The Haines Shoe House — Attraction in Hellam Township

As a local with a deep appreciation for alternative lodging and sun exposure, I decided to swing by this Airbnb to see if it lived up to its online charm. I’m always on the lookout for interesting places to recommend, and also, it was a perfect day for working on my tan. I figured I could combine my two passions: casual architectural assessment and responsible skin bronzing.

Unfortunately, the place was already occupied. I wasn’t aware that “peeking through the windows” while evaluating a property you don’t own was frowned upon, but the guests inside seemed very upset. One of them shouted at me and called me a “pervert,” which felt extreme, considering I was simply in my underwear, minding my own business, absorbing vitamin D.

For context: I wasn’t being inappropriate. I was being efficient. And I was only mildly aroused, which in my experience is just part of the tanning process.

Anyway, I did notice some worrying signs about the building’s structural integrity, a certain ominous creakiness that suggested the foundation is more “conceptual” than “secure.” Not sure who handled the remodel, but I wouldn’t trust it in a strong breeze.

Overall, wouldn’t recommend staying here unless you enjoy being judged for your hobbies and possibly being swallowed by the earth. I give this place a zero star but added one for the nice...

Stopped in, less than an hour before closing, with my pre-teen on a rainy afternoon on our drive home from a mid-week getaway. We did not feel rushed and were glad we made the detour. This little attraction is worth a visit! Friendly staff, interesting history, clean, and perfectly decorated to depict the time when it was used as a honeymooner's retreat. This is a family run business and you can see how much love was poured into it by Melanie and her family, even since her passing. The house is surprisingly larger inside than the outside suggests. Dont forget to take a peek at the matching dog house outside! The gift shop on the main level has a small selection of "shoe-veniers." Wish we hadn't been too full from a late lunch so we could have tried the ice-cream. We purchased some handmade chocolates they had for sale, made by a local woman. If you are within 30 minutes or so, be sure add this little piece of history as a stop...

A very unique stop that is worth making. The shoe house is interesting with some history captured throughout the house. The house is quite small, and I'm a slender person who can move around in it easily. If you are in the larger size or is claustrophobic... you might want to skip the tour of the house and check out my pics. The first floor where the ice cream and souvenir shop are is interesting. The young ladies will give you a brief history of the house there and $5 for the self guided tour. The house is small and could get a bit tight if more than 2-3 people touring at the same time. My favorite part is the dog house. The property is actually quite small with a large field growing something in the back. The fencing surrounding the property has a shoe wooden sign on every part of the fence, and it's cute, dressing up the white picket fence. Check out the shoe mailbox at...