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20 Things To Do in August

Camping in the summer

The month of August can sometimes be viewed as the grand finale of summer. The days are becoming shorter, kids are going back to school, and fall is not too far away. But, there’s still so much that you can do in August! Below are 20 ideas to make the most of your August:

1. Eat at a food truck:

Alright this one is slightly biased, we’ll admit it. But there’s nothing wrong with supporting small businesses and enjoying some delicious food from a food or dessert truck in August (or any month)!

2. Pools or water parks:

Cool off at a local public pool, especially as most of them close by Labor Day. You can also visit a water park if you live close by to one, and enjoy water slides, a lazy river, and more!

3. Go Camping:

Spend a night under the stars, roast hotdogs and marshmallows around a campfire, and embrace the beauty of nature with friends and family. Campsites are usually very inexpensive to rent, too!

4. Outdoor sports:

Game on! Play outdoor sports with friends and family like pickleball, badminton, basketball, frisbee golf, wiffleball, or soccer in local parks or sports facilities.

5. Barbecues and picnics:

Organize a barbecue or picnic with family and friends in a park or your backyard. Best of all? You get to pick the menu! Or you could have a food truck cater it for you, we might know some people who can help there 😉

6. Music festivals and concerts:

Check out local music events, concerts, or outdoor festivals happening in your area. Use the website Songkick, which will help you track down the show you want to see most.

7. Farmers’ markets:

Visit farmers’ markets to explore fresh produce, artisanal goods, listen to local artists if they’re in attendance, and support local vendors. Plus, you might even find a delicious food truck there too! 🙂

8. Stargazing:

August is an excellent time for stargazing due to meteor showers like the Perseids, which typically occurs late July until late August. Just be sure to drive to a place with little to no light pollution!

9. Water activities:

Enjoy the water while the weather is still warm! Go canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or rafting on nearby rivers or lakes. Many places offer rentals that you can use if you don’t have your own equipment. No water near you? No problem! Fire up the sprinkler and cool off like you did when you were a kid.

Girl paddle boarding in the summer

10. Summer movie nights:

Host a movie night under the stars with a projector and a selection of your favorite films. Or, look up if you live near a drive-in movie theater.

11. Berry picking:

Visit a nearby farm for berry picking. It’s a fun and rewarding activity, and you get to enjoy fresh berries afterward!

12. Travel:

If you have the opportunity, consider taking a weekend road trip to explore new places while the weather is still nice. Use the website Roadtrippers for inspiration of places you can stop along the way too!

13. Attend a fair or carnival:

Many towns and cities hold county or state fairs in August, offering games, rides, entertainment, and delicious treats. Again, you might even find some delicious food trucks there as well! 👀

14. Try outdoor yoga or meditation:

Just think, in a few months you’ll have to put on a jacket or coat just to go outside. Join a yoga class in the park or meditate in a serene natural setting, and enjoy the beautiful, warm weather while you still can.

15. Visit museums or art galleries:

Is it too hot outside? Cool off and explore museums or indoor cultural attractions in your area.

16. Hiking and nature walks:

Explore scenic trails at city, state, or national parks. Spending time in nature also can significantly reduce stress levels and helps trigger the release of endorphins. Also, August offers great, sunny weather for outdoor activities. Be sure to bring water and stay hydrated!

Summer Hiking in August

17. Learn a new skill:

Take a cooking class, dance lesson, or art workshop to try something new. You might even discover your new favorite hobby!

18. Volunteer:

Give back to the community by participating in local volunteer projects like community cleanups, help at food banks, working at animal shelters, and so many more.

19. Go to a sports game:

Catch a WNBA game or go to a major or minor league baseball game with friends. The NFL returns with preseason games beginning August 3rd. College football also makes it return in late August.

20. Ice cream or gelato:

There’s no better way to beat the heat than visiting your local ice cream or gelato shop. Plus, Truckster also has dessert trucks you can search for if you’re in the mood for something sweet other than ice cream or gelato!

Whether indoors or outdoors, there’s still so much fun to be had in August. For more activities that you can do this weekend, be sure check out this post on the Truckster blog. Or click this link to find food trucks or events happening in your city!

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Smart Ways to Stay Cool This Summer in Your Food Truck

Staying Cool In A Food Truck 1

As you know, running a food truck is an exciting and rewarding venture! However, when summer arrives with its blistering temperatures, it’s essential to find ways to stay cool. Balancing the demands of a food truck and the summer heat can be challenging, but we’ve got practical tips below so you can beat the heat and stay cool this summer.

1- Dress for success

Choosing the right clothing can make a huge difference in staying cool while running a food truck. If you have a uniform, be sure it’s summer-friendly with breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Avoid multiple layers or accessories that might limit your ability to cool off. Also, remember that darker or black clothing absorbs more heat, making the clothing warmer to wear!

2- Air circulation is our friend

While running a fan does take energy, it can make all the difference to ensure you have some air circulation inside your food truck. You can also cool your truck off with no power if you have two windows opposite of each other, which will create cross ventilation! Also, consider using portable air conditioning units or swamp coolers to create a cool atmosphere.

3- Stay hydrated with popsicles 

Most people like popsicles, but what about popsicles that can also hydrate you too? Something simple to keep your staff happy and on their feet are homemade electrolyte popsicles. These delicious, fun, and no added sugar treats are perfect to stay cool on a hot summer day. Here’s a link to a recipe that is quick and easy.

