Now that spring is upon us, wouldn’t it be nice to sit outside and enjoy some sunshine and fresh air?
When you travel across this great country of ours, you’ll find many nice rest area/welcome center facilities which offer beautiful picnic areas for relaxation. How many of us really take time to use these facilities during our rest breaks? I’ve noticed that many states offer picnic areas that have covered outside tables located in very nice outdoor settings. Many of these locations make the perfect spot to take a few moments to enjoy lunch, dinner or just unwind a bit. Some offer covered tables, charcoal grills and nice landscaping which include seasonal flowers.
If you take time to go inside the rest stop/welcome center, you can read about the history of the area as well as learn about their plants, animals and various species which inhabit a particular state. You can also learn 
about business, agriculture and entertainment of the given region.
In today’s busy hustle and bustle world of ours, we tend to always be in a hurry. Over the years, I have noticed these rest area picnic settings go largely unused by most people.
Years ago, many families and business people traveling used the rest area/welcome center to stop and enjoy a picnic lunch. Today, we have fast food restaurants at nearly every highway exit, therefore the picnic areas sit empty.
I stopped in Hankamer, TX, at the local rest area. My intentions were to use the restroom and continue on my way down the road. Upon leaving, I noticed the beautiful picnic area they designed outside the 
facility. My stomach was letting me know it was soon lunchtime. Therefore, I decided to head over to my Cascadia and make a sandwich. The sun was shining and it was the perfect day for a picnic lunch. They even had a playground for children located at the site. While eating, I watched as people rushed in and out of the rest area without even giving it a second thought to enjoy the picnic area. For me, I had the place all to myself and I found it quite relaxing and refreshing.