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Are you in the market for a great commuter car from your Ford dealer? Then let's talk about the newest models you can count on for reliability, safety, and convenience. Ford Dealer's Top 5 2022 Commuter Car Models 1. Explorer This model comes with all the perks you'd expect for an everyday drive to work or around town. With 27 miles per gallon of fuel efficiency, you won't break the bank for especially long commutes. The automatic climate control and infotainment features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will keep you both comfortable and entertained no matter your driving distance. Better yet, if you're traveling with a group, you'll have plenty of room. Seating can host seven people. And those integral safety features like lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision alert will help ensure the security of drivers and passengers. more 2. Escape Smaller crossover SUVs can provide a taste of the gas-guzzlers without the drawbacks. The up-to-34 miles per gallon fuel efficiency rivals smaller cars, as does the ability to park easily within any spot. That generous cargo room's no joke either, and your work supplies and store purchases will thank you for the extra space. If you're still not convinced, check out those high crash test safety ratings for a little extra assurance. 3. Fiesta New engines, new gearboxes, sleek new designs: the newest version of this festive hatchback puts a shiny coat on what is already commuter perfection. Finer and fancier seating will jazz up those mundane commutes with comfort and style. Those easily accessible live traffic updates and hazard warnings will be convenient life-savers for mornings when you're running late. The affordable starting price and environmentally friendly EcoBoost features do indeed boost this road-ready car's appeal for commuters. 4. Mustang Mach-E Electric vehicles sometimes get a bad rap for not being the most commuter-friendly cars. This crossover model helps put those myths to rest. With a 300-mile driving range, this car won't leave you stranded in a parking space or on the side of the road anytime soon. Ford CoPilot 360 features will aid in keeping your ride out of costly and endangering accidents, as will high-beam assist, automatic windshield de-icers, automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control. If you opt for an enhanced package, you'll even get self-parking. Add in your typical infotainment perks, a bountiful touch screen, a luxuriously adjustable driver's seat, and the ultra-cool Mustang style, and you might just look forward to those daily commutes. 5. Transit Connect Passenger Wagon Carpooling's never been better than with this model that proudly touts three rows of seats. If you'd rather pack all that space with cargo rather than passengers, fold down the second and third rows for maximum storage capacity. The sliding doors afford even easier access to a spacious interior that's tailor-made for commuting not just you but all of your work must-haves. The brand that made motor vehicles fit for everyone is the go-to destination for your everyday needs. Stop by Chestatee Ford and discover your best roadway companion in our inviting inventory.

With the resurgence of happy gatherings, travel plans, and long-awaited celebrations of love, every season is wedding season these days. Finding the perfect spot to memorialize your nuptials may feel a bit overwhelming, so we have hand-picked the best wedding locations near Dahlonega, GA to lighten the load. 1. Dahlonega Market Place Getting married overlooking the historic Dahlonega square will take you back in time. While already full of charm, character, and romance, string up some Italian lights and you and your guests will be magically transported to a quaint European destination. 2. Canopy + the Roots For a hippie-chic vibe and amazing java to keep the party going into the wee hours, look no further than this local coffee shop turned event venue by night. Guests will be enchanted by the warm, colorful glow in the speakeasy-like setting and appreciate the exceedingly friendly staff. For incomparable ambiance and aura, this is your spot. more 3. The Barn at Stoney J's Does saying your I-dos in front of a crisp apple red-hued ranch surrounded by nature's forest green beauty make your wedding planning heart flutter? Then this picturesque estate with its amazing wine and adorable farm animals just might be your rustic destiny. 4. Sweet Dixie Farm For a cozy and intimate escape, this venue is perfect for the couple who truly loves the great outdoors. The reception bungalow is stunning with its handcrafted masonry walls, and there is a spacious four-bedroom, three-bath rental property with a game room onsite for the wedding party to enjoy if the celebration lasts all weekend long. 5. Cavender Castle Want to make it a fairytale affair? Elopements and micro weddings are a part of the specialty brand that owners, the Durham family, are proud of. If you are planning for your utterly adorable ring-bearing pup to walk down the aisle, it is also one of the top dog-friendly venues in the region. 6. Juliette Chapel Simple elegance is in store in this timeless setting. The pristine property glows as it reflects the rays of the sunshine that envelop the chapel, so you can be sure that your first dance will have its very own spotlight, and your photos will be illuminated. 7. Blue Mountain Vineyards As its name denotes, the vast mountainous expanse that your guests will soak up while you are sharing your vows will be beyond breathtaking at this treasured venue. If you have a large guest list, there is plenty of space to gather and dance the night away. 8. Dick's Creek Falls Does solidifying your union surrounded by both mountains and water sound distinctively delightful? Then the Waterfall Wedding Experts will make your wedding day extraordinarily out-of-this-world. Since these falls are a part of the National Forest, this setting's budget-friendly appeal is almost too good to be true. For the greatest wedding gift of all, come on into Chestatee Ford, where we cannot wait to show you our fantastic selection of new and used inventory. You will feel like a million bucks heading out on your honeymoon adventure with a car that represents your love story.

