Flatwoods Monster Photo-Op
Flatwoods, West Virginia
"The Spot" is locally regarded as the official diner and ice cream bar of the Flatwoods Monster, which was a horrifying creature glimpsed in 1952 in a "spot" roughly a half-mile away. The Spot sells Flatwoods Monster souvenirs as well as sandwiches named for the locations of famous otherworldly encounters, including The Point Pleasant (Mothman, ham); The Roswell (aliens, grilled chicken); and The Flatwoods (salami and pepperoni).
On August 1, 2016, The Spot unveiled a billboard-size Flatwoods Monster photo op on its front lawn, designed by local artist Tim Harman. Painted in the lurid style of 1950s horror comics and sci-fi movie posters, it depicts the Monster looming ominously behind two terrified retro teenagers. Visitors can stick their heads in holes where the teens' faces would be.
Somewhat confusing for Flatwoods Monster neophytes, the photo-op labels the creature "The Green Monster," which is one of several names given to the eerie alien (It glowed green).
During warm weather months the billboard is illuminated at night by a blood-red spotlight.