You do a good job, man! You're the best travel guy on youtube, in my opinion.I live in southern missouri, and I really appreciate the videos of little towns in missouri and any of the bordering states.
My Grandfather worked in the mines in Picher, OK. He died from Black Lung in 1939. His oldest child died nearby in 1938 at the age of 8. I visit both of them whenever I can. The Picher mines were Zinc and Lead. They were worked throughout both World Wars, and finally closed down in 1947. The last resident to live in Picher died in 2015. The town is police patrolled to keep visitors from doing something dumb, like taking samples of the incredibly toxic slag heaps that are all over.
Wow. Just.. wowww. Thank you! I teared up at Picher, OK. Excruciating history and a stunning place, indeed. Happy New Year to you and yours from Oklahoma.
I like your videos. You give interesting facts and don’t get off listening to yourself talk. Your photography is excellent ,especially the aerial shots. Have a happy New Year!🎉
Oh John, your #1 town of Picher, OK was heartwarming indeed. I was raised not far from there and Bern through there a few times. It was fun seeing all your favorite towns and the ones in the 15 almost favorites. Great work with all your videos and history of each place. Happy New Year, and keep up the good work.
Great video. Very different and good. I love Cottonwood Falls Kansas too. Council Grove Kansas is another great town also. Thanks for visiting McPherson county. That’s one of my favorite videos. I have to visit the Flint Hills of Kansas every year. Maybe you should do a video on your top ten favorite death-go-rounds? Thanks again. Go Shocks!
I went to Kaskaskia, Illinois when I was a kid. I remember having my mind blown by the fact that the Mississippi River moved, so it's actually on the Missouri side! (We also went to Chester on that same trip and saw the Popeye statue.)
I’m impressed that Luckenbauch, Texas made the top ten list. Of course I’m partial to it being from Texas and love good Texas country music. Great list.
hadn't seen the Locke video before.. WOW. my personal favorite though was the ghost town in TX where the courthouse is on private land.. another memorable one for me was the town with the little airport where people would fly in for lunch.. great work John, hope to see many many more in the future!
Your fav is my fav as well! It’s the town the started my interest in ghost towns as well as small and rural towns. Thanks for posting. I hope you have a safe and fun NYE & have a great year!
Thanks for sharing your 10 favorite towns. It was fun seeing them and remembering the original videos. Belated Merry Christmas to you and your family and heres hoping you have an awesome 2025.
Been to Cairo, and you're right, it leaves an impression. My late FIL worked for the railroad, spent a lot of time in Cairo. Always said if the world was to get an enema, Cairo was going to get wet...
I’ve been to Red Oak II several times because I had family in the Carthage, Missouri area. That town is so creative and artsy and I love it! The other one we have visited courtesy of your videos is Cottonwood Falls, Kansas! Beautiful and interesting little town. Really enjoyed this video! We look forward to them every week.❤
I actually played football in Picher in the early 80s being from a small oklahoma town myself (Sperry Okla) so I remember when they shut down Picher because of the lead. . . . You actually did a video with the place I now call home a year or so back (Soda Springs, ID)
You are right, Jerome is a gem. Enjoy your videos and the care you take in making them. Some favorite small towns/ghost towns of mine include 1) Nevada City, MT for their preservation effort, 2) Sundance and Newcastle, WY for the natural scenery with Devil’s Tower and the transition out of the Black Hills, 3) Bedford,VA for its WW2 history and nearby Sharp Top Mtn, 4) Corning, NY (Finger Lakes area is gorgeous and sprinkled with small towns), and Hanksville, UT w/ Goblin Valley State Park. Looking forward to watching your further travels.
I grew up in Joplin,MO and remember very vividly driving through Picher many times going to Commerce,OK to see my Aunt Lena with my mom. Of course this was in the 60's and the town was active and vibrant in those day. I remember a large tire wholesaler on the main drag, Burgraff tires. Thanks for refreshing my memories. Happy New Year 🎉
No, I haven't been to any of the towns you mentioned, other than via your videos. I live near Trading Post, Ks and I've driven by but never visited. Truthfully I never knew there was a town. I've seen some buildings near the highway and that's all I thought there was of the place. I don't travel much anymore other than to drive about 50 miles round trip to a bigger town to go buy groceries etc about 3 times a month. Once many years ago I'd make that trip every day with my parents and sister but they are dead now and my brother and I are seniors and so is his vehicle and with gas being so high we don't go outside of town much. Thank you for your video, John. Some of the towns you mentioned I remember seeing but some I've never seen. Happy New Year, happy trails to you and God bless.
