The Newport Plain Talk is proud to present its 10th annual Summer Fun edition, which features local Independence Day celebrations, grilling tips, summer fun and much more. We hope you enjoy this edition, as it showcases some of the best summer festivals and activities in and around the area. We also are appreciative to each of our advertisers in this special section and we hope you visit their business this summer.
The annual White Pine Fourth of July Parade will be held on Saturday, July 4. Parade lineup will begin at 8:30 a.m. at White Pine School off Roy Messer Highway.
The parade will start promptly at 10 a.m. and proceed to the White Pine Community Center off Maple Street.
All participants must register to be included in the line-up. Whether you have a classic car, a local business, or just want to show off your patriotic spirit, you are welcome to join the parade.
If you have questions or if you are ready to sign up, reach out to Adam Wilson:at 865-378-0290 or email parksandrec@whitepinetn.gov.
The annual Independence Day Celebration presented by Hamblen County Government and The Terry Law Firm is set for the Fourth of July at Cherokee Park, which sits on the banks of Cherokee Lake off Floyd Hall Drive in Morristown.
Admission is free. Gates will open at 4 p.m. There will be food vendors on site. Live music is sponsored by Food City. At 5:30 p.m. Eddie Van Terry will take the stage. Tony Justice will perform starting at 6:45 p.m.The headliner will be Sawyer Brown, who has more than four decades of hits. Sawyer Brown’s performance will start at 8 p.m.
The night will end with fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and get ready for a fun evening.
The 50th annual Gatlinburg Fourth of July Midnight Parade will be the first Independence Day Parade in the country. Starting at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, the parade will make its way through downtown Gatlinburg.
The City of Gatlinburg is honored to welcome representatives from the Wounded Warrior Project, active-duty and retired military personnel, and Gold Star and Blue Star families as we pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country.
Be among the first in the nation to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary as Gatlinburg proudly hosts the nation’s first Independence Day parade. This historic and patriotic celebration is how Gatlinburg kicks off America’s 250th anniversary in unforgettable fashion.
The parade will begin at Baskins Creek Bypass and will end at Traffic Light #10. The parade has been recognized by National Geographic Traveler as a “Top 10
Parade to See in the U.S.”
Thousands of people make their way to Gatlinburg for this annual event. It is one of the Top 10 parades in the U.S. according to National Geographic Traveler.
Pigeon Forge will mark Independence Day with a two day event on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, at Patriot Park.
This year’s Patriot Festival will feature two headliners - country music stars Carly Pearce and Craig Morgan. Morgan will perform on Friday, July 3, while Pearce performs on Saturday, July 4. Fireworks will follow Pearce’s performance on July 4th.
All activities are free and open to the public, and are sure to be enjoyed by the entire family! You will find plenty of family friendly activities and games throughout the afternoon and evening and of course that amazing 4th of July fireworks show to conclude the Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival 2025.
Patriot Festival guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Umbrellas, tents, and coolers are NOT permitted. Hot dogs, tacos, pizza, funnel cakes, lemonade and so much more will be available from vendors for purchase.
Limited parking will be available at Patriot Park. Free parking is provided at the Teaster Lane Municipal parking lot, and a free shuttle operates every 20 minutes between the lot and festival site.
PARROTTSVILLE - The annual Parrottsville Fourth of July celebration is set for Saturday, July 4, at Parrottsville School.
Festivities get underway at 3 p.m. There will be food trucks on site. According to Parrottsville Mayor Gayla Hommel there will be activities for the children, including inflatables.
“We invite everyone to come out for a fun-filled
NEWPORT — The Cocke County Partnership and the Chamber of Commerce popular “Rhythm on the River” is back for another fun summer of music.
A series of concerts will be held along the City of Newport’s Riverwalk, located directly behind Newport City Hall. This is the 12th year bringing family fun and music to downtown Newport.
“Each year increases in popularity, and we are happy to welcome the community to join us again,” said Chamber of Commerce Director Lynn Ramsey. All concerts are free to the public with concessions and drinks available. The first concert will be on Thursday, May 28, and will continue every other Thursday through July.
