Split from the Road-Related Illustrations thread.
Quote from: BigMattFromTexas on April 26, 2012, 10:10:47 PM
Here's some random logo signs I made.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg195.imageshack.us%2Fimg195%2F3261%2Flogo1nt.png&hash=1dfd2cc79ba4e724e66908563c67cc64d64bdbee) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/195/logo1nt.png/)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg140.imageshack.us%2Fimg140%2F8302%2Flogo2zt.png&hash=f364137f756bc82148a7761e0c9c3e452118f185) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/140/logo2zt.png/)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg845.imageshack.us%2Fimg845%2F7967%2Flogodirect1.jpg&hash=21fda4c8fc058e8d9c3977bca26bc63a52021f1b) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/845/logodirect1.jpg/)
^This one I saved as JPEG instead of PNG... So its fuzzy :banghead:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg256.imageshack.us%2Fimg256%2F4343%2Flogodirect2.png&hash=ee7abb2b2167a0a063a188b7fc0ab782d5372cec) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/256/logodirect2.png/)
I didn't include "SpringHill Suites" because it would be before the intersection. So it wouldn't be necessary. Anything wrong? No exit number, as it's for a non-interstate highway. Opinions accepted!
BigMatt
Official highway signs shouldn't have advertisements. It should be generic. That's my only quibble.
Quote from: blawp on April 29, 2012, 12:45:22 PM
Official highway signs shouldn't have advertisements. It should be generic. That's my only quibble.
Well they say that it helps keep the driver from looking all over for something. I think they can be convenient, especially with how hectic things can get along Texas freeways..
Especially in San Antonio..
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cDoiM_V9rMI/S-iXzOep5fI/AAAAAAAAFGk/8p6WAgNi2Ow/s640/SANY0783.JPG)
BigMatt
Those type of signs that Matt created are tvery popular in the midwest. I know i have seen them in IL, IN, IA, MI, and WI. The restaurants are fine but i find the gas stations and the hotels more helpful finding them if you have a certain credit card for a particular brand or a rewards card for a hotel chain.
My only gripe Matt is I still think Whataburger is terrible food but that a whole different thing. Good job.
I would be satisfied with leaving the logos off the mainline signs, and only putting them (and distance!) on the wayfinders along the exit ramp. Seeing Food|Gas|Lodging would be good enough to signal me to exit there; if however, none of the restaurants are appealing to me, I haven't really lost much time by exiting and then getting back on right away. However, if I had to drive 1.5 miles to find out I don't like any of the restaurants, find a place to turn around, and then drive 1.5 miles back again, then that's another story.
Quote from: blawp on April 29, 2012, 12:45:22 PM
Official highway signs shouldn't have advertisements. It should be generic. That's my only quibble.
I disagree. Having the brand specified is useful. I like knowing before I get off the highway that the lodging is a Best Western, not Madam Shelly's Motel No-tel. And I like being able to say "I feel like stopping at IHOP" and look specifically for one without getting off the highway.
I have no issue with it - especially if the businesses featured are paying for that exposure.
I've seen the logo signs even in urban areas on Texas highways and I find it tacky.
The blue logo service signs aren't free advertising--they cost money to the businesses and raise (some) money for the state. They are regulated by the MUTCD (http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/2009/part2/part2j.htm) and state laws (for example, these are the regs in Ohio (http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/5501%3A2-6)).
Still tacky. The signs should benefit the motorist and treat all roadside businesses equally, not the businesses that bid the highest.
Quote from: blawp on April 29, 2012, 10:37:03 PM
Still tacky. The signs should benefit the motorist and treat all roadside businesses equally, not the businesses that bid the highest.
Sorry blawp but I have to agree with Duke87 on this one and IMO, these signs *do* benefit the motorist. I would like to know what types of businesses are located at the next exit so I can make a decision on whether to exit the freeway or not. If I need gas and I see there's a Chevron station, I might pull off but if it's Billy Bob's Gas 'n Dash, I might not (of course if the next gas is too far then I have no choice but you get the point). If I'm looking for a place to spend the night and there's a Comfort Inn, I'll probably exit but if it's the Bates Motel.... maybe not :D.
Ok but what if you exit and there's the advertised Chevron 1 mi to the left and a 76 (unadvertised) 1 mi to the right? It seems like the highway dept is endorsing Chevron, which shouldn't be their business.
If you care enough, you're probably the 76, or a local who doesn't need the signs in the first place.
Logos on road signs are tacky, especially in urban areas. California only allows it in rural areas.
Quote from: blawp on April 30, 2012, 12:59:41 PM
Logos on road signs are tacky, especially in urban areas. California only allows it in rural areas.
that, combined with the fact that freeways were built early before the "service plaza" idea took hold, makes it damn near impossible to find gas near a freeway in urban parts of California. you generally have to know what the major arterials are in a given city, and who from out of town knows that?
