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The 2018 Ford Explorer is a sporty and bold entry in today's auto market. It's not only stylish, though! It's spacious enough to seat seven, making it a great SUV for an upcoming family road trip. And with five trims in the lineup, you know the Ford Explorer doesn't lack variety. Take a look at what makes each model so unique. Base The 2018 Explorer starts at $32,140 and offers a lot even at the base level. The outside gets black-accented bumpers and heated power mirrors, while the interior sports cloth seating and single-zone climate control with air filtration. On the multimedia end, SiriusXM satellite radio offers hundreds of channels for your listening pleasure. In terms of performance, this trim is backed by a 3.5-liter V-6 that sees 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Lastly, enjoy peace of mind thanks to an SOS post-crash alert system and AdvanceTrac roll stability control. more XLT The XLT can be yours for only $2,035 more. This higher model includes extras like LED signature lighting, plus an available power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, and nearly a dozen paint options. The interior is fancy too, with an available Wi-Fi hotspot, voice-activated navigation, and twin-panel moonroof added to the list. The engine lineup remains unchanged, though security features get a slight upgrade. You now have access to to a perimeter alarm and a SecuriCode keyless entry keypad. Limited This trim will set you back about $10,000 more than the base, but you just may find it worth the investment. A foot-activated liftgate makes way for seamless loading and unloading, while all-around LED lighting offers clear illumination at night. As you head inside the cabin, you'll find ample accessories to keep comfort levels high. These include dual-zone air conditioning, a power-adjustable steering column, and a SYNC 3 infotainment system. Under the hood sits a 2.3-liter EcoBoost getting up to 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Sport The Sport trim is every bit as adventurous and capable as you'd imagine. It starts at $45,950 and features plenty of stylish add-ons. Show off your SUV with a gloss-black grille and mirrors, plus distinct hood badging. Inside you're greeted with first-row lighted scuff plates, leather-trimmed seats with red stitching, and a 12-speaker Sony audio system. Performance really takes a step forward here, as you now have a sport-tuned suspension system and intelligent four-wheel drive as standard, not to mention a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine that gets 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. Platinum If you're someone who craves luxury, the Platinum trim is a great option. It starts at $53,940 and features plenty of high-end amenities. Enjoy an exterior adorned with automatic high beams and satin chrome styling, while the interior boasts premium leather seating and a 500-watt Sony sound system. Performance is hardly different, though safety is even better than before. Lane departure warning with lane keep assist work in tandem to reduce drifting, and state-of-the-art inflatable safety belts offer an extra layer of protection for rear outboard occupants. After reading this guide, how can you narrow down your choices to just one? Test drive the 2018 Ford Explorer to find your best match!   Photo via Ford.com

Hybrid and electric cars have increased in popularity over the past few years, with new models popping up every year. Ford has an impressive lineup of electric and hybrid models, encouraging more drivers to choose these options and reduce their environmental impacts. When you choose a Ford model, you can get a reliable, safe, and eco-friendly model that will get you to where you need to go. Impressive Fuel Economy Some of the most popular vehicles from Ford are those that help drivers save at the pump. The 2018 Ford C-MAX Hybrid returns an estimated 42 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, making it a great option for your daily commute or your next road trip. Beneath the hood, you'll find a 2.0-liter hybrid electric powertrain and a 1.4-kWh lithium-ion battery. The 2018 Fusion is also available with a hybrid engine, with estimates coming in at 43 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. This powertrain uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery. Ford released an all-electric version of its popular compact sedan, the Focus, which goes up to 118 miles in the city and 96 mpg on the highway. This model has a one-speed automatic transmission, along with a 107-kWh motor and a 35-kWh lithium-ion battery. more High-End Features When you choose an electric or hybrid vehicle from Ford, you don't have to skimp on the latest comfort and convenience features. The C-MAX Hybrid comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an overhead storage console, keyless entry, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Tech features include a six-speaker sound system with advanced voice recognition, while Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system and navigation are available as upgrades. Within the Fusion Hybrid, features include manually adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a nine-speaker audio system, a 4.2-inch central