ALABAMA: Rural Americana At Its Most Beautiful

I visited these rural Alabama towns: Troy, Luverne & Greenville.
Travel Vlog 216
Instagram: / lordspoda

[@bobmanfre5083]

20:14. Yes - That is a Bottling Company that started back in 1865 when they still used corks instead of Bottle Caps. My Great Great Grandfather worked there for 12 years hitting the corks into the bottles. He won an award in 1872 for being the best Cork Socker of the year.

[@daviddecelles8714]

Thank you for that.

[@eddienichols209]

That is an amazing historical accolade that is rarely seen referenced in writing. By chance did your Great Great Grandfather share any details pertaining to his time working there? I was born and reared here in Alabama, am currently a Lee County resident, and have been a bottle digger/collector for over 40 years. Stories of that nature are near and dear to my heart so I hope you'll forgive the forward nature of my inquiry but I just had to ask. It's not often to encounter someone to whom I can ask. 😀

[@gatorgogo2742]

Thank you! Love it!! The segment about Troy was meant for me. I'm so old that I won't ever get back there alive, The day I was born I was made a member of the UMW at that Methodist Church. My grandmama lived down the street next to the Byrds who had the drugstore. The first house you showed in the historic district was my great grandparents'! My great granddaddy paid to build those brick streets! He was thrifty and only made them wide enough for 2 buggies to pass each other. LOL There's so much I could tell you One thing I have always laughed about is a tale of how Troy got its name. The founding fathers wanted to name it Zebulon after Zebulon Pike who the county is named for. No one knew how to spell Zebulon or how to make a capitol "Z". LOL but they knew how to spell Troy! This has made my day, my week and the rest of my life! Thank you so much

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Wow! Thank you for the kind words, and the additional info. :)

[@mrvariety68]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip Need to engage thru chat with audience more. Its not like your famous yet so I do appreciate you but appreciate us for likeing and following maybe a live would do you well. I am trying as well to get up and out and angers me when peeps dont engage the fans.

[@deborhgilmartin4192]

Tha b k you so much for your information. I voyls have listened to you all day reminiscing about the town you grew up in.

[@heartofdixieprepping4797]

Aww that’s so cool! My moms from Troy and had family throughout the county. The campus is so beautiful!

[@Bird1964]

Thank you for sharing your story with us! I love hearing about things like that 😊

[@scottbrown7415]

When you come across a Drug store that is long established, check to see if it still has a soda fountain and counter. That is one of the cool things that many small towns had back in the day.

[@SWATT101]

The Drug store near my home while growing up had a counter which was not in use as such in the 60's. I still remember the wooden shelves with all the pull out cubby drawers for drugs...they sold penny candy though, 3 for 1....good ol days.

[@kathrinekerns8398]

I miss the Soda Fountains. I worked at one when I was young. I remember the old fashioned Chocolate Soda's. Delicious.

[@daviddecelles8714]

Large cities had them too "back in the day."

[@keyup2626]

One of my first encounters with a small drugstore was back in the mid 70’s in a small town in South Dakota. What a thrill for a young Canadian teenager who grew up seeing one. It lived up to every thing I ever wanted it to be.

[@davidroberson8030]

When it be nice to go back to those days, even though we can't.

[@dennisdethloff7467]

We moved from New Jersey to rural Alabama, we love it, quite, and we were able to retire

[@RonaldChappell-lp7xx]

I hope yall lift your politics in New jersey.

[@brianog5267]

Sweet Home Alabama!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Right!

[@brianog5267]

I find it so funny that from watching all the us travel KZbin videos… there always seems to be 2 places for me that standout as far as to where I’d want to move to…. ALABAMA and WEST VIRGINIA…. These places seems “real” and people seem great… laid back, proud, loyal, and patriotic…. and both states have great great tunes which unifies everyone thanks to skynrd and John Denver

[@everettnichols9062]

There was a reason for those luxury porches: In the heat of the summer, the house became insufferably HOT during the afternoon and he residents came outside and sat on the porch

[@JohnMoore-xf5wy]

Absolutely. Families would gather in those shady porches in the hot summer afternoons. Loved it.