Come on, you know you want to stop here:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.formulanone.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F10%2FBlueServicesNone-i75atSR80.jpg&hash=23dfbf02360f40266bba2fc5673be1d4290e01bb)
Quote from: formulanone on April 30, 2012, 01:46:47 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.formulanone.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F10%2FBlueServicesNone-i75atSR80.jpg&hash=23dfbf02360f40266bba2fc5673be1d4290e01bb)
Actually, I don't. :no:
You're just supposed to know where the gas stations or hotels are in a city I guess. I don't see how it's tacky, especially in Angelo, because the restaurants are all accessible by the exit before you can even see them..
BigMatt
Just have generic symbols for food/gas/diesel/lodging like California has. So tired of this corporatocracy...
Quote from: blawp on May 02, 2012, 12:53:56 PM
Just have generic symbols for food/gas/diesel/lodging like California has. So tired of this corporatocracy...
What are you talking about? California's service signs are just like the ones posted by BigMatt (with the logos). These are for the benefit of the motorists and I am glad they are posted on rural freeways.
Quote from: blawp on May 02, 2012, 12:53:56 PM
Just have generic symbols for food/gas/diesel/lodging like California has. So tired of this corporatocracy...
This I would tolerate, as long as any
distance to said services over ½ mile is also stated on the mainline signs. On the actual ramps themselves, I'd rather not lose the individual branding. It might be worth it for me to drive 1½ miles to a Subway, but not to Aunt Sally's Café, which may or may not be open today.
Well, I'd rather have these signs than billboards.
I agree with Jake in that those farther away from the exit should be marked. It's frustrating when wanting to make a stop and discovering that Mapco is 7 miles from the exit! And that's especially since they usually aren't marked well if they're away from the highway or have a convoluted route to get there.
My brother and I had a time finding a Publix advertised off of I-285 in Atlanta as it required three turns and on one of them, the sign was missing or we missed it.
Quote from: kphoger on May 02, 2012, 01:06:42 PM
Quote from: blawp on May 02, 2012, 12:53:56 PM
Just have generic symbols for food/gas/diesel/lodging like California has. So tired of this corporatocracy...
This I would tolerate, as long as any distance to said services over ½ mile is also stated on the mainline signs. On the actual ramps themselves, I'd rather not lose the individual branding. It might be worth it for me to drive 1½ miles to a Subway, but not to Aunt Sally's Café, which may or may not be open today.
Funnily enough, the MUTCD requires that these signs require a notation for any business that may be closed when one might expect it to be open; this is why every Chick-Fil-A on one of these signs carries a "CLOSED SUNDAY" plaque.
Also, I am going to split this services sign discussion to a thread in the "Traffic Control" section.
Those signs are awesome in unfamiliar areas- I can't even count the number of times I have used them. A lot of motorists would say the same thing, and that should tell you whether or not they are good- if people are using them, they're useful!
I actually like having the brands and logos posted. It saves a lot of time when in unfamiliar areas. I'd rather have the logos on a DOT sign than enormous billboards aimed at the highway traffic.
Of course the logos are helpful. Now gasoline is pretty much gasoline, but as to food and motels, there is a huge difference. Knowing what products are available is useful highway information.
I agree with all the previous statements about the logos being useful. As someone who does have preferences in hotels and fuel services, I like to know what's available at any exit I might take in an unfamiliar area. If I'm just passing through, I would much rather eat/fuel/sleep at an established chain rather than Tom's Diner/Stop N' Save/Motel, since I know the established chain will take my credit cards, not look at me funny, have public restrooms, etc.
In Colorado, logo signs are not allowed, just generic Gas, Food, Lodging, etc. Plus the state owned rest areas aren't allowed to offer motel coupon books.
I have no problems with billboards. I believe in the concept of capitalism and the right of property owners to be able to do as they wish with their land. So if Arby's wants to lease space in some farmer's field on I-75 to put up a big ol' honkin' billboard announcing Good Mood Food at the next exit, I say more power to 'em.
But on the logo signs, yes I want the brand of the establishment on there. Gas is gas, and I usually know where I'm going to be spending the night, so fuel and lodging signs aren't that important, but I want to know what restaurants are there. During the day I usually just want to drive through and get my food, so I tend to stick to familiar brands like Taco Bell, McDonald's, for a familiar meal.
Unless there is a Sheetz. Then I'm stopping there to get gas and go in and get some MTO.
As others have pointed out. The businesses pay for the advertising on the sign. When traveling I like to know what you have to choose from. If you have a certain gas card its nice to know that your station is there. And FOOD could be anything from a Taco Bell to an Olive Garden. If you are traveling you might want a nice sit down restaurant or a quick drive thru.. And Motels its nice to know your choices... some are fine with the Motel 6 (and having your choice of hookers and drugs LOL) or some might want the Hilton Garden Inn.. again I know i have a rewards account with Holiday Inn and if i am gonna spend 70-100 for a motel i might as well get the rewards points... good to know you options before getting off an exit
Quote from: jwolfer on May 03, 2012, 11:49:46 AMsome are fine with the Motel 6 (and having your choice of hookers and drugs LOL)
I've never had a problem with Motel 6.
then again, the primary consideration for me is not the brand, but the general character of the neighborhood. so maybe there are some shitty Motel 6es in some shitty areas, but I don't know about them.
