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Sometimes, hitting the open road for a cruise along some of the Rochester, Minnesota, area's most scenic drives is just what the doctor ordered. It's even better when you can take man's best friend along for the ride. The area has several great drives that make the perfect road trip for you and your pooch. The next time you feel cabin fever creeping in, warm up the car and take it on one of these incredible scenic road trips. Grand Rounds The Grand Rounds is actually a bike trail and drivable scenic route that spans 53 miles. It will take you through several different landscapes and cityscapes. Thanks to the wonderful variety the Grand Rounds offers, you and your pooch will have a great time. If the weather is nice, you can even stop at several locations to rent kayaks or paddle boats. The Minneapolis lake chain offers several great vistas which are perfect opportunities to snap some Instagram photos of you and your dog. more Drive from Douglas to Mantorville Another wonderful road trip to take with your dog stretches from Douglas to Mantorville. You'll pass through several rural areas that are the perfect mix of greenery and quaint homes. In the fall, the leaves change to glowing orange, red, and yellow, which makes the drive even more stunning. Head Up to Niagra Cave Sometimes it's nice to include a cool destination at the end of a road trip. You can get out, stretch your legs, and enjoy the sights before making the journey back. If you're that type of person, making your way up to Niagra Cave is probably the right scenic road trip for you. If you bring your family instead of your pet on this adventure, there's plenty to do on site. You can take a tour of the expansive cave system that covers over one mile of walking. You'll travel up to 200 feet below the surface on the one-hour tour. The tour also passes by fossils dating back 450 million years. Once you've finished the cave tour, there are a few other activities on the grounds including gemstone mining, mini golf, and a gift shop. Forestville Scenic Route If the Niagra Cave route piqued your interest, the Forestville scenic drive will also be a draw. This incredible drive ends at a beautiful state park which also features a cave. The way to the Forestville Mystery Cave will take you through a lot of back roads, each with their own splendor to take in. While dogs aren't allowed on cave tours, there's plenty you can do at the state park including camping, hiking, and birding. There are plenty of scenic routes you and your pet can experience, so grab a large coffee one morning and hit the road on a great adventure. Even if you don't make your way to one of these four scenic routes, you can still just drive around and explore somewhere you've never been.

For the rest of their lives, many teens will fondly remember the moment they got their first car. The freedom to go anywhere at any time is a big step towards adulthood, but often, teens don't fully understand that this freedom comes with added responsibility. Ford Escape's solid build and intelligent tech features make it the perfect car for an inexperienced teen. Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking Driving a car may seem easy and it actually is, most of the time, but once in awhile the unexpected happens and you're left with a split second to make a potentially life-altering decision. This is usually where experience kicks in and in many situations, a seasoned driver will instinctively choose a maneuver with high odds of success. Teens, however, still lack the necessary experience, but Ford's Co-Pilot360 technology helps rookie drivers navigate through such situations. more The pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking uses on-board cameras to instantly evaluate the odds of a frontal collision at all times during your trip. If one is detected, the driver will be notified via a warning message display. Then, if the system does not detect an immediate response, the brakes, which have been precharged, will deliver maximum efficiency. If the driver still hasn't hit the brakes in the meantime, they are applied automatically, greatly reducing the damages caused by the impact or avoiding it altogether. Cross-Traffic Alert Another major issue with teen drivers is noticing the cars around theirs while in traffic. It's only natural that someone who has just learned how to control their own car might have difficulties tracking the behavior of other cars on the road, but being aware of what's happening around your vehicle is crucial for any driver. Ford's cross-traffic alert solves that problem with a system that uses special radar sensors to track vehicles on either side of the car and behind it. When the system senses a car entering the blind spot, indicator lights in the side-view mirrors will alert the driver. Ford's cross-traffic alert is also highly useful for reversing your way out of a driveway or parking spot, as it detects approaching vehicles and lets the driver know with an audible warning. Excellent Passive Safety Although the 2020 Ford Escape is equipped with modern active safety systems designed to detect and avoid any road incident, sometimes a collision is simply inevitable. In case this happens, teen drivers will be protected by the vehicle's strong body and extensive air bag system, consisting of front-impact, side-impact, overhead, and knee air bags. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety's maximum ratings for all types of impacts are proof that the Ford Escape is a dependable vehicle in case of an unfortunate accident. Safety is a crucial aspect when choosing a car, especially when it comes to inexperienced teen drivers. The 2020 Ford Escape is not only a sturdy vehicle that will keep everyone inside safe in case of a collision, but also one that's smart enough to detect and avoid any incoming danger.

