Routes 5 and 20: An Authentic American Road

Once upon a time, U.S. Route 20 was the thoroughfare from Boston to Oregon. It was also a lifeline for New York state, traversing much of the Finger Lakes Region with US Route 5.

It began as a dirt trail for the Seneca Indians and was later used as a military supply route. Though its pulse began to fade with the advent of the Erie Canal and the more direct NYS Thruway, the route played an important role in the development of the communities along its path.

As early as the 1800's, Routes 5 and 20 was a major tourist route during the "good road movement" in New York state. It extended through the 1920's, when more horses gave way to motorcars. During this time, an abundance of attractions and businesses began to appear along the route, offering wayward tourists everything from ice cream to gas to amusement rides.

WROC News Channel 8 Highlights Routes 5 and 20

In its second of three segments featuring Routes 5 and 20, WROC News Channel 8's "On The Road" team recently visited the Holloway House Restaurant in East Bloomfield.

With live broadcasts from the historic restaurant airing on the five and six o'clock newscasts, "On the Road" highlighted several places of interest along the Routes 5 and 20 stretch from Geneva to Bloomfield. Starting in Geneva, where WROC's May 3rd coverage left off, places highlighted were: Red Jacket Orchards, Amberg Wine Cellars, The Vintage Tracks Museum, and the A.W.A. Communications Museum .

The series is next scheduled to explore Routes 5 and 20 from West Bloomfield to Darien Center. Stay tuned to WROC News 8 for more details and information.