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Image via Ford.com Nationwide, Americans spend an average of 26 minutes commuting to work each way. In Illinois, that number is 27.9 minutes, adding up to nearly an hour in the car every day. If you live in a major city, that number jumps drastically to an hour or more. Add a stop for coffee and a bagel, and you likely spend more time in your car during the week than on your couch. So you might as well drive a car built to commute. Consider these three exciting Ford models for long commutes. more Ford Fusion In the midsize sedan market, the Fusion stands out for several reasons. Its sleek design is sophisticated and modern. The Fusion earns interior style points for the available heated and cooled seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and rotary shift dial. The Fusion is fuel-efficient, too. The 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder Duratec engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission comes in at 34 mpg on the highway. The hybrid does even better, topping out at 41 mpg. Two EcoBoost engines offer turbocharged power. Front-wheel drive is standard, yet Ford offers an all-wheel-drive version for those looking for exceptional traction control. Ford Mustang Not every commuter car has to be practical or predictable. The 2020 Mustang breaks the mold for commuter cars, offering a sports car experience while still getting great mileage. The 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine delivers exceptional power with 310 horsepower. It also delivers respectable fuel economy with 31 mpg highway. The Mustang is fun to drive, looks great, and has interior features that will make your commute a more pleasant one. Slip into the cockpit of the Mustang, and you are immediately cradled in ergonomic comfort. Available heated and cooled leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a cue ball gear shift amp up the style. Accent stitching and plenty of soft-touch surfaces add to the sophistication. Ford Explorer You might be wondering why a full-size SUV made this list, but the Explorer ticks all the boxes for your commute. Plus, it checks a few boxes for your weekend fun. The Explorer Limited Hybrid offers seating for up to seven passengers, so it's perfect for carpooling. The hybrid powertrain gets an incredible 450 miles on a full tank of gas and up to 29 mpg on the highway. Interior comfort is key, and the Explorer delivers with available heated and cooled leather seats. Legroom abounds for second- and third-row passengers, and the second row tilts forward for easy access to the third row. Fast forward to the weekend, and your Explorer can haul up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Four-wheel drive will take you wherever your weekend leads, with enough power and performance to bring your boat with you. Smart driver-assist features are also available. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping systems are just a few of the technologies helping you stay safe on the road. Many exciting Ford models can improve your commute and your life. Come test drive one today, and discover which model is perfect for you.

Image Via Ford.com The Ford SuperDuty is a powerful, full-size pickup truck designed to handle any tough job. For the 2020 model year, it has a new V-8 gas engine and a new 10-speed automatic transmission. A new off-road Tremor package also debuts this year, and all models have a revised front and rear end along with more equipment. Here is a look at the 2020 Ford SuperDuty. The Next Level Looks Ford offers the SuperDuty in six different trim levels, and you can choose from the F-250 or the F-350. The base XL has telescoping tow mirrors and a removable locking tailgate. The XLT adds power-adjustable heated side door mirrors, while the Platinum and the Limited add extras such as power-retractable side steps and a power tailgate. The high-end King Ranch offers Western-themed styling. A new Tremor package for the 2020 model year gets you a lift kit to raise the suspension by two inches. It adds 35-inch off-road tires and 18-inch matte black wheels. The Powerful Engine The base engine in the SuperDuty is the same 6.2-liter V-8 from last year. It generates 385 horsepower and works with a six-speed automatic transmission. The new 7.3-liter V-8 for the 2020 model year produces 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, and it is paired with a new 10-speed transmission. Ford also offers the SuperDuty with a turbo diesel V-8 that will generate 475 horsepower and produce an incredible 1,050 pound-feet of torque. The Workhorse Performance This heavy-duty truck has the power and capabilities to get the job done. When equipped with the turbo diesel and the towing package along with a gooseneck hitch, the SuperDuty can tow up to 37,000 pounds. It can also handle up to a 7,850-pound payload. The new 7.3-liter gas engine gives the SuperDuty the most powerful gas engine in its class. The Comfortable Interior The lower-end SuperDuty models have functional cabins with vinyl upholstery and manual windows. The XLT adds power windows and cloth upholstery, while the Platinum and Limited adds multi-contour seats in the front and leather upholstery. The King Ranch has the most luxury features with upgraded leather and a heated steering wheel. Ford updated the available technology for the 2020 model year, giving all SuperDuty models a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot with enough connections to handle up to ten devices. The SYNC 3 infotainment system comes in the XLT and above, along with an 8-inch touch-screen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a USB-c connection. Wireless device charging is also available on some trims. The Numerous Safety Features All the F-250 and F-350 models have a rearview camera, and if you take a few steps up to the Platinum or Limited, you'll get adaptive cruise control. The XLT and above all come standard with lane-keeping assist and a blind-spot information system with trailer coverage that helps you see vehicles approaching in your blind spot, even when you're pulling a trailer. All trims, except the base XL, come with pre-collision assist and automatic emergency braking, and all trims have class-exclusive seat belts pretensioners that automatically activate in an accident.