4- Throw the towel in (the fridge)

Another cost-effective and simple way to cool off this summer is prior to a shift start, take some towels or extra rags, wet them, and then put them at the bottom of the fridge. Later on, take them off and place them around your neck as a cold wrap, and let the cool down commence!

5- Location, location, location

When arriving at an event, try to park your truck in a location that offers some shade, if at all possible. If you aren’t able to secure shade, try to find a location that is either concrete or gravel, which are both going to be significantly cooler than asphalt. 

Staying Cool In A Food Truck 2

6- Limit heat-producing appliances

Cooking is inevitable with all food trucks. However, consider tailoring your summer menu to avoid having a grill, fryer, and oven running all at once. If altering a menu isn’t a possibility, try to power down any appliance whenever you can. Even lights can produce extra heat you don’t want or need!

7- Stay hydrated

This is pretty straight-forward, but can often be overlooked! Hydration is the key to staying cool and performing your best for your customers. Prepare the day before an event by consuming plenty of water as your body will be better hydrated for the next day. Bring plenty of water for the event to ensure you and your staff stay hydrated and don’t start suffering from heat exhaustion.

8- Know the signs of heat exhaustion

The first step in solving a problem is recognizing there is one. While working during a hot summer day, if you start experiencing any of the symptoms below, you are in danger of heat exhaustion:

  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Poor coordination
  • Anxiety
  • Weak, rapid pulse
  • Sweating heavily
  • Thirst

If you are feeling one or several of these symptoms, be sure to lie down in shade or air-conditioning for an extended break, drink water, and cold compress, if available. If your symptoms worsen, call 911 immediately. 

Remember, staying cool isn’t just about comfort, it’s also a crucial element for the success of your food truck business during the scorching summer months. Running a food truck in the summer can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can beat the heat and keep your cool.

For more food truck owner tips for success, check out The Truckster Blog or consider getting the Truckster Vendor App.

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Seven Tips to Find the Perfect Food Truck For Your Summer Event

Food truck for events

Summer has finally arrived, which means it’s time to get outside! It also might mean that you are hosting an event and looking to hire a food truck. Whether you’re planning a company outing, a birthday party, a family reunion, or a neighborhood block party, selecting the perfect food trucks can make all the difference. In this blog post, we’ll explore tips for pairing the ideal food trucks for your summer events and how Truckster can make your event a success!

1. Know Your Audience:

Before selecting cool food trucks for your event, it’s important to understand the preferences and dietary needs of your audience. Think about the demographics, cultural backgrounds, and age groups attending your event. The good news is most food trucks will be able to accommodate specific dietary needs upon request. Determine if you have a few meals that should be available, or if you want it to be available for most or all of the participants (then you might actually consider a gluten free option or a vegetarian truck). If it’s a few meals, then you can include it in the additional notes in your catering request. If it’s for everyone, then consider choosing those specific cuisines for the request.

2. Research Food Truck Offerings with Truckster:

Don’t just Google “food trucks near me”. By using the Truckster app, you can conduct thorough research on the local food truck scene and explore the diverse food truck options available. Look for food trucks that offer a range of cuisines, from international flavors to local specialties. Check each food truck’s profile on Truckster for recommendations and reviews. 

3. Embrace Variety:

They say variety is the spice of life – and food trucks are no different! Consider selecting food trucks that offer different types of cuisine, such as Mexican, Asian, BBQ, vegan, or dessert-focused trucks. With Truckster, you can filter your food truck search with 54 different cuisine types. By providing a variety of options, you can cater to different tastes and preferences, ensuring that every attendee finds something they love. This variety also creates an exciting and dynamic atmosphere at your event.

Mexican Food Truck for event

4. Coordinate Menus:

If you’re selecting multiple food trucks for your event, it’s important to make sure that all of the menus complement each other. Look for trucks that offer a variety of menu items, allowing your guests to enjoy either apps, main courses, or desserts. Don’t forget to give your guests the option of selecting something more hearty or something lighter. Lastly, if you aren’t hiring multiple trucks, ask Truckster’s catering team which food styles are the best general crowd pleasers or will match your event the best!

5. Consider Speed and Efficiency:

During summer events, efficiency is key to keep the lines moving smoothly and prevent long waiting times (we wrote another blog post about that exact topic!). When choosing food trucks, consider their speed of service and capacity to handle large crowds. Ask about their past experience with similar events or rely on food truck experts like the Truckster catering team to provide you with their recommendations. Also, check to make sure that the food truck is set up with online ordering with Truckster, so guests can have the option to order ahead and skip the lines if they want.

6. Engage with Food Truck Operators:

Establishing good communication and rapport with food truck operators is essential. Reach out to them to discuss your event requirements, the number of attendees, and any special considerations, which can all be done through Truckster. Ask about their setup requirements, power supply needs, and any additional services they may offer, such as branding or customized menus. Building a strong relationship with the food truck operators will help ensure a successful partnership and a smooth execution of your event.

Food Truck for outdoor wedding https://www.wanderingwagonbars.com/

7. Consider Aesthetics and Branding:

Food trucks can also contribute to the visual appeal of your event. Consider the aesthetics of the food trucks and how well they align with your event theme or branding. Be sure to visit the food truck’s Truckster profile to check out their truck photos. This attention to detail enhances the overall ambiance and creates a cohesive visual experience for attendees.

