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Do you want to get into the winter holiday spirit? Are you a Georgia resident, or a tourist who is planning to visit The Peach State during the festive season? If you answered, "yes", to these two questions, you'll enjoy learning about several exciting and upcoming winter festivals in Georgia. Attend one, a few, or all of them to feel the cheery holiday vibes and enjoy the company of community members and visitors. Lighting of the Tree and Square On November 29th, 2019, be sure to attend the annual Lighting of the Tree and Square. This festive event will be held from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (EST) in HIstoric Dahlonega Square. The Square is situated at 100 N Chestatee St., Georgia. When you attend, you may spend your day participating in fun family activities and enjoying the talents of strolling performers. The festival runs for most of the day and evening, but the actual lighting of the square happens at 6 p.m. sharp. This winter fest will feature seasonal music performed by The Plaids. more Ugly Sweater Wine Tour Are you looking for a holiday event that's a little bit quirky and off the beaten track? If so, you should definitely check out the Ugly Sweater Wine Tour. Leave your car behind if you're planning to sample some vino during this fun and lighthearted festival, or bring a designated driver along. This event will be held on Friday, December 6th, at 11 a.m., in Dahlonega Square, Chestatee. Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater to try and win a prize. Then, enjoy a pleasant North Georgia wine tour that includes trips to three local wineries. Mountain Country Christmas In Lights This holiday-themed festival will be held at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee on December 12th, 13th, and 14th, 2019, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds are situated at 1311 Music Hall Road. This event is tailor-made for families who want to enjoy the pleasures of the winter season. When you attend, you'll enjoy superb music and great food, and you'll have the chance to see gorgeous seasonal decorations and pretty lights. Hippie Fest This winter festival will take place in March and it will be unique enough to be very interesting, while still having plenty of traditional elements that provide charming and homespun appeal. Hippie Fest will be held on March 14, 2019, at Uncle Shucks Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch (125 Bannister Road) in Dawsonville, GA. It's a rain-or-shine event that attracts hippies from all over America. This grassroots gathering celebrates peace and love. Attend to enjoy a hippie auto show, vintage bohemian shopping, do-it-yourself tie-dye, and so much more. This event is suitable for all ages. These amazing winter festivals are not-to-be-missed events. Go solo or gather a crew and then enjoy some Georgia-style holiday cheer. Each event on the list promises to deliver good energy in abundance. These events will definitely put a smile on your face and get you into the holiday spirit. Image via Pexels.com

Georgia isn't known for its heavy snowfall, but Georgia residents still need to master the fundamentals of winter car care. For one thing, they may drive their cars, trucks, or SUVs to colder places. Another possibility is that there will be a colder-than-average Georgia winter that brings an unexpected amount of snow and ice. When vehicle owners take good care of the cars during the cooler months, they'll boost safety and keep their rides in great condition for longer. Warm Your Car Engine Overnight Blizzards aren't a common event in The Peach State, but freezing rain and up to five inches of snow per year are possibilities, especially in mountainous regions, such as Gilmer and Pickens. If winter temperatures plunge below -15 C, you should utilize a block heater. Plug your auto in overnight to keep its engine warmed up. When you do, you'll find that it starts easily in the morning. more Remove Leaves and Other Debris When it comes to your home, removing leaves and other debris stops gutters from getting clogged. The same principle applies with your vehicle. If it's a windy day or night, leaves or other debris may get caught in parts of your car and trigger rust and/or leaks. So, inspect your vehicle and get rid of anything that shouldn't be there. Don't Forget to Add Winter Tires To stay safe on the roads when the weather gets chilly, put winter tires on your vehicle. Don't skip this important step, as your existing tires may not be up to winter road conditions. While all-weather tires are good enough most of the time, given the climate, do you really want to take a chance? Winter tires will be better choices when there's freezing rain or other road hazards. Make Sure The Fuel Tank Is Half-Full When you keep the fuel tank at least half-full during winter, you'll greatly minimize the risk of running out of gas during a bad-weather situation. No one wants to get stranded when the wind is howling and it's really cold. Another advantage to having a fairly full gas tank is that the fuel in the tank is less likely to freeze when condensation crops up. Don't Skimp On Routine Maintenance When it starts getting colder, you should get a mechanic to inspect your vehicle. This type of routine maintenance can save your life. If you have a valid warranty, it'll also ensure that your warranty stays in force. Choose a reputable mechanic who understands your make and model inside and out. If your vehicle needs repairs, get that taken care of as soon as you can. Winter isn't the time to let repairs slide. You need to know that your car is one hundred percent safe to drive. These tips will help you to keep your vehicle in tip-top condition all winter long. If you dream of a better ride, which makes it easier to enjoy the winter season in premium comfort and safety, why not take a new or used auto for a test drive today? Image via Pixabay.com