This year’s lineup includes:
• Mountain Edge (May 28th): Kicking off this year’s concert series is a favorite local bands.
• Lost Creek Band (June 11th): An award-winning band which has shared the stage with legends such as Paul Williams, Doyle Lawson, Jim and Jesse McReynolds, The Osborne Brothers, Quicksilver, Kentucky Thunder and many more.
• The Get Up (June 25th): One of Knoxville’s premier party bands that plays dance/funk/rock/pop/soul.
• Knox Boombox (July 10th): Knox Boombox will be playing rock and roll and pop tunes from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.
• Legacy (July 23rd): Legacy is back performing the best of classic rock “Get Ready to Rock!”
Food and games will be set up at 6:30 p.m., and music starts at 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket, grab supper at the event and enjoy a relaxing evening on the river with some great music.
“I would like to give a special thank you to the City of Newport for this beautiful location and all the encouragement and support they give the Partnership to make this event happen. In addition, we also want to thank our sponsors who are businesses that care about our community and are a crucial part of this event,” added Ramsey.
For more information, contact the Chamber office at 423-623-7201.
afternoon and evening,” Hommel said. “It is a lot of fun and we are looking forward to another successful event.”
She said the Fourth of July celebration is always popular and there is always a large turnout.
The event, sponsored by the Town of Parrottsville and local businesses, will conclude with a fireworks display at dark.
Fireworks have been integral components of celebrations for centuries. These pyrotechnics originated in ancient China, with their earliest forms thought to be made from bamboo stalks thrown into a fire. Fireworks ultimately evolved into gunpowder-filled paper tubes. Modern fireworks still largely use traditional gunpowder as well as additional ingredients like aluminum and iron to create flashes, bangs and sparks. Additional elements are blended to create the colors that make for vivid fireworks displays.
Fireworks can be a wonder to behold, but there is no denying that shooting them off can be dangerous business. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that eight deaths and an estimated 9,700 injuries involving fireworks occurred in 2023. Of the eight deaths, five were associated with misuse of fireworks and two with a device malfunction. Fireworks injuries increased between
2008 and 2023, which underscores the importance of fireworks safety.
To celebrate safely, the CPSC urges consumers to follow these tips:
• Make sure fireworks are legal where you live and only purchase and set off those that are labeled for consumer use. Never purchase fireworks that are designed for professionals.
• Children should not be allowed to play with or ignite fireworks. This includes sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures that can reach or exceed 2,000 F, which is hot enough to melt some metals.
• Stay sober when using fireworks. Alcohol or drug impairment can cause people to act recklessly and make mistakes when handling fireworks.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of fire or another mishap.
• Only light one firework at a time, then move away from it quickly.
• Soak malfunctioning fireworks in water. Do not try to relight them.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a firework when lighting the fuse.
• Never point or throw fireworks at anyone.
• Douse spent fireworks with water before tossing them in the trash.
Spectators should remain at a distance from any fireworks being ignited. Fireworks should be lit away from buildings or trees. Many times it is safer to let professionals handle the fireworks since they are trained in the proper safety precautions. For more information, contact the Chamber office at 423-6237201.
Mabry-Hazen House is hosting its annual old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration on Saturday, July 4 from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Gather with the museum to celebrate Independence Day, the Declaration of Independence, and community. Enjoy great views, good food and beer, live music, fun games, great company and tours of the 1858 house. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and spread out on seven acres of green space near downtown Knoxville and right off I-40. The day recalls the spirit of 19th century Independence Day celebrations when communities gathered for patriotic revelry and enjoyment. Tickets are required to attend the event.
Overlooking downtown Knoxville to the west and the Great Smoky Mountains to south, historic Mabry’s Hill enjoys a spectacular view of the fireworks around the city and county. Take it easy with this laid-back celebration. Take in the surrounding natural beauty and history while savoring food from food trucks and beer from a local brewery.
