rest stops or service stops (Binghamton, Elmira: construction, restaurant, to eat)

[ironhorse2]

I need some help with service stops or rest stops.
we want to stop somewhere between Elmira and Binghamton along the 390 for a break before heading to Allentown is there somewhere that we can stop we do not want to drive to far off the highway.
does anyone have any suggestions??

[Wells5]

Note: I390 turns into I86 and NYS 17. Are you looking to eat or just answer the call of nature? If you can do with a bite, the Blue Dolphin is a very popular Greek owned diner in Appalachin right off of 17.
Where are you coming from? If from north of Corning, I'd avoid the construction in Binghamton and take Rt. 15 south to I180 to I80 east until you hit the turnpike. 4 lanes all the way to Allentown. The PA Welcome Center on 15 about 7 miles south of the NYS border has excellent restroom facilities and spectacular views.

[ironhorse2]

Thank you for your help I am coming North from corning I am also travelling on a Sunday so I am not sure what kind of traffic I will find going from Elmira to Binghampton.
we are stopping for a washroom break however if there is anything to eat around us that will be great also as we are travelling 9 hours and are hoping to stop every 3 hours.

[exploringoptions]

Agree about the Blue Dolphin.

If you want a true "rest stop," as in one labeled as such and not necessitating an exit from the highway, there is only one - about 20 miles east of Elmira, 30 miles west of Binghamton, between exits 61 and 62. I've never stopped there, so I don't know anything specific about it, but I assume it is pretty standard as NYS rest stops go. There won't be any services other than a restroom and a vending machine or 2, since I-86/17 isn't a toll road.

[hilltopgirl]

The Blue Dolphin is an excellent rest/eating place. You can see it from the road, (big dolphin on the roof :-) but the exit isn't 'right there'. I cannot remember which exit number it is to get off and back-track to the restaurant just a mile or less. I just know it's not pull off/get right back on direct. A little further down the line toward Allentown there is a Denny's right off of 81. exit 219 it is a direct on and off.