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Football season and tailgating go hand in hand. While spending the weekend grilling outside before cheering on your favorite team is tradition, it’s still a good idea to review these tailgating safety tips ahead of the next game.
Whether you’re grilling hot dogs or serving steak, cook and store foods properly to help avoid food poisoning, cross-contamination or spoilage. Before you get to the game, store raw meat separately from ready-to-eat foods, like fruits and veggies, says FoodSafety.gov. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the foods you’re grilling are cooked to the proper temperature. Store and serve perishable foods, like guacamole or potato salad, in a cooler with plenty of ice or frozen gel packs, says FoodSafety.gov. Remember to wash hands after handling uncooked meat, and wipe down tables before serving your family and friends.
Food hot off the grill is a good way to get the crowd cheering, but you need to exercise caution when grilling. First, be sure grills are allowed at the stadium or field, and understand the rules for grilling when it is allowed. For example, the University of Southern California prohibits grilling under tents, and grills must be at least 15 feet away from any structures.
A hot grill can be a fire hazard, so be prepared with a fire extinguisher. It’s also a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand. Keep the extinguisher nearby while grilling, and make sure children and pets are a safe distance from the grill at all times. And, never leave a grill unattended.
Whether you’re using a gas grill or prefer the flavor you get with a charcoal grill, follow these tips for using your grill safely.
Before using a gas grill, check the hose for leaks by applying water with a little soap mixed in, says the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). You’ll see bubbles if the propane is leaking, and you should have the grill repaired by a professional. Always leave the lid open when you light the grill, says the NFPA. Also, if the flame goes out while you’re cooking, turn the grill off and wait 5 minutes before lighting it again.
If your pregame routine involves firing up a charcoal grill with lighter fluid, make sure it is charcoal lighter fluid, says the NFPA — and never add lighter fluid once the fire has already started. Make sure you’ve put out all the embers and that the coals have cooled completely before you head off to the game, and dispose of ashes in a metal container, says the NFPA.
Tailgating often means a long day in the sun. Even on cool days, it’s a good idea to help protect yourself from sunburn and dehydration. Be sure to apply (and reapply) sunscreen throughout the day. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends wearing sunglasses and a hat. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Leaving garbage on the ground or parking lot is not only irritating to other tailgaters, it can also be a potential hazard. Clean up your tailgating area before you head into the stadium. Be sure to pack heavy-duty trash bags before you leave home, says The Kitchn. Know where you can recycle cans, bottles and other recyclables, and have a way to safely pack up leftovers.
Tailgating has become high-tech in recent years — from satellite TVs to coolers with wireless speakers. While you’re at the venue watching the game, your gear could be at risk for theft. Purdue University recommends tailgaters lock valuables out of sight. Also, secure coolers, chairs, barbecue grills and other items.
Tailgating can be a great way to kick off a day of cheering for your favorite team with family and friends. Help keep the day fun with a game plan to protect yourself and your gear.
Originally published on January 1, 2013.
The post 5 Simple Tailgating Safety Tips appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
Route 66 — aka “America’s Main Street,” “The Mother Road” and “The Will Rogers Highway” — has captured the imagination of roadtrippers since its inception almost a century ago. Although the highway officially named U.S. 66 has been replaced by the interstate system and renamed in various segments over the years, the storied path from Chicago to Los Angeles still exists — and it has come to represent the hope and spirit of travelers on the drive westward in search of the American Dream.
Whether you’re preparing to buckle up the kids in the back of your SUV or you’re putting on a helmet and heading out on your motorcycle, traveling Route 66 is as much about the stops along the way as it is about the road you’re traveling. The following list of attractions is a small taste of what this pop cultural icon of roadways has to offer. Each stop is unique, but taken together, these roadside wonders help keep the appeal of Route 66 rolling along through the decades.
At the intersection of U.S. Routes 136 and 66 in McClean, Illinois, is the site of one of America’s oldest truck stops: Dixie Truckers Home. Since 1928, this haven has been providing fuel, a bite to eat and a place to rest for weary truckers. While the buildings have been remodeled over time, the original signs remain as a tribute to the stop’s history. No matter how many other truck stops have provided similar offerings along America’s highways over the years, Dixie Truckers Home remains a true original.
