In recent years, a wide array of businesses have opened on Pennsylvania Route 764. Many of these are family owned “mom and pop” shops. rather than shelling out money to a corporation, one can support the American Dream and allow a small business to succeed. I decided to try some of these businesses for myself to see why these businesses are doing so well. 

My first stop was Alto Markets. I decided first to try their macaroni salad. I can state with confidence that it was among the best macaroni salad recipes I’ve ever tried. 

Its simplicity is its greatest strength, not consisting of too many ingredients that clash with one another. I also tried their homemade stuffed shells which were also very well made. 

Alto Markets also has a wide selection of other products including homemade pastas. Their products are fresh and of high quality. It’s a great choice for family dinner night. They also serve their products in their new neighboring location, Forno Alto. Forno Alto is, rather than a market setting, a sit down restaurant with some different selections than their store. 

After trying Alto Markets, I decided to make a stop in to the new 764 Creamery. What was convenient about this location is they have a walk up window as well as an indoor seating area. This creamery has a special item on their menu that sets them apart from other ice cream parlors in the area: Perry’s ice cream.

Perry’s ice cream is not served anywhere else in Blair County and for 764 Creamery to bring it to the area is special. This is what made me fall in love with the parlor. The 764 Creamery is now my go-to ice cream spot. I particularly loved the banana cream pie ice cream. The banana flavor mixed with the marshmallows inside meets the taste buds so well, creating a wonderful fruity flavor.

Right across the street from the Creamery is the new Hard Bean Coffee Shop. I ordered the London Fog, which consisted of Earl Grey tea with lavender, milk and honey. It was a very well put together cup of tea and was up to par. 

After a day or so, I ended up going back to the Hard Bean to try other menu items. This time around, I ordered a peach pear apricot smoothie paired with a breakfast sandwich. The smoothie had a great taste and texture, a combination that doesn’t often occur in smoothies, especially from coffee shops. I can’t say as much for the breakfast sandwich. It didn’t particularly stand out to me but was still able to be eaten. The Hard Bean’s strong suit is most definitely their drink menu. 

 I ended my flavorful journey with Mrs. Grove’s Bakery. My favorite part about this location was that they, like Alto Markets, use original recipes and have been since 1934. It was started by a teacher at the former Roosevelt Junior HIgh School, Mrs. Jane Smith. This by far makes them the oldest operating business. Even with changes in ownership over the years, Mrs. Grove’s still uses the same recipes. 

This bakery did not disappoint, and it is apparent why they have remained in business so long. I first tried one of their cinnamon rolls which is their self-proclaimed specialty. It was delectable. I have never had such an amazing cinnamon roll. I heated mine up in my microwave to make sure it was warm and gooey which only added to the delight. Everything from the dough to the frosting was perfect.

I also decided to order a cream cheese and fruit claw. I ordered the strawberry flavored claw. It wasn’t even comparable to their cinnamon roll but was still delicious either way. It was not overwhelmingly sweet. I believe in part due to the natural acidity of the fruit taking away from that which I found to be pleasing.

The businesses of Route 764 demonstrate excellent crafting of drinks, food and sweet treats. They answer for themselves the question of why the business on this particular stretch of road continues to grow and flourish.

I will continue to regularly visit these amazing stores in years to come. Readers who have not tried these wonderful locations should absolutely make an effort to do so, if not to support small businesses, then to not miss out on amazing food and beverages.