[@QueenB572]

That house on College is offered at $281k. Can’t get any better than that! Here in AZ, the historical houses are going for 1m or more!

[@itsgodnga]

finally a non depressing episode 😅 more comfy cozy towns

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I would do more of these, but unfortunately, people don't watch them.

[@WhittyPics]

Sweet Home Alabama

[@juanhenri8101]

Love the tour of my Alabama towns. The town of Luverne, where I'm from, is pronounced 'loo 'vern'. Keep up the food work!

[@dopeMike_]

I think he only does videos. Though I have seen him eat some food in La.

[@Road2NowhereTV]

Miss my home State 😢 Thank you for this

[@noeldelrosario4664]

When watching your videos, I don't skip the ads. Greetings from the Philippines. 🇵🇭

[@lauraschwarz4164]

Absolutely Beautiful! Alabama doesn't get enough credit! Gorgeous!

[@judywilson9003]

I love all those beautiful homes, now that’s America the beautiful.

[@lynndias2591]

I love your videos. Your voice is so calming also. I hope to see you and Nicole for a long time. I love seeing our America through you. ❤

[@TOCC50]

The Massachusetts Runaway

[@claregale9011]

Blimey those houses are enormous , very beautiful though 😊 watching from a rainy England .

[@stihlsawrepairs7955]

My grandfather used to run moonshine in Alabama when he was 12 years old …1941. Americana at its most historical and there IS an inherent lore and mystery to it all. PLEASE do a video of Jasper, Alabama. My late grandparents are from there in the 1930’s and I’d love to see it. I sure miss them. They migrated to the Pacific Northwest in 1958.

[@sapphirelane1714]

Jasper, AL is so run down and full of drug addicts and racists. I don’t say that to be judgmental. This beautiful state could be so much better without the horrible mindset…

[@JohnMoore-xf5wy]

White lightning!😮😁♥️

[@concernedcitizen6572]

They made the right call. PNW is amazing. You dont sweat to death for 6 months a year like in Alabama, actual mountains, great hiking and fly fishing, good access to Canada, Olympic NP, Mt Hood, Mt rainer, whale watching etc. Plus eastern PNW is such a wild gorgeous country.

[@infidel202]

I love Alabama, from Australia 🇦🇺

[@dopeMike_]

Mt Druitt is the Scottsboro of Australia.

[@infidel202]

@mheyk01 as long as you have been to both places M D is an interesting place

[@lorilove4706]

How refreshing to see a clean and homeless free environment. These old stately southern homes are gorgeous! Thank you for sharing with us! $312,000 and $1040 month rent for the house. Wow!! They just raised the rent on our 1200 sq. foot apt. to $1711 a month, that's West coast for ya!

[@spleeeen4it]

yes, those pesky people without anywhere to live

[@sewer_8512]

@@spleeeen4it I left Northern California 3 yrs ago. When parks across the street from middle schools are wall to wall tent city it’s ridiculous. They expose themselves often and others are unstable walking around downtown. Not a place to thrive if you enjoy freedom and safety

[@mrvariety68]

312K is like 2500 a month to be clear.

[@harmgregory4560]

@@sewer_8512 The people living in the tents in CA hardly intended to wind up homeless, I would point out. The mention of Mr Ritchie was nice (if probably unintended) irony, as was the mural saluting Mr Rockwell's work. Troy IS a very nice looking town. 🙂

[@harrygoldun5779]

Where are the people? That's why no homeless, seems every town Lord Spoda visits is devoid of humans walking the streets.

[@cherienafo7676]

Aussie here/ Hey Joe !! LOL ! Saves me calling you- Your Lordship !! ha ha . Been looking for this all day man !! Thank you- Cheers from an Ozzie addict !!.

[@ewinleti4680]

That home in Troy, Al is being sold for $281,000-$315,000 depending on site. Built in 1900

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Awesome!

[@ewinleti4680]

​@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip love your videos. Thank you and your Wife for always taking us along.

[@TillyOrifice]

Thanks! I've never been anywhere near Alabama, and it was a pleasure touring these attractive little towns with you.