A popular tourist destination in North Georgia, Dahlonega is famous for being the site of the first gold rush in the United States. In 1828, 20 years before the California gold rush, thousands of miners congregated in the area for the plentiful gold. In the earlier day, they only had to pick it off the ground. Later, they used pans and sluice boxes to get the gold from the streams and rivers and began mining for it underground. While commercial gold mining operations ended in the 1980s, visitors can visit the mines to try their hand at gold panning. Here are some places dedicated to gold in Dahlonega. more Dahlonega Gold Museum Located at 1 Public Square inside the well-preserved Lumpkin County Courthouse building, the museum displays the rare gold coins that the U.S. Branch Mint minted in Dahlonega between 1838 and 1861. During this period, it produced gold coins worth over $6 million. The museum also has a gold nugget that weighs more than five ounces. Other museum attractions include a big hydraulic cannon with a nozzle for gold extraction. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. On Sunday, you can visit between 10 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. The admission fee is $8.50 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for youth from 7 to 17 years old, and free for children who are 6 years old or younger. For group tours, the fee is $7 for adults, $4 for youth, and $3 for children. Consolidated Gold Mine Established in 1896 to extract gold from quartz veins, this is a deep mine with a depth of around 200 feet. You can take a guided tour to see how hard the miners worked to blast the quartz and extract the gold deposits. You can also try your hand at gold panning while you're down below. The temperature in the mine is around 60 degrees throughout the year, and the tour requires a lot of walking, including going down and reclimbing stairways and ramps. Wear sturdy walking shoes. The mine does not allow strollers or pets, and it may not be an ideal outing for very young children. You can visit the Consolidated Gold Mine seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fee is $18 for adults and $12 for children. Crisson Gold Mine The mine was in operation from 1847 until the early 1980s and opened to the public in 1969. You can see the 130-year-old stamp mill crush quartz rock to extract gold, and you can see other antique gold mining machines, such as the rod mills and jaw crushers, in operation. Additionally, you can pan for gold, rubies, sapphires, and other gemstones. Along with renting a trommel for gold processing, you can buy equipment like dredges and metal detectors. You can visit the Crisson Gold Mine seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Take a self-guided tour or a group tour. Admission is $10.95 for anyone who is 4 years old or older. These tours offer a glimpse into an interesting historical period that helped shape U.S. history. If you're in Dahlonega, don't miss out. Image via Pixabay

An engineering marvel that is also easy on the eyes, the sleek Ford Mustang convertible's versatility makes it a fun vehicle for cruising along on open highways. On warm, sunny days, you can put the top down and feel the cool breeze whip through your hair. If the weather turns unfavorable, you can raise the cover for a warm, comfortable ride. With regular use and exposure to climatic elements, however, the convertible top can take a beating. To keep it in prime condition, you must carry out monthly maintenance. Here are a few tips to keep your Mustang 's convertible top in great condition: more Determine Convertible Top Material Your automobile dealer will know if you have a fabric or vinyl top. If they don't, do a spot test by applying a little water to the top surface. A fabric top will absorb the water, but a vinyl top won't. Knowing which material you have will allow you to pick the right cleaner. Use a Vacuum Cleaner and Water Cleaning your convertible top with water once a month will prevent it from getting too unsightly. Parking your Mustang in the shade to avoid direct sunlight, use a vacuum cleaner to dislodge and remove any accumulated dust or dirt from the fabric or vinyl surface. Rinse it away with a water spray. Wipe with a microfiber cloth and let the top dry. Clean With the Right Cleaners If rinsing with water doesn't do the trick, apply a specially formulated fabric or vinyl cleaner evenly all over the entire convertible top. Avoid using household cleaners as they contain harsh chemicals that can damage the convertible top. Also, avoid car wash shampoos, as they have gloss-enhancers that do not affect fabric or vinyl tops. Instead, they get absorbed into the fabric and foster dust accumulation. Use only