31 Comments
User's avatar
Mary Jo Nieson's avatar

Spent many sleeps across the south at Loves in a car😔

Carol Seymour's avatar

Hi Mary Jo,

I’m glad to hear that. Perhaps you and I have slept at the same Love’s Truck Stop, especially if you travel I-20 from Dallas.

Mary Jo Nieson's avatar

No I was mostly I10 or40

Mike Branch's avatar

Are they ok with this or do you just manage to go unnoticed? I like the idea but I don’t want any problems.

Carol Seymour's avatar

Love Truck Stop welcomes you. Now they have built their own RV park nearby which they charge for. But some Love Truck Stops have a sign pointing where you should park. Yes, they are ok with it and expect you to fill up with gas or buy food in their store.

Metaphor's avatar

I recently drove cross country. Always stop at LOVE'S if I could. Always clean, friendly and well stocked. Safe too.

Carol Seymour's avatar

You’re so right. It’s good to use familiar places, don’t you think? For example, I know if I bring my own large metal cup inside the Love’s Store I can get it filled with ice for free. If you use their Styrofoam cup, it will cost you 75 cents.

Metaphor's avatar

Yes. I was excited to read your endorsement of Loves because I didn't know about the family. I always like to support businesses like Loves.

Sharon Boyes-Schiller's avatar

Thank you for this. Next trip to the US I’m planning to travel in a VW van, so this is good info to put into my notebook!

Ellen's avatar

Thank you!🥰

Somewhere, Somehow's avatar

Clean, very clean.

Carol Seymour's avatar

Turning 76 soon. Still curious. Still Learning. Still pulled by the road.

Piritta Paija's avatar

I don’t know how it is with general safety in the United States(?) but we have never spent a night at a truck stop/fuel station in our six years of driving across Southern, Eastern and Western Africa and this year in South America (Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina). We are two women in a 4x4 Defender. Never felt unsafe. But of course, we do pick the places we stay with care when wild camping. Couldn’t probably sleep a bit in all that noise of a truck stop.

However, I see your point about the safety here, but it can also go the other way; you may be very obvious when you are so ”exposed”. But as there are many other people (truck drivers, etc.), it’s better.

Carol Seymour's avatar

Hi Piritta,

it is wonderful to never feel unsafe. Sometimes we forget about wild animals, most of just think about human crime, but still we need to be aware of dangerous wild dogs, or snakes or even spiders. My fear is people on drugs that may do something cruel that could affect anyone anywhere. But thanks for reading and send me some pics of your adventures in Africa. I would love to share them.

Piritta Paija's avatar

Yes, 99 times out of 100, it's the people you have to worry about. It's the same, I guess, no matter on what continent you are.

And thanks so much, I can sometimes send some pics from my favorite places in Africa. I would greatly appreciate a share. 🙏 In my publication (@expeditionconservation here on Substack), you can read many stories, too. :)

Carol Seymour's avatar

Yes, thank you I will subscribe and recommend.

Piritta Paija's avatar

Thanks so much!

Cindy Battino, BHSP's avatar

Loved this article.

Kristine Baker's avatar

I love Love’s they have great dog parks too. The consistency and friendly staff are welcoming.

Carol Seymour's avatar

Hi Kristine,

Yes, I forgot to mention they do have great dog parks. That's important you know for our little pets. They need to stretch their legs to and get some fresh air.

Sharon Boyes-Schiller's avatar

What are their dog parks like? That is good for me, I’ve got small dachshunds and is it secure for smaller dogs?

Kristine Baker's avatar

I have a 5 pound Chihuahua . I just don’t go in when an incompatible other dog is in there.

Carol Seymour's avatar

Absolutely not Kristine.

Julianna Lawrence's avatar

Love’s are great, although I’ve never slept at one, and I’m glad they’re growing. They have showers too I think plus clean bathrooms and lots of comfort merch.

Sharon Boyd's avatar

I lived in Oklahoma for 20 years. Love's are the best. Their biscuits and gravy were so good. Comfort food and nice people.

Carol Seymour's avatar

Hi Sharon,

Yes, I've eaten some of their white sausage gravey poured over a biscuit. It's fattening, but I don't care once in a while I don't mind it. I'm glad you mentioned that, I had forgotten and most eveyone I've come across is nice and friendly...I mean people who work there.

Nancy Klatt's avatar

I’ve always had good experiences at Love’s, though I haven’t stayed overnight. I was glad you reminded people to make at least a small purchase. Good advice to continue the opportunity.

Tess Wittler's avatar

I have the Loves app downloaded to my phone. When we moved across the country last December, we based our stops on the location of the next Loves Truck stop. Most have decent dog areas, too, so our Chessies could be off-leash for a bit.

Carol Seymour's avatar

That's a good idea to plan your trip around Love many locations. Thanks for bringing it up

Elizabeth Bourgeret's avatar

When it’s a travel day for me, I love seeing that tall yellow sign with the heart glowing a few miles in front of me!

I pull a camper & am so thankful when there’s space for us campers.