Heather L.
Yelp
Umm so I will admit I thought absolutely everyone who had raved about this chain was nuts. It has such a cult like following I just couldnt understand, until my neighbors took me on a pilgrimage. I now have also joined the cult.
This, is not a truck stop, no trucks allowed. This is not a rest stop, no tables for eating. This is not JUST a gas station, although there are like 100 pumps (note their price is also cheaper than anyone). This my friend is a well run institution. First off, they pay their staff from bathroom cleaners to store managers incredibly well and they are so proud of this that there is a sign with salaries right out front. This might be the reason that any staff you encounter seem actually happy and friendly no matter how busy it is. They have the cleanest restrooms of anyone and also are proud of that. We went on a Sunday and the entire place was busy, but there were barely any lines for anything. Now I hate crowds and lines, but did not feel that annoyance here. Perhaps its because the place is just so damn big.
Ok so theres lots of food. I tried the chopped brisket and basically inhaled it, which they make right infront of you and yell/sing when theyre putting out a fresh batch. There is also fresh pub chips but those werent my thing. There are fountains of drinks and coffees and mixins as far as the eye could see. I got some of their cream soda, which was just ok. Everyone told me I needed to try the jerky, which im not usually into, but the Garlic one was awesome. Im also now addicted to the bags of White cheddar Bucees nuggees, and you could kidnap me with a trail of the Beaver nuggets... which are like a puff corn covered in sweet mapley goodness. They also have all the crap youd find at a convenience store, rubs, sauces, coffee for home etc.
OK so they have a ton of merch. One section of the store has all their branded stuff, shirts, pool floats, dog toys, you name it they have it and most prices are reasonable. There is also a gift shop like section with lots of nicer things. They do have a few camping and outdoor essentials you might need as well. Oh and btw their bags of ice are CRAZY cheap.
Before you leave make sure to get an obligatory photo with at minimum the Statue, but bonus points for the costumed character Beaver, and or the giant inflatable (which you can also buy).