Three months into the Covid-19 pandemic, industries are starting to develop a ‘new normal’. This virus will impact the way we live our life for the foreseeable future, so how do we get back to daily activities and celebrations in a safe way? 

According to IBISWorld, the concert & event promotion industry in the US is $35 billion annually and employs 274,265. Think about that — a $35bn industry that solely depends on mass gatherings, the exact thing prohibited during a pandemic. 

Concert promoter Live Nation is doing its best to adapt, recently announcing its first-ever drive-in concert series. Featuring Brad Paisley, Nelly, and Darius Rucker, “Live From the Drive-in” will take place July 10-12 in amphitheater parking lots. The initial tour dates will include Nashville, Tennessee; Maryland Heights, Missouri; and Noblesville, Indiana.

Concertgoers in groups of up to four will drive their car in, and get to watch to show from their designated tailgating zone. All staff will be required to wear a mask, and arrival will feature a contactless ticket scanning through the window to minimize risk for all participants. 

“We’re really dialed in with partnerships with (the) local jurisdictions (and) we’ve been meeting with them for months, just talking about how we can provide a great, comfortable experience to fans with social distancing at the forefront in whatever phase they’re about to enter. Because of those relationships and that communication going back and forth, we’ve been successful in getting that green light,”
– Tom See, President of Live Nation Venues – US Concerts.

Images courtesy of Live Nation

If this is successful, it could serve as a guide book for other concert promoters during these unprecedented times.

Tickets will fluctuate by market, but they can be as low as $125 per vehicle, translating to roughly $30 per person.

Learn more about ‘Live From the Drive-in’ here.

While this summer may look a bit different due to social distancing and the COVID-19 pandemic, that doesn’t mean the fun needs to stop. Here are five summer activities to do in your car that still follow social distancing!

Take a Scenic Drive

Especially for those of us stuck in the concrete jungle of a major city, we sometimes forget about the pure beauty of the world we live in. Whether it’s a short afternoon drive through the countryside or a week-long journey across Route 66, this is a great way to reset, and feel refreshed. 

Stargazing

In recent years, the vast majority of people have come to an understanding that we often indulge in the overconsumption of technology. Especially in times like these, the information overload can get to be too much — and have a negative impact on our headspace and outlook on life. Here at Glassy, we are big advocates of taking time to unplug, get out of the house, and enjoy this beautiful world we live in. Thankfully, hanging out with stars is compliant with social distancing rules — given that they’re ever so slightly farther than 6 feet away. Grab some blankets, snacks, friends, and enjoy the timeless activity of doing absolutely nothing but staring at the stars, conversing, and relaxing.

Let’s All Go To the Drive-In 

Significantly less popular since the advent of video rentals and online streaming, drive-in theaters have seen a surge in popularity amidst social distancing policies across the country. With many theaters implementing apps for concession orders and reduced capacity, this is a great and safe way to spend time with friends or family during this unusual period.

Local Drive-In Restaurant

Going to a restaurant with friends and family is an activity that has been ingrained in our culture for many decades. The ability to share a meal, catch up, and spend time together without the work required to prepare said food has quite an allure. However, during these unprecedented times, we are learning to create a new normal. For many people, that is beginning to include drive-in restaurants, a symbol of traditional Americana food. While many chains such as Swanson’s or Sonic exist in this day and age, for a unique experience we highly recommend seeking out a locally owned and operated drive-in restaurant!

After listening to the fifth Car Talk re-run, it’s likely time to take a break and listen to some music. 

Here are our current favorite (family-friendly) top-40 tracks to ensure your kids think you’re just as hip as you think are.
Have a solid road trip playlist you’d like to share with us? Send the link to hello@autoglassestimator.com and we may just share it!

According to the NPD group, average Netflix usage has risen 72% in the U.S. since the COVID-19 pandemic began. In case you have run out of stuff to watch, here are seven of our favorite car-related films for after the little ones are in bed.

