Roughly two in three Americans (62%) said they were planning to take a road trip this summer, according to NACS consumer survey data. And convenience stores play a big part in these drives.

NACS Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives Jeff Lenard and Digital and Content Strategist Chrissy Blasinsky spent some time on the road this summer, and in a flurry of c-store stops a few innovative ideas and details they saw stuck out to them—from both convenience retailers and businesses at large.

Some retailers reward everyday heroes, whether in their stores or in their communities, with special parking spots. In Milford, Massachusetts, one retailer celebrates exceptional employees with reserved spaces, while in Georgia, convenience retailer Jones Petroleum recognizes active military, veterans, EMTs, police and firefighters who serve communities 24/7—just like convenience stores do—with Hero Parking.

While the summer drive season is winding down, media interest in road trips continues throughout the year. Do you have a good story to share about what makes a stop stand out, whether it’s exceptional food or a unique customer experience at your stores or others you have visited? Let us know. We want to hear about it so we can continue to tell great stories about how our industry makes a difference every day in communities and, of course, on the road. Contact Jeff Lenard at [email protected].