There are thousands of truck stop diners across the country with a huge range in size and amenities, but a handful of them stand out from the rest. If you’re used to a quick bathroom break and a cloudy cup of coffee, you’re not stopping in the right places! At Greatwide Logistics, we would like to share with you our top six truck stop diners that are worth a visit if you’re in the neighborhood according to JiggyJobs and USA Today.
Little America – Flagstaff, AZ
Technically, Little America is more like a luxury resort than a truck stop diner! At this location, you’ll find a conference room and recreation center set amid a gorgeous 500-acre ponderosa pine forest. A delicious meal and a clean, hot shower await truckers after a long drive.
Morris Travel Center – Morris, IL
One of the most exceptional qualities of Morris Travel Center is R Place, the in-house restaurant. With 24-hour service, you can stop by for homemade pastries or mouthwatering burgers whenever you want. The meals found at this truck stop diner will make you feel right at home.
Davis Travel Center – Stony Creek, VA
This family-owned company is famous for its cleanliness and outstanding customer service. Free Wi-Fi, a Starbucks and all the expected travel necessities can be enjoyed by truckers and travelers alike at Davis Travel Center.
Porky’s Truck Stop – Hamer, SC
Features you wouldn’t expect at a truck stop can be found at Porky’s, a location that is advertized on billboards hundreds of miles away. There, you’ll find a mini and full-size golf course, wedding chapel, reptile lagoon and jogging trail. The truck stop diner offers Mexican food for hungry diners and plenty of parking.
Iowa 80 – Walcott IA
Are you looking for a movie theater, trucking museum or even a Dog-O-Mat dog wash? You’ll find it at Iowa 80, the largest truck stop in the world. There’s even a huge store you can browse through and a truck stop diner with a 50-foot salad bar. The next time you’re route takes you through this park of Iowa, be sure to stop by.
Willie’s Place – Carl’s Corner, TX
This truck stop just south of Dallas is partly owned by legendary country musician Willie Nelson. Occasionally, you’ll find Willie performing at the adjacent theater and saloon. Even when he’s not in town, you can shop for souvenirs, buy Willie’s brand of bio-diesel fuel or simply enjoy a great, hot meal before getting on the road again.
To learn more about what great truck stop diners have to offer, or for additional information on Greatwide Logistics, be sure to connect with us on LinkedIn and YouTube. Then, see what truckers are discussing on Facebook and Twitter.
Hey…. “in-house restaurant” sounds interesting….!
Thank you for your feedback!
-The Greatwide Team
Oh Karen, yes, times have changed. In 1976, when I steartd in trucking, drivers actually wore Cowboy boots/work boots and long pants. Trucking courtesy was prevailent. Somewhere along the line, ever so slowly, a new generation has showed up. We now see tennis shoes, short pants, complete families including 3 large dogs climbing out of a condo, very little courtesy and etiquette. Pajama bottoms and flip flops are way too common in the fuel line. I was amazed to see one of my fellow flatbedders wearing flip flops while tying down a load and was still wearing them 3 days and 1600 miles later at the consignee, which was a construction site.As far as cliques go, it is normal to wait until you get to know the other person before you befriend them. Over the years, I’ve jumped in on a conversation and was sorry, because, the stranger was some type of weirdo and then I was stuck listening to him/her for 2 hours. I really want to stop and help a disabled trucker, but I am not a mechanic and just carry basic tools. Plus, I am normally running so tight, that even 15 minutes will disrupt my schedule. And with XM/Serius radio, who needs a bunch of %#@&* over the C/B? But every so often, I run into a youngster with his head on straight and it seems to make up for all the misfits amongst us. FFfF
This could be my story also pretty much word for word. I was an atltehe my entire life and was always in great shape. Even for several years on the road I was fine. But after a while I put on weight and gained about 30 pounds. I looked like garbage, and felt like .well, I don’t even have a word for it. I was just disgusted with myself. I tried like mad to lose weight. I would run 20-25 miles per week, I had weights with me in the truck I would workout with, and I tried watching what I ate but nothing worked consistently. I would lose weight for a while, then gain it right back. Finally, after coming off the road and facing the same dilemma, I began counting calories, and my life changed permanently at that point. I lost 25 pounds in two months and never gained it back. I’m in the best shape of my life and I never crave junk foods or pig out anymore. People try to get me to eat ice cream and cake and all that nope, not interested. The only thing I’ll eat once in a great, great while is a chocolate chip cookie. But once you learn to eat properly you’ll be in awesome shape and you’ll never have any desire to return to your old ways. I really do feel sorry for people who are overweight because in our society today everyone preaches strenuous exercise but it’s not necessary. Count calories and you’ll learn to eat properly and you’ll be in amazing shape before you know it. Anything else will inevitably fail.