When it comes to technology, everybody wants more. Ford has done a great job of staying on top of these technology feature trends and working them into new Ford models. If you're on the hunt for a new vehicle this year that's loaded with the coolest tech, you're going to want to take a Ford for a test drive. Here's an in-depth look at some of the coolest technology features available on new Ford models. Driver Assistance Features One thing that makes Fords such attractive models recently is the healthy amount of driver assistance features included or available in higher trims. These great features can help keep everyone on the roads a little bit safer. When doing your research, look for the Ford Co-Pilot 360 features, which will include a list of driver assistance features. more Some of the available driver assistance features on new Ford models include blind spot monitoring in addition to rear crossing traffic detection. This makes seeing the unseen easier than ever before. An advanced lane keeping assistance system is also there to act as an extra set of eyes. It monitors the lanes and can alert you when you begin to cross over without using a blinker. The advanced pre-collision detection system can apply extra braking power if it feels you're about to collide and won't be able to stop, mitigating damage or preventing the accident altogether. There are several other wonderful driver assistance features available on newer Ford models. These include adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assistance, parking assistance, hill descent control, and more. SYNC 3 Media System Another wonderful technology feature popping up on new Ford models is the SYNC 3 media system. This incredible suite of media features gives you access to your favorite entertainment while you're on the road. Sync your phone to play music or listen to podcasts while you're on the go. No more cycling through radio stations that are only so-so when it comes to the music. A new technology feature to get excited about is the inclusion of Amazon Alexa from your center console. With it, you can get traffic updates, Amazon Prime shopping, and more. Fordpass Connect Fordpass connect has been around for a couple of years, and the features it includes has steadily grown. Using the Fordpass app, you can connect to your Ford Vehicle like never before. You can lock and unlock your doors, pay for vehicle services, and look up local fuel prices all from the convenience of your phone. The app can even give you updates on key vehicle info and allow you to schedule service when needed. New Fords are equipped with some of the most advanced and in-demand technology available. Take a test drive in a new Ford today to see how all these great features can impact your life on a daily basis.

The 2020 Ford Explorer is a rugged yet versatile SUV that offers all of the interior and exterior features you need for fun on and off the road. When you're ready to head out on your next adventure, take a look at some of the great features you'll find in the Explorer that will make your trip even more exciting. Space for Everything No matter how many people you want to bring along on your journey, you'll find space for them and their belongings inside the 2020 Ford Explorer. The three-row SUV offers seating for up to seven people. When you don't need that much seating space, the Explorer also makes it easy to fold the seats down to make room for cargo. Plus, the E-Z Entry second-row seats make it simple for passengers to enter and exit the vehicle ⁠— even when there's a car seat in the second row. Technology to Keep You Connected The Explorer has a variety of outstanding technology features that make it easy for you to stay entertained on your trip while still keeping connected to what matters most to you. The SUV is available with a 10.1-inch touch-screen display and the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, with the available SYNC 3 AppLink system, you can bring the capabilities of Amazon Alexa with you on the road. You'll be able to control supported smart-home devices and have access to traffic information, voice navigation, and more. Power to Get You There If you're interested in getting a new Ford that has the power to handle every type of adventure, the 2020 Explorer is the perfect SUV for you. The SUV comes standard with a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 300 horsepower. It's also available with a 365-horsepower twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine, a 3.3-liter V-6 hybrid engine, and a 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine that churns out an impressive 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Plus, if you ever want to bring along some extra toys, the Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped. Safety Features for Peace of Mind Thanks to Ford Co-Pilot360, the Ford Explorer comes with plenty of advanced safety features to help you feel more secure during every adventure. This collection of safety features includes a blind-spot information system, automatic emergency braking with pre-collision assist, a rearview camera, lane-keeping system, and automatic high beams. Other available safety features you can get on your Explorer include evasive steering assist and adaptive cruise control. Good Looks to Turn Heads The Explorer showcases rugged good looks that will leave a lasting impression. The standard LED headlights, LED taillights, and LED signature lighting are strong and distinct. You can add even more style and functionality by getting the available LED fog lamps. Other convenient available features include the heated and power-folding side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and foot-activated liftgate. The next time adventure is calling your name, you know you can tackle it in style when you're behind the wheel of the 2020 Ford Explorer.