The CDC reports that 44 percent of Americans do not have a car first aid kit or any first aid kit at all. However, injuries resulting from accidents are the leading cause of death for people from one-year-old infants to 45-year-old adults. If you need to provide first aid for a family member, a friend, or someone else, you'll want a well-stocked first aid kit in your car.   SureFireCPR.com offers an extensive list of items to include in a first aid kit for your car. You can find that list by clicking on the link above. more If you want a basic list, consider the following items: Adhesive bandages in several sizes, gauze pads and adhesive tape for larger wounds, and butterfly bandages to pull two sides of a wound together Antibiotic ointment, burn ointment, insect bite relief pads, and hydrocortisone cream to relieve skin irritation Eyewash liquid Pain-relief and anti-diarrhea medications Hand sanitizer and antiseptic wash or wipes for sanitizing hands and wounds An Epi-Pen for severe allergic reaction and Naloxone for opioid overdoses A thermometer Cotton balls and cotton swabs Tweezers and a package of needles for removing embedded splinters and stingers Scissors Nonlatex gloves A sling, hot and cold packs, and compression (elastic) bandages in two-inch, four-inch, and six-inch widths A thorough illustrated first-aid instruction book A compression bandage can stick to itself or be fastened with metal clips or a strip of Velcro. Use narrow 2-inch compression bandages for adult fingers and for children's wrists, ankles, knees, and thighs. 3- to 4-inch-wide compression bandages work well on adult wrists and ankles. The wider 6-inch compression bandages are meant for torsos and for adult knees and thighs. If necessary, compression bandages also work as tourniquets. Slings can be tied to support sprained ankles as well as arms. Where Should You Store Your First Aid Kit In a small car without much storage space, keep your emergency first aid supplies in a clear plastic bag. If you have a bit more storage space, a compartmentalized box organizes your supplies and makes them easier to access. Because some of the items are sensitive to heat, you should keep your first aid kit in the coolest place possible in your car. However, you'll also want to keep your first aid kit within easy reach of the driver's seat in case you need it when you're traveling alone. Other Emergency Items to Consider Some standard items to consider keeping in your car along with your first aid kit include: A flashlight or headlamp Emergency road flares Distilled water for your radiator Jumper cables A spare tire, tire iron, and the correct size tire jack for changing tires Bottled water and nonperishable snacks for you and your passengers A charger for your cell phone Sunscreen A supply of your prescription medications Disposable CPR masks Extra eyeglasses or sunglasses As your Ford dealer, we want to ensure that you stay safe when you're traveling. So, create a first aid kit for your car if you don't have one, and call us at Chestatee Ford at 833-246-2685 or visit us at 44 Lumpkin County Parkway in Dahlonega to learn about all of the safety features in Ford's new 2022 lineup.

