On the eve of the Second World War, there was one place that was the source for all good stories — the Hotel Imperial in Vienna. It exuded luxury and power, and also was the converging spot for foreign correspondents in the 1920’s and ‘30s who were warning the world about the rise of dictatorship. Historian and author Deborah Cohen takes us back in time and into the lives of these influential journalists.

MORE Check out Deborah’s book here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/576473/last-call-at-the-hotel-imperial-by-deborah-cohen/

Checking Into Hotel Imperial with Deborah Cohen

An audio guide to the world’s strange, incredible, and wondrous places. Co-founder Dylan Thuras and a neighborhood of Atlas Obscura reporters explore a new wonder every day, Monday through Thursday. In under 15 minutes, they’ll take you to an incredible place, and along the way, you’ll meet some fascinating people and hear their stories. Our theme and end credit music is composed by Sam Tyndall.

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In 2006 a massive haul of Doritos was shipwrecked on Hatteras Island on the Outer Banks, leaving its mark on the town forever.

READ MORE IN THE ATLAS: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/shipwrecked-doritos

Shipwrecked Doritos (Classic)

Author Colin Dickey tells us the story of a Kentucky family who, in 1955, claimed to be in a wild gunfight with unidentified creatures who may or may not have been aliens. And we learn how this event had a mysterious, surprising, and shockingly long legacy that eventually inspired one of Hollywood's greatest movie makers to create multiple films about aliens and monsters and family.

MORE: Check out Colin’s column on Atlas Obscura, our check out his website here: https://colindickey.com/about/

Gabbing Goblins with Colin Dickey

Jason deCaires Taylor takes intentional art to another level with his sculptures that can be visited by humans and fish.

READ MORE IN THE ATLAS: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/underwater-sculpture-garden

Underwater Sculpture Gardens

From a rubber duck contest to hypnotizing chickens, listeners share stories about annual customs, events and practices that set their hometowns apart from others. 

MORE: We're going to be bringing you more listener-led stories this year, and we need your help. Tell us about a place you went with your parents that was special to you. Maybe it was the annual trip to Niagara Falls or a national park. Or maybe it was just a one-time thing but had an outsized impact. Call and tell us at 315-992-7902 or email us at Hello@AtlasObscura.com.

Reppin MORE of our Weird Hometown Traditions

We visit the Louisiana town where the infamous – but often misunderstood – couple’s story came to an end. 

READ MORE IN THE ATLAS: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/bonnie-and-clyde-ambush-museum

Checking Into Hotel Imperial with Deborah Cohen

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