Keeping your car clean is a good idea for many reasons. Aside from making it look shiny and new, it's also the healthy thing to do for yourself and your passengers. Those living in or around Rochester, Minnesota, have many great car washes to choose from. Wash Me Car Wash This family-owned establishment was first opened in 2008 and has continued to evolve ever since. Having been converted to a soft touch tunnel carwash two years after being opened, they have since added a truck stall for farm trucks and trailers, two automatic wash stalls with hot water, and three self-service wash stalls for those who want to grab the hot water hose and clean their car by themselves. They also have excellent equipment for interior cleaning, with powerful vacuums that can get all the dust and dirt out of your vehicle's cabin. more Mister Car Wash & Express Lube The first Mister Car Wash location was opened in Houston, Texas more than half a century ago and they have continued to grow ever since. Nowadays they have over 300 car washes and 33 express oil change locations in 21 U.S. states. Their growth is based on the simple idea of doing a proper job on every single car they wash, and their Rochester location perfectly exemplifies that. The thing that puts most people off when it comes to washing their cars is the time they have to wait and do nothing while it's being washed, but Mister Car Wash helps its customers with comfortable and clean facilities, as well as fresh coffee and popcorn on the house. Rochester Mobile Car Care Why go all the way down to the carwash when the carwash can come to you? This is the principle behind Mobile Car Care, the first company in Rochester to offer on-demand washing and detailing services right at your location. If you want to get your car cleaned but can't leave your home or office, you can simply book an appointment. They will come anywhere in Rochester and the surrounding area, expertly washing your car, truck, boat, SUV, trailer, motorcycle, or any other vehicle that needs to be cleaned. Their range of services starts from a simple exterior wash that leaves your car looking clean and shiny. The second option is a full interior-exterior cleaning, with a thorough vacuuming of the entire cabin, including the air vents. If your car is dirtier than usual, you may want to consider the third option, which is a full power wash of both the interior and the exterior that will remove all the spots and the dirt. The fourth and final option includes the first three but also restores your headlights, bumpers, and mud flaps, breathing new life into your vehicle. Although many of us put off washing our cars for as long as we can, driving around in a clean car feels great. Whether you choose to visit a car wash or have one visit you, you'll receive excellent service and have a great looking car inside and out.

