(I don't make money off of links.)

Truth and Consequence, NM: The town was originally called Little Hot Springs but that changed after it won a contest put on by a radio host who dared towns to name themselves after his game show-- Truth and Consequence. Desert Archaic is a small, independent shop in Truth and Consequence. It's quite mystical and the owners have curated some beautiful hand-loomed pieces, books, art and jewelry. I'm partial to this graphic tank top (Astrobee, $25).

Whynot, NC: According to Tammy O'Kelley, the Executive Director of the Heart of North Carolina Visitors Bureau, the town of Whynot was named out of extreme exacerbation. The community was established in the 18th century and needed a name. At a meeting folks kept saying "Why not this (insert name)?" "Why not that (insert name)?" Then an agitated farmer blurted out "Why not name it ‘Why Not' and then we can go home!" Whynot is situated right outside of Seagrove, which is famous for ceramics. The owners of Whynot Pottery and Acacia Tile having been working together for 40 years and just launched an online store with trepidation as it is a very foreign way for them to sell their work. This pitcher caught my eye.

Burnt Porcupine Island, ME: Burnt Porcupine is just one of the several privately owned Porcupine islands near Bar Harbor, ME. I have no idea how it got its name. What I do know is that the same family has owned it for over 100 years. The National Parks Service has made attempts to purchase the island-- to ensure it won't be developed-- but the owners won't sell. I came across this Etsy shop call The Burnt Porcupine and while the owner technically lives in Bar Harbor I thought it was close enough. Her medium is wood burning and I love this barnacle wooden spoon ($24).

Hell, MI: One hour west of Detroit you'll find Hell. There are several theories as to how the town got its name but I'll share the one I like most: A pair of German travelers arrived in the newly formed town in the 1830s and upon seeing it exclaimed "so schön hell" which translates to "so nice and bright." Well, only the hell part stuck. Whatever the origin story of Hell they have 100% embraced their name. Just a glance at the merch on the town's website-- gotohellmi.com-- makes that clear and you've got to respect that. Here's a hoodie that says it all ($29.95).

Rabbit Hash, KY: The story goes that the area was so rich in rabbits that rabbit hash was a popular dish among the local in the 1800s. So popular they named the town after it. The Rabbit Hash General Store is tourist stop and they sell a few items online: The COVID-19 surVIRAList Basket ($25) has essentials like a Rabbit Hash mask, locally made hand sanitizer, soap and something called a bourbon ball.

Boring, OR: Boring was named after William H. Boring, an early resident of the area and former Union soldier in the American Civil War. Pretty boring story indeed but the town is home to something so not boring-- The North American Big Foot Center. The museum is home to dozens of displays filled with bigfoot "evidence" and "artifacts." There's even a mascot-- Murphy-- a sasquatch replica. The gift shop is filled with things for believers (and skeptics) including a bigfoot footprint cast ($50).