A couple blocks from I-69 exit 87, this gas station / convenience store location has been a favorite stop of mine.
20+ years ago, I first learned of this place when it was more of a truck stop. My construction battalion had been assigned some work at the nearby Crane Naval Station and while in the area, we found every restaurant, watering hole and gas station within 20 miles.
This stop had hot food to go, a couple diesel pumps for big rigs and convenient parking on site and in an open lot across the street. Oftentimes, local truckers hauling everything from logs to sand and gravel to long-distance truckers could be found parked across the street.
Back then, US-231 turned and went north out front and SR-58 continued east. There was talk of how I-69 would come through the area 'someday'.
Skip ahead to today and everything has changed. Gone is the original building, replaced by a modern facility with ADA-compliant restrooms, the newest fuel pumps, and of course, the modern-day I-69 expressway.
And, it is no longer much of a truck stop. Gone are the diesel pumps for big rigs, and on-site parking is virtually eliminated. A couple parking spaces across the street where the old roadway still sits is as close as a truck will get.
They have chicken and sandwiches, donuts and such inside, hot coffee fresh brewed. Tucked away off to one side of the storefront is a little lunch nook for dining in.
Other than that, it is a 24/7 safe haven for weary travelers. And it continues to be a favorite stop of mine. read more