10 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Travel Plazas, Visitor Centers & Rest Areas!

Hello Friends!

Can you believe it is September already? Fall will be here soon–great camping and travel weather! I just got back from Texas and discovered some super cool places in OK and AR as well. Will tell you more about that later, but right now I wanna talk to you about getting the most out of our interstate travel plazas, visitor centers and rest areas.

Stuckey’s–an American roadside tradition since the 1930’s–famous for their pecan log rolls

The US is dotted with tons of these great travel assets. However, most people just stop at these facilities to use the restroom, get fuel, walk the dog, stretch their legs, etc. Of course these are all great reasons to stop, but don’t overlook other amenities. Pay attention, talk to employees, and take advantage of everything these places have to offer. For example:

This visitor center in Texarkana, TX is like a library!

1. Discounted Tickets–Always check with the interstate visitor centers for discounted tickets to attractions, tours, special events, etc. Not only do they offer tons of FREE brochures, but the larger centers offer discounted tickets–as well as great money saving tips.

Money saving tip from visitor center attendant on best Graceland tour

This visitor center even has a separate section on camping info!

Recently, I got the inside scoop from an attendant at a visitor center near Memphis on which Graceland tour was the best bang for the buck–and why!

2. Food–Not just snacks, but full meals are offered at travel plazas. Some of the best homemade grub, country cooking and local cuisine can be found as well as hot and cold case deli items. Remember, these places cater to truckers and truckers want real food! RVers and us “general gypsies” can take advantage of this too. I love the fresh fruit and multiple choice coffee brews offered at truck stops/travel centers.

Fresh fruit at Love’s–pineapple is my fave!

3. Souvenirs–Don’t overlook the truck stops, travel plazas and visitor centers for souvenirs. Their prices will ALWAYS beat the gift shops at the big parks and attractions. Even some smaller convenience stores/gas stations offer a great selection of very affordable merchandise. I hit the jackpot at a small Native American owned Shell station just outside of the Grand Canyon National Park back in March. My purchases would’ve cost me triple if I had bought them at the park gift shop! Not only are you saving money, but you are supporting a small business and the local economy if it’s an independent establishment.

4. Inside Information–Be sure to talk to the employees at rest areas, travel plazas and visitor centers. These people are local residents and have inside knowledge on everything in the area from the best places to eat to garages if you need a mechanic, places with the best service and lowest prices, local history, best places to shop, what the must see and do’s are, what to avoid and much more! I was told by a visitor center attendant in Texas about a restaurant a couple exits up off the interstate that had the most amazing spinach & artichoke dip and quesadillas ever!

Great group at Memphis/Shelby Co. Visitor Center, Arlington, TN

5. Free Overnight Parking–Large franchise travel centers such as Loves, Pilot, TA, Flying J, etc., as well as independents have large parking lots for big trucks–but also welcome RVs campers, and vans. However, please remember the truckers come first! By law they are only allowed to drive a certain number of hours before they have to park and sleep. Always be courteous and do not take the tractor-trailer parking spaces! Park in an area away from them and do not take up extra room by putting out your slides. This is NOT a campground–

DO NOT SET UP CAMP! This awesome amenity is to be used for overnight parking only, please use it as such.

6. Showers & Laundry–are other great services at travel plazas/truck stops. The ones I have used were very clean. Showers usually cost around $10 more or less, depending on which one you’re at. Some travel centers offer laundry rooms with standard coin operated machines just like a regular laundry mat. You can Google which travel centers have laundries and showers so you will know before you stop.

101 Travel Plaza, Cedar Grove, TN offers a buffet and steaks!

7. Support Local Communities–Many times rest areas, travel plazas and/or visitor centers will be working with local communities as well as national charities. You may see art displayed, school or other fundraisers, event flyers, etc. For example, Love’s Travel Centers are raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the US.

I love LOVE’S!

They are currently conducting the ‘Miles of Miracles’ fundraising campaign through September 30th. Just recently, I was in the Dickson, TN Love’s where they were holding a bake sale. I purchased some fresh peanut butter cookies that were awesome and I left there feeling good; knowing my money went toward a great cause (although I didn’t feel so good about my diet!) A little later I was at the Love’s in Hazen, AR, where an employee proudly told me about the program and how happy they were to be a part of it. If you would like to donate to this great cause click this link: https://childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/donate/

Get a history lesson on the area by checking out signs and plaques

Lots of cool photo props at this cool Texas visitor center–and great attendants!

8. Freebies–Some rest areas offer free coffee during morning hours. Other freebies can include enjoying a peaceful setting or a walking trail. You can also learn about the history of the area; as many places have a plaque documenting what took place there. Be sure to look for cool signs for great photo ops too! Perhaps the best freebie at rest areas are overnight parking spots. Although some places do not allow it, most do. Some will allow you to park for a certain number of hours. Whatever the case, it will be posted so just check for signs. Although it is not an official DOT website, a great tool to use is http://interstaterestareas.com to check the rest area rules state by state. If you need more information, contact the state’s DOT Department.

Many rest areas allow overnight parking

9. Memberships–Most of the big franchise truck/travel plazas have rewards/loyalties programs where you earn points with each purchase to use toward store merchandise, gas, food, etc. Some travel centers also honor other memberships such as AAA. I know Travel Centers of America (TA) and Petro do and so does Shell stations. Smaller establishments may also offer similar programs. Always ask before you check out!

Great photo op for classic country music fans!

10. Meet Other Travelers and talk to the employees. Conversations are often started at the coffee center, vending machine, checkout counter or brochure rack. I know everybody ain’t southern like me, but a simple “Where y’all from?” is always a good conversation starter. I’ve met so many people in places like this. Some become Facebook friends, acquaintances, or subscribers to my blog and/or followers to the Gal Gone Camping Facebook page. So, if you have a business, blog, or cause you want to promote, remember to mention it at these travel stops. I always hand out business cards and it works! On my latest journey I picked up several new Facebook followers and blog subscribers!

So on your next trip, when you stop to fuel up or ‘unload,’ notice what all these great interstate facilities really do have to offer. For a bit of nostalgia, be sure to visit the iconic locations–such as Stuckeys mentioned above. These ‘roadside attractions’ have been part of the American road experience for decades and are still my favorites!