Lennox Square is a popular shopping destination in the Atlanta, Georgia, area. While the mall has plenty of high-end shops and chain retailers, there are also a few interesting shops worth visiting. These are a few of the most unique shops you will find in the Lennox Square complex. Crafted Crafted is a boutique on the upper level of Lennox Square. This shop specializes in selling local goods including clothing, home furniture, handmade gifts, and jewelry. The shop partners with local vendors, meaning the inventory is constantly changing and you are always given a unique shopping experience. Be sure to keep a look out for their frequent pop-up shops around the Atlanta area year-round. Crafted is also always on the lookout for new designers and artists wanting to sell their own items. more Hammer Made It might seem like most shopping malls cater to women and children's attire and accessories. Hammer Made, however, caters specifically to men. They have a team of stylists that continually refresh the men's clothing line. Men who want to update their wardrobe but are tired of the same designs found in large clothing chains are sure to enjoy Hammer Made. They sell belts, accessories, knits, and dress shirts. Everything is made from high-quality fabric with a classic and sophisticated fit in mind. Junk de Luxe Junk de Luxe sells a little of everything, except for junk. They are another brand that focuses on men's clothing and accessories. While they primarily focus on hip and urban clothing items, you can also find internationally designed outdoor attire, shoes, and accessories. Their street-ready inventory is high-quality, comfortable, and sustainable. There are not many brands that can promise those three characteristics in the clothing you buy. Sprinkles Sometimes shopping for sweets is just as much fun as strolling through the clothing and furniture stores. Sprinkles is an exciting shop to visit, especially if you have a sweet tooth. The brand first started in Los Angeles and is now available in the Lennox Square Mall. They are growing quickly as locals fall for their eight-layer cakes, fudge brownie cookies, and the convenient cupcake ATM. In a rush? Simply input into the machine what you want on your cupcake and then watch it as it is being made. The Merchant Atlanta locals have helped The Merchant expand into the popular shop it has become today. The first location was in Atlanta and has since spread to additional Georgia locations. They focus on an inventory of unique home furnishings collected from all over the world. Just a few of the brands that you might find in The Merchant of Lennox Square include 31 Bits, Illume Candles, Waste Not Paper, and Easy Tiger. Make sure you check back often as new merchandise is added to the inventory every week. Whether you are shopping for men's clothing, home furniture, women's accessories, or sweets, Lennox Square has something for you. You can easily spend an entire day strolling the large mall with its versatile and unique collection of shops. Photo via Pixabay | CC 0
Best Ford Models for People with Disabilities
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
Five of the Tastiest Cookie Shops in All of Atlanta
If you are prone to the occasional sweet tooth, there are a few cookie shops in the Atlanta area that are worth checking out. Karma Daisy & The Cookie Studio Although Karma Daisy & The Cookie Studio now serves a full menu with brunch, lunch, and dinner entrees, they initially gained their popularity in the Atlanta area from their baking studio. Every cookie is baked fresh daily with the freshest of ingredients. They are always concocting new cookie recipes for the most adventurous of diners. Of course, you can always stick with one of the traditional cookies on the menu including chocolate chip, peanut butter, or gluten-free macaroons. Be sure to check out the hand-painted walls of the Cookie Studio when you visit. Insomnia Cookies Atlanta locals can now have more than pizza delivered. Insomnia Cookies delivers fresh and delicious cookies until 3 a.m. every night of the week. You can even follow your delivery order with the convenient Cookie Tracker. Just a few of the cookies worth trying at Insomnia Cookies include the triple chocolate chunk, the s'mores cookie, or the cookie a la mode. Insomnia Cookies also serves ice cream, cookie sandwiches, and brownies. more Henri's Bakery and Cafe Henri's Bakery and Cafe has been perfecting their cookie recipes since 1929. The cookies are affordable and mouth-watering. Be sure to try the sugar cookie or the black & white cookie. Henri's also serves other bakery items including croissants, apple fritters, and muffins. Want to fill up before dessert? Henri's Cafe has a full deli menu with items like Po-boys, chicken salad sandwiches, and the traditional grilled cheese sandwich. Highland Bakery Highland