*By “little ones,” we mean kids. These are not the most family-friendly films. 

The Fast and The Furious (2001)

While the Fast and Furious francise has morphed from car movies to a CGI flexing contest, the first few installments are cinematic gold. However, don’t let this distract you from the fact that Hector is gonna be running three Honda Civics with spoon engines. On top of that, he just came into Harry’s and ordered three T66 turbos with NOS and a Motec System Exhaust.

Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)

Before stealing the declaration of independence, Nicholas Cage spent his time on screen stealing 50 cars in one evening to save the life of his brother. Joined by co-star Angelina Jolie, the pure beauty of vehicles included in this movie is enough to capture any car enthusiast’s attention.

The Italian Job (2003)

In the remake of the 1969 original, Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, and Jason Statham carry out a sophisticated gold heist against their former ally. According to Businessweek, MINI USA saw a 22% sales increase after the movie’s release.

The Transporter (2002)

Mercenary Jason Statham will transport anything, no questions asked, always on time, and is the best in the business. This is the case, however, until his package starts moving. 

Talladega Nights (2006)

A movie that requires no introduction. Will Ferrell goes head to head with Sacha Baron Cohen to restore his honor on the NASCAR racetrack. 

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron team up for a high-speed chase through the post-apocalyptic wasteland to gain their freedom. The winner of six Oscars and two golden globes, this movie is a must-see.

Blues Brothers (1980)

Paroled convict Jake and his brother Elwood set out on a mission from God to save the catholic orphanage they were raised at. In the process, they manage to get targeted by Neo-Nazi’s, the Police, and a “mystery woman”. This movie made it’s way to the list because of one staggering statistic: 104 cars were destroyed during the infamous car chase scene. 

At some point in life, we’ve all suffered the frustration of others’ parking habits. Whether they’re in the wrong spot, not in a spot, or in more than one spot. Here are some of our favorite notes left on the windshields of the accused.

Office Space Humor

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Award Winner

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Simpsons Humor

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All of the Spots

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Grumpy Cat Does Not Approve (R.I.P)

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Laughter truly is the best medicine. Brighten up your day with some of our favorite, yet amazingly awful, family-friendly car jokes.

1. What do you do with old German cars?

You take ‘em to the old Volk’s home.

2. Bad news is your car is totaled. 

Good news is, after the wreck, your Audi is finally an innie.

3. I stopped to pick up a hitchhiker.

Turns out he was just telling me that he approved of my driving.

4. What kind of car do frogs prefer? 

A beetle!

5. What has four wheels and flies?

A garbage truck.

6. What part of the car is the laziest? 

The wheels, because they are always tired.

7. Why did the taxi driver lose his job? 

He kept driving his customers away!

8. What happened when the frog’s car broke down? 

It got toad away!

9. Why did the cop pull over the U-Haul truck? 

He wanted to bust a move.

10. Did you hear about the guy that lost his left arm and leg in a car crash? 

He’s all right now.

11. Where do dogs park their cars? 

In the barking lot.

12. What has 10 letters and starts with G-A-S? 

Automobile.

13. Why does a chicken coop have two doors?

Because if it had four doors, it would be a chicken sedan.

14. What kind of car does a Jedi drive? 

A Toy-Yoda.

15. What did the traffic light say to the car? 

“Don’t look at me, I’m changing!”

Have some vehicle-related jokes better than these? Send them to hello@autoglassestimator.com and you may just get featured in our next post!

Whether you’re driving to Miami for a bachelor/bachelorette party or driving to the grand canyon for a family getaway, there will always be an element of boredom. 

To help combat that, we have compiled a list of our list of family-friendly games to be played in the car to engage one another and hopefully make some memorable memories.

Car Scavenger Hunt

Before you leave home, make a list of items you expect to see during your road trip, and some items you don’t necessarily expect to see! Take a picture or jot down each time you see a new item and compare lists when you have reached your destination. This is great for traveling with kids to keep them engaged and give their eyes a break from staring at electronics the entire time.

