For some of us, a vacation involves running away to the mountains or escaping to a boutique hotel. For others, their destination of choice is a little spookier. If you're the kind of traveler who wants to live out your favorite heart-stopping horror movies IRL, then we've got a particularly terrifying pit stop to add to your list.
On the outskirts of Austin, Texas, you'll find a gas station motel straight from your nightmares—or at least the nightmares brought on by the 1974 film Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
That's right, the exact gas station where Leatherface and his cannibalistic family lure and abduct their unsuspecting victims is now a fully functioning motel. Aptly named The Gas Station, the building was opened by Chainsaw fans Roy and Lisa Rose in 2016 as a way to honor the horror classic and give others a chance to experience the creepy locale in person.
While spending the night isn't for the faint of heart, The Gas Station is by no means a haunted house with spooks and scares around every corner. Instead, you'll find movie memorabilia, photo ops, and some seriously good (non-human) BBQ. But general manager Cory Young says that doesn't stop guests from asking for a harmless practical joke.
"We get people all the time that ask me, 'Hey, would you come up at 2:00 in the morning? Start a chainsaw and scare the heck out of my kids? I'll pay you 50, 60, 70 bucks,'" Young told guests. "But unfortunately, due to our insurance and potential legal reasons, we're not allowed to do that. If you hear a chainsaw, run. Because it isn't us."
Read on to learn more about the creepy-yet-charming motel and how you can book an unforgettable stay of your own.
Where is the Gas Station From Texas Chainsaw Massacre?
Credit: Vortex
The Gas Station is located at 1073 SH 304 Bastrop, Texas—about a half-hour drive from downtown Austin and an hour-and-a-half drive from San Antonio. While not too far from city life, the immediate area is definitely on the rustic side. So be prepared to rough it a bit if you plan on visiting.
As for the building itself, you'll find a classic Texan gas station facade with some unsettling nods to its horror movie roots. You'll find the iconic "We Slaughter Barbecue" sign as well as a replica of the 1972 Ford Club Wagon, meat hooks, and a bucket that's stained with fake blood. There's also a memorial bench dedicated to the original movie's stars and crew members who have since passed.
In addition to feeling like you stepped right onto the film's original set, there's also a horror-themed gift shop to pursue and a ton of Texas Chainsaw Massacre memorabilia to awe at. You can even grab a bite of their famous BBQ—which Young promises isn't anything other than good old-fashioned Texas brisket and sausage.
"A lot of the locals will come in here and completely forget this is a barbecue place," he said. "They'll just walk in and look around, and they'll be like, 'Y'all sell barbecue?' And it's like, 'Nah, the signs are a trap to get you lured in here.'"
Can You Visit the Texas Chainsaw Massacre Gas Station?
If staying at one of the scariest locations in horror movie history is your idea of a good time, then you're in luck. The Gas Station has four rustic cabins available for rent that'll transport you right into the film.
The accommodations are nothing fancy—just simple beds with leather headboards (get it?), a 43' TV, A/C, a ceiling fan, and a front porch—but they come with free Wi-Fi and access to a shared restroom with showers. The bright-red interior paint job definitely adds to the building's horror theme.
If you're up for a little more adventure, you can also rent one of their camping spots, where you can set up your own tent and sleep under the stars. Just be warned that both those and the cabins fill up quickly, especially during the month of October or when they host big events like their upcoming Cult Classic Convention. They also occasionally invite actors and actresses from various horror franchises to pop by for signings and autographs, so keep an eye out on their website for potential celebrity sightings.
While spending the night at The Gas Station isn't for everyone, its unique mix of horror and hospitality is definitely one that attracts those brave enough to take on Leatherface's former stomping ground. So if you're looking for a one-of-a-kind experience and can handle sleeping in a place inspired by a classic slasher flick, then this might just be the perfect spot for you.
Ready to brave the ills of The Gas Station? Click here to book your stay.