Bakery was created out of one person's enthusiasm for a quality cup of coffee. The owner wanted to introduce Atlanta locals into the world of designer coffee. In the process, she found that locals enjoyed the premium coffee but that they also needed tasty breakfast bakery items. The carefully designed menu is a combination of fresh foods with a southern twist. They sell everything from freshly baked bread to some of the best cookies you will find anywhere in the area. Come visit the Highland Bakery for a hot cup of coffee and a traditional chocolate chip cookie. Ebrik Coffee Room The Ebrik Coffee Room not only has great cookies and refreshing coffee, but they also have a cozy dining room. Conveniently located in downtown Atlanta, this is the perfect spot to stop for a coffee refuel and to take a break from your busy day. One of the most popular items on the menu are the chewy cookies. The staff at the Ebrik Coffee Room are accommodating, aiming to make every customer feel as comfortable and welcomed as possible. The shop is also a popular spot for book launches, poetry nights, and charity fundraisers. Atlanta, Georgia, knows how to make delicious cookies. Whether you are looking for a late night cookie delivery or a comfortable spot to enjoy coffee and cookies, Atlanta has something for you. Image via Pixabay | CC 0
Four Famous People Who Drove Ford Mustangs
You may be wondering which celebrities have owned a Ford Mustang. There are lots, but here are four names you will probably recognize and some information about their beloved Ford Mustangs. Jay Leno Jay Leno is known for his love of cars. He has an extensive collection, which happens to include a 1965 Shelby Mustang GT 350. The car is #120 out of 562 models that were made in 1965. The car is mostly in its original condition, but modifications made to the vehicle include two pod gauges, which were for safety, as well as a transmission change. Patrick Dempsey Patrick Dempsey is said to love Mustangs. He raced a Mustang FR500C in the Grand-AM Road Racing KONI series in 2007 and also owned a 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe, which he sold in 2016. The Mustang had a supercharged 4.6-liter Cobra Engine that hit 550 horsepower. The car also had a six-speed transmission with an interior that was completely customized. The interior included air conditioning, power windows, and a customized sound system. Dempsey's car was featured on the May 2008 cover of Mustang Monthly. more Bill Clinton Before becoming president, Bill Clinton owned a 1967 Mustang Convertible. The car was initially a present for President Clinton's brother, Roger Clinton, in 1972 from his stepfather, Jeff Dwire. Several years later, President Clinton purchased it from his brother. When he was elected into office, he had to leave his car behind in Arkansas, where it is now in the Museum of Automobiles in Morrilton, Arkansas. The 1967 Mustang that President Clinton owned was ice blue with a white interior. It had simulated side vents and an automatic transmission. The engine was six-cylinder and had 120 horsepower. The car had most of its original parts when President Clinton left it behind in Arkansas, except for a new Clarion stereo and equalizer, which had JVC speakers. The car also had a broken handle on the left side, which could only be opened from the inside. Tim Allen Tim Allen is also known for his love of Mustangs. He owned two different Mustangs. One was a 1968 Shelby GT 500 KR while the other was a 2008 Mustang. The 2008 Mustang was sold on eBay; it was a hyper-customized Mustang. This car could go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds, could reach a quarter mile in 12.4 seconds, and had a top speed of 184 miles per hour. The 1968 Shelby GT was worth about $70,000 and was one of only 318 cars built. The car was black, and Tim Allen restored the Mustang himself. These are just four of the many celebrities who drove Mustangs over the years. For more celebrities who drove Ford Mustangs, you can check out the article that gives you a list of Celebrity Mustang Owners. Whether celebrities choose these cars because of their style or power, you know that the Ford Mustang is a classic car that appeals to everyone. Looking to get one of your own? Browse our selection and schedule your test drive today! Image via Ford.com
Where to Get the Best Peaches Near Dahlonega Before the Season Ends