Image via Ford.com A sporty vehicle, the 2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid is part of the third generation introduced in 2013. Its upscale cabin design and state-of-the-art technology set it apart from others in its class. This five-passenger sedan is powered by a hybrid system that allows you to achieve stellar fuel economy. Its nimble handling and quiet cabin make you feel like you're riding in a luxury vehicle, whether you're dealing with city commuting or cross-country trips. more Trims to Choose From There are three trims available with the 2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid: SE, SEL, and Titanium. Ford slimmed down the trim levels for 2019, and there are no major changes for the 2020 model year. The SEL trim adds an optional moonroof, while it comes standard on the Titanium trim. The SEL trim also includes LED headlights and heated outside mirrors. The vehicle includes both an electronic traction and stability control system, which provide a stable ride. Engine and Power To power the 2020 Fusion Hybrid, it comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, along with an 88-kW electric motor. Combined, these two produce 188 horsepower. The vehicle comes paired to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, which gives you a smooth and efficient drive straight off the line. Front-wheel drive is standard, but you can opt for all-wheel drive if you like. The 2020 Fusion Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 43 miles per gallon in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. These numbers are outstanding for a midsize vehicle. Interior splendor No matter where you sit in the Fusion Hybrid, there is plenty of space. Even adults sitting in the second row can fit comfortably. Its base trim comes standard with cloth upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a nine-speaker audio system, and satellite radio. To keep everyone connected, the vehicle includes two USB ports, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and the easy-to-use SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen display along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The SEL trim adds heated front seats, an 11-speaker stereo, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. With the Titanium trim, you gain leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a 12-speaker stereo, a heated steering wheel, HD radio, and a six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. Upgrades with this trim include surround sound and heated front seats. For cargo space, the battery resides in the trunk, so you only get 12 cubic feet of space. The regular Fusion has 16 cubic feet of space. Safety you can count on When it comes to safety, the 2020 Fusion Hybrid comes standard with the Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assistance features. Some of these features include blind-spot monitoring, a rearview camera, automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward automatic emergency braking. Other standard features include adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and Ford MyKey. The MyKey system lets you set speed and audio limits for secondary drivers. Also, the vehicle offers two complete sets of LATCH car seat connectors found with the rear outboard seats, while there is an upper tether anchor found on the rear middle seat.

Image via Ford.com As one of the top SUVs in its class, the 2020 Ford Expedition has a powerful engine, high-end interior, and class-leading towing capacity. Seating up to eight people, the vehicle allows for a commanding view for front-row travelers, while the second and third rows are comfortable and spacious. more Stunning Exterior The 2020 Ford Expedition comes with four trims: the XLT, Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum. The King Ranch is new for 2020. Each trim is also available in an extended-wheelbase Expedition Max model, which adds 9 inches to its length. Powerful Efficient Engine There are two engine options with the 2020 Ford Expedition. The base is a 3.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V-6 engine that produces 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The Platinum trim has the same engine, but it produces 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard, but you can opt for all-wheel drive. The rear-wheel-drive Expedition gets an EPA-estimated 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. With front-wheel drive, you will get 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. If you have the extended-wheelbase rear-wheel-drive SUV, you'll get 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, while four-wheel drive lowers the numbers to 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. When properly equipped, the SUV can tow up to 9,300 pounds, which is the best in its class. Stylish Interior The XLT trim includes cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a six-speaker audio system, and an 8-inch touch screen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Limited trim adds leather upholstery and heated second-row seats, while the King Ranch includes upgraded leather seats. The top-of-the-line Platinum trim has enhanced noise control. The SUV also boasts plenty of cargo space. With the standard body length, the vehicle has 20.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row, and folding down the third row gives you 63.6 cubic feet of space. Folding down both rows gives you a massive 104.6 cubic feet of space. With the extended-wheelbase Expedition Max, you get 36 cubic feet behind the third row and 79.6 cubic feet behind the second row. Folding down both rows gives you a maximum of 121.5 cubic feet of space. Safe For Your Family Standard safety features found on the 2020 Ford Expedition include a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and Ford's MyKey. The MyKey system allows you to set audio and speed limits for secondary drivers. For 2020, all Expeditions come standard with Ford's Co-Pliot360 suite of active safety features. These features include lane-keep assist, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beam headlights, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and forward automatic emergency braking. Optional safety features include adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assist, rain-sensing windshield wipers, front parking sensors, and a surround-view parking camera system. Due to these stellar safety features, the SUV earned a perfect five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It earned five stars for side and frontal crash tests.