I've been to one of the "honorable mentions" Red Oak II in Missouri. a few years ago I was visiting for my annual family reunion, have a friend that lives in the town our family gathers at, have a mutual love of racing and photography and he took me down to Red Oak and got some really cool photos of the place
I had a couple of beers in the bar in Cottonwood Falls. Had to be 1985? My boss and I had a job trimming all the trees in the cemetery. Middle of the summer. Where does the time go?
Good video. I live not too far from Luckenbach, so have been there a few times. I went to junior college in Miami, Oklahoma, so went to Picher, Oklahoma many, many years ago. I remember all of the chat piles from the lead/zinc mines around Picher. I did not know how dangerous these are at that time. I even went on a mine tour in Picher then. I also went through Loving, County Texas and Mentone on my way to Carlsbad Caverns many years ago. I was hoping my car did not break down out there.
Loved all of your Alaska videos and the littlest town was very cool! Also, my wife and I both own death go round t-shirts in that exact style! Happy New Year!
The only one I have been through is Cairo IL. I hear is not such a good place at night. But it is interesting. I can't say which one is my favorite. I think they are all interesting towns. Thanks John for sharing.
Pilot knob Missouri and Kupreanof, Alaska were our favorite ones you did. Jerome, AZ is amazing and the views up there you cannot beat and it’s not so crazy busy there like nearby Beautiful Sedona ❤ Have a 🎉2025!
Awesome video John. Like that shirt, realized my uncle has 1 sitting by his barn I might need to restore. I feel honored that 1 in the honorable mentions was to my east (Red Oak II), and the #1 on your list is to my west. This can only mean, at some point you need to stop in the middle (Joplin) for a cup of coffee and conversations about traveling, antiques or whatever. Thank you for posting this, t'was quite an enjoyable jaunt thru your favorite towns & communities. Have a Safe and Happy New Years, and may 2025 ring in as a Blessed year for you and yours my Friend. 🙏🇺🇸
I think my favorite videos are the ones where you get to talk with people who have in-depth knowledge of the location in question - so, Monowi, NE, Lecompton, KS, Kupreanof, AK, Jericho, TX - I'm guessing you've probably already heard this a million times, but I think you have a real talent for interviewing people - drawing people out and making them feel that they're of interest, too. And another place, I can't recall the exact location - but there was an older gentleman you bumped into when you were near an old one-room (?) post rock schoolhouse....he was in the last class to attend that school before it was closed. That stuff is PRICELESS - I can't help but think that for at least a few of these folks, if you hadn't come along, their stories and memories might just be lost. Now they're not only not lost, they're easily available - forever - to anyone who takes a few moments to watch. There's a LOT I admire about your channel and your content, and this is one of the main things - the capture of knowledge and history in such an organic way. I also like Beaumont (your haunted hotel stay was a hoot!) and Horseshoe Beach (wishing them a speedy recovery). And anything with your magical drone footage. 😊❤
I appreciate your kind words and I'm glad you enjoyed these places! It’s always fun to chat with the locals for sure. I hope people feel comfortable chatting with me because I’m genuinely interested in sharing their stories 😊
Glad you included Kaskaskia and Cairo on the Top 5! 😂 Congratulations on 5 years of exploring, and I definitely need to check out several of those towns. Happy 2025!
Thanks John... I enjoyed seeing this. Many of these I had seen in the original video you did. So I found it interesting that I picked some winners.😅 Happy New Year, Gord
Such a wonderful unexpected surprise! And I fo not know how you were able to break the number down to only ten. There seems to be something endearing about any of the small towns and communities that had attracted me to it. And I would have a terrible time coming to a decision to which was just enough better than another. My hat is off to you on this one. Tgank you for the nice end of the year gift!