The museum will have activities for kids and the young at heart including face painting, sack races, watermelon seed spitting contests, three-legged races, bocce, croquet, corn hole, tug-of-war, cake walk, Victorian festival games and much more.
There’ll be a live band for attendees to groove and enjoy. Kelsey Tiara
Photography will be available to strike your image on a tintype! There will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Purchase tickets to join in a cake walk and possibly take home a delicious cake from a local bakery! And the historic house museum will open for self-guided tours.
Food will be available for purchase from food trucks.
Tickets for adults (16+) are $15 (includes two drink tickets), children (ages 5-15) are $5, members of Mabry-Hazen House are $10, and children under 5 are free. More information and link to purchase tickets available at www.mabryhazen. com/fourthofjuly. There is a small fee for online purchases. Pre-sale tickets sell out and there will only be a limited number of tickets available at the door. All proceeds benefit the museum’s educational and preservation missions.• Legacy (July 23rd): Legacy is back performing the best of classic rock “Get Ready to
Food and games will be set up at 6:30 p.m., and music starts at 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket, grab supper at the event and enjoy a relaxing evening on the river with some great music.
“I would like to give a special thank you to the City of Newport for this beautiful location and all the encouragement and support they give the Partnership to make this event happen. In addition, we also want to thank our sponsors who are businesses that care about our community and are a crucial part of this event,” added Ramsey.
For more information, contact the Chamber office at 423-623-7201.
Fireworks are integral components of many large celebrations. Pyrotechnics may rise into the sky right after midnight at the start of a new year, during sporting events, and of course to mark Independence Day festivities. Although fireworks can be impressive displays with their awe-inspiring designs and colors, they are best left to professionals and ideally avoided by amateur enthusiasts. In 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that 9,700 individuals were treated in hospital emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries. The CPSC indicates that the majority of fireworks injuries are burns that affect hands, fingers, head, face, and ears. Leaving fireworks to professional pyrotechnics experts can reduce injuries and even
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deaths.
That leaves the question of what revelers can do to make their celebrations festive without relying on fireworks? There are plenty of options and fun alternatives to fireworks.
• Confetti: Throwing confetti can simulate the different colors of fireworks displays. Choose recycled paper that will not have a detrimental effect on the environment, and clean up thoroughly after the celebration.
• Noisemakers: Children can bang pots and pans or use other items to make noise in celebration to simulate the pops and bangs of fireworks.
• Sprinklers: Instead of sparklers, kids can use sprinklers and water features for fun. Some pools have water return jet add-ons that spray water up in the air or out over the pool. When paired with colorful underwater lights, this can make an impressive
display to swim through on a hot evening.
• Snappers or caps: Depending on the area where you live, smaller popping novelty items that make a loud popping noise when thrown or stepped on may be sold. They are generally safer to handle than traditional fireworks.
• Balloons: Everyone can play games involving water balloons or even regular balloons. Sitting or stomping on balloons can create loud pops reminiscent of fireworks.
• Fiber optic novelties: Celebrants can wave fiber optic wands or other novelties that cast bright lights. Additional options are glow sticks that also can light up the night.
Although fireworks can be impressive, it’s best to watch them from afar and leave their handling to professionals. Safer alternatives are best for home celebrations.
By Andrea Updyke
RVShare reports 44% of vacationers plan to do more domestic travel in 2025, a nine-point increase from 2024. More families now trade rustic for resort-style campgrounds and enjoy the best of both worlds.
The Great American Road Trip got an upgrade. RV parks, once a stop along the journey, are now the primary destination due to resort-style amenities and luxurious experiences. Added accommodations like glamping tents, cabins and RV rentals mean you don’t have to own a recreational vehicle to kick back and relax with your family.
Whether you want to travel cross-country to see the Grand Canyon, spend a week in Key West on the water or enjoy wine tasting in the Blue Ridge Mountains, luxury accommodations may be more accessible than you think.
