California Road Trip: Amarillo, Texas

by Rob | Apr 26, 2026 | Road Trips

California Road Trip: Crossing State Lines

California Road Trip: Crossing State Lines

Welcome Signs From Florida to California and Back One of the simple things I enjoyed about our 15-day, 6,169-mile road trip was watching the scenery change as we crossed from one state into another. We traveled through several states on our journey from Florida to…

California Road Trip: The Souvenirs We Brought Home

California Road Trip: The Souvenirs We Brought Home

Memories From 6,169 Miles on the Road After 15 days, 6,169 miles, and countless stops along the way, our California road trip eventually came to an end. We had seen beaches, historic towns, the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Las Vegas, California, Route 66, and plenty of…

California Road Trip: Our Final Morning in New Orleans

California Road Trip: Our Final Morning in New Orleans

Our time in New Orleans was coming to an end Before we loaded up the Jeep Gladiator and continued the long drive back to Florida, I decided to head out on my own one more time. I wanted to pick up a few souvenirs and take some last-minute photos of the French…

California Road Trip: A Visit to St. Louis Cathedral

California Road Trip: A Visit to St. Louis Cathedral

Exploring One of New Orleans’ Most Historic Landmarks As our time in New Orleans was coming to an end, I headed out on my own for one more walk through the French Quarter. I wanted to pick up a few souvenirs and take some last-minute photos before we continued our…

Buc-ee’s Amarillo, Texas: The Ultimate Road Trip Stop for Food, Shopping, and Cheap Gas

Buc-ee’s in Amarillo, Texas, is much more than a gas station—it feels like a destination all on its own. Conveniently located along Interstate 40, the massive travel center is hard to miss with its enormous parking lot, rows of fuel pumps, and the famous Buc-ee’s beaver welcoming travelers inside. The Amarillo location opened in late 2024 and quickly became a popular stop for road trippers traveling across Texas and along historic Route 66. The store spans tens of thousands of square feet and features over 100 fuel pumps, making it one of the largest travel centers in the region.

Inside Buc-ee’s, visitors will find an incredible variety of fresh food, snacks, drinks, and merchandise. The smell of fresh brisket sandwiches, barbecue, roasted nuts, and baked goods fills the air as employees prepare food throughout the day. One of the biggest attractions is the famous wall of beef jerky flavors and the popular Beaver Nuggets snack mix that travelers love to take home. Beyond the food, the store also has aisles filled with Texas-themed souvenirs, clothing, home décor, drinkware, candies, toys, travel essentials, and seasonal items. Many people compare walking into Buc-ee’s to entering a mix between a convenience store, gift shop, and small department store.

Another reason travelers love stopping at Buc-ee’s is the reputation for cleaner restrooms and lower gas prices compared to many nearby stations. Buc-ee’s uses a high-volume pricing strategy that often allows them to sell fuel for several cents less per gallon than surrounding competitors along the interstate. For travelers driving long distances, filling up at Buc-ee’s can save money while also providing a much more enjoyable stop. The Amarillo location also includes diesel fuel and EV charging stations, making it convenient for many types of travelers.

For many road trippers, a stop at Buc-ee’s becomes part of the adventure itself. Families stretch their legs, shop for snacks and souvenirs, grab fresh barbecue sandwiches, and take photos with the famous Buc-ee’s mascot. Whether you are traveling across Texas, heading west toward New Mexico, or simply passing through Amarillo, Buc-ee’s offers a fun and memorable break from the road. It combines the convenience of a travel stop with the atmosphere of a Texas roadside attraction, making it easy to see why so many travelers make it a must-stop destination on every trip.

From Florida to California and Back: 6,169 Miles of Adventure in Our Jeep Gladiator

Join us on a 15-day, 6,169-mile cross-country road trip from Florida to California and back in our Jeep Gladiator. From relaxing on Biloxi Beach and visiting the towering cross in Groom to exploring the Grand Canyon National Park, Hoover Dam, Las Vegas, California wine …

Catches Waterfront Grille, Port Richey, FL

We enjoyed a relaxing lunch at Catches Waterfront Grille in Port Richey, Florida, with crab cakes and remoulade sauce, a Mahi Mahi BLT, and fries.

California Road Trip: Crossing State Lines

From Florida to California and back, we crossed nine states and photographed the welcome signs along the way. Join us for a look at the state lines that marked our 6,169-mile journey.

California Road Trip: The Souvenirs We Brought Home

After 15 days and 6,169 miles, we brought home souvenirs from New Orleans, Las Vegas, Route 66, the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam and many memorable stops along the way.

California Road Trip: Our Final Morning in New Orleans

Before leaving New Orleans and continuing our long road trip home, I headed out on my own for souvenirs and some last-minute photos. From the French Quarter and Jackson Square to St. Louis Cathedral, historic monuments, and the Mississippi River, it was the perfect fina…

California Road Trip: A Visit to St. Louis Cathedral

During our final morning in New Orleans, I visited St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square and explored its beautiful artwork, religious history, statues, and historic details.

California Road Trip: Exploring St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans

Explore St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans during a guided walking tour from Basin Street Station. Discover the historic above-ground tombs, Marie Laveau’s tomb, Nicolas Cage’s future white pyramid tomb, Pope Leo XIV’s family connection, and the cemetery’s …

California Road Trip: Hop On, Hop Off New Orleans Bus Tour

Explore New Orleans aboard an open-air, double-decker hop-on, hop-off bus, starting at Jackson Square and traveling through the French Quarter, Tremé, Garden District, Magazine Street, the Arts District, and along the Mississippi River. Discover 19 stops, historic land…

California Road Trip: Starting Our New Orleans Morning

Enjoy a delicious New Orleans tradition with fresh, powdered-sugar-covered beignets at Café Beignet on Royal Street in the heart of the French Quarter. See why beignets are a must-try treat when visiting New Orleans.

California Road Trip: French Quarter, First Night in New Orleans

Experience the charm of the French Quarter with an overnight stay at Hotel St. Marie, where convenient valet service and a private garage make arriving by car easy. Enjoy a memorable dinner at Oceana Grill featuring charbroiled oysters, a fried oyster po’boy, and authen…

California Road Trip: Columbus, Texas

Travel across the heart of Texas on an unforgettable drive from El Paso to Columbus, featuring a memorable stop at Pecos West Truck Stop, where an unexpected act of kindness made the journey even more special. Pass through San Antonio before ending the day with an overn…