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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

Eating healthy does not mean eating boring, tasteless food. In Atlanta, there are many restaurants that offer wholesome, nutritious food that also tastes great. If you want to invest in a healthier, more energetic you, drop in at these restaurants and try some of their delectable, healthy dishes. Cafe Sunflower Cafe Sunflower has been a popular spot with vegan and vegetarian locals, as well as their carnivore cousins, for over 20 years. Cafe Sunflower offers fresh and original vegan dishes, served from two different locales in Atlanta that feature varied and exciting menus. At Cafe Sunflower, you can enjoy tasty starter dishes like spring rolls or artichoke and spinach dip with vegan cheese and organic corn chips. On the entree menu are delectable vegan dishes, such as spicy basil tempeh, featuring broccoli, shitake mushrooms, onion, chili peppers, peanuts, and organic brown rice, or spicy pad Thai noodles, with a variety of fresh vegetables, baked tofu, coconut-tahini sauce, and crushed peanuts. The Buckhead venue serves fresh juice cocktails, craft beers, and a selection of fine wines, while the Sandy Springs venue serves tea, coffee, and freshly prepared juices. more The venues boast stylish and modern interior designs, featuring lots of wood, for a warm and inviting ambiance. The restaurant is open for lunch and supper. True Food Kitchen Although one doesn't always expect to find healthy food in a chain restaurant, True Food Kitchen offers a variety of wholesome and nutritious meals. As seasonal fruit and vegetables are used in the restaurant's dishes, the menu is rotated regularly. Clients are also able to customize their orders according to their specific needs and tastes. The interiors of the venues feature lots of green plants and modern, hip furniture for a fun, lively vibe. On the starter menu are healthy options, such as the farmers market crudites, with a variety of fresh, raw vegetables, served with tzatziki and a black olive dip, or an herb hummus served with pita bread. For mains, you can bite into an inside-out quinoa burger or enjoy a poke bowl with albacore, avocado, quinoa rice, a variety of vegetables, and cashew nuts. True Food Kitchen also serves nutritious beverages. You can find anything from unique cocktails to house-made teas to refreshers on the drinks menu. Tassili's Raw Reality Cafe The owner of Tassili's Raw Reality Cafe believes that optimal health can be gained by eating raw vegan foods. On the menu, you will find a variety of wraps, such as the Punany wrap, made with soy mayo, spicy kale salad, avocado, sweet corn, and couscous. You'll also find a variety of interesting and wholesome raw dishes, such as "Way Better Than OkRa," prepared with sun-dried tomatoes, corn, onion, and spices, and Karamu couscous, prepared with raisins and berries. If you have a sweet tooth, spoil yourself with African carob cake. It's so easy to fall into bad eating habits, especially over the Christmas season. Do yourself a favor, and drop in at these restaurants in Atlanta where you can enjoy healthy food that's also delicious. Image by marcoverch via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

One of the most obvious ways one can go greener is to buy a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Apart from doing your bit for the environment, such vehicles will also save you on gas. If you're in the market for a green vehicle, the new and exciting 2019 Ford Fusion Energi is a very viable option. Let's take a closer look at the eco-friendly features this plug-in hybrid offers. SmartGauge With EcoGuide This system, which functions with dual LCD screens, provides you with real-time information in regard to your driving, in order to assist you in using your Fusion Energi as efficiently as possible. It enables you to monitor powertrain operations, such as hybrid and electric drives, gas engine, and fuel economy, as well as maximize efficiency by, for instance, accessing the Brake Coach screen. If you're driving at optimal efficiency, you will see leaves and vines growing on the right-side display screen. more On the left-side display, you will find the Engage and Empower modes. The Engage mode will show you gauges for engine and lithium-ion battery power, while the Empower mode will inform you about how much power you are using, based on the accelerator pedal, and how far you are from the gasoline engine on/off threshold. Improved Battery The 2019 Fusion Energy boasts a new, bigger battery with an increased electric range. While the previous battery was able to store 7 kWh and had a range of 21 miles, the new battery is able to store 9 kWh and provide a range of up to 25 electric miles. Driving Modes To help you drive as efficiently as possible, the Ford Fusion Energi offers three different driving modes, allowing you to select gas, electric, or a combination of the two. The EV Now mode utilizes primarily plug-in power, while the EV Later mode saves plug-in power for later use. With the Auto EV mode, your Energi will switch between plug-in power and gas engine as needed. To assist you in monitoring your battery's charge, and to also schedule charging, you can use the convenient MyFord Mobile application or visit the myfordmobile.com website. Regenerative Braking In a normal vehicle, a lot of kinetic energy is lost because of friction while braking. But the Energi provides efficient regenerative braking, which saves up to 94 percent of this energy and returns it to the battery to use later. Apart from all its eco-friendly features, the 2019 Fusion Energi comes with the impressive Ford Co-Pilot360 package, which is a suite consisting of the latest driver-assist systems, and also offers an attractive exterior and comfortable and convenient cabin. If you want to take the 2019 Fusion Energi for a drive, pop in to see us at Chestatee Ford. Image by mariordo59 via Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original

