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The 2019 Ford Expedition is a spacious SUV that combines luxury and utility. It can seat up to eight people and has huge cargo capacity. Three trim levels are offered – XLT, Limited, and Platinum – and each is available in an extended wheel-base Max version and with rear- or all-wheel drive. Exterior The Expedition's bold styling gives it a dominant road presence. XLT models feature a bright chrome grille, quad-beam headlights, configurable daytime running lights, foglights, 18-inch alloy wheels, running boards, body-color door handles, and heated power door mirrors with approach lamps and integrated blind spot mirrors. more Limited models add 20-inch wheels, power deployable running boards, power folding door mirrors with memory and integrated turn signals, a foot-activated hands-free liftgate, and LED taillights. The Platinum offers a chrome accented satin aluminum grille, LED head and foglights, 22-inch wheels, satin chrome door handles and mirror caps, and a panoramic moonroof. Power and Performance Powering the Expedition is a turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque via a 10-speed automatic transmission. It will return up to 17 mpg for city driving and 24 mpg on the highway but, when you need the power, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds. When equipped with the heavy-duty towing package, the Expedition has a best-in-class maximum towing capacity of 9,300 pounds. Interior All Expedition models have a spacious and well-equipped interior. With all seats in place you have 20.9 cubic-feet of cargo space. With the third row folded flat, you get 63.6 cubic-feet, and with second and third row folded, you'll have up to 104.6 cubic-feet for cargo. The Expedition Max increases that to 121.5 cubic-feet. XLT trims offer cloth upholstery with a six-way power driver's seat, 40/20/40 split folding second-row seats with center sliding seat, and 60/40 split power fold and recline third row seats. You have air conditioning, push-button start, cruise control, a multifunction leather steering wheel, and a 4-inch cluster display. The Limited adds leather-trimmed upholstery with a 10-way adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated power folding second row-seats. Other features include dual-zone automatic climate control, dual 4.2-inch cluster displays, heated steering wheel, power adjustable pedals, ambient lighting, and memory function for the driver's seat, pedals, and door mirrors. The Platinum has active motion multi contour seats and real wood cabin accents. Technology Featured in the XLT is Ford's SYNC infotainment system featuring an 8-inch touch screen with voice recognition, an MP3 compatible nine-speaker sound system with satellite radio and CD player, and four USB ports. The Limited trim has the SYNC 3 system with FordPass Connect, smartphone integration, a Wi-Fi hotspot, six USB ports, wireless charging, and a 12-speaker premium B&O audio system with HD radio. Platinum models add a voice-activated navigation system. A rear seat entertainment system is an available option. These awesome features along with the many standard and available safety features make the 2019 Expedition well worth a closer look. Head down to Chestatee Ford where the guys will be happy show you around.   Image via DealerOn

Set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dahlonega, Georgia, is just one hour north of Atlanta and has much to offer. Visit the town's many historic sites, take in a show at the historic theater, or get goose bumps while listening to scary ghost stories. With so much to offer, there's plenty of reasons to spend the day in historic downtown Dahlonega. Learn the History at Dahlonega Gold Museum The Dahlonega Gold Museum is located inside the 1836 Lumpkin County Courthouse, one of Georgia's oldest standing buildings. Visitors can peruse exhibits depicting the history of the area, including a complete set of rare coins, a hydraulic cannon and nozzle, and a gold nugget weighing more than five ounces. Take a walk through the courthouse and note its beautiful features such as the wooden chapel seats that date back to 1889. Take a seat and watch a short film, and pick up souvenirs in the museum's gift shop. With advance notice, tours and group rates are available. more The museum is located at 1 Public Square and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Watch a Film at The Holly Theater This historic Holly Theater is situated in the Dahlonega town square and is the perfect spot to enjoy a live show. No seat is further than 20 feet from the stage, providing a perfect view of live music, theater, and comedy acts. Partnering with local businesses, the theater offers theatrical and educational programs to the residents of Dahlonega and its neighboring towns. Sip on a beer or glass of wine, and enjoy a show at this beautiful and historic theater. The Holly Theater is located at 69 West Main Street and the office is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Showtimes vary, so check their site for upcoming events. Take a Ghost Tour With its rich history, there's no shortage of ghost lore in Dahlonega. There's no better way to learn about the things that go bump in the night