South Mountain Westbound Welcome Center — Attraction in Boonsboro

Honestly, what were they thinking? This rest stop contains many examples of “one step” thinking. The best of intentions, no consideration for consequences. For example: #1 waterless urinals. Great idea! Saves water, right? What could possibly go wrong!? The men’s room lacks adequate ventilation or air circulation, so the stench is pretty bad! #2 Sandstone pavers. They’re beautiful and natural. What could possibly go wrong!? They don’t stand up well to the elements. Dozens are pitted and chipping and will need to be replaced, at significant expense. Other materials cost less and have a much longer life. #3 Welcome center. Presents travelers with both historical, and useful travel information. What could possibly go wrong? It’s only open 9-5 Wed-Sun. As of this writing, it’s 11am on a Sunday, and it’s locked up. That makes it a giant waste of taxpayer money #4 wooden Benches to sit up and enjoy a view of the green space. Great idea. What could possibly go wrong!? These benches are constructed from untreated dimensional construction lumber. They’re all rotting and will need to be rebuilt or replaced at significant expense. Again, there are better materials that last much longer, which also have minimal environmental impact. #5 Mulched “flower beds”. Beautification. Great idea! What could possibly go wrong?! No maintenance. Weeds everywhere. What’s the point of mulching if it’s not being maintained. They’re better off letting the grass grow and not spending the money in the first place. #6 No paper towels in the restroom. Cuts down on paper usage. Good for the environment, right?! Great idea! What could possibly go wrong!? Some of us prefer to dry our hands somewhere other than our pants. The air dryers are about as useful as a surgeon to a Christian scientist. #7 Public water fountains/drinking fountains turned off. This needs no explanation. #8 Outdoor info display for adventure seekers. Tell travelers of the exciting things to see in Maryland’s Appalachian region. Great idea! What could possibly go wrong!? Poorly printed using the wrong inks, the wrong backing, and placed in direct sunlight, the displays are deteriorating and need replacing. The text is still legible, but the photographs are unintelligible. They should have been placed in the shade, out of direct sunlight and covered to protect from the elements. I’m sorry Maryland DOT, but you missed the mark...

This side isn't nearly as comfortable as the Eastbound side but I have no clue as to why, I just feel extremely uneasy and sketched out when I'm here. I've only been there super late at night and it's pretty dark, not at all well lit, so perhaps that's why. Everytime I'm there I always feel like I'm going to be the victim on an ID Channel show in the near future. Creepy . Aside from that.... Very clean, has a nice park area, a few picnic tables, and nice big bathrooms. My only complaint is that they seem to have wasted a Lot of space that could've been used better. Every time I go there, there's big rigs parked along both sides of the entire entrance lane (several hundred yards) as well as the exit lane, meanwhile there's an abundance of seemingly usable space that could've been used as extra spots for them . I'd recommend this as a good place to stop during daylight hours, and when you're with others.... But 2 am when you're alone? Go to the next exit past this and turn left, you'll be at Sheetz in 2 minutes and can use...

One of the best rest stops I've ever been to. Tons of shaded parking. The bathrooms were spacious and very clean. Additionally the men's and women's bathrooms were on opposite corners of the same building which might be a small detail but the attention to safety was greatly appreciated. There were even park benches under some tree shade which was welcome. They also have some snack and drink vending machines, but at quite a markup.

The outdoor displays have been weathered quite a bit to the point that I don't know what they said originally.

This also has a lot of space for commercial trucking so don't be surprised if you see a...