Pairing the perfect food trucks for your summer events requires careful consideration of your audience’s preferences, thorough research, and effective communication with the food truck operators. By understanding your audience, and utilizing Truckster’s catering service, your next summer event will be one people talk about for years to come!

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8 Colorado Food Trucks to Keep you Warm this Winter

Mu Denver - Colorado Food Truck
Mu Denver

Temperatures are dropping here in Colorado and we’re all looking for ways to stay warm. While some experts might say that you need to pile on the layers or sit near a fire… here at Truckster we think the best way to warm up is through your stomach! From warm bowls of ramen and soup to classic comforts like pizza… we’ve put together a list of the best food trucks in Colorado to visit this winter that are sure to warm you up. 

While eating a steamy bowl of pho with friends might be more fun, we do still recommend grabbing a coat if you’re going to head out to visit one of these trucks!

1. Scroogemaki

Scroogemaki- Colorado Food Truck
Scroogemaki

First up on the list of Colorado food trucks is Scroogemaki, a Boulder staple, serving Japanese fusion since 2015! We recommend warming up with a bowl of their Tonkatsu (Pork) Ramen or browsing their extensive poke bowl selection on those random warm winter days Colorado is known for.

Find one of their 3 food trucks here or visit their restaurant located on The Hill, in Boulder.

2. Crock Spot

The Crock Spot - Colorado Food Truck
The Crock Spot

Denver couple Steven and Mandy, started this concept back in 2010 with just a tent at the Cherry Creek Farmers Market. Now, a little over a decade later they’ve catered hundreds of events, received shoutouts from major media outlets, have multiple awards under their belt, and expanded their operation to include a brick and mortar restaurant and two food trucks! Crock Spot’s totally customizable and dietary restriction friendly menu has something for everyone – so head on over and start your food adventure today.

Plan your next visit and read more about Steven & Mandy’s story here!

3. Radical Sasquatch Dumpling Company

Radical Sasquatch Dumpling Company - Colorado food truck
Radical Sasquatch Dumpling Company

Whether or not you believe this legendary creature exists, there’s no debate that these dumplings are sure to satisfy. Co-founders Matt & Lucas are on a mission to show the people of Denver “how versatile and wide ranging the dumpling can be” – and we can definitely say they’ve succeeded!

Thankfully, this sasquatch is a lot less elusive and you don’t need to embark on any sort of quest to find them. Make sure to favorite this truck through the Truckster app and stay up to date on all of the sasquatch’s movements!  

4. Mu Denver

Mu Denver - Colorado Food Truck
Mu Denver

If you remember the beloved, all vegan grocery store Nooch Vegan Market that sadly shut its doors last year… then you’re probably familiar with this next truck. Mu Denver has been spreading its plant-based deliciousness since 2018 and can always be counted on to serve up a warm bowl of ramen on even the coldest Denver days. You don’t need to be vegan to savor these flavors, head over to their website to plan your next ramen date. 

5. Dapper Doughnut Denver

Dapper Doughnut Denver - Colorado Food Truck
Dapper Denver Doughnut

If you’re looking for a treat after dinner, or maybe you just have a sweet tooth… head over to the Dapper Denver Doughnut truck in Denver and indulge on some of their hot mini ‘funnel cake style’ doughnuts. These mini doughnuts are totally customizable and pair perfectly with the hot chocolate and ciders also available on the truck.

Not only are they adorable, they’re delicious too!

6. Fiorini’s Lil Cucina

Fiorini's Lil Cucina - Colorado Food Truck
Fiorini’s Lil Cucina

Anyone else get nostalgic for snow days home from school watching movies and enjoying your mom’s home cooking? While we might not be able to help you play hooky from work, we can help you find that home-cooked goodness. Fiorini’s Lil Cucina is newer to the Denver food truck scene, but their recipes have been handed down from generations of great Italian cooks. Owner and chef, Virginia Fiorini says “the kitchen was always the main gathering room, the smell of fresh sauce simmering on the stove, fresh bread baking in the oven enveloped you as soon as you walked in the door (without knocking)”. 

Her goal is to “share this experience with my customers, feed them like family, and let them experience the way food can make you feel the love”. Find or book them for your next catering event and taste the love!

7. Ciao! Mobile Pizzeria

Ciao! Mobile Pizzeria - Colorado Food Truck
Ciao! Mobile Pizzeria

Warm, cheesy goodness with unlimited options for toppings? No wonder why national pizza day falls on February 9th… pizza is the perfect (and foolproof) snack to warm you up on a wintery day. Started and run by restaurant industry veteran, power couple Dan & Jenn – Ciao! Mobile Pizzeria is a must visit for all northern Coloradans. Be sure to hit them up at their next event and help celebrate their favorite travel memories through their extensive offering of traditional Neapolitan pizza and Italian “street food”.

8. Smokin’ J’s BBQ

Smokin' J's BBQ -Colorado Food Truck
Smokin’ J’s BBQ

To round out the list, we’re heading down south to a Colorado Springs favorite, Smokin’ J’s BBQ. This no frills, classic BBQ truck is the epitome of comfort food and is sure to give you all of the warm feelings. You can’t beat their meal deal for only $12! – load up on a warm, pulled pork sandwich and tons of homemade sides. We recommend pairing this meal with your coziest (and stretchiest!) sweatpants. 

