How to Make Your Car 100% Ready for That Big Summer Road Trip

There’s nothing more American than packing a bag, hopping in the car, and feasting on the open road. Sure, planes get you places faster, but road trips aren’t just about the destination. Road trips are about the journey. Some of your greatest memories are the times you spend with friends and family on a summer road trip. Not being prepared, however, can surely put a damper on your trip. Here’s how to make sure your car is 100 percent ready for any curveball that comes your way.

Make sure you car is in tip-top physical shape

Nothing will ruin a road trip like car troubles. Not only will it steal time from your trip, but it’ll cost you money that you’d much prefer spending on your lodging and entertainment. Long trips put a lot of strain on a car, so it’s absolutely crucial that your car is in perfect (or as close as you can get to perfect) working condition before you even leave your driveway.

If you are the do-it-yourself type, much of what needs checking for a long road trip is pretty easy to look over. The following fluid levels should be checked: engine oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze/coolant, radiator coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, and power steering fluid. These fluids are usually well-marked and easy to assess.

“You should also check your tire pressure. The number on the tire’s side is the maximum pressure it can withstand, not the recommended amount. Your tires should be a little less inflated in winter, and closer to their maximum in summer. Never inflate your tires too much as it could provoke a blowout. And don’t forget that paramount spare tire, just in case,” suggests AskMen.com.

Also, don’t forget to check your battery (free at most auto shops/stores), brake lights, headlights, and of course, if there’s a light on your dashboard, take you car in for service. If your car battery hasn’t been changed in years, this might be worth doing now to avoid being stranded on a desolate stretch of road. Car batteries are generally pretty inexpensive and can be easily installed.

Make sure your car is stocked with the essentials

For added safety on your trip, it’s always a good idea to have an emergency kit stashed in the back of your car. Items like a tire iron, a first aid kit, jumper cables and water are a great place to start.

Depending on how far off the beaten path your road trip takes you, and whether you are traveling with children, you may want to bring a good deal more. That first aid kit should include important medications (an EpiPen for diabetics) a flashlight, and blankets. Apart from that, don’t forget a good old fashioned map or road atlas. Sure, you have Google Maps, but if you lose internet service you need to be able to find your way around.

If you want to save money on your trip and avoid overeating junk food or fast food, pack up a cooler with healthy, easily portable snacks the whole family can enjoy. PB&J sandwiches, veggies, and hummus, fruit leather or nuts, all of the

Plan for stops

If the goal of your trip is to enjoy the open road and you’re not in a hurry, you’re likely planning on stopping periodically to get gas, take in the sites, stretch your legs or grab a sandwich. Ideally, you don’t want to drive for too long without stopping. It’s a great way to wear yourself out and is just plain uncomfortable.

In the end, a road trip is about freedom – but you don’t want to be so carefree that you forget to make sure your car will make the trip and is packed with all the essentials necessary if the unexpected happens to occur. Don’t forget to check your car’s main mechanical functions and pack everything for an emergency – the open road is yours!

Red Rocks Amphitheatre has seen some of the greatest artist perform live, outdoors, and under the beautiful stars of Colorado.  It is such an awesome venue that it won the best outdoor venue so many times (eleven!) that Pollstar magazine changed the name of the award to the Red Rocks award. And that’s just one magazine! Ask anyone who has ever been to a concert at Red Rocks, rain or shine, they will tell you it was a one-of-a-kind experience. Who would’ve thought that two tall outcrops of red sandstone would make for such terrific acoustics! There is not a bad seat in the house. You can get up close and see every guitar and drum solo, or sit in the back and see the twinkling lights of denver. No matter where you sit, stand, jump or dance, you will be engulfed by music and lights.

But alas, the show must end and you will have to vacate Red Rocks after rockin’ your butt off! Why does the fun have to stop there?! The perfect way to get ready for the concert and to relax and reminisce after the show is with us here at The Arrowhead Manor Inn & Event Center. We are a short drive from the venue, and it is very easy to get to and from our location. We offer luxurious rooms and suites at unbeatable prices. We specialize in romance, friendship, and relaxation. We offer Suites with hot tubs on private decks, and luxury beds to fall asleep on after a super fun evening. We also offer shuttle services to and from the venue. We have been called the “Red Rocks Hotel” by many repeat guests that come back every year when their favorite bands come to play. Concerts at Red Rocks come in all music genres. Friday night might include Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and then Saturday night Godsmack and Disturbed will tear the roof off … oh yeah… no roof! But you get the point.

With that being said, Arrowhead Manor realizes that marijuana is now legal in the beautiful state of Colorado, therefore, we are a cannabis friendly establishment. We have multiple areas for smoking up before and/or after a great concert. We do ask to be respectful to all of our guests. But if it makes you happy, it makes us happy!  

Where to stay when going to a Red Rocks concert?

Where to stay when going to a Red Rocks concert?  Going to a concert at the most famous and beautiful outdoor concert venue in the world?  The Red Rocks Amphitheater of course! The Red Rocks website used to have a list of hotels you could stay at when going to a concert.  That list has been removed from their website and only one hotel is now listed.  What happens when that hotel fills up? What if you smoke cannabis? Where do you stay?

Chain Hotel

There are many different types of places to stay at for a Red Rocks concert.  You can stay at a large chain hotel down in town and drive up to the concert. There is the Holiday inn, Hilton, Ramada, and many more. They are all pretty much standard and offer the same amenities.  Some you have to pay for breakfast, some you have to pay for wifi, some you have to pay for parking. Be sure to ask. Most of the hotels are not 420 friendly and frown on smoking cannabis at the property. Ask before you book

Bed and Breakfast

Tired of always staying at a chain hotel? A bed and breakfast is a great alternative.  They offer more personalized service, breakfast is included, parking is included, and wifi is included.  The rooms are individually decorated and have a different look and feel. Something you don’t find at a chain hotel.  Many times they will also have fireplaces, beautiful views, jacuzzi tubs and hot tubs . Check out the Arrowhead Manor inn.  One of the only 2 lodging properties in Morrison (where Red Rocks amphitheater is located) and the most affordable.  All rooms have private stone bathrooms. Don’t worry about drinking, smoking and driving and take Arrowheads Red Rocks shuttle.  They do all the work for you while you just sit back and relax and enjoy the show.  Arrowhead is also 420 friendly so you can smoke all you want legally without any stress! Turn your Red Rocks concert into a mini vacation and stay at Arrowhead!  It’s a gorgeous property and check out all the things to do near us.  Why stay anywhere else?

Airbnb

If you are on a tight budget and just looking for a place to sleep, Airbnb might be for you.  Although you are usually just renting a room in someones house, it is a frugal alternative for overnight lodging.  Sometimes you get a private bath, sometimes not. You usually share a kitchen and living room with the owners of the property.  Not as private as a chain hotel or a B&B and usually not as luxurious. A good alternative to save some money but not very private.  Many don’t allow any cannabis smoking on the property. Be sure to ask.

Conclusion

Well, no matter what your choice is you know that there are options.  Maybe try them all out and see which is your favorite.  Whatever you choose, remember, be safe and don’t drink and drive.  Enjoy the show at the most famous outdoor venue in the world.