Why there’s nothing better than an old-fashioned roadside shop

In the old days, when Southerners took family trips to the beach or to visit distant relatives, they would sit five people in a station wagon and have no distractions we’re used to today—things like podcasts, Spotify playlists, and movies on a tablet. Instead, they would look forward to the moment when the car pulled off the highway mid-trip and promised them the ultimate entertainment: a visit to the roadside convenience store. There, one could stock up on sweet Southern treats like pecan rolls, peanut patties, homemade ice cream, and fudge, and browse the shelves filled with eclectic items like puzzles, souvenirs, cheese sticks, and pickled foods.

Why we love retro street shops

Stuckey’s can still be found in the South and is known for its famous pecan logs. It may be the most famous of the retro roadside shops, but every state once had its own little general stores and farm stands that stocked the best classic treats and fresh produce to pick up on any drive through the South, along with a gas station. The family road trip just wasn’t the same without stopping at places like Weigel’s in Tennessee or Allsup’s in Texas, where you could get homey hospitality and a welcome respite from a packed car.

Why they are still the best rest stops

Today, most retro roadside convenience stores have evolved into more modern versions of gas stations and convenience stores rolled into one, but longtime favorites like Stuckey’s and newer variants like Buc-ee’s are still around and a beacon for any Southerner on the road with a penchant for chocolates. Have you seen Buc-ee’s snack selection? Those are seriously options.

Southerners will always love visiting a roadside shop, if only for nostalgia. The chocolates are a plus.