The 2020 Ford EcoSport is a sporty compact SUV that can easily handle all types of exciting adventures. If you're ready to add some fun back into your drive, check out a few of the fantastic features you'll enjoy when you get behind the wheel of the EcoSport. Sporty Style The 2020 Ford EcoSport has a compact size perfectly designed to handle those narrow city streets and tight parking spaces. It also comes with plenty of features that will make your drive more convenient. The SUV comes standard with halogen quad-beam reflector headlights, power-adjustable side mirrors with a built-in blind-spot mirror, and a unique swing liftgate that makes it easy to load and unload everything you want to bring along on your journey. You can also get the EcoSport with the available LED signature lighting, heated side mirrors, and fog lamps. Spacious Interior Even though the EcoSport might have a compact appearance on the outside, you'll still find plenty of space on the inside. When you leave the seats up, you'll enjoy seating for up to five people. If you need room for a combination of cargo and passengers, you'll appreciate the convenience of the standard 60/40 fold-flat rear seats. Plus, you know the EcoSport offers several available features to make the ride more comfortable for everyone, including a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-trimmed seats, and electronic automatic temperature control. Excellent Multimedia Features If you're interested in getting a new Ford that makes it easy to stay connected and entertained on your adventures, check out the excellent multimedia technologies in the 2020 EcoSport. The SUV comes standard with the SYNC infotainment system and FordPass Connect with a Wi-Fi hot spot, which lets up to 10 devices connect at once. The EcoSport is also available with the SYNC 3 infotainment system. This advanced system includes an 8-inch color touch-screen display, voice-activated technology, and the connectivity power of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Exciting Power No matter what type of adventure you have in mind, the Ford EcoSport has the power to provide a thrilling ride on the way there. The vehicle comes standard with a 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine that includes automatic start-stop technology to help you reduce emissions and fuel consumption. If you're looking to add a little liveliness to your commute, consider the available 2.0-liter engine. Plus, since you never know what type of conditions you might encounter on the road, both engines are available with an intelligent four-wheel-drive system for added traction when you need it. Great Safety Features Thanks to Ford Co-Pilot360, you can enjoy the extra peace of mind on every trip. This collection of safety features comes standard with a rearview camera, hill start assist, emergency brake assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system. It's also available with a reverse sensing system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. When you're interested in getting a compact SUV that offers plenty of style and is a pleasure to drive, you know you're ready for the 2020 Ford EcoSport.

The bold and stylish 2020 Ford Mustang is an exciting sports car that's ready to give you an unforgettable driving experience. The next time you gear up for some excitement, take the Mustang for a spin and discover what this thrilling vehicle has to offer. Unbeatable Engine Options The Ford Mustang has six high-powered engine options just waiting to give you the invigorating drive you want. You can choose the standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that pumps out 350 pound-feet of torque and 310 horsepower. Other options include an available 330-horsepower high-performance 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, 5.0-liter V-8 engine that delivers either 460 horsepower or 480 horsepower, or a 5.2-liter V-8 engine that offers 526 horsepower. For the ultimate thrill, go with the available 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine that's projected to produce over 700 horsepower. more Eye-Catching Good Looks Along with incredible power, the Mustang also offers stunning good looks that will turn heads everywhere you go. Standard features like the dual bright exhaust tips, hood vents, LED sequential taillights and LED headlights with LED signature lighting add to the sharp features of the sports car. You'll also appreciate the convenience of the standard daytime running lights and side mirrors with integrated blind spot mirrors. To catch even more eyes, you can get the Mustang with an available rear spoiler and heated side mirrors with built-in turn signal indicators. Comfortable Interior If you're interested in getting a new Ford that provides some of the latest interior comforts, get behind the wheel of the 2020 Mustang. To help you stay comfortable no matter what the weather is like outside, the Mustang is available with dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, a heated steering wheel, and heated and cooled leather-trimmed front seats. To give the sports car a lavish touch, it comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-wrapped parking brake handle. You'll also love standard conveniences that include an auto-dimming rearview mirror and automatic headlights with wiper activation. Excellent Multimedia Technology Not only does the Ford Mustang offer several powerful engines that will give you an exciting drive, but it also has plenty of multimedia technologies that can keep you entertained and connected when you're on the road. The vehicle comes standard with a six-speaker audio system, FordPass Connect, and the SYNC infotainment system. You can also go with the available SYNC 3 infotainment system, which brings the connectivity features of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to your Mustang. Impressive Safety Features To make sure that your thrilling drive is also a safe one, the Mustang includes a variety of Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies. It comes standard with a rearview camera and AdvanceTrac with electronic stability control. The sports car is also available with a lane-keeping system, a blind-spot warning system with cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, rain-sensing windshield wipers, adaptive cruise control, and pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. When you're ready to hit the open road and have some fun, take the 2020 Ford Mustang for a spin and discover precisely what those ponies can do.

