It doesn’t have the same reputation as the hallowed kolache shops in West, TX, but Ennis’ Kolache Depot is a solid stop for sweet and savory pastries. Nearly two dozen different fruit options are on offer (like raspberry, apricot, and prune), along with jalapeno-cheese klobasneks and pockets of dough stuffed with sausage, egg, and potato.

It’s not right off the highway, but this long-standing Fairfield eatery is definitely worth the detour. Chow down on smoked barbecue, chicken fried steak, or an all-you-can-eat buffet with a rotating selection of offerings (like fried shrimp and plenty of veggies) on the cheap, and don’t forget to finish with one of Sam’s famous pies. Perhaps chocolate cream or peach?

A retail outpost of a local farm, Cooper Farms is a one stop shop for all things peaches. Cooper’s peaches are grown nearby, and offered in a couple different varieties that are always ripe. Snag a pie or cobbler for when you arrive at your destination, browse the wall of unique bottled sodas from all over the country, and definitely order up a cup or cone of Cooper Farms’ famous peach soft serve.

The ultimate road trip mecca, Buc-ee’s is not to be missed. Outside of those world-famous clean bathrooms, the snack selection at Buc-ee’s is beyond impressive. Browse an entire wall of gummy candies, trail mixes, and crunchy snacks, then head immediately to the meat counter for summer sausage, jerky, cheese, and grab-and-go sandwiches. Oh, and definitely don’t forget a bag of those totally addictive, crispy-sweet Beaver Nuggets.

National fast food burger chains are pretty blah, but TX Burger offers a solid locally-grown alternative. The chain operates locations in Fairfield, Centerville, and Madisonville, serving up juicy burgers, steak finger baskets, and hand-spun milkshakes. Visiting early in the morning? Grab breakfast tacos.

This no-frills Greek eatery on the outskirts of Houston serves up some of the area’s best gyros. Dolmades, spanakopita, saganaki, and hummus are also on offer, along with sandwiches, grinders, and decent Philly cheesesteaks.

If you absolutely can’t make it to Houston without stopping for a beer, hit up B-52 Brewing. The dog-friendly patio offers a spot for Fido to stretch his legs, and you can sit back with a pilsner, stout, or IPA before making the rest of the trip.

Also on the outskirts of Houston, Spring’s Corkscrew Barbecue has been touted as one of the state’s finest barbecue joints. Open Tuesday through Sunday, the Black Angus brisket, turkey breast, and pit smoked barbecue beans absolutely cannot be beaten.