If you have travelled in Texas around Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, or San Antonio, then you’ve seen Buc-ee’s. You can’t miss the billboard on the highways about 70 miles from the various locations telling you to just hold it. Trust me, try to hold it. Also, pay attention to their billboards, they usually have some pretty good humor to help pass the time. The Buc-ee’s beaver is featured prominently in all of their advertising. As of September 2020, there are around 40 Buc-ee’s to visit. All are in Texas except for one in Alabama. They seem to have expansion plans for Georgia and Florida as well. Buc-ee’s business model does not put them in metropolitan cities. Instead, you will find them like you would a truck stop along the various highways away from major population. Except under no circumstances will you ever see a semi-truck at one (unless it’s delivering fuel). Eighteen wheelers are not welcome. This stop is for automobiles, SUV’s, pickups and RVs. And oh what a stop it is!
Buc-ee’s website describes them as a fuel and travel center. I personally think it is an understatement. The restrooms are always the cleanest of any around and there are plenty of stalls always available. Additionally, they are consistently voted the best/cleanest restrooms for convenience stores.
There are a gazillion (about 100) fuel dispensers, selling the traditional regular/premium/diesel. Additionally, at some locations they sell DEF and ethanol-free fuel for boats and other small engine machines. For the friends who complain about how bad their boats and side by sides run on the ethanol additive fuel, they have options on the way to their lake or hunting weekends.
If you forget your camp chairs, deer corn, coolers, firepits or even grills, just stop at Buc-ee’s. In some stores, they’ve got anything you might need for fishing as well. Your outdoor needs will be covered here.
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Yummy Hatch Chile Pulled Pork Burrito
Inside, this is an extremely large convenience store with the added bonus of an extensive ready-to-order menu for many other types of food . They sell my Dad’s favorite barbeque beef brisket sandwich, my sister’s favorite Hatch green chili pulled pork burrito, the hub’s favorite breakfast taco’s (it’s really a burrito I think), Beaver Chips (fresh fried potato chips) and a ridiculous variety of homemade fudge.
There is plenty of awesome prepackaged stuff to try as well: a huge wall of Buc-ee’s beef jerky in various flavors, scattered around the store everywhere – Beaver Nuggets (a mapley crunchy snack, think texture of Cheetos Puffs but way better), to-die-for banana pudding, and last but not least a whole wall of various kinds of trail mix type packages. Their beverage center covers about ½ of the back of the store and you can get anything you want there. You will also find lots of choices if you are looking for traditional chips, candy, and canned beverages.
Now let’s talk this girl’s favorite part of the store. The great shopping area for all things unique and special. Sure, there is a whole section of the store dedicated to T-shirts, bathing suits, towels, etc in honor of “The Beaver”. But I’m talking about the other part of the store dedicated to more local type items. The selection varies by store so if you see something you like, don’t think “I’ll get it when I stop at the next one”. It may not be there. Cookbooks, cute wine glasses, kitchen boas, purses, pictures, signs, cast iron cookware, wood cutting boards…all kinds of cool things to look at and buy. I admit I’ve bought several gifts for friends and family just because they are so unique. I might even have bought a few gifts for me. ?
Outside, they have great spots for your dog’s break too…just clean up after your furry friends. Something else to think about, they do not have places inside to sit down and eat…most don’t have tables outside to eat either. This is a eat-in-your-car kind of place. Remember this is a travel stop with food not a restaurant. All in all, this is a stop worth making and I don’t think we’ve ever been able to just drive by one. We always find a reason to stop. At my age, I can always use a restroom break for sure. (wink-wink)