I prefer the logos on the signs. I wouldn't want to get off at an exit advertising "gas" only to find out that it's a run-down abandoned off-brand place that charges $.20 a gallon more than anyone else. I prefer seeing that there are at least 2-3 choices for me to make, and knowing that if I stop at a Chevron or a Shell, I kinda know what I'm getting.
I'm loyal to Speedway for the rewards program and familiar in-store choices. As for restaurants, it's very helpful to know exactly what chains are at an exit when one has Selective Eating Disorder. So, yeah, I like the logo signs (and in Ohio we even use them in cities).
Quote from: agentsteel53 on May 03, 2012, 12:00:52 PM
Quote from: jwolfer on May 03, 2012, 11:49:46 AMsome are fine with the Motel 6 (and having your choice of hookers and drugs LOL)
I've never had a problem with Motel 6.
then again, the primary consideration for me is not the brand, but the general character of the neighborhood. so maybe there are some shitty Motel 6es in some shitty areas, but I don't know about them.
I've stayed at some awesome Motel 6es and some some crappy Motel 6es. I can usually tell by the architecture which sort it will be, which is one reason shopping online is good.
I don't hate logos, but I don't need them. To me, it's most important just to know what services an exit actually has. For example, if I'm in desperate need of gas, I'm not going to get out every exit and hunt for it - waste of time and precious dinosaur flesh. If I'm hungry, I can eat almost anywhere (although I prefer non-chains), but again, not searching forever to find a place. Hotels, I do like to know what choices there are, but I also care about prices (can vary by $30 or more for a single brand at different exits), so I plan those out in advance. I would rank, in order of need:
Recreation/attractions (because no two are alike)
Hotel (wide variation)
Food (some variation)
Gas (little variation)
I miss the old fashioned greasy-spoon restaurants with a big sign that simply read "FOOD". Logos? Who needs them.
Quote from: kphoger on May 03, 2012, 03:40:14 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on May 03, 2012, 12:00:52 PM
Quote from: jwolfer on May 03, 2012, 11:49:46 AMsome are fine with the Motel 6 (and having your choice of hookers and drugs LOL)
I've never had a problem with Motel 6.
then again, the primary consideration for me is not the brand, but the general character of the neighborhood. so maybe there are some shitty Motel 6es in some shitty areas, but I don't know about them.
I've stayed at some awesome Motel 6es and some some crappy Motel 6es. I can usually tell by the architecture which sort it will be, which is one reason shopping online is good.
TripAdvisor is your friend...
Quote from: US71 on May 03, 2012, 11:37:20 AM
In Colorado, logo signs are not allowed, just generic Gas, Food, Lodging, etc.
Vermont is the same way. They have this bug about not wanting advertising spoiling the scenic scenery of the state. They even go so far as to ban roadside billboards of any kind.
New York doesn't have logo signs on I-87 within the borders of Adirondack Park for the same reason.
I prefer the logo signs, to be honest, especially since Louisiana puts them on non-Interstate freeways also. Saves time, since you can see that McDonalds, Citgo, and Holiday Inn are on one exit, instead of just Food, Gas, and Lodging. I guess I'm just picky. but I would like to know what is available before I exit, instead of generic terms.
Quote from: Duke87 on May 03, 2012, 09:17:34 PM
Vermont is the same way. They have this bug about not wanting advertising spoiling the scenic scenery of the state. They even go so far as to ban roadside billboards of any kind.
New York doesn't have logo signs on I-87 within the borders of Adirondack Park for the same reason.
It also makes areas look REALLY rural. I used to think that Essex County, NY consisted only of pine trees and mountains until I saw it on NY 28N instead of I-87.
Quote from: blawp on April 30, 2012, 12:47:10 AM
Ok but what if you exit and there's the advertised Chevron 1 mi to the left and a 76 (unadvertised) 1 mi to the right? It seems like the highway dept is endorsing Chevron, which shouldn't be their business.
76 can get it's logo on the signs if it wants. So it wouldn't be that the highway dept. is endorsing a gas station, it's that the owner of the 76 hasn't taken the necessary steps to also be on the signs.
I much prefer the signs that let me know what exactly is available at an exit over generically saying there is some gas or some food (or lodging).
Quote from: Mr_Northside on May 04, 2012, 02:26:26 PM
76 can get it's logo on the signs if it wants.
Not always true. At least sometimes the number of logos is limited to what fits on one sign.
