Buc-ee’s is the best pit stop. Period. End of story.
When you’re on a road trip and you want tons of gas pumps, clean bathrooms, and a huge selection of food (including hot, delicious food), it’s Buc-ee’s.
But there are only a few dozen of them, the majority in Texas.
Here are the seven to hit up when you’re not blessed with a Buc-ee’s on your route.
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Locations: Out of Baltimore, almost 300 stores in seven nearby states, as far south as North Carolina.
The case: Royal Farms has hints of a country store and is known for its fried chicken. A comforting stop to relax and get some good food on your journey.
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Locations: Over 400 locations but only in upstate New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire.
The case: A charming stop known for its ice cream with locally-flavored names (it actually started as just an ice cream shop).
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Locations: Maverik bought Kum & Go in 2023 and is eventually rebranding all Kum & Go stores to Maverik. Combined, that’s over 800 locations in the West and Midwest.
The case: Both Maverik and Kum & Go are worthy alternatives when a Buc-ee’s isn’t around with good-size stores off of highways. Bonus points for Maverik’s BonFire burritos.
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Locations: Over 1,000 locations expanding from its Philadelphia-area roots throughout the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.
The case: Wawa is beloved for its hoagies (you may call them subs) and other prepared foods. I personally love the bottled iced teas and lemonades.
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Locations: Over 750 locations in the Mid-Atlantic into the Midwest.
The case: While not as huge as a Buc-ee’s, when you go to a Sheetz, you’re pretty confident you’ll see plenty of pumps and sizeable, generally clean bathrooms. Add to that solid sandwiches and a customizable coffee bar, and Sheetz is a go-to stop for many a family.
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Locations: This gets confusing…NOT the Oklahoma-based QuikTrip (QT). This is the Wisconsin-based Kwik Trip (Kwik Star in places there’s a QuikTrip). It’s got close to 900 locations in the Midwest.
The case: What sets Kwik Trip apart is that it’s truly a small grocery store in addition to a gas station. It’s got stuff like onions and potatoes to go along with their own bakery, dairy, and kitchens. Plus clean toilets!
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Locations: Over 600 locations across the continental US. Most are the larger “Travel Stop” format.
The case: Buc-ee’s is amazing largely because of its sheer size and variety. A true destination. Love’s truck stops are the closest you’re going to get to rival that. Depending on the location, you might find a co-located restaurant like Arby’s or Burger King, Tesla charging stations, a laundry facility, a dog park, video games, or even a pet wash station (2 locations).
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• For fun lists, healthy living tips, and bar conversation topics, make sure to follow The Coconut Mama. Click here to access The Coconut Mama’s profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!
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