virginia travelers and fans of the legendary travel center experience can rejoice: Buc-ee’s has officially arrived! The highly anticipated first Buc-ee’s location in the Commonwealth opened its doors to the public on Monday, June 30, 2025. This landmark grand opening in Mount crawford, Virginia, was marked by a special ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Governor Glenn Youngkin, signifying the importance of this new mega-travel center for the region.
Virginia Welcomes the Buc-ee’s Phenomenon
Known affectionately as the “Disney World of gas stations,” Buc-ee’s is far more than just a place to refuel. It’s a Texas-sized destination offering an unparalleled combination of convenience, clean facilities, and an enormous selection of food and merchandise. The arrival of Buc-ee’s in Virginia represents a significant expansion for the popular chain, bringing its unique travel experience to the East Coast interstate corridor. This new Rockingham County location serves as Buc-ee’s debut store in the state, situated strategically to serve travelers along Interstate 81.
A Massive Destination at I-81 and Friedens Church Road
The new Buc-ee’s facility is truly impressive in scale. Located at 6500 Buc-ee’s Boulevard in Mount Crawford, Virginia, right at the intersection of Friedens Church Road and I-81 (Exit 240), the travel center dominates the landscape. The main building spans a sprawling 74,000 square feet, offering vast retail space. Outside, the fuel pumps are a major highlight, with a staggering 120 individual stations available. This allows more than a hundred vehicles to fuel up simultaneously, minimizing wait times even during peak travel periods.
Travelers heading south from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area will find the Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s conveniently located approximately 2.5 hours down I-81. Its position makes it an ideal stopping point for those on longer journeys through Virginia or heading towards the Southeast.
What Awaits Inside: Food, Snacks, and More
Step inside the massive store, and you enter a world of retail and culinary delights unlike any other travel stop. Buc-ee’s is famous for its wide variety of proprietary food items and snacks. Visitors can look forward to discovering iconic treats like “Beaver Nuggets,” the popular corn puff snack available in multiple flavors. The store also features a selection of fresh-made food, including sought-after brisket sandwiches carved “on the board” and various types of jerky. Other highlights include sweet praline pecans and traditional Kolache pastries.
Beyond the extensive food offerings, the Buc-ee’s store stocks a diverse range of merchandise. Shoppers can browse everything from clothing and toys to unique gifts, hunting gear, backpacks, and even home goods. The sheer volume and variety ensure there is something for every traveler or local visitor.
The World’s Cleanest Restrooms
One of the most celebrated features of any Buc-ee’s location is its commitment to cleanliness, particularly its restrooms. The chain has built a reputation for having exceptionally clean facilities, a welcome relief for road-weary travelers. The Mount Crawford location proudly continues this tradition, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic stop for everyone.
Economic Boost for Rockingham County
The opening of the first Virginia Buc-ee’s brings significant economic benefits to the Rockingham County area. According to Buc-ee’s officials, the new travel center has created more than 200 jobs locally. These positions are reported to offer wages “well above the minimum wage” and include full benefits, representing a substantial positive impact on the local job market. The stable, well-compensated employment opportunities provided by Buc-ee’s can contribute significantly to the economic well-being of the community around Mount Crawford. The influx of travelers drawn by the destination store is also expected to benefit other local businesses through increased traffic and visibility.
Grand Opening Festivities and Future Plans
The grand opening day on Monday, June 30th, kicked off bright and early with doors opening to the public at 6 a.m., drawing crowds eager to be among the first to experience the new location. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place later in the morning at 10 a.m., with Governor Glenn Youngkin in attendance to help inaugurate the new facility. His presence underscored the significance of this commercial development for the state.
While the Mount Crawford store marks Buc-ee’s initial foray into Virginia, the company is reportedly exploring additional expansion opportunities within the state. A potential future site is said to be under consideration in Stafford County. This suggests that the unique Buc-ee’s experience could become available to even more Virginians and East Coast travelers in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the new Buc-ee’s in Virginia unique compared to other travel stops?
The new Buc-ee’s in Mount Crawford is unique primarily due to its immense size and vast offerings. It features a massive 74,000-square-foot store and an unparalleled 120 gas pumps, far exceeding typical gas stations or convenience stores. Beyond fuel, it offers an extensive selection of food, including unique items like Beaver Nuggets and fresh brisket, plus a wide range of merchandise. The travel center is also famous for its exceptionally clean restrooms, earning a reputation for providing a superior traveler experience.
Where is the new Buc-ee’s in Virginia located and when can I visit?
The new Buc-ee’s is located at 6500 Buc-ee’s Boulevard in Mount Crawford, Virginia. This location is situated at the intersection of Friedens Church Road and Interstate 81, specifically at Exit 240. The facility is open to the public beginning at 6 a.m. daily. The grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 30, 2025, with Governor Youngkin, took place at 10 a.m.
How does the opening of the Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s impact the local economy?
The opening of the Buc-ee’s in Rockingham County has a significant positive impact on the local economy. According to Buc-ee’s, the new travel center has created more than 200 jobs in the area. These positions offer competitive wages reported to be well above the minimum wage and include full benefits for employees. This provides stable employment opportunities and injects significant income into the local community, in addition to drawing travelers who may patronize other local businesses.
A New Era for Virginia Travel
The grand opening of the Buc-ee’s travel center in Mount Crawford marks a new era for convenience and travel stops in Virginia. With its massive scale, diverse offerings, commitment to cleanliness, and significant job creation, the new location is poised to become a major destination for travelers on I-81 and a valuable addition to the Rockingham County community. Whether you’re stopping for fuel, famous beaver nuggets, a clean break, or just to experience the phenomenon, Virginia’s first Buc-ee’s is ready to welcome you.
