OMG... What a find! If you grew up watching Popeye like I did this is a must stop. Proprietors Mike & Debbie Brooks will rekindle old memories and introduce you to new tidbits possibly missed years ago... Did you know that Olive Oyl was actually the main character for many years AND engaged to one Harold Hamgravy before a charming sailor was introduced to the series that eventually won her heart along with those of the viewers. You see... You learn something every day!
Check out the Popeye paraphernalia at Spinach Can Collectibles, get a T-shirt or two, then hit the streets of Chester, IL to track down the life size statues of the Popeye cartoon characters. Oh yeah, did I mention? Chester, IL is the hometown of Popeye... So, get off of your patooty, mosey on down to southern Illinois and check out all that...
Read moreMy wife and I visited there with my brother and his family back in 2008, and it was perfect timing since the Popeye Festival was already in full swing that weekend. It was really cool seeing the collectible items there in the store, and we also met Denne Kornechuk (from Canada), a Popeye impersonator and he looked just like Popeye! Interesting fact: Denne was born in 1929, the very same year Popeye was created! Very nice guy, and we got to pose for a picture with him. We also saw a guy and a woman impersonating Bluto and Olive Oyl but they were not very good likenesses (I don't think anyone can out-Bluto the actor Paul Smith or beat Shelly Duvall as Olive Oyl in the Popeye movie). Go check out the store. ...
Read moreWorth a stop if you're coming to the area. They have some old school Popeye toys that are made of tin! Authentic, vintage, toys! The gift shop is pretty cool, if you or your family/friends are fans on Popeye. They also have a map to locate the character trail of statues throughout Chester. Go see them all! They are well crafted and displayed beautifully!
It's important to mention that you will need a vehicle to visit the character trail. They are spread out among several miles. I don't even think I could ride my bicycle through the character trail. It would probably take me over 4 hours to ride my bike to see all the characters. Just make it easy on yourself and...
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