FORT VALLEY, Ga. — With Independence Day less than a week away, several travelers are already hitting the roads ahead of the holiday weekend.
Many people driving through Central Georgia make it a tradition to stop at the Buc-ee’s on Russell Parkway.
Some, like Pete and April from Orlando, like to stop for the gas and jerky.
“This is a national treasure for us, I think I don't know what part of the south just draws us here, but yeah we've been to Buc-ee's a couple of times,” Pete said.
During their drive up from Florida to Tennessee, they made a pit stop at their favorite southern gas station.
“We topped off because we're going through, just a quarter of a tank, because we're going to Atlanta and we don't wanna stop,” Pete said.
Right now, an average gas of regular gas in Georgia is $3.23, according to AAA.
They say it’s 27 cents below the national average, but a nickel higher than last week.
Several states expect higher prices over the next week leading into the holiday.
Pete said he came through recently, and it took a while to find a pump to fill up.
“This is actually the second time in the last couple weeks,” Pete said. “It was a lot quicker to get to a gas pump (this trip). This is a little busier than it was last time, but it is early lunch time.”
“It’s been good, the ride’s been smooth,” Macon business-owner Gary Morris said. “Traffic’s been a little heavy, but it’s been moving."
Morris and his three sons, Gary Jr., Tedarious, and Nickolas, are also traveling to Florida from the Peach State.
The Central Georgians said they’re traveling most of the day; dad says he’s staying cautious in construction zones.
“It’s a lot, especially in Macon, there’s a lot of work going on around this time,” Morris said.
Before you hit the roads, make sure you get your ride inspected.
Check to ensure your tire pressure, your windshield wipers and your vehicles overall functions are up to speed before getting behind the wheel.