display screen, active noise control, and rear air vents. The Ford Focus tacks on Ford's MyKey system, which allows parents to set controls on speed and audio system volume for their teen drivers, as well as track the vehicle location and set fences. It's also available with high-end tech options, such as a Sony audio system, smart USB charging ports, and an 8-inch touch screen. Sleek Exterior Styling When you think of a hybrid vehicle, you might imagine a clunky, dated-looking model, but that's certainly not the case when it comes to these options from Ford. In fact, most people can't immediately tell that these vehicles are hybrid or electric-powered. From the outside, you'll spot eye-catching features like chrome accents, LED lighting, exhausts, fog lights, tinted glass, and rear spoilers. The front end of the Focus Hybrid shows off a unique front grille in piano black, while the other models have their own unique features as well. Visit Chestatee Ford to test drive one of these Ford hybrid or electric models, and see how it stacks up against other environmentally friendly vehicles. We'll show you the latest features and help you as you make the decision about which model is right for you.   Photo via ford.com

The 2018 Ford Taurus and Ford Fusion are two brand favorites battling it out in the sedan segment this year. As you shop for your next vehicle, consider this comparison guide to help you decide which of the two — the Ford Taurus or Ford Fusion — works best for you. Trim Variety The Ford Taurus is available in four trims: the SE, SEL, Limited, and SHO. The 2018 Ford Fusion triples that amount with an astounding 12-trim lineup, which includes a mix of standard trims, plus Hybrid and Energi plug-in hybrid variants. Both models start for less than $30,000, but the Ford Fusion's base comes in at $5,475 less than the Ford Taurus SE, making it a likelier choice for buyers on a budget. more Exterior Accents The Taurus and Fusion are undeniably attractive in appearance. They both feature similar elements, such as body-color door handles, LED taillamps, an Easy Fuel capless fuel filler, and an optional power moonroof. On the other hand, the Fusion adds an additional paint option to its lineup (Lightning Blue), giving you one extra color choice to consider. Performance Specs The Taurus offers a quieter ride thanks to its cabin and engine insulation, but the Fusion has a shorter turning radius that handles corners and tight spaces like a pro. Fuel efficiency also varies between models. In short, the Taurus SE, SEL, and Limited offer the best model rating at 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. Meanwhile, the Fusion Energi trims reach an MPGe of 104 city and 91 highway, a driving range that's hard to beat. Interior Space These sedans both accommodate up to five passengers, though the Fusion's added head and legroom provide a slightly more comfortable fit than the compact Taurus. However, the latter's 20.1-cubic-foot trunk ranks among the largest in its class for cargo capacity, while the Fusion offers 4.1 cubic feet less. Technology Features You don't have to settle for basic tech amenities in these two sedans. Ford's signature MyKey system, for example, offers advanced functions such as allowing you to set speed and audio volume limits for young drivers, reminding you to buckle up before taking off, and alerting you of a nearly empty fuel tank. A SYNC 3 infotainment system is also available with the 2018 Ford Taurus and Fusion. This interactive hardware features a touch screen that's highly responsive and user-friendly. You can easily access features such as smartphone integration for Android and Apple devices, turn-by-turn navigation, satellite radio, and a variety of voice-activated functions. Safety Systems The 2018 Ford Taurus and Ford Fusion both received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. That says a lot about these two models, but so do the many driver-assist features they offer. These include adaptive cruise control, individual tire pressure monitoring, and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control. Where we see a difference in advanced safety measures is with the Fusion's available inflatable rear seat belts, a first for the mid-size sedan segment. They reduce the amount of crash force to the head and neck following a collision. Whether you're shopping for your first sedan or upgrading from a previous model, we hope this guide has helped you decide which of these two Fords, the Taurus or Fusion, is right for you.   Photo: " Fusion " by Shawn Nystrand licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original