Looking for more Colorado food trucks open near you? Browse our directory of food trucks in your city.

Download the Truckster app (available in the App Store and on Google Play) to follow your favorite trucks to see where they’ll be serving next. Be sure to leave the trucks a review on the Truckster app or website so more people can find and try their food! 

You can also book any of these trucks to cater your next event – find out what goes into food truck pricing or submit a catering request.

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How to Throw a Party : 5 Party Planning Tips

If you haven’t heard the news, in-person events are back! After years of socially distanced gatherings, virtual happy hours and postponed weddings it’s finally time to grab our loved ones and celebrate. As we take on the post-pandemics ‘new normal,’ the event industry, like many others, has had to be resilient and learn how to adapt. People’s attitudes have shifted – “The pandemic has introduced a new concept to our thought-matrix: Is this essential? In other words, is it worth it?” Says  Teeg Stouffer, Co-founder of the American Association of Event Professionals. To address this concern, event planners across the world are shifting their focus and ‘experience-forward events’ are widely becoming the norm (pulling those newly defined introverts out of their houses!)

Most of us have probably forgotten how to throw a party. So, whether you’re planning a wedding, birthday party, corporate gathering, etc….we’ve put together 5 party planning tips for your next event to elevate the experience and throw a celebration your guests are sure to rave about for years to come.

  • Food Anywhere and Any Way You Want It…

How many weddings have you gone to where it’s the same basic choice of chicken or steak? I think we can all agree that the traditional, catered dinner we all know (and dislike) is one trend we should be leaving behind in 2022. With the wide variety of food trucks and cuisines they serve, why wouldn’t you choose something different. Mix and match cuisines to amplify variety, stick with strictly savory or forgo your traditional wedding or birthday cake for something exciting like churros. Food trucks for parties are totally unique and will provide your guests with an experience they’re not likely to forget.

food trucks for parties

Photo Credit- Truckster

BONUS! Aside from the obvious delicious food and unlimited options… utilizing a food truck to cater your next event ALSO allows you to support local businesses! 

  • Let’s Be Real

Traditional photo booths might be a thing of the past, but that doesn’t mean people have stopped snapping pics. In fact, more than ever, people are looking for that perfect, instagrammable spot to strike a pose and flash a smile. According to many event planners, “creating a space that uses bright colors, textures, and/or florals, where guests can take selfies, is in”. An open space installation is great – this will allow guests to move around more naturally and interact to get those beloved candids.

People haven’t just changed how they want to take a picture, but also the type of picture they’re taking. All across social media people are dropping filters and their carefully curated feeds for a more ‘authentic’ version of them. There’s been a societal shift for us to all be more real online. Consider providing disposable cameras and allowing your guests to capture your event in the moment. You’ll be revisiting those classic instagram ‘photo dumps’ for years to come. 

  • Cheers & Hold the Alcohol Please!

As more and more people are ‘sober curious’ it’s becoming clear that you don’t need alcohol to have fun at an event. We’re expecting crafted mocktails to be a staple at all 2023 events. Instead of offering the usual boring substitutes like soda or water (yawn!) – cater to all of your guests and request your bartender or mixologist whip up a few non-alcoholic options that fit the vibe of your event. This small, but thoughtful, addition is sure to elevate any cocktail hour!

how to throw a party with drinks

Photo Credit- Bridgesward

Your curated cocktails and mocktails can also serve as decoration at your event. Champagne towers can still exist sans champagne… swap out the bubbly for a martini or spritz tower. Another trend we’re expecting to pop up more in 2023 is specialty cocktail walls. This party planning tip is the perfect way to pair form with function. 

  • Jammin’ to Live Music

Finding the right music and entertainment for your event is one of the biggest decisions! This will determine the vibe of your event. Do you want people to be up on the dancefloor and rocking out? Or are you hosting a more intimate gathering and want something soft in the background? A live solo musician can fit any and all of your needs. Event experts are expecting an increase in the number of solo performers to be booked for events in 2023. Providing the perfect combination of live music and a personalized setlist of your favorite tunes… we can understand the hype!

  • The Classics are Getting a Color Makeover

If you’re attending a wedding in 2023, the bride’s dress might be the only white you see. According to Alexandra Denniston, Owner & Lead Planner, Eventlightenment Planning “The traditional blushes and neutrals of the past are fading into the background and all things color are taking a front seat in a lot of wedding decor, floral, and complimenting elements like stationery and rentals”. We can expect to see a lot of brides and event planners having a greater enthusiasm for vibrant, rich colors and textures. 

Don’t shy away from incorporating color in more creative ways as well. Swapping out your glassware for an eclectic mix of hues adds a personal touch and elevates your tablescape. 

party planning tips - colorful decor

Photo Credit- Rachel Claire

Whether your style is bold and eclectic or traditional and timeless… we can’t wait to see how you’ll celebrate this year with these 5 party planning tips!

Interested in learning more about food trucks for parties and how you can bring a food truck to your next event? Browse our directory of local food trucks in your city. Get a quote using our catering cost calculator and read more on what goes into food truck pricing. 

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Boise Catering : 7 Delicious Options

If you are looking for catering in Boise, you are probably in charge of organizing an event or planning your wedding. No matter the occasion, you will not be in short supply of amazing catering companies that will be perfect for your event. The hard part is choosing just one. We compiled a list of a few options for both formal and more laid back events to help get you started. 

