Route 66 Road Trip: Discovering the Pink Elephant Antique Mall

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A Nostalgic Stop on Route 66

I love road trips and use ChatGPT to find interesting spots to take a break, grab something delicious, or shop. One such place is the Pink Elephant Antique Mall, a quirky roadside attraction since 2005. This nostalgic spot offers a delightful mix of antiques, collectibles, and vintage items spread over its sprawling grounds. You can’t miss it, with a giant pink elephant, a flying saucer, and a two-story statue of the 44th United States President, complete with a red tie and MAGA hat.

Table of Contents

• A Nostalgic Stop on Route 66
• A Maze of Antiques and Americana
• The Owners and History
• Sweet Treats at the Fudge and Ice Cream Shops
• Nostalgic Candies and Sweet Treats
• A Fancy Lunch Break
• Why Visit the Pink Elephant Antique Mall?
• Visit Us

A Maze of Antiques and Americana

The antique mall is open seven days a week: from 10 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Saturday and from 11 AM to 5 PM on Sunday. Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of unique finds that cater to various tastes and interests, from furniture and home decor to toys and memorabilia.

The mall is a humongous maze filled with a variety of items. Some Americana pieces for sale may border on cultural insensitivity, reflecting a bygone era. However, the mall also boasts an extensive collection of old glassware, salt and pepper shakers, yard signs, and home decor.

The Owners and History

Tonia and Wayne Pickerill are the proud owners of The Pink Elephant Antique Mall on Historic Route 66 in Livingston, IL. The business, housed in the old Livingston High School built in 1929, covers 30,000 square feet and is surrounded by historic fiberglass giants. The gym floor and basketball hoops are still visible. The Pink Elephant is a favorite stop for those traveling Old Route 66, and it has welcomed guests from all over the world, with a map in the diner allowing guests to place a pin for their place of origin.

The Pickerills are passionate about supporting local vendors and offering a wide variety of antiques and items that appeal to all kinds of shoppers. The mall features everything from antique furniture, jewelry, collectibles, and glassware to memorabilia, candles, home goods, home decor, and some questionable culturally sensitive blackface items—recalling the lawn jockey episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (Season 12, Episode 2).

Sweet Treats at the Fudge and Ice Cream Shops

The mall also has two retro shops: The Mother Road Fudge Factory and Candy Shop, and The Twistee Treats Diner. The Mother Road Fudge Factory and Candy Shop is a 1950s-themed candy store selling homemade fudge made on-site in a variety of flavors, caramelized roasted nuts, vintage candies, bulk candy, saltwater taffy, chocolates, and Route 66 souvenirs.

The Twistee Treats Diner is a kitschy 1950s-themed diner. It occupies an original Twistee Treats ice cream cone-shaped building, with the dining area decked out in a hot pink tile floor. The Blues Brothers overlook the dining area and the jukebox. The diner serves a full menu for lunch and dinner, including burgers made with fresh local beef that is never frozen. The ice cream is amazing, featuring soft serve, hand-scooped, and a large selection of specialties.

Nostalgic Candies and Sweet Treats

Don’t miss the Pink Elephant Fudge Shop, located within the mall. It’s a sweet spot that offers a variety of homemade fudge flavors, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth during your road trip. You can try as many fudges as you want, and I did. Unfortunately, they were all a little too sweet for my taste.

However, I did find a bunch of candies I used to eat as a child like Razzles, Pop Rocks, Pixy Stix, Now and Later, Whatchamacallit, Ring Pops, dots, and that fake strawberry flavored sugar in the squeeze bottle, which was fun. I bought three. Which ones do you think I took home with me?

There’s also an ice cream shop where you can get a cone or milkshake. It’s a perfect treat to cool off and relax after exploring the vast antique collection. Enjoying a refreshing ice cream cone or a creamy milkshake adds to the nostalgic charm of the place.

A Fancy Lunch Break

We didn’t have lunch at the Pink Elephant. Instead, we shared a burger at Pease’s at Bunn Gourmet, a charming cafe serving lunch, dessert, and gourmet chocolates. The cafe, with its homey feel, features high-back leather chairs, exposed brick, and a fireplace. Located in Springfield, Illinois, Pease’s offers a variety of savory items like hot soups, crisp salads, sandwiches, and flatbreads. The coffee bar serves trendy beverages, and the cafe also has handmade pastries, desserts, and homemade ice cream. Additionally, Pease’s sells artisan chocolates, gourmet nuts, and unique gift items.

Why Visit the Pink Elephant Antique Mall?

Stopping by the Pink Elephant Antique Mall is not just a shopping experience; it’s a trip down memory lane. Maybe totally not my memory lane, lol. However, it’s the perfect place to stretch your legs, find unique items, and enjoy a delicious treat on your journey. The Pink Elephant Antique Mall is a memorable adventure, and you will be glad you visited. For more information, check out their website.

Visit Us

Address:
Pink Elephant Antique Mall
908 Veterans Memorial Drive
Livingston, Illinois

Operating Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
Sunday: 11 AM to 5 PM

Contact:
Phone: (618) 637-2366

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