Not sure about the state, but generally you can get at ride at most gas station. Can be a bit engaging, but if you feel like it you can even go and talk to the people (works a lot more with truckies in my experience, rad people don't really like that you come across them).
However, if it's your first time hitch-hiking and you have a hard time putting yourself on it, it can be easier just to be at the exit of the stop or station with a sign that states where you wanna go. then it's not really up to you any more, so, feel confident
Also, what I was doing when I started hitch-hiking and chickened out, I would always start like early, having the bus as a plan B, later on in the day. That somehow calmed me you know ? I was just giving it a try, and knew I would eventually get there. And...guess what ? I've never taken the bus on those days ^^