The Ranger is Ford's compact pickup truck, and it's been that way for over 10 years. However, for much of that time, the company didn't sell the Ranger in the United States and focused on the F-Series full-size pickups instead. Now that's changed again: the Ranger is back in North American markets for 2019 and a lot has changed about its design in the years since Ford discontinued sales. A Ford-Tough Design Some companies switch their compact pickup trucks to a unibody design, but the Ranger uses the same body-on-frame design as a full-size truck. That decision gives the Ranger extra towing strength, up to 7,500 pounds, plus it comes with frame-mounted steel bumpers, bash plates, and tow hooks. The payload limit is also high — up to 1,860 pounds. The Ranger might be smaller than the F-150 or the rest of the F-Series, but it still manages to do its big brothers proud by offering some impressive numbers for the class. more Off-Road Prowess The 2019 Ford Ranger offers several features that make it easier to take on off-road adventures. The FX4 and FX2 are off-road packages for 4x4 and 2x4 Ranger models, and they offer important features like all-terrain tires, skid plates on the undercarriage, and an electronic system that tracks the truck's pitch and roll. You also get Trail Control (an off-road version of cruise control), a terrain management system, and an electronic locking rear differential. Since the Ranger is smaller than an F-150, it's better able to handle rough terrain like this. Driver Assistance Features The Ford Ranger might not have had any driver assistance when it left America, but now that it's back, it has plenty to offer. Available features include an adaptive cruise control that changes speed based on the speed of traffic ahead, the Lane-Keeping System that gently nudges your vehicle to the center of the lane if you start wandering, and the Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Technology — a feature that warns you if you're about to run into another vehicle or a pedestrian and can start braking before you have time to react. The Trims Like the F-Series, the new 2019 Ford Ranger comes with a number of trim levels and configurations that can meet different customers' needs. The XL trim with a Double Cab doesn't have much in the way of features, but that's because it's a work truck made for people who need a low-cost pickup without any extras. At the other end of the trim list is the Lariat, and with this, you get things like the Crew Cab size, leather seats, LED headlights, and an 8-inch touchscreen that runs Sync 3. A lot has happened to cars and trucks since the last time Ford sold a Ranger in the United States, and the new Ranger's power and features reflect all of these changes. So have a look for yourself at the differences between the new Ranger and the F-150 and decide whether you'd prefer one pickup truck or the other.   Image via Ford.com

