It's Road Trip Week at Bon Appétit! Which means every day, we'll be sharing stories about food on the long and lonely highway. Or not so lonely if you grew up traveling across the country in a minivan packed with six of your closest brothers, sisters, friends, and Poochie the carsick beagle. So buckle up, and don't make us turn this car around.
Situated amongst farmland and Interstate 80, you'll find the Iowa 80 Truckstop, which is something out of every trucker's dream. In the famous words of Saturday Night Live’s Stefon, "This place has everything"—but no, really, it does. It proudly boasts that it is not only the World's Largest Truckstop with over 100,000 square feet of retail space, but it’s also "a home away from home to countless drivers." That is, nearly 5,000 visitors daily. On top of an endless supply of trucker memorabilia for purchase and eight dining options, what this home away from home consists of is a movie theater, separate drivers' TV den, library, museum, Christian chapel, dog wash, workout center, chiropractor, dentist, barber, laundromat, and brand new private showers. Ah, yes, just like home. Step inside this very American oasis of sorts (well, depending on who you're asking) with a photographic tour below.
The view from Interstate 80 directs you straight to the truck stop, with signs touting their best assets from "Interstate dental" to "Truckers Jamboree!" (which is their annual event celebrating America's truckers.)
Another entrance located near truckers parking, where there are 900 parking spaces.
One of the best selling items in the gift shop are Grass Flip Flops. "No watering or mowing required," reads the description on their website.
Gift shop or mall? It's debatable. In the never-ending gift shop you'll find everything from DVDs, gear for your truck, endless t-shirts, shoes, and a Verizon kiosk (among other things.)
Truckers Melvin Ellis and William Trot pose in front of a mural alongside a truck in the gift shop.
Bacon and eggs, a signature breakfast item at the Iowa 80 Kitchen made by chef Jake Harbeck who appeared on the Food Network's Chopped: Truck Stop Stars.
Grilled chicken, meatloaf, and dessert from the Iowa 80 Kitchen.
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year the Iowa 80 Kitchen offers a range of food options including a full buffet.
In the library you'll find bibles made particularly for the trucking crowd. Just down the hallway is a chapel that has a service every Sunday.
Back problems? No problem. Iowa 80 has a resident chiropractor ready to alleviate any pain you might have.
A chiropractor isn't the only medical assistance you'll find in the truck stop, they have their very own resident dentist available as well.
For those truckers who travel with their furry companions, they just added a standalone dogomat to wash your dog while you're on the go.
Trucking is just a boy's game, as much of the memorabilia ranging from shirts, hats to bumper stickers suggests.
And, of course, the Iowa 80 Truckstop has a convenience store likened to any ordinary truck stop—with Red Bull, Pringles and other snacks you'd hope to find.
Amy Lombard is a photographer in New York.