the right cleaner, and let it sit for a few minutes before washing the foam off with water. If necessary, scrub with a soft-bristled brush to get the dirt out. Pat the top surface with a microfiber cloth to absorb excess moisture. Then let dry. Apply Protectant Fabric and vinyl protectants will protect the convertible top from fading, cracking, and deteriorating. Apply the appropriate protectant only after the newly-washed top has completely dried, and, preferably, indoors to avoid dust accumulation. Shake the protectant bottle, and spray it evenly on the top surface. Ideally, apply three layers. Let each layer dry completely before the next one. Even if you have a brand-new Ford Mustang, it is essential to set up a regular schedule for cleaning the convertible top and applying the protectant. Try to do a cleanup at least once every six to eight weeks. That will help you avoid long-term damage caused by UV radiation and environmental exposure. Then there will be less chance of your top fading and developing cracks. It will also not be prone to leakage. You will be able to enjoy your Ford Mustang convertible for a long time without needing to replace the top. Image via Dealeron

Set amid breathtaking natural surroundings in northern Georgia, Dahlonega has much to offer visitors. Whether you want to soak in the historical atmosphere, go on long hikes, or engage in fun activities with your family, you will find something of interest here. So, if you are going to be in town, here are five fun destinations in Dahlonega to check out. Chestatee Wildlife Preserve and Zoo The zoo is home to over 100 animals, both native and exotic, that animal activists and the authorities rescued from various unpleasant and unfortunate situations. When you visit, remember to buy a $5 food bucket to feed the animals that approach the fence to meet you. Since the Chestatee Wildlife Preserve and Zoo does not get government funding, they will also appreciate donations of fresh produce and toys for the animals. more You can visit the animals from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Sunday throughout the year. The last entry is at 3 p.m. The admission fee is $10 for children 12 years old and older, $5 for kids one to 11 years old, and free for infants under 12 months. Cash payment is preferred. North Georgia Astronomical Observatory If you enjoy star gazing, head to Day Drive in Dahlonega and visit the North Georgia Astronomical Observatory. It is renowned for its NASA All-Sky Fireball Network Camera that astronomers use for detecting meteors. The Observatory is open for university students from Monday to Friday and for the general public on Fridays. Visit on clear nights. The observatory also has free planetarium shows during the week. From 7:30 p.m. onward, Monday through Thursday, the Observatory is open for students taking Introductory astronomy classes. The public can visit starting at 9:30 p.m. on Fridays. Dahlonega Walking Tours Taking a walking tour is a great way to discover the historical buildings in Dahlonega, the town's haunted past, and its fantastic food and wine. Some of the popular tours include the Dahlonega History Tour, Grapes and Ghosts Wine Tour, the Paranormal Investigation Tour, the Historic Ghost Tour, and the Boos and Brews Pub Crawl. Tours generally take place Thursdays to Sundays. Check at 19, East Main Street, for exact dates, prices, and times. Yahoola Creek Park Located at 464, Mechanicsville Road, Yahoola Creek Park is a great place to unwind outdoors with your family. There are picnic tables and a children's playground. If you're in the mood for sports, there are basketball and tennis courts as well as soccer, baseball, and softball fields. Go hiking along with various trails, or spend time in the community garden. The park is open Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cane Creek Falls An impressive waterfall that plunges down 85 feet, Cane Creek Falls is the largest waterfall in Fall Creek Falls State Park. You can hike up to two outlook points above the waterfall to get breathtaking views of it and the surrounding woodlands. Since the waterfall is on private land owned by the Camp Glisson Retreat Center, call beforehand to arrange a visit. These are just a few of the memorable places in Dahlonega that will make you plan a return trip. Image via Pixabay

If you're looking for a vehicle for a quick holiday getaway, there are some very good reasons to consider the 2019 Ford Escape. Yes, even with the debut of the redesigned 2020 Escape, there is still a lot to be said about the robust and agile earlier version. First, it offers a smooth ride and easy handling with accurate steering on both narrow urban streets and open highways. Second, there's the compelling price, even on the premium and fully equipped trims. We have four well-equipped SUV trims—S, SE, SEL, and Titanium— under $35,000, so you're getting a good bargain. Next, the 2019 Ford Escape can seat five people comfortably, and the upper trims offer push-button start and remote start as well as power windows. Here are some more reasons to consider getting this Ford vehicle for your getaway trip. more Powerful Engine and Transmission You can select from three engines, all four-cylindered and with six-speed automatic transmission. There is the standard 2.5-liter engine and the 1.5-liter and 