While the beauty of nature remains, roughing it is now optional. Today’s RV resorts offer more flexibility than a traditional hotel room. Plus, they entertain campers with lazy rivers, onsite restaurants, bars and live music. You’ll also find more conventional campfires, outdoor movies, bicycle and kayak rentals.
Even as family-friendly resorts remain popular, luxury RV parks seamlessly blend multiple travel preferences into one location. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort has long
known that the secret to the ultimate camping experience is taking great care of each family member. Now, campgrounds nationwide seek to create unique experiences for guests of all ages that will keep them returning year after year.
Waterfront campgrounds like Anchor Down in Dandridge, Tennessee, or the brandnew Lagoon Ranch in Onalaska, Texas, offer water sports in the warmer months. Both provide additional amenities, like onsite brick fireplaces or a massive mid-pool jumbo television to appeal to campers.
The Ridge RV Resort in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., offers RV sites with private hot tubs. That’s in addition to a clubhouse and two pools, one with a lazy river.
Campsite delivery is the new room service
Camp Margaritaville RV Resort, Lanier Islands in Georgia, offers boat rentals, glamping tents, cabins and, yes, margarita deliveries. “At Margaritaville RV Resort in Georgia, you don’t have to leave your site to get into vacation mode because they bring the margaritas to you. Yes, a cocktail golf cart cruises around the resort, serving up icy drinks with a smile,” says Mary Walker of Life in the RV.
As campgrounds follow this trend with firewood delivery, meal service and roving dessert trucks, camping feels more like a luxury. Entertainment and activities fill the summer days with new ways to enjoy each campground beyond the local sights.
Some resorts offer adults-only sections or quiet pools for family and friends who want to be nearby but still have privacy.
A stay at Hilton Head National RV Resort makes multi-generational travel a breeze.
Hardworking individuals and their families look forward to their vacations with much anticipation. People not only work hard to afford a relaxing getaway, but also to plan such excursions.
There’s no shortage of lodging options to consider when planning a vacation, and travelers tend to have strong opinions about which types of places to rest their heads. A 2023 survey from Boston.com asked readers about their lodging preferences, and 73%indicated hotels are their first choice. Short-term rentals (11%) were less attractive to readers, but 16 percent of respondents indicated certain variables, including the length of the trip, affected which option they felt was best.
Vacationers considering a short-term rental service like Vrbo or Airbnb can keep these tips in mind as they seek a rental property for their next getaway.
• Identify your priorities. It sounds simple, but recognition of your needs is important before you begin searching for a property. Many rental properties are awe-inspiring, and it’s easy to get swept up by a property’s stunning views or additional amenities. But ocean views or penthouses perched high atop a metropolitan locale won’t necessarily accommodate all vacationers. For example, parents might want to prioritize bedrooms for the kids and a private outdoor space to relax together once the children fall asleep, while singletons might find that penthouse view is more important.
• Give ample thought to location. Locale and location are not necessarily the same. Many vacationers know a locale they would like to visit prior to planning their trips, but the location of the property they ultimately choose is an important
Road trips can present a perfect escape any time of the year, but they’re especially popular during the summer when people have time off from school and work. According to a 2024 summer travel survey from The Vacationer, 82% of Americans were planning to travel this year, and driving is the most popular method of getting around. Seventy-five percent of those in the U.S. intend to take at least one road trip this summer.
Perhaps road trips are so popular because they don’t require booking tickets, complicated transportation to and from airports and rigid itineraries. Many road trips can be spur of the moment, explore-as-you-go excursions. But it still pays to prepare a bit for an upcoming road trip. These guidelines can get you started.
• Create a generalized itinerary. While it may be tempting to fill up the gas tank and see where the ride takes you, an itinerary will ensure that you
variable as well. Some vacationers may rank proximity to nightlife high on their list, while others might want a secluded property that’s ideal for relaxation. The location of a property can go a long way toward determining how enjoyable a trip can be, so be sure to check the address of each rental to determine precisely where it is in relation to restaurants, nightlife, beaches, and other amenities.
