OT: So, who's going to Buc-ee's?

18IsTheMan

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I think the one in Florence is opening today. Never heard of Buc-ee's, but it seems like a big deal.
 

18IsTheMan

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Governor was going to the opening. 120 gas pumps. Seems like overkill.
 

atl-cock

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Governor was going to the opening. 120 gas pumps. Seems like overkill.
Found out about Buc-ees when in Dallas in Oct 2019. By the time I found out about it, I had no time to visit one. That's their thing. Mini-mart on steroids.

There are two on I-75 in Georgia: one in Calhoun (halfway between Atlanta and Chattanooga) and one in Warner Robbins (south of Macon). I think I want to visit one once just to see/experience it.

Now I hear they're interested in placing one either in Hardeeville or Pooler, GA (near Savannah).
 

KingWard

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Governor was going to the opening. 120 gas pumps. Seems like overkill.
It's not. Gas is significantly cheaper. Last time I stopped at the one in Daytona, I had to circle a time or two before getting an open pump. SIL wants to ride over there Thursday evening. Wife & I will tag along.
 
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KingWard

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Found out about Buc-ees when in Dallas in Oct 2019. By the time I found out about it, I had no time to visit one. That's their thing. Mini-mart on steroids.

There are two on I-75 in Georgia: one in Calhoun (halfway between Atlanta and Chattanooga) and one in Warner Robbins (south of Macon). I think I want to visit one once just to see/experience it.

Now I hear they're interested in placing one either in Hardeeville or Pooler, GA (near Savannah).
Planning one in Anderson off I-85. Already have a site but the state is going to have to kick in with some road improvements to facilitate access.
 
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18IsTheMan

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It seems like overkill if you like waiting for gas pumps......It's on a major travel corridor on I-95, the nexus of numerous routes to the Grand Strand....No such thing as too many gas pumps.
I have traveled that route from the DC area many times and Florence is our usual stopping off point. I’ve never really had to wait for gas. I mean, yeah I might have to wait a minute for a pump but I’ve never had to wait any meaningful length of time. Most of the time I pull right in get gas and get right back on the road.

in any event, it looks like a fun enough place. I guess it’s a destination for some people to go a certain way just so they can stop at one. I’m sure it’ll bring more folks to the area.
 
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KingWard

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I have traveled that route from the DC area many times and Florence is our usual stopping off point. I’ve never really had to wait for gas. I mean, yeah I might have to wait a minute for a pump but I’ve never had to wait any meaningful length of time. Most of the time I pull right in get gas and get right back on the road.

in any event, it looks like a fun enough place. I guess it’s a destination for some people to go a certain way just so they can stop at one.
If you like clean restrooms, that alone is worth the stop. I'm talking about ultra- clean.
 

18IsTheMan

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If you like clean restrooms, that alone is worth the stop. I'm talking about ultra- clean.
Yes, I have heard they are surprisingly clean bathrooms. I may make it a point to stop in on my way down next time just to see for myself. And the brisket is supposed to be pretty darn good too.
 

AsTheCockCrows

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Stopped by for a few minutes with my daughter. It was busy but no more busy than the one outside of Dallas that I have been to a couple of times. I bought a piece of fudge but didnt have much time. Its maybe a mile from my house, so I will be stopping by more often to check out the other stuff and get some brisket and a Hippo Taco (beans, egg, bacon, green salsa, and cheese.) There is not much they dont have. Was hoping gas would be cheaper. $4.15 pg for unleaded.
 
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KingWard

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Stopped by for a few minutes with my daughter. It was busy but no more busy than the one outside of Dallas that I have been to a couple of times. I bought a piece of fudge but didnt have much time. Its maybe a mile from my house, so I will be stopping by more often to check out the other stuff and get some brisket and a Hippo Taco (beans, egg, bacon, green salsa, and cheese.) There is not much they dont have. Was hoping gas would be cheaper. $4.15 pg for unleaded.
$4.25 at Murphy's in Lancaster right now.
 

ToddFlanders

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Hearing they have really clean restrooms, I’d definitely stop there with my daughters over another station on the same exit. But really, it’s just a gas station, right? I’ve heard people freak out over them, but does it serve some other purpose?
 
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18IsTheMan

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Hearing they have really clean restrooms, I’d definitely stop there with my daughters over another station on the same exit. But really, it’s just a gas station, right? I’ve heard people freak out over them, but does it serve some other purpose?
It’s very, very large. Apparently they also have really good snacks and food. Size is definitely the main draw, though, based based on what I’ve read.
 