Quote from: NE2 on May 04, 2012, 02:29:21 PM
Quote from: Mr_Northside on May 04, 2012, 02:26:26 PM
76 can get it's logo on the signs if it wants.
Not always true. At least sometimes the number of logos is limited to what fits on one sign.
I'll grant there could be a few cases where that happens. Though, I've seen some exits that have had more than one sign for a particular category (food/gas/lodging) - say a 6 or 4-panel followed by a 2-panel.
Quote from: US71 on May 03, 2012, 11:37:20 AM
In Colorado, logo signs are not allowed, just generic Gas, Food, Lodging, etc. Plus the state owned rest areas aren't allowed to offer motel coupon books.
Actually, logo signs are allowed -- and used -- in Colorado. In fact, I have seen some exits along I-70 west of Denver use combinations of the logo signs, text signs (GAS - FOOD - LODGING NEXT EXIT) as well as the international symbol signs for the same exit. In some cases, all 3 are used!
The difference is that CDOT is probably required or obligated to erect and maintain a set of either the old-school text-only Big Blue Signs or BBS/ individual assemblies which have the universal icons for Gas/Food/Lodging/Camping/Hospital,... listed for each exit whether or not there is also a set of logo signs.
The DOT will then allow or award a contract to an independent contractor to erect & maintain logo signs along their highways for a pre-determined price or fee. There are probably certain guidelines that the independent company needs to abide by (i.e.: their logo signs must be built like and look like the official DOT sign assemblies, for one) and be regularly updated to assure accuracy.
Meanwhile, the contractor will charge businesses for the right to be listed on a logo sign under their respective service category. In our neck of the woods, the going rate is about $150 per direction per month (or about $300 for an exit). Plus they will charge you another $250 per sign initially to make each of your signs. I'm not sure it those costs also cover the secondary exit signs on the ramps which will have the arrow and distance, or the tertiary individual signs off the freeway completely if another turn needs to be indicated.
I'm sure the same thing goes for those secondary highway blue signs which allow for a smaller logo &/or two lines of text, with a directional arrow and mileage, but those are probably less costly than the BBSs on the freeways & ramps.
Quote from: flowmotion on May 03, 2012, 07:41:56 PM
I miss the old fashioned greasy-spoon restaurants with a big sign that simply read "FOOD". Logos? Who needs them.
A lot of that stuff can be found on-line now.
Quote from: US71 on May 07, 2012, 09:41:31 AM
Quote from: flowmotion on May 03, 2012, 07:41:56 PM
I miss the old fashioned greasy-spoon restaurants with a big sign that simply read "FOOD". Logos? Who needs them.
A lot of that stuff can be found on-line now.
True. But, that doesn't help you if you don't have cellular data service and a smart phone (iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows). Or the time to check it out. If you're driving solo you'll have to stop to safely browse for services.
Quote from: Duke87 on May 03, 2012, 09:17:34 PM
Quote from: US71 on May 03, 2012, 11:37:20 AM
In Colorado, logo signs are not allowed, just generic Gas, Food, Lodging, etc.
Vermont is the same way. They have this bug about not wanting advertising spoiling the scenic scenery of the state. They even go so far as to ban roadside billboards of any kind.
I really hate that about Vermont. I'm OK with no roadside billboards and overhead signs, but they should make up for that by posting logo signs. Last time I was there, the only way to find out what was at an exit (at least on I-89) was to pull off the freeway, get out of the car, and read a bulletin board with what specific establishments were available and how far away they were. I just kept my wallet shut and drove on to New Hampshire, where I could easily find exactly what I was looking for.
I had similar issues in Santa Barbara this March -- also advertising-unfriendly (no surprise), but also the local CalTrans district doesn't post logos on its service availability signs. I had reservations with one of the local Motel 6s (Santa Barbara of all places has several of them), but no idea of which exit without either a logo sign or other noticeable roadsign advertising, so it took awhile for me to find the motel. And only then, after checking in, could I find the Subway restaurant that I had been looking for.
Quote from: BigMattFromTexas on April 29, 2012, 03:20:39 PM
Quote from: blawp on April 29, 2012, 12:45:22 PM
Official highway signs shouldn't have advertisements. It should be generic. That's my only quibble.
Well they say that it helps keep the driver from looking all over for something. I think they can be convenient, especially with how hectic things can get along Texas freeways..
Especially in San Antonio..
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cDoiM_V9rMI/S-iXzOep5fI/AAAAAAAAFGk/8p6WAgNi2Ow/s640/SANY0783.JPG)
BigMatt
At very first glance, I thought this might be I-95 in Lumberton, N.C. - with the Jersey barrier and the Sam's Club on the right.
But I-95 there is only four lanes wide, and I don't believe there's an Exit 559
anywhere on I-95.