Your brakes and tires are two crucial parts of your vehicle that you want in good condition all the time. Unfortunately, they will wear down and need replacing. Make sure you pay attention to these important warning signs, so you know when it's time to replace your brakes and tires. Uneven or Excessive Tread Wear A visual inspection of your tires can often tell you when it's time to replace them. When you look at your tires, check for signs of uneven or excessive wear on the treads. Misaligned tires, improper inflation, and problems with the suspension can all cause uneven tread wear. Most new tires come with tread wear indicator bars that appear when it's time to get new tires. You can also use a penny to check the treadwear. If you put a penny head down in the tread and see the top of Lincoln's head, you need to replace your tires. more Cracks or Cuts In addition to inspecting the tread on your tires, you also want to check the sidewall of the tires. The sidewall is the vertical area on the side of the tire. It protects the cord plies and features important information such as the tire type and size. If you notice any cracks, cuts, bulges, or blisters on the sidewall, you need to replace the tire right away. These deformities signal potential weak spots that could cause the tire to fail while you're driving. Odd Noises While it's easy to inspect your tires visually and know when they need replacing, it's not always possible to see your brakes. Instead, you need to listen to your brakes and pay attention to the way your vehicle feels when you're braking. High-pitched squealing, scraping, grinding, and scratching noises could be a sign that your brake pads have worn down, and the rotor disc is coming into contact with part of the caliper. When this happens, you need to take your vehicle to your mechanic as soon as possible to avoid brake failure. Irregular Movements Unusual movements or feelings when you brake are other signs that you need to replace your brakes. These irregular movements can include pulling to one side or the other, a pulsing or throbbing sensation when you press down on the brake pedal, a brake pedal that feels soft or goes all the way down when you step on it, and the need for increased stopping distance are all warning signs that your brakes are failing and you need to take your vehicle to the mechanic. Indicator Lights Some vehicles have an indicator light on the dashboard that will come on when you need to replace the brake pads. Your owner's manual will tell you if your vehicle has this low-pad warning system. If the light does come on, your mechanic will be able to replace the sensors and brake pads. To make sure your vehicle is working properly and safe to drive, be sure to pay attention to these important signs that you need to replace your brakes and tires.

The Mustang brand has always been known for powerful performance-based sports cars. Now, Ford looks to expand on its domain with the addition of a Mustang Electric SUV. At first, all those things sound off-brand for the Mustang, however, the designers did the car a lot of justice in creating an amazing Mustang SUV. Here's an in-depth look at the new Mustang Mach-E. Looks and Appearance Overview The Mustang Mach-E features a long sweeping profile similar to the compact SUVs. The tail end of the Mustang Mach-E features the brand's iconic taillight design. The front grille features a sort of horseshoe type loop with a flat panel in the middle that features the Mustang insignia. The bumper features a dark charcoal accent, separating it from the rest of the front fascia. Thin, slanted headlights give the Mach-E  a sporty, aggressive look. more Plenty of Trim Levels During it's release, there will be five different trim levels available to choose from. The first available trim is the Select trim, and looks to be the base trim level offered on the initial release. The Premium trim is the next level up. It will feature more luxury features than the Select trim level. The third trim option is the California RT 1. This trim is only available with rear-wheel drive and it includes an extended battery to allow it to travel over 300 miles on a charge. The GT trim trades in a bit of range for more power and torque. The final trim is labeled as the First Edition. It's going to be very difficult to get your hands behind the wheel of this limited edition release. It features a middle-range maximum travel distance around 270 miles. It includes several unique features such as 19-inch wheels, an exclusive shade of blue, color contrasting stitching, First Edition insignia, aluminum calipers and aluminum pedals. If you're interested in the 2021 Mustang Mach-E, just about every trim level offers up different performance features, such as a choice between rear or all-wheel drive or extended driving ranges. Find out what you want most from your Mustang Mach-E and test drive the trims that offer those features. What Else You Need to Know The Mach-E is an electric car and that comes with a few things you should keep in mind. You're not able to gas it up in a pinch at a gas station like a traditional gasoline engine. Thankfully, you can add 47 miles of driving time with a 10 minute quick-charge at properly outfitted charging stations. Having a charging port installed at home can alleviate just about any, but the most unique, travel needs. The new Mach-E features several other great convenience features. For example, a waterproof front storage compartment with a drain plug add extra cargo versatility for tailgating and packing wet or muddy gear. If you're on the hunt for a new head-turning vehicle, you're going to want to give the new Mustang Mach-E a chance. It has plenty of new and exciting features as well as all that classic Mustang performance.