TN-Gamecock

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Stopped at the one between Dallas and Austin and it was GREAT....bought a pair of glasses (readers) which are my fav...They are building a big one off I40 at the Sevierville Exit going to Gatlinburg...it's like going into a food court, mini walmart and QT all in one....
 

18IsTheMan

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The cleanest hospital restrooms in the world are filthy compared to those at Buc-ee's.

Not to get too graphic, but I had a very unfortunate gas station incident many years ago. I was traveling and nature was calling...urgently. Stopped at the only gas station I could find. Toilet was clogged AND full (like to the brim), but I had to do what I had to do.

Have had an enhanced appreciation for clean bathrooms ever since.
 
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atl-cock

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It's not. Gas is significantly cheaper. Last time I stopped at the one in Daytona, I had to circle a time or two before getting an open pump. SIL wants to ride over there Thursday evening. Wife & I will tag along.
How long a drive is it from Lancaster to Florence?
 

MrCockStrong

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I think the one in Florence is opening today. Never heard of Buc-ee's, but it seems like a big deal.

I live in suburban Houston near the Johnson Space Center. There's a small Buc-ee's a half mile from my house and a huge one six miles away on I-45. They are known for their clean restrooms and having everything under the sun inside the store -- a Texas institution! The plethora of gas pumps is great if you happen to need gas.

Another bonus that most people forget is that they pay well for "unskilled" labor and the working conditions are pretty good.

Now that South of the Border is closed, I'd call this Florence location the New South of the Border.

I took my dad to the Buc-ee's here near my house twice in the in last two years that he's come out to visit us. I'll let him know that the Florence location is now open so he can get someone to make the drive with him to get some fudge and praline cashews.
 
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18IsTheMan

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I live in suburban Houston hear the Johnson Space Center. There's a small Buc-ee's a half mile from my house and a huge one six miles away on I-45. They are known for their clean restrooms and having everything under the sun inside the store -- a Texas institution! The plethora of gas pumps is great if you happen to need gas.

Another bonus that most people forget is that they pay well for "unskilled" labor and the working conditions are pretty good.

Now that South of the Border is closed, I'd call this Florence location the New South of the Border.

I took my dad to the Buc-ee's here near my house twice in the in last two years that he's come out to visit us. I'll let him know that the Florence location is now open so he can get someone to make the drive with him to get some fudge and praline cashews.

Yeah, their pay isn't bad. $20/hr for most jobs there. And they do 401K matching 100% up to 6%. That's unheard of.
 

gamecock stock

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Yeah, their pay isn't bad. $20/hr for most jobs there. And they do 401K matching 100% up to 6%. That's unheard of.
Hopefully, the employees take advantage of that 401K match. So far this year, my portfolio is beating the S&P 500. That is luck. But, if you are a Buc--ee's employee, you don't need luck. That 6% is yours for the taking.
 
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KingWard

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I live in suburban Houston hear the Johnson Space Center. There's a small Buc-ee's a half mile from my house and a huge one six miles away on I-45. They are known for their clean restrooms and having everything under the sun inside the store -- a Texas institution! The plethora of gas pumps is great if you happen to need gas.

Another bonus that most people forget is that they pay well for "unskilled" labor and the working conditions are pretty good.

Now that South of the Border is closed, I'd call this Florence location the New South of the Border.

I took my dad to the Buc-ee's here near my house twice in the in last two years that he's come out to visit us. I'll let him know that the Florence location is now open so he can get someone to make the drive with him to get some fudge and praline cashews.
How big is a "small" Buc-ee's? South of the Border is undergoing renovation according to published reports.
 
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Uscg1984

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Saw a number of them all through TX on our drive down to Louisiana last Christmas. To call these things "gas stations" is kind of like calling a Cabela's a bait shop.

When we drive cross-country, we tend to stop at Love's Travel Centers (truck stops) a lot because they (usually) meet my wife's standards for cleanliness and my standards for expediency (gas and food with quick ingress/egress), but if I ever see a Buc-ees when the gas mater is under half a tank, we'll stop there instead.
 

KingWard

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Not to get too graphic, but I had a very unfortunate gas station incident many years ago. I was traveling and nature was calling...urgently. Stopped at the only gas station I could find. Toilet was clogged AND full (like to the brim), but I had to do what I had to do.

Have had an enhanced appreciation for clean bathrooms ever since.
We've all been there. Some, I'd say many, S.C. gas stops along I-95 are disgustingly filthy. I have stopped people coming into places and told them they'd better try the McDonald's next door.
 
