How to Survive a Family Road Trip This Summer
A road trip is the ideal bonding experience for families. It gives you time to spend with your loved ones, while seeing great attractions and creating memories that last a lifetime. However, it’s also a time that hinges on disaster for misbehaving siblings. If your kids aren’t exactly chummy, follow these tips on how to survive this summer’s road trip.
1. Play Games
The younger generation of parents seems to think that giving their kids a tablet or smartphone is the ideal way of avoiding fights, but it doesn’t provide much in the way of talk or group entertainment. Instead of opting for the electronic outlet, try some interactive games such as Mad Libs, A to Z, or the license plate game. They’re fun, competitive, and pass the time quickly.
2. Plan Some Stops
In the wake of the Internet, it seems like kids’ attention spans are almost zero. To counteract this effect, plan stops about every two hours on your journey. Parks, candy stores, or other attractions are the perfect distraction to keep your children in line.
3. Pack Some Delicious Snacks
There are two schools of thought for your road trip snacks. One idea is to pack healthy snacks because when your trek mixes with inactivity, your mental and physical state suffers. However, sweet snacks that your kids don’t get very often act as a nice treat, and a reward for good behavior.
While these tips are excellent guidelines once you’re in the car, the best road trip starts before you leave. Make a plan, and include the kids. When you do this, everyone’s included and bound to have fun.
Image via Flickr by State Farm
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The 3 Best Spots to Picnic This Summer in Dothan, AL
With an average temperature of 81 degrees and precipitation of only about five inches per month from June to August, Dothan is the dream location for the perfect summer picnic. Not only is the weather spectacular, but there are also some ideal destinations to hold your outdoor culinary event. If you’re planning a picnic this summer, make sure to give these spots some consideration.
1. Dothan Area Botanical Gardens
Despite its small population, Dothan has one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the South. Throughout the park, you’ll find several picnic pavilions, or you can spread out a blanket. Before or after your meal, take a walk around the Butterfly Garden, Azalea Garden, or Camellia Garden. The garden is open every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and admission is free. The address is 5130 Headland Avenue.
2. Landmark Park
Located at 430 Landmark Drive in Dothan, Landmark Park is a vast 135-acre expanse full of local flora and fauna. Before you hunker down for your picnic, you can go for a hike, visit the 1890s era living farm, or attend a workshop. The best time to go is in June and July for the park’s summer concert series. Admission to the park is $4 for adults and $3 for children.
3. Eastgate Park
Don’t let the address of 2049 Sanitary Dairy Road fool you. Eastgate Park is a pristine 200-acre area that’s an exquisite choice for your next picnic. The park also has plenty of space to fly kites, go for a bike ride, or take a walk. It’s open seven days a week.
No matter where you go in Dothan, you’re bound to have a memorable experience. So, pack up your favorite foods, your loved ones, and have a wonderful time.
Image via Flickr by sgtjoebear
The 3 Best Spots to Picnic This Summer in Dothan, AL
With an average temperature of 81 degrees and precipitation of only about five inches per month from June to August, Dothan is the dream location for the perfect summer picnic. Not only is the weather spectacular, but there are also some ideal destinations to hold your outdoor culinary event. If you’re planning a picnic this summer, make sure to give these spots some consideration.
1. Dothan Area Botanical Gardens
Despite its small population, Dothan has one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the South. Throughout the park, you’ll find several picnic pavilions, or you can spread out a blanket. Before or after your meal, take a walk around the Butterfly Garden, Azalea Garden, or Camellia Garden. The garden is open every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and admission is free. The address is 5130 Headland Avenue.
2. Landmark Park
Located at 430 Landmark Drive in Dothan, Landmark Park is a vast 135-acre expanse full of local flora and fauna. Before you hunker down for your picnic, you can go for a hike, visit the 1890s era living farm, or attend a workshop. The best time to go is in June and July for the park’s summer concert series. Admission to the park is $4 for adults and $3 for children.
3. Eastgate Park
Don’t let the address of 2049 Sanitary Dairy Road fool you. Eastgate Park is a pristine 200-acre area that’s an exquisite choice for your next picnic. The park also has plenty of space to fly kites, go for a bike ride, or take a walk. It’s open seven days a week.
No matter where you go in Dothan, you’re bound to have a memorable experience. So, pack up your favorite foods, your loved ones, and have a wonderful time.
Image via Flickr by sgtjoebear
3 Tips to Help Keep Your Car Clean Longer
Perhaps you aren’t a slob in every aspect of your life, but for some reason, you just can’t keep your car clean. Whether it’s a lack of time, laziness, or something else, your vehicle always looks dirty both inside and out. What you need to realize is that your car is a reflection of you, and keeping it clean goes a long way to maintaining a better image. If you don’t know how to keep it tidy, follow these tips.