• Consider the amenities. No two rental properties are the same, so vacationers would be wise to read the details of each listing prior to booking a reservation. Some rental properties provide bed linens and towels, while others ask guests to bring their own. Some properties may come with access to an onsite pool or lounge, while others may only allow guests to enter the property itself. Amenities can sometimes make or break a property, so give these ample thought. There’s no shortage of lodging options for modern vacationers. When considering renting a privately owned property, vacationers can embrace some simple strategies to ensure the property they ultimately choose is the best fit.
The arrival of summer is a momentous day for children. Summer means school is closed and weeks of rest, recreation and fun in the sun are on the schedule.
Although summer may start off with a bang, it may not be too long before kids are uttering the dreaded, “I’m bored,” leaving parents and caregivers looking for ways to keep children occupied. Having a list of activities at the ready can help families stay active and engaged during the dog days of summer.
Those lucky enough to have a backyard pool have a great source of entertainment right at home. Swimming alone can grow monotonous for kids, so work with friends’ parents to devise a schedule to have the kids alternate whose house they visit for swimming sessions. Standard games like water volleyball or diving retrieval games can add some fun, but many times kids are happy to splash and float with friends. Stock a cooler with water, juice and healthy snacks so kids can just hop out of the water and grab a refreshment, rather than leaving a waterlogged trail into the kitchen.
Those who do not have a pool can consider membership to a township pool, where everyone can mingle with neighbors.
The dog days of summer tend to be humid, hot and sometimes uncomfortable. Scheduling activities for later in the day makes the most of weather that has cooled off a bit. Purchase or borrow a projector that hooks up to a computer or tablet, and set up a screen in the yard. Stream a family-friendly movie and prepare ready-made bags of popcorn or cotton candy for the show.
Favorite backyard games can be enhanced with the use of a little water. For example, instead of tossing bean bags for cornhole, fill up water balloons. Kids who are playing tag or games like capture the flag may have to run through a garden sprinkler to get into their opponent’s territory. Kids can put their
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know distances between stops so that you will not get burnt out by driving. Use mapping apps to research the trip before departure and plot out points of interest and where you will rest, fuel up (both body and vehicle) and stay overnight.
• Slow is pro. A large part of the road trip is about the ride itself. Resist the temptation to speed and rush through various towns. Get out and stretch your legs as much as possible and take advantage of roadside attractions, tourist traps, rest stops, restaurants, and so much more.
• Find your inspiration to travel. Check out travel blogs, online videos and magazines or get recommendations from friends and family regarding spots of interest. Maybe you’ve always dreamed about seeing the California Redwoods but you live on the East Coast? It may take several days, but an epic road trip
engineering skills to use by building an obstacle course of hurdles and the like from tires or pool noodles. Poke holes into one pool noodle and feed a garden hose into the end to create a water hazard.
Whether at a beach, park, or even walking the neighborhood, families can have a list of objects that must be found. The first child to find all of the items on the list gets a prize, such as choosing which ice cream shop to visit.
Summertime is known for the sudden arrival of storms. When a downpour occurs, have the family head into the garage with the door open to catch the amazing sights of Mother Nature. Take turns briefly running out into the deluge to dance and splash in the rain. Retreat to the indoors when thunder and lightning are close by.
Families have plenty of ways to fill the dog days (and nights) of summer with entertaining games and other activities.
adventure can get you to your destination no matter how far away it might be.
• Emphasize fuel efficiency. Fuel is one of the biggest expenses on a road trip. Before setting out on the trip, ensure that the vehicle is inspected and road-ready. This means that oil and fluids have been changed and the tires are in good shape (with a spare on hand). While driving, stick to the speed limit and do not over-pack the vehicle, as more weight leads to greater fuel consumption.
• Research everything about your destination(s). Who can forget the deep disappointment when the Griswold family reaches Wally World, billed as “America’s Favorite Family Fun Park,” after a cross-country trip from Chicago only to discover it is closed for the next two weeks for repairs? Before such mishaps happen to you, make sure you know the hours of places you plan to visit, as well as any scheduling changes that may be happening while you’re traveling.