[@JohnMoore-xf5wy]

I was born in Gadsden in 1942 and spent most of my early years in south Alabama. At least some members of five generations of both sides of my family are buried in the Valley Head cemetery. Alabama is a wonderful and very beautiful state, from the Gulf coast in the far south to the Appalachian Mountains in the northeast. I miss it. ❤

[@blackvulcan100]

Watching from England. What an awesome video. I visited the US back in 1969 at the age of 22.I have had a dream to visit again but life got in the way. I am hoping I may get the chance to come back again before it's too late. These are the types of towns I would love to visit. Thanks.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

@@chadsimmons6347 You’re an idiot.

[@carolkokx9638]

Historical houses they are just stunning.

[@truckerswifelife8697]

Just wanted you to know, my husband and I enjoy the way you narrate your vids. My husbandlikes to watch aerial america, that is from the sky and yours are from the ground. Thank you for the time you put into each video.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Wow, thank you!

[@johaines2214]

Thank you for the peak inside the theater. Very nice.

[@cheaplaughkennedy2318]

That was a really good episode Joe 👍👌 Some really beautiful homes

[@RobinGerhart]

Norman Rockwell is a fav, I have that painting. Loved this, thx!

[@everettnichols9062]

Did you know that Piggly Wiggly was the very first 'Supermarket' in the US? Yes, and it was established by a man named Clarence Saunders right here in Memphis!!! He built a mansion on Central Ave. which came to be known as the 'Pink Palace', because he had it built of Italian Pink Marble. It was taken by the city after Saunders went bankrupt and turned into a museum. It still houses the museum but has been expanded substantially!!!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Interesting!

[@baronvonsauna]

I’m big on the pig

[@Bird1964]

I love watching these videos not only for the excellent channel/narrator but for the education you get by reading other people's stories.

[@rockb]

Finally, the cat 👍. Thanks for the video, Joe, missing my college days, too

[@LindaSAndrews.]

Troy is a beautiful city

[@Julie-45]

My Son graduated from Troy State University! It is an absolutely gorgeous campus. The staff and school is amazing. I was well pleased. Thanks for the video. Well done ✔️

[@rustytaylor9527]

I spent the majority of my summers in Greenville growing up in the late 80's and 90's, My mothers parents lived there. My grandfather was a radio DJ and my grandmother taught at the high school. I loved the town then, had a lot of fun swimming and attending summer camp. I really hate to hear that crime has risen the last several years.

[@jameskwilliamswilliams9651]

J

[@Sealight007]

I like it when you get out and walk the town. Nice touch!

[@eeclass20]

That green white and red building in Luverne was probably a Sinclair gas station, they were the corporate colours.

[@catlover614]

A wonderful video, as always. Lots of beautiful buildings to look at, and I love the old signage on a lot of the businesses, awesome. The old Ritz Theatre was gorgeous, and it would be stunning at night with the neon. It looks like lovely Spring weather over there. Thank you so much.😊

[@cherienafo7676]

Love those old movie theaters !! Art Deco is so gorgeous, such class. We have one that has been renovated in Adelaide, Sth Australia- in North Adelaide, called The Forum and it is delicious. I,ve seen many movies there- just to BE IN there !! Thanks and a big HI to Nicolle!.

[@45AMT]

You weren't kidding about beautiful in the title. Troy had some beautiful areas and the historic area was fantastic. We definitely are admirers of architecture! Thanks for the great video Joey! I'm sure you're already there and gone but have a safe trip to the keys!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, RR!! 👍

[@ewinleti4680]

Ritz Theatre was purchased and opened in 1935 Greenville, Al

[@marknelson5929]

Hello from Australia, I'm finding your tours by road really fascinating and informative - portraying aspects of the US not normally seen, a land of great contrast! I saw some of this in California a few years back.

[@Inkan1969]

Wow, a video about a rural area that was not about dying and hopelessness.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I've done quite a few. No one watches them, unfortunately.

