Before I start this yelp*view; hope everyone is taking precautions during this crazy time with the…read moreCOVID-19 crisis. When this is all over & we're given the go ahead to regroup; we should have one helluva a yelp* celebratory event but until then, let's stay put. We can all try to do our part to support our local eateries that do not normally offer delivery or to-go items. Remember, not all "fast food," needs to be fast food. (i.e. - McD's, Taco Bell, etc.) Stay safe, stay healthy, stay yelp*adocious!
Note: This review was started before COVID-19 took over and everything & everyone went into lockdown.
I took a detour on one of my BARTs (Bay Area Road Trips); made a small pitstop to visit a friend in Fresno on the way back south. It took me a bit of way off course plus added time but we were in no big hurry.
This is a nice, rest area; spacious, well kept, and very clean. (Thumbs up) When we arrived, there was plenty of parking with only a handful of big rigs and cars.
Photo - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/philip-s-raine-safety-roadside-rest-area-tulare?select=46po1tix68oScaBt_2EdUA
I took HAPA Boy & Tilly out to the far end, away from most of the people so they could spend time time stretching their legs & taking care of business.
Photo - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/philip-s-raine-safety-roadside-rest-area-tulare?select=ZehZeFASLMt3ufjy8s4Mhw
The Philip Raine Rest Area is located just off HWY 99; close to Tulare. and a convenient place to take a break when traveling to the Bakersfield or LA area; especially if you have kids and/or dogs.
CalTrans did a great job in designing this relatively new, remodeled, rest stop. A mentioned before, clean restrooms with a variety of vending machines. **However, depending on the date/time of your visit, the machines can be lacking in available selections. The main hub/quad is not only aesthetically/visually appealing but very functional as well. There are a canopy of solar panels that provide shade & power. Within this area, you get a short summary of California's rich history provided via thoughtfully planned out information boards & photos.
Photo - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/philip-s-raine-safety-roadside-rest-area-tulare?select=VdGl0lAWH8W3deYnbXdIpA
There are also mosaic-like prints that adorn the various buildings. This is not your standard brick & mortar "watering hole," nicely done.
Photo - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/philip-s-raine-safety-roadside-rest-area-tulare?select=QoN2BerAf9C1Fc1EJGzpTg
As fellow yelp*ers have mentioned, there is the subtle wafting scent of "Ma Neur de Vache" (i.e. - cow shit) Well tulare us "ag" land; comes with the territory. If you've driven the I-5 with anymore of regularity; you know the concentrated form as well. However, the prime rib & tri-tip @ Harris Ranch is pretty damn delicious; true story.
HAPA & Tilly; water break - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/philip-s-raine-safety-roadside-rest-area-tulare?select=OEFpz_8s_UyXelB4AifBWw
After about thirty minutes of fresh air and some moving around, we jumped back into the car & continued our trip back to the OC. Just like most places nowadays, be very vigilant of your surroundings. As always lock your car keep valuables out of sight, and be aware... It's nice to take a moment to breath & relax especially on a long road trip but do not let your guard down. While parking, I always make a deliberate and calculated choice when finding a spot; area, lighting, visibility of me to everyone, etc. I always get a wee bit nervous when I see ladies traveling solo. If you're going to travel alone, be prepared, plan, and be safe. I've made several BARTs over the years and you never know what you're gonna find when you pull aside to take a break @ 2am. While growing up, I thought, "Rest stop, sh'mop... When are we getting to Disneyland?!" However, now that I'm behind the wheel doing this not-so-adventurous, 6 hour jaunt; I'm thankful for all of the rest areas. (Even the stinky ones.) Try pulling over to the side of the road @ midnight to take care of business... 'And NO toilet paper around. I'M JOKING!... I had plenty of In & Out napkins in the glove box.
- Big Aloha!
Food: n/a (Vending machines; brought my own sam'wsiches)
Ambiance: 4
Service: 5 (Thank you to the state of CA & workers who do their thankless jobs for the people. You efforts are not unappreciated.)
Value: 5+