south of the border

I thought it was a poor experience at south of the border. Everything seemed like it was from the 70's and that was probably the last time it had been washed too. The elevator was broken on the observation tower and the stairs were blocked off so we didn't get to so that. Our food was overpriced and not great at the Sombrero Restaurant and it was $8/person for the reptile exhibit- which I thought was outrageous so I can't tell you if it was worth it.

Was told that we absolutely had to stop at South Of The Border by a friend who had great childhood memories of the place. Can see how in the sixties and seventies it must have really been a real attraction, but now it is a run down, dirty ghost town. Couldn't place the bad odor in the air when we got out of the car. My husband spotted an animal control officer and asked what the smell was. "Pigeon feces" was the answer. Apparently they are trying to find a way to control it but by the time we got back in the car (after taking a few photos) we both could feel an irritation in our lungs and throats. Had planned to eat at one of the restaurants but quickly decided to head on up the road. Maybe during the summer travel season it is cleaner and more alive, but it would take a lot for it to be worth the stop. Oh, another thing. Gas was 20¢ higher per gallon there than just a few miles farther south.

This large complex has grown over the years from a small souvenir stand gas pumps to a multi building travel destination and fueling center for big rigs as well as cars. Yes, you can buy shlocky souvenirs here, the one to get is Blenheim's Ginger Ale made with real ginger, it will burn you unless you take a small sip, I'm not kidding.

Stayed there whe passing thru from fl back to nh..went to get something to eat after walking my dog..came back my room door wide open and my dog gone vanished..police and hotel ran us off and hotel put a no tresspass and still dont have our fur babie..found out theres a pattern of pets missing from there..be fore warned

if you are on the I-95 throughway and are going through the carolinas, you MUST stop at south of the border!! this is the place to go for cheesy (you got it!) 'south-of-the-border' gifts. some stuff nice like dream catchers and shot glasses and some of the t-shirts.there are restaurants, but i have not tried

this was like a ghost town with neon lights no night life everything closes at 9:00 pm the next day was the same no day life

As a kid we would visit when we traveled from Florida to Maryland. Back then it was always a fun little interlude. Now the place is practically a ghost town with dirty bathrooms and trashy stores. Would not recommend stopping, just take a pic of the sombrero and wave to Pedro from the road.

My wife and I stop there to sleep as it's halfway from home to Florida and it's really convenient being right on I95. By the time we get there we are usually tired but glad we didn't stop anywhere else. The rooms are dated but quaint and always clean and comfortable. Restaurants nearby and souvenirs as well as everything you need for the road (gas etc.)We definitely will return and highly recommend the hotel as very nice for the money! Well done!

We were given a two room suite without asking for it at the single price. We would say the rooms need some TLC. It was not a busy time of the year but the people working at this hotel were pleasant and always willing to make our stay pleasurable.

South of the Border~From a distance you can see the " South of the Border" sign calling upon your senses to stop, see , and experience. It had been over 20 years since my last visit. I wanted to get some of those ' mexican jumping beans'.After exiting off the highway; we entered into this big maze of colorful characters dressed in paunchos, donkeys with painted flowers, in bright bold colors ranging from hot pink, tangerine orange, to bold lemon yellow to turquoise blue along the roadside; we pulled into the parking lot.I was anticipating the magic oh the ' mexican jumping beans'. We stopped in at the souvenir shop and I asked about them and was informed they stopped carrying these magical beans. These beans would jump on their own in a clear plastic crate. They are great for conversation!!! And about two minutes of entertainment.She continued and informed us they had been replaced with alligator beef jerky. Well I left empty handed and we stopped for breakfast next door and continued on our way.

Whenever we drive down to Florida from New York, we stop by South of the Border. They have billboards that count down the miles to the attraction which are fun to see! When we get there, we normally get some ice cream, visit the cheesy shop and take some photos. It is a nice and silly place to take a quick rest on a long drive! One of my favorite traditions!

I was traveling from VA to FL and this was a good point to stop and get gas. Do keep in mind that the Exxon station and most of the businesses close at 10 p.m. The Shell station and 1 restaurant are open 24/7. The restrooms were absolutely disgusting. The tower elevator was broken as of December 2014. The gift shop did have a little bit of everything though. Another reviewer said it was scary at night. I did stop to get gas after dark and that reviewer is right. This is not a place you go alone to at night.

I live about 20 minutes from South of the Border and when my boys were small we used to go to the arcade or afternoon outing the last couple times we went it has just went down.. nothing to see or do , the restaurants are all nasty , now just sleazy and dangerous.. no reason to stop here , trust me

Spent the night here on our way home. We had a luxury room at the Motor Inn and it was pretty decent. Ate breakfast and checked out the reptile lagoon. The gift shops are very expensive so I didn't buy anything at all. Cheapest t-shirt was $17! Fireworks are a bargain however! It's a fun place to go to and not a bad place to spend the night either. Would definitely come here again.

This is the perfect place to rest up, fill up and eat up. Get out stretch your legs or if your looking for fireworks look no further.