[@jh76103]

Well, I declare! That video makes me want to relax on a big 'ol front porch swing sippin' lemonade with a gentleman caller dressed in his finest seersucker suit. We enjoy a gentle breeze as it carries the delicate fragrance of honeysuckle and magnolia blossoms and the birds serenade us with the sweet song of the South.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Perfect!

[@IHateEnglish10282]

United States is so beauty

[@holly5791]

Here in north Alabama, we are in the 30's this morning. Crazy how the temps can vary so much in the same state. I have that Norman Rockwell print of "The Runaway". Safe travels!

[@JohnGotts]

Lord Spoda, it's always means it is. You're looking for its.

[@jamesallardice4645]

Thank's again i always enjoy your adventures, James from Scotland.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks 👍

[@allensmith9012]

This brings back a lot of wonderful memories. Montgomery, Troy and Greenville was part of my sales territory from the mid 70's to 2000. Not much has changed in Troy, the vacant buildings in Troy were empty but looked to be still useable in the mid 80's. Beautiful part of the deep south and you could always find some wonderful food and friendly people. We use to refer to everything from Montgomery to the Florida line as L.A. ( lower Alabama )

[@JohnMoore-xf5wy]

❤

[@alexandralovesgoats3360]

Troy is a lovely town! I love the architecture and iconic beverage and drug store signs. The artwork is sensational ! I’d definitely stop by if I were in Alabama. The post office and city hall in Greenville are nice. Also like the Ritz theatre. Yes, I imagine the residents were on board with the name change 😂. Thank you for another great video!

[@JohnMoore-xf5wy]

In the 50's Troy State Teachers College had the Band Conclave. High school bands from all over Alabama came and played in the athletic stadium! It was wonderful!

[@tmmckee]

I grew in Monroeville. That is where Harper Lee is from. They have 2 courthouses and 1 is a museum. That area has towns name Burnt Corn and lots of old stores and antique stores.

[@enter_art7405]

The first thing I immediately notice as a German: I look at your navigation system and see that you have 5G cellular reception 😂In such an area in Germany, I would be happy if the network was sufficient for making phone calls. Thanks a lot for your videos! I always enjoy watching them. Greetings from Germany

[@daviddecelles8714]

Surely, 4G is more than sufficient for all of our needs. I dread "numerical updates" and suspect they are more sinister than truly convenient. As consumers, we should resist.

[@sapphirelane1714]

Thank you for being kind to our state! I hope one day you’ll come see North AL and Natural Bridge. We also have 1,000+ waterfalls to visit. Plenty of springs and clean swimming holes too! Alabama is so beautiful, and I wish the politics would change instead of letting everything in our beautiful state fall apart! Brings tears to my eyes constantly. It sucks to have such unnecessary struggles in this beautiful state…

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

We love it there.

[@sapphirelane1714]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip thank you! I hope you all Jane safe travels!

[@ponolovefarms3926]

After moving from Wedowee Al 10 years ago to Oregon, let me tell ya, you have no idea of a state struggling due to “politics”

[@scaredy-cat]

Homes in Troy Alabama are outstanding! Great town too!

[@donreed]

Troy, Marshall and App State are the three "small" colleges football teams that consistently play hard and unrelentingly against their opponents, often monster-size programs like Michigan, et al.

[@mrsteveispleased]

Love all your videos and watch daily.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Awesome!

[@pinkywilliams8063]

I've travel thru all of the towns you covered in today's video many many times. I know the south east side of Alabama like the back of hand. Now that I live in east central Alabama again. My mission is to discover more info on the history of the state as well as my ancestors from the northwest part of AL & across the state line into GA for there are lots of my ancestral graves to visit. Thanks Joe & Nicole....Always a pleasure to watch & listen to learn more even at my age... hehehe!!!!! Safe Travels

[@cruelwraith2games926]

I haven't been to Alabama but it does look nice

[@Bird1964]

Thank you for sharing this with us and taking us along on your adventures. Absolutely love your channel. 😊

[@laurie7689]

As an Alabama resident, I suspect that many of those "abandoned" homes actually still have occupants. I once lived next door to a home that you would've sworn was abandoned, but still had two people living in it. The guy didn't have a regular job and would just hire himself out for labor every once in a while. He had a vegetable garden in the back and I think that they depended mostly on food banks. It's not like the guy was incapacitated or anything either. He was still relatively young, but very lazy. He'd get drunk and in trouble with the law and end up in the slammer for a few months at a time. I seem to remember that the woman worked at a nail salon. Didn't earn much money either.

