Deadwood, South Dakota

Couldn't resist stopping in Deadwood, barely 40 miles from Custer and not far out of our way. High hopes on account of our love for the show, but also some trepidation. There is simply no way the town could be as cool as we want it to be, especially in light of the touristy stuff that we’ve seen dominate towns like Wall and Keystone. Town nestled deep in a valley, green, beautiful scenery; certainly not the flat, dusty stuff of the TV show’s set.

Town itself really gross. Sleazy casinos and cheesy theme restaurants, bars, etc. Seth Bullock has a bar and a hotel in his name, as does Wild Bill. A “Chinese” themed bar/restaurant/casino (no reference to Mr. Wu (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KsU89R1A8M), cock-sucka) and several would-be-“brothels.” Even the drug stores and other “real” stuff were designed to fit the old west theme. Add to that a heavy dose of the Harley culture brought to the area every August with the Sturgis rally. Tattoos, leather, Wild Bill, and $0.25 slots.