than on a ghost tour through town. Grab a map to take the Dahlonega Haunts Self-Guided Tour to visit sites that are sure to give you chills. Stop by The Picnic Café where a ghostly woman is said to be waiting by the window. Or visit Park Place Hotel where the owner swears that doors open and close by themselves, pots are found in the wrong cabinets, and plates are left in odd spots. The Butler Building is also on the route and is said to have paranormal activity. Observers have seen flying plates and teapots moving across shelves and have heard footsteps when no one was around. Start your self-guided ghost tour at the Dahlonega Gold Museum (inside the historic courthouse), hitting all 10 spots and ending at the Mount Hope Cemetery. The map can be found on the Dahlonega website. Whether you're a history buff or love the arts, Chestatee Ford gives you a list of activities and entertainment for the entire family in historic downtown Dahlonega. Gold Nugget via Pixabay

When you're looking for a car as a first-time buyer, the ideal vehicle is something small enough to be manageable. Maybe you want a car that is sporty and fun to drive, but economical. If you're a new driver, safety features might be high on your list. The compact cars from Ford, the Fiesta and Focus, can tick all of these boxes and more. Here are some of the features that make them ideal first cars. Exterior Appearance The 2019 Ford Fiesta is available as a stylish sedan or a versatile hatch. The aggressively styled front end makes its presence felt, while the sharp lines of the profile give it a sporty appearance. With a choice of four trim levels, 10 colors, and seven wheel styles, depending on the model, you can customize your Fiesta to suit your personality. more Alternatively, the Ford Focus is available in five trim levels, with hatch and sedan models. The sleek and sporty design is intended to attract attention. With even more color and wheel choices, you can make your Focus truly individual. Engines Powering the Fiesta is a 1.6-liter engine producing 120 horsepower and 112 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a five-speed manual transmission, although you can opt for the available six-speed dual clutch automatic. If you want more power, the ST trim offers a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with a six-speed manual transmission. Depending on the model, the Focus has four engine options. The SE sedan has a turbocharged 1.0-liter unit mated with a six-speed automatic transmission which will return up to 40 mpg on the highway. S, SE Hatch, SEL and Titanium feature a 159 horsepower 2.0-liter engine with a choice of three transmissions. The high-performance ST and RS models get a 2.0-liter and 2.3-liter engine respectively, both with six-speed manual transmission. Safety Features For assured handling, the Fiesta and Focus have standard electric power assisted steering and electronic stability control. When you need to stop quickly, the anti-lock braking system with electronic brake assist will do the job. In the event of a collision, the occupants are protected by seven airbags and Ford's Personal Safety System. The Fiesta adds a post-crash alert system. In addition, both models feature a rear camera for safe backing up and a tire pressure monitoring system. Technology Inside the Fiesta, you'll find a driver information display, Ford's SYNC infotainment system with a 4.2-inch display, voice control with Bluetooth, a six-speaker sound system with CD player, and a USB port. If you need to stay connected, stepping up to the SE offers optional smartphone integration that is standard on higher spec trims. The Focus features Ford's MyKey system for young drivers which limits speed, audio volume, etc. You have to step up to the SEL for the SYNC 3 system with an 8-inch touch screen and smartphone integration. Both the 2019 Fiesta and the 2018 Focus have upgrade packages available for select models. To take a closer look at Ford's great compact cars, head down to Chestatee Ford. Ford Focus RS via Flickr by FotoSleuth under use of CC BY 2.0 /Cropped from original

Shopping for a new vehicle means making dozens of decisions, from aesthetic choices like which color you prefer to settling on an engine and other performance features. But even before you dive into trims and packages, you must pick whether to lease or buy. The best option for you depends on several factors, from your budget to how much you plan on driving. Answer these questions to help decide if you should lease your next car. Do You Want to Own a Vehicle? Leasing is beneficial for many reasons, but one drawback is that you don't own the vehicle. Instead, you lease from a dealership and return the car when your contract ends. Unfortunately, you don't benefit from positive equity and can't resell a vehicle unless you own it. more What's Your Monthly Budget Like? Lower monthly payments are arguably the biggest benefit of leasing. In general, it's always more affordable to lease. You also don't have to take out a loan in this situation. The monthly amount you must pay is only one financial benefit to consider. Leasing usually comes with a lower down payment. It's even possible to waive a down payment when leasing, so you can leave the lot