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.

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.

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

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.)