FOOD THIS EXIT
CAFES, COFFEE SHOPS & CONCESSIONS
Eating is a huge fun-factor in our travel plans - how about yours?
It may be an authentic old-fashioned soda fountain diner, or a hamburger stand that generations of town folk have patronized for decades.
Perhaps a candy store offering handmade goodies or even a local deli; we're always impressed how creative people are with food around the country.
From room service indulgences to messy BBQ in a back-woods restaurant - we love it all!
Food This Exit shares with you some of our favorite road trip food pleasures, hotel snack ideas, photos and thoughts - bon appetit!
- Always travel with spare change.
A ROAD TRIP MUST - NOVELTY BOTTLED SODA!
Pair Buffalo Wing soda with a blue-cheese salad, perhaps.
Tastes like a thick cream soda.
Lunch flavors in a bottle.
No mixing required for this Shirley Temple.
This Sweet Corn Soda might actually go well with tacos.
I'll try any version of a cherry cola.
A soda angel.
Holiday Inn guests were once welcomed to an on-site dining room, enticing travelers with local chef-prepared specialties and surprise buffets.
Recipes from the road - did your town have an original Holiday Inn?
Pages of retro recipes from nooks and crannies all over the USA - Beef Wellingtons, custard pies, crowd-worthy cakes.
Suite Refreshments
Avoid Hotel Room Hunger
Packing an assortment of favored snacks & drinks can save you from an inconvenient run to an unfamiliar store.
Items custom to your tastes are ideal for times you prefer to not venture out.
No need for specialty stores; familiar foods are offered in singular or miniature.
Easy to carry, no delivery fees required.
An Original Road Trip Food - Stuckey's Pecan Log Roll
Stuckey's has a really cool history and is making a comeback!
CEO Stephanie Stuckey is on a roll; restoring old properties, highlighting signature products and polishing up their image.
Road travelers will also find Stuckey's products in participating roadside stores across the country.
Vintage Drive-In Restaurants
The food & the fashionable
A burger and fresh milkshake from a vintage drive-in restaurant will likely taste way better that off-every-exit franchise meal.
Many were demolished or bypassed when interstates came through American towns.
The ones that still exist are worth the time to find - unique offerings and nostalgic desserts are menu staples.
Soda Fountains, Sundaes and Shakes
COOL ROAD TREATS
Along with retro neon signs, we're always on the lookout for a memorable lunch, a sundae made with small-farm dairy or a classic banana split.
Quite often, the local old-fashioned diner and vintage store counter soda fountains serve up the best sweet treat in town.
Vintage Diners - Classic Eats
Casually Comforting
A local vintage diner with menu choices ranging from Lemon Meringue Pie to BLTs is our kind of road trip food.
The coziness of an abundant vinyl booth, coffee brewing day & night.
No corporate up-sale script from the server.
If you're lucky, the restaurant still may have their original vintage neon sign.
Evening Bags by Judith Leiber
Fresh Coffee Always
Coffee When You Say
Avoid being at the mercy of a barista with 12 orders in front of yours.
Keeping these tasty and robust coffee packets in your car, purse or wallet ensures you can have your coffee, your way, anytime.
Craving an after dinner evening espresso in your suite after everything has closed?
No problem!
Only hot water required!
Celebrating Car Travel, Vintage Goods & Road Trip Dining!
Travel Style Tip: your scarf is also your sarong, your headband, your belt, your seat cover, your halter top, your hotel tablecloth...pack smart and light!