BLAKESLEE -- Demolition crews have cleared away much of what was left after a fire at the Blakeslee Inn and Restaurants in Monroe County. Many folks watched on Wednesday as the flames destroyed the landmark, but the property was still attracting attention a day later.
The Blakeslee Inn and Restaurants had security on site to keep onlookers off the property.
Meanwhile, nearby shops tried to get back to business as usual.
A small group gathered at the Blakeslee Inn and Restaurants on Route 940 to look over the debris and see what could be saved after massive flames broke out Wednesday.
Nearby Harmony Beverage was open after a roadblock Wednesday kept customers away.
"Watched it rain, did some cleaning, did a little restocking, did the best I could, answered phones and questions,” said Cathy Kresge of Harmony Beverage.
This is usually a big week for Harmony Beverage, with people stocking up for the big game.
“It is a busy week with the Super Bowl, and it did hurt our business, but very much so, we were sorry to see the Blakeslee Inn burn to the ground,” said Kresge.
This fireplace store right across from the inn had firefighters using their bathrooms on Wednesday. Now it’s back to business.
"We already had several people in today, a few phone calls saying, 'Are you open today?'” said Miner Hill of S & P Coombe Inc.
Now that the fire is out the stretch of Route 940 has become somewhat of a tourist attraction with cars pulling over left and right.
"The food, atmosphere, it was very nice we enjoyed it. We would come as a group. We were going to come for Valentine's Day,” said Linda Lalousis of Lake Harmony.
Many snapped photos saying they just had to see for themselves.
"I remember the Sportsmen. We watched a lot of football games there. It was a lot of fun. We were sorry to see it go,” said Sheila Does of Long Pond.
State police fire marshals have yet to determine what caused the fire that took away this piece of history.
Many are hoping the owners rebuild.
“Heartbreak, it shouldn't have happened,” said Lalousis.
The property is owned by Pocono Raceway. There is no word yet on what officials there plan to do.