Georgia's wine country is up along the northern part of the state, not too far from Atlanta. There are also a few further south, but either way, you won't have to travel very far if you want to go on a winery tour in Atlanta. If that sounds appealing and you want to spend a weekend or a whole week's vacation touring the vineyards of the South, you should do yourself a favor and make some time to visit at least one of the wineries on the following list. Chateau Elan Winery and Resort Chateau Elan has the advantage of being a resort hotel on top of being a winery, and since it's halfway between downtown Atlanta and Georgia's wine country over on I-85 it's the perfect place to sleep between trips. On most afternoons you can go on a free guided tour of the Elan Winery whether or not you've booked a room, although you will have to pay if you want to taste what they create. They also regularly host special events that teach you things like the basics of winemaking and wine tasting. more Wolf Mountain Vineyards Wolf Mountain Vineyards is up along US-19 north of Dahlonega. It's nestled along the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, and the vineyards sit on the hillsides and use a clever gravity-based irrigation system that keeps the vines hydrated. Wolf Mountain planted its first crop in 2000, but they make a point of doing everything by hand and so their production is always limited compared to some of their neighbors. The winery offers guided tours with tastings at noon on weekends, but you can stop by the cafe on Thursdays and Fridays for lunch and a tasting. Georgia Winery Georgia Winery is right near Chattanooga on I-75. This winery dates back to 1983, making it one of the oldest vineyards of Georgia's modern wine country. Tours of the winery take place on Saturday, The tasting room is open throughout the week and offers flights of Georgia Winery's 20 wine varieties, and while they don't have a cafe they do have a gift shop where you can buy branded products, wines, and several desserts and pastries made on location using Georgia Winery wines. Frogtown It's an unusual name for a winery, but Frogtown is an award-winning winery deep in Georgia's wine country and east of Wolf Mountain. The main vineyard estate is near Dahlonega, but they also have tasting rooms up in Helen and all the way down south near Valdosta. The tasting room at the vineyard is open every day of the week, but come on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday afternoon and you'll get to enjoy a panini or cheese plate with your wine. Georgia's wine country is young and growing, with new brands and new flavors popping up every year. If you live in Atlanta you don't have to cross the country to get a Napa Valley experience, you just have to drive north less than 100 miles and tour some of the best wineries on the East Coast.   Photo: " Cheers! " by Marlon E licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original

The 2018 Ford Taurus is a strong contender in this year's auto market. Reviews rave about its affordable base price, performance hardware, cargo space, user-friendly infotainment system, and cutting-edge safety. Here's your guide to the 2018 Ford Taurus' impressive features. Starting MSRP Budget-conscious buyers gravitate toward this sedan for its modest MSRP. The base SE trim starts at $27,690, one of the lowest you'll find in this segment. However, if your budget allows for some wiggle room, consider stepping up to the next-level SEL, which starts at $30,120 and adds a few tech upgrades you won't find with the base. Either way, the Ford Taurus is ideal for those who want comfortable amenities without making a deep dent in their wallet. more SHO Performance Package Available for the top-level SHO trim, this performance package adds advanced specs that border on bold and brilliant. If you're able to splurge on this package, expect to drive away with enhanced road power. This performance boost is courtesy of a fine-tuned suspension system and improved coil springs and stabilizer bars, plus larger brake rotors and adjusted brake pads. You can also enjoy greater responsiveness with electric power steering and greater control over uneven terrain with AdvancTrac electronic stability control, which lets you switch between True Off and Track Mode. Finally, the SHO's tires offer peak performance in the summer. They're paired with a handy inflator for optimal air levels and a sealant kit for seamless tread wear repair. Trunk Volume Need a vehicle with ample cargo room? The 2018 Ford Taurus has you covered. This sedan jumps on the market with a cargo capacity that rivals most in its class. Exactly how much? You'll find 20.1 cubic feet of trunk space, perfect for a large grocery haul, all your road-trip luggage, and bulky possessions. On top of that, fold down the 60/40 rear seatbacks to reach even more cargo storage potential. SYNC 3 Infotainment System A worthy upgrade to this sedan's standard display, the 8-inch touchscreen and available SYNC 3 infotainment system brings user convenience right to your fingertips. Even if you aren't tech-savvy, this touchscreen is highly responsive and easy to operate. It lets you manage audio settings, remote services, and smartphone features, to name a few. Specifically, this interactive suite offers SiriusXM satellite radio, 911 emergency assistance, smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Siri Eyes Free for hands-free calling on your iPhone. Additional perks include voice-activated navigation and Travel Link for real-time weather updates, fuel rates, and sports scores. Safety All vehicles boast their own set of safety features, but not every model receives a five-star overall crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The 2018 Ford Taurus earned this status with its sturdy body frame and top-notch air bags. It also impresses with several driver-assist features designed to boost road safety and awareness. These include a safety-belt reminder, parallel and rear parking assistance, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep technology, and adaptive cruise control with four preset distances. The 2018 Ford Taurus is a practical sedan in today's market, and it's clear to see why it has earned positive reviews in these five areas.   Photo via Ford.com