I'm more interested in abandoned buildings that make great night photos. But Kenton Ok, Picher Ok, and Beaumont Ks are the fav on the list. Red Oak II is great. Tonapah and Goldfield NV, Nelson NV. Tucumcari has a bunch of great abandoned businesses. Rhyolite NV, Borrego Springs, Ca. Sedan, Ok. Wansevu Ks.
What great memories for you and now I’ll have to go back and watch the ones I’ve missed. If I had known in advanced you were coming to my town my husband and I would have cooked authentic Mexican food for you and maybe we would have made your list. 😂 Anyway, Happy New Year, Coach, and looking forward to seeing where you’ll take us to in 2025!
Great job as always. I remember the videos for most of these places. I find it interesting that people choose to live where they do. Myself included. Happy New Year. Looking forward to visiting more places via your trips.
Not a town, but have you been to McPherson Ks where they have a bachelors degree in restoring vintage automobiles. It's nationally famous and might make a good video.
Now i want to make a list! I've been in 49 states. Favorite state is NY. The farther from NYC... the better. Favorite house is Gray Gables in Richford VT.
I love your channel. Makes me want to move somewhere small town ish for sure. One question I have is what is your background?? And will you look into ingalls Oklahoma? My father’s ancestors lived there and that area. I hope to go there myself in 2025. My dad’s cousin owned that old saloon and hotel property at one time.
@ my Grandfather told me that my great grandfather was the Sheriff of Ingalls, Billy Wilson. I know he’s buried there. I hope to go this year to see it myself
You do a good job, man! You're the best travel guy on youtube, in my opinion.I live in southern missouri, and I really appreciate the videos of little towns in missouri and any of the bordering states.
Thank you for the kind words! I appreciate your support.
My Grandfather worked in the mines in Picher, OK. He died from Black Lung in 1939. His oldest child died nearby in 1938 at the age of 8. I visit both of them whenever I can. The Picher mines were Zinc and Lead. They were worked throughout both World Wars, and finally closed down in 1947. The last resident to live in Picher died in 2015. The town is police patrolled to keep visitors from doing something dumb, like taking samples of the incredibly toxic slag heaps that are all over.
Wow. Just.. wowww. Thank you! I teared up at Picher, OK. Excruciating history and a stunning place, indeed. Happy New Year to you and yours from Oklahoma.
I agree, Picher is a powerful place! Happy New Year to you as well!
I like your videos. You give interesting facts and don’t get off listening to yourself talk. Your photography is excellent ,especially the aerial shots. Have a happy New Year!🎉
Thanks, I appreciate the compliments! Happy new year!
Oh John, your #1 town of Picher, OK was heartwarming indeed. I was raised not far from there and Bern through there a few times. It was fun seeing all your favorite towns and the ones in the 15 almost favorites. Great work with all your videos and history of each place. Happy New Year, and keep up the good work.
Thanks for watching and for the compliment! Happy New Year to you too!
Fayette Michigan is my favorite ghost town it is worth the trip. It is a state park and they are renovating buildings
Great video. Very different and good. I love Cottonwood Falls Kansas too. Council Grove Kansas is another great town also. Thanks for visiting McPherson county. That’s one of my favorite videos. I have to visit the Flint Hills of Kansas every year. Maybe you should do a video on your top ten favorite death-go-rounds? Thanks again. Go Shocks!
I’m glad you enjoyed my McPherson County video!
I went to Kaskaskia, Illinois when I was a kid. I remember having my mind blown by the fact that the Mississippi River moved, so it's actually on the Missouri side! (We also went to Chester on that same trip and saw the Popeye statue.)
I’m impressed that Luckenbauch, Texas made the top ten list. Of course I’m partial to it being from Texas and love good Texas country music. Great list.
I agree, it's a great place! Thank you 😊
Great video John ! Thank you 🙏 I’m in Arkansas and love that you featured East calico and Rush ! I have been to both and love them !
Ahh, a nice little "lift your mood" holiday video. Thank You.
Glad it could bring a little cheer!
hadn't seen the Locke video before.. WOW. my personal favorite though was the ghost town in TX where the courthouse is on private land.. another memorable one for me was the town with the little airport where people would fly in for lunch.. great work John, hope to see many many more in the future!
Glad you liked those! There are so many great towns out there to explore!
Your fav is my fav as well! It’s the town the started my interest in ghost towns as well as small and rural towns.
