Facility Overview

Love's Travel Stop #175, situated at 5722 E Lee Hwy in Max Meadows, Virginia, provides a critical, highly accessible highway rest and parking stop along the Interstate 81 and Interstate 77 transportation corridor in Wythe County. Arranged as an expansive open-air surface travel plaza, this facility caters to a comprehensive range of motorist needs. The layout is purposefully bifurcated into designated passenger vehicle zones and high-capacity truck and commercial vehicle bays. With no overhead height restrictions or clearance limits across the open lot, the facility effortlessly accommodates standard passenger cars, oversized pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, vans, RVs, motorhomes, and cross-country tractor-trailers.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Strategically positioned near the intersection of I-81, I-77, and US Route 11 (East Lee Highway), this facility serves as an essential staging area and rest point for travelers exploring southwest Virginia and the scenic Blue Ridge mountain region. Local and regional highlights within a short drive include:

• Fort Chiswell Animal Park: A popular family drive-through safari and zoo attraction located just 4 miles west.
• New River Trail State Park: Accessible within a 15-minute drive, offering linear park trails for cycling, hiking, horseback riding, and river kayaking along the historic New River.
• Historic Wytheville: Approximately 10 miles southwest, home to museums, regional antique malls, the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre, and local Appalachian dining.
• Foster Falls Recreation Area: A scenic state park hub located roughly 8 miles away featuring riverside camp areas, boat launches, and scenic waterfalls.
• Draper Valley Golf Club: An 18-hole championship public golf course located just minutes northeast along US-11.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Love's Travel Stop #175 offers straightforward vehicular ingress and egress directly from US Route 11 (East Lee Highway), mere seconds from Interstate 81 (Exit 80) and immediate connections to Interstate 77. The multi-lane entrance aprons and wide turning radii ensure seamless arrival and departure, even during high-traffic holiday weekends and busy freight travel windows. While regional rural public transit is minimal in Wythe County, regional taxi and rideshare services operate out of nearby Wytheville and Pulaski to assist stranded motorists or travelers connecting across the corridor.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• 24/7 Continuous Operation: Lit open surface parking available round-the-clock, 365 days a year.
• Zero Clearance Restrictions: Fully open-sky surface lot accommodating oversized vehicles, commercial haulers, toy haulers, and high-profile RVs.
• On-Site Dining & Convenience: Co-located convenience store stocked with road trip essentials, coffee, grab-and-go food, alongside branded quick-service dining (such as Chester's Chicken and Godfather's Pizza).
• Driver Convenience Amenities: Spotless commercial private showers, modern public restrooms, bulk DEF, diesel and unleaded fuel islands, propane refilling, and a CAT scale.
• Light Maintenance & Tire Service: Dedicated on-site Love's Truck Care center offering emergency roadside assistance, tire servicing, and basic commercial repairs.
• Safety & Visibility: High-mast exterior floodlighting, wide driving aisles, and active on-site staff presence throughout the day and night.
• Accessible Parking: Designated ADA-compliant parking stalls located steps from the main travel store entrance.

Ideal For

• Interstate Commuters & Road Trippers: Drivers traversing the busy I-81 and I-77 corridors seeking safe, well-lit parking for dining, refueling, and driver changes.
• Commercial Truckers: Professional haulers requiring staging, mandatory federal rest breaks, fuel, or weigh scale validation.
• RV and Camper Travelers: Road explorers in need of high-clearance maneuvering, overnight rest stops, or supplies before entering nearby state parks.
• Outdoor Enthusiasts: Visitors trailering boats, ATVs, or camping gear heading to the New River and Jefferson National Forest recreation areas.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Commercial truck parking fills quickly during evening hours (typically after 6:00 PM on weekdays); truckers are advised to arrive early or check the Love's mobile app for real-time space availability. Standard car and pickup drivers should remain within marked passenger car spaces in front of the main retail store to avoid blocking commercial fueling and maneuvering paths. Always verify your navigation destination as Exit 80 off I-81 to ensure easy off-and-on freeway access.