ROBERTSDALE — It's no secret that I've always been a little different.
As a child, I preferred salad over most food. If given the choice, I'd take spaghetti over pizza. And when I did eat …
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ROBERTSDALE — It's no secret that I've always been a little different.
As a child, I preferred salad over most food. If given the choice, I'd take spaghetti over pizza. And when I did eat pizza, I always picked supreme over plain cheese or pepperoni.
I've never seen "The Wizard of Oz," but I've watched "Wicked" — both the movie and the musical. I've even seen other spin-offs like "Oz the Great and Powerful." Being different has been both a blessing and a curse. I like standing out, but as an introvert with social anxiety, attention isn't always welcome. Still, I tend to be drawn to the unexpected.
Perhaps it was my parents giving me an odd name that did it.
Either way, maybe that's why, despite Buc-ee's opening in 2019 just 30 minutes from my home in Foley, I had never visited — until last Friday.
For Valentine's Day, I decided to spend some time with the famous beaver and explore every aisle of the mega-convenience store to finally see what all the hype was about.
I'd heard countless people say it was a must-see, read articles about it and seen the enthusiasm from fans. Still, nothing quite prepared me for what I was walking into.
I don't know what it's like on other days, but on a Friday at 4 p.m., Buc-ee's was packed. Every one of the 100-plus gas pumps seemed to be in use, and while the front parking lot seemed completely full, there were still spaces open on the sides (where we parked) and in the back.
Inside, it felt like a mix between working Black Friday retail and visiting a theme park like Disney. People rushed around with carts and baskets, pushing past with urgency, calling out to friends and family yet also pausing for photos in front of merchandise. It wasn't a negative experience, but if you have sensory sensitivities or social anxiety, the sheer volume of people might be overwhelming at first.
The sheer variety of snacks and goods was staggering. Walls of beef jerky, flavored nuts, popcorn and candy bars stretched across the store. There were Buc-ee's-branded chips, an extensive coffee station with hot and cold options and refrigerated coolers stocked with everything from both Coke and Pepsi to specialty drinks. It was overwhelming in the best way, making it tough to decide what to take home.
The bakery in the back featured cinnamon rolls, Paddle Tails and other sweet treats. In front of it, an area bustled with employees preparing fresh turkey, fried chicken and Buc-ee's famous brisket sandwiches. A deli section offered banana pudding, salads, protein cups and more — an impressive selection for travelers looking for something fresh. Further inside, I found the fudge counter. The fudge, I was told as I did not try any myself, is good.
In the knick-knacks and souvenir section, I found many unique items and, to my delight, a "Featured Road Trip Reads" section. As a book lover, I appreciated this touch — especially in a coastal area where so many visitors enjoy reading by the water. This would be a great stop for them. Also, Buc-ee's-branded items were everywhere, from plush dolls to cups in the shape of the mascot to T-shirts themed for Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras — so if you're looking to snag some holiday-themed merchandise, don't wait too long!
I asked our Gulf Coast Media Facebook followers for recommendations before my trip, and I made sure to try some of their favorites along with a few items I was interested in.
The fried chicken sandwich, a recommendation, was a solid choice — simple but tasty. While I usually prefer my sandwiches with veggies, this was a good option for a quick, hearty meal. The brisket sandwich is a fan favorite, but as someone who doesn't like brisket (or even the smell or look of it), I passed on that one.
However, I do love beef jerky, so, of course, I was going to check Buc-ee's selection of flavors, which had been recommended to me. In the end, we decided on three flavors; peppered mesquite, Korean BBQ and Bohemian Garlic. My favorite was the peppered mesquite, and I give it two thumbs way up. All were great, though!
For sweets, I went with the cinnamon roll, which was also a recommendation. It was tasty, especially with its cream cheese icing, the only icing I actually like. It wasn't as soft and gooey as homemade cinnamon rolls, but given Buc-ee's high-volume sales and they way they make these a little in advance (so consumers can come in, grab what they want and leave), that makes sense. Overall, it held up nicely and was a tasty treat I had for breakfast the following morning.
We also grabbed Overbites, Buc-ee's-branded candy bars, Buc-O's (similar to Funyuns but with a stronger onion flavor) and banana pudding. The pudding was decent but a little light on banana flavor for my taste. Still, it'll hit the spot if you are craving banana pudding and unable to make any yourself.
A surprise hit? The chili lime peanuts. I don't usually like nuts, but these packed a punch with their tangy heat. I'd absolutely buy these full-flavor snacks again.
But the ultimate standout was Buc-ee's famous Beaver Nuggets. As someone who doesn't usually go for sweet snacks, I wasn't expecting much, but these were a game-changer. I tried the cinnamon flavor, and they were absolutely delicious — just the right balance of crunchy and sweet. They'll definitely be the reason I return.
One of the top recommendations I received was to check out the bathrooms — and I have to say, they lived up to the hype. Not only were they spotless, but the layout provided more privacy than most public restrooms. The stall doors even had occupancy indicators that turned red when locked and green when open, eliminating awkward door-knocking moments.
The employees were also a standout part of the experience. From the moment we entered, we heard cashiers welcoming us to Buc-ee's. And despite the massive crowd, they were constantly cleaning, keeping the store pristine — no small feat in a place that sells so many fresh food products. While they were understandably busy, whenever I asked for help, they were all smiles and knowledgeable about their selections. At the different food stations, they even offered samples to help customers decide what to purchase, making the decision-making process a little easier in such a snack-filled wonderland. Even the wonderful lady who checked us out and said she could tell we "were a fun bunch" kept joking with us, ensuring we kept our smiles through the very end of our excursion.
One thing that surprised me was the lack of tables or benches to sit and eat. Given the sheer size of Buc-ee's and its focus on food, I expected at least a few seating areas. But it makes sense — Buc-ee's is designed for travelers to refuel, grab a bite and get back on the road. It's not a place to linger, which explains why everything is packaged for easy, on-the-go consumption.
Another thing I noticed about Buc-ee's: It is not designed for truckers. Unlike traditional travel centers, it doesn't have dedicated truck parking, diesel lanes for big rigs, etc. Instead, it caters to roadtrippers, families and everyday travelers looking for a quick, clean stop before getting back on the road.
My family and I ended up spending more than two hours in Buc-ee's, and, for the most part, we had a blast. The beaver mascot, who was both adorable and interactive with the audience, even made an appearance for photos, and now I have a fun keepsake from my first visit.
I can see why Buc-ee's is a road trip essential. It's a one-stop shop for gas, food, drinks and clean restrooms, and its sheer variety of offerings makes it worth a visit. While I don't think I'll be making special trips there regularly, it's definitely a place I'll stop by when heading out on a road trip or returning home.
…Unless I find myself unable to resist the call of the Beaver Nuggets. They're straight up addicting, y'all. Good thing I have family in Robertsdale so I can sneak over to get some when the craving hits.
Now, I want to know; how was your first Buc-ee's experience? Let me know by emailing whisper@gulfcoastmedia.com.