Thanks for posting. I hope you have a safe and fun NYE & have a great year!
Thanks, it’s a great town! I hope you have a great year too!
Thanks for sharing your 10 favorite towns. It was fun seeing them and remembering the original videos. Belated Merry Christmas to you and your family and heres hoping you have an awesome 2025.
Thank you so much for watching and for the well wishes! Same to you!
Been to Cairo, and you're right, it leaves an impression. My late FIL worked for the railroad, spent a lot of time in Cairo. Always said if the world was to get an enema, Cairo was going to get wet...
😳😂
Thanks!
Wow thank you so much for your generosity!
I've been to lecompton before, that one is probably my favorite.
I’ve been to Red Oak II several times because I had family in the Carthage, Missouri area. That town is so creative and artsy and I love it! The other one we have visited courtesy of your videos is Cottonwood Falls, Kansas! Beautiful and interesting little town. Really enjoyed this video! We look forward to them every week.❤
Yes! I love those two towns too, they are definitely favorites of mine! Thank you 😊
I actually played football in Picher in the early 80s being from a small oklahoma town myself (Sperry Okla) so I remember when they shut down Picher because of the lead. . . . You actually did a video with the place I now call home a year or so back (Soda Springs, ID)
Soda Springs was a pretty cool town from what I remember!
You are right, Jerome is a gem. Enjoy your videos and the care you take in making them. Some favorite small towns/ghost towns of mine include 1) Nevada City, MT for their preservation effort, 2) Sundance and Newcastle, WY for the natural scenery with Devil’s Tower and the transition out of the Black Hills, 3) Bedford,VA for its WW2 history and nearby Sharp Top Mtn, 4) Corning, NY (Finger Lakes area is gorgeous and sprinkled with small towns), and Hanksville, UT w/ Goblin Valley State Park. Looking forward to watching your further travels.
Those are some great small town picks! Thank you very much!
I grew up in Joplin,MO and remember very vividly driving through Picher many times going to Commerce,OK to see my Aunt Lena with my mom. Of course this was in the 60's and the town was active and vibrant in those day. I remember a large tire wholesaler on the main drag, Burgraff tires. Thanks for refreshing my memories. Happy New Year 🎉
Thanks for sharing your memories!
No, I haven't been to any of the towns you mentioned, other than via your videos. I live near Trading Post, Ks and I've driven by but never visited. Truthfully I never knew there was a town. I've seen some buildings near the highway and that's all I thought there was of the place. I don't travel much anymore other than to drive about 50 miles round trip to a bigger town to go buy groceries etc about 3 times a month. Once many years ago I'd make that trip every day with my parents and sister but they are dead now and my brother and I are seniors and so is his vehicle and with gas being so high we don't go outside of town much. Thank you for your video, John. Some of the towns you mentioned I remember seeing but some I've never seen. Happy New Year, happy trails to you and God bless.
Thanks for your comment and Happy New Year to you as well!
The Picher, Oklahoma video is probably my favorite video of yours. I didn't know about it until that video came out...
Thank you! Fascinating place to visit!
I've been to one of the "honorable mentions" Red Oak II in Missouri. a few years ago I was visiting for my annual family reunion, have a friend that lives in the town our family gathers at, have a mutual love of racing and photography and he took me down to Red Oak and got some really cool photos of the place
That sounds like a really fun experience. I'm glad you had a great time!
I remember them all. Great places, great adventures. Thank you as always. Happy New Year's!!!!
Happy New Year to you too!
Your channel is so amazing! Thanks for including my town..Lecompton Kansas! We love it here!❤❤😊
Lecompton is a classic! It's one of my favorites!
I had a couple of beers in the bar in Cottonwood Falls. Had to be 1985? My boss and I had a job trimming all the trees in the cemetery. Middle of the summer. Where does the time go?
Good video. I live not too far from Luckenbach, so have been there a few times. I went to junior college in Miami, Oklahoma, so went to Picher, Oklahoma many, many years ago. I remember all of the chat piles from the lead/zinc mines around Picher. I did not know how dangerous these are at that time. I even went on a mine tour in Picher then. I also went through Loving, County Texas and Mentone on my way to Carlsbad Caverns many years ago. I was hoping my car did not break down out there.