As gas prices creep steadily higher, you may find yourself considering a hybrid model. The new lineup of Ford hybrid vehicles has everything you need to spend less, drive farther, and save the planet all at once. How's that for efficiency? 1. 2022 Explorer Platinum Ford is raising the bar on comfort and convenience. Fully off-road capable, the powerful rear-wheel-drive platform and suspension make for agreeable handling. There is nowhere you can't go with the athletic-feeling hybrid engine and 5,000 pounds of towing power. Sporting three rows of seats and impressive cargo space, the new Explorer is perfect for those with a busy life on the go. This mid-sized powerhouse is everything you're looking for in a hybrid-- whether you're geared up to work hard or play hard. more 2. 2022 Ford Maverick Ford proudly presents a new addition to America's first-ever full hybrid pickup! This truck was designed to be a leader. Offering a 1,500-pound payload capacity, there's no need to shy away from big moves. With an estimated 40 mpg and 500-mile range, it's no wonder why the Maverick's is dubbed the most fuel-efficient truck on the market. Get the job done with the Ford Maverick's multi-position tailgate, extending the already spacious bed from 4.5 feet. to 6 feet. This compact pickup is jam-packed with storage, making its usability unmatched in the market. 3. 2021 Escape SE Hybrid The Ford Escape hybrid is an ideally balanced vehicle for those new to hybrids, or new to driving in general. The Escape SE totes a variety of safety features like co-piloting technology and curve control. Now offering one of the most user-friendly touchscreen systems in its class, you can explore the open road with confidence. This smooth ride is supported by a powerful Atkinson-cycle engine and electric motor. And with the liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery stored below the seat floor, there is no need to sacrifice cargo space. Available in both a hybrid and Plug-in hybrid model, Ford's new Escape is where Luxury and security join forces. 4. 2021 Ford F-150 Ford's famous F-150 is back, now introducing a hybrid model for the first time. Tow and haul like never before with the class-exclusive PowerBoost™ full hybrid V6 engine. Delivering impressive acceleration, this ground-breaking combo of gas and electricity proves that teamwork makes the dream work. With a 2,000W onboard generator at your disposal, this F-150 hybrid could power your whole house. Depending on your engine choice, there are three levels of electrical output available. So, whether you're powering up tools for your job site or pumping tunes for your tailgate party, Ford's F-150 leaves the power in your hands. Are you ready to join the green revolution? Now tougher and smarter than ever before, this new era of hybrids are backed by performance-enhancing technology. Don't miss out on the fuel savings of a lifetime. Cruise the streets with a clean conscience, and pick up your new hybrid model at Chestatee Ford today.

If you're looking for some fantastic Italian restaurants near Dahlonega, GA, you'll discover excellent eateries, authentic Italian cuisine, and takeout options on your next drive through town. 1. Gustavo's This Italian eatery is a fantastic place to enjoy various delicious meals, including pizzas, submarines, pasta dishes, salads, and more. All meals are prepared with fresh ingredients, including menu favorites such as parmesan meatballs, chicken florentine, and tasty appetizers. It's the perfect place to dine with family and friends. Gustavo's also offers vegetarian options. 2. Grape Vine's Casual Italian Dining Grape Vine's Casual Italian Dining is a beautiful place to enjoy a classy, casual atmosphere with your favorite authentic dishes. This fabulous restaurant features delicious, high-quality cuisine and traditional dishes, including penne, Italian sausage, lasagna, and chicken Pamplona. It's a fantastic place to dine when you're craving some of the best Italian entrees in the area. more 3. Your Pie Pizza Your Pie Pizza features a great selection of pizzas and Italian dishes, where you choose everything from the dough, cheese, sauce, and toppings. This eatery's menu offers excellent custom pies that cater to various dietary needs, including gluten-free, keto, and vegan options. You'll love the selection of microbrews and gelato. This local pizza chain features a kids' menu, takeout, and delivery options. Please drink responsibly. 