The New York Times set out to tell a curious World Cup story this week: thousands of international visitors are coming to the United States and, instead of rushing to the usual tourist landmarks, many are spending their free time exploring Buc-ee’s, Bass Pro Shops, Waffle House, truck stops, and other distinctly American institutions.
The paper’s headline carried a hint of disbelief: “World Cup Fans in the U.S. Are Sightseeing at … Buc-ee’s and Bass Pro Shops?” But the reactions from visitors suggest they may understand something that many Americans—and perhaps some New York Times reporters—have forgotten.
For many foreign tourists, these places aren’t mundane at all.
One European visitor described Bass Pro Shops with genuine amazement.
“It’s just unbelievable. It’s like a theme park and a museum all wrapped into, you know, a big retail store,” he said.
Anyone who has walked into one of the chain’s massive stores can understand the reaction. Giant aquariums, wildlife displays, boats, camping gear, hunting equipment, and indoor waterfalls are not exactly common features of retail shopping in much of Europe.
Others found themselves fascinated by things Americans barely notice anymore.
A Swedish tourist marveled at American fire trucks.
“They’re shiny, they look really cool — just like in the movies,” she said.
Then there was Buc-ee’s, the Texas-born gas station empire that has become something of a cultural phenomenon. Visitors were captivated by the massive stores, endless food selections, and sheer scale of the operation.
“It is very bright and very dazzling,” one tourist observed.
Another offered perhaps the most concise explanation of why Buc-ee’s feels so uniquely American.
“It brings everything that’s American into one spot. America is a lot of big foods, a lot of crazy foods. It is driving culture. It is big cars.”
That comment may explain why so many visitors are bypassing traditional tourist itineraries. They can see famous buildings and monuments in photographs. What they’re seeking is an experience that feels distinctly American—something they can’t easily find back home.
The most revealing part of the story, however, had nothing to do with gas stations or sporting goods stores.
Again and again, visitors spoke about the people they encountered.
“The biggest takeaway for us is the kindness and generosity of people,” one tourist said. “I’ve probably had at least 30, 40 people invite me to their homes.”
That observation cuts against many of the stereotypes about the United States that circulate overseas. International news coverage often focuses on political conflict, social division, crime, and controversy. Yet many visitors arrive and discover something very different: ordinary Americans who are friendly, curious, welcoming, and eager to help strangers.
While media outlets frequently portray America through the lens of politics and cultural battles, tourists are experiencing the country in a much more personal way. They’re finding hospitality at diners, conversations at gas stations, and unexpected friendliness from people they’ve never met.
