TOP 10 List from The Slip Seater

 

 

WORLDS BEST TRUCK STOPS
http://travel.discovery.com/
Web address for   the Travel Channel

The lifestyle of a truck driver is not easy — spending 10- to 14-day stretches on the road, away from loved ones, with nothing but the close quarters of a cab and the CB radio to keep you company.

But life just might have gotten better; across the globe, truck stops are springing up along the highway providing more than just a refuge for body and truck. Their goal is to create roadside paradises where not only food, fuel and sleep can be found, but also unexpected amenities such as movie theaters, chiropractors and even dance clubs.

 
If the comforts of home don't fit in the Big Rig (or even the family minivan), they will certainly be unearthed at the world's biggest and best truck stops.

10. South of the Border

One of the kitschiest pit stops in the world
Where: Dillon, S.C.
What's Cool: Load up on fireworks at Pedro's

After countless miles of Interstate 95 and over 120 billboards touting the complex, drivers are more than ready to say "Hola!" to the Mexican-themed spectacle of a truck stop, South of the Border. Travelers heading in all directions take pause before the 200-foot tall SombreroTower that marks the destination, or gape in awe at the looming, 97-foot-tall statue of Pedro, the Border's sombrero-sporting, mustachioed, Mexicano mascot.

Built as an inconspicuous roadside stand in 1950, South of the Border has grown from a rest stop to a real destination. Souvenir shops sell everything from t-shirts to backscratchers to snow boots; fast-food and sit-down restaurants cater to hungry bellies; a 300-room motel greets the weary; and drivers needing to stretch their legs can take a shot at the 18-hole mini-golf course. Why not extend the rest stop rest to include some recreation? A Ferris wheel and tilt-a-whirl are among the amusement park rides at the site.

Here at South of the Border, anything is possible — even marriage. At Pedro's Pleasure Dome, $99 buys a legal marriage, one night in a honeymoon suite and breakfast.

 

 

9. Iowa 80 Truckstop   

The world's biggest truck stop
Where: Walcott, Iowa
What's Cool: Big rigs are hand-washed at the Truckomat Truck Wash.

Truckers may grow accustomed to big, open roads, but few things prepare them for the enormity of the world's biggest truck stop — Iowa 80. Over 5,000 truckers and drivers pass through this 65-acre haven daily, and parking for over 800 rigs ensures that everyone gets a space.

This mega-stop is two times larger than the average truck stop, and caters to a road jockey's every need. Big appetites are sated in a big way at the Iowa 80 Kitchen, a 350-seat restaurant with a noteworthy salad bar over 50 feet long! When it's time to clean up and unwind, drivers pay a visit to the 24 private showers and the Driver's Den Lounge (complete with leather chairs and fireplace). A movie theater and game room only add to the fun. On-site barbers and dentists tend to personal needs, while the Center and Fuel Center tend to the truck's needs.

Most popular among the Iowa 80's attributes is the sprawling Trucker's Warehouse Store, selling countless items, including an impressive collection of chrome accessories.

 

8. AlamoPlaza

Nevada's largest roadside gambling spot
Where: Sparks, Nev.
What's Cool: Win your gas money playing the slots!

Can't wait until Vegas before trying your luck at the casino? Truckers and drivers alike can't ignore the lure of Nevada's largest roadside gambling spot conveniently located at the Alamo Plaza Travel Center, where over 260 slots, blackjack tables and live keno games await them. The 12,000-square-foot casino pays out approximately $1 million weekly; one lucky truck driver even hit a $250,000 jackpot. Gambling novices can indulge in what is jokingly called "Driver's Ed," i.e., poker lessons for beginners! Of course, the Alamo also houses truck-stop staples: the Iron Skillet Restaurant; Petro Lube Truck, Tire and Lubel Bayl; Petro Travel store; and diesel and gas lanes are also on hand.

 

7. Ayer Keroh Truck Stop

A peaceful place with a room to pray
Where: Maleka, Malaysia
What's Cool: The heart of the jungle is home to this exotic truck stop.

 
Midway between Kuala Lumpur and Johar Bahuru, in the lush wilds of Malaysia, the Ayer Keroh Truck Stop is a step above the rest — quite literally. This rest-stop wonder was actually built above the highway, suspended over the road and offering bird's eye views of the region's tropical environs. As if a sky-high truck stop weren't cool enough, Ayer Keroh even features jungle walkways filled with exotic plants and wildlife, and a flea market selling local goods.

To honor the predominantly Muslim society (religious tradition dictates all Muslims perform five prayers daily), the center offers a Muslim prayer room with wadu ritual washing, a room for removing shoes and a room to pray. Every day, over 1,000 people pass through the prayer room.

If the idea of a Malaysian truck stop seems a bit, well, foreign, take note that a KFC and A&W shop offer travelers a taste of America.

 

6. Rip Griffin Travel Center

A Texan truck stop where no one ever leaves hungry
Where: New Braunfels, Texas
What's Cool: Chow down on freshly smoked ribs straight from the … tractor?!