2-liter turbocharged engines. The 2-liter engine is quick without any throttle lag and offers powerful acceleration and deft maneuvers. Comfortable Interior The front seats are roomy enough for most adult passengers, and, in the Titanium trim, they are leather-trimmed and power-operated. Aside from the base S trim, the Escape comes with a Sync3 multimedia system that will keep you entertained on the drive to your getaway. It has an 8-inch touchscreen on top of the dashboard and is compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. So, there is not going to be any issue with making hands-free calls or navigation checks. Other available features include a Sony premium stereo, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and 4G LTE connectivity. More Cargo Space You won't have to worry about where you can pack in all your getaway luggage. The 2019 Ford Escape has 34 cubic-feet of cargo space, but you can expand it to 68 cubic-feet by folding down the second seat row. Since the  seats fold completely flat and the wheel wells don't extend too much into the interior, you can pack in lots of stuff in the cargo area. Plus, with the low lift-over height, you won't have to strain too much to get your getaway luggage inside. There is also a center console storage. If you think you're going to need an SUV trailer for additional luggage, the 2019 Ford Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Decent Safety Features While the Escape does not have standard advanced driver assist features, you can install them for under $1,000. If you get the Safe and Smart Plus package, you will get features such as blind spot alert, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and rain-sensor windshield wipers. All things taken into consideration, the 2019 Ford Escape is a stylish vehicle with a sturdy performance. It also comes with some quite decent features well worth your attention. Wherever you want to go, it can get you there safely and in comfort and style. Image via Ford

If there's a heavy snowfall and your car gets buried, you might not want to drive it anywhere while road conditions are poor. It's tempting to leave the car covered in snow until it thaws out, but here are five reasons for getting a shovel and digging your car out sooner rather than later. Drained Battery Your car's systems depend on its battery, which has to work harder in freezing temperatures. Having the lights and heating on most of the time takes its toll, but at least the battery is getting charged. When you leave the car sitting under snow for a long period, the battery can drain completely, especially if it's older. more You may be able to jump-start your car, but, once the battery has been fully discharged, you might need to charge it slowly or replace it. If your battery dies, you will have to reset the memory settings in your car. Dig your car out as soon as possible and run it for 10 or 15 minutes to keep the battery charged. Brake Problems When packed snow gets in and around your brakes, it can cause problems. The calipers, pads, and seals can get damaged. If the snow is left long enough, it can cause the discs to rust. When you eventually dig out the car, you might find that the brakes will squeal and screech until you've used them a few times. If a caliper fails, it was most likely going to need to be replaced anyway, but the snow can speed up its demise. Packed Snow The weight of a load of snow on your car is not going to affect it — it's designed to carry people and luggage. But, when new snow falls on old snow, it gets compacted and will be forced into every orifice, making it harder to clear. Doors and locks can stick and, if you don't clear packed snow from the exhaust tail pipe, carbon monoxide can be forced into the cabin. Make sure to clear ice from the engine bay as it can damage moving parts. Damage to Bodywork If there's any damage on your bodywork, such as dents and scrapes that have left exposed metal, you could be in for some more expensive repairs. The snow can absorb salt or chemicals that are used on the roads and those substances will find their way into any weak spots. Your paint job can also be damaged by prolonged exposure to chemicals. Even if you do dig your car out, it's advisable to clean it to get rid of harmful substances. Hard Work The longer you leave your car under its coating of snow, the harder it's going to be to dig it out. Fresh snow is relatively easy to shift, but packed snow can freeze to be hard as concrete. After your car has been under the snow, if you think there are any problems with your engine, brakes, or battery, the service department at Chestatee Ford can check it over for you. Image via Pixabay

