How To Spend The 4th Of July From Tasting Table

By Tasting Table Staff/July 3, 2009 4:32 pm EST

As you prep for your holiday weekend, keep this handy: Our Fourth of July survival guide has everything you need to help your appetite celebrate along with the country.

• Plan your road trip around these classic American pit stops.

• Too warm for red wine? Give Merlot a seasonal makeover with a wine-based cocktail.

• Arm yourself with these new grilling essentials.

• Prevent a July 5 hangover with low-octane beer.

• Throw your own Maine-style lobster bake.

• Brush up on your barbecue skills with a new book from Adam Perry Lang.