4. Trattoria di Montaluce This Italian restaurant is a beautiful place to dine for your next special occasion and offers some of the best Italian comfort food and cocktails in the area. You'll love the ambiance of this dining space, with efficient, friendly staff and a fantastic wine selection. There are spectacular views to enjoy during your dining experience. Trattoria di Montaluce offers delivery and takeout options. Please do not drink and drive. 5. Charlie's Italian Restaurant Charlie's Italian Restaurant is a family-friendly place that offers fantastic pasta plates, freshly baked pies, and spectacular entrees. You'll love this restaurant's early-bird specials and its extensive menu of appetizers, gourmet pizzas, and full-course meals. There's catering available, including private group bookings for special occasions. 6. Little Rome This local gem is just a short drive from town in nearby Chatsworth, GA. Little Rome features a comfortable dining room with delicious comfort food options, including fettuccine alfredo, pizza, and lasagna. This family-owned eatery serves generous portions at a reasonable price, and takeout is available. 7. Mr. Edd's Pizza Plus Mr. Edd's Pizza Plus is a great casual eatery that offers all your favorite comfort foods, including freshly baked pies, traditional submarines, burgers, chicken, and pasta dishes. It's a terrific spot to order and pick up a tasty meal for the road or visit on your drive through town. This diner also features desserts, and delivery is available. It's the perfect place for the family, with great menu options and reasonable prices. You'll discover outstanding Italian cuisine and restaurants when you drive through Dahlonega. Visit us at Chestatee Ford and see what we have to offer you from our incredible showroom of new and pre-owned vehicles.

Needing a radiator repair warrants an immediate visit to your local dealership. If you don't get a repair straight away, then you could be in for a world of trouble. There are several ways to detect that your Ford needs a repair on its radiator, and we're going to teach you about them today. Top 3 Signs That You Need a Radiator Repair 1. Temperature Gauge Says You're Overheating If your temperature gauge starts pointing to hot, then it's a sure sign that you need to make your way to get your radiator fixed. If it's been pointing too hot for a while, then you should seriously consider getting towed to the dealership instead. Your radiator could badly overheat at any moment. If your radiator becomes completely ineffective, then you'll notice that steam or smoke billows out from under the hood. This can lead to parts of your engine melting from the heat. That'll be a costly repair, so get your radiator fixed as soon as you can. more 2. Coolant Leak A coolant leak will often present as a pool of coolant collecting near your vehicle. It's bright green, pink, or yellow in color, and it smells sweet. If you notice a coolant puddle by your vehicle, then you need to get towed to a dealership straight away. If the leak is slow, then you can drive there, but we recommend getting towed. It's safer if you don't drive while you have an issue with your radiator. The leak may also be internal, and it'll present as a rapidly falling coolant level. You should always keep an eye on your coolant level, and if you notice it's lower, then look for a puddle of coolant. If you don't see one, then you're most likely losing your coolant while driving. Get to a dealership as soon as you can. 3. Rusty Spots Rusty spots on your engine and radiator are another sign of a coolant leak. When your coolant spurts out via a leak and lands on your hot engine, it evaporates rapidly. This leaves discolored spots, and those spots later rust. The leak is most likely slow and difficult to find, so tell a technician about your discovery, and then take your Ford in to be fixed. Where Should You Get Your Radiator Fixed? You should always visit your local dealership to get a repair. Visiting a Ford dealership ensures that your vehicle is repaired by Ford experts. That leads to a better repair overall. There are several other advantages of getting your Ford fixed at the dealership, such as: Dealerships have the parts on hand The technicians work faster You'll likely get a warranty for the repair We'll provide impeccable customer service Come to Chestatee Ford when you need a repair. We'll happily fix your radiator for you, and we'll provide any additional services that you want to come in for. We'd for you to come to us for all of your regular maintenance and repair needs, so call us at 833-518-7574 to speak to our service team.