A Lively ChefA Lively Chef

A Lively Chef

A Lively Chef is a catering company for which their accolades speak for themselves. With 5 star ratings, nearly a dozen choice awards, and 30 years of outstanding service catering Boise, A Lively Chef is certain to be a home run for your event. They have a long list of Boise venues that they do regular work with, as well as offer mobile options for other venues of your choice. They would be a great choice for any formal gathering where gourmet, beautifully presented and delicious dishes are needed. 

Big Sky Catering 

Big Sky Catering is another great Boise catering company with 5 stars and over 20 years of business. No matter what event you are hosting, Big Sky has probably catered plenty of them. They offer a huge variety of different cuisines and can handle any size gathering you are planning. They pride themselves on creating beautiful dishes and a flexible and easy to use menu. 

Big Sky CateringBig Sky Catering

Whitney Fredin Catering

Whitney Fredin Catering is a high end, super professional and glamorous catering company that is a perfect option for a formal gathering like a fancy wedding or formal corporate event. For corporate catering, they offer a rotating weekly menu that incorporates fresh seasonal produce and only the highest quality meats. Whitney Fredin prides herself in delivering a full culinary experience that is fun but unpretentious with dishes that are delicious but not intimidating. 

Boise food trucks can be a great option for catering. Being mobile by nature, they can travel to you and wherever your event is located. If your event is on the smaller side, most food trucks can offer drop off catering like other traditional caterers as well.

Catering Boise

G’s Place

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, G’s Place is the way to go. This “truck” is actually constructed from a charter bus and outfitted to be an elevated dining experience on wheels. Run by Chef Gee himself, G’s Place offers Asian favorites from potstickers to chicken katsu. His Instagram worthy catering setup includes gorgeous spreads of sushi and sashimi. With all 5 star reviews on Truckster, his loyal fans say it all, this truck is worth booking for your next event.

A3 Catering

Chef Lysvette is from Puerto Rico and brings her authentic Caribbean style cuisine to Boise. Her menu features all of your favorites, like Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Cuban Mojo Chicken, and probably some you haven’t tried yet (but definitely should), like Tostones and Yuca Frita. A3 Catering started as a traditional caterer and grew to opening their own food truck. They are a must try for some island vibes in the mountain west!

Crisp

Crisp Food Truck’s tagline says it all, “Boise’s locally sourced and globally inspired cuisine”. Whenever possible, they draw from the local Boise area including Rice Family Farm, Shaw Orchards, and Global Gardens. Sourcing locally also lends toward seasonal menus that are perfect for highlighting the setting and time of year for your event. 

Catering Boise

Gyro Shack

You may have visited one of Gyro Shack’s brick and mortar locations around Idaho’s Treasure Valley, but did you know they have a food truck for catering Boise as well? With fresh ingredients and the best foods that Greek and Mediterranean cuisines have to offer, Gyro Shack is a crowd pleaser for most any get together. Another truck with all 5 stars on Truckster, they are professional and have their craft down to a science. They are certainly worth considering for your next Boise event.

Food trucks have swept the nation in the last decade or so and have become a trusted and supported way to not only grab a quick lunch, but also cater an event no matter the size or dress code. Truckster is your ticket to finding great food trucks in your city and makes it easy to find food truck catering in Boise for your next special occasion. 

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9 Unique Kansas City Wedding Venues

There’s not many days that can be considered the best day of your life. Among these few days, one day usually remains a constant between the masses: your wedding day, the BIG day. There can be many stressors leading up to and on that big day, but it is important to keep in mind the reason for a wedding. Its not to impress friends and relatives or show old school mates just how fancy you’ve become. Its about those friends and family coming together to support you and your spouse and to express your love and devotion to each other. With that said, it is important however to find the perfect place to tie the knot as to make that day as perfect and memorable as it can be. Allow me to help get you started with ideas on what style of wedding you want, and a few examples of each.

Outdoor/Country Kansas City Wedding Venues

Crestview Dairy

Crestview Dairy is a 31 acre historic landmark that has been transformed into a wonderful outdoor wedding venue with a wholesome countryside quality. The site offers 4 separate locations for ceremonies and receptions to choose from, including a courtyard lawn surrounded by historic buildings, an intimate pergola amongst the woods, a large elm grove, and a lakeside shelter house and deck. Receptions can be held in their main barn or outside in a tent. Parking is close, unlimited, and free, and lodging is available onsite as well.

First Creek Farms

First Creek FarmFirst Creek Farm

First Creek Farms is a wedding venue located just 15 minutes north of Downtown Kansas City. If you are looking for a rustic barn wedding, this may be the one. This venue is a perfect location for a country farm style wedding with its rolling hills, surrounding forest, lake, rustic (but nice) barn, and windmill to complete the aesthetic. Don’t think that a rustic barn means you won’t be tying the knot in style and luxury. The First Creek barn is fully equipped with everything you might expect: A/C, heating, nice bathrooms, chandelier lights, and a loft to hang out.

The Legacy at Green Hills

The Legacy at Green Hills is another great option for the couple looking for an outdoor wedding. Amenities include a farmhouse that is used for getting ready and overnight lodging if needed, a pergola for the ceremony, a patio for cocktail hour, and a pavilion for the reception. The pavilion can also serve as a ceremony site which can take the stress out of worrying about the weather. The grounds of The Legacy at Green Hills are vast and beautiful. There are plenty of great photo opportunities with 38 total acres, a 4 acre lake, and 22 acres of wildflowers.