There's good reason "Don't mess with Texas!" is the Longhorn State slogan: A lengthy drive through the TexasTexas fun doesn't stop there. Puffing away outside Rip's is a 1942 Farmall tractor, converted into a meat smoker. Slide open the tractor doors to find racks of ribs and briskets filling with flavor. heat can leave even the toughest of truckers road weary. But unable to walk? Now that's a different story. At the Rip Griffin Travel Center, a quick call from the CB radio to Rip's procures a ride in a luxurious, air-conditioned Cadillac limo with a Longhorn hood ornament that shuttles truck drivers to the Rip's Country Fare Restaurant — a not-so-whopping 100 yards away from the rig parking. But the

 

5. Jubitz Travel Plaza

The perfect pit stop for pampering while cruising the continent
Where: Portland, Ore.
What's Cool: Enjoy live country music — every night — in the Ponderosa Lounge.

 
No matter how comfy the cab of their truck may seem to be, even the most die-hard of truckers wants a little luxury and pampering while cruising the continent. Like a beacon from the open road, the sprawling Jubitz Travel Plazal draws truckers and drivers into its realm, aiming to deliver some high-end relaxation.

The sleepy road warrior can bed down in one of the well-appointed Portlander Inn's 66 rooms, taking advantage of an exercise room and Jacuzzi tubs. Folks looking for some fun can kick up their heels at the Ponderosa Lounge's popular dance club, or they can check out the on-site movie theater and arcade.

All of a traveler's needs are met at the Portlander Marketplace, which features a general store, an Oregon Welcome Center, Bernie's Leather Repair, a full-service salon and barber shop, full-service laundry, medical services, lottery services and Moe's Deli. Jubitz allows truckers to take a breather, and get down to the business of relaxing.

 

4. Derrick Plazal  Truck Stop  

Where saints and sinners sit side-by-side
Where: Salisbury, N.C.
What's Cool: Stop by and maybe you'll save your soul!

 
In the tough-talkin', high-speed world of the big rig, it's easy to lose sight of good and drive straight into the arms of evil, which is why the Derrick Plaza has decided to make God its business. Hallelujah! Folks hoping to save their sorry souls are drawn past the Derrick's typical truck-stop amenities and head to the little steeple hovering over the highway, to be welcomed into an actual, on-site church to praise and love the Lord. Services at the chapel are held six nights per week, and the schedule is repeatedly announced on trucker's CB Channel 19, for those just passing by. Not in the vicinity and no chance of getting to the church on time? The good folks at the Derrick have it handled. Services are broadcast live on CB Channel 12.

 

3. Highlands Petro Truck Stop    

The best rest stop for a bum back
Where: Racine, Wis.
What's Cool: Snap, crackle, pop! Get off the highway and get your body back in alignment.

Bumpy roads, stiff seats, cramped cabs — life on the road is a sore back's nightmare. What's a trucker to do?

Head straight to the Highlands Petro Truck Stop for a quick body realignment with the truck stop's on-duty chiropractor. According to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, truck drivers suffer more workplace injuries than any other occupation — sounds like it's time for an adjustment! At Highlands, Dr. Jeffrey Hall adjusts and manipulates the bum backs of countless drivers passing through the rest stop and even some nearby townies who keep regular appointments.

At this truck stop, health is a prime concern. Drivers can park safely, eat dinner, shower, and then walk to the chiropractor to get their mandatory Department of Transportation physical for just $25.

 

2.Lodil Travel Center

A yuppie trucker's heaven
Where: Lodi, Ohio
What's Cool: Ritz Hotels inspired the bathrooms' design and marble décor

 
The stereotyped image of the burly, bearded trucker is being quickly dispelled as the truth about these fellas and gals comes to light — they can be real yuppies at heart! This truck stop caters to this view by offering the weary not just a mere cup o' Joe, but a steaming hot, eye-opening Starbucks; in fact it's the first truck stop to feature the coffee giant. Truckers can now treat themselves to an indulgent caramel macchiato, or a slimmed down vanilla half-caf/no-foam latte. No time to unwind with your java? Grab a Columbian espresso for a quick jolt. But it's not just coffee that makes this rest stop a yuppie trucker's heaven: An Internet lounge with over 20 connections is on-site for email or web surfing.

 

1. Autohof Strohofer   

The biggest truck stop in Europe
Where: Munich, Germany
What's Cool: An on-site butcher serves up meaty snacks for the road.

 

The Mecca of highway heavens, the paragon of pit stops is found in the heart of Deutschland, just outside Munich. At the Autohof Strohofer, truckers and drivers can refuel body and truck in the most unexpected of facilities: a co-ed, clothing-optional sauna and spa. Steam rooms and Romanian and Finnish "damp areas" allow visitors to be soothed by the scent of eucalyptus, while the sedentary lifestyle of trucking is abated with a quick dip in the pool to swim away the day's driving kinks.

 

The biggest truck stop in Europe has been pampering truckers across the continent with more than a spa; the rolling fields of the Lifel Park were created for strolling and unwinding. For the hungry, sausages and schnitzels abound in Toni's Restaurant, and there's even drive-thru dining available. Night owls can whoop it up at Treffpunkt, a music hall featuring live cover bands on weekends, and then sleep it off at the Strohofer Hotel. And of course, trucks can get in top gear at the facility's gleaming truck wash and full-service garage.