Goose's Liquor
Worland, WY
Photo courtesy Tony Craig

Here's a rather interesting looking sign at Goose's Liquor in Worland, Wyoming. The first thing you'll probably notice is the huge red starburst sitting on top. It's the kind of roadside feature that was designed to grab your attention from down the block, and it still does a pretty good job of it today.

When this photo was taken, I wasn't quite sure what the little animal on the sign was supposed to be. At first glance it almost looks like a bunny. A closer look reveals it's actually a cartoon kangaroo carrying a bottle in its pouch, adding a little extra personality to an already memorable sign.

The business operates as both a liquor store and bar, but it's the sign that makes this place stand out. Between the oversized starburst, the unusual kangaroo graphic, and the classic roadside design, it's exactly the kind of thing that catches the eye while traveling through a small Wyoming town. Roadside signs like this were built to be noticed by motorists, and decades later this one is still doing its job. 09-06

UPDATE: Goose's Liquor remains in operation in Worland and continues to serve as both a liquor store and neighborhood bar. The vintage pole sign, complete with its giant red starburst topper and kangaroo graphic, still stands out front and remains a familiar roadside landmark in town. 06-26

Liquor Store
Gunnison, CO
Photo courtesy Chris Krok

Here's an old liquor store sign in Gunnison, Colorado. The swooping arrow points the way to the merchandise, though the sign itself looks to be one of the skinnier examples around. Even so, it probably did a pretty good job of getting the attention of passing motorists.

Signs like this were a common sight along highways and main streets throughout the West. Rather than relying on size, this one used a simple design and a sweeping arrow to let customers know exactly where to go. It's not the biggest sign around, but it's definitely an interesting one. 09-06

UPDATE: The liquor store and its distinctive arrow sign are no longer believed to survive. The business has closed and the sign appears to have been removed sometime after this photograph was taken. 06-26

Junction Creek Liquors (Closed)
Durango, CO
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Here's a shot of the Junction Creek Liquors store in Durango, Colorado. The interesting part here is the picturesque marquee sitting up on the roof, giving the building a little extra roadside personality.

The store was named after nearby Junction Creek, which flows out of the San Juan Mountains and into the Durango area. While the building itself was fairly straightforward, the rooftop sign helped it stand out to motorists traveling along Main Avenue.

It was one of those neighborhood liquor stores that may not have seemed remarkable to locals, but the unusual rooftop marquee made it worth a second look for roadside enthusiasts. 09-06

UPDATE: Junction Creek Liquors has long since closed, and the rooftop marquee has been removed. The original building is believed to have been demolished as part of later redevelopment of the property. 06-26

Quality Liquors (Gone)
Longmont, CO
Photo courtesy Robin McCracken

Here's an old liquor store sign at Quality Liquors in Longmont, Colorado. This one had a great roadside look, with a tall pole sign and a large yellow arrow pointing down toward the store.

Quality Liquors was located along Main Street, not far from the Lamplighter Motel, giving this stretch of town a nice little mid-century roadside feel. The sign was really the best part, especially with that oversized arrow doing its job for passing traffic.

The building itself was fairly simple, but the sign gave the place plenty of personality. Sometimes that's all it takes. 02-10

UPDATE: Quality Liquors remains in business along Main Street, though the operation has expanded beyond its traditional liquor store roots and now operates as Quality Liquor | Vape & Kratom Shop. The original building remains in use. The current status of the vintage yellow arrow sign could not be verified, though it was still around in 2024. 06-26

John's Liquors
Denver, CO
Photo courtesy Tammy Terwelp

John's Liquors is yet another fine roadside sign that can be found along Colfax Avenue in Denver. While Colfax is known for its motels, theaters, diners, and neon, signs like this are part of what gives the avenue its character.

The vintage marquee has managed to survive while many others along the corridor have disappeared over the years. It's a simple design, but one that fits perfectly with the classic commercial streetscape that has made Colfax a favorite destination for roadside enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for old neon, vintage businesses, or just a memorable stretch of highway, Colfax rarely disappoints. 09-10

UPDATE: John's Liquors remains in business on East Colfax Avenue. The vintage sign still survives and continues to be one of the many classic roadside landmarks that help make Denver's Colfax corridor such an interesting place to explore. 06-26

Cut Rate Liquors
Denver, CO
Photo and info courtesy Tammy Terwelp

Check out the neon and old-time bulbs on Cut Rate Liquors. Signs like this are becoming harder and harder to find, especially ones that still combine glowing neon with rows of incandescent bulbs.

The store has been serving customers for decades, and the vintage storefront remains one of the more interesting pieces of roadside advertising in Denver. During the day it's easy to appreciate the design, but at night the neon and bulbs really bring the place to life. 09-10

UPDATE: Cut Rate Liquors remains in business today, and the vintage neon storefront sign continues to survive. The combination of neon tubing and classic bulb lighting remains a standout feature and a nice piece of Denver roadside history. 06-26