Church Wedding Venues in Kansas City

The Hawthorne House

The Hawthorne House may be perfect for those wanting the little white chapel wedding experience, but also offers so much more. They have of course the perfect little white chapel, a gazebo for pictures or a ceremony if you choose, a large indoor pavilion/event space for hosting the reception, farmhouse suites for getting ready, and 11 acres of beauty for pictures and gathering. The Hawthorne House has been doing weddings for over 24 years, and their expertise will be certain to make your big day a little easier and more stress free.

Hawthorne HousePhoto by: K + H Rogg Photo

The Brim

The Brim is a new Kansas City wedding venue that opened its doors in 2021 and fulfilled the dream of the lovely couple that envisioned it. The result was a gorgeous 16 acre property that accommodates a chapel for the ceremony, a separate reception hall, and plenty of beautiful surrounding landscape for festivities and photos. The Brim prides themselves on providing a premiere wedding venue at affordable prices for all to be able to have their dream wedding. So if your wedding will be budget conscious, the Brim may be the venue for you.

Pilgrim Chapel

The Pilgrim Chapel is a venue that is perfect for couples that want to add a unique flair to their wedding. Although the Pilgrim Chapel was built in the early 1940s, its classical design and architecture are reminiscent of historic old world churches with stone walls, exposed beam ceiling, stained glass windows, and wooden pews that come together to create a fairytale ambiance. The chapel cannot provide a space for a reception, but it can accommodate around 70 guests for a ceremony, perfect for a small, intimate wedding.

Urban Wedding Venues in Kansas City

The Madrid Theatre

The Madrid Theatre is certainly the most unique wedding venue on this list, and will have your guests talking about it for years and you talking about it forever. The theater originally opened its doors in 1926 as a Spanish revival silent movie theater. It has since been fully restored to its prior grandeur and has been hosting fancy gatherings for over 20 years, including the most memorable and unique weddings in the city. The space allows for options for ceremonies and separate areas for receptions, and has an upstairs that is used for getting ready and provides extra space for gathering. The Madrid Theatre offers packages that include personalized planning services to ensure your big day goes flawlessly and has convenient parking for your guests.

The Grand Hall

The Grand Hall is a great option for the couple that wants pure opulence and grace on their wedding day. It is located in the heart of downtown Kansas City and is a beacon of the art deco movement, providing the most elegant of wedding venues down to every detail. The Grand Hall provides space for both the ceremony and reception and even allows for photo shoots on the 31st floor terrace overlooking the downtown KC skyline for epic newly-wed photos. Coordinators are also provided to make your day go smoothly.

KS Loose Mansion Kansas City 0180 1Foyer and Grand Staircase at The Loose Mansion by Jerry Wang Photography

Loose Mansion

The Loose Mansion is a stunning historic building dating from 1909. The mansion in total is over 17,000 sf and is immaculate in every detail. As you tour the building you will see chandeliers, Italian tile floors, carved mahogany molding, intricate fireplaces, beautiful staircases, and more. If you choose to have your wedding here, you will have 6 options for where to have your ceremony. Seating capacities vary from 30 to 230 for ceremonies and the reception hall can accommodate up to 400 guests. The Loose Mansion has an incredible team that will be sure to make your big day as perfect as possible, and they have award after award to prove it.

So there you have it, a place to start looking. There are of course plenty of other amazing wedding venues in Kansas City that will blow you away as well. Touring wedding venues can be one of the most fun and exciting things about planning a wedding. Remember to keep it light hearted and enjoy all of the little moments. Another part that is a blast is choosing your catering and menu. Several venues have award winning in-house chefs and catering teams that can customize the menu for exactly what you desire. Other venues allow for outside catering options which can be a lot of fun as well. I suggest, especially for laid back outdoor style weddings, to consider food trucks as caterers. Depending on the size of your wedding, you can hire a few trucks and make the food options very unique and different. Most food trucks are operated by experienced chefs that thrive on large catering events. Most importantly, don’t sweat the small stuff and have fun in the planning and on the day.

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6 Best Wedding Venues in Dallas

So you’re looking to tie the knot? Congrats! Now it’s time for the fun part- picking out the perfect dress and touring wedding venues in Dallas. Finding the venue that best suits the style of your wedding is crucial. Do you want to spend more and have everything taken care of, e.g.- catering, floral, decor, pictures, cake, etc.? Or do you want more control of the budget and the details? For this blog, we’ve done the research to help you narrow down some ideas of where to start with 6 beautiful and reputable Dallas wedding venues.

Schoolhouse3Jackie Marie Photography

The Schoolhouse

First we have the Schoolhouse. This is one of the most highly rated and sought after wedding venues in Dallas. The Schoolhouse is a great option for the couple that is looking for a vintage yet elegantly sophisticated ambiance for their big day. It has many great attributes such as a beautiful exterior with an intimate courtyard to have a perfect outdoor ceremony, gorgeous interior rooms with great natural lighting if you choose to have your ceremony indoors, a reception hall that seats 130 guests, and beautiful details like original wood floors and classic architecture that help create that vintage, sophisticated feel for your wedding day. The schoolhouse also allows for outside catering (consider food trucks and mobile bars for a unique feature), bartending, and DJing so you still have control to make the decisions that will ensure your special day is perfect for you.