With the last of 2020's new models making their way onto dealership lots, it's time to get excited about some of what the 2021 model lineup will bring us. For starters, we're getting a new Bronco! The iconic car is back in a big way for the 2021 model year release. We're here to show you everything you need to know about the revitalization of this amazing Ford model. A Modern Take on a Classic It's been over two decades since we've seen a Ford Bronco on the salesroom floor. That can create big expectations for car designers and engineers. It has to stay true to its roots without feeling tired. Here's an undercover look of what this year's reimagining has in store. Early release photos show the new Bronco, covered in detail camouflage, cruising down an off-road trail. While specific details such as headlight design, grille, and accents are hidden, the overall body is quite defined. It has all the trimmings and trappings of a powerful, exciting pickup truck and the modular bonus of the bed cover. While there hasn't been an official release revealing what the new Bronco will look like, we are able to tell that you will definitely know it's a Bronco. more What We Know About the Exterior Unfortunately, there's not an official model unveiling for the 2021 Ford Bronco. However, some artists have taken it upon themselves to research spy photos and some of the Bronco's photos from its camouflaged off-road expedition to create a possible, unofficial, first look at the new Bronco. First and foremost, it will have everything that made the Bronco the Bronco. If you need something to compare it to, it's somewhat similar to the front end of the Jeep Wrangler with a short, stubby hood and a pronounced headlight and grille design. The artist's rendition features a larger top grille section with wide sweeping grille bars. They also added a smaller secondary grille below with a honeycomb / mesh-like design. The front of the 2021 Bronco also appears to include two large scoops that will provide aerodynamic support and possibly fog lamps. Once it's on the road, nothing is more apparent that it's a Bronco than the front fascia. Along the top of the grille runs the impressive and dominant Bronco nameplate. The side profile offered in the artist's rendition and the peek we got in the off-road trial indicate that the front passengers will have a healthy amount of legroom thanks to an extended sleek look. The 2021 Bronco-R Another possible preview into the road-ready 2021 Bronco can be found with the Bronco-R. This version of the new Bronco has been revealed without static camo. The main difference is that it has been decked out for racing and features a stripped-down body and a bulky roll cage. That said, It's easy to see what the consumer version of the new Bronco will look like cruising down the road. The Bronco is back as a 2021 release. Stay tuned for more future information releases and performance features.

