A beginner’s guide to grilling: Tips and tricks for success

The good news is that grilling is a skill built on a few core principles. Great grilling starts before the food ever hits the heat.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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by Casey Cartwright
Contributing Writer

Grilling has a way of turning simple ingredients into memorable meals. The crackle of heat, the smoky aroma, and the satisfaction of cooking outdoors make it a favorite for many, yet it can feel intimidating if you’re just starting out. Between choosing the right grill, managing heat, and knowing when food is actually done, beginners often worry about getting it wrong.

The good news is that grilling is a skill built on a few core principles; once you understand those basics, everything else becomes easier and far more enjoyable. Having a beginner’s guide to grilling and knowing some tips and tricks for success will give you the foundation you need to cook up some unique, delicious, and filling.

Understanding Your Grill

Before you cook anything, it’s important to understand the type of grill you’re using. Gas grills offer convenience and control, allowing you to adjust heat quickly and easily. Charcoal grills require a bit more patience but reward you with a deeper smoky flavor that many grill enthusiasts love. Pellet grills combine elements of both, using wood pellets to provide consistent heat and rich flavor.

No matter the type, every grill has hot spots and cooler zones. Taking a few minutes to preheat and observe how heat distributes across the surface will help you avoid uneven cooking. For beginners, mastering temperature control is far more important than fancy techniques. Knowing where the heat is strongest gives you the flexibility to sear food or cook it more gently when needed.

The Importance of Preheating

One of the most common beginner mistakes is rushing food onto the grill before it’s ready. Preheating ensures the grates are hot enough to sear food properly, which helps prevent sticking and enhances flavor. A properly heated grill also cooks food more evenly, reducing the risk of burning the outside while the inside remains undercooked.

Preheating times vary depending on the grill, but the goal is consistent heat. When the grill reaches the right temperature, you’ll notice food begins to sizzle as soon as it touches the grates. That sound is your signal that the grill is ready to work its magic.

Choosing the Right Tools

Grilling doesn’t require a long list of gadgets, but a few reliable tools make a big difference. Long-handled tongs help you turn food safely without piercing it, which keeps juices locked inside. A sturdy spatula is essential for burgers, fish, and delicate items. A grill brush helps keep grates clean, improving both flavor and food safety.

For beginners, a meat thermometer is one of the most valuable tools you can own. It takes the guesswork out of grilling and ensures food reaches safe internal temperatures without overcooking. Confidence at the grill often comes from knowing, not guessing.

Preparing Your Food for the Grill

Great grilling starts before the food ever hits the heat. Bringing meat to room temperature helps it cook more evenly. Patting ingredients dry allows for better browning, while lightly oiling food instead of the grates can reduce sticking.

Seasoning doesn’t need to be complicated. Simple combinations of salt, pepper, herbs, and spices often work best, especially when you’re starting out. Marinades can add flavor and tenderness, but they should be used thoughtfully, as sugary ingredients can burn quickly over high heat.

Mastering Heat Control

Understanding direct and indirect heat is a major milestone for beginner grillers. Direct heat is when food cooks directly over the flame or coals, making it ideal for quick-cooking items like burgers and steaks. Indirect heat involves placing food away from the main heat source, allowing it to cook more slowly and evenly. This method works well for thicker cuts of meat and foods that need more time.

Learning when to move food between these zones helps prevent burning and promotes better texture. Many grilling mishaps can be avoided simply by adjusting heat instead of constantly flipping or pressing food.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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What You Can Cook on Your Grill

One of the most exciting parts of grilling is its versatility. While many beginners think of grills as tools only for burgers and hot dogs, they can handle far more. Steaks, chicken, and seafood are natural choices, each benefiting from the grill’s ability to add char and depth of flavor; if meat is your food of choice, know what cuts taste best on a grill. With proper heat control, even delicate fish can turn out beautifully.

