ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Around 630,000 cars hit the road on the New York State Thruway every week— a number that only increases during a holiday weekend.
Drivers say it’s nice knowing there’s places along way for wherever they’re heading.
“They’re really nice, super accessible and clean. They have lots of variety,” said Gina Martino, a driver heading down to Washington, D.C.
In 2021, the state started working to rebuild the rest stops that hadn’t been upgraded since the 1990s. Each stop features gas, free wifi, a 24-hour market, universal fast-charging stations and a handful of different restaurants.
“They’re great. I especially love the ones with Shake Shack. Those are my favorite,” said Martino.
And while some travelers mentioned they liked having a Chick-fil-A, others lamented at its hours.
“I thought it was a little silly they put the chicken place that’s closed on Sundays in,” said Dwyer Conklyn, who was traveling to visit family in upstate. “We usually travel back on Sundays and now we have less food options.”