Vacation in Hell...Michigan, That Is

April 28, 2010— -- Sometimes traveling can seem like hell, thanks to traffic jams, long lines and lost luggage. But for visitors to one Michigan town, vacation can seem like Hell -- literally.

It's not super-hot and there really isn't a sulfuric smell. But the small town about 20 miles away from Ann Arbor is unfortunate -- or, depending on your view, lucky -- enough to be named Hell.

"I've been told to come here my whole life," said John Colone, a former Chevrolet dealer who now runs an ice cream shop and gift shop in town.

And yes, he said, in those cold Michigan winters, Hell does in fact freeze over.

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Colone has made a bit of a niche business out of his town's name.

His ice cream shop is known for its make-your-own sundaes. The toppings, which include bat droppings (think Hershey kisses) and toenail clippings (coconut dyed yellow), are served out of a coffin.

But Colone's marketing efforts go much further. There are t-shirts, shot glasses and hats. You can buy a diploma from Damnation University -- get it, DAM-U -- and even for $6.66, he'll even sell you a little bit of land.

"Own a square inch of Hell," Colone said, not missing a beat.

Colone even jokes about selling dehydrated water from Hell Creek.

"That's how we recycle all our water bottles here," he said.

But the ultimate prize might just be serving as mayor of Hell for a day.

On the designated day, the winner will get a wake-up call explaining some problem in Hell that requires the mayor's immediate attention. This will be the first of several calls during the day. You also get a set of devil's horns to wear, a badge, a proclamation and a key to the town of Hell. The cost: $100.

You can even get married in Hell.

"Our wedding chapel will bring you happiness in your marriage, as a marriage made in Hell has nowhere to go but up," Colone promises. "We offer a guarantee: if it doesn't work, we'll do it again for free."