That sounds like some great road trip memories!
Wow! This was a fantastic video! I am watching a second time….to make sure i did not miss something! Great job!!!!
Thank you!
Marvelous, Coach. Looking forward to seeing what comes next for "Travel With a Wise Guy". Thank you so much.
I’m glad you like it! So many good adventures coming up!
Loved all of your Alaska videos and the littlest town was very cool! Also, my wife and I both own death go round t-shirts in that exact style! Happy New Year!
Awesome! Your support is much appreciated!
The only one I have been through is Cairo IL. I hear is not such a good place at night. But it is interesting. I can't say which one is my favorite. I think they are all interesting towns. Thanks John for sharing.
It is interesting! But yes I would only go during the daytime.
Cairo always reminds me of mark twain's life on the Mississippi. I've never been there but I remember it from reading the book.
Pilot knob Missouri and Kupreanof, Alaska were our favorite ones you did. Jerome, AZ is amazing and the views up there you cannot beat and it’s not so crazy busy there like nearby Beautiful Sedona ❤ Have a 🎉2025!
I agree, Jerome is spectacular! 🎉
Looking forward to seeing more videos in the future. Happy New Year coach.
Happy New Year to you too!
Awesome video John.
Like that shirt, realized my uncle has 1 sitting by his barn I might need to restore.
I feel honored that 1 in the honorable mentions was to my east (Red Oak II), and the #1 on your list is to my west. This can only mean, at some point you need to stop in the middle (Joplin) for a cup of coffee and conversations about traveling, antiques or whatever.
Thank you for posting this, t'was quite an enjoyable jaunt thru your favorite towns & communities.
Have a Safe and Happy New Years, and may 2025 ring in as a Blessed year for you and yours my Friend. 🙏🇺🇸
Sounds great! Thanks for the nice message! Have a great new years!
I think my favorite videos are the ones where you get to talk with people who have in-depth knowledge of the location in question - so, Monowi, NE, Lecompton, KS, Kupreanof, AK, Jericho, TX - I'm guessing you've probably already heard this a million times, but I think you have a real talent for interviewing people - drawing people out and making them feel that they're of interest, too. And another place, I can't recall the exact location - but there was an older gentleman you bumped into when you were near an old one-room (?) post rock schoolhouse....he was in the last class to attend that school before it was closed. That stuff is PRICELESS - I can't help but think that for at least a few of these folks, if you hadn't come along, their stories and memories might just be lost. Now they're not only not lost, they're easily available - forever - to anyone who takes a few moments to watch. There's a LOT I admire about your channel and your content, and this is one of the main things - the capture of knowledge and history in such an organic way.
I also like Beaumont (your haunted hotel stay was a hoot!) and Horseshoe Beach (wishing them a speedy recovery). And anything with your magical drone footage. 😊❤
I appreciate your kind words and I'm glad you enjoyed these places! It’s always fun to chat with the locals for sure. I hope people feel comfortable chatting with me because I’m genuinely interested in sharing their stories 😊
I agree- you're the best! Envy your experience.
Just an fyi the surrounding towns locals pronounce Monowi - Mon - ou - wee. Thanks for the vids, Happy new year to ya!
Thank you! Happy New Year!
Glad you included Kaskaskia and Cairo on the Top 5! 😂 Congratulations on 5 years of exploring, and I definitely need to check out several of those towns. Happy 2025!
I appreciate the shout-out and hope you enjoy the list! Best of luck in 2025!
Thanks John... I enjoyed seeing this. Many of these I had seen in the original video you did. So I found it interesting that I picked some winners.😅
Happy New Year,
Gord
😊 I’m glad you enjoyed the list! Happy New Year!
@TravelwithaWiseguy Happy New Year as well...
Gord
Such a wonderful unexpected surprise! And I fo not know how you were able to break the number down to only ten. There seems to be something endearing about any of the small towns and communities that had attracted me to it. And I would have a terrible time coming to a decision to which was just enough better than another. My hat is off to you on this one. Tgank you for the nice end of the year gift!
Thanks! I had a lot of fun making this video 😊
I'm more interested in abandoned buildings that make great night photos. But Kenton Ok, Picher Ok, and Beaumont Ks are the fav on the list. Red Oak II is great. Tonapah and Goldfield NV, Nelson NV. Tucumcari has a bunch of great abandoned businesses. Rhyolite NV, Borrego Springs, Ca. Sedan, Ok. Wansevu Ks.
