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The Independent
27-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
No. 1! New list reveals the best rest stops in each state
Rest stops are a necessary part of travel - now a new list has revealed the No. 1 spot in each state for that break from the road. Millions of Americans are set to hit the road this summer, and many of them will make stops along the way to refuel, take a bathroom break and grab their favorite gas station snacks. The American Automobile Association recommends that drivers traveling more than 100 miles or more than two hours schedule a break to rest. While the time drivers spend at any given rest stop can vary, AAA recommends resting for at least thirty minutes if you feel tired. But it's not just about when you stop for a break, but where you stop. A 24-hour bathroom or fun dining options can make your road trip more enjoyable. American River Wellness —an addiction recovery program that helps Department of Transportation employees, such as truck drivers, return to work — believes in making road-trippers feel 'a little more human,' so they surveyed 3,000 drivers and truckers to find out their favorite rest stops. 'When we think about what makes a great road trip, it's easy to focus on the destinations … but often, the places we remember most vividly are the ones we stop at along the way,' American River Wellness founder and CEO Graham Sargent said in a recent release announcing the survey results. He added: 'A clean, thoughtfully maintained rest stop can turn a grueling drive into something that feels a little more human.' Here are some of the rest stops that America's roadtrippers believe have the best public restrooms, and what other amenities they have to offer: Sunset Point Rest Area The Sunset Point Rest Area off I-17 in Arizona was chosen as the state's best rest stop. It overlooks the Bradshaw Mountains and had a major renovation completed in 2023. The restrooms have been upgraded, as well as the vending machine building and the parking lot. "It is cleaner than most restrooms,' visitor Byron Beverly told Fox10 Phoenix. 'There wasn't any graffiti, so they do keep it pretty clean here.' Trinidad Welcome Center The Trinidad Welcome Center off I-25 was listed as the best rest stop in Colorado. The center has free WiFi, a play area for children and RV parking. For visitors looking to stay awhile, there's also war veterans memorials on site and free trolley tours to the downtown area. One traveler wrote on Yelp in February 2024 that the 'lovely' center was a 'warm welcome into Colorado!' Biden Welcome Center The Biden Welcome Center off I-95 in Delaware was ranked the best rest stop in the state. The center, which was re-named after former President Joe Biden in 2018, has dining options, including Burger King and Starbucks, for hungry travelers and offers tax-free shopping. One visitor called the center 'nice, clean and well maintained' in an April review on Yelp. Georgia Welcome Center The Georgia Welcome Center off I-95 received the honor of being chosen as the state's nicest rest stop. The center has 24/hour restrooms and free parking. One tourist said in a March review on Yelp of the center: 'Clean! Friendly! Touristy with things to read and shoot photos with! Would absolutely stop in!' Greenfield Rest Area The Greenfield Rest Area off I-70 has made the top spot among Indiana 's rest stop offerings. The rest stop parking lot can fit 84 cars, 101 trucks, and has five handicap spots. There are vending machines and restrooms, including a family bathroom. While a tourist on Yelp called the vending machine selection 'awesome' in a May 2024 review, he said that the rest stop itself was 'very small.' Kittery Welcome Center The Kittery Welcome Center off I-95 in Maine has wowed drivers. The center has all the necessities travelers may need, such as seating areas, restrooms and vending machines, as well as some fun attractions like a camping-themed hang-out spot for kids, a life-sized Smokey Bear statue and a giant lobster trap to take photos with. 'A nice good clean place to stop,' one traveler said of the center in a Yelp review from September 2024. I-95 Maryland House The Maryland House off I-95 has left a lasting impression on visitors. The rest stop offers food from restaurants like Wendy's, Dunkin' Donuts, Nathan's Famous amd Auntie Anne's. One traveler called the rest stop 'clean, spacious and full of variety for food options,' in a Yelp review from April. I-81 Welcome Center The I-81 Welcome Center in Bristol, Tennessee, has ranked No.1 in the state. The center has double-sided men's and women's bathrooms, a dog walk area, picnic tables and a Civil War exhibit. 