Exploring a Dying Rest Stop Oasis | Breezewood, PA
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- Опубліковано 13 чер 2021
- Exploring a Dying Rest Stop Oasis | Breezewood, PA
Join me as I do something a little different in this video and explore the town of Breezewood, PA. A once bustling rest stop oasis that is now on its last legs. I wanted to see what interesting places/people might still exist...
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I’m not sure if you’ll see this or not but I just wanted to let you know just how much I appreciated this video. I’m a truck driver that’s passed through Breezewood countless times. I’ve only ever stopped for fuel. There’s so much I’ve wanted to explore in the area but I was never able to stay the night there just because my schedule never worked in my favor for that to happen. So watching this just absolutely made my evening and answered so many questions. Thank you so much
Oh, I saw your comment! I’ve been in a similar boat… been driving through breezewood for practically my entire life, but always just did a quick stop for fuel and a quick bite. I’ve always wondered if there’s anything else worth checking out. I’m glad I’m not the only one and I’m glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks so much for checking it out!
More people should consider Breezewood as a destination rather than a waystop.
PLEASE read this, Ian. It will mean so much to me. Hi Ian, I hope you see this. Watching your video has brought tears to my eyes. My younger brother, Steve Lerch, died in Breezewood, Feb. 25, 1997. Steve drove truck for JB Hunt, had stopped for a rest, and was eating at the Perkins Restaurant, in Breezewood, with his friend, John Bell, who also drove for JB Hunt. Steve choked during his meal, and couldn’t be saved. Steve was 35 yrs old at the time, leaving 3 young children behind. Our family’s hearts were broken. Shortly after Steve’s passing, I visited Perkins, for the first time, as I wanted to see where his last moments were spent. I met the manager, and several waitresses that were friends of my brother, and had been with him, trying to help, when he died. That warmed my heart knowing that Steve was among friends, and not alone when he passed. I stop at Perkins every time I pass through the town. But never anywhere else there. I enjoy your video so much, I feel like I’m walking along with you, and wonder if Steve had seen some of the things you show. Steve was a regular customer, as he drove through Breezewood, frequently. I want to thank you so much for shining a light on Breezewood, and I’m going to share your video with my family. For me, Breezewood is a tiny town with a very large heart. It’s a special place for me. Thank you again, Mary Patricia Lerch Hamer ❤
Hi Mary Pat! Thank you so much for your kind words and I’m very sorry to hear about your brother, Steve. I have no doubt that I walked some of the places that he did when he would go through the area. As someone who has been going through breezewood for almost my entire life, it too holds a special place in my heart.
My condolences on the loss of your brother.
Ian, thank you as well, for your kind words. You providing this video means a lot to me, and my family as well. It’s nice to take a walk around Breezewood! Thank you again, so very much, Mary Pat
Teresa, thank you ❤
❤❤❤❤❤
I found myself here because people on twitter keep posting this picture of Breezewood in 2008 as a critique of the homogeneity of America's landscape without even considering Breezewood's history. This deep dive is much appreciated!
The reason there are no direct interchanges between the PA Turnpike and Eisenhower Interstate Highways like I-70 (New Stanton, Breezewood), I-99 (Bedford), and I-81 (Carlisle), just to name a few, is that the a law had been enacted preventing direct connections between toll-free, federally funded interstate highways and private toll roads. This apparently was done to prevent travelers from being "forced" onto tolled highways like the turnpike, if they didn't wish to pay tolls. Most of the turnpike main line had been built in the 1940s and 1950s before the federal law that created the Eisenhower Interstate Highway System in 1956. (Prior to the Interstates, there was the U.S. Highway system, e.g. U.S. 30, U.S. 11, from 1925 through the 1950s. Roads like I-70 were built in the 1960s through 1990s (I-99) and were separated from the Turnpike by "miracle miles." These miracle miles were dense commercial areas that grew to serve traffic transiting between toll and toll-free roads.
