Well, I'm not easily bowled over, not by restaurants and certainly not by truck stop restaurants, but I have to admit I am truly impressed with Bosselman'sTravel Center on I-80 at exit 312 in Grand Island, Nebraska.
When I mentioned to my former trainer, James, that I was making a drop in North Platte, he told me I'd probably be sent back up I-80 to Grand Island in which case I owed it to myself to at least visit Bosselman's and, if possible, spend the night.
He said, and I quote, "it's one of the finest truck stops in America," big words for the man from Texas.
Sure enough, I was sent back to Grand Island just this morning and made a bee-line for Brosselman's and I'm happy to report that James is as good as his word.
Brosselman's, a modern two story affair located on a huge plot of land that offers loads of parking for both 4 wheelers and big rigs, is clean, modern, bright and attractive! Within its walls you will find the expected trucker paraphernalia such as CB radio gear, all kinds of snack foods, all manner of drinks and a game arcade to rival any I've ever seen anywhere else.
A portion of the large store offers clothing.
You won't see Ralph Lauren or Louis Vitton, but you will find shirts, T shirts, blue jeans, caps, shoes hats and more neatly displayed on shelves.
Of course there are the 'necessaries' all truckers or RVer's need; toothpaste, laundry soap, ready-to-eat or heat-and-serve groceries in ample supply and a regrettable selection of outhouse humor that makes a truck stop a truck stop.
But the positive aspects far outweigh the negative.
But upstairs there's the barbershop (on the second floor in the open game room with pool tables and a foosball game).
There's also a CB radio shop, embroidery and sign shop, and an attorney's office (sometimes truckers need lawyers).
My personal favorite, however, is the two movie theaters, TWO! Upstairs and down the hallway toward the showers are two small movie theaters with recent film releases.
I had to take advantage of that even though I knew it was going to be expensive.
I walked into one theater to find it vacant but showing trailers of the film it was going to show, "No Country for Old Men", a recent Oscar winner I wanted to see.
Not knowing what to do next, I went back down stairs to the fuel desk and asked one of the attendants about seeing the movie.
"What do I have to do to see the movie?" I asked.
She asked what movie I wanted to see.
"I'll get one of the guys to start it up for you," she said cheerfully.
"What does it cost?" I asked as my hand reached into my pocket for my trembling wallet.
"Nothing," she said.
"It's free.
" I swear at that moment it felt like the entire truck stop went quiet and everyone looked at me to see my reaction.
"Free?" I fumbled.
Yes, and free it was.
I sat through the entire film as if I were sitting in my own private screening room.
What a treat! I'm going to see another first run movie later on.
I'm going to have dinner at Brosselman's tonight just to support this great place.
Okay, maybe I'm justgoing to have the salad bar but I'm going to make use of this neat place and I suggest you use it, too.
Brosselman's Travel Center really is a trucker's mecca right in the middle of Nebraska.