We drove past this billboard on the way to the Timeline Arcade yesterday. At first glance, it looked like an advertisement for an Exxon gas station. I figured that it probably closed years ago and the billboard was rented out by other companies who put a vinyl sign or something on top of the original sign. There's no paying client for this ad space at the moment, so rather than paint over the sign, whoever owns it decided to rearrange the wooden beams to obscure the message until someone else rents the sign and covers it up.
It piqued my interest, so I thought I'd try to put it back together like a puzzle to see what it originally said.
As it turns out, the billboard is for the Mountain Gate Family Restaurant, which is either 33 or 38 minutes ahead in Thurmont, MD. It was open 24 hours a day, has parking for buses and trucks, and is adjacent to an Exxon station.
Based on the age and condition of the sign, I had assumed that the place must have closed years ago, but that's not the case. They're still going strong, and are active on both Facebook and Twitter.
The restaurant is located on 133 Frederick Road in Thurmont, MD. According to their website, the restaurant has been owned and operated by the McCleaf family for over 30 years, and is renowned for their delicious homemade cooking, fresh baked goods, catering, and unique gift shop. All of this sounds right up my alley. If I'm ever in Maryland, I'll have to check 'em out.
The restaurant is located on 133 Frederick Road in Thurmont, MD. According to their website, the restaurant has been owned and operated by the McCleaf family for over 30 years, and is renowned for their delicious homemade cooking, fresh baked goods, catering, and unique gift shop. All of this sounds right up my alley. If I'm ever in Maryland, I'll have to check 'em out.