Image Via Ford.com The Edge is Ford's mid-size crossover SUV and is a solid choice for drivers who are looking for an excellent all-around vehicle. For the 2020 model year, Ford added dual-zone automatic climate control to all trim levels. All grades also now come with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and an 8-inch touch screen. There is also a new Titanium Elite package with some cosmetic addition for the high-end Titanium. more Stunning Exterior There are four different Edge models. The base SE has 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, and a rear spoiler. It also has LED taillights and comes with LED daytime running lights. A step up to the SEL adds LED fog lights and heated side-door mirrors with turn signal indicators and puddle lamps. The Titanium comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, a hands-free liftgate, and LED daytime running lights. The sporty ST has 20-inch wheels, a dark front grille, and a sport-tuned suspension. Engine and Performance The SE, SEL, and the Titanium all get their power from a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine that produces 245 horsepower. All trims come with an 8-speed transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is an available option for any of these trims and Ford's intelligent disconnect system that will disconnect the rear wheels if they're not needed. The ST has a 2.7-liter turbo V-6 under the hood that gets 335 horsepower; it also comes with the AWD system. The turbo four-liter engine powers the SUV with ease and passengers will enjoy the smooth, comfortable ride. The ST offers a more exciting ride with its sport-tuned suspension and grippy tires. Its powertrain makes your drive more exciting by responding quickly when you press on the gas. The Edge heads around corners with very little body roll. Interior The Edge has room for five people with plenty of room in both rows of seats. Cloth upholstery comes standard along with a 10-way power-adjustment feature for the driver. As you move up through the trims, synthetic leather and genuine leather become available along with heated and ventilated front seats. You can also get heat for the rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a steering wheel wrapped in leather. Some options available for the higher trims include cooled front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and navigation. The technology now starts with the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touch-screen display, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. All trims also have a Wi-Fi hot spot, satellite radio, and come with two USB ports. The SEL adds two smart-charging USB ports, and the Titanium has wireless charging. Safety Features All the 2020 Ford Edge models come with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite with forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-path alert. The Titanium model adds the Co-PIlot360 Assist + group of safety features. This adds a lane-centering system, evasive steering assist, and it adds a stop-and go-function to the adaptive cruise control.