Virginia has a mix of both logos and "Food/Gas/Lodging"; I believe there's a fee to get the logo on a sign (someone feel free to berate correct me if I'm wrong). I prefer the logo as I can be picky when it comes to chains.
Quote from: mightyace on May 07, 2012, 05:12:15 PM
Quote from: US71 on May 07, 2012, 09:41:31 AM
Quote from: flowmotion on May 03, 2012, 07:41:56 PM
I miss the old fashioned greasy-spoon restaurants with a big sign that simply read "FOOD". Logos? Who needs them.
A lot of that stuff can be found on-line now.
True. But, that doesn't help you if you don't have cellular data service and a smart phone (iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows). Or the time to check it out. If you're driving solo you'll have to stop to safely browse for services.
I use the internet to plan my stops
before I leave home, thereby also allowing me to know ahead of time which side of the road the establishments are on, what the exit number is, etc. Admittedly, most people are not as detail-oriented when they plan their drives.
^^^
In my case, it is not an issue of being detail oriented or not.
When I travel, I don't have a set plan beyond stopping at certain points of interest. Therefore, I cannot know where I'll be when lunch, dinner, etc. rolls around. And it's impractical to look up everything along a 100-200 mile stretch.
That's why I need information on the road.
Quote from: mightyace on May 08, 2012, 02:09:35 PM
^^^
In my case, it is not an issue of being detail oriented or not.
When I travel, I don't have a set plan beyond stopping at certain points of interest. Therefore, I cannot know where I'll be when lunch, dinner, etc. rolls around. And it's impractical to look up everything along a 100-200 mile stretch.
That's why I need information on the road.
I understand. For me, I know within an hour when I'm leaving, and I want the fastest way there. So I do know where I'll be at lunch time etc. I fully understand that not everyone travels that way. As for looking up everything along a 100-200-mile stretch: it only takes a few minutes (at least in this part of the country) to go to Google Maps and type "restaurants near Anytown, USA".
Quote from: hbelkins on May 03, 2012, 11:43:08 AM
I have no problems with billboards. I believe in the concept of capitalism and the right of property owners to be able to do as they wish with their land. So if Arby's wants to lease space in some farmer's field on I-75 to put up a big ol' honkin' billboard announcing Good Mood Food at the next exit, I say more power to 'em.
But on the logo signs, yes I want the brand of the establishment on there. Gas is gas, and I usually know where I'm going to be spending the night, so fuel and lodging signs aren't that important, but I want to know what restaurants are there. During the day I usually just want to drive through and get my food, so I tend to stick to familiar brands like Taco Bell, McDonald's, for a familiar meal.
I'm 100% with you on this. I don't even mind when the gas stations along I-95 have signs taller than the trees.
Quote from: kphoger on May 07, 2012, 06:58:45 PM
I use the internet to plan my stops before I leave home, thereby also allowing me to know ahead of time which side of the road the establishments are on, what the exit number is, etc. Admittedly, most people are not as detail-oriented when they plan their drives.
I usually plan out where I'm stopping each night (the places I tend to prefer staying are cheaper booking ahead of time, and not necessarily easy to find from an interstate exit), but I usually don't plan out gas/lunch stops ahead of time. Gas stops depend more on the bathroom, snack, and drink needs of me and my wife. As for lunch, it's hard to get on the road at a specific time because of my wife (usually a +/- 45 min window) and I'd rather have the flexibility to stop when we're hungry regardless of time and location. I will admit though to planning a stop at a Chipotle if I'm driving near one at some time even remotely close to lunch.
I do seem to be in the minority on the board for prebooking hotels, but I've also become a hotel snob who is probably pickier than most of the folks here.
Quote from: agentsteel53 on May 03, 2012, 12:00:52 PM
Quote from: jwolfer on May 03, 2012, 11:49:46 AMsome are fine with the Motel 6 (and having your choice of hookers and drugs LOL)
I've never had a problem with Motel 6.
then again, the primary consideration for me is not the brand, but the general character of the neighborhood. so maybe there are some shitty Motel 6es in some shitty areas, but I don't know about them.
Yeah it is probably true.. Motel 6 allows pets as well so if you have your dog its nice to know you will be OK. We stopped at a Motel 6 in Ft Pierce FL and it was an interesting night to say the least. But Ft Pierce can be a bit unsavory. i have stayed indecent Motel 6s as well. The room was clean at least
I know here in Jacksonville the cheaper Motels get some we will say "independent business people" We used to go cheap on motels when travleing... or sleep in the car.. but that was before kids... and going into a motel room with dirty socks on the floor and an odd smell. I plan on a minimum of $85... and that just pisses me off to pay that much to sleep for a few hours... we have found some cheap hotels for vacation on hotels.com but i dont like preplanning stops cuz sometimes you want to drive a bit more or you just feel like stopping an hour before the reservation
I am probably one of a few who got the pleasure of staying at Hotel 6 in Palm Springs, CA. There used to be an ordinance in that town (this goes back to the days when Sonny Bono was Mayor) that no lodging facility could call themselves a "Motel" on any of their outside signs (didn't want to cheapen the community's image). So from the street, the signs all said Hotel 6, but once in your room, it was back to Motel 6 swag.