without opening your wallet. Sales tax is also less compared to buying a vehicle. Maintenance costs are another benefit. Some lease agreements include free inspections and tune-ups, so ask about this when you visit a dealership. Can You Live With the Lease Limits? Leasing is a fantastic way to save money, and you get to look forward to upgrading to a newer vehicle once your lease is up. However, you have to stay within the parameters of your lease while driving. A few conditions to consider before signing include: The life of the lease: If you only want to drive the vehicle for a few years, leasing is a good option. Getting out of the agreement early can be impossible without paying a fine if you can't sublease the vehicle. Subleasing might not even be allowed per your contract. Make sure you can meet the terms of your lease before signing. The mileage limits: Your lease agreement will limit the total miles you can drive. If you go over this amount, you'll likely be charged a fee per mile driven over the maximum allowed amount. Drivers who travel a lot should be careful to negotiate a realistic mileage limit or should consider buying instead. Other restrictions: Your lease will include restrictions and clauses about numerous other things, such as what counts for normal wear and tear. If you violate these terms, you may be charged additional fees when your lease is up and you return the vehicle. So, think carefully about leasing if you feel at-risk of broaching wear-and-tear requirements. Deciding on whether to lease or buy is only one step on the journey to your next vehicle. Visit Chestatee Ford for more information about leasing versus buying and to take a few of your favorites for a test drive around Dahlonega, Georgia. New Car via Flickr by Caitlinator / Permission given by CC BY 2.0

Ford is one of the most well-known manufacturers on the planet. This is thanks to an extensive lineup of vehicles that traces its roots back to the early 1900s. Though modern design like the newest Raptors and GTs turn heads, there's no denying the charm and style that these older vehicles had. 1991 Ford Explorer The Ford Explorer is one of a few newer models that have helped reshape the brand. This vehicle replaced the Bronco II and was an extremely popular vehicle at the time, outselling many competitors by a wide margin. But, this SUV isn't just important in terms of the manufacturer's lineup. The Explorer also remodeled what was standard for this class of vehicle. Namely, in 2011, Ford started using a unibody frame, which was uncommon among SUVs at the time. more Shelby Cobra 427 The Shelby 427 Cobra was a muscle car that Ford, AC Cars, and Shelby Cobra co-designed in 1966. This vehicle is unmistakable thanks to its unique cockpit and sleek racing designs. Indeed, the Shelby 427 Cobra was one of the first cars — alongside the 1965 Shelby Mustang — to incorporate racing stripes. This is an exceptionally valuable collector's item today, but in its heyday, the Cobra 427 was a speed demon that delivered a top speed of 185 miles per hour in the competition model. 1948 F-Series Ford has a long line of iconic trucks, but their roots can arguably be traced back to one famous model that the manufacturer started making after World War II: the Ford F-Series. Introduced in 1948, this model has a look that today is instantly nostalgic and every bit as charming as it was when it rolled off production lines. At the times, the F-Series was famous for pushing boundaries in terms of comfort. This vehicle became the first of many globally best-selling Ford trucks. 1964 Mustang The Mustang is arguably Ford's most iconic vehicle, and it all began with the first generation produced in 1964. It was and is still a popular car thanks to its sporty design and power, though its looks have certainly changed over the years. 1968 Mustang Bullitt Though Ford has released many versions of the Mustang, none is more well-known and more culturally significant than the 1968 Bullitt. This vehicle is iconic thanks to the eponymous Steve McQueen movie, which featured a dark green Mustang racing through the hills of San Francisco. The Model T No other vehicle is as iconic as the Model T when it comes to automotive history. This is considered the first automobile available to the public thanks to its affordability. Ford produced these vehicles from 1908 to 1927. Ford's history is impressive, and ever since the manufacturer rolled out its affordable Model Ts in the early 20th century, the manufacturer has been synonymous with American culture. This is still true today, with the company focusing equally on performance and efficiency improvements to make better improvements. You can check out some of the newer models today at Chestatee Ford and consider how they hold up to some of the early icons listed above. 1965 Ford Mustang coupe via Flickr by sv1ambo / Permission given by CC BY 2.0