Image Via Pexels.com When it comes to summertime eats in Dahlonega, Georgia, has several great restaurants, including plenty of places where you can get some satisfying soul food. The next time you're in the mood for some of the best soul food in Dahlonega, make plans to dine at one of these top restaurants in the area. As with most locations and current events please call ahead to find out individual restaurant policies or order take out. more The Smith House The Smith House is an inn and restaurant that has been serving the area since it first opened its doors in 1899. Take a seat in the family-style dining area for your chance to savor some of the best home-cooked country food in the area. When you're ready to eat, you have your choice of two meats and four vegetables for the entire table. Some of the meat options include fried chicken, baked ham, and fried shrimp. Good vegetable options to consider include mashed potatoes and gravy, collard greens, creamed corn, green beans, and fried okra. Yahoola Creek Grill Yahoola Creek Grill offers a one-of-kind Southern dining experience in Dahlonega. Take a seat in the casual dining room or grab a spot out on the scenic deck. If you're feeling especially hungry, start your meal with an appetizer. Good options include fried green tomatoes and crab and shrimp fritters. For your main course, consider the meatloaf, which is a family recipe made with Yahoola Creek barbecue sauce and served with garlic smashed potatoes. Other good options include the oven-roasted half chicken, shrimp and grits, and Southern Angus burger. Chastain Southern Catering & Outback Cafe Chastain Southern Catering & Outback Cafe makes it easy to enjoy delicious comfort food for breakfast and lunch. You can get your morning started right by stopping by for the grab-and-go breakfast croissant that's made with a fried egg, ham, and Swiss cheese. For lunch, you can't go wrong with the gourmet chicken salad wrap, which is made with all-white-meat chicken, chopped pecans, mandarin oranges, and purple grapes. Another excellent option is the smoked turkey and cranberry wrap with its smoked sliced turkey, creamy cranberry spread, sliced yellow squash, and alfalfa sprouts. 19° North You can experience some of the best Southern coastal cuisine in the mountains of Georgia when you visit 19° North. Some of the popular dishes include the Low Country shrimp and grits, sweet tea-brined pork chop, country-fried steak, cilantro lime chicken breast, and the pork belly and scallops. If you still have room after your meal, be sure to ask your server about the daily selection of freshly made desserts. The Crimson Moon The Crimson Moon is an intimate spot that will entertain you with live music while serving you casual soul food. Consider starting your meal with the spinach and artichoke dip or lobster and crab fondue. For your main course, you'll love the eight-ounce whiskey-glazed flat iron steak served with roasted potatoes and broccoli. Other good options include the grilled meatloaf, fried catfish, country-fried steak, and shrimp and grits. When you have a craving for some of the best soul food in Dahlonega, you know you'll have a filling meal when you check out these top restaurants in the area.

Image Via Pexels.com Dahlonega, Georgia, is known for its scenic outdoor beauty, and you can get outside and enjoy this beauty for yourself in a variety of ways. Whether you're looking to spend some time on a trail or on the water, you'll have a great time participating in these outdoor activities around Dahlonega. more Hiking Hiking is an incredibly popular activity near Dahlonega. You can make the two-mile trek on the Appalachian Trail to the top of Springer Mountain for gorgeous summit views. In addition to the Appalachian Trail, the 300-mile Benton MacKaye Trail is another good long-distance trail you can explore near Dahlonega. If you love waterfalls, don't miss the chance to visit Amicalola Falls State Park and hike to Amicalola Falls, which is the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Biking If you like to ride your bike, you'll find opportunities for both mountain biking and road cycling. Dahlonega hosts the yearly Six Gap Century and Three Gap Fifty biking competition, which is considered one of the toughest rides in the southeast. If you can't sign up for the official competition, you can still enjoy the same course on your own. To test your mountain biking skills, head to the Chattahoochee National Forest and tackle some of the 36 miles of recreational trails there. You'll find plenty of trails that vary in length from 4.5 miles to 20 miles. Paddling The Etowah and Chestatee Rivers both run near Dahlonega and provide plenty of opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and rafting. The Etowah River tends to be smaller and quicker than the Chestatee River, which makes it more of a challenge. Yahoola Creek is another great waterway to explore. One of the best access points for Yahoola Creek is in Yahoola Creek Park. If you launch your canoe or kayak from the park, you can follow the twists and turns of the creek for 2.2 miles until it empties into the Chestatee River. Camping Camping is one of the best ways to get outside in Dahlonega. Whether you're looking for an RV park or a primitive campsite, you'll find plenty of choices in the area. Etowah River Campground is within walking distance of the Etowah River and offers 59 RV sites and 26 tent sites. Chattahoochee National Forest also has numerous camping options. Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area has several sites centered around the beautiful 18-acre Lake Winfield Scott. Other good options include the Morganton Point Campground and DeSoto Falls Recreation Area. Fishing Dahlonega has a variety of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs that are perfect for fishing. Waters Creek is a trophy trout stream where you can fish for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout. Jones Creek is another good option that's known for its native brown trout. If you like to fish in a lake, consider Lake Winfield Scott, which is stocked with rainbow trout. Dockery Lake is also stocked with trout and is a great lake for fishing with kids. When you're ready to get outside in Dahlonega, choose one of these exciting activities and have some fun enjoying everything the area has to offer.