Vegetables shine on the grill as well. Bell peppers, zucchini, corn, mushrooms, and onions develop sweetness and complexity when exposed to high heat. Fruits like pineapple, peaches, and watermelon caramelize quickly, making them perfect for desserts or unexpected side dishes. Even items like pizza, flatbreads, and sandwiches can be grilled, turning your grill into a versatile outdoor kitchen.

Timing and Patience Matter

Grilling rewards patience. Constant flipping or pressing food can lead to dryness and uneven cooking. Allowing food to cook undisturbed helps it develop a flavorful crust and release naturally from the grates. When it’s ready to flip, it will lift easily.

Resting food after grilling is another step beginners often skip. Allowing meat to rest for a few minutes helps redistribute juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite. This small pause can make a noticeable difference in the final result.

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Photo: ArtHouse Studio/PEXELS

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Keeping Safety in Mind

Safety is an essential part of grilling success. Always grill in a well-ventilated outdoor area and keep flammable items away from open flames. Using separate plates for raw and cooked foods helps prevent cross-contamination. Paying attention to internal temperatures ensures food is both safe and enjoyable to eat.

Cleaning your grill regularly not only extends its lifespan but also prevents flare-ups caused by grease buildup. A clean grill is easier to cook on and produces better-tasting food.

Building Confidence Through Practice

Like any cooking method, grilling improves with practice. Each session teaches you something new about heat, timing, and flavor. Mistakes are part of the process, and even imperfect meals can be delicious. Over time, you’ll develop an instinct for when food is ready and how your grill behaves under different conditions.

Grilling is as much about the experience as it is about the food. Enjoy the process, experiment with new ingredients, and don’t be afraid to keep things simple. With these beginner-friendly tips and tricks for grilling, success is well within reach, and every meal becomes an opportunity to improve and have fun.

Casey Cartwright is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.

Turn up the heat and flavor for the big game with tasty BBQ

StatePoint - Hosting a Big Game watch party? By following the playbook of BBQ experts, you’ll have your friends and family cheering for your game day spread.

“The trick to achieving tasty BBQ is real smoke flavor. And, to get real smoke flavor, you need quality, natural hardwoods, with or without a pellet grill,” says Levi Strayer of Bear Mountain BBQ, “Start grilling with pellets, and everyone will immediately taste the difference—it’s a game changer.”

With that philosophy in mind, Bear Mountain BBQ ambassador Jennifer Danella is sharing two BBQ winning recipes. Both incorporate the brand’s premium pellets to bring unbeatable flavor to the table.

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Jennifer Danella/StatePoint Media

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Sweet Heat Barbeque Wild Turkey Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless, skinless turkey or chicken breast, approximately 2 pounds, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon loosely-packed light brown sugar

• 1 package center-cut bacon, cut in half

• Sliced green onions

• Ranch dressing

• Chef’s Choice or Butcher’s Blend Bear Mountain BBQ Pellets

• 1/2 cup sweet barbecue sauce

• 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Directions:

1. Preheat grill to 400 degrees F.

2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Place 1-inch turkey pieces into a medium size bowl. Sprinkle chili powder, paprika, cayenne, garlic salt, black pepper and brown sugar over top. Mix well.

4. Wrap half a slice of bacon around each turkey piece. Secure with a toothpick and place them onto the parchment paper.

5. Place the baking sheet into your preheated grill and bake for 25 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce and garlic in a small bowl. Brush the turkey pieces halfway through cooking. Brush another layer of sauce five minutes before the cook time is over. Cook until the turkey pieces reach 165 degrees F.

6. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with ranch dressing for dipping.

Beer Cheese Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese grated

• 1/2 cup gruyere cheese grated

• 8 ounces cream cheese softened

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1/2 of a 1-ounce Hidden Valley Ranch Packet

• 2 tablespoons green onions chopped.

• 1/4 cup German lager beer

• 2 tablespoons baking soda

• 1 can biscuits

• 1 large egg, mixed with 1 tablespoon water, for brushing biscuits

• 12-inch cast iron skillet

• Bear Mountain BBQ’s Chef’s Choice Blend pellets

Directions:

1. Preheat pellet grill to 350 degrees F.

2. In large bowl, combine 1 cup cheddar, gruyere, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning, beer and 1 tablespoon green onions. Mix evenly.

