Blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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