One of the pioneers of the now-classic American treat, the Cozy Dog Drive In has been serving up corndogs on Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois, for decades. Opening a few years after the first Cozy Dog was served at the Lake Springfield Beach House and then at the Illinois State Fair in 1946, the Waldmire family has been serving up this quick and easy hot dog on a stick ever since.
Most of the time, bridges let you drive straight from one shore to another — but not the Chain of Rocks Bridge over the Mississippi River. This Route 66 landmark, which runs between Madison, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri, takes a 30-degree turn at its midsection. This unique bridge opened in 1929, taking its name from the treacherous, rocky river section it spans. It was not part of Route 66 until 1936, however, when the highway was rerouted over the Chain of Rocks Bridge. After decades of ushering vehicles from Illinois to Missouri with a mid-river turn, the Chain of Rocks Bridge was closed in 1968, and its traffic was routed to a new bridge just 2,000 feet away. After languishing for years under threat of demolition, the bridge was restored and opened to pedestrian and bike traffic in 1999.
Though Kansas may only host 13 miles of Route 66, it’s home to Cars on the Route on Main Street in Galena. Four women restored the KanOTex Service Station, which was then called Four Women on the Route, sparking a new era for this stretch of Route 66 as a tourist stop. Home to the 1951 International Boom Truck that, according to its owners, served as inspiration for Tow Mater in Pixar’s animated movie “Cars,” the name has been changed to Cars on the Route. The building and decor connect visitors to both Route 66 and the movie. You can stop in for a snack, to get a souvenir and to look at the antique cars outside.
Will Rogers was a beloved newspaper columnist, Broadway performer, political pundit, radio legend, movie star and philosopher — and Route 66 is home to a museum built in his honor. Take a break from your Route 66 road trip in Claremore, Oklahoma, at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, where you can explore a collection of art, memorabilia and artifacts that tell the life story of one of America’s most beloved personalities.
Built of brick and green-glazed tiles in 1936, the U-Drop Inn’s tower at the intersection of U.S. Routes 83 and 66 in Shamrock, Texas, may be one of the most recognizable structures along the entire 2,400-mile stretch of America’s Highway — an Art Deco design topped with a metal tulip. Owned today by the City of Shamrock, the U-Drop Inn returned to its original luster, thanks to local fundraising and a Federal Transportation Enhancements Grant. Tower Station and U-Drop Inn are now home to a gift shop, museum, visitors’ center and even the city’s Chamber of Commerce.
It’s not every day you see 10 Cadillac automobiles buried nose-down in a line facing west. Known as the Cadillac Ranch, this spot has become a popular stop for fans of public art, cars and Route 66 since its creation in 1974 by a group of artists known as the Ant Farm. Though over the years, countless people have stopped to take a piece of the cars as a souvenir or mark them with spray paint, which didn’t seem to bother owner Stanley Marsh 3. As the city of Amarillo grew, the entire installation was moved 2 miles west of its original site in 1997, But even with the move and being repainted a number of times, the Cadillacs remain intact and welcome to visitors.
Opened in 1997 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, just 11 years after the renowned artist’s death, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum houses more than 140 oil paintings and almost 700 drawings by its namesake. It’s also the site of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Research Center, dedicated to advancing the study and knowledge of American Modernist Art. Stop by to view a wide selection of work from O’Keeffe’s 83-year artistic career and to learn about other American modernists.
Featuring teepee shaped rooms, this unique motel began in 1933 with original owner Frank Redford’s museum of Native American artifacts. He added motel rooms around the museum, creating a “Wigwam Village.” At one time there were seven Wigwam Villages, but only three remain today. Two of the motels are along Route 66 (the third is in Kentucky), and if you’re stopping in Holbrook, Arizona or Rialto/San Bernardino, California for the night, you can stay there. They contain all of the amenities of a regular hotel room, except you have the added bragging rights of saying you slept in a teepee on your journey westward.
