If This Tailgate Could Talk

Thankfully the tailgates Ace and I have been to/ hosted can’t talk and we’ve been untagged from a majority of the pictures. College football season kicks off in two days (Go Gamecocks!) and NFL games are right behind (preseason doesn’t count). Now is the time to draft your fantasy teams, breakout all of your team paraphernalia and prepare yourself for tailgating. The Palmetto Peaches love a good tailgate and so we’re getting you prepped with some tailgating tips.

Tailgating is a lifestyle.

The high school Ace and I went to didn’t have sports, although we did have cheerleaders for a bit. (Please ask Ace about this.) So  one of the things I was once most excited about my freshman year of college was football season. Let’s be clear – my Gamecocks weren’t good at the time. We went 6–6 (3–5 SEC) and didn’t get selected for a bowl game. However, I loved the atmosphere. I remember cheering my team on to a victory on a rainy Thursday night as they defeated #8 Kentucky. I also met Big Mike from Making the Band’s Day 26 during this game. The atmosphere of football season is what I came to love and I look forward to this time of year. More specifically I really came to love tailgating.

Sunday NFL tailgates are in another category and I’m not sure what the rules are in other conferences, but I can tell you how it works in the the SEC. No matter if your team is ranked or unranked, playing a conference beast or a “cupcake game” – tailgating is a lifestyle. Expect to be there at least four hours before kickoff – no matter the weather conditions. For example, with a noon kick-off time, you are tailgating at 8 am with mimosas in hand in your favorite gameday dress.

Get in my belly

My friend Kevin makes this out of this world sausage dip that I’m sure he laces with crack (the only explanation of why everyone is addicted to it). When he walks up with that crock pot – it is ON! The food at your tailgate is very important. Will people be happy with a cooler full of beer?  Absolutely, but I bet they’ll be happier with a cooler full of beer and a table full of deliciousness. The secret is in prepping. While you’re making your college color jello shots go ahead and prep your food and remember crock pots are your friend. Gather your tailgate crew and have everyone bring a dish to round out the choices. As important as the the dips and burgers are, don’t forget to add a few sweets.

Hey Neighbor

Please introduce yourself to your neighbors. Even if they are from the opposing team, it’s always nice to make friends with your tailgating neighbors. At the very least you’ll have competitors for flip cup, but you could end up sharing food, drinks, the cornhole set and maybe making season long friends.

Follow our Pinterest board for tailgating recipes, ideas and tips. We’ll be adding to this all season!

Share your favorite tailgating recipes, stories and tips with us in the comments below.