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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

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

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

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

Looking for the perfect location to celebrate the Fourth of July with family and friends? Pack up your lawn chairs and blankets, and get ready to mark the anniversary of our nation's Declaration of Independence with all the festivities in Dahlonega, the site of the first major U.S. gold rush. Only an hour's drive north of Atlanta, for a full day of exciting family-fun activities and events for everyone, come on up. Firecracker 5K and Fun Run 5K starts at 8 a.m. Fun Run starts at 9 a.m. Start the festivities early with the 7th Annual Firecracker 5K and Fun Run. Take a scenic tour of historic downtown Dahlonega through winding roads and up gently sloping hills. The run starts in the downtown square in front of the Dahlonega Gold Museum located inside the oldest courthouse in Georgia. Race pass scenic Hancock Park, through shady, tree-lined neighborhood streets, and by many historic buildings. Cross the finish line just in time to enjoy the rest of our city's Independence Day celebration. Patriotic Ceremony Starts at 9:30 a.m. The patriotic city of Dahlonega is proud of our deep military heritage. Join us and show your support for America's freedom with this annual ritual. The gala kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with the singing of the national anthem, the presentation of Colors by Dahlonega's Junior ROTC, and a quick address from the keynote speaker. more Dahlonega Car Show 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Don't miss the Dahlonega Car Club Car Show. Travel back in time with over 150 fully restored classics, and experience the beauty and vintage styling of some of the finest cars in north Georgia. The cars are on display in the parking lot at Lumpkin's County Library. A $20 entrance fee for all cars showcased at the event benefits the county's DARE Program and local fire department. Proceeds purchase toys to help comfort young fire victims. Fourth of July Parade Begins at 11 a.m. The Dahlonega's Fourth of July parade is always a crowd-pleaser. Don't miss the patriotic-themed floats and entertainers as they cruise through town. The procession starts at Memorial Drive and circles through the city's historic square. After the spectacle, grab a bite to eat at one of Dahlonega's 18 restaurants and consider a nap in your hotel room before the big show. Dahlonega offers guests an excellent selection of charming lodging choices, such as a bed and breakfast like the Mountain Top Lodge or a family-friendly hotel like The Quality Inn. Whether you stay for a night or a week, discover restful accommodations and real southern hospitality that suits every fancy and budget. Grand Fireworks Display Starts at Dark Wrap up the day's festivities with Dahlonega's Fourth of July family fireworks celebration on the drill field at the University of North Georgia. Known for having one of the best fireworks displays in the state, bring your lawn chairs and blankets and spread out to watch the grand finale. This year's family-fun Independence Day celebration is bigger and better than ever before. Head up to Dahlonega and spend the day with us. Photo by ThoroughlyReviewed via Flickr licensed under CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