3. Cut biscuits in half. Roll each half into a ball, then slice an X across top.

4. Boil 2 cups water in medium saucepan. Once boiling, add baking soda and mix immediately.

5. Add biscuits to grill in batches and cook until puffy, approximately 1 minute. Remove and transfer to skillet, forming ring along inside edge.

6. Brush biscuits with egg wash. Sprinkle with salt.

7. Transfer dip to center of skillet. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar.

8. Smoke until biscuits are golden and dip is bubbly, 30-35 minutes.

9. Garnish with remaining green onions. Serve!

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As you make your Game Day preparations, head to Walmart, which is carrying a new collection of Bear Mountain’s grilling and smoking pellets. The five exclusive flavors -- Smoky Apple Whiskey, Maple Bourbon Pecan, Chef’s Choice, Butcher’s Blend and Chophouse Blend -- add unrivaled flavor to all grilling and smoking occasions. The collection can also be found online at Walmart.com. For recipe ideas and techniques for adding smoke flavor to your food using any grill, visit bearmountainbbq.com.

To bring your A-game to the Big Game, level up your hosting with mouthwatering BBQ treats.

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The worst BBQ ingredient ever: wire brush bristles

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Why hundreds of people in the U.S. are sent to the emergency room each year

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by Matt Sheehan
OSF Healthcare

Summer has arrived, and that means grilling season has come back after its winter hibernation.

But as Americans enjoy grilling their burgers, chicken, vegetables and more, there’s one ingredient you want to steer clear of.

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Dr. Brian Curtis, M.D

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"These short, metal brushes that you clean your grill with," Brian Curtis, M.D., vice president of the Clinical Specialty Services at OSF HealthCare says. "There are about 150-200 cases a year that occur in the United States. They may be underreported, but those are the ones that we know about."

While barbecues over an outdoor grill are a great way for people to come together and enjoy a meal, Dr. Curtis says it could be an extremely painful experience if you end up swallowing a bristle from a wire brush.

"The bristles can become embedded in your tongue. They can be embedded in the back of your throat, esophagus, stomach, and small intestine," Dr. Curtis says. "They can cause perforations, because it’s like swallowing a small needle. There are people every year that have surgeries trying to find these small objects because they are very tiny."

So how can you keep your food on the grill from getting an unwanted extra ingredient? Dr. Curtis says it’s all about preparation.

"You can use aluminum foil. Some people use nylon (scrapers)," Dr. Curtis says. "I just use a wool brush on mine. If you don’t want to go away from the wire brush, then you really have to inspect your grill very closely to make sure there’s nothing stuck on it."

Dr. Curtis says if you believe you’ve swallowed a wire brush bristle, you need to be evaluated immediately.

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Recipe: Grilled lemon chicken

Photo provided

NewsUSA -- The last few weeks of fall are just around the corner and winter weather is on the way. Even as the days get shorter and the temperatures lower, it is still a great time to be outdoors and grill. Add a little zest the next time you throw some chicken on the grill with lemons.

“With their sunny zest and refreshing juice, lemons aren’t just delicious, they also pack a healthy punch,” says Karen Brux, managing director for the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association. Lemons are a good source of many key nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. “You could say that lemons from Chile are the unsung heroes of summer,” Ms. Brux adds.

Lemons are versatile. Try adding lemon juice to marinades, lemon slices to creamy pasta sauces, or featuring fresh lemons in lemon custards or meringues for an ultimate end-of-summer dessert. When cooking with lemons, you can use their zest or juice, but try them grilled, says Brux.

Grilling intensifies the flavor of the lemon juice. Just put some slices on the grill along with your fish, beef or chicken. Grilled lemon wedges work in cocktails, too!