'This is the best and cleanest rest stop that I think I've visited in any state that I have travel [sic] to or through,' one Yelp reviewer wrote in April. She said of the center's staff: 'They are so very nice and welcoming there.' The Hill County Safety Rest Area, located northbound on I-35 in Texas, has impressed drivers with its playground, picnic tables and vending machines. The rest stop also includes two sets of men's and women's restrooms and a storm shelter. Sprague Lake Rest Area The Sprague Lake Rest Area off I-90 in Washington has earned the top spot among rest stops in the state. The rest area includes picnic areas, vending machines and accessible restrooms. Here is the full list of the best rest stops in all 50 states: Alabama: Ozark on US-231 Alaska: Kenai River Center Arizona: Sunset Point Rest Area – I-17 Arkansas: Ozark Rest Area – I-40 California: Camp Roberts Rest Area – US-101 Colorado: Trinidad Welcome Center – I-25 Connecticut: I-84 Danbury Welcome Center Delaware: Biden Welcome Center – I-95 Florida: Florida Welcome Center – I-95 Georgia: Georgia Welcome Center – I-95 Hawaii: Kula Forest Reserve Picnic Area – Maui Idaho: Smoky Mountain Rest Area – ID-75 Illinois: Belvidere Oasis – I-90 Indiana: Greenfield Rest Area – I-70 Iowa: Loess Hills Scenic Byway Rest Area – I-29 Kansas: Topeka Service Area – I-70 Kentucky: Kentucky Welcome Center – I-65 Louisiana: Slidell Maine: Kittery Welcome Center – I-95 Maryland: I-95 Maryland House Massachusetts: Charlton Service Plaza – I-90 Michigan: New Buffalo Welcome Center – I-94 Minnesota: Goose Creek Rest Area – I-35 Mississippi: Vicksburg Welcome Center – I-20 Missouri: Joplin Welcome Center Montana: Sweetgrass Rest Area – I-15 Nebraska: Melia Hill Rest Area – I-80 Nevada: Amargosa Valley Rest Area – US-95 New Hampshire: Salem Welcome Center – I-93 New Jersey: Clara Barton Service Area – NJ Turnpike New Mexico: Santa Rosa Welcome Center – I-40 New York: Long Island Welcome Center – NY-25 North Carolina: Burlington Rest Area – I-85/I-40 North Dakota: Painted Canyon Rest Area – I-94 Ohio: Jeffersonville Welcome Center – I-71 Oklahoma: Oklahoma Welcome Center – I-35 Oregon: Oak Grove Rest Area – I-5 Pennsylvania: Sideling Hill Service Plaza – I-76 Rhode Island: Portsmouth off Route 24 South Carolina: South of the Border – I-95 South Dakota: Spearfish Rest Area – I-90 Tennessee: I-81 Welcome Center – Bristol Texas: Hill County Safety Rest Area – I-35 Utah: Echo Canyon Rest Area – I-80 Vermont: Williston Rest Area – I-89 Virginia: New Kent East Rest Area – I-64 Washington: Sprague Lake Rest Area – I-90 West Virginia: Bluestone Welcome Center – I-77 Wisconsin: Rest Area 10 – I-90/I-94 Wyoming: Sheridan Welcome Center – I-90
Time Out
13-05-2025
- Time Out
Apparently, you can find New York's cleanest public restroom here
If you think all New York public bathrooms are gross, grimy or guarded behind a $5 latte, think again. A new national report just revealed the best public restroom in the Empire State—and it's got more Hamptons energy than highway grit. According to a 2025 survey from American River Wellness, which polled more than 3,000 long-haul drivers and road trippers, the Long Island Welcome Center on NY-25 is the cleanest, chicest bathroom stop in New York, ultimately ranking 11th nationwide. Designed like a stylish café with sparkling restrooms, Long Island-themed decor, local tourism displays and vending machines stocked with local specialty items, this rest stop redefines what it means to answer nature's call in style. 'It's the chef's kiss of rest areas,' wrote Long Island Business. And truly, would you expect anything less just outside the Hamptons? Of course, NYC bathroom expert Theodora Siegel, known for her TikTok account Got2GoNYC, might argue that some of Manhattan's upscale department stores and parks give even Long Island a run for its money. Siegel's reviews helped push for better bathroom access citywide, and she's quick to name Bryant Park and the Apple Store on Fifth Avenue among the cleanest in the five boroughs. But as far as rest stops go, the Long Island Welcome Center reigns supreme. Not far behind in the rankings is the Mohawk Valley Welcome Center in Canajoharie, beloved for its scenic river views, spotless facilities and even a dog park. Rounding out the state's top three is the Plattekill Service Area on I-87, a favorite for Hudson Valley road warriors seeking quick bites and clean stalls. What do they all have in common? Cleanliness, local character and a layout that makes you want to stop. So next time you hit the road, skip the dice roll at the gas station and aim for one of New York's top-tier toilet stops. Because as any seasoned traveler—or Siegel follower—knows, a good bathroom can save your whole day.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Need a 'pit stop' while driving? This Georgia rest area ranks among best in US