1. Take Out the Trash Every Time
This is one of the most common problems slovenly people have when it comes to interior cleanliness. Instead of grabbing the trash, such as food wrappers and cups, they leave it in the vehicle. Over time, the amount of waste gets unbearable. Try grabbing everything when you exit your vehicle, or at the least, put a trash bag in your vehicle.
2. Use A Protective Cleaner
When you’re detailing your interior, don’t leave any stone unturned. Make sure you’re thorough with vacuuming, window washing, and dusting. At the end of your journey, use a protective cleaner like Armor All to maintain a shiny coat on your dashboard and other plastic surfaces.
3. Wash By Hand
Don’t get caught in the trap of using an automatic car wash. While they are convenient, they don’t give the same treatment and precision as a manual car wash. When you do it by hand, you’re more thorough, plus you can wax your vehicle for that extra gleam.
Keeping your car clean longer isn’t difficult. All it requires is some discipline and attention to detail. Do these steps, and you’ll never have a messy car again.
Image via Flickr by teakwood
3 Tips to Help Keep Your Car Clean Longer
Perhaps you aren’t a slob in every aspect of your life, but for some reason, you just can’t keep your car clean. Whether it’s a lack of time, laziness, or something else, your vehicle always looks dirty both inside and out. What you need to realize is that your car is a reflection of you, and keeping it clean goes a long way to maintaining a better image. If you don’t know how to keep it tidy, follow these tips.
1. Take Out the Trash Every Time
This is one of the most common problems slovenly people have when it comes to interior cleanliness. Instead of grabbing the trash, such as food wrappers and cups, they leave it in the vehicle. Over time, the amount of waste gets unbearable. Try grabbing everything when you exit your vehicle, or at the least, put a trash bag in your vehicle.
2. Use A Protective Cleaner
When you’re detailing your interior, don’t leave any stone unturned. Make sure you’re thorough with vacuuming, window washing, and dusting. At the end of your journey, use a protective cleaner like Armor All to maintain a shiny coat on your dashboard and other plastic surfaces.
3. Wash By Hand
Don’t get caught in the trap of using an automatic car wash. While they are convenient, they don’t give the same treatment and precision as a manual car wash. When you do it by hand, you’re more thorough, plus you can wax your vehicle for that extra gleam.
Keeping your car clean longer isn’t difficult. All it requires is some discipline and attention to detail. Do these steps, and you’ll never have a messy car again.
Image via Flickr by teakwood
3 Things You’ll Only Find in Alabama
Whether you know it as the Lizard State, the Yellowhammer State, or the Heart of Dixie, Alabama is truly a unique place. If you’ve never been to Alabama before, you’re in for quite a treat. Throughout the state, there are several things you can’t find anywhere else. These are just a few.
1. Space Camp
In Huntsville, the United States Space Camp is one of the most loved and dreamed about destinations by kids throughout the country. At the facility, children learn how astronauts train for missions and live in space. In addition, the Space Camp has several hands-on exhibits including flight simulators, a training centrifuge, and a zip-line for simulated water landings. The camp has even added programs for adults and families to share in the fun.
2. The Only U.S. Postal Service Water Route
At the headwaters of the Magnolia River in southern Alabama, you’ll find the town of Magnolia Springs. Because the town relies heavily on the river for recreation and transportation, many homes are right on the river, resulting in the need for mailboxes along the banks. At least the mailman doesn’t have to deal with dogs.
3. The Iron Bowl
Even if you aren’t a college football fan, seeing the annual Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn is always a spectacle. From the spectacular pre-game tailgate to the post-game party, these diehard fans are sure to show you a good time.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of Alabama’s unique attractions. To find some of the others, you’ll just have to do some exploring on your own.
Image via Flickr by kelliwhitman
3 Things You’ll Only Find in Alabama
Whether you know it as the Lizard State, the Yellowhammer State, or the Heart of Dixie, Alabama is truly a unique place. If you’ve never been to Alabama before, you’re in for quite a treat. Throughout the state, there are several things you can’t find anywhere else. These are just a few.
1. Space Camp
In Huntsville, the United States Space Camp is one of the most loved and dreamed about destinations by kids throughout the country. At the facility, children learn how astronauts train for missions and live in space. In addition, the Space Camp has several hands-on exhibits including flight simulators, a training centrifuge, and a zip-line for simulated water landings. The camp has even added programs for adults and families to share in the fun.
