Summer road trips are underway and, with Texas being where it is – smack in between both coasts – it’s a good bet many visiting cars, vans and RVs will be gracing its interstates. If you happen to be one of them, you’ll have to stop for gas eventually (this isn’t a state you’ll pass through on one tank of gas), I suggest you stop at one of my favorite gas stations – Buc-ee’s. It’s not like you’re really going to be able to avoid it anyway. If your kids have eyes, they won’t miss the bright billboards with the irresistible smiling beaver and words like “fudge” on them. And, sure, spiking kids up with sugar while restricted to the space limitations of a vehicle on a cross country trip is nobody’s idea of fun. But, truthfully, this stop may be more about you than about them.
I often describe Buc-ee’s as the theme park of gas stations, partly because of how large they tend to be but mostly because there’s something for everyone, and everyone leaves happy. The kids will, because what kid doesn’t love a mascot with a big toothy grin? And you will, because you appreciate a place that knows that being on the road doesn’t have to mean compromising comfort or health. First, consider the bathroom situation. Let’s just say if I know I will be passing a Buc-ee’s and it’s that time, I’ll just hold it. This place has numerous private stalls (up to a couple dozen sometimes) with a dedicated attendant.
 
Next, let’s talk nutrition. Not food, nutrition. You can rarely find that at a gas station. While you will find the standard chips, sodas and candy bars, you will be pleased to find a deli with items like single-serve cheeses, veggie sticks, cold salads and fruits, and another section with a large variety of granolas and trail mixes. And just try to avoid the pastry cases filled with goodies like the local favorite, the fruit-filled kolache. Some stores are equipped with personal POS systems where you can just walk up, input your order for something like a carne guisada taco, then browse the store while you wait. My personal favorite is the coffee/tea bar where beverages are brewed to order. So no funky tasting iced tea that’s sat around a little too long.

Additionally, Buc-ee’s has Texas-made jams, spreads and other delicacies as well as a plethora of Lone Star souvenirs and novelty items. Need a cowboy hat, coat hook or throw pillow? You can probably find it here. You can almost always find free samples of the offerings, and there may even be a life-size Buc-ee to take a picture with. Yeah, he’s kind of a big deal. Chances are someone in your family will want to leave with one of his souvenir T-shirts or caps. The sure thing is, everyone will leave feeling like they experienced something.

I realize, of course, that gas stations are everywhere, and we all know of that burger place that lets you visit just to use their restrooms. So you may be saying to yourself, really? All this for a gas station? Well, all I know is that I always stop, I always tell other people to stop and it seems that more than a few of us have taken notice. (View video clip)

So pass it up if you dare. But if you don’t, prepare to stay awhile. I always stop in thinking I will just use the restrooms, load up on some white cheddar popcorn and get something to drink. Who am I kidding? I usually spend half an hour in there just browsing and marveling. I don’t usually have much of a wait for anything, but they get very busy on weekends, holidays and, of course, during the summer. The nice thing is, there are several registers and usually more than one entrance. Buc-ee’s understands you have somewhere to go. When it’s available, I always park on the side and use those registers; a lot of people overlook them for some reason.

Buc-ee’s has several locations but, alas, they are centered in Southeast Texas and may vary some. You are bound to see one or more between San Antonio and Beaumont, Dallas and Galveston, and around the Houston area. If you are not going those ways, well, you won’t know what you’re missing. If you are, maybe I’ll see you there!.