Sometime during or after Sonny's reign, that requirement was scrapped. The Hotel 6 that I stayed ad back in the 80s was now just Motel 6 when last I was there 9 years ago.
Quote from: US71 on May 07, 2012, 09:41:31 AM
Quote from: flowmotion on May 03, 2012, 07:41:56 PM
I miss the old fashioned greasy-spoon restaurants with a big sign that simply read "FOOD". Logos? Who needs them.
A lot of that stuff can be found on-line now.
And who wants to spend time online looking up what's available in the place you're going to? Before you hit the road? Really? C'mon man!
That's where phone books at the hotel come in handy.
I think these signs are great. Generally I'm anti-corporate, but these signs are very useful. If you're in an unfamiliar area and you are running out of gas or want to get a burger or a motel, they're very handy. Much better than the generic "GAS-LODGING" signs that they still use in places.
Quote from: brownpelican on May 12, 2012, 01:40:36 PM
Quote from: US71 on May 07, 2012, 09:41:31 AM
Quote from: flowmotion on May 03, 2012, 07:41:56 PM
I miss the old fashioned greasy-spoon restaurants with a big sign that simply read "FOOD". Logos? Who needs them.
A lot of that stuff can be found on-line now.
And who wants to spend time online looking up what's available in the place you're going to? Before you hit the road? Really? C'mon man!
That's where phone books at the hotel come in handy.
If you can still find one at a hotel.... They've quit delivering books to where I work unless you beg them for some. There are some guests that get ticked with me about it but we can't even keep one at the desk without it getting away from us.
Quote from: thenetwork on May 09, 2012, 02:27:02 PM
I am probably one of a few who got the pleasure of staying at Hotel 6 in Palm Springs, CA. There used to be an ordinance in that town (this goes back to the days when Sonny Bono was Mayor) that no lodging facility could call themselves a "Motel" on any of their outside signs (didn't want to cheapen the community's image). So from the street, the signs all said Hotel 6, but once in your room, it was back to Motel 6 swag.
Including the ash tray with the no smoking logo on the bottom?
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on May 13, 2012, 10:36:40 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on May 09, 2012, 02:27:02 PM
I am probably one of a few who got the pleasure of staying at Hotel 6 in Palm Springs, CA. There used to be an ordinance in that town (this goes back to the days when Sonny Bono was Mayor) that no lodging facility could call themselves a "Motel" on any of their outside signs (didn't want to cheapen the community's image). So from the street, the signs all said Hotel 6, but once in your room, it was back to Motel 6 swag.
Including the ash tray with the no smoking logo on the bottom?
I seem to recall you telling me the story about that at one point, but I recall it was so ridiculous I'd love to hear it again. :P
Quote from: brownpelican on May 12, 2012, 01:40:36 PM
Quote from: US71 on May 07, 2012, 09:41:31 AM
Quote from: flowmotion on May 03, 2012, 07:41:56 PM
I miss the old fashioned greasy-spoon restaurants with a big sign that simply read "FOOD". Logos? Who needs them.
A lot of that stuff can be found on-line now.
And who wants to spend time online looking up what's available in the place you're going to? Before you hit the road? Really? C'mon man!
That's where phone books at the hotel come in handy.
Last I checked, phone books don't have reviews the way Yelp and Urbanspoon do. Plus, I don't ever remember seeing a category in the phone book for "microbreweries"!
I look up restaurants ahead of time only if I'm planning a hotel stop ahead of time. I take proximity to interesting restaurants into account when choosing a hotel. I don't want to get stuck at an exit with only a Cracker Barrel and McDonalds as the only choices within 25 miles if I can help it. Usually I end up at downtown hotels or business-grade hotels in upscale suburban areas. And interestingly, a night at a city center Hyatt or Embassy Suites can often cost the same or less than nearby motels on freeway exits, particularly on a Friday or Saturday night when they have few business travelers and high vacancy.
The problem is some places do not update the establishments on the logo signs like in MO and FL.
One time I was traveling along US 71 through Grandview, MO and saw a White Castle sign on the blue assembly. Being the fact I live in Florida, we do not have them down here, so I was in awe when I saw it. I got off the freeway imediately, and saw it was less than a half a mile to the right. I ended up traveling the local street and seeing nothing of the sort. I ended up making a u turn back to US 71 only to find it then, but it was obvious why I did not see it the other way. It was closed and boarded up and if I did not remember what a White Castle building looked like I would have never figured it out.
Florida had the same issue with Quincy's Steakhouse that closed on Orange Blossom Trail three miles south of I-4's Exit 80. Quincy's closed all of their Florida Stores in the late 90's and for years afterward it was on the I-4 logo sign going eastbound until the nearby Exit 79 was reconfigured a few years ago when FDOT removed the entire assembly and never put it back.
