As we celebrate the 250th birthday of this nation, what could be more quintessentially American than the summer road trip?

With summer officially here, there is going to be a lot of driving as people travel in and out of Baldwin County. With more travel comes more fuel stops, whether drivers are heading to Gulf Shores for a beach day or along the Eastern Shore to enjoy views of Mobile Bay.

Many gas stations also offer surprisingly good food beyond the usual chips and energy drinks. Here are a few places around Baldwin County worth checking out.

Bon Secour Pic-N-Pay
105030 County Road 12 S., Foley

On the backroads of Foley and Bon Secour lies the Pic-N-Pay gas station, a favorite stop for locals to pick up a coffee and homemade biscuits while the sun rises upon the surrounding farmland. If you stop by for lunch, you can also get yourself a burger, fried chicken or even some banana bread.

Fastime Daphne
2305 U.S. Highway 98, Daphne

Drivers along the Eastern Shore will find Fastime across from Daphne Elementary School, where the kitchen serves daily dishes such as fried chicken, barbecue, chicken sandwiches and biscuits if you stop by in the morning. A food truck, Small's Smokehouse, also operates outside the station serving barbecue, sandwiches and more.

Foley Depot Chevron

Drivers along U.S. Highway 98 have likely noticed the pig statue advertising "Baldwin's Best BBQ." Inside are pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, fried chicken and tamales, along with cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans and potato wedges. Locals know the hidden gem is the chicken livers on Tuesdays.

Los Catrinas De Rosy
29640 Highway 181, Daphne

Located inside the Malbis Shell station in Daphne is a spot for authentic Mexican food on the Eastern Shore. Los Catrinas de Rosy serves authentic Mexican food, including handmade tortillas, birria ramen, quesabirria, tacos, burritos and Mexican snacks.

Mawmaw's Country Market
26010 U.S. Highway 90, Robertsdale

In Central Baldwin near the unincorporated community of Elsanor sits a locally-owned gas station and shop that gets as Southern as you can get, with various offerings such as fried chicken, fried shrimp, fried chicken livers, mac 'n cheese, cornbread, collard greens and fried okra. They also serve breakfast, which includes biscuits and gravy and breakfast sandwiches.

Woodson's Barge-N
2105 E. 2nd St., Gulf Shores

Just miles from the beach and in the heart of Gulf Shores, this local Chevron is a favorite for both locals and tourists, serving food like homemade fried chicken, barbecue, corndogs and burritos, which can be paired with classic sides such as coleslaw and potato wedges. Don't leave without trying the banana bread or blueberry muffins.