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With so many vehicle types on the market today and multiple car brands competing for your attention, it's hard to make a decision when buying a new car. Even after you've done your research and have all the info you need on a car you're interested in buying, the only way to really get to know it is by taking it out for a spin. Here's what you need to be on the lookout for when on a test drive. Is This the Exact Trim and Model I'm Interested in? Most vehicles today come in a variety of trims and can include a multitude of optional packages. This leads to dozens of possible combinations of features, so it's important that the car you test drive has all the options and characteristics you want. The most important information you get from testing a new vehicle is how it feels when you're driving it, so the test car needs to have the same engine, transmission, suspensions, and generally everything related to how the car behaves on the road. more It's also important to test the car's interior features. On paper, virtually all models nowadays come with features such as air conditioning, touch-screen display, or smartphone integration, but some work better than others. How Does Everything Work? Most functions are intuitive and common to all cars, but you need to remember that the sales representative knows that particular vehicle inside and out. Before assuming that you can figure everything out on your own, you should ask him or her to demonstrate features related to the car's technology, active safety, or transmission. This way you can discover the proper ways to operate everything. Things that you may find difficult to use may be simpler than you thought. Is This Model Selling Well? A car's popularity is usually a good indicator of its quality, so ideally you'll want your dealer to tell you it's one of their best sellers. Of course, a relative lack of sales is not always an indicator of a possible fault, but it's definitely an incentive to research the exact reasons it hasn't sold well. Maybe it wasn't marketed as much as it should be, or certain characteristics put off many drivers but don't really affect your opinion. Whatever the reason, you need to know it and determine if it's important to you. Ask Yourself: Do I Like It? The final question isn't for the sales representative, but one you should ask yourself. After getting all the relevant info on the car's characteristics, inner workings, and popularity, the last box it needs to check is how you feel while driving it. Do you feel good behind the wheel or does driving it feel difficult? Only you can answer that. Buying a car is a very important decision because not only will you depend on it to get you from point A to point B, but it will also be the place where you will be spending thousands of hours. Before signing on the dotted line, make sure you have all the tools for taking an informed decision. 2019 F350 Super Duty Custom Diestamp via Flickr by truckhardware under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original

Are you looking for a new golf course to enjoy as the weather warms up? The Dahlonega, Georgia, area is full of courses for all ability levels. Chestatee Golf Club The Chestatee Golf Club is located on GA-400 in Dawsonville. The mountain-like terrain is designed to fit in with the area. This challenging course was designed by Denis Griffiths. Some of the features included in this 18-hole course include water holes, and a championship feel to the links. During your time on the links, keep in mind par is 71. more Once you finish with your game, enjoy the clubhouse and a mouthwatering menu from the Heron Grille. If you want to work on your game between rounds, there is a practice green and bunker on the property. There is also an extensive driving range for you to enjoy at this semi-private club. Non-members are allowed to use the practice range for a $25 fee that gives you unlimited practice range balls. The rates to play the course change depending on your age and the time of year. Mossy Creek Golf Course When you make the trip to Cleveland, Georgia, you can enjoy the 18-hole Mossy Creek Golf Course. The public course opened in 1965 as Eagle Greens at Skitt Mountain. The course is perfect for rookies, but can also challenge more experienced golfers. At its longest tees, the course is more than 6,000 feet in length. It is a par-70 course. The onsite pro shop has everything you need to enjoy a day on the links. You can rent clubs from the pro shop as well as set up lessons. After your round, enjoy a delicious meal at The Grill @ Mossy Creek. It is located above the pro shop and is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Achasta Stay in Dahlonega and enjoy a Jack Nicklaus signature course when you play at Achasta. While you are playing the course, keep an eye on the Chestatee River. It winds through the course and can impact the result of a majority of the holes. It is a par-72 course with a par 36 on each set of nine holes. It is a semi-private club that allows the general public to play the course.  The greens are G2 bent grass. The fairways and trees are Bermuda grass. If you want to warm up before your next round, there is a practice facility on site. This all-grass area includes both a putting and chipping green. After your game, enjoy a meal at the Achasta Grille. The grille is inside the clubhouse. It offers outdoor seating for warmer temperatures. There are also two indoor dining spaces, the main dining room, and the Nicklaus room. Achasta is open six days a week; it closes on Monday for maintenance. Explore each of these public courses provided to you by Chestatee Ford on a different weekend. If you enjoy a trip to one of these courses, bring friends for your return game. Urbanowicz_Krzysztof_GOLF via Flickr by Chris Urbanowicz Under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original