Image via Ford.com The Ford Fusion is a stylish and sophisticated sedan that offers plenty of great features that drivers love. If you're thinking about getting a new vehicle that will help your daily commute become even easier, check out some of the features that make the Fusion the vehicle that meets all your driving needs. more Excellent Powertrain Options No matter what type of commute you have, the Ford Fusion has a powertrain for you. The standard 2.5-liter i-VCT engine with its six-speed automatic transmission offers a spry 175 horsepower. If you're interested in adding some excitement to every drive you take, consider the available 181-horsepower 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine or the available 245-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. If you have a long commute and efficiency is your top concern, the available 2.0-liter hybrid engine is exactly what you need. Comfortable Interior You can make every commute a little more comfortable when you do it behind the wheel of the Ford Fusion. For convenience, the sedan comes standard with a rotary gearshift dial, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and push-button start. You and your front passenger will enjoy the practicality of the available dual-zone automatic temperature control. Plus, available features like the leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-trimmed sport seats bring a soft touch to the inside of the Fusion. Sleek Good Looks If you're looking for a new Ford that turns heads when you make your commute, the Fusion will do just that. The sedan makes a bold statement coming and going with standard features that include a five-bar grille with a black finish and chrome surround, solar tinted glass, configurable daytime running lights, automatic halogen headlights with a courtesy delay, and LED taillights. To make your drive a little easier, the sedan also comes standard with rain-sensing windshield wipers and available with heated and power-adjustable side mirrors and LED fog lamps. Great Safety Features You know how unpredictable the road can be when you're commuting. That's why the Fusion comes with Ford Co-Pilot360. This collection of driver-assistive safety technologies helps you monitor every angle of the vehicle. It comes standard with a rearview camera, blind-spot information with rear cross-traffic alert, pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and a lane-keeping system. It's also available with adaptive cruise control, a reverse sensing system, and a voice-activated navigation system. Technology To Keep You Connected When you're on the road, you need to stay connected. Fortunately, that's easy to do in the Fusion with its variety of outstanding connectivity features. The sedan comes standard with the SYNC infotainment system and FordPass Connect, which includes a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot and the ability to access several remote vehicle functions like locking and unlocking doors and turning on and off the engine. The sedan is also available with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which includes the connectivity power of Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa. When you're ready to tackle your commute with ease, you'll love doing it behind the wheel of the sleek and modern Ford Fusion.

Image Via Ford.com If you're searching for a midsize pickup truck with best-in-class hauling capacity, check out the 2020 Ford Ranger. This pickup truck will take you across town in style and get the job done. Learn more about the features on the 2020 Ranger that make this truck the right one for you. more Impressive Power Under the Hood The 2020 Ranger is available in the three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat. Each trim level is equipped with the same powertrain. Under the hood of the Ranger, you'll see a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine complete with auto start-stop technology for improved fuel efficiency. This EcoBoost engine produces best-in-class gas-powered torque of 310 pound-feet and cranks out 270 horsepower. Working alongside the EcoBoost engine is an electronic 10-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode, which maximizes lower gears when hauling heavy materials in the bed or towing a trailer. The Ranger's best-in-class payload capacity is 1,860 pounds, and the towing capacity is 7,500 when equipped with the trailer tow package. The standard drivetrain on the Ranger is rear-wheel drive, but you can opt for a four-wheel-drive model to meet your driving needs. If you choose a four-wheel-drive Ranger, you can take advantage of the electronic-shift-on-the-fly system with neutral towing capability. The ESOF system allows you to shift into four-wheel drive whenever you need by simply turning a dial. Driver Safety Is the Standard The 2020 Ranger comes with a host of safety features. All three trim levels come standard with pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, trailer sway control, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, curve control, SOS Post-Crash Alert System, and a rearview camera. For additional driver-assistive technology, check out the XLT and Lariat trim levels, which are equipped with a reverse sensing system, blind spot information system, and a lane-keeping system. A forward sensing system is standard only on the Lariat. Available safety features on the Ranger include adaptive cruise control, Trail Control, and rain-sensing wipers. Sleek, Head-Turning Exterior Features Each trim level on the 2020 Ranger is equipped with different sizes and styles of wheels. The XL comes with 16-inch silver steel wheels, the XLT has 17-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels, and the Lariat comes with 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with stealth gray pockets. Available types and styles include chrome-like PDV wheels, magnetic-painted aluminum wheels, machined aluminum wheels with magnetic pockets, and black painted aluminum wheels with black center caps. Other striking exterior features include the Ranger's bumpers and grilles. The front and rear steel bumpers come standard in black on the XL, in your choice of body color on the XLT and Lariat, and available in chrome on all models. The standard grille on the XLT is carbon black mesh with silver surround, and the Lariat has a chrome bar grille with chrome surround. On both the XLT and Lariat, you can opt for the chrome, sport, or black appearance package to turn even more heads when you drive across town. Get behind the wheel of a 2020 Ford Ranger today at Chestatee Ford. We're here to help you find the vehicle that best suits you.

