THIS is How to Tailgate

I love Alpine Valley for tailgating. The parking lot is all grass so it doesn't get super hot (though it can feel that way with humidity). There's lots of room to roam around and people watch. And, I'm there with my Midwest peeps which is the best part of all.

Just some of our gang

We've tailgated a few different ways. One year, we rode on a bunch of charter buses and the deal included them grilling and serving food and all the beer you can drink. Unfortunately, they didn't ice down the kegs very well but they ran out of cups so you really couldn't drink any more anyway.

The year of the rain (at least the year I was there for the rain), our gang chartered our own bus. It was a risky proposition since a lot of buses and RVs got stuck in the bog that the parking lot became.

I think the best way to enjoy it is to have everyone caravan in together in their own vehicles. That's what we did this year and it works out well because the folks who want to leave early or right after the show can do so. The challenge is to make sure no other cars break in to your line as you go in.

Any way you do it, you end up trying to herd cats because Parrot Heads can't all be on time. Apparently, it's an unwritten law.

Our fearless leader

My friend, Dawnie, always ends up in charge and she does a great job. This year was no exception. Not only did we all make it in together but she lined up our own parking lot entertainment.

Jim Hoehn (yes, he sings with his eyes closed)

Wisconsin's own Jim Hoehn agreed to play for us. He's great. I love his songs, his attitude and his Wisconsin accent. This is the first time I've actually seen him in the Homeland but every time I talk to him, it's like I'm transported back to my hometown. We also got to meet his very lovely wife, Karen, for the first time. She was wonderful to chat with.

Our neighbors did it up in style

We had fun roaming around and checking out the people in the crowd but we drew our own crowd thanks to our music. Everyone was in true Parrot Head form and ready to see Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefers.

Note: do NOT walk on that side of the car

There were plenty of facilities all over the lot but our group made their own. For the record, I did not avail myself of the blanket pottie.

Yum!

There's always some sort of cocktails and alcohol concoctions. We had punch, skinny Margaritas and lots of beer. A lovely treat was pineapple chunks in coconut rum. The juice was so good that we had to get every drop.

Jim is always our wonderful chef

We enjoyed burgers and dogs and lots of good sides before the show. Afterwards, Jim grilled up some brats that we hurriedly chowed down while the parking lot emptied. The workers shooed us out as soon as they could. I imagine they had a lot of clean up to do.

The Buffett show was good but the action and being with my friends before the show was even better. Can't wait until next year!