The Ford Mustang is a world-renown sports car for a good reason. Delivering up to 480 horsepower in the newest models and offering an iconic design that can't be mistaken for another vehicle, this car has been an American classic for decades. These are four of the best accessories made for the Ford Mustang, where you can get them, and what makes them special. Stripe Kits Racing stripes are synonymous with speed. The look is defining of models like the Shelby GT350 Mustang, but even if this unique paint job isn't available with your preferred make and model, you can upgrade the design with a stripe kit. These are available as an aftermarket part from retailers throughout the world and give your Mustang a look that harkens back to the 1965 Shelby Mustang — one of the first ever cars to sport this race-track-fast design. Stripe kits are available in multiple colors to complement your Ford's paint job. These can be applied on your own or with professional help. more Scoops Scoops are another aesthetic addition that will both help your Mustang stand out from others on the road and give it a faster-looking design. These accessories are added to either the quarter window portion on the back of the Mustang or along the sides. If you're interested in upping your vehicle's performance or like the look of street racing vehicles, a hood scoop is another option. This can be a more extensive upgrade if you want a functioning part rather than one that's just an aesthetic feature. Hood scoops deliver colder, less dense air into the engine, thus boosting the vehicle's performance. Scoops are also available from aftermarket part suppliers and may also be available officially from Ford and your dealership, depending on the trim you want to build. Rear-Seat Entertainment Systems The Mustang might not be the first option that comes to mind when you think of family-friendly vehicles, but the simple addition of a rear-seat entertainment system puts it in the category. DVD players can keep passengers entertained while you enjoy the thrill of driving a Mustang. Some trims allow you to add a DVD rear-seat entertainment system when building your vehicle. You can also purchase a DVD player and other electronic devices as aftermarket parts. Seat Covers Seat covers serve a multitude of purposes in a Mustang. In any vehicle, seat covers help protect the fabric. This is a must if preserving the car's value over time is a priority. In some cases, the seat cover will even be a more comfortable material than what comes standard on your vehicle. Official seat covers are available from Ford and can often be added when purchasing a vehicle from a dealership. You can also find them at local retailers that sell aftermarket parts. The Ford Mustang is an exceptional vehicle that has earned its place as an iconic American car. You can experience one in person today at Chestatee Ford and ask about these and other top accessories to customize your already stunning muscle car.   " icon in blue " via Flickr by Robert Couse-Baker / Permission given by CC BY 2.0

One of the things that makes Atlanta such a great city is there is absolutely no shortage of things to do. This is particularly the case on rainy days, or those spring days when the pollen is causing your allergies to go haywire. With a plethora of indoor activities available, it might be hard to pick just the right one. Here are three of the most popular indoor activities to explore in Atlanta. World of Coca-Cola A fascinating look at a slice of Americana awaits at the World of Coca-Cola, the official museum of the soft drink manufacturer. You'll enjoy checking out artifacts from history detailing the rise of the soda's popularity, including historical ads and photos. You'll even get a chance to peek into the Secret Formula vault. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the tour is the tasting room, where you can not only whip up a recipe all of your own and taste it on the spot, but over 100 different Coca-Cola products from around the world -- many of which are not available here in the States -- are waiting to be tasted and discussed. more Once your tour is finished, make sure to stop by the gift shop for cool Coke memorabilia. It's a visit you won't soon forget. College Football Hall of Fame Imagine a 95,000-square-foot shrine to all that is great about college football. In Atlanta, that's the College Football of Hall of Fame. If you're a sports fan, this is an absolute must-see. Take a trip down memory lane with the players and coaches who have made football Saturdays such a tremendous event across the country. The Hall of Fame isn't just a museum -- it's an experience. With over 50 interactive exhibits, you'll feel like you are part of the action. Did we mention the 45-yard indoor football field? This museum incorporates the latest technology, so you won't be passively enjoying the exhibits -- you'll be immersed in them! For even more sports action, pair your trip to the Hall of Fame with a tour of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL and Atlanta United of MLS. Better yet, why not catch a game while you're here? Atlanta has so many ways to get involved as a sports fan, whether you're cheering for Falcons or Yellow Jackets. The Georgia Aquarium One of the largest aquariums in the world and filled with 10 million gallons of fresh and saltwater fish, the Georgia Aquarium is a must-see, rainy day or not. Over 100,000 animals call the Aquarium home, so whether you are interested in bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, or whale sharks, you'll find them at this facility. The aquarium also offers classes for schools and families so you can get a hands-on experience during your visit. If you're looking for indoor attractions to explore in Atlanta, there are many more than just the top ones mentioned above. The next time you're stuck inside, take a moment to check out some of these amazing attractions.   Image via Pixabay | CC 0