Peaches are a lovely seasonal fruit but can be enjoyed year-round, especially when you're able to pick them up from your local farmers market or produce shop. Want to snag a peck or bushel of peaches near Dahlonega, Georgia? Here are four places where peaches are always fresh and ready for picking. Dahlonega Farmers Market Situated in Hancock Park, the Dahlonega Farmers Market is a local favorite among residents who want to get their fill of fresh peaches and produce. Vendors love to stock up on new and seasonal items, so there's always something interesting to find at this yearly event. You'll see everything from vegetables like bell peppers and squash to fruits like mixed berries and plums. You'll even notice a diverse selection of baked goods, canned jams and jellies, and decorative flowers. Peaches are very much on the menu as well, especially during this year's Thanksgiving Market on Nov. 20 where these lovely fruits will be sold in abundance. Otherwise, you can stop by the Dahlonega Farmers Market on Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. more Holland Produce About 31 miles northeast of Dahlonega is the Holland Produce Farmers Market in Clarkesville. The shop is open year-round and offers a variety of sweet and exquisite peaches, including South Carolina and Georgia varieties. Making a homemade dish and need to stock up on a few ingredients? Holland Produce sells goods such as Georgia vine-ripe tomatoes, russet potatoes, and romaine lettuce, too. They also have a nice selection of other fruits, including watermelons, cantaloupe, and Asian pears. Want to plan a trip the next time you're in town? Market hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jaemor Farms Head southeast of Dahlonega to the town of Alto and you'll find Jaemor Farms, a 500-acre property that's family-owned and operated with special care for the quality of their produce. You'll find an assortment of sweet fruits such as peaches, apples, berries, and watermelon; and vegetables like squash, corn, and zucchini. Need a fun activity the whole family can enjoy? Jaemor Farms hosts an annual Peach Festival in August where you can pick your own peaches by the peck or bushel. You'll also find an annual Strawberry Festival, an 8-acre corn maze, a petting zoo, and a seasonal pumpkin patch on the horizon. If interested, the farm is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mercier Orchards If you don't mind driving a bit further out into Blue Ridge, Mercier Orchards could be your next stop for a pack of fresh peaches. They're available in-season and are always ripe and ready to purchase. What's more, you can stop by throughout the year for seasonal u-pick events that include strawberries in May, peaches and blueberries in June, blackberries in July, and apples from August through November. Best of all, Mercier Orchards is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Are you looking to find the best peaches in and around Dahlonega? These four spots are sure to have exactly what you need. Image by plong via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original
Three Places to Strike Gold on Your Next Trip to Dahlonega
Did you know Dahlonega was home to an 1829 gold rush? Around 15,000 prospectors gathered in the Cherokee Nation in the hopes of striking it big with gold. While residents today likely won't attempt to pick and pan for real gold, that doesn't mean the opportunity to learn about mining is lost. Here are three places where you can educate yourself on the rich and fascinating history of Dahlonega's gold mining industry. Dahlonega Gold Museum Located inside the 1836 Lumpkin County Courthouse, the Dahlonega Gold Museum features everything from a gold-flecked brick frame, to 19th-century wooden chapels, to a vintage-styled theater showing a film on the history of gold in Dahlonega. The museum was opened on July 1, 1967, and its first curator was Madeleine K. Anthony, a woman often praised for her public service and contributions to the city. On Feb. 28, 2012, a video to honor her efforts as an active resident was dedicated at the museum. more Want to learn more? The Dahlonega Gold Museum is open daily for tours (with advance notice), and there's even a gift shop where you can purchase your own little treasures to take home with you. Authentic artifacts such as rare U.S. Branch Mint gold coins, gold nuggets, gold pans, and historic courtroom furnishings can all be found on display. The Smith House Gold Mine Shaft Back in 1895, Captain Frank Hall built what is known today as The Smith House Mine Shaft. He moved from Vermont to Dahlonega in 1868 to oversee the area's mining operations. During construction of the home, Hall struck gold when he discovered a 20-foot vertical-drop mine shaft in his basement. Wanting to earn more money by selling the home with a completed basement, Hall decided to cover the mine shaft with concrete, effectively sealing it off from the view of future owners. It was rediscovered in 2006 during a renovation project by then-owners Fred and Thelma Welch. The home also served as a boarding house in 1922, so many personal belongings and interesting items were found during the mine shaft's excavation. These include various glass bottles, an inscribed lotion case belonging to Frank Hall's mother, a lovely china set