Mornings are more enjoyable with a perfect cup of coffee. The aroma, taste, and caffeine all combine to perk you up and get you ready for the day. Whether you drink coffee in the morning before leaving the house, grab a cup on the way to work, or enjoy a few throughout the day, coffee never disappoints. Because coffee is as addictive as it is delicious, coffee shops are very popular in almost every community. Here are a few located in Dahlonega. Picnic Cafe Located in the square, Picnic Cafe serves coffee even the most careful connoisseurs are content with. The ambiance inside, however, is far from pretentious. There is indoor and outdoor seating if you would like to relax and people-watch while enjoying coffee and a delicious cookie. The staff will bring your order to your table and highchairs are also available for little ones. more The food offerings go far beyond just coffee. This cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and brunch and they conveniently offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free items. The food is classic American cafe style. The coffee, food, and ambiance mix so well that many who experience Picnic Cafe once, come again and again. The Crimson Moon It is not every day you can get your caffeine fix in a historical building. At The Crimson Moon, you can have this unique and immersive experience. Located on the square on North Park Street, this organic coffee shop invites creativity and also hosts musicians in one of the famous old buildings in the historic square. The walls are lined with paintings, local art, and musical posters. The music is eclectic and can be enjoyed while relaxing on a comfortable couch. Whether you are looking for an early morning breakfast cafe or a late-night place to hang out, you can find it here. Serving breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner, The Crimson Moon is open all day. In fact, they are even open for late-night eats and drinks at their bar. If you are the kind of person that enjoys a coffee shop with a lot of character, The Crimson Moon is a great choice. Starbucks Starbucks is one of the most widely recognized names in coffee. Located in Dahlonega at 110 South Chestatee Street, it is a fixture in this community. With its variety of light, medium, and dark roast coffees from all over the world, Starbucks is the quintessential coffee shop. The ambiance here is cozy with comfy chairs inside. There is also seating and tables outside. Because of the location, in the University of North Georgia administration building, friendly students are always coming in and out. It is a great location to people-watch while enjoying a morning cup of Joe. The university is a military one, so you might even catch some cadets jogging by. Coffee drinkers go nuts for a great coffee shop with loads of character. These locations offer three very unique experiences, and they all have amazing coffee. Dahlonega locals and visitors alike enjoy the variety and cozy environment these cafes provide. Image via Pixabay

When you're looking for a thrilling drive, Ford has a variety of cars that offer adrenalin-inducing power and exciting handling. These vehicles will have you wanting to take the long way home to prolong the driving pleasure. Here are four of the fastest Fords for 2019. Ford Fiesta ST For big thrills in a small package, the Fiesta ST is a good-looking hatchback that packs a punch. It features Ford's turbocharged 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers 197 horsepower and 202 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. A slick shifting six-speed manual transmission keeps you firmly in control of the power. more Whether you're zipping around the city or heading out on the highway, the Fiesta is fun to drive and offers nimble handling. It can take you from 0 to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 144 mph. Its unique sports suspension and torque vectoring control help to keep you on track on the windiest roads. 2019 is the Fiesta's final year. Ford Edge ST If you need more space and versatility, but without sacrificing power, the Edge ST is an SUV with attitude. It also has the 2.7-liter V-6 turbo that delivers 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. It's mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Edge ST has a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.7 seconds and its top speed is limited to 133 mph. Electronic stability control, traction control, curve control, torque vectoring control, and the intelligent all-wheel drive system keeps you glued to your seat while you enjoy the driving. Ford Fusion V-6 Sport The 2019 Fusion V-6 Sport has the appearance of a mild-mannered family sedan, but under the surface is a turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 engine that pumps out 325 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for controlled gear changes. Acceleration to 60 mph takes a little over 5 seconds and the V-6 Sport tops out at 155 mph. To handle the power, it features electronic suspension damping that softens or stiffens the suspension as needed. All-wheel drive is standard. Ford Mustang For legendary muscle car motoring, the Mustang is at the peak of its class and the Bullitt has a style of its own. Inspired by the car from a movie of the same name, it has a 5.0-liter V-8 producing an awesome 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. With a top speed of 163 mph, it can accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. If that's not enough power for you, the track-bred Mustang Shelby GT350R features a 5.2-liter V-8 delivering 526 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. You'll be pinned in your seat as it accelerates to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and to the quarter mile in 12.1 seconds. For track use, it has a top speed of 175 mph. The Ford performance team works to bring you the best in driving excitement. To find out more about these high-performance models, visit Chestatee Ford.

