Truck stops across America
Truck stops across America
This unplanned stop during a vacation trip does not sound unusual, but where it occurred was. This family found all amenities, activities, and attractions at a single location, the Iowa 80 truck stop.
Bob and Mary Wentworth, accompanied by their 12-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter, were on the second day of a family car vacation when trouble struck. Bob became distracted by a troubling toothache.
After he parked the car and entered a dentist’s office, his wife and children enjoyed more pleasant pursuits. Mary looked at the items in an embroidery shop, their son Billy entertained himself in a game room, and his sister Phyllis shopped for compact discs performed by her favorite singers.
The kids said they were hungry when Dad’s dental problem was solved. Perusing the choice of familiar fast-food restaurants in the food court, the family opted for the 300-seat family-owned restaurant and buffet. After filling their bellies, Bob filled the car’s gas tank, and the Wentworths were on their way.
Nothing about this unplanned stop during a car vacation trip sounds unusual, but where it occurred was. This family found all amenities, activities, and attractions at a single location, the Iowa 80 truck stop.
Truck stops aren’t just for truckers.
Truck fuel stations can offer a welcome alternative to traditional gas, or electric charging, locations as you travel by car for vacation or business. Because they cater primarily to long-haul rig drivers, many have facilities to make hours-long commutes as pleasant as possible. These add-ons also may appeal to those traveling by car.
As the self-proclaimed “World’s Largest Truck Stop,” Iowa 80 offers perhaps the greatest variety of options. Along with those referenced above, it’s also home to a barber shop, workout facility, movie theater, dog wash, and truck mini-museum.
Cars may visit this “classy” center.
At the Jubitz Travel Center in Portland, Oregon, which boasts to being the “World’s Classiest Truck Stop,” pet dogs may enjoy a shampoo, blow dry, and application of conditioners. Their owners might prefer a shower, lounging in the Jacuzzi, or repairing a damaged shoe. Adding to the mix is a lounge with live music, state-of-the-art cinema, and a club offering Lottery games.
Located along historic U.S. Route 66 in Glenrio, New Mexico, Russell’s Travel Center sports a diner, a throwback to that highway’s legendary past. It shares space with an antique car, a memorabilia museum, a dog park, gift, and vintage trinket shop.
Places to eat, play and pray
The scent of meat roasting over an open wood fire tempts some trekkers to turn to Trails Travel Center at Albert Lea, Minnesota. Skol Woodfire Grill is one of several eateries there. It adjoins a movie theater and chapel, where worshippers might give thanks for finding such an inviting spot for rest, relaxation, and restaurants.
A destination Indian restaurant attracts passers-by and locals to the Big Apple Travel Center in Joplin, Missouri. It’s open 24-7, featuring traditional naan and tandoori dishes and vegetarian selections.
Some truck stops are part of nationwide conglomerates, and the unusually named Pilot Flying J leads that pack, with over 750 travel centers in 44 states. Its unusual name relates to Osborne Jay Call, a flight buff who used his family’s experience owning a gas station and convenience stores to meld the two types of enterprise.
Its sites represent the country's third-largest franchiser of quick service restaurants and the biggest in the world for Subway diners. The company supports several charitable activities, from promoting career opportunities for women in the trucking industry to providing free meals to military service members and their families on Veterans Day.
Then there are places where truckers and car jockeys may seek a bit of R&R, greatly expanding the image of a typical motor vehicle service station. That describes Whiskey Pete’s Casino Truck Stop in Primm, Nevada.
Legend has it that when a gas station owner named Pete MacIntyre went broke during Prohibition (1920-1933), he resorted to bootlegging alcoholic beverages. The name of the truck stop-casino complex that opened on the site in 1977 recalls those heady days. Amenities include a full-service hotel, swimming pool, fitness center and four restaurants.
A taste of Mexico in South Carolina
Regarding a combination of campy and convenience, South of the Border gets a tip of the sombrero. Perched just below the North Carolina-South Carolina state line, it has been a landmark for over 70 years.
Along with Pedro’s Truck Stop, the faux-Mexican-style compound offers a motel, amusement park, mini-golf course, video arcade and a host of other features that appeal to all ages. A 100-foot-tall statue of the mascot Pedro invites passers-by to stop, and those who ride the glass elevator up the 200-plus-foot observation tower enjoy a birds-eye view of the expansive grounds.
Information about truck stops around the United States, including some that offer more than the name implies, is available on the North American Truck Stop Network (natsn.com) and an app available from truckerpath.com
Victor Block
After gallivanting throughout the United States and to more than 75 other countries worldwide and writing about what he sees, does, and learns, Victor Block retains the travel bug. He believes that travel is the best possible education and claims he still has much to learn. He loves to explore new destinations and cultures, and his stories about them have won many writing awards.
