Road Tripping!

The warmer temperatures have got me thinking about planning a road trip. After the long, cold dreary weather, seeing the sun again, makes me want to see if the rest of the world has emerged from hibernation. One of the places that I would love to take a road trip to is the Great Smoky Mountains in the spring, while everything is blooming. However, that one has to be put on the back burner for this year. But if you don’t have time for a long road trip, a quick day away can help scratch that itch.

Check out the closest state park, or some sites a few towns over. You don’t have to go far. My favorite places to go are the National parks , and since this week is National Park Week we should celebrate those that are a little off the beaten path. There aren’t as many people visiting them, so there are wonderful photo opportunities, and wildlife watching. This website can help you plan your next visit https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/index.htm . If you enjoy hiking, biking, or bird watching, these may be the places for you, and if they are, be sure to check out the National Parks Passport Program  https://americasnationalparks.org/passport-to-your-national-parks/ . It is addictive! If nature isn’t your thing, check out roadside attractions. You would be surprised at how easy they are to find and visit. Kids love them. Then there are the historical sites, they too can be very interesting.

If you plan to stop at quaint roadside diners, don’t forget to check their ratings, and go in and look at how clean it is. Are they observing proper food safety practices? Sometimes the pick-up window is not your friend.

As we all know, road trips are never complete without snacks. It may be certain box candies that bring back memories of your youth, chips, or even healthy snacks, but make sure that you store them in a food-safe manner. Rest areas may be few and far between.

Keeping a six-pack-sized mini fridge in the car is great for keeping a soda or two cold, as well as any lunch meat or other items such as mayonnaise. If you are taking the family, you can purchase cooler-sized refrigerators to hold more items, without having to deal with the melting ice. They are harder to get in and out of your vehicle, but they are well worth having.

Salads, cheese, fruit, and vegetables travel well in a cold bag with a cold pack. If you are traveling for more than a day or two, you can always use frozen water bottles or frozen leftovers as your cold pack. You can then have a nice warm meal that you can microwave for your evening dinner.

Don’t forget that if you have an extended road trip planned, you can always stop at a local grocery store to resupply your larder. Picking up fried chicken, a bagged salad and a small container of potato salad can make for a satisfying dinner. A rotisserie chicken works well too, and you can have leftovers in your salad or make sandwiches for the next day.

If you are a planner or a list maker, don’t forget to check out my Road Tripping Checklist! It can help you plan your trip and help ensure that you don’t forget something important. You can find it here: https://food-safety-basics.com/product/road-trippers-checklist/

If the opportunity presents itself, detours can lead you to wonderful places to explore. If your trip isn’t time-sensitive, Google Maps can tell you what is in your area and what may interest you, be it a park, a museum, shopping, or hiking trails. It is always relaxing to just enjoy the little things, a walk, some flowers blooming, or just an overlook on the highway. Enjoy the stop!

As always, wash your hands, stay safe, and be kind to each other. Until next time!