A Q&A with Santa, and Fleet Manager Mrs Claus, of North Pole Inc
Everyone needs to take a break during a long trip on the road. Truck stops and rest areas offer hard-working drivers a chance to relax, recharge, and even have some well-deserved fun. In between the small highway stops and fast food meals, check out some of these locations throughout the United States that help make the road seem a little more like home.
Jubitz- Portland, Oregon
Jubitz boasts of being “the world’s classiest truck stop.” It may well be. Besides a hotel, a full-service restaurant open 24-hours a day, and fuel and maintenance services, the complex offers a movie theater and a lounge with nightly entertainment.
Little America- Little America, Wyoming
Little America is a mini-chain full of plenty of stops for both truckers and travelers to enjoy throughout the country. The large complex in Wyoming includes a hotel, an eatery, a fuel center complete with private showers and a convenience store, and a repair shop with a mechanic on call.
North Forty Truck Stop- Holladay, Tennessee
In addition to the overnight parking, the Wi-Fi, and the showers, this stop also boasts laundry facilities, a barber, and even a massage practitioner. Plus, the restaurant serves some of the best fare around and has a reputation for excellent service. Next time you are there, check out their local specialties such as fried pies.
Speedway- Disputanta, Virginia
Speedway is one of the largest, most successful truck stop chains in the country. The Disputanta location features a trucker’s lounge, a restaurant, and space for over a hundred trucks parked overnight.
Pilot Travel Center- Bath, New York
As a chain travel center throughout the United States, Pilot Travel Center has become well-known for their convenience and abundance of locations. In Bath, New York, the center provides a variety of food choices, both hot and cold, with 70 parking spaces, fueling stations, showers, wireless internet, public laundry, and much more.
Whiskey Pete's- Primm, Nevada
It may not look like a traditional truck stop, but Whiskey Pete’s offers a place for truckers to rest and recharge near the state line of California and Nevada. On top of the truck stop, there are a plethora of casinos, hotels, outlet stores and even a roller coaster next to a 24-hour restaurant, business center and gas station.
South of the Border- Hamer, South Carolina
The self-proclaimed “home of America’s favorite highway oasis” is hardly a hidden gem. With its golf course, reptile lagoon and wedding chapel, this highway truck stop has become more of a roadside attraction that people visit from around the country. And be sure to check out the 200-foot Sombrero Observation Tower if you make the trek to this Southern landmark.
Morris Travel Center- Morris, Illinois
Open 24 hours a day, the famous R Place at Morris Travel Place is one of the top truck stop restaurants in the United States. Since it’s opening in 1967, R Place has evolved into a unique restaurant that offers an exquisite bakery, homemade pastries, and its Ethel Burger, a 4-pound masterpiece.
Sapp Bros- Sidney, Nebraska
The Sapp Bros truck stops pride themselves on superior customer service that extends far beyond what one would typically expect. And the bathrooms are the pinnacle of that service for any trucker. Each bathroom offers a granite countertop and is guaranteed to be clean. If for any reason it’s not, simply push the button in the bathroom and the staff is immediately notified to come assist you!
Iowa 80- Walcott, Iowa
Finally, it’s the Iowa 80: The World’s Largest Truck Stop. You’ll find everything here from a movie theater to a wonderful trucking museum. Truckers are sure to stop by here with all of the amazing services that are available. There is also a colossal store that features three tractor trailers inside and is covered in chrome accessories. Feel free to stock up on your favorite veggies as well with the restaurant’s legendary 50-foot long salad bar.
Have you visited any of these locations? Or maybe you have recommendations of your own. Share in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you!
*This article was originally written on 9/13/2013 by Michal Olszewski, and updated on 10/19/2015 by Sarah Barbod.