What great memories for you and now I’ll have to go back and watch the ones I’ve missed. If I had known in advanced you were coming to my town my husband and I would have cooked authentic Mexican food for you and maybe we would have made your list. 😂 Anyway, Happy New Year, Coach, and looking forward to seeing where you’ll take us to in 2025!
I’m sure your Mexican food would have been amazing! 🤩
During a road trip, '79 I think, I stayed at the KOA in Two Guns.
There was only one gun.
😂😂
Great job as always. I remember the videos for most of these places. I find it interesting that people choose to live where they do. Myself included. Happy New Year. Looking forward to visiting more places via your trips.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching!
Loved all those episodes!
And remember them all
😊♥️
Enjoy Jerome !!
Only 40 miles from home for me!
Love it there
Not a town, but have you been to McPherson Ks where they have a bachelors degree in restoring vintage automobiles. It's nationally famous and might make a good video.
That sounds interesting, I will have to look into that!
Now i want to make a list! I've been in 49 states. Favorite state is NY. The farther from NYC... the better.
Favorite house is Gray Gables in Richford VT.
It's amazing how much we can all discover on the road! 😊
Grew up in Wichita. In CO now till it snows. Lots to see. No flying for me!
Thanks
Enjoyed this!
😊
Another good video! Love watching every one of them! Hope you have a great New Year!🎉
Happy New Year to you too! 🥳
Great list. I look forward to the next small towns you visit. Hope you have a Happy New Year, Mr Wise!
Thanks for the kind words! I hope you have a Happy New Year as well!
You should do a video on any paranormal experiences you've felt on all your travels. Can't remember that you've ever done that
Usually I do one at Halloween- that’s about it.
@TravelwithaWiseguy Saw the one at the old hotel (but thought it was prank). Since you focus on daytime outdoor filming, maybe you aren't as likely...
Really like your channel. Hi from Little Rock, AR.
Thanks for watching!
Happy New New!
Happy New Year to you too!
Lucien Maxwell was from Kaskaskia IL.
I love all your videos. Did you do a favorite death-go-round video?
Haha it’s been an idea 😂
Because of you, I knew about Kenton before I walked through there.
I’ve been continuing to follow you - you’re doing great!
Here are my top 10 towns. Kansas City Kansas, or ROSEDALE> and all of the surrounding Metro area. :)
Went to Trading Post Kansas on your recommendation, enjoyed the history but the museum was closed
That’s a bummer! Maybe next time!
Happy New Year! Thank you and stay safe in 2025.🎉
Wow great Job
I have been to Picher in March 2024
Thank you 😊
I love your channel. Makes me want to move somewhere small town ish for sure. One question I have is what is your background?? And will you look into ingalls Oklahoma? My father’s ancestors lived there and that area. I hope to go there myself in 2025. My dad’s cousin owned that old saloon and hotel property at one time.
I actually did a video on Ingalls a few years ago. Cool place! I’m from Ohio and have been a college track coach for 25 years 😊
@ my Grandfather told me that my great grandfather was the Sheriff of Ingalls, Billy Wilson. I know he’s buried there. I hope to go this year to see it myself
Good video! Alright Texas made the list 👍✌
Right on!
Hey John. Have you been to Marfa, Tx yet?
I haven’t. I’m actually close to there now but won’t be seeing it this time.
Was hoping Nebraska would make it. Yay Monowi!
🌽 😊
Was hoping to see your favorite livable, walkable, workable towns.
LOVE SMALL TOWNS. THANKS COACH 😊
Much appreciated 😊
That's Heavy, Wild, annd Far Out brother! Rock On!!!😎👍
I’m glad you’re enjoying it! 😎 thanks!
Are you planning to go to Douglass, KS?
The only town I’ve been to is Jerome!
It’s a good one!
👍🏾
Happy 2025! 🥳🎉 😃
Same to you!
Texas is the only state that matters. What about Texas?? Top 10??
Did you not see the Texas towns in this video?
@TravelwithaWiseguy To tell you the truth I didn't watch it all. 🙄