Rest areas can be wonderful places to stop and rest while traveling long miles. Of course each rest area across the country often reflects the geologic, architectural and/or geographic look of the the area. Or some are boring cell-like places with pit toilets. My wish at a minimum is that they all be clean! Beyond that, I appreciate rest areas including travel information, vending machines, pet exercise areas, picnic tables with shelter and historical information about the area. 

As a traveler, I have driven thousands of miles. The last few years it has included miles back and forth across the USA via different routes. Therefore, I decided to shout out and choose the best rest area in the USA. It is on Interstate 86 east in New York State, the Chautauqua rest area! I have no physical certificate for this pronouncement; however, I did thank the employee who was on the grounds. I think I made his day with the simple recognition of the good work all were doing at this rest area. And that he was being personally thanked.

The rest area was so nice I decided to have my breakfast there. Earlier in the morning I left my Harvest Host location, a brewery where I could not make my breakfast …. you may recall my van has no cooking, plumbing or electrical appliances. Out came my backpacker stove, etc and I enjoyed breakfast with a scenic view at this rest area. Plus the restroom was so clean!

Thank you to the employees at the Chautauqua rest area in New York State! You are chosen as my BEST REST AREA!