Breezewood as a rest stop grew into the "Town of Motels" because of its connection between the Turnpike and U.S. 30 and Interstate 70. It did well enough in the late Twentieth Century, but it began to decline due to better vehicle mileage, construction of I-68 in Maryland through Sidling Hill Mountain near Cumberland, and then annually escalating tolls caused by an ill-considered Pennsylvania law, Act 44 of 2007, that siphons $450 million of Turnpike revenue annually to pay for mass transit in cities and non-Turnpike highway maintenance. Act 44 was passed following an ill-considered privatization attempt to raise money by selling the Turnpike to European conglomerates. Turnpike tolls have more than doubled since 2007, driving away customers. The economic crash of 2008 and three years of the Covid pandemic have further decimated Breezewood's hospitality trade. Other miracle miles have done better, but it would be ideal if there were direct connections between the interstate highways and the Turnpike (itself designated I-76.) Use of at-speed toll gantries and slip ramps, replacing the obsolete toll booths, may promote this sensible reconfiguration; however, local and state politics weigh heavily against abandoning the miracle miles.
good take on that.
I’ve been through Breezewood way too many times to count. In the ‘80’s it was bustling. There were no abandoned motels or businesses of any kind. It’s always been a traffic nightmare, with the three highways converging. Nowadays it seems that more than 50% of the businesses are closed and abandoned. I’ve literally watched that town die. Sad.
You and me both! Been driving through breezewood most of my life and to see it from how it was in the 80s and 90s to now is just sad and depressing. Thanks for watching!
@@IanMartinExploration why is it dying? Both of those highways are still pretty busy aren't they?
@@kebsis I think that the increased dining options at the Service Plazas has contributed to Breezewood's demise. The original stone Service Plazas only offered Howard Johnson's as a dining option. All of the Service Plaza's were rebuilt about 20 years ago. The updated Service Plazas now contain food courts which give the travelers more dining options. They don't need to get off in Breezewood.
Eh you can only rip people off so many times before they figure it out
I've been going through Breezewood with my family since I was a little kid. I too have seen it slowly decline through the years since the 1970s through the early 2000's. I miss the old Breezewood. I can't wait to go through it again in April 2023 when heading to the Pennsylvania Maple Festival. I also enjoy visiting the Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike as well. Been there many times. Videos are on my channel.
It’s a memory I have never spoken about…. But this video brought a blush up my face. In 1968 I was 20 years old and had been “forced” to move to York, PA with my mother and father. My boyfriend was in Pittsburgh and we were ordered to stay apart. Well, one stolen day (and night) I snuck to Breezewood and met Bill for a heavenly 24 hours. Never again would I see him. My parents never found out. Oh. Boy, those were the days!
Heh. We may have driven past while you were there in '68!
So whatever happened to Bill? I think that you should look him up.
Stayed overnite on a class trip in 1957. Remember it very well.
Did you have sex?
I'm a truck driver and stopped there for years and last time I was up there I was shocked how bad it has got there you are right it was a great place back in the day.
This was "halfway" when I was working in Ohio and my wife was in grad school in DC. Been through well over 100 times but never really stopped other than for petrol at BP and maybe a bathroom break. We did take my parents (from the UK) to the Bob Evans there and they were amazed at the endless coffee pot. My Dad got into a convo with a hitchhiker outside and gave him $20 because he used the word "zephyr" during the chat. Thought he was nuts; he still is :-) Will always have a good word for Breezewood even if it isn't good to look at.
I was in a similar boat. Had driven through breezewood for 30+ years but never stopped more than to get gas or eat at the Bob Evans a few times. Thanks for watching!
I travelled to Pittsburgh from Baltimore at least 300 times between 2002-2013 Breezewood was the Las Vegas strip of truck stops. I ate at Bob Evan's with friends who are now deceased, I remember the original Sheetz location, buying gas and pretzel melts. I cannot believe that this corridor is dying. Time is cruel.
Idiotic gas policies created by governor wolf is killing it.
I feel the same way. Like you, I'd travelled through Breezewood countless times in the past, but not in the last 10-or-so years.
I think some of it is how expensive the turnpike is now. I take alternate ways and by default i dont hit breezewood, like i used to
@@adamcounterman7028 I did rt68 Cumberland once, really scenic and pretty. Have not been back since 2013 though.
My thinking as to why Breezewood has fallen is due to the completion of I-68 in the 90s. This provided a free alternative to the Pennsylvania Turnpike for any truckers/long distance travelers from Ohio to Baltimore/Washington without being forced to stop. The only major hurdle would be the 1960s-era section through Cumberland, but outside of rush hours, that's not a real issue. I-68 is also much closer to I-70 than I-80 or the West Virginia Turnpike, the only other real alternatives that existed already.