Image Via Pexels.com If you live in or nearby Dahlonega, there are plenty of places where you can go canoeing or kayaking. This small city in Georgia is surrounded by a 40-mile area that boasts more than two dozen popular waterway sections where one can spend a delightful day paddling. Here are some of the best places for canoeing and kayaking in the area. more Chestatee and Etowah Rivers The Chestatee and Etowah Rivers are probably the most popular and well-traveled canoeing and kayaking destinations in the area. Although both rivers offer a few challenging sections, they are predominantly known for their Class I and Class II rapids. As water levels and conditions are ever-changing in these waters, it's advisable to consult with professionals before you embark on your trip. Appalachian Outfitters River Outpost, which is located in Dahlonega, offers exciting river trips for both beginners and experienced paddlers who are looking for something a bit more adventurous. The lower Chestatee River trip, for instance, is ideal for first-time paddlers and families, as it features several gentle rapids and beautiful scenery. If you're looking for more challenging rapids, sign up for the Upper Etowah River trip, which also includes a portage around the 10-foot drop of the Etowah Falls. Cartecay River Flowing through the mountains in and around Ellijay, the waters of the 19.1-mile-long Cartecay River is a very popular whitewater run in the area. As is the case with the Chestatee and Etowah Rivers, the Cartecay River offers mainly Class I and Class II rapids, with notable rapids including Blackberry Falls and Clear Creek Falls. As the river flows quite fast in certain places, it is best to have a bit of experience before kayaking or canoeing in these waters or to use a guide. A trip down the Cartecay River offers scenic views through calm waters for a few miles until you reach a long stretch of outstanding whitewater. Two companies that offer kayaking trips on this river include Ellijay River Outfitters and Cartecay River Experience. You can rent equipment from both companies or you can opt to bring your own. Toccoa River The waters of the Toccoa River start in the Chattahoochee National Forest and end up in the Blue Ridge Lake. Within the National Forest, the Toccoa offers a 13.8-mile canoe trail that winds through beautiful scenery, including forested areas, laurel and rhododendron thickets, and pastoral private lands. Although the trail features a few Class I and Class II rapids, it generally offers a placid and peaceful canoeing experience. As this section of the river is also excellent trout habitat, those who enjoy fishing may want to cast a line while canoeing through these waters. You could also make this a canoe camping trip, as a large part of the area through which the trail runs is open to camping. Now that the sunny summer months have arrived, take some time out to get to know the beautiful scenery that the area in and around Dahlonega has to offer. Whether you're a beginner who wants to just gently float down peaceful waters or a seasoned paddler who is looking for a more adrenaline-fueled experience, the waterway sections in the area provide the perfect paddling experience for everyone.

