Since we were already down in Harrisonburg for the JMU game, we figured—why not check a fun one off my bucket list? #13: Visit a Buc-ee’s. ✔️

For those unfamiliar, Buc-ee’s isn’t just a gas station—it’s a full-blown cultural experience. Founded in Texas back in 1982, Buc-ee’s is like if a convenience store, bakery, sweet shop, butcher shop, gift shop, and rest stop all merged… then got a double shot of espresso. It’s big, bold, and unapologetically extra. And I’ve always wanted to see what the hype was about.

We pulled into the brand-new Buc-ee’s location early Sunday morning, which, as it turns out, was the golden hour for visiting. I’d heard stories of total chaos—elbow-to-elbow crowds and sensory overload—but we lucked out. It was relatively calm, giving us space to take it all in.

First stop: the gas pumps. All 170 of them. (Yes, you read that right. 170!) I’ve never seen that many gas pumps in one place—like a fleet refueling hub for road-trippers.

Then we stepped inside, and honestly? It was magical in the weirdest, most over-the-top way.

We wandered through aisles of fresh fudge, a wall of jerky, a full-service BBQ counter, and a bakery serving up kolaches and cinnamon rolls the size of my head. There’s also a massive gift shop packed with everything Buc-ee’s—especially beaver-themed merchandise. Shirts, socks, mugs, plushies—you name it, they’ve put a beaver on it.

And then… came “BRISKET ON THE BOARD!”

Yes—that iconic yell from the back counter when a fresh brisket hits the cutting board. It was loud, enthusiastic, and totally on-brand. You can’t help but smile when it happens—it’s like a meaty battle cry.

Naturally, Eric had to try the egg and brisket taco, and he gave it two big thumbs up. Juicy brisket, fluffy eggs, and a warm tortilla? Breakfast perfection.

We, of course, couldn’t walk out empty-handed. We picked up:

• A box of fudge (because priorities),
• A Buc-ee’s mug (for coffee with character),
• A fun t-shirt (souvenir-style),
• And a big bag of Beaver Nuggets to share—because you can’t go to Buc-ee’s and not try the sweet, crunchy goodness everyone talks about.

And let me tell you—the bathrooms live up to the legend. Buc-ee’s is famous for having the cleanest restrooms in America, and they were spotless. Full-length doors, sparkling clean stalls, and not even a smudge on the mirror. Honestly? A rest stop game-changer.

Another unexpected highlight? The staff. Every single employee we interacted with was upbeat, helpful, and several even referred to us as “family.” It wasn’t forced—it felt genuine, and it made the whole experience even more memorable.

You can tell Buc-ee’s values its employees—and that’s rare in a road stop chain. They’re known for paying well above minimum wage (some positions starting around $20/hr), offering benefits, and keeping a positive workplace vibe. You really feel it when you’re there—it shows in the service and the energy.

It’s wild to say, but visiting Buc-ee’s really did live up to the hype. Quirky, fun, and totally Texas (b/c while Texas is on my bucket list to visit, I hear everything is bigger there)—even if we were still in Virginia. If you’ve never been and you ever find yourself near one, trust me: pull over. You kind of have to see it to believe it.

One bucket list dream down… a few dozen more to go.