These are just a few tips for having a road trip to remember this summer.
Games can enhance any outdoor function. Whether at the beach or in one’s backyard, activities can keep guests entertained in between the food and other refreshments. And the good news is that most games designed for these types of functions are appropriate for players across a wide range of ages. The following are eight games that can add to the excitement of any outdoor gathering.
1. Ladder toss: Also known as ladder golf, this game requires players to toss string-attached balls onto a ladder-shaped target. Points are awarded depending on which rung the ball lands on.
2. Kubb: Pronounced “KOOB,” this Swedish lawn game believed to have originated during the era of the Vikings and is best described as a blend of bowling and horseshoes. Two teams compete to knock over their opponents’ wooden blocks by throwing batons.
3. Cornhole: Many people have played cornhole, which involves tossing bean bags at the cornhole board. The objective is to get the bag into the hole or on the board to score points. The game can be played as singles or doubles. The first team to reach 21 points wins.
4. Spikeball™: Also called Roundnet, this two-on-two sport is played by hitting a ball off a net with the goal of preventing the opposing team from returning the ball within three touches.
5. Ring toss: This is another game that tests hand-eye coordination. Players take turns tossing the rings onto the target pegs. Each peg is worth a different number of points. The first player to reach the agreed-upon amount of points wins.
By KATIE WORKMAN | Associated Press
Ajuicy grilled steak is for many people the pinnacle of a cookout. Caramelized and sizzling on the outside, pink and tender on the inside, with beautiful crosshatch marks. To get that, buy the best grade of beef you can afford. Consult with a butcher. For grill marks in a diamond pattern, use a steak thicker than 1¼ inches. Place it on the grill on the diagonal, at about a 45-degree angle across the grates. Grill for a few minutes. Rotate it about 90 degrees and cook some more. Flip the steaks and grill them the same way for a crosshatch pattern on the other side.
We aren’t in the thick of summer yet, not by a long shot, but hopefully you’ve already managed to fire up the grill at least once or twice. As the days get longer, the weather commands us to find a way to cook and dine outdoors.
6. Connect four in a row: Giant versions of familiar tabletop games also are available for yard use. With this game, players need to get four chips in a row, either up and down or diagonal.
7. Kan Jam®: Similar to cornhole or horseshoes, Kan Jam® features two teams of two that alternate between throwing a frisbee and trying to deflect it. The goal is to get the frisbee into the can.
8. Rollers: Goals are placed 25 feet apart and then players roll wooden discs to try to get closest to the goal. Each side of the disc has a different number to determine the point value.
Backyard events can be enhanced with some game play. There are plenty of fun options for your next gathering.
A juicy steak is — for many — the pinnacle of grilling options. In your mind, you can already see them. Caramelized and sizzling on the outside, pink and tender on the inside, with those beautiful crosshatch marks that let you know exactly how your steak was prepared. Here’s how to get to that perfect beefy nirvana.
This method works for all cuts of tender beef steak, such as ribeye, porterhouse, ranch, T-bone, filet mignon, flat iron steak, NY strip steak and so on.
Buy the best grade of beef you can afford. USDA Prime is the top of the range, with USDA Choice coming after that. Next is Select, which will be leaner still. If possible, speak with a butcher about getting the best cut of meat for your needs and your budget.
First, make sure your steaks are thick enough. If they’re on the thinner side, 1¼ inch or less, you will probably want to flip your steaks only once, so they don’t overcook on the inside while the outside becomes that deliciously appealing caramelized brown. In this case, you’ll get grill marks that go one way. If your steaks are thicker, then go for crosshatch grill marks.
Place the steaks on the grill on the diagonal, at about a 45-degree angle across the direction of the grates. Grill for a few minutes. Rotate the steaks a quarter turn (90 degrees). You are looking to create a diamond pattern with grill marks.
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Those with children can stay in the main campground and enjoy the main pool with a lazy river, playground, private cabanas with food and bar service and televisions. Adult travelers can take advantage of the same amenities or can choose the adults-only side with a quiet pool. Not to mention the award-winning golf course next door.
