If you’re driving through East Tennessee on your way to Gatlinburg, Sevierville, or the Smoky Mountains, there’s one stop that’s practically a rite of passage — Buc-ee’s Sevierville. And if you’ve never been, let me assure you: this isn’t just a gas station. It’s an experience.
My first Buc-ee’s visit was years ago in Texas, the original home turf of this now-famous travel stop. I didn’t fully understand the hype until I walked through those automatic doors and smelled the mix of brisket, fudge, and fresh coffee all swirling through the air. From that moment, I was hooked. So when I found out one was opening near my hometown in Tennessee, I was practically counting down the days.
You’ll find Buc-ee’s just off Exit 407, the same exit that leads to Bass Pro Shops, The Chop House, and, of course, the gateway to Gatlinburg. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stop mid-road trip — and let’s be honest, if you’re traveling through the Smokies, you’ll probably need to refuel both your car and your snack stash anyway.
If you’re turning this into a full Smoky Mountains trip, this is also the exit most people pass on their way into Gatlinburg. If you’re still figuring out where to stay, you can see hotels near Gatlinburg here. There are some great deals on this site and I use it often to book my own hotels.
Now, before we dive into my personal list of must-have Buc-ee’s snacks, here’s my best advice: if you can, go during the week. Weekends are absolutely wild — like, “Black Friday meets barbecue smoke” levels of chaos. It’s always busy, but weekdays are far more manageable, and you’ll actually have time to browse without feeling like you’re in a NASCAR pit crew.
Beyond snacks, Buc-ee’s is also a surprisingly fun stop for holiday shopping. They rotate their seasonal decor constantly, so it’s not unusual to see full aisles of Christmas ornaments in October or Easter bunnies before Valentine’s Day has even ended. My husband even got his lunchbox here — yes, Buc-ee’s sells everything from cookware to coolers to camp chairs.
If you're visiting from out of town and exploring more of the Smokies, renting a car makes getting around much easier, especially if you want to explore places outside Gatlinburg like Cades Cove or the Foothills Parkway. You can compare rental options here to find the best price.
But let’s talk about the real reason I stop every single time: the snacks. These are my go-to favorites that I simply cannot leave without.
1. Milk Chocolate Salted Caramel
This is my holy grail treat. Perfectly balanced — creamy, rich, and just enough salt to make the caramel shine. If you only grab one sweet thing, make it this.
2. Bold N Blended Kettle Cooked Chips
These are, in my professional snack opinion, one of the most underrated items at Buc-ee’s. They’re like a flavor explosion in every bite — think smoky, tangy, salty, and a little mysterious. You’ll probably finish the bag before you even hit the next exit.
3. Peach Chipotle Salsa
It’s sweet, smoky, and has just the right amount of kick. I always grab a jar or two because it’s equally good with tortilla chips or poured over grilled chicken. Pro tip: if you’re heading to a cabin in Gatlinburg, this salsa instantly upgrades your snack spread.
4. Sour Candy Belts
The perfect balance of sweet and tart, and a must if you’re craving something fruity. They’re one of those snacks you “buy for the car ride” and somehow end up eating before you leave the parking lot.
5. Candied Pecans
These are dangerously addictive — crunchy, buttery, and sweet, with that perfect roasted flavor. They also make great road trip fuel because they’re snackable but not messy.
6. Bohemian Garlic Beef Jerky
Jerky lovers, don’t skip this one. It’s garlicky, savory, and tender (not the jaw-breaking kind). The “Bohemian Garlic” flavor sounds fancy but trust me, it’s just delicious.
Potato Sticks
This one might sound random, but trust me on this. Buc-ee’s potato sticks are one of those things I always throw in my cart. They’re thin, salty, crispy, and honestly way more versatile than people realize.
I actually use them at home in place of croutons on salads, and they’re incredible sprinkled on top of casseroles for a crunchy finish. It’s one of those small pantry tricks that instantly upgrades a dish.
They also make a surprisingly addictive road trip snack if you just eat them straight from the bag (which definitely happens in my car more often than I’d like to admit).
If you’re hungry enough for something more substantial, grab the pork sandwich — it’s shockingly good for what most people think is “gas station food.” And yes, it’s freshly made right there. While you’re at it, get a multi-flavor ICEE because why not? You’re on vacation, and there’s no wrong time for a brain freeze.
Now, I have to confess something that might get me side-eye from the Buc-ee’s faithful: I’m not a fan of the Beaver Nuggets. I know, I know — it’s practically a crime in Buc-ee’s world. They’re iconic, and everyone says you have to try them. So my advice? Go ahead and buy a bag and decide for yourself. (You might end up loving them; I’ll stick with my chocolate caramel.)
And because every road trip needs something random, I always grab a pickle in a pouch. It’s oddly refreshing, perfectly briny, and exactly the kind of weird road trip snack you’ll end up loving against all odds.
Every visit to Buc-ee’s feels like its own little adventure — from the aisles of snacks to the endless home goods to the impressively spotless bathrooms that put every rest stop to shame. Whether you’re stocking up for a cabin weekend in Gatlinburg or just need a caffeine fix before hitting the Smoky Mountain Parkway, Buc-ee’s never disappoints.
