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Sebak, a WQED producer, has found fame by taking television viewers on journeys to unexpected places. Since his first film, "The Mon, The Al & The O," in 1988, Sebak has delighted viewers with his friendly narration and talent for quirky storytelling. His obvious joy in his subjects makes one want to follow in his footsteps to find the "Things That Aren't There Anymore" or the "Great Old Amusement Parks."

Like all good things, others discovered Sebak's treasure of Pittsburgh documentaries. Now he produces programs for a national audience. His latest installment is called "A Program About Unusual Buildings & Other Roadside Stuff."

"We wanted to concentrate on goofy structures that you can walk into," narrates Sebak on the new show. "But then we also found some other stuff that was worth mentioning, so we have no rules."

Sebak traversed the country in search of those odd, wacky buildings that give the country character. There's The Shoe House in Hellam, Pa., which is actually a shoe. Located just east of York, the structure was built in 1948 as an advertising gimmick by a shoe salesman. Current owners Ruth and Bud Miller offer tours and homemade ice cream.

"When you say to people this is the only shoe house in the world that gets attention," says Ruth Miller.

In Lexington, Ky., Bondurant's Pharmacy is in a building shaped like a pharmacist's mortar and pestle. Sebak also visits The Clam Box in Ipswich, Mass., and The Mother Goose House is Hazard, Ky.

These roadside attractions have become more than a diner or gift shop. They provide an identity for the local community.

Generations have taken their children to the giant milk bottle at the newly named Tali's Place in New Bedford, Mass.

Residents of Collinsville, Il,, are proud to have the world's largest catsup bottle on the local water tower.

These structures provide the "small-town feel" and are often called pure "Americana." Even foreign visitors are amazed at Americans' imaginations.

One place that captures visitors from around the globe is the Wigwam Village #2 in Cave City, Ky. Fifteen tepees are perched beside a Kentucky highway, each containing a full bedroom and bathroom.

"You can't help but want to sleep in a wigwam," says owner Ivan John.

Sebak finds large hotdogs, big fish and the famous Long Island duck.

At each stop, strangers are willing to sit down with the affable Sebak and talk about their personal memories of each structure.

No one can say no to Sebak's smiling face.

While Sebak is never seen on camera, his comforting voice guides viewers on the journey. While people may not be able to recognize Sebak on the street, no one will ever forget his voice.

Sebak's programs will never change history or offer harsh lessons. They are fun romps through the country that help remind us all of the fun things in our daily lives. The unusual buildings are like a trip to Idlewild's Storybook Forest. Even adults can enjoy eating an orange if they can buy the fruit inside a large orange-shaped building in Kissimmee, Fla.

While it is fun to see sights across the country, Sebak's national programs lose an intimacy and nostalgia that can be found in his Pittsburgh series. It is apparent that he enjoys visiting these goofy buildings, but one can tell he doesn't have the same connection for these places as he does for those on the South Side, or North Side, or the Strip District or any of those shows from home.

The Shoe House in Hellam, Pa.

This giant shoe structure was built in 1948 by Pennsylvania "Shoe Wizard" Mahlon N. Haines who let honeymooners stay in the house for free.

Tali's Place at the Frates Bottle in New Bedford, Mass.

You enter this ice cream parlor and restaurant through the bottom of a 52-foot-tall milk bottle.

Bondurant's Pharmacy in Lexington, Ky.

This drive-up pharmacy is in the shape of a massive mortar and pestle.

Wigwam Village #2 in Cave City, Ky.

Fifteen tepees beside a Kentucky highway is an American roadside classic that attracts travel writers.

Tail O' The Pup in West Hollywood, Calif.

This hot-dog-shaped stand has lots of loyal customers.

The World's Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville, Ill.

In 1949, it was a water tower for fire-prevention purposes at the local Brooks' catsup bottling plant. Now it has a birthday party every year.

The Clam Box in Ipswich, Mass.

They use only small belly clams, and they know how to fry them in this architectural oddity.

The Mother Goose House in Hazard, Ky.

This is a private home, but they never mind travelers who stop to take a photo of the green, shingled structure.

The Big Muskie at the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall Of Fame & Museum in Hayward, Wis.

This five-story-tall fish with sharp teeth sits surrounded by historic fishing gear and a few other big fish.

Orange World in Kissimmee, Fla.

It's just half an orange, but it's big, and it's a gift shop not a fruit stand.

WonderWorks in Orlando, Fla.

It's a building in the shape of an upside-down building.

The Corn Palace in Mitchell, S.D.

It's a relatively ordinary building (with a few big domes) decorated with corn mosaics.

Mammy's Cupboard in Natchez, Miss.

The building is shaped like the old stereotype of an African-American nursemaid. It's a restaurant that serves Southern dishes.

The Big Duck in Flanders, N.Y.

Can you imagine a better roadside stand for selling duck eggs? That's why Martin Mauer built it in 1930. Now it's a gift shop.

-- WQED.org

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