For those looking to find a high-performance crossover sport utility vehicle, the 2019 Ford Edge ST might be just what you are looking for. The Edge ST is the first SUV from the Ford Performance Team. This edition of the Ford Edge offers a wide range of options and features that are sure to impress the high-performance crossover and SUV consumer. Performance When it comes to a high-performance vehicle of any kind, one of the first features that a potential buyer focuses on is its engine. The performance and power associated with that engine is typically what elevates a vehicle from the ordinary to the extraordinary. The 2019 Ford Edge ST is equipped with a turbocharged Ecoboost 2.7 liter V-6 engine. This engine produces 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. When tested, the Ford Edge ST went from zero to 60 in 5.7 seconds and covered the quarter-mile in 14.3 seconds topping out at 98 miles per hour. more Accompanying the high-performance engine in the 2019 Ford Edge ST is an equally impressive transmission. The Edge ST offers an eight-speed automatic transmission that provides both a regular drive mode along with performance-oriented Sport mode. The Sport mode has a more aggressive shift schedule that holds the gears longer for maximum acceleration. The Edge ST is equipped with paddle shifters to give the vehicle a very sporty feel. Exterior The exterior design of the 2019 Ford Edge ST gives it a high-performance look to accompany its sporty feel and output. The Edge ST has an exclusively designed front fascia that is highlighted by a larger mesh grille. This design not only adds to the sporty style of the vehicle but also offers more cooling, so it is functional as well. In addition to the larger grille, the Edge ST also has bigger side sills and a specially designed dual exhaust. One feature that is sure to catch the eye are that wheels of the 2019 Ford Edge ST. The standard 20-inch Bright-Machined Aluminum with High Gloss Black-Painted Pockets are very stylish and sporty. However, with any high-performance vehicle there are always bigger options. The Edge ST also offers 21-inch Premium Gloss-Black Painted Aluminum Wheels. Safety Safety is at the forefront of impressive features with the 2019 Ford Edge ST. The Ford CoPilot360 is a suite of driver assisted technologies designed at protecting the vehicle's occupants in case of an accident, but also helps to prevent one from occurring in the first place. Among the features included in the Ford CoPilot360 suite are Blind Spot Information System with cross traffic alert, rearview camera, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, auto high-beam headlamps, and Lane-Keeping System. These safety features make the Ford Edge ST a well-rounded vehicle as it combines performance with security. Reading about the 2019 Ford Edge ST is one thing, but getting behind the wheel and test-driving one is something totally different. To experience the performance and power of the first SUV from the Ford Performance Team, visit Chestatee Ford and drive one today.   Image via Ford.com

You may talk about a meal's succulent meat choice or recommend the perfectly paired wine the waiter offered, but you will never forget a good bread or delicious dessert. That is why finding the best bakery for your weekend dinner party or just your Tuesday night dinner is a must. Alon's Bakery and Market Alon's offers a plethora of baked goods with wine and cheese pairings to match right in the store. Everything from old world breads, jellies and sauces, wine, cheese, beer, cakes, and french macaroons can be found at Alon's. Chef Alon grew up in Europe, working in bakeries and restaurants across the continent before coming to the United States with $500 and a backpack. Open seven days a week, Alon's offers everything from simple pastries to prepared food and even catering. At Alon's Bakery and Market, you will always be able to find what you need when you need it. H&F Bread Company H&F Bread Company provides the best breads and pastries to restaurants across the city, but if you come down to the main storefront in Westside, you can take the treasures home with you at retail prices. You could try a new product each day and only have a couple twice, as H&F makes over 300 different products fresh daily. They have everything you could need and then some. In January of 2018, they constructed a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility dedicated to making gluten-free products. Partnering with KNOW Foods, Atlanta's hottest new food startup, as well as Zac Brown's new label, Remedy Bake Shop, you will be seeing a lot of H&F's products around town. more Southern Sweets Bakery Focused on Southern-style goods, Southern Sweets offers a variety of desserts including pound cakes, tarts, full cakes, and vegan/gluten-friendly options. Starting as a pie supplier for a local steakhouse, this bakery and eatery