belonging to Mrs. Smith, and a 1909 GE Mazda lightbulb still in working condition, all of which you can find on display. Consolidated Gold Mine Take a walking tour of this massive hard-rock gold mine and uncover the secrets of how prospectors once searched for gold in the mine's quartz veins. Founded in 1896, the Consolidated Gold Mine has been delighting Dahlonega residents for more than a century. Today, guests can take a 40-minute tour of the mine that will lead them 200 feet underground, visit the gift shop, and engage in hands-on activities. Pan for gold and store your findings in a souvenir bottle; mine for precious gems such as emerald, moonstone, and sapphire; and visit the Lapidary Studio to turn your gems into custom jewelry pieces. Want to learn more about Dahlonega's gold-mining history? Visit these top places with the perfect backdrop for your next gold adventure. Image via Pixabay | CC 0
Enjoy the Nimble Agility and Flexibility of the 2019 Ford Flex
The 2019 Ford Flex is a full-size sports utility vehicle that packs the nimble agility and flexibility of a compact car or midsize sedan. It also comes in three trim levels, so finding the right trim for your lifestyle shouldn't be a hassle. With plenty of performance perks and modern touches in tow, here's how the 2019 Ford Flex aims to impress. Exterior Design The SE, SEL, and Limited trims all boast a sleek and refined body style. For one, you get signature Flex badging on the hood, a monochromatic (or body-color) roof, and Bright dual exhaust tips. Amenities meant to improve utility include a reverse sensing system, intermittent speed-sensitive front windshield wipers, and a rear-window defroster with two-speed wiper and washer. Want an even more decked-out exterior? You can add optional accessories such as power-folding heated mirrors with blind-spot monitoring, a Multipanel Vista Roof, and a power liftgate to your final vehicle package. more Performance The 2019 Ford Flex is powered by a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine. It's capable of producing 287 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. Available for the Limited trim is a 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost engine that gets 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Both units pack a similar six-speed automatic transmission under the hood. You might be wondering what else gives the Ford Flex its excellent handling on the road. That would be its electric power-assisted steering, its independent front and rear suspension system, and its AdvanceTrac with RSC (roll stability control) feature. It's also offered as a four-wheel-drive model but can be customized with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive in the SEL and Limited. Interior There's plenty of room for friends and family inside this full-size vehicle. In fact, it seats up to seven and offers second- and third-row bench seats that are easily adjustable to suit your passenger and cargo needs. Other practical amenities include a rear climate-control system, solar-tinted glass, and cargo area-mounted grocery bag hooks. Want even more? Consider adding an available wood-accented steering wheel with memory functions, heated and cooled front seats, and all-weather floor mats to the list. If you have the budget, Ford has the perfect accessories for any road trip. Technology Speaking of road trips, none would be as enjoyable without a modern multimedia hub and tech layout. Fortunately, the all-new Ford Flex has the upgrades you want. Consider adding a 12-speaker Sony audio system with cutting-edge sound quality; a navigation system with SiriusXM Travel Link for up-to-date weather conditions; and a SYNC 3 infotainment system with a touch screen, voice command, and smartphone integration to your tech blueprint. Safety There's nothing quite like a vehicle backed with top-notch safety systems to put your mind at ease. The 2019 Ford Flex meets these demands thanks to its front seat-mounted sideairbagss, perimeter anti-theft alarm, and child safety rear door locks. Have a bit of wiggle room in your budget? Features such as inflatable second-row outboard safety belts and collision warning with brake support are optional. Are you in the market for a full-size sports utility vehicle with agile precision and sporty flair? The 2019 Ford Flex is waiting for a test drive! Image via Ford.com
The Little Engine That Could: The 2018 Ford EcoSport