Mother Nature often supplies a beautiful backdrop for a mountain town, and the area around Dahlonega is no exception. Home to the tallest waterfall in Georgia, North Georgia has it all. Bring your camera to capture the falls in action. Amicalola Falls The Amicalola Falls are located in Amicalola Falls State Park. You can reach the highest falls east of the Mississippi River via an eight-mile long trail. After you are done taking pictures along the falls, you don't have to leave the park. Instead, set up camp and enjoy nature's beauty at various locations throughout the park. There are 24 campsites available that can fit six people each. ADA-accessible and RV back-in or pull-through campsites are also available. more The park is open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. As you prepare for your trip, remember that all cars require a Georgia State Park pass that costs $5. Anna Ruby Falls The Anna Ruby Falls features two waterfalls formed from the Curtis and York Creeks. The falls are located in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Helen, Georgia. This is a beautiful hike for anyone no matter what your hiking experience because the trail is paved. Along with your camera, pack a water bottle and some light snacks as it is a nine-mile hike round-trip. Before you set off on your hike, stop by the visitor's center for a map, so you can enjoy the trail as much as you do the falls. The path winds through the forest, giving you beautiful views to enjoy on your way to and from the falls. The trail is stroller- and pet-friendly, so the entire family can enjoy a day in nature.  There are two viewing platforms just past the trailhead for the Smith Trail. Helton Creek Falls The Helton Creek Falls features two separate waterfalls, one upper and one lower, that are also located in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Helen, Georgia. You can see both these and the Anna Ruby waterfalls in the same day. This is a natural trail that is less than a mile long and is a perfect way to introduce children to the forest. It is a short, but easy-to-moderate hike so make sure everyone is ready before setting out. The trail leading to the falls begins just south of Vogel State Park. It offers a variety of heights giving you a chance to get some stunning pictures. If you want to reach the lower falls, take the short side trail, which leads you to a staircase that takes you to the falls. The upper falls are the larger of the two falls. You can see them from a viewing platform that is just three-tenths of a mile up the trail. Before you set out on your adventure, visit us at Chestatee Ford to find the perfect vehicle to fit your adventure. We have a wide variety of rugged vehicles that can seat as many people as you want to accompany you. Plan your trip today! Image by Lee Edwin Coursey via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

As a large crossover, the 2019 Ford Explorer offers plenty of interior space, three rows of seats, and a powerful set of engine options. It's not quite as big as the full-size Expedition, but in exchange, the Explorer is more efficient and comes with a lower starting MSRP. Aside from that, the Explorer has plenty of features to love. Three Excellent Engines Depending on the trim, a 2019 Explorer can come with one of three engines. The first is an ordinary V-6, an engine that can offer 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds, a good figure for the class. You can also swap in a smaller I-4 engine, and thanks to a turbocharger it gets 280 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. However, its towing limit drops to 3,000 pounds. Then there's the turbo V-6 engine — it gets 365 horsepower, 350 pound-feet of torque, and the 5,000-pound towing max. more Four-Wheel Drive With Terrain Management The 2019 Ford Explorer comes with a true four-wheel-drive system, which means you can set it to power all four wheels manually. Not only that, but the 4WD system also comes with the Terrain Management System, a setting that lets you pick between four terrain types and change how the vehicle behaves. The terrains covered include normal, mud, sand, and snow/grass/gravel. Thanks to this, the Explorer lives up to its name by letting drivers go off-road without worrying about losing an axle. Curve Control Curve Control is a class-exclusive feature, which means the Explorer is the only SUV of its size you'll see with this feature. What Curve Control does is limit your speed when you start driving down a sharp curve. If it detects that you're moving too fast for the kind of curve you're on, the system will automatically slow you down by up to 10 mph. Curve Control is a standard feature on every trim of the 2019 Explorer, including the front-wheel drive models. The Ford Safe and Smart Package This available package is practically a must-have for the 2019 Explorer. The features that come with this trim include automatic high beams, rain-sensing windshield wipers, the Lane-Keeping System that alerts you when you're about to wander out of your lane without using your turn signals, and an adaptive cruise control system with a forward collision warning and brake support. These systems can tell how fast the vehicle ahead is driving and can adjust your speed to match, and it can hit the brakes if it senses an accident about to happen. Thanks to modern technology, the spacious 2019 Ford Explorer is more than just the amount of cargo it can carry. The Explorer also has a set of powerful engines, an advanced four-wheel-drive system with terrain settings, and modern driver assistance features that can make it much easier to detect accidents before they happen and avoid them thanks to the automated systems on board.   Image via Ford.com

