Ep 13. Off the Road

Off the Road is the thirteenth episode of the ninth season of the popular reality television series American Pickers. The show follows two antique collectors, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, as they travel across the country in search of rare and valuable objects that they can buy, restore, and resell for a profit. This episode takes place in Georgia, and sees the duo exploring some unique locations in their quest for treasures.

The episode opens with Mike and Frank driving down a rural highway in Georgia, surrounded by fields and forests. They come across a sign advertising a vintage gas station, and decide to check it out. When they arrive at the station, they meet the owner, a man named Doug, who has a vast collection of antique gas pumps, signs, and other memorabilia.

Doug takes the pickers on a tour of his property, showing them his prized possessions and telling them stories about how he acquired them. The pickers are impressed by the quality and variety of items in Doug's collection, and start negotiating with him to buy some of his pieces.

Next, Mike and Frank visit a flea market in a nearby town, hoping to find some hidden gems among the vendors. They come across a booth selling vintage toys, and strike up a conversation with the owner, a man named Charlie. Charlie shows them his collection of Star Wars and GI Joe figurines, which the pickers estimate could be worth several thousand dollars.

After leaving the flea market, Mike and Frank stop at a roadside diner for a bite to eat. While there, they strike up a conversation with the owner, who tells them about a local junkyard that might be worth checking out. Always on the lookout for new opportunities, the duo decide to pay a visit to the junkyard.

The junkyard, located in the middle of nowhere, is run by a man named Jerry, who is wary of the pickers at first. However, once he realizes that they are legitimate collectors and not just scavengers looking to pick through his trash, he warms up to them and shows them around the property. Jerry's junkyard contains everything from old tractors and cars to rusted bicycles and toys, and the pickers spend several hours exploring the area and negotiating with Jerry over some of his items.

After leaving the junkyard, Mike and Frank make one final stop at an antique store in the area. At the store, they find a rare collection of vintage Coca-Cola memorabilia, including a classic Coke machine and several rare signs. They negotiate with the owner, eventually buying the entire lot and loading it into their van.

As the sun sets on their last day in Georgia, Mike and Frank reflect on their trip and the treasures they've acquired. They look forward to heading back home to Iowa, where they'll restore and sell their newfound items for a profit. The episode ends with the pickers driving down the road, ready for their next adventure.

Overall, Off the Road is a classic episode of American Pickers, showcasing the excitement, adventure, and thrill of hunting for vintage treasures in unexpected places. With its mix of eccentric characters, fascinating locations, and rare finds, this episode is sure to appeal to fans of the show and anyone who loves the thrill of the hunt.