Hand of Man …
