There are lots of great places to visit and sights to see all across Kansas. From Big Brutus in Southeast Kansas to the Salt Caves of Hutch to Dodge City and the Wild West, we have it all. We even have an NFL team. Sort of. It’s actually across the river in a city with the same name. Same name as our state of Kansas as well. Pronounced the same as well. Not like Arkansas.

But anyway that’s not the focus here. The focus is the store. Thirsty? Stop by the store. Need gas? Stop at the next store. You hungry? Let’s go to the store. And what is the store? Just like the Chiefs. Kansas City? No. KC? No. It’s Casey’s. That’s the store. That’s where we all go. We all love it. Don’t be ashamed. Here are some tips.

1. In today’s world, calling someone sweetie, darling or honey can open you up to a whirl wind of shame and ridicule. This rule doesn’t apply in Casey’s. I’m 46 years old. I have been called Sugar, Honey, Darlin, Sir, Sweetheart, Dude and Babe by cashiers that were anywhere from 17 to 70. I’ve seen a 15 year old girl tell a 350 lbs trucker to “hurry up Sweetie, you’re holding up the line.” I’ve seen a 75 year old lady that looked like mother goose say to a coworker “Watch that little S.O.B. He will steal us blind.” So be prepared to hear just about anything. But keep in mind, this rule doesn’t go both ways. So just say thank you and don’t hold up the line.

2. Prepare yourself to be plunged into a world of glorious variety. Well sort of. Here in Kansas it appears that we require four items for any sort of road trip. Those items are Chez-It crackers, an energy shot, a gummy candy and a Reese’s. With the varieties available, there are 51,870 different combinations possible if you chose one from each category. Yes, I actually did the math.

3. It’s a step back in time and a brave new world all at the same time. Some Casey’s locations are like the old time coffee shop where old men sit and drink coffee, solve the worlds problems, and park poorly out front. Others locations have shiny counters and high tech fountain drink machines. I heard one out west has dippin dots. But that’s not confirmed. Some times it’s both. You step back in time with 1988 packaging then are in awe of the new item you see that is mind blowing!! Words can’t truly describe my wonder created by Casey’s mad scientist snack creators. Nor can they describe the nostalgia I feel when I see snacks that remind me of my youth. You have to see the pics.

4. Casey’s Rewards. Yes, I’m a member. But frankly, I have no idea why. I don’t know any reason for this other then to hold up the line while I enter my number. Maybe that’s so the people behind me see the gummy snacks and make an impulse purchase.

5. The Pizza Carousel. This triple decker spinning pizza server of greasy goodness is a true beacon of light in this dark world. There is NY pizza, Chicago style pizza and even the California Pizza Co. But for us here in Kansas it’s Casey’s. And for us small town folk, it was the first, last and only pizza in town. Before Casey’s brought their joy to rural Kansas we got our pizza from the freezer at the local convenience store. We also could buy fish bait, chewing tobacco, a 7 year old can of tomato soup and rent 6 different movies with Kevin Bacon in them. It was a glorious time when Casey’s came around. I remember the rumors that Wal Mart owned Casey’s and was coming to put everyone out of business. Still a mystery, much like Casey’s rewards. As for the pizza carousel, there are two rules.

Rule 1. You touch it, you own it. No put backs. No changing of your mind. Zero tolerance. Rule 2. If you can’t decide after 2 rotations, you’re not hungry, you’re just bored. Step aside.

So on Super Bowl Sunday, it’s okay to have a slice of Casey’s pizza before the party. And if you forget something for your party, you know where to go. As an added bonus Otto the dog has made his prediction for your Super Bowl betting pool. Hope it helps.