I have fond memories of Rt. 130 from Florence down to Camden (that’d be South Jersey for all of you geographically challenged folks). The short shot from Florence to the turn-off at Cramp’s Liquors was the end piece of the “over the river and through the woods” journey to Grandmother’s house on Thanksgiving Eve. Discount Harry’s used to loom over the northbound lane on the few trips down there to gorge myself on toys. Burlington Coat Factory and Kiddie City were both a short space apart in BCF’s namesake city. Hell, I saw Empire Strikes Back in the now defunct Willingboro Village Plaza even though I had to hit the bathroom just when Vader said, “Luke, I am your father.” Whaddaya wanna do! I was six for crying out loud!
Now all the towns along the corridor have decided it’s time to “brand” 130 as part of the revitalization effort. To those who know and love it I don’t think it needs branding. To everyone else, I don’t think it will do any good. Still, my fave so far is this:
“Route 130: Not as bad as you think.”
But it has some damn fine diners.