For nearly 30 years, the Ford Explorer topped the charts as America's family favorite vehicle and the country's best-selling SUV. The seven-passenger 2018 Explorer offers a rugged stance, tons of power, a roomy, upscale interior, and all-wheel drive. From the inside, outside, and under the hood, discover what makes the new Ford Explorer Platinum stand out from the crowd. Take the Road Less Traveled With four-wheel drive standard on every Explorer Platinum, what's stopping you from taking the road less traveled? Fear no trail with Ford's four terrain management driving modes that handle whatever you encounter from normal conditions, mud and ruts, sand and grass, gravel or snow. A maximum trailering capacity of 5,000 pounds with the companion trailer tow package is just right for that fishing boat or small camper. With safety technology like hill descent control, hit the rough country with confidence in your new Platinum. Performance You Demand Unleash 365 horsepower with the Explorer Platinum's twin turbo 3.5-liter V-6, alongside an eager six-speed automatic transmission. With excellent passing and pulling power, the Platinum has enough gusto to tackle most jobs you put to it. The Platinum won't break the bank at the pump either, earning a decent 22 mpg highway. The Explorer's taut suspension gives this big SUV impressive cornering agility and offers a balanced and comfortable feel with its 20-inch wheels. A smooth suspension makes the Platinum trim an ideal choice for a relaxing road trip. more Luxury Amenities You Love Platinum has long been a symbol of success, and this Explorer trim truly shines. Enjoy all the available advanced tech-based safety systems with Ford's Safe and Smart Package, including adaptive cruise control and cross traffic alerts. Ultrasonic sensors help drivers parallel park the Explorer, then safely pull out from parking spots. Never drop your packages or fumble for your key fob again with the new Platinum's liftgate. With just the wave of your foot under the rear bumper, the lift automatically opens or closes. Discover the latest connectivity and technology with Ford's Sync Connect, a voice-activated navigation system and onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. Experience premium sound from Sony's 500-watt 12-speaker system with subwoofer and Clear Phase and Live Acoustics functionality to enhance the quality of your music for a crisp, clean experience. That's right — your Platinum is a rolling rave. Refined Interior Highlights Have a seat in your new Explorer and take your adventures to a luxurious new level. Appreciate the Platinum's interior, loaded with real wood accents, premium quilted Nirvana leather upholstery, and a dual-panel moonroof. With a third-row, power folding 50/50 split bench seat, and generous cargo space of 80.7 cubic feet, there's room for whatever moves you. Striking Appearance Prepare to turn some heads with the Platinum's bold craftsmanship and unique satin-chrome finish. Run your eyes over a sporty liftgate spoiler and the striking chrome-plated quad exhaust tips. With its fresh new look, notice the dynamic grille and distinct, energy-efficient LED headlamps to light your way. Discover your next SUV: the 2018 Explorer Platinum. Stand out from the crowd, starting at $53,940.   Photo via Ford.com

When you need a peaceful setting to reconnect with nature, head up to Amicalola State Park, just an hour and a half drive north of Atlanta. It's the perfect recipe for a great escape that everyone will enjoy. Experience a Georgia adventure at Amicalola, and plan to spend the day or spend the night — and plan to play. Exciting Activities Discover an almost endless list of day and evening activities at Amicalola Falls State Park. Take a guided fitness hike or sit in on the GoPro camera class and expertly capture all your memories at the Park. Get your heart pumping with a thrilling tree-top zip line, then test your skill at 3-D archery. Grab the kids and go on a GPS scavenger hunt, then spend the evening gathered around the campfire toasting marshmallows. Learn to endure the wilderness using outdoor skills picked up at Survivalist Camp, and get up close and personal with native birds of prey such as owls, falcons, and hawks. more The Park Amicalola Park is 829 beautiful acres of outdoor mountain adventures just waiting to happen. It's no surprise Amicalola is the most popular park in the area. Named for the 729-foot falls, Amicalola, or Tumbling Waters as known to the Cherokee nation, is the tallest cascading waterfall this side of the Mississippi River. Wind through the park on miles of trails, including the 8-mile path to Springer Mountain that connects with the world-renowned Appalachian Trail. Fish for trout at the base of the trail or go geocaching. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. To park you must have a $5 Georgia State Park Pass. Your leashed, four-legged pal is welcome too. Accommodations in Amicalola Amicalola State Park's lodge is more than just a place to lay your head — it's a true highland retreat. Experience a welcoming "Bed and Breakfast" feel with cozy charm and spectacular views from every room. Modern conveniences abound such as suites, loft rooms for the kids, and Wi-Fi. For those who want a bit more seclusion, discover unique cabins nestled in the mountain surrounding the lodge. Designed for a romantic weekend or for families traveling with kids, there are one, two, and three bedroom cabins equipped with a full kitchen that offer heat, air conditioning, and satellite TV. Guests that want a real outdoor adventure are invited to pitch their tent in the park's primitive camping sites near the waterfall. RV hookups are also available, and the sites are roomy enough to spread out. The Maple Restaurant Delight in contemporary buffet-style dining at the Maple Restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Delight in homemade, traditional American and classic Southern favorites, such as surf and turf, and order an adult beverage off the drink menu. They offer an excellent selection of wine, beer, and spirits. Dinner usually ranges from $15.99 to $19.99, depending on the carte du jour. Time your meal with a sunset view. You won't be disappointed. Don't miss a chance to make wonderful, lasting memories when you spend the day and night at Amicalola State Park. Photo by IIIP Photo Archive via Flickr licensed under CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

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

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

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

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

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