Roadside America closes after 85 years in business

[modrepub]

A popular roadside destination in Berks County is closing its doors after 85 years in business.

The miniature train village of Roadside America announced their permanent closure Saturday in a Facebook post after over three years of searching for a potential buyer.

"Nearly 3 years ago we decided to place the display for sale, hoping to find a buyer who would continue business operations. Despite meeting with multiple interested parties over the last 2 years, each with their own unique vision, none committed to moving forward with the village," the post said.



https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/roadside-america-closes-after-85-years-in-business/article_d4df6b22-2cc2-11eb-a453-5748f3fac08c.html?fbclid=IwAR3eMmVnZfQDKpDx4WApxXSNwe4q2alGGZC1Uv9KQgY7YmnYDEkU7QLXdKw

[Freddie]

1. So glad I went a couple years ago

After driving past it countless times. A real step back in time.

[3Hotdogs]

2. Must'a been 40 years since I went there. Good show. Sad to see it go.

Because of my job, I had many occasions to drive by it. Never more than 2 cars in the parking lot.


There is a newer, similar exhibit in New Jesey, Northlandz. Probably 15 20 cars in their lot on weekends. Old owner built it and ran it for years. Got old and sold it about 2 years ago. I doubt the new owner will succeed with it. He doesn't seem to have a focus on what to do with it.

Model trains.... when I was a kid, every kid had a train set. Model train stores in almost every town. The store in my town sold its trains at discount and now has only gaming.

[DeminPennswoods]

3. Wonder if they contacted the Carnegie Science Center

in Pittsburgh. They have a huge model train display featuring landmarks old and new of the Pittsburgh region.