Pocono Talk

I passed by the Giant supermarket that is going in on 611 over the weekend and there are signs outside saying that it will open on November 4th.  The number of cars out front is deceiving though as almost the entire parking lot was filled – I assume with people stocking shelves.  It makes you wonder though if there will be enough parking when it does open.  Keep in mind there are stores going in right next to it and with holiday overflow…who knows.

One good thing that has come out of the old Crossroads restructure is 611 – it has gone from 2/3 lanes in parts to 5 lanes in some and has also been totally repaved.  The test of time will be over the holidays – and unfortunately none of the road changes will relieve the crowding that happens from the 80 exit just past Olive Garden down almost into town.  It is always PAINFULLY slow and crowded over the holidays.

There is also a Giant gas station going in as well – Weis has tried to make preparations over the summer, forcing everyone to get new swipe cards that you can use accumulated points to get discounted gas.  The only problem is that personally there is no Weis gas station within a 30 minute + period.  If I wanted to spend that much time driving to get a discount I’d just shop at the Giant down in WindGap.

So if you haven’t seen 611 in the past 2 years you’d probably be shocked with the changes…in a “down economy” new construction and new stores is a good thing so I’m not complaining.  What is a shame is that the Poconos as many people knew it is quickly fading…between the stores, construction and more trees and open land getting destroyed by the day it is getting less rural and more city by the day.

Well,  since I last posted the Sonic on 611 is up and running!  The shopping center (strip mall) next to it opened up over the summer as well.  It has a Verizon Wireless Kiosk Store, a puppy store, Moe’s Mexican Grill, Dunkin Donuts, Hair cutting place, and a Hibachi place.  Personally my 2 experiences with Sonic have not been that great, I’ve been told its what you order but for 2 adult meals and a kids meal that came to $35 I’d rather go to Olive Garden and do their $7 soup/salad lunch.

Across from Lowes is the newest construction going up on 611 – the much needed Giant – the produce in this area is HORRIBLE.  Here is to hoping that their fruits and vegetables have an edge on the competition, and honestly it wouldn’t take that much.  We personally will take the time to drive up or down(Carbondale or Easton) to Wegmans for their fresh produce.  I’d kill to get one in the area!  The majority of fruits/vegetables I get from local supermakets goes bad literally within a day or two of getting it.  Wegmans produce…lasts literally 10 times longer.  Even their bagged potatoes/apples are so far superior.  What is “odd” is some of the products are even made by the same manufacturers.

Anyway, so yes, a Giant Supermarket is going in on 611 where the truck stop (Crossroads) use to be.  Also going in is a Red Lobster(not a seafood fan so I’m not too pumped), and what appears to be a variety of additional stores.  I’ll keep you updated.

Recently just about any food chain you can imagine has popped up into the Stroudsburg area of the Poconos – and now you can chalk up another one with a Sonic being planned to go in on Route 611 near the new Gamestop/Moe’s/Dunkin Donuts/Verizon Wireless plaza.