The Retromantic

07/10/2026

Gotta admit, I didn't know this was still an aerobics class one could take, much less a stand-alone place...

06/24/2026

The house was demolished, but they left the baby swing untouched.

06/20/2026

Backrooms inspired edits--on places I've photographed and filmed.

Disclaimer: One entity included.

06/04/2026

Believe it or not, this was a mall that I used to go to, in downtown Richmond, Virginia. It opened in 1985 and was called the Sixth Street Marketplace. It included an enclosed steel bridge shoppers could cross over 2 lanes of traffic to reach the department stores. The bridge (as well as a parade I attended) were featured in Paul Simon's 1990 music video "Proof" (Chevy Chase and Steve Martin were also there!) This was a small Christmas parade and no one in the audience knew they were filming a music video that day, or that any of these famous people would be there. Most of the memories I have at this mall are with my parents at Christmas time. I saw the "Legendary Santa" (a Richmond tradition with a long history) at the Miller & Rhoads department store along with the Snow Queen and Bruce the Spruce. It was beautiful during the holidays. The mall stores and food court were really cool too, with fancy tile floors and lots of 80’s neon. Another interesting fact is that it was connected to the historical Blues Armory building (the brick part with upside down looking turrets). The bottom floor of it was used for restaurants and retail space. The "Mr. Bojangles" was a 3 floor, 14,000 square feet, night club named after Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, a famous tap dancer, actor and singer born in the Jackson Ward neighborhood, very close to this mall location. By the early 2000's the only functioning section left was the food court, which was mainly utilized by area workers on lunch break. In 2003 the food court closed and the building has sadly remained defunct ever since. The steel bridge was removed that year as well. The mall didn't even make it to 20 years. Several urbexers have explored this place in past years and I was hoping to as well, however when I went here, formerly accessible entrances were sealed and there was a chain link fence around everything. I took pictures and some video clips of the outside, as well as the abandoned Richmond Coliseum event space next door. Lots of memories there as well. I can put the video clips together and post them if anyone is interested.

06/02/2026

A shot I don't remember taking in the "Scream House" around when I started the Retromantic channel. (2019)

05/17/2026

American Explorer has another one of our video collabs up! This is one of my favorite explores...a revisit for me, but new to him...the abandoned Martonian Motel!

We've also discussed going back yet again (since this video was taken several years back) and I did some new research on the place just today--and found out some interesting things I'd like to share about this motel. But you gotta watch this video first! (Link in the comments)

05/04/2026

American Explorer is hitting his backlog of our collab videos pretty hard these days, so check out some of our past explores (that are new to you) if you're interested. He just put this one out--and check his YouTube channel for more...link in comments.

The day of busts! The Retromantic joined me on this all day and dinner on the grounds excursion only to fine two of our locations had closed! We ended up in the tiny town of Talmo, Georgia! Join us for the antics! Link is in the comments!

04/25/2026

Came across an 80's style Mr. Submarine still kickin' it...haven't eaten at one in 25 years before this day. Used to frequent one on Grace St. in Richmond, VA--late 90's. It has been gone a long time now. I have too.

04/05/2026

My vintage holiday cut-outs collection. Love them! People used to decorate their homes with these (I still do) but moreover, I think people remember these from their grade school classrooms. Very nostalgic! Some of these were definitely used by a teacher. Her name was on the back and there's old tape there too. Rest assured I'm taking good care of them in their retirement years. Happy Easter!

04/04/2026

Saturday 4/4
9:00 PM EST
On American Explorer's YouTube Channel

Just a quick reminder of the upcoming premiere at 9:00 p.m! If you haven't already, watch the videos by Ashleeinc linked in the comments. Her videos give the background of what The Retromantic and I did and why. See you at the premiere!