The small, historic town of Dahlonega, GA was once the site of the country's very first gold rush. The town's awe-inspiring natural surroundings seem to carry the spirit of those rugged pioneering days. With the dramatic slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the lush wilderness of the Chattahoochee National Forest, and plenty of lakes, parks, waterfalls, and wildlife preserves, there are endless excellent picnic spots to be found nearby. Read on to learn the best of them. Lake Zwerner For a picnic spot with stunning views of a sparkling lake and towering mountains in the background, head to Zwerner Lake right beside town. To fully experience the lake at its best, it's well worth following the hiking trail that circumnavigates its banks. Along the way, you'll come across several benches and picnic tables to stop at for your lunch. Chestatee Wildlife Preserve and Zoo Take your kids along for a picnic they'll always remember at this lovely little wildlife sanctuary. You can build up an appetite while marveling at the Bengal tigers, camels, zebras, giant turtles, parrots, sloths, and all other manner of exotic animals. Then, settle down at one of many picnic tables to eat your lunch with a scenic backdrop of farmstead, fields, and forest. more Yahoola Creek Park This much-loved local park offers miles of hiking paths alongside a meandering, babbling creek, with plenty of picnic tables next to the water. There are also many facilities for recreation here, including fields for soccer, softball, and baseball. You can even stay for camping if you fancy a few extra days of back-to-back outdoor meals in the fresh country air. Lumpkin County Park To the south of town, you'll find the northern tip of the vast and beautiful Lake Lanier. The park there is a great destination for picnickers who are also fishing enthusiasts. There are many places to settle down for a peaceful day with your rod, line, and lunchbox, where you won't be disturbed by another soul for hours on end. Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge A short drive to the west of town lies this nature-lover's paradise. The park is named after its most prized feature, a magnificent, thundering 729-foot cascading waterfall. You can stroll around the falls and park, choosing your ideal spot to picnic. Here, you can also experience a whole range of outdoor adventures, including archery, zip-lining, guided hikes, and nature classes. There's even a large lodge, for those who simply don't want to leave. R-Ranch in the Mountains For a quintessential old west experience, enjoy a day trip of picnicking and rodeo-watching at this quaint, old-style ranch to the north of town. With jaw-dropping scenery all around, it's a very popular venue for events and weddings. The gorgeous ranch and horseback riding lessons are all overseen by top-notch staff who have plenty of classic Georgian charm and friendliness for all their guests. Wherever you choose to enjoy your picnic, follow it up with a visit to Chestatee Ford, a family-run firm with family values. At Chestatee Ford, we're active community members, and we treat all our customers with care, respect, and impeccably good service.

Did you know that headlights are a safety feature? When they're too dim, it can be difficult to see the road ahead. In addition, other drivers may have trouble seeing your car. If you feel like your Ford is driving in the dark, then it could use new headlights! Read on for six signs to look out for so you can get them replaced at your Ford dealer in Dahlonega, GA before something goes wrong. more 1. Dim Headlights Headlight bulbs are similar to desk lamp light bulbs in that they start out bright and clear. Cloudiness and scratches on the transparent plastic lens, though, may reduce the amount of light emitted from your headlamps as your automobile ages. Regularly washing the lens can prevent build-up that may cause your bulb to lose effectiveness. However, if you detect a sudden decrease in light quality while driving, it's time to replace the bulbs. 2. Flickering Lights It's a frightening experience when your car's headlights begin to flicker on and off while you're driving. While this isn't something to be totally afraid of, it is an indication that your headlight bulbs are on their way out. Make sure that you bring your vehicle to your local dealer at the soonest to replace your headlights. 3. Headlight No Longer Turns On Another sign that your headlight bulbs aren't working is when they no longer turn on at all. If turning the switch on and off doesn't make them come on after a few tries, it's time to visit your dealer for replacement headlights. You must act now to enhance your safety, maintain your legal compliance, and protect the safety of everyone on the road. It is not wise to drive any vehicle whose headlights are not working properly. 