We’re heading into the Fourth of July weekend with some really great news for drivers: According to AAA, pump prices are set to hit an eleven-year low that will see average prices fall to a about $2.34 a gallon across Ohio. With weather forecasts calling for lots of sun and temperatures in the ’80s, it’s gonna be hard to find a better weekend to plan the road trip of your dreams.

If your Independence Day plans tend to include grilling out by the lake (and let’s be honest–they really should), check out this list of Ohio State Parks near Cincinnati. Hueston Woods State Park, a personal favorite, is only about an hour away and is a great destination for hiking, fishing, canoeing, and horseback riding, and generally isn’t overly crowded. Indiana and Kentucky also have some great options in this department.

The Reds will travel to Washington, D.C., to take on the Nationals in a four game series starting Thursday, June 30. Definitely a long haul, but for the die-hard fans and fearless road-trippers among us it’s hard to imagine anything more American that travelling to cheer on your home team in the nation’s capitol!

If you’d rather stay in town, Greater Cincinnati always has tons of events and attractions to appeal to families, art lovers, and music fans. If you can make it, this year’s Western & Southern / WEBN Fireworks at Riverfest promise to be one of the largest fireworks display’s in the Midwest.

Whatever you do, be sure to give your car a little TLC to make sure it’s ready for the heat before you hit the road–this article has some great maintenance tips to avoid any surprises. Stay safe, have fun, and Happy Independence Day!