Dahlonega in Georgia is nestled among mountainous scenery which offers some superb hiking areas. The trails are rated from moderate to difficult so there's something to suit people of most abilities. Here are four of the best trails that enable you to make the most of the majestic landscape. The Appalachian Trail to Long Creek Falls A stretch of the Appalachian Trail (AT) heads through the Chattahoochee National Forest along the Three Forks Creek valley. The hike to Long Creek Falls is only a two-mile round trip, although it's rated as moderate because of the change in elevation. The trail takes you through a lush valley and at the end, you are rewarded with the rushing cascade of the waterfall. more Hiking through the beautiful forested valley, you'll see steep cliffs with blankets of moss, wildflowers, and possibly a variety of wildlife. Three boulder-strewn trout streams converge in the valley giving it the name. The trail to Long Creek Falls begins at a trailhead on Forest Road 58. Springer Mountain Loop This hike is a 4.7-mile loop taking in stretches of the AT and Benton MacKye Trail (BMT) that takes you to the summit of Springer Mountain. The gain in elevation requires a reasonable degree of fitness and is rated as difficult. The hike takes you through a hardwood forest and a shaded valley with a mossy, burbling creek lined with rhododendron bushes. You'll join the trail on Forest Road 42 and follow the AT white rectangular blazes. As you climb towards the summit of Springer Mountain, you can experience the stunning views from multiple overlooks along the way. On the return, you pick up the BMT following the white diamond trail markings. This is a beautiful hike in any season. Amicalola Falls to Springer Mountain For a longer day hike or maybe an overnight camping adventure, taking the Appalachian Approach Trail from Amicalola Falls to Springer Mountain is a 15.5-mile round trip. Rated as difficult, the hike begins near the top of Amicalola Falls, the highest waterfall in Georgia. The waters cascade over multiple tiers to create a dramatic sight. You start out at the AT Approach trailhead and follow the blue blaze markers. This trail takes you through stunningly diverse forests, crosses creeks, and offers superb vistas from scenic overlooks. On the return leg, you can change the route by taking the Hike Inn Trail, although that adds 1.7 miles to the hike. Woody Gap to Preachers Rock One of the easiest, but most rewarding hikes starts at the Woody Gap trailhead on Highway 60 and climbs to the rocky outcrop of Preachers Rock near the summit of Big Cedar Mountain. It's only a two-mile round trip that follows a short section of the AT with its white rectangle markers. It offers some of the best views you'll see, particularly in fall and springtime, and exemplifies the majesty of the mountains. At any time of year, these hikes give you the opportunity to enjoy some of Georgia's most amazing scenery. Preacher’s Rock, Appalachian Trail via Flickr by timcorradino Under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original

Welcome to the all-new, completely redesigned Ford Explorer. The 2020 Explorer has received the update we've been waiting for. What was already a great SUV has now been readied for what the future holds. Here's a look at what's new with the 2020 Ford Explorer, and why it's the best yet: A New Generation The 2020 Ford Explorer is the first of its generation and has been fully redesigned to bring you an updated SUV ready for your adventures. Its features are more swooping and aerodynamically pleasing than the 2019 model. Where the 2019 Explorer was boxy and rectangular, the 2020 Explorer is slick and streamlined — more of what we expect from a new generation that we'll live with for the next few years into the future. more More Power The 2020 Ford Explorer has even more power, especially when it comes to towing. The 30 extra pound-feet of torque it has on the 2019 model lets it tow 600 more pounds for a total of a 5,600-pound towing capacity. The 2020 Explorer's top engine, a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6, produces 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. That's enough to take your camping and lake trips to the next level. More Liveable The 2020 Ford Explorer aims to be your home away from home. The center dashboard has a less busy design compared to the 2019 Explorer, and makes room for the available tablet-sized 12.3-inch