Try this easy recipe for grilled chicken with lemon:

Grilled Chicken with Lemon

Ingredients:

zest of two lemons

1/2 cup olive oil

6 cloves chopped garlic

5 sprigs rosemary

1 tsp kosher salt

coarse black pepper to taste

4 large chicken thighs

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a large shallow baking dish, whisk together the juice and zest of 2 lemons, 1/2 cup olive oil, 6 cloves chopped garlic, 5 sprigs of rosemary, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and plenty of coarse black pepper.

Add 4 large chicken thighs to the mixture, toss to coat and let the chicken rest for 45 minutes at room temperature.

Before cooking, be sure the chicken thighs are skin-side up. Cut the remaining zested lemons into halves or quarters, and nestle them among the chicken. Add a final grind of black pepper on top.

Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes or until the juices run clear. If you would like extra browning, briefly place the baking dish under the broiler.

Visit fruitsfromchile.com for more tasty recipes, and look for lemons from Chile at your local retailer through early October.

Quick getaway dog-friendly beach destinations you both will love

Photo: StockSnap/Pixabay

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Outer Banks welcomes pups to play on the sand and in the waves. Dogs must be leashed, and leashes should not be longer than 10 feet.

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by Kim Salerno
TripsWithPets

Wake Forest, NC - Most pets love the beach as much as their pet parents do.

Fortunately, if you’re looking for a beach vacay you and your furry kid will both enjoy, there are plenty of pet-friendly options to choose from.

We’ve compiled a list of ten of our favorites - in no particular order, along with the reasons we love these beaches, and a few of the best local pet-friendly accommodations. All of the accommodations are either oceanfront or a short walk to the beach, and we included a range of prices and types. Choose your favorite, and head out for some surf, sand, and sun!

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Atlantic Beach, NC

This cozy beach, located in scenic coastal North Carolina, is an ideal spot to bring your pooch for some fun in the sun. Dogs are welcome to come and play year round on the main strand. However, they’re not allowed to venture further than 20 feet from the shore in lifeguard-protected areas. Besides the beach, there are pet-friendly breweries, restaurants, and attractions, such as the Fort Macon State Park, a Civil War memorial that features nature trails, guided tours, and its own beach area.

Places to stay

Atlantis Lodge

This resort is one of our favorite pet-friendly places to stay. Atlantis welcomes dogs and cats are welcome at this beachfront establishment. Upon check-in, dogs are greeted with local gourmet treats. On the beach, pets are provided with their own lounge chairs and umbrellas, and also have their own pet wash station. A bonus pet amenity is an on-site dog park!

There is a per-night pet fee and a limit of two pets per room, but there are no weight or breed restrictions.

Doubletree by Hilton Atlantic Beach

This beachfront Doubletree hotel offers amazing views and plenty of beach area to explore with your pet. They also have a beachside bar and grill for beachfront dining with your furkid. Waterfront rooms with balconies allow you and your pet to chillax while taking in the seabreeze, sounds of the waves, and breathtaking ocean views

The hotel charges a per-stay pet fee. Up to two pets are allowed per room, and there is a 50 pound weight limit.

Find more pet-friendly places to stay in Atlantic Beach, NC.

South Padre Island, TX

If you’re looking for a pet-friendly beach, you can’t do better than South Padre Island in Texas. The entire Padre Island National Seashore welcomes pets at nearly every beach and park, both onshore and in the water, as long as they are leashed. The area also features pet-friendly shops, events, and even boat rides.

Places to stay

La Quinta by Wyndham South Padre Island Beach

Nestled on the Gulf of Mexico, La Quinta’s beachfront South Padre Island location features free breakfast, an in-room kitchen so you can comfortably prepare your own meals, and room service in case you’d rather just relax. Either way, you can dine in with your pet, and enjoy a hotel-provided movie or show together afterwards. 

Dogs and cats are welcome, with no breed restrictions. The hotel does have a weight restriction of 75 pounds, and charges a per-night pet fee.

Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island

The beachfront Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island is just 492 feet from the Gulf of Mexico, so you and your pet can easily step out to the beach to enjoy the surf. The hotel offers 24-hour front desk service, so if you need something, you don’t have to leave your hotel room. Rooms feature balconies with full or partial ocean views, which you and your pooch can enjoy together as you relax with a cup of coffee or tea.