Summer camps can be a fun way for kids to learn about outdoor skills, science, music, or any other activities they might be interested in. At the same time, they'll get to spend time with other kids their age they would never have met otherwise. It's a unique growing experience, or at least it can be if it doesn't become a major disaster instead. Summer camp is a great idea, but you should be sure you and your child are prepared for it before you drop them off. How Long Does the Camp Last? Day camps like Zoo Atlanta's summer sessions are a better choice for younger kids, especially if they aren't used to spending nights away from home or away from their parents. All you have to do is drop them off at the start of the day and pick them up in the early evening, just like how daycare works. Overnight camps have your kids staying on location from start to finish, whether that means a weekend, a week, a month, or the entire summer. Like with day camps, longer stays are more appropriate for older kids. more What Does Your Child Want to Do? Different camps focus on different topics. Some of them are camps in the classic sense: pitching tents in campgrounds, learning how to forage for food and set fires, and otherwise spending time away from civilization. Other camps focus on things like science, math, acting, sports, or music. A dedicated camp like the Spruill Center Summer Camp can be a good way for a child to get into a new hobby or learn a new skill, but if it's something they don't like then spending all day for a week on it can feel like torture. That's why you should make sure your kid knows what kind of camp they're going to and that they're interested in the camp's subject. You could even offer a few different options so your child will have some say in where they go. What's Your Budget? Summer camps can be expensive, even if they only last for one week. They tend to start at hundreds of dollars and go up from there, and some specialty camps can cost $1,000 per week or more. On the bright side, this cost covers just about everything the camp uses, including equipment, supplies, food, shelter, and anything else a specialty camp might need. Still, you shouldn't plan on sending your child to any summer camp unless you know for sure you have enough room in your budget for it. A summer camp can be a fun time and an important event in a child's life, and if you can afford the tuition fees for even one week of sessions it can end up being an important experience for your kid. Just make sure that you've planned everything out, your child knows what kind of camp they're going to, and you're aware of the costs involved whether it's tuition or the extra supplies you're expected to bring.   Photo: " Summer 2017 Moment " by Gem Webb licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original

Plan a summer getaway in Georgia this year. From outdoor adventures to family-friendly activities, there is something for everyone no matter where in the state you decide to go. Check out these summer vacation destinations in Georgia and get started on planning your fun-filled getaway. Alpharetta Alpharetta is a vibrant city located between Atlanta and the mountains of northern Georgia. There is so much to do in this area with hundreds of shopping and dining options and a growing music scene. The downtown area has a small-town, charming atmosphere where there is always live entertainment or a festival going on. You can also head outside to Cashin's Sculpture Garden or ride or walk along the Big Creek Greenway. If your idea of a perfect summer vacation includes a spa treatment, there are several to choose from right in Alpharetta. more Lakemont Lakemont, situated in northeastern Georgia is home to Lake Rabun. This area is just an hour and a half drive from Chestatee and offers a quiet place for the whole family to relax. You can rent a cabin along the shore of the lake and enjoy swimming and boating during your vacation, or take advantage of the nearby mountains if you want to spend the day hiking and exploring. There is also whitewater rafting in the area if you prefer to get your adrenaline pumping, or for something more relaxing, you can drop a line in the lake waters and try your luck with the fish. FDR State Park FDR State Park offers a variety of different activities making it the perfect place for a summer vacation. It is the largest state park in Georgia and sits just over an hour's drive southwest of Atlanta. With over 9,000 acres, the park has so much to offer; you'll need to spend your whole vacation exploring all the fun. There is hiking with beautiful views, boating and fishing, swimming, and historical sights to visit. You can rent a cabin, or choose from several types of camping experiences including backcountry sites, lakeside sites, and even one huge site with room for 75 people. Cloudland Canyon Visit Cloudland Canyon State Park to explore 1000-foot canyons carved out by years of running water. This park features over 64 miles of hiking trails and 16 miles of horseback riding trails. If you are an experienced wild caver, you can explore the caves in the park, or you can take a guided Wild Cave Tour with G3 Adventures. Make sure you take some time to hike up to see the waterfalls that are unlike any others in the state. Spend your vacation in a fully-equipped cottage in the park, or you can even rent a yurt if you want to try something new. If you have your own accommodations, there are also several different types of camping and backpacking sites available. The state of Georgia has many beautiful vacation spots. Whether you enjoy the outdoors or want to spend your time off shopping and trying new restaurants, you can do it in Georgia. Photo via Flickr by StephenGA CC0 1.0