touch-screen display. If you don't need a laptop in your SUV, the standard 8-inch screen is more muted but still useful. The traditional shifter has been replaced with a space-saving rotary selector. The dashboard has less of those buttons you never use and leaves the ones you do. In short, the 2020 Explorer has a more aesthetically modern, minimalist design that lends more to the cabin's ambience. One of the major selling points of the Explorer is the great amount of passenger and cargo space it has. The 2020 model still seats seven people in three comfortable rows. The third row can be folded down to create up to an impressive 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Evidently, the Explorer is ready for anything that you and your family throw at it. Safer The 2020 Ford Explorer has more safety features that keep you and your family even more secure than before. It has been equipped with even more driver-assist technologies such as automatic high-beam headlamps, a lane-keeping system, automatic emergency braking, and more. If you're worried about the driving an SUV-sized vehicle, fear not — these technologies act as the Explorer's co-pilot to help you navigate the world with ease. If you're ready to make the jump to the SUV world, the 2020 Ford Explorer is a great place to start. If you're already a fan of Ford's expertly designed SUVs, you'll love what the new Explorer has to offer. Visit us at Chestatee Ford for a test drive of your new SUV today.

If it's a day full of photo opportunities you're looking for, you'll find it at any of the many waterfalls near Dahlonega, Georgia. There are so many in and around the nearby national parks and forests that you would be hard-pressed to see them all in one day. Take a look at some of our favorite spots below. You definitely won't be disappointed by these gorgeous examples: Amicalola Falls This is by far one of our favorite falls in the area. Located in Amicalola Park to the west of Dahlonega, this 600-foot tall cascading waterfall makes for one of the most picturesque natural sights you'll find anywhere. There's a walkway that travels to the top of the falls so you can travel up and get a closer view of the waterfall. If you want to see one of the highest waterfalls the park has to offer, this is the one to visit. more Cane Creek Falls The Cane Creek Falls are shorter than the Amicalola but no less picturesque. The waterfall spills into a reflecting pool before the water continues down the river. You'll find Cane Creek Falls at Camp Glisson, practically walking distance from Dahlonega. Head north on US19 and GA60 for two miles, and then turn left when you see the sign for Camp Glisson. One mile from there, you'll find a parking lot at the falls. Dicks Creek Falls Just over 15 miles north, Dicks Creek Falls offers more fantastic photo opportunities. It's in the Chattahoochee National Forest, and unlike most of the other waterfalls in the park, you're allowed to get in the water at the base of the waterfall. This is one reason we love Dicks Creek Falls so much. It's the perfect way to cool off during your hikes or to just stretch out and enjoy a beautiful day outside. Anna Ruby Falls This is your two-for-one deal when it comes to waterfalls. The two waterfalls are from two different creeks, the Curtis and York Creeks, and at the bottom they join to create the Smith Creek. Curtis falls from 153 feet and York falls 50 feet. Together, they make for a unique natural experience that should not be missed. You'll find Anna Ruby Falls about 30 miles northeast of Dahlonega, past Smithgall Woods State Park. DeSoto Falls Tucked away in the DeSoto Falls Recreation Area, you'll come across the DeSoto Falls. If you want to hike through Georgia's natural beauty, you'll love the great trails this recreation area offers, especially the ones that lead to the waterfall. The multiple steps the waterfall makes before moving on makes this creek worth exploring. You'll find two separate falls near one another as you travel up Frogtown Creek. Exploring Georgia's natural beauty in the Dahlonega area is easy, thanks to the proximity of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Pull on your hiking boots and experience the reasons why the first peoples of the area decided to calls this corner of Georgia home. Amicalola Falls State Park - Amicalola Falls (2) via Flickr by jared422_80 Under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original