I had to look up the word "phenomenon" to get an exact definition because I want to make sure I'm not indulging in hyperbole when I call Buc-ee's Travel Centers "phenomena."

The Oxford English Dictionary says the word describes "a remarkable person, thing, or event." Okay, so it would be a SUBJECTIVE distinction to hang that label on Buc-ee's. But I say it's appropriate. And I think Buc-ee's is only a phenomenon because of how much people love it.

BUC-EE'S MANIA

I have never been to one, but apparently it's worth a drive to Richmond; that's the only that's open right now in Kentucky. And that's not a very long drive considering how many miles people have actually driven to visit one. Hey, I love a good travel center as much as the next person, but I've never been to one that would make me want to drive more than a thousand miles to go back.

But then again, I'm not Cody Esser. However, after reading his story, I realized he is a man after my own heart.

1,600 MILES AND EVERY BUC-EE'S LOCATION IN TEXAS

Cody lives in Austin, Texas, and it's in the Lone Star State where Buc-ee's was born 40 years ago. And it is ENTIRELY within the Lone Star State that Cody made a 1,600-mile journey out of visiting every Buc-ee's Travel Center in Texas.

 

Plus, Cody's trip really reinforces just how big that state is. He never strayed from a central section of Texas during the entire trip.

You can find his map and a long list of his purchases here.

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HOW FAR WOULD YOU DRIVE TO EAT AT BUC-EE'S?

But Cody is not along. This guy--who I only know as Adventure Stop--recently drove two hours just to EAT at a Buc-ee's

24 HOURS AT BUC-EE'S

It seems Buc-ee's releases a sort of mania in its fans that leads to...well...for example, a couple spending 24 hours at one of the Texas locations. Seriously, they ate all three meals and in-between snacks while living in a converted van. (Honestly, they sound like my kind of people.)

Once all three Buc-ee's Travel Centers open in Kentucky--the other two will be in Smiths Grove north of Bowling Green, and Oak Grove near the Tennessee state line--I'll be anxious to see what kind of crazy and fun behavior folks will come up with. I'm here for it.

THE RICHMOND BUC-EE'S -- ONE MONTH LATER

By the way, the lines are STILL long heading into the Richmond Buc-ee's.

I imagine they always will be.

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