That’s a really interesting theory! I hadn’t considered 68 as playing into the equation.
Steeper grades on l-68.
The increase in toll prices pushed trucks off the pike as well.
I68 has higher grades than any road I’ve ever seen in PA. Eastbound from LaVale into Cumberland is steep. PA tolls the crap out of the turnpike and road improvements are still desperately needed. That Bedford to Breezewood stretch on the TP is a highly dangerous one. A third lane and wider shoulders would help matters. In contrast to the PA Tpk , interstate 99 is a beautiful wide road with pretty wide shoulders
Nope.
The fall of Breezewood was after it was a 76 for years
It got bought out by the now defunct All-American group.
And then the great cafes were gone they leased it out to Perkins.
It held on but what happened was when all American went under ta didn't want it pilot didn't want it except for fuel for a bit.
So it became an independent I don't know who bought it but somebody did I think it was a foreigner and decided not to put no money into it like they tend to do with travel classes they buy after they pretty much been worn into the ground.
It's still open but it's a flying J network stop they are lonely in charge of the fuel. The rest of it to BP and it's a shell of what it used to be.
Had nothing to do with interstate 68 being completed at all.
I enjoyed your video. As a professional Truck driver I passed by this place a couple of times and it reminds me very much of Milton Truck Plaza in Milton,PA. That one looks very similar and you can definitely get this feeling of a dying truck stop. Empty shelves, a vintage cinema room, half of the pumps are not working at all, hundreds of potholes in the parking lot. But still I love these old truck stops cause it gives me some sort of nostalgia. I loved stopping there from time to time for a rest and play Pinball for an hour straight!
Having a whole arcade/pinball machine to yourself for an hour or more is one perk of these places. Thanks for watching, I’m glad you enjoyed the video.
Many similar truck stops, new foreign owners from I won't mention where
I stopped at the Milton service plaza one day two years ago to get lunch to find that there wasn't any lunch open. If traveling though the area, taking the quick 5 minute detour into Milton proper is where it is at, a cute town with several great restaurants. There really are very few places to stop on the eastern end of I-80 for in PA any more.
This broke my heart gateway was a frequent stop during family trips as a kid. Where the food court is now used to be an amazing buffet/sit down restaurant. It was definitely the go to stop on all trips from Maryland to Pittsburgh.
I remember going through there in the early 60s & vaguely recall an old smorgasbord. I used to look forward to seeing this on our way to Florida.
Bonanza
Shoals or something like that? I think we stopped there for lunch during our 8th grade trip to DC.
@@johnp139 maybe, I'm talking about 1966.
The town of motels...I gratefully holed up there a couple times during snowstorms. It's too bad to see all the blight in a place that was once a refuge for a place to spend the night, have a meal, or get your vehicle repaired.
You should have seen Breezewood in the late 1950s / early 1960s. My family passed thru and often ate there, on vacation trips from our Pittsburgh home to the Jersey shore, or to Florida. Wall-to-wall traffic.
Breezewood.... Was home to the last operating Greyhound Post House Cafeteria Location. In it's last years it continued to serve as a meca for tour and charter buses traveling along the highways in PA.
I loved going through Breezewod as a kid....at night, it was lit up like a Christmas tree. Sad to see it this way. 😭
Yes. Always was exciting to roll up on it at night after miles and miles of darkness.
I was born and raised in Indiana County, PA and went to Gettysburg College from 1987 - 1991. Breezewood was my way station on my trips to and from college, and I always associated it with either going home for the holiday breaks, or heading back to college to see my friends - so coming or going, I always had positive associations with, and fond memories of, Breezewood.
I was born and raised about 15 miles from Breezewood, PA. I feel a hole in my chest.
I am from this area. Breezewood is simply a known as a speed trap where the PA state police make their quotas for citations!
I enjoy your focus on the atmosphere of the area.
I don't know why, but I usually cry my eyes out seeing these abandoned or dying buildings.
Same here especially if I've been there before. I was a trucker so Breezewood was a common stop.