The Carlisle Room

Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas in the Lonestar Gas Building (est. 1932), The Carlisle Room exudes class and elegance. This opulent venue boasts numerous choice awards. When witnessing the 5,500 sf art deco style location, it is clear why. With the marble walls, 17 ft ceilings, terrazzo floors, topped with a fresh modern luxury, you will feel like royalty. The Carlisle Room can accommodate 200 guests for the ceremony and 250 in the reception hall. Catering is in-house from Chef Douglas Brown and his team, providing custom menu offerings chosen by the bride and groom. The Carlisle Room takes care of details such as silverware, linens, tables and chairs, and even offers complimentary cake serving; perfect for the couple that wants to pay a little extra for luxury and convenience.

The Cliff House

The Cliff House may be the perfect wedding venue for those who would love to get married in an adorable church, but may not already be a member of an adorable church. The venue originally started as a baptist church in the late 1890s. Today, it has been remodeled and repurposed into the beautiful church style wedding venue you see today. The Cliff House can accommodate 140 guests for ceremonial and reception services, along with a dance floor for festivities. Catering is offered through their in-house partnership with Boxwood Catering, and alcohol can be provided on your own or through the caterer. The Cliff House also allows and encourages your own floral decor, allowing you to put your own personal style and touch to the venue for your wedding day.

Cliff Housewww.nbarrettphotography.com

Arlington Hall

Arlington Hall is a premier event space that has been around since 1939. It has since been expanded to host large gatherings of 500 guests, while still capturing the elegance and charm of the original venue with its hardwood floors, antique mirrors and chandeliers. Couples can decide to have their ceremony outside on the terraces, in the pavilions among the formal gardens, or inside the Hall itself. Couples are able to create the perfect space for their vision wherever they choose. Catering is in-house through Executive Chef Adam Fiscus with his team Food Glorious Food. The team offers custom menus and are nationally acclaimed culinary artisans. Arlington Hall can provide a perfect fairy tale experience right in the heart of Dallas, if you can get in.

Texas Discovery Gardens

The Texas Discovery Gardens is the perfect wedding venue for couples that want to incorporate their love for nature and the outdoors into their ceremony while keeping it classy and graceful. TXDG offers several options for ceremonies and receptions with their Grand Hall, Circular Lawn, and Grand Allee. All options provide enough space for at least 200 guests and go all the way up to 600 in the Grand Allee. The Butterfly House is also a unique addition to your event that allows guests to walk among hundreds of free flying butterflies and also produces once in a lifetime photo opportunities for the bride and groom.

TXDG weddinghttps://brittanypartain.com

The Cinnamon Barn

For those looking for a more country style venue, The Cinnamon Barn may be the one. This beautiful newly constructed wedding venue sits on over 9 acres of land, is located just out of the city, and minutes away from Lake Lavon. The Cinnamon Barn offers a few options for spaces including the barn that is perfect for receptions or indoor ceremonies and accommodates 300 guests, an elegant outdoor patio area with bistro string lights, southern style furniture, and a movable bar, and the intimate ceremony lawn that can seat 300 guests and is surrounded by trees that yield the perfect classy outdoor ceremony opportunity. If planning an outdoor wedding concerns you because of unpredictable weather, don’t worry, the Cinnamon Barn can supply large tents to ensure your special day won’t get ruined by a thunderstorm. Catering, DJing, and bartending are all open and up to the discretion of the bride and groom.

 

These are of course only a sample of what Dallas has to offer in wedding venues. The area provides plenty of options for whatever style you are looking for. If you are wanting a luxurious and glamorous metro venue like the Carlisle Room, an outdoor nature focused venue such as the Texas Discovery Gardens, or a classy southern country style venue like the Cinnamon Barn, you will not be disappointed with your choices. Choose your style, set your budget, draft a guest list, then you are ready to shop around for the venues that fit your criteria. The details will come after that. Some venues make it easier and provide more services like in-house catering and decor. For those that allow for a more personal touch, Truckster recommends considering food truck catering. Many food trucks thrive on catering and are experts that offer custom menus that will help make your special day even more memorable.

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The Best BBQ in Kansas City: Truckster Food Guide

BBQ Ribs

 

Okay, Kansas City is known for a few things. It’s called the City of Fountains, the Heart of America, the Cradle of Jazz, Paris of the Plains, and the Barbeque Capital of the World. Fountains are cool and all, but we like food, and in fact we love some good BBQ. So how can someone possibly say definitively which restaurant offers the BEST BBQ in the BBQ holy land? Well, of course, it’s a bit subjective and based on personal preference. Here at Truckster, we’re pretty into food trucks, and we are here to spread the word that the best BBQ in the BBQ Capital may not come from a restaurant at all, but from a food truck. Allow me to introduce: Fire Canyon Barbeque.

Fire Canyon Barbeque may seem fairly new to the BBQ scene in Kansas City, but don’t be fooled! FCBBQ is an 8 year BBQ food truck veteran of the Colorado Front Range, and luckily for BBQ lovers in KC, in 2019 owners and operators Darren and Bridget Shafer decided to bring their glorious BBQ back to where their love for the sweet and savory smoked meat began. Pitmaster Darren Shafer is a KCBS member and certified judge and a RMBBQA member. If you don’t know what those acronyms mean, they mean the guy knows how to make some of the best BBQ you’ll ever eat. 

