by James V. Lacy
Las Vegas is a place I visit once or twice annually and when I go there I prefer to drive. I engage the auto’s cruise control, enjoy the vast scenic desert rolling by, and listen to SiriusXM Spa, or Watercolors to relax, or hear one of the news channels. I try to make my trips midweek when there is less traffic and stress on the road. But I had to make my return from a recent trip to Vegas last Friday, and I got caught in a huge traffic jam caused by a wreck, descending Interstate #15 just outside of Victorville, as I was en route back home to southern Orange County. And at rush hour. It was a mess. I really needed to make a stop when I worked my way out of it. Hence my story, a short ode to Fontana.
Over the years of driving to and from Vegas I have plotted out a series of familiar pit stops for a brief meal, or to get a coffee or water, to gas up, or to use the facilities. You need to be a little picky about these stops, to be safe. For example, I have learned that Baker is definitely not a good, safe place to stop for anything. I was almost mugged in daylight at a gas station in Baker once, driving off just in the nick of time, with no thanks to the station staff. And anyway, I am not interested in the slightest in the offerings at the Mad Greek restaurant. (A Gyro Meal in 109 degree weather does not appeal to me.)
But there are good places I have found for sure. I almost always stop at the Denny’s at the truck stop near the Barstow Outlet Mall, which sometimes has Fox News on at the counter, and which is connected at the truck stop to decent restrooms. Hidden in the nearby Outlet Mall itself are a really great set of clean, spacious air conditioned private restrooms with extensive beverage vending machines in the hallway, but you will have to find these for yourself.
Over time I have added a few newer stops that I consider “optional” as in “when you really need to stop.” One of those is the Chili’s on the Summit Road exit on #15 in Fontana. I may stop at the bar for a sparkling water but the real purpose is to use the bathroom and move on. I have made this stop a couple times and I did again this trip, after working thru that horrid traffic jam.
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