Find a clubhouse with fireplaces, onsite food trucks, live music and a nightly cash bar at Talona Ridge RV Resort in Ellijay, Ga. Relaxation and sunset views are the perfect end to a fun day of hiking and shopping. Upcoming expansions include a restaurant and a quiet pool, making this North Georgia wine country resort even more desirable.
RV resorts have long been considered one of the best places to stay with pets. Many campgrounds offer dog parks and dog wash stations; some even have private
Flip the steaks and grill them the same way.
Let your steaks sit on the cutting board for 5 minutes after removing them from the grill before you cut them. This will finish the cooking (it’s called carryover cooking). The resting period also lets the meat reabsorb its juices, so they stay in your steak where they belong and don’t run out onto your cutting board.
No matter what kind of steaks you choose, no matter what the thickness, make sure you have cleaned the grill well. A clean grill will offer cleaner grill marks. Also, oil the grill.
In general (and it depends on the cut of beef and the heat of the grill), a 1½-inch-thick steak will cook to medium rare in 12 to 16 minutes. A 1-inch steak will cook to medium rare in a total of 8 to 12 minutes.
An instant-read meat thermometer is the best way to check doneness. For medium rare, 130 degrees F is the approximate internal temperature.
You can also use the touch test, if you don’t have a meat thermometer. A general rule of thumb, so to speak:
Let one hand hang limp. With the index finger of the other hand, push gently into the soft triangle of flesh between the thumb and index finger of the hanging hand. It will offer very little resistance, give way easily, and feel soft and spongy. That’s the feel of a rare steak.
fencing on specific campsites to keep everyone safe and nearby.
If planning a stay in one of the cabins, ensure it’s pet-friendly before booking to avoid unwanted surprises. Resorts also require current pet vaccinations and may ask for paperwork.
Many families own an RV and enjoy the benefits. But there are also options for those who don’t own a camper. Guests can choose from traditional RV spaces, cabins, tiny homes, yurts and glamping tents. Or, you may rent an RV if you don’t have one. Many campgrounds will have them set up and ready upon arrival.
“Outdoor travel should be easy, exciting and accessible,” says Outdoorsy co-founder and CMO Jen Young. For those who don’t want the hassle of driving and setting up an RV, book through Outdoorsy Escapes and allow them to do the heavy lifting at one of their
Extend your hand in front of you and spread your fingers. Press the same spot with the index finger of the other hand. The flesh will be firmer but not hard — springy and slightly resistant. This is the feel of mediumrare steak.
Make a fist and press that same spot between thumb and index finger. It will feel firm and snap back quickly, offering only a minimum of give, as does meat cooked to medium.
A wonderful way to finish your grilled steak is to top it with a pat of compound butter, which is simply softened butter mixed with some herbs and/or seasonings. As the meat rests, place a bit of the butter atop it and let the butter melt as the meat rests.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
1 tablespoon finely grated Parmesan
1 small garlic clove (minced)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
In a small bowl, combine the butter, Parmesan, minced garlic, salt and pepper until well blended. Place a couple tablespoons of butter on top of a steak as it rests after being removed from the fire.
partnered locations.
Nightly rates are higher than traditional campgrounds but lower than a resort hotel stay. Camping at a luxury RV resort can save money for budget-conscious families, even with the added amenities.
Cooking some meals yourself while enjoying the beauty of the campground cuts overall costs without sacrificing quality. Added costs like golf cart rental and food delivery can be fun splurges, but aren’t required. Family camping trips aren’t what they used to be. With added amenities, space and entertainment throughout a luxury campground, an RV resort vacation is the perfect mix of summer camp and spa retreat that will have you on the road to relaxation.
Andrea Updyke is a food and travel writer at Just is a Four Letter Word, where she shares easy recipes and family travel tips. When she isn’t traveling, Andrea loves spending time with her husband and two teenage sons in Raleigh, N.C.
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• Emergenc yCare
• Gastroenterology
• General Surger y
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