Foot Long Hot Dogs, Burgers, Homemade Cider and Plenty of Side Attractions at Restaurant on Route 50
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on October 31, 2019 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
For those visiting Bridgeport who have already sampled the city's fare or those who are residents of the city and beyond looking for a trip for a new of different culinary experience, here's a recent edition of WDTV's Tasty Tuesday segment. This restaurant is decades old, requires a little bit of road trip but is worth it - particularly in the fall - and it's a straight shot from Bridgeport on U.S. Route 50 east.
FROM WDTV
You won't find too many pitstops on a road trip that will keep you there for hours.
But Cool Springs Park in Rowlesburg is more than a pitstop. It's a destination.
After winding through the mountains on Route 50 in Preston Couty, you'll come across the family-owned-and-operated restaurant, general store, and park that's been here for 70 years.
Edward Harlan Castle opened Cool Springs Park in 1949.
His mission here was simple.
"He wanted everybody to come here and be able to enjoy everything," said his grandaughter Saleena Sharp. "So, he made sure we have a little bit of everything. You don't have to go anywhere else. You and your family can come here. What drove my nanny and grandpap still inspires all of us kids."
Their motto, after all, is "We have it, can get it, or it isn't made."
Castle passed away in October 2018 at age 92, but his family keeps his tradition alive.
All four generations of the family - from his wife Mary, 88, to the newest generation of the family, who is just a year and a half old.
Sharp first came to Cool Springs Park when she was five days old. She's among the dozens of family members who have stuck with the family business.
"We try to stay very involved with our customers," Sharp said. "Not just for business, but because we literally do care."
As for the outside, you'll find dozens of antique tractors and trains, all collected by Castle over the last several decades. Kids are free to explore the trains and pretend to drive the tractors.
You'll also spot a variety of animals including the family dog, donkeys and an alpaca named Sparky.
Don't forget the albino peacock or turkey, who roam amongst other animals you'll come across.
"They're like our family pets, but people claim them as their own," Sharp said.
Click HERE for the rest of the report.
Editor's Note: Photo of burger and fresh corn, which can be purchased there, are screen shots from WDTV's segment.
