#highway18

Wild Woody’s Campground and Amazing Antique Stores (Laurel Springs, NC)

Situated on Highway 18 just off the Blue Ridge Parkway exists a blast from the past in the form of an eclectic campground and antique store located in the remote community of Laurel Springs, NC. Surrounded by lush evergreens and rolling hills, Wild Woodys transports its visitors back to a time of simplicity and carefree splendor--to a place undisturbed by smart phones, cable TV, and other man-made interruptions. 

As I pull into the driveway my eyes are met by brightly-colored handmade signs advertising Vintage Campers for rent, all unique with themes ranging from Coca-cola to Hanna Barbera cartoon dogs. 500 yards to my East, rows upon rows of shiny motorcycles sit proudly outside the entrance to Freeborne’s (the neighboring motel that dates back to the early 1950′s). An old jeep outfitted with longhorn steer antlers and a giant American flag pulls up and blares its “I wish I was in Dixie’s land” horn. Its driver, a red-faced man with a long gray ponytail sticks his head out the window and yells, “Yah-ooooooo!” 

I enter the first antique store, previously a Phillips 66 gas station that was later sold to Gulf Oil. Having grown up with a mother who made me traipse through nearly every antique store located along the greater Carolinian coast, I had never before observed anything quite like this--endless arrays of nostalgia ranging from Old Hollywood movie posters, vinyl records and cassette tapes from every decade and every genre imaginable, vintage clothing varying from 1920's era wedding gowns to 1970's macrame vests, leather cowboy boots, and faded Levi’s. Collectible figurines including porcelain dolls and G.I. Joes, framed tintypes depicting early 20th century gypsies, props from famous movie sets, decked-out mannequin heads and dummies posed in situational circumstances, furniture ranging from Victorian loveseats to Civil War era pianos--all arranged with care and tucked in amongst themed rooms, decorated walls, and souvenir-lined ceilings. As I navigate the never-ending maze of mingled relics, it becomes increasingly apparent to me that Wild Woodys is more a journey than it is a destination.

I begin to wonder who the mastermind is behind all of this and am then introduced to “Blondie,” the owner of forty-eight years. Blondie (real name Linda Woody) is a friendly and well-seasoned woman with long-flowing platinum-blonde hair, hazel eyes trimmed in black eyeliner and false eyelashes, dressed in a short-sleeved button down cotton shirt and cut-off denim shorts. She is part of twelve generations dating back to 1738 that “came over the pond” from Scotland, Ireland, and England where they settled in Ashe County on land they purchased for 3 and 1/2 cents an acre. Originally owned by her cousin Rand Osbourne from 1946 to 1969, Wild Woodys began its life as a diner, general store, and the aforementioned gas station. Linda’s brother Ken Woody bought it from Rand in 1969 and after two years sold it to Linda in 1971.

In talking with Linda she reveals to me one of her best historical events--becoming a great-grandmother. The gentle laugh lines and crows feet carved gingerly in her face cause my forehead to furrow. “You don’t look near old enough to be a great grandmother,” I tell her.

She lifts her hand to her heart and tilts her head, “Well thank you. She’s thirteen! I’m hoping to see if she will take an interest to the store. So far she’s only interested in two things here--the ice-cream and the doll figurines.”

As I turn my focus back towards the expanse of relics, it is all I can do but speculate how much insurance Blondie must have on this extraordinary museum and tribute to Americana. A heaven for “Pickers” and a nightmare for the Bourgie, it is said that people, upon entrance, either remain for hours or immediately run for the door. 

Before I myself begin to head out the door (about an hour and a half past my arrival time) I ask Linda the one question I had been wanting to ask all along. “Where on earth do you find all these things?!?”

Her hazel eyes narrow as a smile begins to spread across her rose-colored cheeks. “Well,” the back of her right index finger pressed to her bottom lip, “Why here of course!” 

***Rated 5 out of 5 stars, be sure to check out Wild Woody’s Facebook page and read through the 40+ highly complimentary reviews. You may also wish to check out UNC-TV’s five minute segment filmed October of 2014. Links posted below. 

>>>>>>>>>>Click here to view additional pics<<<<<<<<<<<

>>>>>>Click here to go to Wild Woody’s Facebook page<<<<<

>>>>>>>Click here to watch the UNC-TV segment<<<<<<<<