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The Roadside Notebook is maintained by Mike Lyman, nickname Magnum (yes, really, it’s a long story) — a veteran, photographer, artist, road wanderer and collector of strange little moments.

Photography has been part of his life since high school, beginning with 35mm film cameras, long drives and a fascination with the overlooked details most people pass without noticing. Since then he has backpacked across Europe, explored small towns and forgotten back roads throughout the United States, lived in Vermont, New York and Florida, and spent years documenting everything from roadside oddities and abandoned places to quiet city streets and fading Americana.

Most of the photography featured throughout this site is his own original work, gathered one roadside stop, side street and detour at a time.

Roadside Notebook isn’t really about destinations. It’s about the feeling of wandering, curiosity, nostalgia, weird discoveries, and the strange beauty hidden between Point A and Point B.