  

Both dogs and cats are welcome here. There are no breed restrictions, but there is a 75 pound weight limit, and the hotel requires a per-stay pet fee.

Find more pet-friendly places to stay in South Padre Island.

Portland, ME

Portland, Maine is not the first place you’d think of for a beach getaway, but the Portland area actually has a wealth of beautiful beaches, and many if not most are pet friendly. Each beach offers a bit of a different experience. Peaks Island is a quaint and charming spot that’s slow-paced, quiet, and ideal for enjoying the scenery. Higgins beach is perfect for beach combing or kayaking. If you enjoy history, head to Cape Elizabeth Beach, where you can tour a variety of lighthouses and experience New England charm. Willard Beach is a small sand-and-pebble beach where you can go for a swim and watch the lobster boats as they go out and come in. East End Beach is a popular spot located in the heart of the city. Portland is a pet-friendly destination, and dogs are very welcome on beaches, but they must be on leashes at certain times of the year.

Places to stay

Westin Portland Harborview

Tucked into the charming Portland city center arts and shopping district, the beautiful and historic Westin Portland Harborview offers access to dining, shops, and the harbor. Plush Marriott bedding will keep you and your pooch comfortable, while spacious windows offer a stunning city view you will both enjoy. 

Pets 50 pounds and under are welcome, and up to 2 pets are allowed.

Aloft Portland Maine

Situated within walking distance (or a short drive) from some of Portland’s best attractions, Aloft Portland Maine offers an array of great amenities pet parents will love, including a concierge service, room service, a restaurant, and a pet welcome package upon arrival - which includes Aloft-branded bed and bowl + complimentary treats and toys. The icing on the cake is that they are only a short walk to Portland's East End Beach.

The hotel has a limit of two pets, a weight limit of 50 pounds, and a per-stay pet fee.

Find more pet-friendly places to stay in Portland, ME.

Nags Head, NC

This gem of a beach locale, located in North Carolina’s scenic and pristine Outer Banks, welcomes pups to play on the sand and in the waves. Dogs must be leashed, and leashes should not be longer than 10 feet. You and your pooch can also explore the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway, and the nearby Wright Brothers Memorial together.

Places to stay

Sun Realty Vacation Rentals

If you’re looking for a place to hang your hat in Nags Head, Sun Realty Vacation Rentals has what you need. Choose from a variety of charming, picturesque oceanfront beach homes, some of which are just minutes from dog-friendly beaches.

Pet-friendly properties allow up to two well-trained dogs, and sometimes allow cats as well. A pet deposit is required for professional flea control. Pets are not allowed in property hot tubs or pools.

Stan White Vacation Rentals

Stan White Vacation Rentals boasts 80 pet-friendly vacation homes in Nags Head and the surrounding area. Rental options range from cozy one-bedroom accommodations to 10-bedroom villas, and offer everything from simple pleasures, to full amenities, to luxury stays. Pet-friendly amenities include fenced-in yards and easy access to pet-friendly beaches and hiking trails.

Properties allow up to two adult, well-trained dogs. Some properties may have breed or weight restrictions. A per-stay pet fee is required.

Find more pet-friendly places to stay in Nags Head.

Find more pet-friendly places to stay in Nags Head.

Hollywood, FL

Want to head to a beach that’s beautiful, tropical, and warm all year, without ever leaving the country? Dog Beach of Hollywood is the perfect Florida getaway for you and your pet. Dogs are welcome on the beach as long as they are leashed. You can also visit the Yellow Green Farmer’s Market, the Topeekeegee Yugnee Park, or one of several Hollywood dog parks.

Places to stay

Costa Hollywood Beach Resort

This Florida resort is condo-style luxury hotel that offers you your own seaside retreat. Just a short walk from Hollywood Beach and the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, the hotel offers a kitchenette in every room for easy in-room dining, a private beach with two chairs and towels provided so you and your pup can relax on the sand or play in the waves, and 24/7 concierge service so you can find all of the pet-friendly activities in the area. 

