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AUBURN, Ala. — After driving across this country – from Alabama to Ohio, from Georgia to Arizona, and several times through Texas – somehow, I’ve missed out on something huge.
I’ve never been to a Buc-ee’s, at least not until this week.
Since a brand-spankin’ new one opened last week in Auburn, Alabama, my family and I took a road trip to the place. I really wanted to see what all the fuss was about.
For those who were unenlightened like me, yes, Buc-ee’s is a ginormous gas station. This one in Auburn has 120 pumps. But what really makes it a travel center is being a 24/7 endless source of freshly made food, walls full of drinks and snacks, and a wide variety of home knick-knacks.
“It’s like a mini Walmart,” said my wife, Lynn, a longtime Buc-ee’s fan. “You can go there and get whatever you want. They even have grills there … It really is an eye-opener and a wakeup for all those weary travelers coming through.”
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Here’s what I learned from my Buc-ee’s journey:
1. Buc-ee’s is a carnivore’s delight
You’ve heard Arby’s “We Have The Meats” slogan before, right? Well, it ought to belong to Buc-ee’s. They have walls in this huge, 53,470-square-foot building dedicated to packaged jerky. They’ve also got a long meat counter with almost any jerky flavor imaginable just sitting there, waiting for someone like me to come along.
Add onto that the brisket and barbecue chopping “Texas Round-Up” showcase and sandwich pickup place that’s as much theater as deliciousness, and you’ve got a fan in me.
“Their sandwiches are absolutely delicious,” Lynn said. “You definitely have to try one of their barbecue sandwiches. It’s really amazing to watch them make them.”
2. Fudge!
That’s the only word required for the sweetness being offered in another circle opposite the meat frenzy. Buc-ee’s has all kinds of fudge. For the sake of journalistic integrity, I felt obligated to sample and review a few: red velvet, key lime, salted caramel, blueberry cheesecake, cookies and cream, and chocolate caramel pecan.
Watch the video at montgomeryadvertiser.com to see the full tasting, but I’ve got to say the blueberry cheesecake was my favorite.
Lynn’s favorite was the “ooey gooey” salted caramel fudge.
“They have a sampler box, which is amazing,” Lynn said. “But if you don’t want to try everything in the sampler, you can buy four and get two free.”
They have other freshly made sweet treats like kolaches, pastries and pecans.
3. Beaver Nuggets
No, that’s not another of Buc-ee’s many meats. Beaver Nuggets are a simple, sweet treat you’ll crave once you try them. They’re puffy corn nuggets with a crunchy brown sugar caramel coating. Eat one, and moments later, you’ll realize you’ve consumed the whole bag.
Don’t know if that’s a daily thing, but Buc-ee’s was offering samples of their amazing snack brand that day. As I made my rounds around the store, I may have gotten a few samples along the way.
4. This is a massive operation
A few days into their jobs, the Buc-ee’s staff I saw was busy but smiling. I really appreciated the attitudes they were giving off as they went from station to station, making sure everything was stocked.
Heck, one of them even stopped long enough to say I looked great while I was taking a few selfies around the store.
5. Beaver fever
Disney may have its mouse, but Buc-ee’s has a beaver.
The store resembles a huge gift shop at a major amusement park. No, there aren’t any rides at Buc-ee’s, but they have a beaver mascot whose face is on almost everything. There are beaver dolls, beaver clothing, and this critter’s face is on most of their food products.
“The beaver is so adorable,” Lynn said.
They’ve got a beaver statue at one end, and an inflatable one on the other, just waiting for you to take a selfie with it. I know I did.
6. Keep those feet moving
One thing some might be surprised about, since there’s so much food at Buc-ee’s, is that the place doesn’t come with a dining area. From what I understand, that was intentional in the design. There is no seating.
Tour around the place and look at all the things it has to offer. But when you’re ready to eat, get your food, pay for it at checkout and return to your vehicles.
7. This will be a stop for many Montgomery travelers
Without a doubt, I see this Buc-ee’s becoming a regular pit stop for the area’s many Auburn fans as they make their way east for football and such – plus the local folks who regularly travel I-85 to and from Atlanta.
Stan Beard, Buc-ee’s director of real estate, agrees. “The home of the Tigers is ideally located along I-85, making it the perfect stop for travelers headed to Georgia or down to the Alabama Gulf Coast,” Beard said in a release. “We can’t wait to become even more involved in this beautiful community.”
Heck, even if Buc-ee’s didn’t have this massive amount of amenities on-site, they’re known for having award-winning “world’s cleanest bathrooms.” Given the state of some restrooms out there, Id stop at Buc-ee’s just for that.
Summing it up
On a scale of one to 10, Lynn and I would give the Auburn Buc-ee’s a pretty solid 10 on the good experience rating for this visit. They’ve got virtually everything you could need and ever hope to find on a road trip – though I’d still love a place to sit down in there.
“It’s a convenience store,”Lynn said. “Most convenience stores don’t have a place for you to sit, so I completely understand.”
Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com
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