Travel

A road trip across Texas isn’t complete without a stop at Buc-ee’s

ⓘThis article was published on September 16, 2019 and could contain information that has since changed or become out-of-date.
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Buc-ee’s in Temple, Texas.

Everything about Texas is big. The state. The food. The hearts of its residents. The drive. Driving across the Lone Star State isn’t complete without a stop at Buc-ee’s, a chain of gas stations with convenience stores, whose mascot is a beaver wearing a red hat.

In true Texas fashion, Buc-ee’s is massive. The number of gas pumps offered ranges from as few as eight to 120 and above, with gasoline and diesel. There’s no waiting to fill up the tank at Buc-ee’s, but the real treat is inside. Open 24/7, these convenience stores put everyone else to shame in every category imaginable. Buc-ee’s shuns the stereotype of dirty gas station bathrooms; these are clean, comfortable and stocked. If caught between cleaning, stalls have foaming seat sanitizer dispenser (not that you’ll ever need to use it).

A table overflowing with Buc-ee’s beaver merchandise.

One of Buc-ee’s claim to fame is their beaver nuggets, caramel-covered puffed corn, but they serve much more than just sugary snacks. From the standard jerky and candy bars, there’s also fresh fruit served in cups, drink fountains, and hot meals with grab-and-go tacos and burritos for breakfast to brisket and sausage sandwiches in the afternoon. Orders for fresh baked pastries and other items, including kolaches, are placed from kiosks near the kitchen. Doesn’t matter the time of day.

But there’s more than food and drink offered at Buc-ee’s, some of it necessary for a camping trip or a ride down the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels. There’s barbecues, folding chairs, coolers, hunting equipment, household goods, clothing and souvenirs, not limited to various sized beaver plushes.

Inside Buc-ee’s in Temple, Texas.

Buc-ee’s has locations mostly in the centre of Texas, around Dallas-Fort Worth and out east in the Houston-Gulf area. There are plans for expansion, and the beaver invasion has started, with a location in Robertsdale, Alabama of all places (and one I’ve stopped at).

So if you ever need to take a break and fuel up (both the car and yourself), look for the giant beaver sign. Buc-ee’s has you covered.

 

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