If you're in the mood for a fresh, scrumptious sandwich in Dahlonega, Georgia, there are a few places in the city that offer just that. To boot, these joints don't only boast mouthwatering food but also excellent service and pleasant venues. Here are a few suggestions of places you can visit next time you need your sandwich fix. The Corner Kitchen Deli The Corner Kitchen Deli is located in a beautifully renovated building on a corner lot in Dahlonega. On the outside, the premises boast pretty flowers in a well-tended garden, as well as a pleasant, shaded patio where patrons can sit down for lunch. The owner of the deli bases the success of her business on three principles, namely fresh quality ingredients, great customer service, and attention to detail. The menu offers a small selection of artisan-crafted sandwiches and wraps, such as the Hummus Wrap, served with roasted red peppers, lettuce, cucumbers, and sun-dried tomatoes, and the Cuban, which is a sub roll served with Black Forest ham, bacon, bread and butter pickles, Dijon mustard, and Swiss cheese. You can also add a fresh side like broccoli slaw, Greek pasta salad, or a mixed green salad to your sandwich order. more Picnic Cafe & Dessertery Another place that serves delectable sandwiches in Dahlonega is Picnic Cafe & Dessertery. The owners of this cafe are two sisters who enjoy simple, Southern-style cooking. As can only be expected, the menu at Picnic Cafe reflects their love of all things Southern and also features a few family recipes. All meals are prepared daily on-site and from only the freshest, top-quality ingredients. You can choose from a variety of sandwich options at this cafe, including delicious offerings like the Southern Honey Ham Salad Sandwich, which is prepared with chopped eggs, honey ham, and pickle relish, and the Sweet Georgia Peach Chicken Salad Sandwich with chopped chicken and peach slices mixed together with a mustard-based dressing. All sandwiches are accompanied by two fresh, homemade sides, and options include pasta salad, chips, potato salad, fresh fruit, and tomato basil bisque. Knuckle's Sandwich Shop Knuckle's Sandwich Shop, which is located right off Dahlonega Square, serves a variety of delicious hot and cold sandwiches. The venue of the shop is attractive and modern and features a bar area where patrons can relax with a beer, as well as a large dining area. When the sun's out, you can enjoy your sandwich outside on the cheerful and shaded patio where live musicians often perform. All cold sandwiches at Knuckle's include lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and peppers, and you can choose from options like Tuna & Crab, Roast Beef, and the Three Hit Combo with ham, turkey, and roast beef. On the hot sandwich list, there are mouthwatering options like the Spinach and Mushroom Grilled Cheese, prepared with provolone, Portobello mushrooms, spinach, and pesto mayo. The menu also features fresh salads and a few sides that include potato salad, coleslaw, and kettle chips. Offering tasty and fresh sandwiches, attentive service, and pleasant venues, these sandwich joints in Dahlonega are sure to hit the spot. Image via pixabay.com

Image via Ford.com If you're in the market for a capable and versatile family vehicle, take a look at the 2020 Ford Expedition. This large SUV offers a spacious and flexible interior, a powerful engine, impressive standard and available safety equipment, and a well-equipped infotainment system. Here's some more information on why the Expedition may just be the perfect family vehicle for you. more Spacious and Flexible Interior The Expedition offers comfortable seating for the whole family and can accommodate up to eight passengers. The cabin is also versatile and can be configured according to your family's needs. Behind the third-row seats is 20.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which you can extend to 104.6 cubic feet by folding the second and third rows down. Apart from the standard-wheelbase models, the Expedition is also available in a Max version across all trims, which features a 9-inch-longer wheelbase. If you opt for a Max model, your Expedition will have more rear-seat legroom and a larger cargo area that measures 79.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 121.5 cubic feet with all seats folded down. The base trim is quite well-equipped with features like push-button start, a universal garage door opener, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Higher trims add nice-to-haves like memory features, leather upholstery, wireless charging, ambient lighting, heated and ventilated seats, power-adjustable pedals, and a panoramic sunroof. Modern Technology Those with kids can vouch that a modern and well-equipped infotainment system is an important consideration when looking for a new family car. Fortunately, the standard Sync 3 infotainment system that comes with the Expedition boasts all the bells and whistles, including an 8-inch display, Bluetooth, six speakers, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and SiriusXM. If you really want to spoil the kids, opt for the available dual-headrest rear entertainment system. The modern technology featured with the Expedition will also keep you and your family safe on the road. Apart from standard safety features like a rearview camera with backup assist, all trims also come with Ford's impressive Co-Pilot360 suite that includes standard features like auto high-beam headlights, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, and reverse sensing. Higher trims add a blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, a lane-keeping system, pro-trailer backup assist, enhanced active parking, and a 360-degree camera. Strong Performance A family vehicle should also offer respectable and capable performance and utility. Except for the top Platinum trim, all Expedition trims feature a robust 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 engine that's mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and produces 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The Platinum trim receives a stronger version of the same engine that generates 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard but all trims are available with all-wheel drive. If you equip your Expedition with an all-wheel-drive system and the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, you'll be able to tow up to 9,300 pounds, which is enough to accommodate anything from a large trailer to a big boat. Offering the perfect combination of capability, safety, and comfort, the 2020 Ford Expedition is the perfect family car. To take one for a spin, drop by Chestatee Ford.