North Point Tavern (Gone)
Chambersburg, PA
Photo courtesy Moon Mullins OX-76

Have a long, hot day on the highway and need to pull over for a cold one? The North Point Tavern was once the place to go. Located along North Second Street in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, this roadside watering hole caught the eye of thirsty travelers cruising through Franklin County. And hey, if you were not in the immediate area, you could always fly in as fares were cheap back in the day!

The tavern was owned and operated for years by local residents Donald and Joan Coldsmith, serving as a friendly neighborhood stop during the peak era of mid-century road trips. Whether you were rolling in off the two-lane blacktop or dropping in from nearby airstrips, it was a classic spot to grab a stool, cool down, and shake off the miles.

UPDATE: The North Point Tavern closed its doors decades ago, and both the building and its vintage roadside sign have since been cleared away. 08-26

Anderson Hotel (Closed)
Penwell, NJ
Photo courtesy Henry Jewell

Here's a photo of the Anderson Hotel, located between Penwell and Washington, NJ. The Anderson, which opened in 1795, was considered New Jersey's oldest tavern when it sold out and closed down in 2005. It was an old saloon and stagecoach stop from years ago. Many thanks to Henry Jewell for info. 07-06

Built in 1790 by local settler Joseph Anderson, the tavern officially opened its doors to travelers and stagecoaches in 1795 along the old Easton-Morristown Turnpike. Situated right near the historic lime kilns and the old Morris Canal, it served as a lively social hub and watering hole for the surrounding community through the turn of the century and well into modern times, eventually earning a reputation as New Jersey's oldest continuously operating tavern.

UPDATE: After an incredible 210-year run, the Anderson Hotel closed its doors in 2005 and the old tavern sign was removed. The historic building still stands along the highway awaiting preservation. 08-26

Jack's Cantina (Gone)
Niagara Falls, Canada
Photo courtesy Paul Bauke

Here is an eye-catching blast of neon from just over the border. Take a look at the colorful marquee that once lit up the street outside Jack's Cantina in Niagara Falls, Ontario. 07-06

Located in the bustling Clifton Hill entertainment district, the family-owned joint first opened its doors in 1994, serving up late-night bites, cold drinks, live bands, and a legendary veal sandwich that drew both locals and tourists. The cantina even survived a devastating fire in late 2011 that gutted the original building, prompting the owners to clear the rubble and rebuild the operation right across the street to keep the party going.

UPDATE: After a 28-year run near the falls, Jack's Cantina closed its doors for good in early 2022, and the neon sign was taken down from the building. 08-26

The Forks Tavern (Gone)
Pennsville, NJ
Photo courtesy Paul Bauke

Here is a vintage rooftop sign from down in South Jersey. Perched along Route 49 in the town of Pennsville, the prominent marquee for The Forks Tavern was once an unmistakable sight for motorists cruising near the Delaware River. 07-06

Named for its location at a busy road fork along North Broadway, the longtime tavern and restaurant was operated for decades by Butch Slater. The spot served as a popular gathering place and local dining fixture for more than twenty years before pouring its last drinks and closing up shop in the early 2000s. With its bold lettering and vintage neon trim, the rooftop display must have been quite a sight to see all lit up at night during the building's prime.

UPDATE: After sitting vacant for years, the old building and its vintage rooftop marquee were completely cleared away in 2015, and the corner lot has since been redeveloped into a modern convenience store and gas station. 08-26

Fosters Coach House Tavern
Rhinebeck, NY
Photo courtesy Paul Bauke

Located in a town called Rhinebeck north of NY City is the Fosters Coach House Tavern. Foster's was built in 1890 by Walter Decker, then purchased by Wally Foster who rebuilt the interior after World War II. More info can be found at the Foster's Coach House Tavern website. Many thanks to Paul Bauke for info. 01-07

Originally known as the Village Tavern and famously favored by New York Yankees owner Colonel Jacob Ruppert, the spot was purchased in 1933 by local horseman Walter "Wally" Foster. A major remodel in 1941 gave the joint its distinctive equestrian character, outfitting the dining room with vintage riding tack, racing prints, and cozy wooden dining booths cleverly converted straight from old horse stalls. Generations of regulars have made it a go-to stop for hearty tavern comfort food, from slow-roasted prime rib to classic London Broil.

UPDATE: Foster's Coach House Tavern continues pouring drinks and serving hearty meals from its historic Rhinebeck dining room. 08-26