4. Broken Lenses If you notice a crack on the surface of your car's headlight lenses, then it is time to replace them. A crack on the lenses will compromise the light and impede your ability to see the road clearly. To prevent further damage and to ensure maximum visibility, replace your broken headlights as soon as possible. 5. Hazy or Foggy Lights Another sign that your Ford's headlights need replacement is if they're hazy or foggy. When moisture and dirt accumulate between the lens and bulb, a lack of visibility may ensue, which can be hazardous. Once again, you can avoid worsening the problem by getting them replaced as soon as possible. 6. Blown Fuses The last sign that your headlights need replacing is the appearance of blown fuses. This can be dangerous as your headlights may suddenly stop working when you're driving on a dark road. If your headlights keep on going out or if you notice blown fuses under your hood, you should immediately bring your car to your local dealer for a proper check-up. The headlights on your car are important for visibility. They can also save you from an accident, and prevent a crash altogether! If you see any of the signs mentioned above, visit Chestatee Ford as soon as possible so that our technicians can diagnose and fix your problem.   Image Courtesy of Pixabay

Are you a nature enthusiast in search of beautiful parks and outdoor spaces in and around Dahlonega? You'll discover unique spots for birdwatching, exploring wildlife, and hiking scenic trails on your next visit to Dahlonega, GA. more 1. Chestatee Wildlife Management Area This remarkable outdoor space features beautiful scenery and lots of opportunities to discover wildlife. It's a fantastic place for birding, hiking, and fishing. You'll find the forests, waterfalls, and lake access that are ideal for capturing some great pictures. Chestatee Wildlife Management Area features camping sites, areas designated for hunting, and picnic sites. It's a terrific place to discover many varieties of birds and habitats during your visit. 2. Amicalola Falls State Park Amicalola Falls State Park is located near Dawsonville, GA, and offers spectacular views of the North Georgia Mountains. It's close to the Appalachian Trail, where you'll find numerous birds, small animals, and natural beauty. Amicalola Falls is one of the tallest cascading waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. The nearby park's lodge is a terrific place to book your next family reunion or special event. 3. Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area This beautiful wooded area is the ideal place to enjoy a wide range of wildlife and birds. Dawson Forest features lakes, picnic spots, and hiking trails to explore the natural wonders of this outdoor space. You'll find lots of activities to enjoy, including horseback riding, fishing, hunting, and geocaching. It's a beautiful place for primitive tent camping for the weekend with the family. You'll want to bring your binoculars for your next visit, where you'll see lots of birds. 4. Vogel State Park Vogel State Park is a fantastic place to enjoy hiking trails, a large 22-acre lake, and camping sites. It's the perfect place to visit on vacation or enjoy a weekend away from the city. You'll find a museum on-site and nature programs to provide lots of information about the state park, its wildlife, and history. It's also a popular place for birding and enjoying a wide range of activities year-round. 5. Smithgall Woods State Park Smithgall Woods State Park is one of the best places to bring your binoculars to observe many birds and local wildlife. You'll find lots of activities to explore during your visit to the park, including guided tours, hiking, archery, fishing, cycling, and geocaching. It's the perfect recreational space to spend an afternoon or camp for the weekend and explore the historical sites and the local museum at the park. Smithgall Woods State Park is perfect for visitors of all ages. 6. Brasstown Bald Visitors Center This park offers one of the highest peaks in Georgia, featuring spectacular 360-degree views to spot lots of natural beauty. You'll find lots of birds and wildlife along with the park's trail system. There are plenty of unique recreational spaces and parks ideal for spotting a wide range of local wildlife and birds. Contact us at Chestatee Ford and inquire about our impressive showroom deals today.   Image Courtesy of Pixabay