UA-cams algorithm is hitting me heavy with your videos. I appreciate you! Keep up the good work.
Thanks for watching! I really appreciate it
Great video thanks I haven't seen the gateway for six seven years now hasn't changed much. I do remember we would stop there in the sixties on our way to Pennsylvania from Florida and it was a gas station and restaurant which is in the same place still. They had the best roast beef sandwich and mashed potatoes and gravy. Sure has changed a lot since those days. It was a military stop during world war II that's how my dad knew about it.
Glad to see that the sports gear shop is still there.❤️
Greyhound once had a beautiful terminal there along with a small garage . The terminal was called a Post house. Great food , gifts and travel information. It closed I believe in 2002. I got one of the outdoor signs that was left behind. Very sad .
Although millions today still connect at Breezewood I believe the reason travellers don't stop is because most of the journeys that conect through here are 4-6 hour journeys and most people just want to get to their destination and not stay in a motel or eat at a restaurant there.
Breezewood was always the best place to stop for gas and food when I went from MD to Michigan, Ohio, or Kentucky using the turnpike.
Thankfully, I figured out a better route so I never had to get on that horrible road again.
Your videos are amazing. I appreciate you taking the time to make them.
Thanks so much! I really appreciate the kind words!
I used to go through Breezewood all the time and it's definitely a shell of its former self. It used to be a trucker's and traveler's paradise, and now it's a ghost town.
Gosh, that was so interesting....who would have thought! It really would not have occurred to me to look into a truck rest stop before, but it's actually quite cool!
My thoughts exactly! Thanks so much for watching and for the kind words!
I've lived just outside Breezewood my whole life. Worked at McDonald's in high school. Thanks for putting this video out. Breezewood is a ghost town compared to the 80's.
I was out there around the same time. Early July I think. My son and I ate there. It changed alot since the early 90's when it used to have a sir down restraunt in it. I go through Breezewood about once a year when going out to the Pennsylvania Maple Festival in Meyersdale Pa.
I live just outside of Breezewood. Businesses have problems because the traffic is heavy in the summer with vacationers but dies in the winter when that stops.
Ahhh interesting point! So the heavy traffic during the summer isn’t enough to sustain the businesses for the rest of the year basically?
@@IanMartinExploration basically yes, depending on the business. Trucks, if they stop, do so at one of the two truck stops - of which Gateway is the bigger and nicer stop. The rest of the service stations are mainly for autos, although some have a couple truck islands. For restaurants the only ones that survive now are the fast food places that have a drive thru. The only exception is Pizza Hut, but even they have curbside delivery for takeout orders.
As others have said they will probably never link 70 directly to the turnpike even though there are plans drawn up to do this. If they ever do there will be more closings, but I suspect some of the main stalwarts (McDonalds, Sheetz, Gateway) will survive.
The Gateway Restaurant was AWESOME!! Great food, great people and now they took out something great and put the same crap that all the other crap stops have.. very disappointed. The second floor use to have a Radio Shack
So sad the truck stops went from restaurants to the same old fast food junk. Luckily by then I wasn't doing much that I didn't get home every day.
I suspect the ever increasing price of the PA turnpike has hurt Breezewood. My family used to always take the turnpike to visit my grandparents in Philadelphia from Erie. The price has gone up so much and I-80 was raised to 70mph so now we run across I-80 and down the North East extension to save on the tolls.
I stopped at Breezewood twice a week when I was working in the Pentagon and living in Pittsburgh with my kids back in the 80s. Top off the tank and grab a meal. It was perfect.
As I sit here at the Gateway Ta truck stop tonight reflecting on 30 years . Yes 30 years of stopping here I've seen it go from just the truck stops and restaurants to loosing the big motels you show used to have 100 or more car hauler guys there as it was the end of the day for most a place to unwind and relax . Now those times are spent in a 48 inch box instead of the nice hotel. Food is brought from home and the day is timed to the second by a cocomputer can't stop and smell the roses. Great video bud honestly thanks .
I used to travel from Harrisburg to Altoona many times and never took the Breezewood exit just the Bedford one when they put in 220/99. So much easier of a drive. Great vid.
