There was an old lady who lived in a shoe…a shoe? Remember when we heard that story as kids? Did you ever wonder what it must be like to live in a shoe? What the house must look like and how many rooms you can fit in a shoe house? Wonder no more. No, really, you can get a glimpse into what it must have been like for that old lady when you visit Haines Shoe House in Pennsylvania.
Don’t worry, you’re not seeing things if you just happen to be driving down Shoe House Road in York and pass a, well, house-sized shoe.
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You really are seeing a shoe, and it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Even if you’ve visited already, you probably don’t want to pass up the chance for a delicious ice cream treat.
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The Shoe House dates back to 1948 when entrepreneur and shoe salesman, Mahlon Haines, built the house as a gigantic advertisement for his shoe business. He was, in fact, known as “The Shoe Wizard.”
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The Shoe Wizard’s shoe house is, in fact, inspired by a traditional work boot, and it certainly continues to gain the attention of passersby to this day.
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Today, the famous Shoe House welcomes guests for a guided tour of the home and to sit down and have a delicious ice cream treat at the ice cream shop. (Yep, it’s located right in the shoe.)
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A guided tour will give you a glimpse at the five-level (yep – five levels) shoe house. You will have to pay a small tour fee, although kiddos five and under are free.
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Once you’ve finished the tour, you can’t go wrong with a goody or two. The ice cream shop at the shoe house features Beck’s Ice Cream and treats from Mellie’s Makery.
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Enjoy your goodies right inside of the shoe house, or grab a seat at one of the picnic tables on the front lawn.
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Haines Shoe House is a seasonal attraction, opening on the first day of spring each year.
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Stop by the official website of Haines Shoe House. Or, go here for Facebook.
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Have you been to the Haines Shoe House in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! On the hunt for more fun and strange places to visit? Here are 10 awesomely quirky things hiding right here in PA.
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Address: The Haines Shoe House, 197 Shoe House Rd, York, PA 17406, USA
