Summer — the season of neighborhood cookouts, popsicle juice dripping down sticky fingers, and road trips. Call us car-zy, but this season brings an abundance of nostalgia, especially when it comes to driving down the highway while blasting The Proclaimers’ “I’m Gonna Be.”

That’s why we’re excited to kick off Hit the Road. In this summer road trip series, we will feature three destinations throughout June, July, and August — each with its own theme. We’ll be talking outdoor adventures, 30-mile getaways, and something for the foodies.

Before you pack your bags, here are some of our recommendations to prepare locally:

🥤 Stock up on road trip essentials

Swing by one of these San Jose spots to stock up on snacks, drinks, and coffee to minimize your stops during the road trip.

Spartan Market, 351 E. Williams St.
This downtown fan-favorite offers everything from grocery essentials and snacks, to medication and car games.
Coffee Lovers, 1855 Aborn Rd.
Fuel up with a to-go banh mi or spring rolls + some ultra-caffeinated iced Vietnamese coffee.
Chaparral Supermarket, 1001 E. Santa Clara St.
Stock up on some Salvadoran snacks + drinks, and even some fresh-baked goods, like cookies or empanadas, before hitting the road.

🎶 Create a road trip playlist

Check out these local artists + add some of their tunes to your road trip rotation.

Peach Tree Rascals, “Camp Nowhere”
Los Tigres del Norte, “La Reunión (Deluxe)”
SomethingOk, “Alright Beats: Vol. 3”

Bonus: Listen to a local podcast or audiobook.

🚘 Get your car ready

Check the fluids + car battery. If you notice anything out of the ordinary or need a last-minute oil change before you go, head to one of these local car shops.

Akin’s Auto Repair, 351 Keyes St.
Mobile Auto Works, 1564 Sanborn Ave.
Almaden Auto Repair, 1680 Almaden Expy., Ste. D

Bonus: Find the cheapest places to fill up your gas tank.

🐶 Don’t forget about Fido

Be sure to line up accommodations for your pet while you’re away. Reach out to one of the many local pet sitters or pet boarding facilities. Here are a few:

Lucky Buddies Pet Sitting, 330 N. 11th St.
Dirty Paws Pet Sitting & Dog Walking, Locations vary
West Valley Pet Lodge & Kennel, 1063 Dell Ave., Campbell