After missing in action for over two decades, the Ford Bronco is finally poised to make a comeback in 2020. Known as a multi-purpose vehicle, the Bronco was a popular alternative to other SUVs on the market during its production. The new Ford Bronco will be the first version of this bold 4x4 since 1996. Here are a few reasons that adventure seekers will love the new model. Redesigned for Adventure Ford has stated that the latest incarnation of the Bronco will sport a bold new look that respects the rugged roots of its heritage. There's some speculation as to exactly what this might look like. Some industry insiders have guessed that it will be based on Ford's own Everest SUV, which is itself an offshoot of the Ford Ranger. more An anonymous Ford employee let slip that the new Bronco might resemble the Troller T4, a vehicle that Ford manufactures for the Brazilian market. If these early reports are any indication, the new Bronco will be designed from the ground-up to compete with the most distinctive SUVs on the market. Performance and Power It's a safe bet that the new Bronco will live up to its name by providing drivers with high-end, adventurous performance. There are likely to be several trims of the new Bronco available when it arrives in 2020. The entry-level configurations are expected to have a 2.3-liter or 2.7-liter V6 engine capable of generating around 250 horsepower. The higher levels of trim may have an engine as big as 5.0 liters, which could deliver about 435 horsepower. Ford has also recently incorporated EcoBoost technology into most of its engines, so the Bronco's engine will probably be turbocharged and utilize a direct injection system. Classic Design Elements You probably remember the Bronco as a two-door vehicle, but the modern incarnation of the vehicle is expected to only be available as a four-door version. Despite this design change, the new Bronco will retain many of the classic elements that have made it the perfect vehicle for adventure seekers for years. All prior versions of the Bronco have had a removable top, and reports indicate that this feature will carry over to the new Bronco. And like Broncos of the past, the new version is expected to be fully capable of tackling rough terrain in four-wheel drive mode. The difference is that the new Bronco may only be available as a four-wheel drive model. Versatile Driving Ability The Ford Bronco was always famous for its ability to deliver a smooth highway drive just as easily as it could crawl over rocks and through thick mud. With four-wheel drive capabilities and a powerful engine, it seems like the new Bronco will carry forth that legacy. If you're an adventurous driver, you're sure to appreciate the new Bronco's ability to transition between paved road and dirt track without missing a beat. There are lots of questions about the upcoming Bronco, but it's safe to say that Ford has piqued our interest. We're eagerly keeping our eyes on any details about the new Bronco, but it's shaping up to be a comeback to remember.   Photo: " Ford Bronco concept " by dave_7 licensed under CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

Craft beer is becoming more and more popular, and with new breweries popping up all the time you can always get your fill. In the Atlanta area, there are several breweries to choose from where you can taste locally made brews, special seasonal beers, and quite often some delicious food to go along with it. Here are some of the craft breweries to check out in Atlanta. Scofflaw Brewing Co. Situated in the northwest neighborhood of Bolton, the Scofflaw Brewing Co has a huge production facility and a tasting room where you can sample some of everything from their IPAs to a barrel-aged stout. Scofflaw even offers tours Thursday through Sunday. The tour starts in the brewhouse and goes through the whole process from fermentation to kegging and bottling, and then ends in the tasting room. more Second Self Beer Co. Visit Second Self Beer Company on the west side of Atlanta and check out their canning room and the tasting room. You can take a tour of the brewery and get some samples of their limited-release brews along with the seasonal releases. Saturday is one of the best days to visit because it is always Taco Saturday at this brewery. Real Mexican Vittles supplies the tacos, and the brewery supplies the beer. Make sure to check in often to find out what new and unique beers this place has on tap. The staff is always trying new things and creating new variations for their customers. Monday Night Brewing Monday Night Brewing is