Decline of “mom and pop”/independent truck stops is due to the fact that Fleet Trucking Companies have fuel purchase agreements with the big Truckstop chains (Loves, P/FJ, TA/Petro) and get Discounts for fueling there. And drivers get perks at those stops like free showers and “points” for merchandise and food. So, independent stops are targets for parking when the chains fill up. The heavy cash flow selling all that diesel is lost.
Thanks for this. I used to drive through Breezewood about once or twice a month in the early 2000s. I even stayed at that Days Inn once. In those days, the area was crazy-busy (besides the usual traffic nightmare). The last time I was there in 2017, I was shocked by the decline, and that was before the pandemic and all the economic problems we're having now.
Great video..haunting music. .well done sir
Breezewood in its heyday was a welcome spot to recharge while traveling on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Nowadays, just up the hill on Rte 30 East, there is access to an abandoned stretch of the old Turnpike, with 2 tunnels to explore via bicycle.
My wife and I have done it. its really neat to see some history like that.
Great vid! We used to go through Breezewood often from Pittsburgh to the shore.
Thanks you rekindled my love of watching exploring
That’s great! Thanks so much for watching!
Most of my memories of Breezewood are of being there predawn hours in the 70s and '80s. My family would always stop there on the way to vacation in Maryland.
I go even father back, remembering it in the early to mid 60s as our first stop early morning from Ohio to Florida. Sad to see this, it was so nice.
Been through there many times on the Turnpike from the 1960s on up. It was always a super busy place. Surprising to see it like this now.
I remember the first time I came through Breezewood in an 18 wheeler. That layout to get to I-70 always caught my attention.
My first time thru Breezewood was January of 1959, East from Ca. going to my new Navy Duty Station South of DC. The number of times both ways from then till I became unable to drive anymore is beyond count. Nearly always gassed up here (both directions) but never had time to stay. The stories I could tell. Been over Townhill in fog so thick the resistance seemed to slow the car down. More than once I arranged with a trucker to follow him close up with my headlights off, taking advantage of his foglights.
There’s been fog at Town Hill at least 80% of the times I had been through it -in all seasons!
Wow. I can't even remember all the time I stayed the night there as a kid going to
see my grandparents. Seems like it's in a great spot still.
Back in the 1960's and early 1970's, my family would drive the Pennsylvania Turnpike to Breezewood and turn onto Rt70 to Baltimore. Long ago, I recall there was a beautiful little ice cream store there. Back then, Breezewood seemed a simple clean place in the woods. I don't recall these other businesses back then.
very interesting. nice job, and thanks for posting.
I spent way too many hours passing through Breezewood during the 70’s and 80’s. Insane traffic, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas. For me, it was a place to get through a quickly as possible (which was not quick at all). I haven’t been through there in decades, thanks from the glance back.
Often the last stop for truckers before continuing to the east coast where there are few truck stops around. Our designated fuel stop was the 76 before TA bought them out some years ago. Never had trouble finding parking at Breezewood. The last time I was there was in 2003. I had no clue at all that the town has gone so downhill since. I am stumped.
Great choice in music- really nailed the 'creepy' factor.
Thanks! And thanks for checking out the video!
I love big rest stops like this with all the amenities. I'm never down that way (live in Pittsburgh), I'm usually going north to Erie or east via I-80, but what a treat this place is. Last time I was on 80 all the way across PA, I stopped at a couple rest places that were just bathrooms and vending machines (there are bigger travel centers too) but it's always extremely disappointing. I like to stop and get my mind off of driving for 20 minutes or so, have a bite to eat, look around a shop. Anyway - great find! Thanks for sharing.
I agree about all the neat little features this area has to offer! I’ve driven through here on my way to visit family for most of my life, but only ever really stopped at Sheetz or the Bob Evans that’s kinda back up on the hill. I loved the first place I explored with all the old school arcades etc. Had such a throwback feel to it. So untouched almost. Thanks for watching!
We used to stop there going to and from VA Beach. Haven't been for over 15 years because we stopped going to VA Beach. We always stopped at the restaurant and their grilled cheese was the best! Hello from Pgh PA
Great Vid! I think I miss these kind of truck stops more than malls.
Thanks for checking it out! You know, I think I’m with you. Pretty sure it makes equally if not more sad to see these kinds of places go away than malls.
