Abandoned motel along Highway 301 in Maryland. I actually saw this two years ago on our drive through here to Williamsburg, Va. And believe me when I say it looks no different whatsoever.

Before it was bypassed this was a very important highway, lined with motels and gas stations every few miles. These businesses were largely family-owned non-franchise operations. They were also usually small-scale. So once the new highway was built(sans motels and gas stations) it took a lot of business away from these small enterprises. Many, like this one, didn't survive. But some found new markets by catering to attendees of local events like bass fishing tournaments. The more impressive art deco motels survive by selling the nostalgia of staying in an original 1950's hotel room. Others simply charge by the hour, and cater to a less savory crowd.