Up to two pets, dogs or cats, are allowed, with a pet weight limit of 75 pounds. There is a per-stay pet fee, and pets are not allowed in the room unattended.

Hollywood Beach Suites and Hotel

This popular pet-friendly hotel is an affordable option that offers a lot of bang for your buck. Located just a minute or two from Hollywood Beach and the Boardwalk, the vibrant, beachy decor is quintessential Florida, while the mini-kitchen and comfy beds will make you and your furkid feel right at home. There’s even a designated potty area for pet guests.

Bring up to two pets, dogs or cats, as long as they are 25 pounds or less. There is a per-visit pet fee. Pets are allowed to stay in the rooms unsupervised, and the hotel provides a designated potty area.

Find more pet-friendly places to stay in Hollywood, FL.

Jekyll Island, GA

There are several different beaches on Georgia’s Jekyll Island, and each has something a little different to offer you and your pooch. You can also explore the island on a pet-friendly hiking trail, or even take a dog-friendly dolphin tour! Dogs are allowed on most beaches, however, pets are restricted from a specific area designated for the protection of sea turtles and migratory birds. Pets must be under their parents’ direct control, and pet parents must dispose of their pet’s waste.

Places to stay

Hampton Inn Jekyll Island

Who doesn't love Hampton? This Jekyll Island Hampton Inn features a boardwalk that leads straight to the beach for easy enjoyment of sand and sun, free breakfast, so you can dine in with your pet in the morning, and a balcony/terrace so you can enjoy the scenic hotel views together. The hotel even offers canoeing, so you can paddle out with your pup!

Two pets are allowed per room. Cats and dogs are welcome, and there is no breed restriction. There is a weight restriction of 75 pounds, and the hotel does charge a per-stay pet fee.

Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island

Rooms at the Jekyll Island Holiday Inn boast a stunning ocean view, which you can enjoy with your pet on the balcony or terrace. The hotel offers easy access to nearby hiking trails, so you can explore the island together, and convenient food delivery, so you can share meals together in your room.

Dogs and cats are welcome, with no weight restrictions The hotel does provide a designated pet potty area, and pets are allowed in rooms unattended. A per-night pet fee is required.

Find more pet-friendly places to stay in Jekyll Island, GA.

Key West, FL

Famed for its laid-back vibe, its vintage Florida charm, and its position as the southernmost point in the United States - and the only place in the U.S. that boasts colorful sunrises and sunsets, Key West is also a paradise for pooches. Leashed dogs are welcome on the island’s beaches, and some beaches will allow unleashed dogs as long as they’re under voice control. The most popular off-leash beach is notably named “Dog Beach.”

Places to stay

Havana Cabana

Visit this Caban-inspired paradise with your pet and you won't be disappointed. This waterfront pet-friendly resort is a short jaunt to three awesome dog-friendly beaches. While at the Havana Cabana, pets are welcome to dine with you in their outdoor restaurant. In addition, pets are welcome in the tiki hut, resort shuttle, game areas and pool area (as long as they stay out of the pool). Upon check-in, pets are greeted with a Sandy Paws Doggie Bag - complete with dog biscuits, poop bags, water bowl, and mat.

The hotel welcomes both dogs and cats, with no breed restriction. There is a 50 pound weight limit, and a required per-stay pet fee. Up to two pets are allowed. 

Reach Key West Curio Collection

This popular pet-friendly resort is a breezy, yet luxurious way to enjoy your stay in Key West. This beachfront hotel features private balconies so you and your pet can take in the sunrise–or sunset. Explore Reach Key West Curio's extensive private beach together, or head out into the waves together for an onsite canoe ride.

The hotel only allows dogs, and only up to 25 pounds. There is a per-night pet fee.

Find more pet-friendly places to stay in Key West, FL.

Huntington Beach, CA

Huntington Beach is known as one of the country’s most pet-friendly beaches, and for good reason. There are off-leash beaches to explore, a giant dog park in the center of town to play in, dog-themed events to attend, and even doggie surfing lessons available so he can learn how to hang ten. When he’s had enough lessons, he can participate in the yearly dog surfing competition!

