Tat’s Bizarre Travels

SHIPPENSBURG, PA - This was my favorite stop in middle Pennsylvania. I wasn’t sure at first because there was no website and the only real mention was the listing on Roadside America (the best web site in the world). It’s only about a 5 minute drive from Mr. Ed’s, and if you’re not counting down the numbers on the mailboxes it could be easily missed. The place is situated in the back yard of Ernest Helm and according to the folks at Roadside America (RA) it was built for his cats. It’s almost magical because it’s on the crest of a hill, and, if you were coming in from the south like I was, it just appears behind the normal sized house.

There were no cats when I stopped, nor was Mr. Helm or any of his family around. I’m not sure if there are still any cats. All the building have had their windows and doors covered in plexi so I don’t imagine cat’s would be especially excited to hang out in Tiny World, unless it’s just to sit on the roofs of the town. It just goes to show that someone disrespected the true awesomeness of Tiny World and now the cats (and the rest of the viewing public) have to suffer.

So I just strolled about for the better part of an hour looking into tiny windows of tiny homes. They’re all fantastic. Some had varying amounts of furniture, the Texico and Fire department are especially awesome! None of the buildings are any taller than a person (well…the church may be, but I’m guessing that’s due mostly to the cross.

Being a girl I have to say that this place was pure magic. Regardless of who Tiny World was created for, in the end it’s a fantastic collection of awesome miniatures. All are so well crafted and and the Fire House even has tiny furniture inside complete with fireman’s pole, kitchen, rec room and beds. I loved every little discovery I found. It was like I was six again and imagining myself tiny living in the minuscule world.

I would be thrilled to go back to Tiny World. Maybe in a different season, I hear Tiny World gets all decked out for the Holidays. This has been my favorite stop yet, and I recommend everyone visit and leave a donation at the castle gate entrance.