one of the oldest craft breweries in Atlanta. The goal of this company is to brew flavorful beer that pairs well with a weeknight dinner. They offer a few different collections of brews including the Black Tie Series and the Garage Series, and there are also some seasonal and year-round brews. You can rent the taproom or the garage for a private event for up to 100 people, or you can just visit during their open hours and get a flight with four beers of your choice. Orpheus Brewing Check out Orpheus Brewing for creative new beers. The tasting room has decks overlooking Piedmont Park, and you can also go on a tour of the brewery. Try some samples of the brews in the regular rotation along with some samples of their limited releases and the barrel-aged beers that you can only get right at the brewery. The tasting room opens up on Thursday and Friday nights from 6 to 9 and Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5. Torched Hop Brewing Company Torched Hop Brewing Company operates both as a brewery and a restaurant. Stop in here to taste the microbrews and have a bite to eat. The restaurant features small plates and a selection of sandwiches, while the brewery has a rotating selection of the beers brewed right on-site. There are many more craft breweries in and around the Atlanta area, but these are some of the local favorites. Stop by any of these breweries to taste the delicious beer and enjoy the atmosphere in the tap or tasting room.   Photo: " Beer Flight " by Nan Palmero licensed under CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

Extreme weather conditions can lead to unsafe road hazards. While it is best to stay off the road during times of extreme weather, sometimes it cannot be avoided. These tips will help you stay safe when driving during extreme weather conditions. Prepare Your Vehicle Ahead of Time There are some vehicle preparations that can actually improve the safety of your drive. Make sure your windshield wipers are working properly, keep your tires filled to the proper level, and have your vehicle winter-serviced each year. Taking these safety precautions ahead of time reduces your chances of having vehicle trouble on top of poor road conditions. You don't want to get stranded in the middle of extreme weather. more Prepare an Emergency Road Kit Keeping an emergency road kit in your trunk is useful for driving emergencies. Your emergency kit should include items like blankets, an ice scraper, road flares, dry food, water, and a backup cell phone or phone charger. If you have a roadside service membership, make sure you have this information also stored in your vehicle somewhere. Keeping a bag of cat litter in the trunk can also help improve traction if you get stranded. Take Your Time Rushing in extreme weather conditions often leads to an even more dangerous situation. Driving too fast on poor roads can make it difficult to stop without causing an accident. Icy and slippery roads are not always easily visible. You could drive for many miles with good traction and then hit a patch of black ice and spin out of control. If the weather is poor, slow your speed to a 10 mph and then adjust accordingly, based on your comfort level. Avoid slamming on your breaks and give yourself plenty of space to come to a full stop. Keep a Large Distance between Other Cars Poor road conditions also affect other drivers on the road. Tailgating can result in an auto accident if the person in front of you has to stop quickly. It is best to leave a minimum of 100 yards between you and other drivers. Avoid a collision in the event either of you needs to stop quickly or are unable to come to a stop by keeping your distance.  If traffic is moving faster than you are comfortable with, switch lanes to a slower one and keep a large distance between the other drivers in the lane. Know When to Pull Off Just because you decided to drive despite poor road conditions, this does not mean that you have to stay on the road. If you find that the road conditions are much worse than expected, turn around and go home. If it is too dangerous to even drive home, pull off the road to a safe place. Even stopping in for a bite to eat can give the roads time to improve. Extreme weather conditions can make driving unsafe. These driving tips will help you gauge the weather and practice safe driving, regardless of the weather.   Photo " Rainy Drive " by Roman Lakoubtchik licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original

Dahlonega, Georgia, may not initially be known for its barbecue cuisine. However, it is home to some delicious local BBQ places that are worth giving a try. Smokin' Gold BBQ Smokin' Gold BBQ is a newer BBQ joint in Dahlonega, GA, but it has already become a favorite of the locals. Located in Dahlonega's main square, Smokin' Gold BBQ sits in a converted auto garage building. The menu is what you would expect from a traditional BBQ restaurant including pulled pork BBQ plates and brisket sandwiches. You will also find a Brunswick stew and peach cobbler on the menu that is worth giving a try. Request a table on the patio to enjoy your BBQ dinner, while overlooking the downtown city of Dahlonega, Georgia. more Farmhouse Produce and The BBQ Kitchen This unique destination combines a BBQ restaurant and a small produce market. The Farmhouse