If you live in or travel through Florida, you will likely use the Florida Turnpike: a privately owned highway that covers some different areas than Interstate 95. Be aware this highway uses tolls. One benefit of the Turnpike is that it offers rest stops along the route. These are places between the north and south lanes drivers can go to to get gas, food, or to a restroom without exiting the highway altogether. These can be very useful, so it is important to know how to access them.
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Getting to the Rest Stop[]
While driving on the turnpike, blue signs will indicate an approaching rest stop. These signs may include what restaurants and gas station are at the upcoming rest stop. Like the layout, these choices tend to be the same everywhere (expect fast food, coffee, and snacks). When you see these signs you should move to the left-most lane and follow enter the lane that opens up on the left to enter the area.
Depending on which direction you enter, the gas station or plaza will be in front. There are signs that direct cars and trucks in different directions, as well as dividing traffic based on destination (gas or plaza). You can access the gas station once at the plaza and the plaza once at the gas station.
Using the Gas Station[]
The gas stations are set up like ones you would find off the highway, with pumps under a cover and shop that sells various items and has bathrooms. You can find more about using gas stations on The Awkword.[1]
Using the Plaza[]
The plaza is a large building with entrances on both sides (for the north- and south-bound parking lots), some offer an entrance on a north or south facing wall if there is a parking lot there. Through the automatic sliding doors you will have the choice of where to go to: bathrooms, information kiosks (shelves that have pamphlets for attractions), shops, or restaurants. The restaurants follow conventions of food courts and fast food restaurants. Find the line in front of the store front and wait until you get to the register. The shop is similar to a convenient store or gas station store you may find in a city. More information on these instances can be found on The Awkword.[2]
Leaving the Rest Stop[]
Leave the plaza through the doors you entered to return to your car. If you stay on the side you entered, then follow the signs in the parking lot for the exit. It is possible to go to the other side and exit going the the opposite direction you came. There will be indicators of this, but keep this in mind if you want to use this or if you find yourself parking on the opposite side you entered.