For 2018, Ford introduced the new EcoSport to their crossover SUV lineup. This subcompact SUV sits below the Escape and offers drivers a small turning radius and a spirited ride. Ford based the EcoSport on the Fiesta, which is no longer available, and this little vehicle is the little engine that could. Here are some details about the 2018 Ford EcoSport. The Exterior The Ecosport comes in four different trim levels. These start with the S which has 16-inch alloy wheels and power accessories. Just a step up, the SE adds LED running lights and roof rails along with rear privacy glass, and it also gets a sunroof. The SES is the sporty model and comes with 17-inch wheels and a sport-tuned suspension. This trim also adds black exterior trim elements and automatic windshield wipers. At the top of the lineup, the Titanium trim adds 17-inch wheels to the SE, and it also comes with body-colored front and rear bumpers. The EcoSport has a side-hinged rear door that swings open for easy access to the back, and its tall stance makes it easy to get in and out. more The Engine All the trims except for the SES get a 1.0-liter turbo three-cylinder engine that generates 123 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. The SES comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder which is also an available option for the other three trims. This engine produces 166 horsepower and 149 pound-feet of torque. You'll get a six-speed automatic transmission no matter which engine you choose. The Technology While the entry-level S trim comes modestly equipped with technology, just a step up to the SE will get you some added equipment such as a 6.5-inch touch-screen display and the Sync 3 infotainment system. Add the Convenience package, and the touch screen is even larger and it adds a seven-speaker stereo system along with a 110-volt power outlet. The Titanium trim upgrades the technology again with a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo and HD radio. Safety The Ford EcoSport comes standard with a rearview camera, and if you choose the SE, it adds rear parking sensors. The SE with the Convenience Package adds a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. The Convenience Package comes standard on both the SES and the Titanium. The Interior Inside, this little compact has comfortable seats with a height-adjustable feature in the front. In the back, there are 20.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and with a 60/40 split, it's easy to customize the amount of passenger and cargo space. Fold both the seat backs down and it opens up some extra room. Ford also offers the Cold Weather package for all trims except the S, and this adds a heated steering wheel, heated mirrors, and a keyless entry pad along with remote engine start. The 2018 Ford EcoSport is the little engine that could. Its small size and peppy engine make it a great choice for urban driving, and it has just the right amount of space for zipping around town. Photo via Ford.com
Get a Bit of Soul at These Atlanta Blues Bars
Blues music has its own unique sound and is always full of emotion. Atlanta is a great city to hear the blues live, whether it is a performance by a local band or a more well-known musician. Make sure to check out these places when you want to get a bit of soul in Atlanta. Blind Willie's Blind Willie's is probably one of the most well-known blues bars in the Atlanta area. The club gets its name from the legendary blues and ragtime performer Blind Willie McTell. Blind Willie's has live music seven nights a week with sets featuring new and upcoming local bands along with some national favorites. Some of the performances you can catch here include James Armstrong, Bob Margolin, Delta Moon, and The Nighthawks. The menu at Willie's features the best dishes from Chicago, Memphis, and New Orleans with items such as Larry's red beans and rice, Jambalaya, and gumbo. Northside Tavern Northside Tavern might not look like much, but this dive bar is one of the best places to listen to blues music in the city. Each night the stage features some of the most talented musicians such as Mudcat, The Holiday Brothers, and Zydefunk. Customers voted Northside Tavern one of the top 10 dive bars in America and since 1972 artists have soulfully played their tunes on its stage. There is no cover during the week, but you can expect to pay about $10 to get in on the weekends. more Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint In downtown Atlanta, you'll find Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint. This place is huge and is both a restaurant and a music venue. There is live blues music every night of the week, and the restaurant features classic southern cuisine. Keep in mind that Sweet Georgia's charges a $5 entertainment fee if you want to sit at a table, and you need to order an entree while you sit and listen. You can also hear live music during Sunday brunch at Sweet Georgia's. Sit and relax on the weekend and enjoy bottomless mimosas, chicken and waffles, and grits along with the live music. Kat's Cafe Kat's Cafe in midtown is a great spot for a date night or a laid-back night out. There is live music most nights of the week, and the food is also delicious. There is open mic night on Thursday, so you can hear local musicians, and there is always a great mix of music ranging from some newer stuff to the classics. The crowd at Kat's is also eclectic, and since the venue splits into two halves, you can also head to the back if you want to get away from the music and watch your favorite sports. Kat's doesn't charge a cover fee, and they have free valet parking. Check out these blues bars and clubs for a night out with great music and a fun atmosphere. Whether you want a lively band and a big crowd or a small, relaxed atmosphere, you can find it right in Atlanta. Photo via pixabay
