Truck Stops... Travel Centers... And Target Marketing

If there is one  new habit that we have integrated into our nomadic life, it is mapping ahead for the next gas n' grub.  This has been particularly true traversing the mid-western states because at times, we literally drove hundreds of miles with "no service" signs posted below the exit markers.  

We've also begun a new hobby of identifying historical and unique icons along the way, many from our childhoods.  This then led to reminiscing of how we view them, way back when (not saying how far back), and today.  For example, a bit of nostalgia struck us both as we passed the city of Sinclair, Wyoming, home to Sinclair Gas. For Jer it instantly brought back memories of S&H Green Stamps (you youngin's, you'll need to Google that one) as well as his collection of dinosaurs from his youth - his favorite being the Dino bank! For Phyl, the green dinosaur evoked memories of road trips with her dad when he would teasingly sing-song 'drive with care or you'll drink Sinclair!' every time they passed the green dinosaur signs. Then of course, there was the painful flash forward awareness that back then, a gallon of gas only cost 28 cents!

That brings us to target marketing, which we are all subjected to on our journeys. We've identified (so far) four types of gas n' grubs: independents (not always clean or reasonably stocked); national chains (usually reliable and clean though generic and not much character); truck stops (cater specifically to truckers with separate entrances for 18 wheelers vs "civilian" vehicles), AND travel centers (for families and RVers).  And it just so happened that we encountered two of the top rated and historic stops in the US along our route from Denver to Seattle.  

The first was the original location of Little America Travel Center on I-80 in Wyoming.  Founded in 1934, the classic vibes are still very evident in the brick framed motel rooms with separate entrances, surrounded by trees planted decades ago. After gassing up (and yes they still pump Sinclair), we treated ourselves to one of their famous 0.75 cent ice cream cones. Easy on the pocketbook for sure!  And you never know who you might meet along the way. In the parking lot, Phyl actually got to meet one of the stars from the Harry Potter movie series. True story! As we were walking toward our car, a gentleman stepped out of his truck with a huge owl - yes, a genuine Harry Potter owl named Hoot...and his trainer showed us the set pics to prove it!  

Further along, our travels brought us to the Boise Stage Stop along I-84 in Idaho. Founded in the early 1900's, this actually was a stage coach stop back in the day. Even today there are corrals out back for truckers hauling horses to exercise them!  In the restaurant, it was clear from the sign over the kitchen window that this was a truck stop... "truck drivers will be served first..."  The selection of homemade pies captured Phyl's attention to such a degree that she started and ended with dessert while Jer didn't go rogue but instead had a classic Montecristo sandwich (yes, with the egg-battered bread). 

And, speaking of target marketing, Jer held off on dessert until we reached Salish Lodge on the banks of Snoqualmie Falls in Washington. We both agreed it was "Damn fine cherry pie" (Twin Peaks fans will know what we're talking about)!  

Arriving at our hotel in West Seattle for the evening, we reflected on the diversity of sites and experiences we had during our long and serendipitous days of traveling through the plains and mountain passes of The West, as well as appreciating the entrepreneurial spirits that have highlighted and leveraged the vast and magnificent beauty of this country!