It's Road Trip Time

We’re all (not so) patiently awaiting summer, spending our days dreaming of all the great adventures we’re going to have. Whether it’s finally replacing the furnace in your house, or flying around the world, there has to be time for a little road trip somewhere in the middle. If you’re like me, you’re planning on packing as much in when the weather permits as possible. One of the best parts of living in the continental United States is the ability to take off for a couple days in your car, and not worry about where the road takes you.

In the spirit of summer, here is a list of things to look into before you venture out into the unknown.

• Know the basics of your car. While this is advised for everyday life, it’s most important when you’re going to be in your vehicle for long periods of time. You should be well versed in the language of your car, from things like random noises the rear windshield wiper makes to what each dash light signifies, you want to be read up and ready for anything thrown your way.
• Learn some road trip games. There are tons out there, from car bingo to 20 questions. Make something up if you have to, but try and keep yourself entertained while traveling from point A to point B. The more you’ve read up on, the more fun you’ll have.
• Check out your tires! They need to be in good shape for this road trip, depending on how far your adventure takes you. Make sure that you have substantial tread and that the tire pressure is as stated in the manual.
• Three things; first aid kit, tool kit, emergency contacts. Keep all of these in your vehicle for this trip, and preferably year round. You’ll need to make sure you have a list of your emergency contacts in case of an accident. The first aid kit and tool kit are pretty self explanatory, but keep them around because you never know when you’ll get a flat or need a band-aid!
• Audiobooks, playlists and podcasts, oh my! The road can be long and boring if you’re not properly prepared. Keep you and your buddies in great spirits by supplying a fun and unique list of things to listen to throughout your adventure.
• Last but not least, food. This is an important one, you’re going to be swayed into eating poorly while on the road. Gas stations offer all kinds of short term sugar pick me ups, but with every sugar rush, there’s an equally tough crash. Pack high protein and high fiber snacks so you can keep on truckin’.
  

Road trips are a great way to make long lasting memories with your family or friends. Don’t sweat the small stuff, there’s bound to be a convenience store between stops, but try to focus on what the whole point of this trip is about memories. So get out there and experience life on the road, even if it’s just for a little bit.

Traveling With Pets in The Car

Road trips can be tough on all of us, but bringing a pet along? That can be even harder. Unlike traveling with other adults or even children, your pet can't tell you if they're uncomfortable, or if they need to find a bush. There are ways to make the trip comfortable and easy on you, and your pal. So don't leave them behind on a trip to the cabin this year, here's a few tips to help get the whole family there safe and happy!

Consider crating or a carrier. While in certain situations your pup might be too large, or well behaved and you feel it's unnecessary, sometimes confining your animal can help keep them calm. It also can benefit you from becoming distracted on the road. Though, if the crate isn't the route for you and your pet, look into a harness buckle. We belt ourselves in to be safe, why would we allow our loved pets to ride free? An unrestrained 60lb dog becomes a 2,700 pound projectile in a sudden stop or accident at a speed of 35 miles per hour. Buckling your animal in is the safe choice for him, and for you!

Keep those windows up! As fun as it may seem for your dog, sticking his head out the window is actually detrimental to their noses, ears and eyes. Imagine going above 45 miles an hour, and having your head out the window. The dust, dirt and bugs that would come flying into your face would make it a very uncomfortable experience, and it's the same for your dog. The smells are great, but it's not worth the damage that can be done.  

Prep a travel kit. You prep yourself for travel, so why not prep your dogs? Bring the necessary things, such as a leash, water bowl, food, first aid kit, etc. Avoid feeding your dog too close to your departure time, and try to avoid feedings while you're on the road as much as possible. Animals can suffer from motion sickness as humans do, and nobody likes having to clean up barf on the road!

Bring something for your pup to do while in the car! Distractions and stimuli will help keep your dog from growing anxious by sitting in the car for too long. The longer the trip the more toys you should bring. Make sure to take frequent stops so that you and your dog can stretch your legs and get some fresh air!

Road trips are fun for the whole family, your pet included! Don't let long drives and frustration keep you from bringing your loved ones along. A little preparation goes a long way, and can turn a stressful drive into an easy one. Buckle up and have fun this summer, the whole family included!

Photo courtesy of MN Historical Society

One of the best parts of being a licensed driver, is the ability to make the decision you want on when you go... and where! So if you haven't gone on a road trip lately, or you just went last week, I have five stops you should consider before you get back in that driver seat.

Split Rock Lighthouse
If you haven't ventured north of Duluth yet, I highly suggest a spontaneous road trip. About 200 miles south of the cities, Split Rock Lighthouse can be found on the North shore of Lake Superior in Two Harbors, Minnesota. With walking trails, gorgeous views and a bit of history, it's a desirable getaway from the chaos of the cities. There are guided tours available on site, and an adorable gift shop. It can be a romantic stop for two, or a family adventure. Just make sure you wear your walking shoes, and are ready for a decent trek to the shore.

Spamtown USA
Who doesn't like spam? Austin, Minnesota is home of the Hormel's Corporate Headquarters, and is also home to the Spam Museum. You can learn everything from the makings of Spam to some great recipes on how to use Spam in your home cooked meals. Or in the event that you don't care for canned meats, Austin has also been named "One of the Top Ten Inexpensive Towns You'd Actually Want To Live" in 2015. It lies about 100 miles south of the cities, and is just waiting for a new visitor or three.

Schell's Brewery
Beer is great. Local beer? Even better! 96 miles south west of the metro you'll find one of the oldest locally owned breweries in Minnesota. It’s the second oldest family run brewery in Minnesota, to be exact. After your time touring the brewery and visiting the gift shop, make a weekend of your trip and stop down at the Deutsche Strasse Bed and Breakfast for a German themed stay to match all that German crafted beer you just drank. 

Jeffers Petroglyphs

130 miles out of Minneapolis in Comfrey, you'll find peaceful prairie land, a tiny town and lots of history. Jeffers Petroglyphs are vast expanses of rock covered in the 7000 plus year old artwork and depictions of stories of the way of life of Native Americans. You can find humans, deer, buffalo, turtles and other creatures sketched out on these rocks. There are guided tours available, as well as various classes you can take. Ever wanted to learn to throw atlatl and hunt buffalo? The Native American Survivalist class is the place for you!

Franconia Sculpture Park
A short drive 50 miles out of the metro will land you in a bizarre wonderland, also known as the Franconia Sculpture Park in Franconia, Minnesota. Located on a 43 acre plot of land, Franconia Sculpture Park is an active artist residency working to showcase 40 new artist each year. The park always changes, new sculptures are worked on regularly and you're always in for a fun surprise.

As with any other adventure in a vehicle, make sure you're practicing safe driving techniques. Be aware so you can go on multiple more adventures with your loved ones, or alone. In case of an accident, or any road mishap, think of us at Oakdale Collision. We'll take this stressful situation off your shoulders and get you back in your vehicle in no time!