Kadence Darrah

Wingspan staff members Laurel Latimer and Chloe Fischer film themselves with Buc-ee the Beaver for an EagleAir vlog and news story.

Maddie: Buc-ees is definitely not the place you would go for a quick gas station run, as the franchise seemingly relies on the experience. If you’re looking for a place to buy giant cinnamon rolls, a sweatshirt with a beaver on it, signs with sayings like “But first, coffee” and everything in between, then this is the place for you. However, if you’re someone who is easily overwhelmed by large crowds, beavers, or men yelling “Fresh brisket on the board!” every three minutes, then a Casey’s or Kum and Go might be a better option.

Nikolai: Buc-ees is an amazing place to be with a wide range of high-quality products. There is a whole other part full of Buc-ee’s merchandise, freshly made food and lots of items and souvenirs that can only be described with the words “yee-haw” and “Merica.” The area outside the main store-sized gas station is huge, with a large parking lot and tons of gas pumps to use.

Deliliah: I have long yearned for a Buc-ee’s experience and it’s safe to say that I could probably never go again. The main variety of food offered at the large rest stop is primarily barbeque. I got the classic brisket sandwich and a Buc-ee’s root beer. The brisket was covered in a mountain of sweet barbeque sauce that just didn’t tickle my fancy. However, the Buc-cee’s brand root beer was delicious.

Addison: I have never been to Buc-ee’s before this experience, and after visiting I would be content not visiting again. I ended up buying a sandwich melt, a cherry limeade and some Buc-ee’s chips. The melt was amazing, but the chips were bland and unsalted so I was a little disappointed by them – the cherry limeade soda was pretty alright. The only reason I see myself going back is for another melt, but the environment keeps me away. Personally, Buc-ee’s is not for me.

Mira: Buc-ee’s is an experience best shared with friends. I think alone it would be too overstimulating to stay for longer than to get a pulled-pork sandwich. Their pulled pork sandwich would be fully worth the trip and the trek through the numerous people. All in all, the trip was a fun experience but I would not willingly go back.

Glennis: Buc-ee’s had a much more rustic vibe than I had expected. They offered quick, tasty barbecue and an array of snacks on one side of the store and a variety of merchandise on the other. It was loud and busy, but I understand how it can be a handy place to stop at if you need to take a quick bathroom break on a car trip. Other than that, Buc-ee’s can be a fun experience but try pairing it with a road trip or some kind of vacation.

Chloe: I walked in the doors and heard, “Welcome to Buc-ee’s” and my life was changed forever. I’ve never seen so much in one space. Was I overstimulated? Yes. But I got to meet the real-life Buc-ee. His toothy smile really set the mood for the rest of the day. All I got was a bag of caramel but I was definitely drawn to the Buc-ee’s pants. It was definitely a worthwhile experience and I was so glad to have the chance to spend time with my Wingspan family.

Paige: Somehow Buc-ee’s is just as overstimulating as it is ginormous. From the moment I walked in, I was hit with so many things: So many voices, bodies, smells, things to look at, etc. but the variety of food and drink options had me shook. Of course, I had to pair my Texas-sized soda with a reusable Buc-ee’s straw. But I totally spent way too much money there, and therefore I’m never allowing myself to step into a Buc-ee’s again for that sole reason.

Kadence: Oh Buc-ee’s, how do I even begin? In general, the store itself was satisfactory — especially if you are a sucker for tourist attractions..The only thing that was not really to my liking was how overwhelming every turn seemed to be. Overall, Buc-ee’s would be a great place to stop while passing through on a road trip, but I would not recommend going for a day out with the family.

Laurel: Midwesterners seem to love gas stations with more stimulants that should ever be in one place at a time. However, I will not lie. I do enjoy the vast variety of products you can shop for. I was not surprised with how packed it was the day we had made the trip. When there were grown men shouting and ringing bells every minute for reasons I did not understand, I was ready to leave.