Thanks for doing this I usually do go right past them on my way to Bedford County to the family's Camp so appreciate this
For years going on vacations to Wis from Wash. DC and our first stop many times was the diner across U.S.30 from the toll gates to the Pa. Turnpike. Occasionally we would stop at the National Cafe in Hancock, Md., great food! But Breezewood, we knew we were on our way! Loved the tunnels and Midway stop on the turnpike where you could walk under the turnpike from one stop to the other heading the other direction. Wasn’t the same when they moved the turnpike entrance to a feeder road. Still great memories of those July vacations!
I love Breezewood! Always fascinated me stopping there on the way to the Outer Banks from Pittsburgh, so many cool shops and stores in the middle of nowhere
Another cool video. Thanks
It is not coming back. Not now, maybe someday. Excellent job, thank you.
Thank you! And unfortunately I agree. I don’t see this town ever coming back.
So surreal coming into the Breezewood TA from the car lot out front! All the decades I've stopped there I always came in from the professional driver entrance from the big truck lot. Most often on autopilot with my body still buzzing from the long hours on the road. I wrongly assumed that I knew every nook and cranny of the place, yet never once thought about what it was like out front. Or even what it was like coming into the building from the general motorist point of view.
My parents stoped for the night in Breezewood coming and going on our summer vacations. Had to view this
Remember trips as a kid with family from East Coast to Chicago area every year when I-70 was US 522 from Hancock to Breezewood. Once we got to Breezewood, it was 4 lanes and toll all the way to Ill. The Howard Johnson's in Breezewood was right up against route 30 and we always had the fried clams.
Used to travel the turnpike in the early 60s. Got on and off at Breezewood and New Stanton. Traveling from Fort Belvoir, Va to Pittsburgh.
Glad I found your channel. Great content!
Thanks and welcome to the channel!
Thank You For Sharing This Beautiful Video
Thanks so much for watching! I really appreciate the compliment!
I'm 66 & born in Youngstown Ohio,for yrs on our way to Florida this would be our stop. Not even sure why I remember it but I do, & fondly. Thanks.
Breezewood is always a stop for us when traveling from Erie to the Chesapeake Bay. It's a traffic nightmare but Perkins and Sheetz are always a great spot for food.
Good tour! Good reminder of how America is changing. People are sending videos of abandoned indoor malls across the country.
Stopped for fuel and grabbed a bite to eat there many times in the mid 70's into early 80's. As a young couple my wife and I enjoyed eating at the Howard Johnsons there. We actually went out of our way to stop in there - just a trip tradition. Death and taxes as Franklin said but he should have added "Change" because nothing stays the same.
I used to drive through there every single weekend for about 4 years back around 2008 - 2012. Driving from Northwestern Pennsylvania down to Fairfax Virginia. It's an interesting place because there isn't much else of note nearby. I haven't been through there since that time though so this is cool.
Interesting video. I drive through (and stop in) Breezewood at least once a month, so I'm familiar with a lot of the places that you featured there.
I will say that while there are some run down and abandoned restaurants/motels there, many of the ones that are still there seem to be doing well. There is always a line at Arby's and that big rest stop you walked through always has a lot of people in it (not sure about the upstairs though-- I've never been up there). The Sheetz gas station down the road is always packed full of cars when I go past it. My favorite stop, Hardees, sadly just burned down in October.
I think the pandemic contributed to the ghost town effect you were seeing there, because I always see plenty of people in and out of the places there. Good video though!
Oh no, I think that was my closest Hardee's 😢
1:58 the ‘RadioShack’ kinda gives it away. Literally haven’t seen one in 10 years lol
God, as a kid, I never went past one without going into it to explore! They were in most big city malls too!
@@gobbletegook yep we had one in our local mall, was taken out about a decade ago hence why I said that lol
I really enjoyed this. Places like this are interesting
Thanks for watching!
Everyone knew that breezwood trooper that sat on the pike westbound side....one Amoco TS was there in sixtys..perciate the vid kid stay healthy Good Luck 👍
I stopped here a lot back in the 60-90s when I was traveling, bought gas, had some eats, etc. This is really sad.
Stopped there many times in the late 70’s early 80’s.
My late wife and I spent an anniversary in Breezewood at the Holiday Inn. Went to the local drive-in theater and the Coral Caverns. It was a good weekend.