If you are a Ford owner, it is crucial to be aware of the signs that your car may need the transmission checked out. Transmission fixes can be costly, and we want to make sure you have all the information before going ahead with a major repair! Read on to find out what the signs are that your Ford needs a transmission repair at your Ford dealer: more 1. Difficulty Shifting Gears Does your transmission shift gears often without your knowledge? Does your transmission refuse to shift or act erratically when attempting to change gears? If this is the case, it may be time for a transmission fix at a dealer near you. Poorly shifting gears can cause various issues such as having your auto shut down, loss of power, and even reducing the life of your engine. 2. Noises When Shifting Gears Does your car make strange noises whenever you try to change gears? If so, this may indicate that your vehicle needs a transmission fix at the dealer. These sounds can be identified as grinding, popping, and others, meaning that there may be damage to gears. It is vital to fix this issue immediately before it becomes worse and you find yourself needing more than just a transmission checkup! 3. Check Engine Light Is On If your check engine light came on and you were unsure as to why, it may be an indication of a bigger problem! A transmission checkup can help identify what issue is causing the check engine light. Your car has many sensors throughout the system that monitor important issues such as gears, power steering, gas levels, tire pressure, and other items. If one of these sensors reports a problem, your check engine light may come on to suggest that you check with a dealer for repairs. 4. Slips in and Out of Gear If your car frequently slips out of gear, it might indicate a more significant issue going on with the transmission! While it is normal for the vehicle to slip out of gear during a gear shift, it should not do it constantly. The slipping gears may cost you gas mileage and damage your vehicle if not fixed quickly. Driving with your transmission slipping can cause overheating, which will eventually lead to other problems! 5. Loss of Power Does your car often lose power? This is a common sign that there may be damage to the transmission or clutch. When this happens, it will cause a slip in the gears and change your vehicle's performance. If you notice a loss of power while driving, pull over as soon as safely possible and call for assistance! 6. Transmission Needs to Be Flushed If your car has recently gone through a major repair, such as an oil change or re-torque, and the transmission fluid needs to be flushed, it is crucial to note that this will cause issues with the gears. This oil change should be performed by a dealer so that you can prevent any damage from occurring. Have you been considering a transmission checkup for your Ford? If so, visit our team at Chestatee Ford. We have years of experience working with transmissions and can help get your car back on the road in no time! Whether you are looking to purchase or would like some insight into what options are available if you want to upgrade, we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. Give us a call today!   Image Courtesy of Pixabay

Sitting beside the lush Chattahoochee National Forest, in the foothills of the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, the small, scenic town of Dahlonega, GA is a wonderful place for outdoor activities. This region of Georgia is a land of beautiful waterfalls, wildlife preserves, horseback riding, and rich old west history. Whatever kind of day trip you're looking for, you're in the right town. more Hiking in Chattahoochee National Forest This enormous, lush forest is the perfect place for a day or two of outdoor adventures. It's well-known as a hiker's paradise, with terrific trails that take you past thundering waterfalls, alongside glistening rivers, over rolling hills, and up onto high ridges with breathtaking views. This wild landscape set the scene for the first gold rush, and as you trek through it, you'll feel just as adventurous as those first hardy explorers. Feeding the Animals at Chestatee Wildlife Preserve and Zoo This wonderful home of predominantly rescued or orphaned animals is home to over 100 exotic and native species. Take the kids to feed the animals, and to marvel at cute bear cubs and tiger cubs. The organization is run mostly on donations, so be sure to bring along at least a little food to help out. Horse Riding with Dahlonega Carriage & Horse Rides Experience a taste of the old west from the first moment you arrive at this rustic 1800's-style riverside establishment when a horse-drawn wagon picks you up from the edge of the ranch. Here, you can roam the property's scenic trails on horseback, before stopping for a hearty home-cooked meal of steak and BBQ. There are other old-style western activities to try out at this characterful place, including horseshoe pitching and even gold panning. Kayaking with Chestatee River Adventures Float peacefully over the gorgeous river waters in an inflatable tube, or go on a glorious 2.5-mile kayaking journey upriver, guided by the friendly staff of this local company. The nearby waters are quiet and secluded, and you're likely to see all manner of wildlife as you paddle. In the river, there are bass, perch, and catfish aplenty. On the banks, you're likely to catch sight of turtles, deer, turkeys, blue herons, and