Ladysmith Safety Rest Area South

Can you imagine this conversation– «Hey gang, let’s jump in the car and get on Route 95 South. We can go visit the Ladysmith Safety Rest Area to take a pee. What a great way to begin our evening!» Ugggghh, I don’t think so. The chances of this conversation happening are between slim and none!
You know the deal. This is one of those limited facilities that you only visit if your bladder is making you desperate. It only has vending machines and something some folks call restrooms although to rest in them would be the stuff of nightmares.
I do have some good things to say–
* The parking is great with the cars and trucks beautifully separated and the lighting is just fine.
* The vending machines were well stocked and they were all working. When I was there I had no problems grabbing a cold drink with lots of choices.
The problem is the restrooms. They are way too small, visited by way too many people, and have way too little ventilation. Finally they have way too little maintenance and cleaning. When I was there the aroma was simply stunning and not in a good way. There was a stall was out of order. I made the mistake of glancing in it. A word of advice, don’t do that! It was right out of some sick horror movie.
This place makes me delighted I’m a male because I can stand up to pee. If I was a woman I might choose to explode instead. If you possibly can, head for the next exit.

I should’ve used the porta potties in the back. The men’s was disgusting. Piss everywhere and summer heat made it smell awful.

The rest area itself is nice. Good landscaping, appears to be looked after. There are lots of trees shading the picnic tables so this would make a good place to break and eat if you didn’t want to bother with traffic in Fredericksburg. Lots of parking, divided into separate areas for cars and trucks.
That said, this is another Virginia rest area with pitifully small bathroom facilities. The men’s room consists of two toilets, two urinals, and two sinks. The day I visited one of the urinals and one sink were out of order. The remaining sink was having sensor issues so it was hit or miss as to if you got water or not. At least there were hand sanitizer dispensers. Needless to say, the line backed up. Not sure what the story is in the ladies room but since the rest area is somewhat large, the bathrooms would still be inadequate even on a day when everything was fully functional.
There are vending machines for food and drinks. The northbound side is set up similarly. So, stop if you need to, but it is almost easier to brave the traffic in Petersburg or Fredericksburg and stop there if you need food or bathrooms.