I remember the Coral Caverns. I went there as a kid.
appreciate a step back. lots of good products in that "steelers" store. love the religious rest chapel.
Great video, I got interested about Breezewood after seeing some pictures of it. Place looks pretty empty, sure when it’s summer it gets pretty busy. Kinda creepy.
Thanks for watching! From my experience, even at its busiest, the only spot that gets busy is the Sheetz gas station right where 70 coming up from Maryland dead ends route 30. That single gas station seems to be monopolizing almost all of the traffic flowing through the corridor.
I used to be a Steel hauler back when we still made steel in America. I would routinely haul from Pittsburgh to philly and sparrows point md. Breezewood was one of my regular stops. Still looks the same.
Thanks for the interesting video and a trip down memory lane. If you're in the area you might want to look up the Pittsburgh Mills Mall. Probably about 80% of the shops are empty. Really nice mall to walk around though.
I've always liked truck stops, gas stations & convenience stores. They seem to always be unique & different.
I've stayed in Breezewood twice: 1995 and 2001.The first was at the Econolodge. The second time was at the Best Western. There was a buffet style restaurant across the street.
I’ve travelled through Breezewood many times. It does seem somewhat deserted these days 🤗
I always felt like PA still has some old school flavor to it. I enjoyed driving around Jim Thorpe, Scranton and the Poconos.
There's some cool ones in New Mexico..this looks cool too, I'll watch
My favorite Breezwood memory is when I was a child it had a phantom fireworks in a state that fireworks were illegal
Love Breezewood get my coffee here while there is also an abandoned PA Turnpike Tunnel around here as well
Great video thank you for this
Thanks for watching!
Very interesting. My question is, what could this area ever be re-developed as? But it does look like it would be a pain to get into and out of the current driveways and parking lots as it is now configured, with that endless line of speeding cars (and trucks).
I've been through Breezewood many times over the years when traveling between Cleveland, Ohio and the east coast, typically Virginia or the Washington, D.C. area. We typically make a stop for gas and/or bathroom break and maybe a snack or two. But, I've often thought it to be one of the stupidest highway interchanges forcing people to get off the interstate and navigate some convoluted and confusing signage to get on the other highway.
The person below who points out that in order for it to change, the people who benefit from this chaos, i.e. the business owners and residents, would have to support the change make a really good point about why it will never happen. It doesn't matter how much time and fuel is wasted by the people passing through if the locals make money off of it.
Lastly, there is the matter of safety. I think every time we have been through Breezewood, we have seen at least one near miss accident. Besides saving time and fuel for drivers, a well designed interchange system would make the transition safer.
Thanks for watching! Isn’t it just the dumbest interchange? It makes sense why the business owners would likely put up a fight to the death to keep it the way it is, but it doesn’t change how nonsensical it is.
I’ve also been driving through breezewood for years, but somehow haven’t seen too many accidents or even close calls, but it sure makes sense that they would be common.
It’s become quite the interesting place for sure.
You’re talking about Pennsylvania. That could care less about you, they just want your $$$$
@@reneeandchrisforever That's what I keep hearing from people. What are they spending all this money on if its not stuff for their residents??
@@IanMartinExploration I was born and raised in PA. The problem is, it is a commonwealth. As such, they can tax mercilessly in every way possible. No matter how much tax is collected, the state is so mismanaged that it’s never enough. I moved to Oklahoma 20 years ago and never looked back. Good riddance.
@@reneeandchrisforever That is a short way of saying what I said.
Sometime in the mid 60s the PA Turnpike closed the tunnels which are now a destination of their own.
super interesting - what changed to cause the once busy transportation confluence to dry up? Is it just that PA has issues or is it this little piece of it? It seems central to so much.
Your videos are excellent and informative. I just subscribed.
Been a long time since I have been through this 'trap' (i.e. no sidewalks to get to restaurants from hotels), cannot say I am sad to see it die. Thanks for the video.
No crosswalks at the time either!
Love your videos just subscribed. And the explanation of the places are great ,only thing is I would love to see photos of these places in their prime. You do some much research in the places. I just think photos of the places in their prime to end videos would be a great ending. Keep up the great videos
Seems like the off-season ...this place is packed in the summer!