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

Dahlonega, Georgia, is often called the Napa of the South. Just as Napa is famous for cabernet sauvignon, so is Dahlonega. If you are into wines and you want to explore new options in the Dahlonega area, here are three great Dahlonega wineries famous for their wine selections worth exploring, even if it is just for a taste. Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery One of the first places that should be on your list is the Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery. It is located at 180 Wolf Mountain Trail in Dahlonega. Wolf Mountain follows the French style of winemaking but focuses on blending European ingredients to create new wines. The result is the Estate Grown wine series, which won awards for its multiple varieties. So far, Wolf Mountain has won over 100 awards. The wines focus on providing a unique flavor profile that pairs well with other foods, but can also stand on its own. more The winery hosts tasting events on a regular basis, and it is easy to get tickets. Group tours of the facility are available so that you can see its high-tech gravity-fed winery. All reservations are made over the phone, and the winery is open all year. Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery If you are looking for a place to get away for a bit, check out the Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery. It is located at 3610 Cavender Creek Road. Cavender Creek hosts events in the vineyard, as well as in the surrounding area. It owns a log cabin from the 1800s that you can rent for the night. It has been fully updated with modern amenities. The winery itself hosts tastings every day of the week, and you can make reservations by calling the main office. The winery has several varieties that it uses to produce the wines. These include Norton, cabernet sauvignon, and petit manseng, which were all planted by hand by the founders of the winery. Kaya Winery and Vineyard For something a bit different, try Kaya Winery and Vineyard at 5400 Town Creek Road. Kaya is relatively new as it was reopened in 2012. The facility is open every day except Mondays, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. While Kaya currently consists of a winery, it has plans to add a hotel and other facilities to make it a stay destination. You can take a tour of the facility or check out the tasting room. Tastings are affordable and let you choose from a wide range of options. If you are looking for a place to host an event, the vineyard can be reserved. Kaya routinely hosts weddings and other local events. You can also stay in the newly opened on-site cottages. Kaya has four craftsman-style cottages that can fit a family, and they make a great place to stay for a weekend or a special event getaway. Tasting a delicious cabernet sauvignon can be a fun hobby. As each new year brings a new batch of grapes and wine, you never know what wine is available for you to enjoy. Make it an annual trip to taste the latest year's creation. Photo vis Pixabay | CC 0

In a surprising move, Ford is getting out of the car manufacturing segment to focus on the development of trucks. That is because Ford has been wildly successful in truck sales. However, Ford has several car options, including the Ford Taurus, that outperform the competition. If you are looking for a new car, here are four reasons to get a Ford Taurus while you can before Ford makes the shift toward SUVs and trucks for good. HID and LED Lights Standard While many cars still use the old-style light bulbs, the 2019 Ford Taurus has HID and LED lights that come standard. HIDs first showed up in the '90s and they produce far more light than standard bulbs. The light that they produce is blueish white and a higher intensity than other lights. That way, they can easily fill an area with bright and highly visible light. The taillights are LEDs, which make them easy to see without lighting up the area behind your car. The combination of HIDs and LEDs makes the Ford Taurus highly visible in every situation. more Ford Alexa If you are a fan of Amazon's Alexa, you can use Alexa in your 2019 Ford Taurus. The Taurus comes with the Sync 3 SmartApp system. When you connect a smart device using Sync 3, you can access your Alexa account and use it for a variety of features in the car. Those skills include voice-activated features, navigation, and up to 45,000 of Alexa's skills. Plus, you can do many of the things that Alexa can do, including controlling your smart home components even when you are not home. Active Park Assist Another interesting feature of the 2019 Ford Taurus is the Active Park Assist. If you have trouble parallel parking, it can make parking much easier. The system looks for a parking spot that is the right size, then it guides you into the spot. You still control the braking and the acceleration, but your 2019 Ford Taurus takes over the rest to take the trouble out of parallel parking. Torque Vectoring Control To make driving much easier, the Taurus has a torque vectoring control system. As you make turns, the Taurus measures the torque in each tire and makes adjustments as needed. That way, you are less likely to experience issues with losing traction. In cold climates or wet places, having a system that maintains torque can make a significant difference in your driving safety. It also improves overall performance, as the Taurus can help you steer into turns without losing speed. The 2019 Ford Taurus has been a great choice for drivers that are looking for quality and performance. Although newer versions of the Taurus will not be released, the current version still has a lot to offer. If well taken care of, it can last quite a long time. That way, you'll be able to enjoy the benefits that the Taurus brings well into the future. The best way to get to know the 2019 Ford Taurus is to check it out in person. Photo by autobaptistgallery via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | cropped from original