5 pit stops to make on the way to Bama’s beaches

Have a lengthy drive to the Alabama coast ahead of you? Break up the journey with some fun pit stops along the way. Here are five en route to popular beach destinations like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

1. Bucc-ees

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If you follow I-20 on your way to Bama’s beaches, I highly suggest taking Moody Exit 140. Here you’ll fine the holy grail of all pit stops—Buc-ee’s in the City of Leeds. Here’s what you should know about it:

• It’s huge! The mega convenience store stands a mighty 53,250 square feet.
• It offers a deli with handmade sandwiches and a coffee shop with pastries.
• It’s stocked with more snacks than you can dream up, or eat on your road trip. One whole wall is stocked entirely of jerky, while others offer assortments of candy and Buc-ee’s most well-known snack—Beaver Nuggets (a.k.a., caramel coated popcorn).
• It features 120 gas pumps, which means it’s the perfect place to top off your tank before heading back onto the highway.

Learn more about the hype that surrounded Alabama’s second Buc-ee’s location:

• Buc-ee’s in Leeds expected to open by end of 2020
• We got an INSIDE look at the new Buc-EEs in Leeds. Check out the PHOTOS
• Buc-ee’s is now open in Leeds (the numbers)
• 4 things at the new Buc-ee’s in Leeds that are not gas pumps or jerky

Address: 6900 Buc-ee’s Blvd, Leeds, AL 35094
Website | Facebook

2. Durbin Farms + 3. Peach Park

If you’ve driven along I-65 South, you’ve probably noticed an enormous peach sitting high in the sky. This glorious orb is the ultimate landmark to clue you in that you’re in Chilton County—a.k.a, Peach County. Here you’ll find two of my all-time favorite pit stops on the way to the beach—Durbin Farms and Peach Park.

Both peach-filled stops can be found off Clanton Exit 205. Here’s a look at both stops:

Durbin Farms

Take a right off Clanton Exit 205 and you’ll find Durbin Farms. Specializing in some of the freshest local produce around, Durbin Farms has been providing peaches across the Southeast since 1961. But that’s not all the market offers. You’ll find other local items, too, such as:

• Coffee
• Dressings, fruit butters, honey + preserves
• Gift items + home decor

They also sell homemade ice cream. Two must-try flavors—peach and peach pecan.

Address: 2130 7th St S, Clanton, AL 35045
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Peach Park

Take a left off Clanton Exit 205 via I-65 South to visit Peach Park. Family-owned and operated, Peach Park got its start in 1984 as a small, roadside fruit stand. Today, it’s grown into the ultimate pit stop for beach-bound travelers.

It features fresh produce, bakery and boutique where you can shop clothing and gifts.

While there, be sure to order peach cobbler and ice cream—a combo that will blow your mind.

Address: 2300 7th St S, Clanton, AL 35046
Website | Facebook | Instagram

4. Priester’s Pecans

Another cool stop along your way to the coast is Priester’s Pecans. Located off Exit 142 via 1-65S in Fort Deposit, Alabama, you’ll be charmed by this old-fashioned country store filled with tons to discover and taste.

Known for some of the finest pecans around, you’ll find everything from pecan pies to pecan candies. But there’s more. You’ll also find:

• A food bar with lunch items like sandwiches and salads
• A food area with dressings, jellies and pickles
• A gift shop with unique items

Bonus: Priester’s Pecans offers lots of free samples. Snacking goals met.

Want to see how Priester’s Pecans makes their yummy homemade candies? Travel upstairs to watch them being made in person.

Address: 80 Bishop Bottom Rd, Fort Deposit, AL 36032
Website | Facebook | Instagram

5. Wright Brothers Park

At this pit stop, you can stretch your legs, score an amazing view of the Alabama River and pay tribute to the infamous Wright Brothers. You know, the dudes who invented, built and flew the world’s first successful motor-operated airplane. Located off I-65 South in Montgomery, the park offers greenery and a gazebo with picnic tables, but the coolest part about the park is its full-scale replica of the Wright Flyer.

Address: 544 Maxwell Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36104
Website

What are your favorite pit stops on the way to Alabama’s beaches? Tag @thebamabuzz and let us know.