Driving from IL---Safe gas stops

[amyjo920]

There are 5 of us and we are planning to drive from just North of St Louis. I have driven quite a distance before through the night and it wasn't a problem, but that was just me, DH, and a friend. Now I have 3 special packages going with us (16,14, and 8) and I'm kind of scared about stopping at night for gas, bathrooms, etc. Too many crazies around. Any ideas on good places to stop? Trip isn't until September so I have plenty of time, just something I hadn't thought of until now.

 

[MomRN]

When we drove from Indiana a few months ago we stopped at a few of those questionable stops, but when you have a recently potty trained 3 yr old, you do what you have to. The best suggestion I can offer is avoid the big cities if possible.

 

[hearts8701]

we drive alot and only stop for gas at exits with a few gas stations you can tell by the exit signs how many gas stations hotels & restraunts are in the exit area

 

[Belle1962]

In the same vein as above: stop at exits that have many food and gas choices. We get gas then go right next door to a fast food place for bathroom break (make it a 24 hour place like McD). I avoid official "rest stops" (except the first big Welcome Center when it's open) at night (and try to during the day).

I also agree with avoiding big cities--you never know about neighborhoods--they are pretty hit or miss. Around ATLANTA (if you are driving that way) I would stop no later than the Acworth/Kennesaw area, gas up and get all the way through town and not stop until very south of the city. (We wait to the 475 bypass to get off again).

HTH

 

[marius97]

Potty breaks are more difficult, but gas shouldn't be too much of a problem. Depending on where you are and how safe you feel, fill up the gas tank as late as you can...even if you have 3/4 of a tank full. That way you can make it through most of the night without having to make a gas stop. Personally, I don't have any problem stopping for gas anytime between 12 and 5am. With the ages of your kids, hopefully potty breaks won't be an issue.

 

[amyjo920]

No, potty breaks shouldn't but the gas has me kind of freaked out. I remember stopping in Nashville before and wherever we were there, I missed getting back on the interstate and ended up in a nasty part of town. Personally, I don't worry to much if it's just me, but I'm terrified of something happening to my kids (and I do realize it could happen in our small town also, it's just different).

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

When my family and I drive down using Interstate 75 we generally like to stop off in the smaller cities with a good number of hotels, restaurants, and gas stations. We also don't like to get off in such cities like Cincinnati or Atlanta because they seem to confusing and etc, so we make sure that we won't need to stop before arriving to those cities.

 

[dburg30]

Almost all have those signs that say how far it is. If it's something like .3 miles, it's pretty much going to be right there. If it says 1.5 miles or something, just get back on the freeway and stop at the next place. Just dont wait til you have less then 1/4 tank or something. Never understood waiting til you were almost OUT to stop. Plan ahead some.

 

[kydisneyfans]

I agree with the above, stay out of the big cities, looks for exits with lots of amenities. As a whole, if the location is good enough for a Hampton Inn, then it is a safe exit.

I travel through the night on I75 and I64 in KY all the time. There are exits that are great for overnight travel, there are others I wouldn't be caught dead visiting.

As a family, we use Pilot Travel Centers quite a bit. They are well lit, have cheap fuel, and usually a 24 hour food stop on site, saving an extra stop.