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

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

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

When it comes to taking great pictures to share on your social media profiles, picking the right photo location is key. A bad location can be boring, have inadequate natural light, and lack focus. If you're in the Dahlonega, Georgia, area, you're in luck. Dahlonega is a beautiful spot with waterfalls, rivers, and superb architecture. There are many beautiful, natural places to take amazing photos that are sure to get many likes. Here are four Instagram-worthy sites worth visiting in Dahlonega. Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge If you are looking for natural wonders for pictures, then you'll want to start at Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge. Off the beaten path, you can find Amicalola Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in the Southeast. It stands at 729 feet, which means there is plenty of falling water for bright, glistening, and moving pictures. In the area, you'll find a restaurant and places to stay. For many, Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge marks the beginning or the end of a long trip through the Appalachian Trail as it ends nearby. If you are lucky, you may find several hikers coming down off the trail to star in your pictures too. more Chestatee Overlook If you would rather take a road trip to get your pictures, check out the Chestatee Overlook. You can look over the edge and see clearly all the way out to the horizon. Then, you can drive down the winding path toward Dahlonega. It is a great way to get several breathtaking shots for your social media page. Just be sure to have a driver come along with you so that you can take pictures safely while you travel. Burt's Farm Every social media channel needs colorful fall-themed pictures for the changing season. The best way to get those is to go somewhere that people associate with changes in nature, like Burt's Farm. Getting to Burt's Farm is easy since you take the same drive to get to Amicalola Falls with one different turn. The farm is getting ready for the fall, which means there are plenty of fun fall events to do. You can take hayrides and see the farm before the pumpkins are harvested. It is a great place to get all the shots that you need for the fall. Jake and Bull Mountain Horse and Bicycle Trails One of the best ways to get great shots for the fall social media changes is to take a bike or a horse up through the Jake and Bull Mountain Horse and Bicycle Trails. Biking and horse riding allows you to get to places that you normally cannot. You can also go at your own pace and stop where you want to get good pictures. Anyone of these Dahlonega places would make for beautiful Instagram pictures. Whether you're looking for a stunning landscape shot or for a location to serve as the backdrop for selfies, you have choices. You could try to visit all of these spots to create a series of photos featuring Dahlonega's most notable places. Photo by darrenduke via Flickr| CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original.