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Then you have a Racetrac Gas Station stated on FL 528's sign at Exit 3. Here the business is open still, but miles away from the interchange on another road. Not even follow up signs are used here or elsewhere in the Orlando area once off the ramps.
New Jersey has a logo for White Castle on I-287 at Exit 1A, but it's for US 1, a road with jughandles and the restaurant being on the opposing side of traffic one mile away. No follow ups either and if you are not familiar with how the jughandle system works you will pass the place and not able to figure out how to return to it with the sealed medians and no u turns at signalized intersections.
Quote from: bugo on May 12, 2012, 02:31:03 PM
I think these signs are great. Generally I'm anti-corporate, but these signs are very useful. If you're in an unfamiliar area and you are running out of gas or want to get a burger or a motel, they're very handy. Much better than the generic "GAS-LODGING" signs that they still use in places.
GAS-LODGING is the most boring sign I can think of, so I'm glad someone else agrees!
Imagine if you're a trucker and you have three or four gallons of diesel left, do you really wanna keep exiting at every one that says GAS, if you have a fleet card that is only usable at Chevron? Fleet cards in themselves, and the wide use of restaurant-specific gift cards, make the logos necessary.
You would exit at the one that says DIESEL not GAS, at least in California.
They have them along the interstates here in Oregon (and most other places I've been, though not as often inside urban areas), and I find them quite helpful. If I'm on a long trip somewhere and I need food, there's usually one particular restaurant I have in mind that sounds good, whether it be McDonalds, Taco Bell, Subway, or anything else. I just drive until I see the sign (if it's a major chain like that, it's just a matter of time), and I know right where to go, extremely handy. When a sign just says "Food", I won't exit there, because I don't know what I'll find. That's when my Garmin comes in handy though, because I can just search for the place I'm looking for, and I can find it that way, but these signs are quite convenient. Just seeing "Food" is meaningless to me. "Gas" I have less of a problem, it makes no difference to me if it's Chevron or 76 or whatever, but I wouldn't call this advertising, I call it convenience.
As far as phone books go, I've stayed at a number of motels where the phone books are out of date. I once went looking for a pizza reataurant in a city only to find it no longer existed.
Of course, now that I have a smartphone, I can look for a lot of places on it. ;)
Logos or not, I'd be happy if the PA Turnpike would put Food and Gas signs up for their exits. I was travelling down the NE Extension once, with the intent of stopping at the Allentown rest area for fuel.... only to discover that Allentown was closed. Of course there's no signs for any gas stations along the Turnpike, so I drove up an exit or two to see if I saw any of the high-rise signs some gas stations put up. After making it past the next two exits with no clue if there was gas or not, I finally bit the bullet, pulled over to the shoulder, and Google'd for the nearest gas station.
So yeah, I, for one, really like having the signs for each exit. I also prefer the logos, since it makes brand recognition instantaneous. Typically, if I'm travelling, I either know in advance where I plan to stop for food (from Yelp/Tripadvisor/Zagat reviews) or I'm travelling through unknown territory and I want to stick with the chains I'm familiar with. You won't believe what a sight it was to see Applebees in Gallup, NM when my girlfriend and I were travelling in the area several months ago.
Quote from: Compulov on June 25, 2012, 03:01:45 PM
Logos or not, I'd be happy if the PA Turnpike would put Food and Gas signs up for their exits. I was travelling down the NE Extension once, with the intent of stopping at the Allentown rest area for fuel.... only to discover that Allentown was closed. Of course there's no signs for any gas stations along the Turnpike, so I drove up an exit or two to see if I saw any of the high-rise signs some gas stations put up. After making it past the next two exits with no clue if there was gas or not, I finally bit the bullet, pulled over to the shoulder, and Google'd for the nearest gas station.
So yeah, I, for one, really like having the signs for each exit. I also prefer the logos, since it makes brand recognition instantaneous.
I can't vouch for ALL turnpikes/toll roads, but you're lucky to see big blue service signs for Lodging only on the PA & OH pikes. The turnpike authorities want you to spend your gas & food money with them!!
Imagine the crowds coming & going off the NY Thruway Exit 58 if there were big blue signs toting the "tax-free" gas stations on the Indian Reservation just off the Irving exit!!!
The Thruway posts Attractions/Camping/Lodging brand logo signs and generics for food and fuel. No signs marking Indian Reservations though, so you'd have to know it was there in the first place.
Quote from: kphoger on April 29, 2012, 04:12:12 PM
I would be satisfied with leaving the logos off the mainline signs, and only putting them (and distance!) on the wayfinders along the exit ramp. Seeing Food|Gas|Lodging would be good enough to signal me to exit there; if however, none of the restaurants are appealing to me, I haven't really lost much time by exiting and then getting back on right away. However, if I had to drive 1.5 miles to find out I don't like any of the restaurants, find a place to turn around, and then drive 1.5 miles back again, then that's another story.