BBQ Sliders

 

With that, let’s get to the meat of it. Fire Canyon BBQ offers a variety of soft bun sliders filled with sliced Italian sausage, pulled pork, or brisket, all drizzled in the customer’s choice of signature sauce. FCBBQ offers the same meats in a per-pound option, along with sides of corn, coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad. From here, things get interesting with the menu from FCBBQ with their Blue Plate Specials. These specials include entrees like ribs, chicken wings, chilis, and burnt ends. The fun thing is- these specials change weekly which provides customers with constantly rotating dishes that will keep them coming back to see what’s new. 

The reviews for Fire Canyon Barbeque have nothing but love for both the food and the lovely couple that runs it. It has a 5 star rating on FB, and 5 star rating on Yelp, and a 4.9 star rating on Google. If you’re someone who always refers to ratings and reviews when choosing where to eat, you’ll know that those are some super impressive ratings. The food and service isn’t the only awesome thing about FCBBQ either. The truck itself is amazing. The truck is a 1983 step van that was originally used as a search and rescue vehicle. It has since been completely decked out with big tires, chrome wheels, and a custom wrap, giving it the nickname “Badass”. People know when they see this truck that they are in for a BBQ treat.

Badass Food Truck

 

So if you are a BBQ fan, Fire Canyon Barbeque is a definite must-try. If you love it (you will), then download the Truckster app so you can track not only this truck, but all of the best food trucks in Kansas City. 

Find Kansas City Food Trucks

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Best Food Trucks Miami : The Magic City’s 5 Must-Try Food Trucks

Miami

 

It’s no secret that Miami is a cultural melting pot that offers some of the best culinary experiences of any great city, from Miami Beach with its celebrity chef owned restaurants, to its traditional Latin American and Caribbean style street food, served up from cooks that pour their heart and soul into recipes that have been passed down for generations. Miami is known as  “The Magic City” for its explosive growth, and Miami’s food truck scene has been no different. Today, the Magic City is home to a spell-binding array of delicious mobile restaurants. So at Truckster, we encourage you to get out and experience the culture of Miami through its food and people, and what better way than to hit the streets to find the 5 best food trucks in Miami. 

Chef K Provisions

Chef Kevin DeLuca is a renowned chef that has been recognized for his culinary creations that blend flavors from around the world. In 2016, he decided to take those flavors to the streets, creating the Chef K Provisions food trailer. With a full restaurant style menu ranging from steaks and grilled swordfish to grilled cheese sandwiches, Chef K Provisions is truly a restaurant on wheels that offers foodies a memorable culinary adventure. If you’re out and about early, Chef K Provisions offers an impressive breakfast menu as well. Lastly, Chef K is a veteran of the catering industry and offers totally custom menus for Miami catering events.

Worldwide Bistro

For over 10 years, founder Nelson Omaña has been conveying his culinary passion through Worldwide Bistro. Known for their creative artisan stuffed hamburgers, Philly cheesesteaks, and milkshakes, Worldwide Bistro puts a worldwide twist on foodie favorites. WWB adds influences from all over the world. You can sink your teeth into a Venezuelan Philly cheese steak, an Argentinian burger, a Greek burger, or go for their best seller the Worldwide burger. Oh, and don’t forget to polish it off with a Nutella milkshake.

Worldwide Bistro food

 

Pizza Zilla

Established in 2014, Pizza Zilla brought authentic NY style pizza to the Magic City and has become a local favorite ever since. Offering single slices, full 26” pies, strombollis, calzones, meatball subs, mozzarella sticks, wings, and fries, Pizza Zilla always leaves their customers happy. Simply reading their 5 star ratings on FB and 4.5 stars on Yelp will get you hungry. For any Italian food lover, Pizza Zilla is a must try.

Las Mexicanas

 

Last but certainly not least, we have the Las Mexicanas food truck. This family owned and operated food truck stands out in this list due to one thing in particular. They base their menu on only the most authentic and traditional Mexican cuisine that has been in their family and traditions for generations. While modern fusion cuisine can be fun and interesting, traditional Mexican cuisine has stood the test of time for centuries. Las Mexicanas offers all the traditional Mexican dishes one might expect: tacos, burritos, quesadillas, gorditas, tostadas and more. With 4.7 stars on Google, you can feel confident that Las Mexicanas will not disappoint.

Las Mexicanas

Twice Butter Taqueria 


Chef Oscar Garcia found a passion for culinary fusion after years of being exposed to different cultural cuisines in the culinary industry. Today, he brings that passion to the streets of Miami by fusing authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern, multicultural twist. Twice Butter is known for its fusion and traditional tacos, zesty Mexican inspired burgers, and mouth-watering short ribs. Twice Butter’s reputation speaks for itself, being mentioned several times in “best of” articles, as well as holding trophies and awards for culinary excellence. They are sure to satisfy any Latin food lover’s taste buds.

 

There are so many amazing food trucks in the Miami area that are certainly worth checking out, but these are our recommendations for must-try trucks. This list offers a good variety of cultural cuisines that are sure to entice any foodie. Go check out the city and try some pizza, tacos, burgers, or restaurant style meals at Miami’s best food trucks; and don’t forget that the Truckster app can help you find them. 

Find Miami Food Trucks