The License Plate Game

Done individually or as a group, make a list of all 50 states, with a little checkbox next to each. As you drive, fill in the corresponding checkbox when you see a license plate from that state. The first one to fill in all checkboxes, or has the most complete when you reach your destination wins!

Would You Rather

Would You Rather is a conversational game that poses a dilemma in the form of a question beginning with “would you rather”? Adaptable to intrigue any group of passengers or crowd, you’re certain to end up in a car with engaged occupants. 

Spelling Bee

As a parent, any time your child is having fun while learning is a win-win. Holding a spelling bee during your road trip will do just that, with prizes for the participants of course. 

Select an array of age-appropriate words, and take turns spelling words. If a participant spells the word correctly, they stay in; if answered incorrectly, they are eliminated from that round.

Punch Buggy

If you don’t know the rules of this game, you will likely catch on very quickly. When a Volkswagen bug is spotted, the first person to see said vehicle is allowed to say “punch buggy” or “slug bug” and gently give another passenger (not the driver) a love tap with their fist. However, the deliverer of said love tap must say “no punch backs” or the lovetap can be returned. 

Car Bingo

A mixture of a scavenger hunt and traditional bingo, ‘car bingo’ is a great way to take a break from the screen and appreciate the views. Completely customizable to fit your road trip and the vehicle occupants, bingo cards can be easily created online with templates or from scratch with a piece of blank paper.

Cows On My Side

A simple game that is guaranteed to get the whole laughing. To get a point, loudly announce ‘Cows on my side!’ every time you see a cow on your side of the vehicle. If you see a cow on the opposite side of the car, simply announce ‘Cow on your side!’ to steal a point from your opponent. If you see a cemetery, announce ‘Ghost cow!’ to steal all of your opponent’s points.

The Quiet Game

An award-winning game. Parents love it.

For many folks, road trips are associated with gas station snacks, sugar headaches, and the utter obliteration of our new year’s resolutions to eat healthier. However, that does not need to be the case. 

We have compiled a list of our favorite healthy road-trip snacks that will make sure you’re feeling your best self while you make memories.

String Cheese

Packed with carbs, protein, and calcium, these should be a staple for any car ride. We personally choose the ‘light’ string cheese to avoid the additional saturated fat, but either option is fine.

Baby Carrots

Similar to checking the refrigerator due to boredom, expect the urge to munch on something during the not so exciting parts of your road trip. For this reason, you’ll thank yourself later for having a snack like carrots or celery on hand. While they have great nutritional value, you will also avoid filling up on sugar or other junk that will ruin your appetite later. 

Hummus and Celery

Similar to string cheese, Hummus is another heavier snack to help you stock up on protein during your road trip. While buying larger containers will be the cheapest option, companies like Sabra sell snack-sized containers perfect for younger children (or particularly messy adults).

Pistachios

A great source of protein, unsaturated fat, and fiber, pistachios are perfect for extended road trips without a cooler of ice. When traveling with children, we recommend buying them pre-shelled to avoid finding bits of pistachio six months later.

Walnuts

Great for their own reasons, walnuts are chalked full of omega-3 fatty acids which help you feel full for a longer period of time. Try pairing these with some dried cranberries to add some additional carbs, antioxidants, and vitamins.

Trail Mix

Coming in many shapes and sizes, it would be truly unamerican to take a road trip without trail mix. Grab your favorite dried fruits, nuts, and anything your heart desires and toss it in a bag together. If your road trip takes place during the summer months, make sure to use m&m’s or another form of coated chocolate so you avoid a gallon-sized protein bar when it inevitably melts. 

Peanut Butter Pretzels

We get it, eating nothing but cheese and nuts will have you feeling a little… nutty. Peanut butter pretzels are a great option to add a little bit of crunch to your snacking while getting some beneficial protein and fat. However, we recommend finding an organic or all-natural version to avoid pretzels loaded with sugar and other junk.