This is exactly how New Hampshire handles service signs on their freeways - no logos on the mainline, but they post them on the ramps. The only thing I don't like is that NH posts the services as graphic panels mounted below the 1 mile advance sign for the interchange. A separate GAS-FOOD-LODGING sign mounted midway between the 1 mile and 1/2 mile advance signs would be much better.
Exiting and getting back on is extremely annoying at best (plus you waste gas), and can be tricky or impossible depending on ramp configuration. It's trivial at a diamond, you'll have to turn around somewhere for a folded diamond, and you're just plain out of luck if it's a half diamond.
Quote from: deanej on June 29, 2012, 02:24:25 PM
* * * and you're just plain out of luck if it's a half diamond.
Of course, logos on the sign wouldn't help that one bit...
Quote from: kphoger on June 30, 2012, 01:30:19 PM
Quote from: deanej on June 29, 2012, 02:24:25 PM
* * * and you're just plain out of luck if it's a half diamond.
Of course, logos on the sign wouldn't help that one bit...
They would if you were just exiting to see what food choices there are and find out the brand you want isn't at that exit.
Quote from: deanej on June 30, 2012, 04:28:15 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 30, 2012, 01:30:19 PM
Quote from: deanej on June 29, 2012, 02:24:25 PM
* * * and you're just plain out of luck if it's a half diamond.
Of course, logos on the sign wouldn't help that one bit...
They would if you were just exiting to see what food choices there are and find out the brand you want isn't at that exit.
No, what I meant was that, if the sign said Wendy's and you wanted Wendy's, you still wouldn't be able to get back on the highway after eating if the junction were a half diamond.
^ I'm reasonably certain that the logo signs aren't supposed to be put up if one can't easily re-enter the highway in the same direction at the interchange.
Quote from: roadfro on June 30, 2012, 10:56:57 PM
^ I'm reasonably certain that the logo signs aren't supposed to be put up if one can't easily re-enter the highway in the same direction at the interchange.
That would make sense, but... there are logo signs for I-670's WB exit 1A. Westbound re-entry is possible but not obvious. (Those same logos are posted EB for exit 1, which is equivalent to WB exit 1B {personally I think it should be 1B in both directions} implying the quickest way to EB reentry from those places is not the way one got there from exit 1...)
Quote from: deanej on June 29, 2012, 02:24:25 PM
Exiting and getting back on is extremely annoying at best (plus you waste gas), and can be tricky or impossible depending on ramp configuration. It's trivial at a diamond, you'll have to turn around somewhere for a folded diamond, and you're just plain out of luck if it's a half diamond.
If the state you're in has a halfway decent sign policy (i.e. they conform to the MUTCD), they shouldn't be allowing LOGO signs at a half-diamond in the first place. Half-diamond interchanges do not conform to the "easy re-entry onto the freeway in the same direction of travel" recommendations of the MUTCD.
Quote from: roadfro on June 30, 2012, 10:56:57 PM
^ I'm reasonably certain that the logo signs aren't supposed to be put up if one can't easily re-enter the highway in the same direction at the interchange.
Section 2J.01, Paragraph 04, of the 2009 MUTCD. However, the requirement is only a "should not" condition, not a "shall not" one. Sadly, there are some states out there that consider a "should" condition only as an option, not as a strong recommendation.
I saw on google street view, that the Ontario Ministry of Transportation is using them on the Queen Elizabeth Way at some of the interchanges in the Grimsby area.
When I drove that back in the 90's, all motorist service signs were white on brown like US park signs. They did use the gas pump, meal plate, and bed just as the US did for a while. I do not know if the MUTCD for Canada is adopting US MUTCD guidelines or if it is being done internationally like the traffic control devices.
What about this sign I found outside Okotoks. I don't necessarily like it.. But that's my opinion.
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Okotoks+Town&ll=50.75583,-113.970945&spn=0.009299,0.022724&hnear=Okotoks,+Division+No.+6,+Alberta,+Canada&gl=us&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=50.7557,-113.975054&panoid=kA9jxm-TXUpkDYcA5t5OEQ&cbp=12,193.77,,0,-0.93
BigMatt
Quote from: BigMattFromTexas on August 11, 2012, 06:59:43 PM
What about this sign I found outside Okotoks. I don't necessarily like it.. But that's my opinion.
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Okotoks+Town&ll=50.75583,-113.970945&spn=0.009299,0.022724&hnear=Okotoks,+Division+No.+6,+Alberta,+Canada&gl=us&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=50.7557,-113.975054&panoid=kA9jxm-TXUpkDYcA5t5OEQ&cbp=12,193.77,,0,-0.93
BigMatt
Oh, Canada. You so silly.