If you're planning to explore more of the Smokies after your Buc-ee’s stop, there are some great guided experiences in the area — from scenic drives through the national park to small-group hiking tours. You can browse a few popular options here.
So the next time you see that giant smiling beaver logo off the highway, don’t just drive by. Pull over, grab a cart (trust me, you’ll need one), and prepare to lose an hour in the best way possible.
Because at Buc-ee’s, it’s not just a pit stop — it’s part of the trip. And if your road trip continues to Gatlinburg, here’s my full list of where to eat in Gatlinburg — from cozy pancake houses to late-night dessert spots.
Dubai is all skyline until you drive an hour into the dunes and it goes completely silent. Bab Al Shams was that shift for us: slower, quieter, more intentional than anything we did in the city.
If you want nightlife or walkable everything, this isn’t your stop. But if you want a night that feels like a reset, it delivers, polished service, food I’m still thinking about, and a setting that never tries too hard.
Full review (and whether it’s worth adding to your Dubai itinerary) is linked in bio. 🏜️
I flew @emirates economy to Dubai fully expecting to just survive the flight. We booked seats by the exit row — @bradplummer1 got the legroom (he’s 6’7”), I got a normal seat right next to him, and it saved us money over booking two extra-legroom seats. Smart trick if you’re traveling with someone who needs the extra space and you don’t.
The food alone earned this post. Warm chicken, a Waldorf salad that actually tasted fresh, real butter on the roll, and a breakfast spread that put most airport brunches to shame. Add in the twinkling-star cabin lighting once dinner wrapped, and it felt less like a flight and more like the trip had already started.
Not everything was perfect — the wifi didn’t work for me at all, so if you’re planning to get work done in the air, download what you need beforehand. But that was the only miss in an otherwise excellent long haul.
If you’ve got Emirates lounge access in Dubai, use it. Showers, buffets, quiet corners to nap it makes the layover feel like a reset instead of a slog.
Full review seats, food, lounge, and the wifi situation is on the blog. Link in bio. ✈️
CÉ LA VI Dubai review: is it worth the hype or just a pretty view with mid food? Verdict... worth it, but you have to order smart.
We went à la carte for lunch and worked through a good chunk of the menu. The braised beef bao buns are the move. Rich short rib, gochujang mayo, fried onions, order these no matter what else you get. The gem lettuce salad shocked me too, radicchio, candied pecans, edamame, ginger sesame dressing, huge portion, easily shareable.
Not everything landed. The wagyu gyoza was fine but skippable, and the salmon maki was pretty without much depth. Skip those if you’re trying to keep the order tight.
We got so full off starters we never even made it to our main (regret, but also priorities), so we went straight to the pineapple crème brûlée. Massive presentation, layers of pineapple compote and citrus cream under a perfectly cracked sugar top. One of the best desserts I had in Dubai, full stop.
This isn’t a budget lunch and it’s not trying to be. But between the Burj Khalifa views and food that actually backs it up, it earns the price tag if you order right.
Full breakdown of what to get (and what to skip) | link in bio.
📍 CÉ LA VI Dubai
Dry Tortugas is one of the most remote national parks in the country, and getting there is part of what makes it feel so special. No roads. No bridges. You get there by ferry, seaplane, or private boat and that’s it.✈️💙
We went by seaplane. The 35-minute flight over turquoise flats, shipwreck sites, and open ocean is part of the experience. I spotted sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays from the air.
Once you land on Garden Key, Fort Jefferson is the main event. Photos do not do the scale justice. Construction started in 1846 to protect Gulf shipping routes, and during the Civil War it served as a military prison. The views from the upper levels are some of the best in the park.
We did the half-day tour. That was a mistake. Two and a half hours is not enough time once you factor in the fort, snorkeling the old pylons, beach time, and that quiet window before the ferry arrives with 150+ people. I am going back and booking the full day.
Everything you need to know before you go | link in bio 🌊
#drytortugas #keywest #nationalparks #floridatravel #keywestflorida
The Marquesa Hotel was everything I wanted from an Old Town Key West hotel and quieter than I expected.
It’s tucked into a historic 1884 property on Fleming Street, close enough to walk to Duval Street, Mallory Square, and most of what makes Key West worth visiting, but removed enough that coming back to the property actually felt like a reset. Three separate courtyard pools instead of one big resort pool. An adults-only atmosphere that changes how the whole place feels. And Café Marquesa right downstairs, which ended up being my favorite meal of the entire trip.
It’s not a beachfront resort. There’s no big pool scene, no kids running around, no direct water views. That’s exactly the point and the tradeoff works really well if you want Old Town walkability with a quieter, more boutique feel.
The hotel earned a Michelin 2 Key designation in 2025, which made sense the moment I arrived. Polished without being stiff.
Full review with rooms, pools, what’s included in the amenity fee, and who I’d recommend it for | link in bio 🌴
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