more. Picking Fruit at Reece Orchards There's a great deal of family fun to be had at this large farm surrounded by gorgeous hilly vistas. You can pick apples to your heart's content. For the kids, there's also a giant farm slide, and even a petting zoo, to meet and feed the farm animals. Exploring with Monster Van Tours To be taken straight from downtown Dahlonega up into the most awe-inspiring spots of the North Georgia Mountains, book a tour with Monster Van Tours. The oversized windows allow for a clear view of all that you pass, and you'll stop off in many places to stretch your legs and soak in the vistas. The best thing about this service is your experienced tour guide, who can fill you in on all the best stories of this region steeped in old west history and lore. Birdwatching in Georgia's Wildlife Resources Division Areas The nearby Chestatee WMA and Blue Ridge WMA are two fantastic locations for birdwatchers. If you're lucky, you'll catch sight of plenty of rare species, one example of which is the reclusive golden-winged warbler. Besides our winged friends, there's plenty more wildlife you're likely to come across, including raccoons, opossums, bobcats, feral hogs, deer, and even bears. Whichever of these thrilling activities you decide to try out, make sure you also visit Chestatee Ford, a family-run dealership with strong family values, waiting to provide for all your vehicle purchasing and servicing needs.   Image Courtesy of Pixabay

The new 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning may appear very similar to the gas and diesel-powered F-150s, but this is a very different pickup. more 1. All-Electric Pickup The 2022 F-150 Lightning is a fully electric vehicle. The vehicle is an all-new model for the Ford pickup truck line-up in 2022. All-wheel drive is standard, and the EV is capable of towing up to 10,000 pounds. 2. Same Platform Unlike many other EVs on the market, the all-new F-150 Lightning shares many components with the existing truck platform. Ford has taken the best of a top-seller and brought it to the EV market. 3. Trims The all-new F-150 Lightning is available in four trims. Buyers have the choice of the most affordable base Pro model plus three extra trims, including the XLT, the Lariat, and the Platinum. 4. Awesome Good Looks The all-new F-150 Lightning shares the same great looks as the gas, diesel, and hybrid models. The tough-looking front-end appears almost the same and the body style is almost identical. 5. Electric Range The standard 2022 F-150 Lightning is available with a standard-range battery that is good for around 230 miles. The extended-range battery will give drivers a range of around 300 miles. 6. Electric Power All 2022 F-150 Lightning models come with two electric motors in an all-wheel-drive configuration. With the standard-range battery, the engine turns out 426 horsepower. The extended range battery increases the engine's output to a massive 563 horsepower and a whopping 775 pound-feet of torque. 7. Excellent Handling The steering and handling on the 2022 F-150 Lightning models are outstanding. The all-wheel-drive system provides for excellent traction on bumpy and paved roads. The steering is direct, and the ride is firm without sacrificing comfort for the driver and the passengers. 8. Towing and Payload The extended-range version 2022 F-150 Lightning provides the most amount of towing capacity at 10,000 pounds. The standard-range version of the 2022 F-150 Lightning can tow around 7,200 pounds and has a payload capacity of 2,000 pounds. The extended-range version has a payload capacity of 1,800 pounds. 9. Infotainment The 2022 F-150 Lightning features a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. A larger 15.0-inch touchscreen display is available on the Lariat and the Platinum models. The system features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, and in-dash navigation. 10. Warranty Your all-new 2022 F-150 Lightning comes with excellent warranty packages. The Limited warranty covers 36,000 miles or three years, and the Powertrain warranty covers the powertrain for 60,000 miles or five years. The battery components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. 11. Driver Safety The 2022 F-150 Lightning features a full suite of driver-assistance technologies. Notable driver aids include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and optional adaptive cruise control with the BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving mode. If you are excited and a little overwhelmed by the all-new 2022 F-150 Lightning, you are not alone. Making all the right decisions when reserving your new Lightning is much easier with expert assistance. Our experienced consultants know the vehicle and have the skills to assess your requirements down to a tee. Visit Chestatee Ford to reserve your new F-150 Lightning with complete confidence today.   Image Courtesy of Ford