Researchers suggest that driving while tired is similar to driving drunk. You lose some control of your vehicle and may not be able to drive defensively to prevent accidents from taking place. To stay safe on the road, it's important that you try to avoid driver fatigue whenever possible. Here are some tips to help you avoid driver fatigue and promote a safer driving environment on the road for everyone. Avoid Driving When You're Tired This may seem obvious, but you should avoid driving when you're tired. This means that you should avoid driving at night during times you're normally sleeping, as well as driving when you're in that 3 p.m. tired slump during the workday. If driving through the night to miss traffic on a long road trip seems like a good idea, consider that it's more dangerous to drive while you're sleepy. Try to avoid driving during these times, even if it means taking a break for 30 minutes to rest. more Pull Over If you're too tired to drive, pull over to somewhere safe and take a nap. A 20-minute nap is often referred to as a “power nap” for a reason. It's overall a smarter idea to pull over if you're drifting into a different lane or catch yourself closing your eyes while falling asleep. It is best to pull over to a parking lot at a popular place, as opposed to the side of the highway. However, if you cannot safely make it this distance, consider pulling over on the side of the road for a few minutes and stretching your legs. Consider What Medicine You're Taking Some medications can make you feel drowsy or fatigued. Any time you are prescribed a new medication, read the informational pamphlet that comes with it regarding possible side effects. Many medications that are known to cause drowsiness indicate it on the prescription bottle or have a warning about operating machinery while taking it. If you have any questions about whether or not you should drive while taking a medication, ask your local pharmacist for their advice. Be Selective About Using Cruise Control Cruise control can make a long drive easier by allowing you to rest your legs in a different position while on a highway going at a consistent speed. However, many drivers become less engaged in driving when they utilize their vehicle's cruise control features because they're doing less of the actual work. If you feel distracted, bored, or fatigued, it is not the time that you should use cruise control. Drive With a Friend Whenever possible, drive with a friend or a family member that you can talk to while you drive. While you don't want to look away from the road to share eye contact, an interesting conversation that's not distracting can keep you awake and engaged. In the event you start to drift off, the friend can make sure you stay awake. Fortunately, there are plenty of things that you can do to prevent driver fatigue. You should drive only when well rested, and be mindful of the medications you're on. It's possible that you're already doing some of these things to stay safe. Photo by angrykarl via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

Finding the right car that fits your driving style, cargo needs, and comfort preferences is already a big task. When you also need a car that caters to your disabilities, finding the right car might seem like an impossible task. These are the best Ford models for people with disabilities. Ford Escape The Ford Escape is already a popular SUV because of its premium comfort. The same spacious interior and high-quality leather seating are a great choice for drivers with disabilities. The Ford Escape comes equipped with voice-activated touch-screen Sync Connect. With Sync Connect, you can stream your favorite playlists, catch up on phone calls, or pull up turn-by-turn navigation. When compared to other SUVs, the Ford Escape sits lower which makes it easier to get in and out. The Ford Escape also has a remote keyless entry system, a rearview camera system, and the MyKey app. The MyKey app can assist you in teaching your teenager to drive safely. The program allows you to set limits on music volume, speed limits, and city driving to teach younger drivers responsible driving habits. more Ford Transit The Ford Transit is a great choice for drivers that want maximum cargo space. It offers 100.5 cubic feet of storage space, enough room for as many passengers, cargo, or assistive devices as you need. With the ability to customize the interior to your needs, it is one of the most versatile cars on the market. Choose between eight, 10, 12, or 15 passenger seats. You can also choose between three different roof heights, better meeting your storage needs. The Ford Transit can be equipped with many different assistive devices including wheelchair restraints, parking brakes, hoist lifts, and hand controls. The power assist seats make it easier to find comfort and control in the driver seat. Ford F-150 The durable Ford F-150 is also a great option for drivers with disabilities. The interior is spacious and comfortable with leather-wrapped, heated seats. The 2018 Ford F-150 also comes in an available seven trim levels, giving you the opportunity to choose the features and amenities that are the most important to you. New Ford F-150's are eligible for Ford's Mobility Monitoring Program. Hand controls, steering devices, hoist lifts, and power assist seats can all be installed into the Ford F-150. Ford Mustang You might be surprised to find the iconic Ford Mustang on this list. But, having a disability does not disqualify you from being able to have a sporty and entertaining car. The Ford Mustang can be equipped with most assistive devices including hand controls, lifts, parking brakes, and even carriers. The Ford Mustang also comes equipped with the same advanced technologies that assist disabled athletes in participating in their favorite sport. These technologies are calibrated for a smooth ride, giving every driver an exceptionally comfortable drive experience. Car features like comfort, cargo space, and disability adjustments are important when choosing a car to accommodate a disability. Ford also has a disability reimbursement program available which reimburses disability upgrades up to $1,000. Come by Chestatee Ford today to see these cars in person. Image by RL GNZLZ via Flickr | CC BY-SA 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