is a family owned small business, but it does not disappoint in food quality. Each of their menu and product market items are made with the freshest of ingredients, all from within Dahlonega. While the interior is quaint, the food is exceptional and will leave you wanting more. Some of the favorite items on the menu include the fried BBQ pickles, the fried green tomatoes, and the BBQ rib tips. Hickory Prime BBQ Hickory Prime BBQ came from owners who entered many BBQ contests. After winning several first place awards, they decided to serve their quality BBQ to the public. The menu is quite expansive, but consider items like the chopped beef brisket sandwich, the smoked pulled chicken plate, or the sweet and spicy BBQ grilled cheese. The restaurant also has a large to-go and catering menu, perfect for serving this delicious BBQ at your next event. The Jukebox Cafe The Jukebox Cafe is a favorite food and entertainment place in Dahlonega. The menu is simple boasting comfort BBQ foods like grilled cheese, grilled mac and cheese, and the pretzel Ruben. The entire menu is fresh daily and cooked using locally sourced ingredients. The Jukebox hosts many live events throughout the week with comedians, bagpipe performances, and southern musical artists. You will often find guests sticking around after dinner for a night of dancing. Jr's Roadkill BBQ & Ribs Jr's is a local favorite in Dahlonega. The menu is authentically BBQ inspired and includes pulled pork dishes, sweet potatoes fries, and BBQ ribs. The joint country store is a perfect stop after dinner to load up on local crafts and souvenirs. Stop by on a weekend night for dinner and live entertainment. Fridays are karaoke night from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m., and Saturdays host a live band. Before you leave, make sure you write your name on the outdoor deck table. It keeps track of the many satisfied customers of Jr's Roadkill BBQ history. Dahlonega, Georgia, has established a loyal BBQ following. With a couple of local restaurants dedicated to delicious BBQ and entertainment, it is worth visiting Dahlonega to meet your BBQ cravings. Photo by Southern Food Alliance licensed under CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

The 2018 Ford Focus RS is a limited-edition vehicle. Entering its last year of production, this limited time Ford Focus will no longer be produced after 2018. Here are the most exciting features of the last version of the Ford Focus RS. Powerful Engine The 2018 Ford Focus RS definitely does not lack in power. With a 350 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it offers a satisfying sporty and powerful performance. The unique 6-speed manual transmission will also improve the overall drive. Drivability In addition to a consistently powerful engine, the performance is also enhanced with a 2.3L EcoBoost® system. This system uniquely controls how much torque goes to each wheel, improving control, traction, and overall drivability. Drivers can also manually switch between four different driving modes, with a new track and drift option. The Focus RS also gives drivers the ability to adjust suspension and stability control for ideal operating conditions. more Exterior Trim Almost as a dedication to the end of this sporty line, Ford has completely renovated the exterior of the 2018 Ford Focus RS. The exterior mirrors have black trim, the spoiler has an upgraded black accent, and the RS decal is completely changed from earlier models. Drivers can also choose a Race Red color in the 2018 model, which is an addition to the single color Nitrous Blue that was previously offered. The 19-inch forged painted wheels will also now come standard in both models. Although minimally changed, the aerodynamic design of the exterior will also improve drivability with efficient speed. The unique exterior trim of the 2018 model is sure to give you a unique vehicle that is easily recognized by Ford Focus enthusiasts. Interior The interior also saw a significant change in this year's final model. The seats come standard with RECARO® leather heated materials. The mirrors and steering wheel are also heated. The navigation system has upgraded voice activation and easier than ever to use. The Sync 3 touchscreen infotainment system has a larger 8.0-inch monitor. Safety Features Not much has changed in terms of safety, but the 2018 Ford RS will still offer a solid safety package. Drivers can feel safe despite road conditions with the dual-sided airbags, safety canopy system, and belt minder feature. Passengers can also adjust their seatbelt based on height, for a more secure fit. The LATCH system and child-safety rear locks improve safety for families with young children. Finally, the rearview camera and tire pressure monitoring system are both standard on both models. Drivers can also rest easy knowing that their exclusive vehicle has protection built-in. Security features include a remote keyless entry, a passive anti-lock system, and a perimeter alarm system. The 2017 Ford Focus RS did not see any significant changes. The 2018 Ford Focus RS, however, is completely revamped for its last year in production. There will only be 1,000 of these exclusive RS vehicles made, so make sure you stop by your local dealer before this car is no longer available.   Photo via Ford.com