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On WRAL-TV at 4: Rain, heat could affect your travel plans for Fourth of July. We're tracking the rain chances and when you should plan your drives — Rain and heat could impact your Fourth of July travel plans. Coming up at WRAL-TV at 4, the chances for rain and when you should plan to hit the roads. more
Published: 2022-07-01 05:00:00 Updated: 2022-07-01 05:00:00
Posted July 1, 2022 5:00 a.m. EDT
By Sydney Franklin, WRAL multiplatform producer
For nearly seven decades, South of the Border has reigned supreme as a quirky destination along Interstate 95.
But, there's a new roadside attraction in town.
Nearly 30 miles separates South of the Border and Buc-ee's in South Carolina. Each attraction likely attracts thousands of visitors a year.
Let's break down what makes each place unique and what they share in common.
You don't have to worry about missing either location. Both places have advertisements starting at least 20 miles away.
South of the Border quips "You never sausage a place. You're always a wiener at Pedro's" in one of the locations' dozens of signs, while Buc-ee's jokes, "it's the brisket for me".
South of the Border's Reptile Lagoon has 15 varieties of crocodiles, as well alligators, snakes and turtles. The lagoon prides itself on having a "experienced veteran snake and reptile handler, along with friendly staff."
The lagoon has custom built pools and walkways, which let visitors get an up-close view of the reptiles.
Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children between 3 and 6 years old. A portion of the admission fee goes to the Crocodile Conservation Institute to help save the reptiles.
It's one of the first things you will see entering South Carolina from North Carolina — the towering 200-foot sombrero beckoning you to pull into South of the Border.
The location's website says the tower rises above "the flat Dillon, South Carolina, countryside surrounding South of the Border like the Space Needle rises above Seattle."
During the day, visitors can ride in the sombrero's glass elevator for $4. At the top of the tower, visitors can walk around the brim of the sombrero.
Those scared of heights can hang out at the base of the sombrero in El Toro's Arcade.
Every since 2012, when a national contest by business service company, Cintas, was held, Buc-ee's has claimed the title of cleanest restrooms in America.
All Buc-ee's locations are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The Florence, South Carolina, location also has DEF and ethanol-free fuel for boats and small engines.
In the center of the gas station, Buc-ee's employees are throwing down Texas-style barbecue. Grab a chopped or sliced brisket sandwich, a sliced turkey sandwich or order through a kiosk a pastrami Reuben. Grab a fountain drink and some homemade potato chips to round out your meal.
Walking into a Buc-ee's brings you inside a whole other world. Lining the walls are dozens of selections for nuts, jerky, taffy, gummies and "old favse." That's just the beginning of getting your belly full. You can also pick up Buc-ee's brand jellies, salsa and pickled vegetables and eggs.
The South of the Border MX Training Facility offers tracks for beginners to professionals.
The facility, which is located on the South of the Border grounds, also has programs for "riders who race locally and/or those who race on the amateur national circuit."
Those needing some sleep before continuing their journey can rest up at South of the Border. The South of the Border Motor Inn was recently renovated and visitors have access to an indoor, heated pool, an outdoor pool, sauna and locker rooms located inside the "Pleasure Dome." Don't worry about having to leave your four-legged friend out — the motel is also pet friendly.
Those traveling by RV also have a place to stay. Camp Pedro RV Park have access to laundry rooms, bath houses and is within walking distance of the other attractions.
Keep those credit cards on hand — South of the Border and Buc-ee's have plenty for you to purchase unrelated to gas or food.
Mexico Shop East is South of the Border's oldest store and is filled with eclectic items to remind you of your visit. The shop is similar to ones that fill beach towns with T-shirts, jewelry and toys. In one shop at South of the Border, you can also see a taxidermy 27-foot great white shark while picking up some other memorabilia to remember your trip.
Meanwhile, Buc-ee's has almost anything you can imagine branded with its logo.
Bathing suits? Check. Blanket? Check. Cups? Of course.
There's also dozens of T-shirt designs to pick from such as holiday-themed, concert tour or just the classic Buc-ee's logo.
Those who aren't looking to represent their favorite gas station don't have to worry — Buc-ee's also carries hundreds of items that don't have its logo, including coolers, towels and decorative towels.
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