2. The Only U.S. Postal Service Water Route
At the headwaters of the Magnolia River in southern Alabama, you’ll find the town of Magnolia Springs. Because the town relies heavily on the river for recreation and transportation, many homes are right on the river, resulting in the need for mailboxes along the banks. At least the mailman doesn’t have to deal with dogs.
3. The Iron Bowl
Even if you aren’t a college football fan, seeing the annual Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn is always a spectacle. From the spectacular pre-game tailgate to the post-game party, these diehard fans are sure to show you a good time.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of Alabama’s unique attractions. To find some of the others, you’ll just have to do some exploring on your own.
Image via Flickr by kelliwhitman
4 Bizarre Facts You Never Knew About Alabama
Although it doesn’t garner the same type of attention as states like New York or California, Alabama has tons of interesting facts that most people don’t know about. If you’re looking to learn more of the trivial side of the state, check out some of these bizarre tidbits.
1. Take a Shot
Out of the 50 states in the Union, only Alabama had the audacity to make a spirit its official state beverage. The next time you’re there and want to raise your glass in celebration, reach for the Conecuh Ridge Whiskey.
2. Leave the Bears Alone
For some reason, bear wrestling was such a problem that the state outlawed it, and anyone caught wrestling a bear is subject to a Class-B felony. Remember, this also includes buying a bear for the purpose of bear wrestling and the actual wrestling itself.
3. Discount Luggage
If you love shopping at thrift stores, you almost certainly have to go to Scottsboro, Alabama. When airlines can’t find the rightful owner of lost luggage, they sell it to a local store, who then sells it to customers. There’s no telling what you might find.
4. Make Up Your Mind
Throughout its history, Alabama has had five capital cities. This includes St. Stephens, the original capital in 1817, Huntsville, Cahawba, Tuscaloosa, and the current capital of Montgomery. It only took the state 29 years to decide, but they finally settled on one location.
Alabama definitely has its fair share of bizarre attributes. Just make sure not to order the wrong whiskey at your next underground bear wrestling event.
Image via Flickr by Fire At Will [Photography]
4 Bizarre Facts You Never Knew About Alabama
Although it doesn’t garner the same type of attention as states like New York or California, Alabama has tons of interesting facts that most people don’t know about. If you’re looking to learn more of the trivial side of the state, check out some of these bizarre tidbits.
1. Take a Shot
Out of the 50 states in the Union, only Alabama had the audacity to make a spirit its official state beverage. The next time you’re there and want to raise your glass in celebration, reach for the Conecuh Ridge Whiskey.
2. Leave the Bears Alone
For some reason, bear wrestling was such a problem that the state outlawed it, and anyone caught wrestling a bear is subject to a Class-B felony. Remember, this also includes buying a bear for the purpose of bear wrestling and the actual wrestling itself.
3. Discount Luggage
If you love shopping at thrift stores, you almost certainly have to go to Scottsboro, Alabama. When airlines can’t find the rightful owner of lost luggage, they sell it to a local store, who then sells it to customers. There’s no telling what you might find.
4. Make Up Your Mind
Throughout its history, Alabama has had five capital cities. This includes St. Stephens, the original capital in 1817, Huntsville, Cahawba, Tuscaloosa, and the current capital of Montgomery. It only took the state 29 years to decide, but they finally settled on one location.
Alabama definitely has its fair share of bizarre attributes. Just make sure not to order the wrong whiskey at your next underground bear wrestling event.
Image via Flickr by Fire At Will [Photography]
The 2 Best Tailgating Sports Events in Alabama
The only thing better than cheering on your favorite team during the big game is tailgating before the game starts. In Alabama, tailgating elevates to art form, with succulent barbecue and fun parties across the state. Check out these top tailgating events in Alabama and be ready to bring your A-game.
Crimson Tide Football
The University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide is known for its rabid, loyal fans that just can’t get enough of their favorite football team. They have even gone so far as creating their own rally cry: “Roll Tide!” Tailgating at a Crimson Tide football game is unlike any other event. The campus is a beautiful spot to begin with, and the quad area is where the action takes place. Every weekend there’s a football game, fans pile in to start celebrating. Just be sure to come ready for a long tailgating party. Typically, fans start flooding the quad on the Friday before kickoff.
Auburn University Football
Auburn University’s campus comes alive days before football games, which is why it is one of the best tailgating sports events in Alabama. Auburn fans are extremely dedicated and passionate about their Tigers football team. Just listen for their “War Eagle” battle cries around town. These fans start the party long before kickoff and keep it rolling long after. The big tradition is walking to the stadium with the players on game day.
So go put your game face on and get out to enjoy Alabama’s best tailgating events!
Image provided by Flickr
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