Places to stay

Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort

Kimpton is one of our favorite pet-friendly hotel chains, and Kimpton Shorebreak does not disappoint. This oceanfront hotel provides loaned plush pet beds, food bowls, water bowls, and a concierge list of local pet-friendly restaurants, shops, and activities. The hotel also offers food delivery and laundry services, so you can stay in and relax with your pooch.

There are no pet restrictions–if your pet fits through the door, it’s welcome. There are no pet fees, and there is no limit on how many pets you can bring. 

The Waterfront Beach Resort A Hilton Hotel

Located just a short walk away from Huntington Dog Beach, the Waterfront Beach Resort is awash in pet-friendly amenities. Pet guests are given a welcome package with treats, a pet bed, waste bags, and a pet-friendly information packet. Leashed pets are allowed in all public areas of the hotel, even poolside (just not inside the pool), and one onsite restaurant boasts a doggie menu.

Pets are more than welcome; there is a per-pet, per-day fee and a 75 pound weight limit.

Find more pet-friendly places to stay in Huntington Beach, CA.

Seaside, OR

This Oregon destination guarantees a fun-filled beach getaway for people and pooches alike. Seaside welcomes dogs to play in the sand and surf - unleashed! In addition to pet-friendly beaches, you can walk along the Prom with your furkid, or hike with them along Tillamook Head. Pet parents must remain attentive to their pets, clean up after them, and practice discernment as to when and whether to have them off-leash.

Places to stay

Coast River Inn by OYO Seaside

Located along the Necanicum River, just a short walk from the Seaside Carousel Mall, Coast River Inn offers rooms with kitchenettes, making dining in with your pet easy and convenient Many rooms also have a river view, which you can enjoy together on a balcony or terrace.

Up to two pets–dogs or cats–are welcome, with no weight restrictions, and pets may be left unattended in rooms. A per-night pet fee is required.

Kathryn Riverfront Inn Ascend Hotel Collection

Situated at the end of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, on the banks of the Necanicum River, The Kathryn Riverfront Inn is an Oregon treasure. There’s easy access to charming shops and restaurants right in the heart of downtown Seaside. In addition, the beach is within walking distance, so whether you and your pet are up for people-watching, shopping, or strolling on the beach together, you can do it all easily from Kathryn Riverfront.

One dog up to 50 pounds is welcome to stay with you.There is a per-night pet fee.

Find more pet-friendly places to stay in Seaside, OR.

Hilton Head Island, SC

Hilton Head Beach is the perfect place for you and your pet to run and play...or relax and do nothing at all. The spectacular Lowcountry beaches are warm and inviting year round, and they welcome four-legged visitors. The island has its own double-gated dog park where your furry kid can safely play.

Places to stay

Beach Properties of Hilton Head

Beach Properties offers select properties for vacationers looking to stay a while with their pets. Their properties are clean, beautiful, and full of beachside charm, and they are very pet-friendly. Pet-friendly walking trails, restaurants, and activities can be easily accessed from each property.

Dogs are welcome and there is a non-refundable pet deposit.

Best Western Ocean Breeze Inn

This Best Western is an economical way to enjoy your stay at Hilton Head beach. Given that it's not directly on the beach, the rates are very budget friendly. However, the beach is only a quick 7 minute walk away! Plus, Enjoy a free full breakfast - that you can take back to your room and enjoy your pet if you like. In the afternoon you and your pup can kickback and enjoy barbequing at one of the hotels' outdoor grilling stations.

Up to two pets are welcome. Pet weight limit is 55 pounds. There is a per-night pet fee.

Find more pet-friendly places to stay in Hilton Head Island, SC.

There are a number of other pet-friendly beach getaway options. Head out to one of these or pick another destination. Just get out there and enjoy the surf, sand and ocean breeze with your doggo by your side.