has grown into a major supplier for Atlanta's top restaurants and hotels, now serving breakfast and lunch to their customers. A wedding cake can be the most important and most remembered piece of desert in a person life, and Southern Sweets will make you a cake that provides a memory that will last the ages. Sitting down with their wedding cake manager, she will get all the tastes to describe the bride in perfect detail to make it a truly one-of-a-kind cake. They also make cakes for grooms, so the gentleman at the wedding can have a cake made to taste just for them. The Cookie Studio The first baked good most of us ever experienced was the cookie, and The Cookie Studio makes them the best. Each day they showcase over 18 flavors of cookies, yummy cupcakes, melt-in-your-mouth brownies, whoopie pies, and more. They make custom designs, shapes, and flavors to suit whatever style you need. School and company logos can be added to their cookies to make an extra special treat for group events. No matter what your sweet tooth is craving, these four bakeries in Atlanta are sure to hit the spot.   Image via Pixabay | CC0

There is no more iconic moniker in the history of the auto industry especially when it comes to full-size pickup trucks than the Ford F-Series. For the past 42 years, the Ford F-150 has been the best selling truck in America. For those seeking the highest performance and the greatest in off-road capabilities, there is a model in the F-Series lineup that sets itself apart. If there ever was a full-size pickup truck to epitomize the term “beast mode,” the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor is definitely that truck. While it may be difficult to associate work with the high-powered, adventure-seeking 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor, many of its features make it very capable of getting the job done. If your job requires you to venture off-road to get to your work, then the Ford Raptor has several options that will help you do just that. Performance When it comes to high-performance power, the engine of the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor is in a class all by itself. The Raptor comes equipped with a 3.5-liter Twin Turbo V-6 engine. This beast produces 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Accompanied by its 10-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain has no equal when it comes to power and performance. High-Performance Shocks For some, their work can often take them away from civilization. Having the ability to travel safely and securely off-road requires high-performance shocks. The 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor has some of the most highly advanced ones on the market. The Raptor's Fox 3.0 Internal Bypass shocks with Live Valve technology are found nowhere else in the full-size truck segment. This technology was brought to the consumer even sooner than expected due to Ford's goal of making the Raptor the pinnacle of high-performance trucks. more Where the Rubber Meets the Road The old saying of “where the rubber meets the road” is made especially true with the Ford Raptor. The tires on the 2019 edition are the BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires. To increase the performance of those tires, the Raptor offers available Beadlock-Capable Wheels. This feature has the tire clamped to the wheel for added security during those times when the tire pressure is decreased for added traction. Trail Control Trail Control is another feature designed to make the driving of the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor safer and more secure when driving off-road. This driver-assist feature acts similar to cruise control when driving off-road. Trail Control takes over the acceleration and braking, letting the driver focus on the steering for more secure travel when driving in rugged terrain. Along with Trail Control, the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor has a Terrain Management System with six preset modes to adapt the handling and responsiveness for all sorts of driving conditions. The six modes of the Terrain Management System include Normal, Sport, Weather, Rock, Sand, and Mud. To experience the full range of features offered in the 2019 Ford F-150, a test drive is a must. Stop in at Chestatee Ford and check out the Ford Raptor in person to see what all the talk and excitement is about.   Image via Ford.com

2018 is quickly winding down, so the time has arrived to start planning your New Year's Eve. Although there's nothing wrong with a casual affair at home, some years just call for something more upscale and special. If you feel that the last day of 2018 should be spent in a luxurious environment with good music, tasty food, and stylish decor, check out these three events happening in Atlanta on Dec 31. Atlanta's 14th Annual Downtown Countdown at Southern Exchange Come dance the night away at Southern Exchange, located at 200 Peachtree, this New Year's Eve. The 14th annual Downtown Countdown will offer its guests a premium open bar, a gourmet supper, and a complimentary glass of champagne at midnight to celebrate the new year's arrival. If you purchase a VIP ticket, you will gain access to the mezzanine balcony area and will be enjoying bottle service at your reserved seats. Music will be provided by DJ Suspense, who will be playing a variety of your favorite beats, including hip-hop, house, and dance tunes, on a state-of-the-art sound system. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the dress code is casual or cocktail attire. Tickets are available from $89 to $169. more New Year's Eve With Yacht Rock Revue New Year's Eve With Yacht Rock Revue, which will feature live music by Yacht Rock Revue, will be hosted at Park Tavern in Piedmont Park. The party will start at 9 p.m. and continue into the wee hours of the morning. Food and drinks will be covered throughout the event, with, for instance, a midnight breakfast buffet offering all-time favorites such as breakfast burritos and doughnuts. Park Tavern also serves delectable sushi, freshly flown in on a daily basis. At midnight, guests will usher in the new year with a complimentary glass of champagne. VIP tickets, available at $200, offer champagne, oysters, and wagyu beef on the menu. General tickets cost $99. Bonnie & Clyde's New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball This year sees the premiere of Bonnie & Clyde's New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball at the Gateway Hotel, located at the Renaissance Atlanta Airport. The event promises to be a night filled with luxurious entertainment and upscale opulence. A general ticket will give you access to a premium open bar, a champagne toast and countdown at midnight, complimentary party favors, a complimentary snack bar, as well as a free cash raffle. So put on your favorite mask and dance your way into the new year to the beats of DJ Soulnuficent. There are also VIP tickets up for grabs, which include guaranteed seating, a gourmet meal, as well as dedicated servers. If you really want to spoil yourself, book into one of the lovely hotel rooms that will be offered at a discounted rate to all of the Masquerade Ball guests. Doors will open at 9 p.m. and will close again around 2 a.m., Tickets are available from $130 to $640. Spoil yourself this New Year's Eve by attending one of these exciting parties in Atlanta. Sometimes one just needs to put on dancing shoes and celebrate life — and there is no better time to do that than on New Year's Eve!   Image via Pixabay | CC 0

Although you may not be a mechanic or know much about cars, problems with your car brakes can easily be detected by being aware of a few warning signs. A car braking system is, of course, a complex process, but it might help to know the basic parts and understand how they relate. Most modern cars make use of two metallic discs, called rotors, placed behind each of the two front wheels. When you push your brake pedals, a clamplike device called a caliper, placed above each of the rotors, starts closing and slowly clamping the rotor. This causes the rotation to slow down until the wheels come to a complete stop. Inside each caliper is a removable brake pad that makes direct contact with the rotors. Over time these pads will wear thin because of friction and will need to be replaced. There are, however, also other elements in the braking system that might need replacement — brake fluid, for instance. Here are a few warning signs you should pay attention to. more Reduced Responsiveness If you notice a decreased responsiveness when you push the brake pedal, it might be an indication of two problems: an air leak or a brake fluid leak. If you see a pool of liquid underneath your car when you are parked, and it's similar to motor oil, a brake fluid leak is most likely causing the problem. High-Pitched Screeching Sound Most brake pads these days come with built-in wear indicators, which are metal inserts found at the top of each pad. When a pad is worn out, this metal indicator will come into direct contact with the rotor, causing a screeching sound. If you start hearing this sound on a regular basis, it is most definitely time for new brake pads! Pulling If you apply the brakes and your car pulls to one side, this is an indicator that your brake pads have not worn evenly on both sides. When this happens, you will, unfortunately, need to replace both pads to ensure that you have two of equal thickness. Left unchecked, this problem could cause damage to other parts of your vehicle, such as the steering rack, wheel bearings, or ball joints. Another possible cause of pulling, however, could also be foreign matter in the brake fluid, which will obviously be solved by replacing the fluid. Vibration If you feel a vibration when you apply the brakes, it could once again be because of the pads. Brake pads contain a binding resin that's transferred onto the rotors when the pads heat up. If the pads, however, get over-heated, the resin may be distributed unevenly over the rotors. This process is called "glazing" by mechanics and would need to be sorted out by them. If you become aware of any of these warning signs, do not ignore them. Remember, as with any other car issue, the sooner you have a brake issue fixed, the better; otherwise, the problem might very well escalate and start involving other parts. Moreover, malfunctioning brakes could cause nasty accidents and even claim lives.   Image via Pixabay | CC 0