As the stopping point of Route 66 and its connection to the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find an official “End of the Trail” sign at Santa Monica Pier. Here in Santa Monica, California, among local surfers and international tourists, you can unwind and enjoy the pier’s many offerings — including arcade games, historic walking tours, the famous Ferris wheel, Muscle Beach and Santa Monica Pier Aquarium.
Wherever you choose to stop along the “Mother Road,” make it a trip to remember. Drive safely, and enjoy your journey.
Originally published on August 6, 2013.
The post Top 10 Stops on Route 66 appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
While some travelers enjoy a highway route that detours through charming small towns with eclectic shops and restaurants, the scenic routes on the East Coast also offer breathtaking views of mountains and towns rich in American history. Before planning your next road trip, check out these five routes on the East Coast that might check off something on every passenger’s “must see” list.
The Brandywine Valley is home to many mansions and gardens — so many gardens, in fact, that it’s considered part of “America’s Garden Capital,” according to U.S. News and World Report. But there is more than just the beauty of sprawling mansions and nature for travelers to see along the 12-mile drive. Stretching from the rolling hills of southeastern Pennsylvania through Delaware, the Brandywine Valley also features an array of museums and historic sites. The well-known du Pont family founded their business and dynasty in the area, making the Nemours Mansion owned by Alfred I. du Pont, a 72-room chateau on 200 acres of woodlands, a must-see destination. Road trippers can also visit the Winterthur Museum, featuring an American decorative arts collection with over 90,000 pieces, including ceramic items owned by George and Martha Washington.
VisitMaine.net reports that Maine boasts 3,478 miles of coastline — exceeding the California coastline by about 50 miles. With so many miles to explore, there are endless opportunities to sight-see and explore along U.S. Route 1, which runs along the entire coastline of Maine. Those who love small towns will enjoy the first 30 miles of Maine’s southern coast, as it’s comprised of eight historical towns — one being home to the oldest jail in the country. Like many small towns situated along U.S. Route 1, travelers will be welcomed by quaint shops, small family-owned restaurants (many known for their fresh East Coast seafood) and sandy beaches. If you’re looking for charming or historic lodging accommodations, Norumbega (a restored seaside mansion) and Whitehall (a hotel with roots dating back to the 1830s) are worth considering, says Yankee Magazine.
Massachusetts’ Mohawk Trail is one of the oldest and most traveled routes in the country, with its origin dating back to the post-glacial age, says MohawkTrail.com. There are over 100 attractions situated among the trail, from country inns and camping areas to rivers and waterfalls. Like many routes along the East Coast, the Mohawk Trail is also home to a number of environmental and historical destinations. You may want to visit the Bridge of Flowers — its history dates back to the 1920s and you’ll see a vast variety of brush and flowers — or Salmon Falls, which features the largest array of glacial potholes in the country.
The Seaway Trail in New York and Pennsylvania stretches for 518 miles along the shores of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, the Niagara River and the Saint Lawrence River. While traveling on the Seaway Trail, you have the opportunity to visit popular destinations such as Niagara Falls and the Thousand Islands region. Along with some of these well-known destinations, you can also enjoy landscape dotted with small villages and farms and take in the breathtaking scenery along the way. In fact, the Seaway Trail was deemed a National Scenic Byway by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Running along the Potomac River from Maryland through Virginia, the George Washington Memorial Parkway links sites rich in American history while preserving the area’s natural habitat, according to the National Park Service. While the length of the parkway is only 27 miles, MyScenicDrives.com says there is an abundance of history and nature to fill hours on your trip. For the history lovers in your traveling party, the parkway provides easy access to make stops at Mount Vernon, the White House and Arlington Park. As you drive further south, nature lovers can experience the beauty, stunning landscapes and wildlife of Lady Bird Johnson Park and Turkey Run Park. Turkey Run Park is also home to a portion of the Potomac Heritage Trail, which offers great access to nature and wildlife viewing.
If you’re like many others, you picture a road trip full of beautiful scenery and unforgettable experiences. The next time you’re planning a road trip, consider these destinations on the East Coast for an abundance of natural beauty and historic landmarks, which are sure to please all travelers along for the ride.
Originally published on May 4, 2011.
The post 5 East Coast Road Trip Ideas appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
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