Prepping for summer vacation or simply a weekend road trip? It's important to plan some pit stops along the way. American River Wellness conducted a study of more than 3,000 people with the focus being on public restrooms while also asking travelers about what truly makes a great stop. The list included one in Georgia. What are the top 10 rest stops in America? Kula Forest Reserve Picnic Area - Maui (Haleakalā Highway), Hawaii Florida Welcome Center - Interstate 95 (Jacksonville), Florida Kentucky Welcome Center - Interstate 65 (Bowling Green), Kentucky Waimea Canyon Lookout, Hawaii Burlington Rest Area - Interstate 85/Interstate 40 (Between Greensboro & Durham), North Carolina Welcome Center - I-95 (Rowland), North Carolina Biden Welcome Center - I-95 (Newark), Delaware Painted Canyon Rest Area - I-94 (Theodore Roosevelt National Park), North Dakota McDowell County Rest Area - I-40 (Near Marion, East of Black Mountain), North Carolina New Kent East Rest Area - Interstate 64 (Between Richmond & Williamsburg), Virginia FILE - Georgia Welcome Center in Port Wentworth on I-95. It was recently ranked as one of the best rest stops in the U.S. What is the best rest stop in Georgia? The only Georgia stop to make the list is the Georgia Wellness Center on I-95 in Port Wentworth, a little more than 20 miles north of Savannah. American River Wellness said Georgia's sets a new standard with huge, hospitality-driven welcome centers that serves as an invitation to explore the region. The center is home to multiple drink and snack machines plus indoor picnic tables, an interactive and educational area, and a photo op with "Forrest Gump." Where are Georgia's visitor information centers? Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X and Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Georgia rest area gets high marks from drivers. See the full US list
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Yahoo
Highway hygiene: Burlington rest area has the best public bathrooms in North Carolina, survey says
BURLINGTON, N.C. (WGHP) — When duty calls, the Burlington rest area is the place you gotta go, gotta go, gotta go right now. Located off I-85/1-40 between Greensboro and Durham, the Burlington rest area is home to the best public bathrooms in North Carolina, according to American River Wellness. 'A practical gem for those traversing North Carolina's Piedmont, this rest area offers clean bathrooms, shaded picnic spaces, and plenty of parking – earning it loyal fans among truckers and road-tripping families alike,' voters said. ARW surveyed 3,017 drivers to identify the nation's best public restrooms, but the survey also revealed what else drivers value on the road: peaceful rest areas, healthier food options, green spaces and inviting welcome centers. With 4.5 stars, the rest area's Google reviews highlight its 'clean and well-maintained restrooms,' well-kept grounds, variety of vending machines and products and the area's bright lighting, making it easier for guests to see at night. View the locations with the best public restrooms in each state here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Yahoo
Belvidere Oasis restrooms ranked as Illinois' best in national survey
BELVIDERE, Ill. (WTVO) — A ranking public restrooms across the country was released, and the Belvidere Oasis was among the best. Belvidere Oasis on I-90 was named the number one public restroom in Illinois. The survey was conducted by a recovery program in California called American River Wellness. The group surveyed over 3,000 drivers and truckers on a variety of criteria to determine which was best. The survey cited that drivers usually prefer rest stops that boast a scenic backdrop or a modern plaza. Surveyors also determined that drivers enjoy Midwest rest stops mainly for their cleanliness. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