[@daviddecelles8714]

As a Massachusetts resident, I am with you entirely on that point. My former father-in-law lived in just such quarters and my Aunt Jane's West Virginia residence shared the same features.

[@charlesnewman8394]

Sounds like America to me

[@DirkGorgiel]

In Germany 🇩🇪 we have Laws that any German has the RIGHT to have a decent Life. Housing, Food, Clothing, Communication (Internet), Cellphone etc.

[@annabelleb.8096]

@@DirkGorgiel Without working? If so who pays for it?

[@staffy4389]

​@@charlesnewman8394 or Irish man😅😅

[@returnofthenative]

Thank you again. Love the grand old architecture.

[@brendarogers5169]

Some of the homes are amazing! When I think about the South homes like these come to mind. Thanks for sharing some of the graffiti art. Some incredible artists that will never be famous, have a wealth of talent but a limited space to show it off. Check out the art on trains you may be totally mind blown.

[@dianezielaznicki9799]

We love watching your journey. Feel like we are right along with you.

[@ewinleti4680]

Pepsi Bottling Company is in Luvern, Al Since 1915

[@olinwright7628]

Thank you! been through some of these towns on the way to different places in Florida. Great Video as always!

[@PrestoWind]

Delightful. Thank you.

[@cherriroberdes3914]

Thank you so much for showing the beautiful post office..interesting how the mural wasn't there.. we love your videos..happy safe travels!

[@tellthetruth2345]

I'm from Indonesia and I like the videos that you make, hopefully one day I can go to America..👍👍👍

[@leob4403]

You will see all of America in his videos, so you don't need to go there

[@kathywebb6606]

What a pretty area, thanks for sharing ❤

[@joekelley1014]

Another great one! Thank you. Looking forward to traveling to Florida, I have been there but never that far south!

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

That drive down the Florida Coast Highway to the Keys is absolutely spectacular, you are going to love it!

[@geo7918]

Thanks for train depo shots much appreciated

[@usandee]

I hit the Like button before having watched the video for I know it's gonna be awesome 👍👍👍

[@FranzKuster]

i find ur channel,a wile ago and i love it to see al this places urs roadtrip around the country is awesome

[@joelm1955]

Thanks for the new video Joey!

[@beverlymoorePatout70]

Thanks for the train depot sighting !!!!

[@phiswe]

19:47 Ha! I went to that very same store last year in August on a two-week road trip through Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. We serendipitously stopped for a break in Luverne, walked around there, and went into that store to buy some snacks. I’m from Europe, and there’s an exoticness about these kinds of small American towns (similar to how European cities and architecture must look to Americans). We also visited Cheaha state park. It truly is a beautiful place, Alabama; I think I loved it the most of all the states we visited.

[@barryzbornik634]

Keep it coming....you are doing a great serve!!!

[@billstill1794]

Hello, Troy! Here we go to Joey, Alabama - right off the bat I see railroad tracks! Busy square area too... and how convenient - @9:57 we see a public toilet for unexpected emergencies! Everything is getting greener now as spring is now in full effect! ...Luverne - were you thinking about Shirley - you spelled Luverne wrong! Definitely a soda town! ...How many states contain a Greenville? The answer is 30! Nice historic railroad depot there! Cool movie theatre too! Thanks for the tour, Troy!PS: Can't wait to see the Keys again! It's been quite a few decades since I've been there!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Did I spell Luverne wrong? Damn! Good catch, Bill.

[@billstill1794]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip I see that you got it right now!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Yep, thanks for catching it, Bill. :)

[@gogomountain]

I like your videos. You have your themes and your topics (decaying buildings, interesting architecture, demographics, cats, etc.) You cover not only what is happening now but also a little history. The way you talk is very comforting, too. Great job, keep up the good work!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, gogo!