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ToddFlanders

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Well, my interest is piqued - I'll definitely check one out next time I pass one on the road. Sounds like they didn't make anything new, just made something common, better. Maybe a lot better.
 

GatorlandGamecock

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The cleanest hospital restrooms in the world are filthy compared to those at Buc-ee's.
They employ PLO's, a permanent latrine orderly. They pay them $17 to $20 an hour to make sure that those who crap on the floor are cleaned up behind as well as those who stick crap in the toilet expressly to stop them up. A sad commentary on the world we live in today that toilets must be basically guarded. There are knuckle dragging animals out there.
 
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KingWard

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They employ PLO's, a permanent latrine orderly. They pay them $17 to $20 an hour to make sure that those who crap on the floor are cleaned up behind as well as those who stick crap in the toilet expressly to stop them up. A sad commentary on the world we live in today that toilets must be basically guarded. There are knuckle dragging animals out there.
The arc of humanity is moving contrary to that of science and technology. Discerning people grasp this lamentable fact.
 

18IsTheMan

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From a picture online, it looks like they have ethanol free gas. That would be the biggest draw for me.
 

atl-cock

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We've all been there. Some, I'd say many, S.C. gas stops along I-95 are disgustingly filthy. I have stopped people coming into places and told them they'd better try the McDonald's next door.
Motels/hotels have generally been my go-to place to go.

If the timing works out, I hope to go to Nashville next year to watch USC-Vandy baseball. There's a Buc-ee's off of I-75 in Calhoun, GA halfway between Atlanta and Chattanooga, and I'll make a point of experiencing Buc-ee's then.
 
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Creek Snake

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If you like clean restrooms, that alone is worth the stop. I'm talking about ultra- clean.
That's like the Busy Bee on I 10 in Florida...Spotless bathrooms .Even has large screen TV in them I guess if you need to take a dump.!
 
Feb 2, 2022
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How long a drive is it from Lancaster to Florence?
Taking interstate is probably quickest from Lancaster. Go to Bishopville. Hit I-20 in Bishopville, exit onto I-95 in Florence, head north about 5 miles, take Myrtle Beach/Francis Marion University/Hwy 327 exit, turn left and take overpass over I-95, on the right. Literally can't miss it.

Don't miss the exit!!!! A long trip over the Pee Dee swamp to turn around and get back. Get in right lane by about TV Rd, then about 2 more miles to your exit.
 
Feb 2, 2022
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The arc of humanity is moving contrary to that of science and technology. Discerning people grasp this lamentable fact.
Science and technology is partly responsible for previously stated bad behavior.

The 60's and 70's was the end of a great era, but things changed greatly in the 80's, 90's, onward. Science and technology brought us bicycle helmets and other safety devices that kept stupid knuckle dragging children from harming themselves, thus the present problem of having to deal with the adult version of them.
 
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atl-cock

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Taking interstate is probably quickest from Lancaster. Go to Bishopville. Hit I-20 in Bishopville, exit onto I-95 in Florence, head north about 5 miles, take Myrtle Beach/Francis Marion University/Hwy 327 exit, turn left and take overpass over I-95, on the right. Literally can't miss it.

Don't miss the exit!!!! A long trip over the Pee Dee swamp to turn around and get back. Get in right lane by about TV Rd, then about 2 more miles to your exit.
I recall SC 327 as a "Florence bypass" en route to the Grand Strand.

To the best of my knowledge, it's the only segment of I-95 in South Carolina that has more than two lanes in each direction. Wish they could widen it to three lanes from the Savannah River up to exit 8 to handle all that Beaufort/Bluffton/Hilton Head Island traffic, but then SCDOT would have to widen the bridges too.
 

KingWard

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Taking interstate is probably quickest from Lancaster. Go to Bishopville. Hit I-20 in Bishopville, exit onto I-95 in Florence, head north about 5 miles, take Myrtle Beach/Francis Marion University/Hwy 327 exit, turn left and take overpass over I-95, on the right. Literally can't miss it.

Don't miss the exit!!!! A long trip over the Pee Dee swamp to turn around and get back. Get in right lane by about TV Rd, then about 2 more miles to your exit.
I'll probably be taking SC 903, SC 151, US 52, and I-95. Your way might be faster usually. But I'm leaving from the north end of town and my son-in-law likes that route. Pulls his camper to the beach that way. Thanks, though. I've gone your way from my house several times, only I get on US 15 at Bishopville for a minute and cut through by Lee State Park to get to I-20.