Nothing beats a good tailgate. Hanging out by your truck or trailer at an event and firing up the grill with your buddies can be a great way to build memories and make new friends. If you're in the Rochester, Minnesota, area, there's plenty of wonderful opportunities for tailgating all year long. Regardless of what sort of activities you're into, you can enjoy a tailgate in the area. Here are a few fun ideas to get you started. Tailgate at a Vikings Game Football season is over for the Minnesota Vikings, however, pre-season and regular-season games will be back at the end of the summer, meaning football tailgating is back. There's not many better tailgating experiences than those found at NFL football games. There's plenty of lawn games set up and the barbecues will be rocking. If you've never been to a tailgate at an NFL game, but enjoy the cookout atmosphere, be sure to add one to your bucket list. more Tailgating at US Bank Stadium can be tricky since spaces are limited. The stadium offers season-long tailgating passes to season ticket holders only. If you're not a season ticket holder, you'll need to buy a tailgating pass on a game-by-game basis. The tailgating parking lots will open five hours before kickoff for weekend games and must end either three hours after the game has ended or midnight, whichever comes first. Tailgate at a Gohpers Game The tailgating scene at the college football level can be just as exciting and fun as the tailgates happening at US Bank Stadium for the Vikings. The University of Minnesota Gophers play seven home games throughout the season between late August and late November. If you're a real tailgate junky who can't get enough tailgating action you may get the opportunity to pull a double header tailgate weekend by attending a Gophers tailgate on Saturday and a Vikings tailgate the following day. If you plan on tailgating at a Gophers game, there's a few things you'll need to keep in mind. Tailgating is only allowed in designated lots. It can begin six hours before the game starts, but never earlier than 7 am. Weekday games have the same restrictions with the earliest start time being 2 pm. All tailgating must end no later than four hours after the game or midnight, whichever comes first. As the 2020 season approaches, the university will release the schedule of games and provide tailgating start and end times. Olmsted County Fair Another great tailgating experience is a bit different than the one found at a football game. County and country fairs which span multiple days often have parking lots which allow you to stay there with your RV or camper. Here you can find other fair-goers who might be open to a cookout at night. The Olmsted County Fair is one such event where tailgating every night after attending the fair might provide more fun opportunities. With so many tailgating opportunities happening in the Rochester, Minnesota, area it's hard not to find yourself involved in all the fun. Check out one of the three tailgate ideas above this year!

Looking for a bite to eat that's far from the ordinary? if you're cruising around Minnesota, you might be in luck. There are dozens of great Drive-in style restaurants across the state that are worth driving to or making it part of a longer road trip. So, the next time your stomach is asking for a delicious meal on the go, check out these top four drive-in restaurants around the state. Earl's Drive-In, Roseau The first stop on your tour of incredible drive-in restaurants should be Earl's Drive-In. It has everything you're looking for from a drive-in diner that opened up in the 40s. Good food that's less than good for you. The menu is full of delicious items such as juicy burgers, crispy onion rings, and piles of all the french fries you can handle. Bring your appetite, because the food here is so good you might want seconds. more Roscoe's Root Beer & Ribs, Rochester Roscoe's might be the the most unassuming location on our list. However, the food here is great, especially if you're passing by and in the mood for good old fashioned barbecue style food. Simply drive up to this little drive-in and select from a tasty menu of ribs, pulled pork, and more. Be sure to try the barbecue chicken as well, it's moist and incredibly flavorful. If you're not in the mood for barbeque style food, you can easily get your paws on more traditional drive-in food, such as burgers and dogs. Dari-Ette Drive-In, St. Paul Another amazing drive-in restaurant you're going to want to check out is the Dariette Drive-in in St. Paul, Minnesota. One thing that makes this restaurant interesting and unique is the menu. It's not afraid to shy away from burgers and fries and step into more adventurous comfort foods. For example, the juicy and perfectly seasoned meatball sandwiches, covered in a wonderful sauce and lots of cheese is something you won't see on most drive-in menus. The Italian chicken breast sandwiches are equally delicious. Don't forget to pair it with a satisfying milkshake! Peppermint Twist Drive-In, Delano It may sound like the Peppermint Twist Drive-In in Delano, Minnesota, only serves ice cream and treats, however, they actually have a complete dinner menu. This little restaurant opened up in the early 80's and has been serving up great baskets of delicious food ever since. If you brought your kids along, there's a park nearby called Teddy Bear Park. It's a great place to go for a short road trip. Please note that this restaurant is cash only and doesn't take checks or credit cards. The menu is full of tasty foods such as deep-fried mushrooms, 14 different burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, and more. There's something for everyone at the Peppermint Twist Drive-In. There are so many incredible drive-in style restaurants across the state of Minnesota. It might be a fun challenge to see how many you can make it out to this year.