Heart Of America
We spent the weekend in Kansas City, helping Inga's parents get ready for their move to Chicago in a couple of weeks. Since we need to get some things to and from K.C., we drove. On past driving trips to K.C. we took the 'scenic route'; driving through Central Illinois, crossing into Missouri at Hannibal and then meandering drive across the state. Since this time we were on a mission, we took the direct route through Iowa. Had I known that The Iowa 80 - The World's Largest Truckstop, was on the way, we would have gone this way more often!
I haven't been in many truckstops, so maybe I'm overly impressed by all the services that seemed to be beyond the normal truckstop fare. The Iowa 80 has a library, dentist, barber and movie theater. The custom shop with all the semi gear and show trucks was real impressive, again not knowing much about 18-wheelers. My favorite thing about the Iowa 80 though was the giant gift shop, loaded with more country kitsch and souvenirs than you could think possible in one location.
If I had to take someone to one place in the country that I thought defined America, I would take them to the Iowa 80. Larger than life, a parking lot full of 18-wheelers, a big buffet, fast food, toy tractors, Confederate flags, cowboy wear, and so many things that, good or bad, are uniquely American. If I ever have to go through Iowa again, (this was my first time in the state after a lifetime in Chicagoland), this will be a must stop every time.