[@mikedearinger9390]

JO SPO ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO! THANKS.

[@teresap268]

Great video. Some very interesting towns, too.

[@barbaracarlson5018]

Oh my goodness, I live in Troy, Alabama!! This just came up on my you tube. You drove thru the old section of Troy. You should have drove thru some of the other neighborhoods that have beautiful, newer homes.

[@gavinculpepper9685]

He's not going to do that. it seems to me he's trying to show just the part parts of these small towns..

[@rondaduffey8730]

Thanks for memories. I went to Troy state 44 years ago. Havent been on that campus since 1984.

[@matthewsorensen2147]

Looking forward to the next video. I grew up in Key Largo in the 70 .

[@barbaratozzano6364]

My home town, De Queen AR, has a mural in the Post office that was painted by a WPA artist. Very cool.

[@patm5594]

Good video !! A very interesting area

[@mekkler]

@13:18 currently off market, Zillow estimate $270-$380k. Very good house prices there.

[@davewinst1]

Coming from the uk I find your videos very interesting showing different ways of life. Keep up the good work. 👍🏻

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks 👍

[@TENNESSEETORNADO]

Near Fort Rucker Alabama....Home of U.S. Army Aviation!!!!

[@lesjones5684]

Thanks for the video ❤❤❤

[@user-ts3nu6jz9d]

All of the videos you guys do make me feel like I've been there. The architecture, especially the theaters, signage and let's don't forget the cat sightings,oh mercy we can't forget those cat sightings. Pecan cracking was a special treat. Love you guys. Thanks.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, thats what we're going for!

[@xoxoxoxoxo7997]

Some nice towns. Good to see

[@surinfarmwest6645]

Good morning Lord Spoda, Troy, what a city this place is. Downtown is seeing people in it and the modern sign over the chemist does spoil it. Campus looks amazing and very clean. Zillow, whoever that is has 308 on the market for a cheeky $312,000, and Realtor, whoever they are are throwing an estimated price of $281,100 .... I like the $100. I have had to pause/rewind/ rinse and repeat on the blue and white house and now on G Maps licking the screen and the houses in this area. Did I miss the street sign that says "No rif-raf!" Beautiful countryside on the way to Luverne. Healthy downtown which is good to see and probably down to the fact there are no suburbs but homes nearby. The suburbs killed the downtown areas so it seems but that's another and rather long story. Greenville has a lot of trees and that green house on Oliver street was painted yellow back in July 2013. Nice theatre, love a bit of Art Deco and then the courthouse with the patterned brickwork, very nice. I was surprised that Portland was not on the violent crime list as that city has gone down the toilet. I'm glad the statues are still standing because you may not like it but you can't unwrite history though you can learn from it. Although there are some who will try and rewrite. A bit different from the last few tours and they countryside reminded me of sunny old England not hot and dusty Northeast Thailand at 40C or 104F. As always thank you very much for the front seat and be safe!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, SF, and I agree with you fully on the history. It's how we learn from mistakes. Hiding it is just dumb.

[@maryflaherty7096]

April 6 was my Birthday! Came back to watch this. 4/14. Like Rockwell painting. Like statistics you tell us. Buildings..

[@cheaneysaddles]

Thank You!

[@kaylahermeling3221]

I have a business in Luverne (Liv & Zoe Boutique) that’s close to the courthouse. We have tons of cats in this area. You should have taken one with you! :) Thank you for stopping in! It was neat to see someone else’s perspective of our little town that I love!

[@hectordelacruz6251]

Me gustan mucho estos videos saludos desde Ecuador

[@generalpesto]

Grab more of these Forrest Gump mansions… they look amazing

[@donaldmilhoan6379]

I been to Troy, beautiful town

[@user-gp7et4dg2s]

I was born in Troy, Alabama and lived there until we moved to Atlanta. I have always loved Troy. My father’s family came there from Scotland in the mid 1800’s. They were all farmers. My last Uncle died in 2016. I have always loved Troy and its people. I remember Troy State University when it was Troy State Teachers College. Loved living there and sometimes wish I had never left.