Discover why the 2018 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Sizzles
Initially designed as a pony car, the Mustang did an epic crossover to muscle car, which cemented an already successful range for the Ford brand. But Ford didn't stop there, as the launch of the Shelby in 1965 made the Mustang a formidable opponent on the road and track. Discover why the 2018 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 sizzles. It's Racetrack Ready Strip away everything that weighs a muscle car down and it instantly boosts its chances on the track. With the Shelby GT350R, drivers don't have the hassle of doing this themselves since Ford decided to release it track ready. This means no superfluous seating and gadgets. It also means that it's released with race equipment that can take the car directly to the track, such as the carbon fiber wheels. more It Has Performance in Mind In order for a car to be track ready, there are a number of things that need to take place under the hood. The generous V-8 engine gets things off to a good start as it provides that much-needed power on the track. Drivers can expect to reach up to 526 horsepower, which will create quite some competition. Although it does pretty well at the drag strip, it's the racetrack that's the Shelby's home ground. The Shelby Always Looks Top Dollar It's hard to miss a Mustang, especially when the driver decides to take on one of the more bold colors. The Mustang is meant to stand out, and with the unique features of the Shelby, a decent paint job is a must. Drivers have the option of three additional paint colors such as Kona Blue, Orange Fury, and Lead Foot Gray. Getting off the Mark Without Fuss Whether on the track or the on the road, there is nothing more frustrating than chugging away once it's time to go. The Shelby doesn't have this problem as it's fast off the mark, and with an 8200-RPM redline, shifting between the different gears won't slow it down along the straight either. The Shelby GT350 goes from 0-60 miles per hour in just 4.2 seconds and the GT350R in an impressive 3.9 seconds Drive It Home After the Race There's nothing worse for gearheads than having to load their muscle cars onto a flatbed after a race just to get home. With the Shelby GT350, drivers won't have to face this disappointment as it includes a Normal and Sports mode to ensure that drivers remain compliant on the highways. This is thanks to the MagneRide adaptive dampers that ensure compliance for more peace of mind. The lightweight yet strong chassis is perfect for both the track and the road. The GT350R takes things up a notch thanks to the Comfort mode that's added to the Sports and Normal. In this mode, drivers can expect a luxurious cruise to their destination Ford put a lot of work into the handling and braking capabilities of the Shelby and the benefits are felt off the track too. Not only is the 2018 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 sizzling in terms of performance, but it has the looks to go with it too. Photo via Ford.com
Eat Like a Local at These Five Atlanta Restaurants
The wide variety of Atlanta neighborhoods means the city has many different atmospheres, cultures, and many different local hangouts. This city also has a large number of excellent restaurants with some that might not be as well known to the general public, but they are local favorites. Check out these places where you can eat like a local in Atlanta. The Varsity The Varsity in midtown has some of the best and cheapest chili cheese dogs in Atlanta. Customers have been getting their dogs here since 1928, and they are still as good as they were 90 years ago. Make sure to get the thick cut onion rings to go with the dog, and if you want to eat like a local, you can't leave without getting the signature frosted orange drink. You can also get excellent burgers and sandwiches at Varsity, and this place makes their own coleslaw fresh every day. more HomeGrown Want fresh local food? Head to HomeGrown in Cabbagetown. This place uses their Facebook page to show pictures of the veggies they will pick each day, and then you can go in to see what they've done with them. HomeGrown also uses local pork and chicken. This is the Atlanta place to go for a friendly atmosphere and good old