Beef Jerky — one of the five basic food groups

After five days of grey skies and cold temperatures, the Christmas-like scenery outside is getting a bit old and our thoughts are turning more and more to the Southwest. I have planned out the trip as far as Mission, Texas and in talking to a guy today about reservations, I decided not to ask him the temperature.  I knew from checking weather reports, that it was about fifty degrees higher than here.

As I planned the trip through Houston down to Rockport, I smiled as I thought of one of our favorite gas stops — Buc-ees in Wharton, Texas. Mary jots down some of their signs that line the highway as we approach — thus the title of this post.  Another one she noted was “‘Restrooms that make Mom smile.”

The store's bathrooms have nice accoutrements, such as spacious closets instead of tiny stalls and art on the inside walls, as well as state-of-the-art, motion-activated sinks, toilets and hand-dryers. And they are very clean. photo courtesy of Buc-ees.

The store’s bathrooms have nice accoutrements, such as spacious closets instead of tiny stalls and art on the inside walls, as well as state-of-the-art, motion-activated sinks, toilets and hand-dryers. And they are very clean. photo courtesy of Buc-ees.

Buc-ees does not provide services or parking for 18-wheelers so there is a more family-friendly feel to the large convenience stores. They sell everything from outdoor clothing, souvenirs, and all sorts of road gear but you don’t go there for an organic low cal lunch. I swear I gain a couple of pounds just walking in the door past the assortment of comfort food — Texas-style.  Here’s a section of their online recipe book as an example.

I'm glad that my cardiologist doesn't read my blog.

I’m glad that my cardiologist doesn’t read my blog.

Here are some of the neat signs that this great chain is known for.

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Gas stops can be quite depressing — but I must say that we always leave Buc-ees with a “what a place!” feeling. There are always people cleaning, walking around picking up trash, just paying attention to detail.  It’s a great success story in South Texas and safe enough if you sneak past the culinary temptations that abound.  (Caramel and butter-glazed corn puffs known as “Beaver Nuggets” is Buc-ee’s #1 branded product.)


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5 Responses to Beef Jerky — one of the five basic food groups

  1. Heather Campbell says:

    Hahaha, I will have to stop at one of these sometime. Have seen them but always thought, tourist trap. Safe travels…When will you be in Falcon?

  2. Dick Mansfield says:

    Not until mid-February. We are going to stay in Mission for a month so if you are in Falcon, we could run up for visit. Keep me posted on your journeys – you certainly are not missing much up here. Light rain and icy driveways again this morning.

    • Heather Campbell says:

      About not missing much… I know! I watch the weather every day. It’s why I left two days early, missed the first snowstorm by a hair.

      Visiting works. Where do you plan to go after Mission?

    • dickmansfield says:

      We are heading to Falcon for a week, then west to Seminole etc for some time in Patagonia during Texas spring break — then probably back toward the Hill country before trekking northward.

    • Heather Campbell says:

      Well, I may extend my Falcon stay, depends on lots of factors, not least the weather. We may cross paths yet.

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