We probably wouldn't have added the spirit shop if we had not seen it in its peeling faded glory prior to its recent refurbishment - but tiny signs of its's former glory still exist, so if you happen to be in Victorville, give it a passing glance.
The Spirit Shop opened in 1965 along old Route 66, and its beautiful mid-century building remains. Its mascot is a little cartoon ghost inexplicably wearing a crown, whom the locals refer to as Casper, or Spooky. Spooky happily continues to haunt on the exterior of the store.
Inside you’ll find a 7/11 style convenience store with the added attraction of liquor, and if you look closely, you can spy hints of history in the wood paneled walls and golf art parking out the back for the nearby golf course.
I’m sure the Spirit Shop, freshly painted in a kind of snot color is a lot cleaner and sanitary these days, but we also pine for the palace of kookiness it once was.
Adorable side bar: you can get an enamel pin of Spooky the Spirit Shop ghost at the museum of neon art gift store - yes please!
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Southern California No. 176 - last visited April 2022
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