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Kim Salerno is CEO/Founder for TripsWithPets, Inc. TripsWithPets is a leader in the pet travel industry – providing online reservations at pet-friendly hotels across the United States and Canada.

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Food | A tasty traditional steak taco recipe you will want to try

Photo provided

(NAPSI) -— Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States—about 655,000 Americans die from heart disease each year, according to the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention — but you can protect yourself 3 ways.

Three Steps To A Healthier Heart

1. Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, quit. See your doctor, the can help.

We all know smoking can cause cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung diseases. It has also been known to also increase the risk for tuberculosis and problems of the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis.

2. Get regular exercise. The Surgeon General recommends 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise week.

Start with walking and work your way up to fun social sports like golf, doubles tennis, or pickleball. Lap swimming and biking are great low, impact activities that can help you lead a healthy life.

3. Eat right. Choose plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and foods high in fiber and low in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol. Avoid eating large snacks before bedtime and avoid sugary snacks, too.

To help, Mazola® Corn Oil has come up with a number of recipes that are delicious and support heart health. The all-purpose cooking oil is a heart-healthy choice for baking, grilling, sautéing, stir frying or mixing up a marinade.

Very limited and preliminary scientific evidence suggests that eating about 1 tbsp (16 grams) of corn oil daily may reduce the risk of heart disease due to the unsaturated fat content in corn oil. FDA concludes there is little scientific evidence supporting this claim. To achieve this possible benefit, corn oil is to replace a similar amount of saturated fat and not increase the total number of calories you eat in a day.

Mazola is known to have a high smoke point of 450° F. All cooking oils have a smoke point that, once exceeded, negatively affects the way food taste.

Here’s a heart-healthy recipe, popular with Latinx cooks, that’s delicious for everyone:

Steak Tacos

Ingredients

1 pound flank or skirt steak, frozen for 30 minutes
4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) Mazola® Corn Oil, divided
3 tablespoons tamari or reduced sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
8 taco-sized flour tortillas heated on skillet lightly coated with Mazola® Corn Oil until lightly charred.

Toppings:

Cotija cheese
Chopped cilantro
Pickled jalapeno
Lime wedges

In large bowl, combine soy sauce, lime juice, 2 tablespoon Mazola® Corn Oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin and oregano.

Remove steak from freezer and slice thinly across the grain. Place in bowl with marinade. Stir to cover. Marinate 45 minutes to 2 hours.

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in large skillet over high heat. Add steak to hot oil. Sear on both sides for about 1 minute. Immediately reduce heat to medium high.

Add reserved marinade. Cook, stirring often, until marinade has reduced to half, about 3-4 minutes. Divide steak among warmed tortillas.

Top with a sprinkling of chopped cilantro, crumbles of cotija cheese and pickled jalapeño. Enjoy the feast by immediately with a squirt or two from lime wedges.

National Fire Prevention Week: Play it safe in the kitchen

While annual Fire Prevention Week ends today, it is important to remember that fires as a result of preparing meals or snacks can occur at any time.

Data collected from around the country that between 2014 to 2016 notes that cooking was by far the leading cause of all residential building fires, nearly 50 percent of all fires in home across the nation.

"The most important step you should take before making a meal is to 'Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!'" says Fire Chief Jim Kreher, President of the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance. "A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented."

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Almost half (44%) of reported home fires started in the kitchen according to the National Fire Protection Association. Two-thirds of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials. The most frequent cause of home fires is from cooking oil and grease.

"We know cooking fires can be prevented," said Lorraine Carli, VP of Outreach and Advocacy at the NFPA. "Staying in the kitchen, using a timer, and avoiding distractions such as electronics or TV are steps everyone can take to keep families safe in their homes."

The IFSA has safety tips that anyone cooking on a stove or open fire should observe to prevent accidental fires or flare-ups.

1. Never leave food to cook unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling. If you must leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.

2. Create and maintain a "kid-free zone" of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

3. Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you’re cooking.

4. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.

5. If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.

6. Be alert when cooking. Avoid cooking or baking if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consumed alcohol that can make you drowsy.