Just as my heart is overflowing with love for the North Town Mall, so to this blog shall overflow. I took so many breathtaking pictures the last time I was there that I simply couldn’t squeeze them all into one measly entry, so I’m treating you to a second helping of North Towny goodness. There were three pictures I felt were worth seeing… but then, aren’t they all?

The first provides a stunning first person view looking south down the northern arm of the mall. The central garden and fountain complex can be viewed in the distance, just behind the old information kiosk. The official North Town Mall offices once occupied the store space on the right, as the banner proudly heralds. It’s worth noting that this section of the mall lies behind the barrier, and is not off limits, never to be entered again.

Next up is the culprit itself – the North Town Mall skylight. A loose seal around the skylight is responsible for the barrier being erected around the mall’s central space, which has in turn completely eliminated access to the mall’s north and south arms, as well as its internal entrance into Wal-Mart, not that anyone would want to go there. This has, in effect, closed off ¾ of the mall’s available entrances. No amount of colorful banners can disguise the menace of the skylight.

Finally, I leave you with the symbol of the mall, the North Town Mall logo. This particular emblem, the largest of its kind, still hangs proudly in what was the food court. It occupies a prominent space over the stage, which is currently used for such diverse activities as bluegrass concerts and children’s beauty pageants. Whether it be a dog show or a Christmas giveaway courtesy of the Salvation Army, the NT sees all. Though its neon gas may be long extinguished, it remains a symbol of the mall’s former glory.

A special note to the few people who read this, if any: I recently relocated to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. This might seem totally random, but those who know me know I’m prone to moving around. Don’t worry, the change is not permanent, and I will eventually return to our beloved Ozarks. I will continue to update the blog as often as circumstances allow, but I may not have regular internet access for some time. Fear not, for any serious lapse in updates simply means I’m out searching the high desert for something truly amazing to explore.

For now, here’s a pretty picture: