Beto Junction has made a name for itself, literally. Named after the four nearest cities, Burlington, Emporia, Topeka and Ottawa (B.E.T.O.), the junction no longer appears on many maps. But Beto has made a name for itself in another way. The local TA TravelCenter regularly receives national recognition for its delicious dishes.

General Manager Kirk Williams promises that, while there's no place like home, the Beto Junction TravelCenter sure feels, or tastes, like home. While many TA locations feature a Country Pride Restaurant, this little intersection in Kansas dishes award-winning originals found only at Beto Junction.

Voted "America's Best Truck Stop Diner" in a poll of truckers, this ain't your ordinary Country Pride, and these aren't your ordinary hash browns. Crispy, browned potatoes layered with ham, sausage or bacon, two eggs, and topped with cream gravy or sausage gravy and cheddar cheese make up the Beto Skillet. Such a feast isn't complete without the infamous two-pound cinnamon roll, a Beto Junction original.

"It's real cooking from scratch," Williams says. "We have chicken fried steak, battered to order, and real mashed potatoes."

It's the only thing at Beto Junction, aside from the cows, but USA Today, the Kansas City Star, the Associated Press and even Paul Harvey covered the TravelCenter in newspaper articles and radio commentary. Quite a feat for a spot named only after other places on the map.

What's around Beto Junction?

"Nothing," Williams says.

Drivers and travelers usually stop at the Beto Junction TA on their way to Dallas or Kansas City. The four cities that give the junction its name are about between 20 and 40 miles away in all directions. Each with its own attractions, the cities make perfect day-trips for added activities on the road.

Neighboring Melvern Lake, John Redmond Reservoir, known for its catfish, and the newest Coffey County Lake provide fishing, camping and recreation to Beto visitors. Jimmy Houston's Outdoors and Bill Saiff's Rod and Reel featured the location as one of the premier fishing lakes in the country. Wolf Creek Generating Station connects to the body of water, so Coffey County Lake stays warm year-round. Fish continue to thrive, making the lake one of the best sources of smallmouth bass in the U.S.

With 200 parking spaces, there's plenty of room at the TravelCenter, and drivers can digest and smoke in the lounge. Laundry machines, permit services, weigh scales and a ProntoPay diesel fuel island are also available.

Expect to see most drivers relaxing at the Country Pride, though. A hearty meal must be just what they need somewhere at the crossroads in the Heartland.