Dark Chocolate

A great option for when you’re wanting something sweet, dark chocolate is a powerful source of antioxidants, lowers the risk of heart disease, and can even improve brain function to help you stay alert on the road.

Cereal

Great for small children, filling Ziploc bags with cheerios or another healthy cereal will get them the nutrients they need, and (hopefully) a little peace and quiet that you need.

Applesauce Cups

Another great option for kids, these are sweet enough to feel like a treat without loading them up full of sugar. Individual cups provide excellent serving sizes and avoid the mess of a larger container.

Pittsburgh is surrounded by plenty of drivable destinations. With low gas prices and plenty of other reasons to maintain a little distance from others, take this opportunity to explore your surroundings and appreciate the beauty our state has to offer.

If you’re looking to take a scenic drive around Pittsburgh, here are some great places to visit!

• Founded in 1893 by steel and real-estate magnate Henry Phipps, the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens exist to educate and entertain with formal gardens and various exotic plants. It is a City of Pittsburgh historical landmark and is listed on the National Register for Historic Places. Additionally, its greenhouse production facility is the first and only greenhouse to be Platinum-level LEED certified.

• Less than two hours away from the hustle and bustle of Pittsburgh, Ohiopyle Pennsylvania is a beautiful escape to nature. With a multitude of parks in the area, take time to hike, explore waterfalls, and go white-water rafting. While you’re in the area, make sure to take a tour of Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob, examples of architectural brilliance designed by Frank Wright.

• Take a trip back in time by visiting Lancaster County, most commonly referred to as Amish Country. Shop for one of a kind handcrafted items in Strasburg, Bird-in-Hand, and Lancaster itself. While you’re in the area, make sure to stop by the Lancaster Central Market and take a ride in an authentic Amish buggy.

• For a fun yet educational experience, Gettysburg is great for all ages. Learn about Civil War History, browse shops, and make a weekend out of it by staying at a cozy hotel. While you’re in the area, make sure to check out the Gettysburg National Cemetery, General Lee’s Headquarters Museum, and the Jennie Wade House.

For many families around the country, summer means family road trips. Whether you’re driving across the state or across the country, road trips are as fun as they are stressful. There is no better way to bond with family and friends than packing up the car and traveling down the highways and back roads of the country. But for many families, a road trip includes more than just the human members of the clan. Many dogs will get to ride along this summer and throughout the year as more and more families decide to take pet-friendly vacations. 

Here are a few tips for having the best experience when taking a road trip with your dog:

Pet-Friendly Vehicle

First of all, make sure you have the right-sized vehicle for handling an animal. Don’t force a medium-sized dog to spend hours in the back of a Honda Accord with all your bags. If this is your only option, you might be better off leaving the dog with a sitter while you’re gone. It’s recommended that wagons, SUVs, and minivans are used for long trips with an animal. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, AutoTrader has created a top-10 list for dog owners! 

Dog Crate Sizes

Get a crate that is large enough for your dog to stand up in. If it is big enough for a standing dog then they should be able to get up and turn around during your trip. That is essential for the dog to find comfort during the trip. Get your dog used to the crate by having them use it a couple of hours a day for a week leading up to the trip. Here are some crate size guidelines by the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

Take Some Test Rides

Make sure you put some miles on your dog before the trip! An experienced “rider” will be more easy-going in the car, so make sure to bring your dog along for rides leading up to the big trip.

Never Leave Your Dog Alone

Regardless of the outdoor temperature, we can not stress this enough: never leave your dog alone in the car. Even with your windows cracked, your car becomes a furnace in no time and can cause heatstroke for your animals. The American Kennel Club does a great job explaining the dangers of dogs left alone in cars.

Make Frequent Stops

Unlike human occupants, dogs are less capable of expressing their need for a restroom stop or for water. Failure to heed their needs can result in an unrequested present and a stinky remainder of the drive. Stop every few hours for your dog to go to the bathroom, a quick stroll, and a drink of water. Always attach a leash before you open the car door.