southern comfort food. You can get dishes such as soft shell crab po'boys or sloppy Joes made from scratch, and if you really want something that feels like home, get the fried bologna sandwich. Ria's Bluebird Cafe Ria's Bluebird Cafe serves up breakfast and lunch and is a favorite with the locals. You can get a traditional southern breakfast here complete with grits, biscuits, and of course huevos rancheros. The atmosphere in this place is laid back and casual, with murals created by local artists on the walls. Pub 71 Pub 71 is an Irish pub owned by a local and is the place for just hanging back with friends and family while enjoying some good food and a drink. The Irish-themed bar and restaurant serve up homestyle food such as a smoked brisket sandwich, Pub 71 wings, chicken pot pie, and even shepherd's pie for a dish that tastes just like home. The taps also feature many of the usual favorites, along with some more unique choices such as New Holland Dragon's Milk and Sweetwater Festive Ale. No Mas! Cantina No Mas! is a staple in the Castleberry Hills area and serves up authentic Mexican dishes and tequila. This is the type of place where you are likely to see the owners sitting at the bar along with all of their guests. The décor in the restaurant makes you feel like you are sitting in Mexico, and the music makes you want to get up and dance. This is a great place to go with friends, on a date, or for a family dinner. Eat like a local at these Atlanta restaurants, and you are sure to get an excellent meal along with friendly service. Photo by Central Atlanta Progress via Flickr licensed under CC-BY 2.0 | Cropped from original
What's There to Love About the New 2019 Ford Ranger?
After a long hiatus, Ford revealed the resurrected Ranger pickup at January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Long sought-after for its versatility and medium size, the Ranger has been dominating the world since it left our shores in 2011. Let's discuss what's to love about the new world-trekking 2019 Ford Ranger. European T6 Design Quite similar to the beloved European T6 model, the Ranger is available in an FX2 extended twin- or an FX4 quad-cab body style and three trim levels: XL, XLT, and the lavish Lariat. With a single wheelbase, you'll get a 6-foot bed or a shorter, 5-foot one with the four-door SuperCrew. Ford used more steel than aluminum when constructing the Ranger, giving it the same reliable durability as their lineup of full-size trucks. Quite dynamic and sporty to look at, the offshore Ranger got a facelift just for us here in America. Ford added a new grille, a distinctive bumper, and twin hood accents with a bit of a front overhang. Available leather seating on the Lariat trim gives the new Ranger a classy feel and a sleek appearance, and it's more maneuverable than its big brother, the legendary F-150. more A Slew of Hot Features If you want more "off" in your "roading," then upgrade to the FX4 package. The ruggedly equipped Ranger features variable driving modes such as normal, grass, gravel, snow, mud, and sand, and the innovative Trail Control system that acts like cruise control for trekking through the wilderness. All terrain tires, heavy-duty steel bash and skid plates, off-road tuned dampers, and a locking rear differential round out FX4's cross-country amenities. An 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system is loaded with available Sync 3, and the standbys Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Ford's new Alexa personal voice assistant and navigation. Opt for the FordPass Connect and plug-in wherever you roam with a 4G LTE in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot that delivers enough power to operate 10 devices. Best-In-Class Towing Power Hook up that boat or camper, and leave the world behind. The engineers at Ford are boasting all about the Ranger's best-in-class towing capacity, which means it has to exceed the Chevy Colorado's 7,700 pounds. Hardcore numbers aren't released yet. For added safety, Ford's handy Smart Trailer tow connector will alert drivers to any faulty wiring issues on the trailer. World-Class Performance Perhaps a bit of puzzling news coming out of Ford headquarters — the Ranger will only have one powertrain option. Interesting. Despite the success of the Ranger diesel overseas, America gets a direct-injected 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. But never fear, this engine has been tried and tested for years under the hood of Ford's celebrated pony car. There is some good news with that surprise, though. Midsize trucks like the Ranger are becoming increasingly popular on our side of the pond due to improved fuel economy over larger sized pickups. The Ford Ranger is back to reclaim its place in mid-size pickup history. Keep a lookout for one at your local Ford showroom soon. Photo via Ford.com