Blog

The Chesapeake, Virginia area is an excellent place for you to explore your artistic side, discover a new hobby, or spend some quality time with family members and friends! Here are some of the best crafting classes nearby where you can create beautiful artwork. GLaZENFYRE At GLaZENFYRE, you can learn how to paint pottery, work with glass, and paint on canvas. More than 700 pieces of pottery are available for painting, and the knowledgeable staff will help you choose the colors you want and decide on a design. They'll also handle glazing and firing your new masterpiece and provide all the supplies you need. With glass fusing, you can assemble pieces of colored glass for an interesting design. The GLaZENFYRE employees will take care of firing and mounting your art to a hangar if needed, and you can pick it up in about 10 days. more Canvas painting happens during scheduled workshops, and you can create your own design or get some help and ideas from your instructor. This fun studio is a popular place for parties for kids and adults, but reservations for large groups are necessary. It's open for small groups with no appointments from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. AR Workshop Maureen Anders and Adria Ruff founded Anders Ruff in 2010. After many fans of this popular DIY blog and online store asked for hands-on workshops, they started AR Workshop. The classes at this business can help people with all skill levels create attractive decor with metal, wood, canvas, or yarn. If you feel like spending some time at home or painting in a local park, you can pick up a DIY kit and follow the instructions. In many areas, you can even get it delivered to your door! AR Workshop can help you learn how to make unique clocks, cake stands, pet beds, photo frames, canvas bags, doormats, yard games, jewelry, wall hangings, and more. A variety of stencils and appealing designs are available, and they use nontoxic paints and stains. It's open from Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Painting With a Twist At Painting With a Twist, you and your friends can enjoy adults-only painting classes that come with two free glasses of wine. You can also bring additional drinks to these fun events, and a refrigerator is available. Experienced artists teach these classes, and beginners and experts can attend. It's a great place for private parties, and events for kids are alcohol-free. If you want to stay home, you can pick up a take-home kit with the surface you choose, two brushes, disposable cups for mixing paint, the needed colors, and a palette. Step-by-step instructions for 20 paintings are available online. Painting With a Twist is open every day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. At these fun Chesapeake crafting classes, you can discover your inner artist, have fun, and come home with an interesting souvenir or gift! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter, you'll enjoy these great classes! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

The Chesapeake, Virginia, area is filled with museums, theaters, art galleries, and other locations where you can enjoy local art! Experience some interesting artwork at one of the area's great arts and culture venues. The Chrysler Museum of Art The Chrysler Museum of Art is in Norfolk, only about 10 minutes away from Chesapeake. It has more than 40,000 pieces, with some over 5,000 years old! It's an ideal place for taking beautiful photos or creating attractive sketches. You can see Joshua Shaw's paintings of the area from the early 1800s and compare them with 21st-century photos from Scott Jost. You can also view over 10,000 glass objects, Pre-Columbian art and artifacts, and a variety of contemporary paintings and sculptures. more You can attend glassmaking demonstrations or talks from artists with exhibits on many days, and glassmaking classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students are available. When you feel like taking a break, stop for lunch or a snack at the museum's Wisteria Cafe and get a souvenir in the gift shop. No matter how many times you explore, you can always find something new and interesting at the Chrysler Museum of Art! Admission and parking are free, and you can visit Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The Harrison Opera House The Edythe C. and Stanley L. Harrison Opera House is the home of the Virginia Opera. The Virginia Symphony Orchestra performs there often as well. The building was a USO theater during World War II and was renovated in 1993 - you can enjoy an excellent performance along with impressive architecture. The Opera House has beautiful chandeliers, tables where you can sip champagne, and sweeping staircases. The three-story grand lobby has an ornate cantilevered balcony, superior acoustics, floor-to-ceiling windows, and box seating. The Battleship Wisconsin and the Hampton Roads Naval Museum The Wisconsin is one of the largest and last battleships built by the United States Navy in World War II. It fought battles in several wars, including the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The Navy decommissioned it in 1991, and the ship was moved to Norfolk in 1996. You can explore the deck with a self-guided tour, or you can learn more about this battleship through an experienced guide. Be sure to check their website to ensure availability. The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is next door, and the Navy owns and operates it. It contains authentic military uniforms, underwater artifacts, weaponry, detailed models of the Wisconsin and other ships, and artwork. You can visit the ship or the museum Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and they open at noon on Sunday. The ship is closed during bad weather. Visiting these fascinating attractions will help you discover the Chesapeake area's art and culture, and it's an excellent way to relax. You can view historic homes, explore the many parks and gardens nearby, and sample local food from delicious restaurants as well! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

The 2020 Toyota Prius is a popular hybrid with impressive features and a sleek, modern look. It's ideal for commuters and people who live in cities, and you can choose from six trim levels: L Eco, LE, XLE, Limited, LE AWD-e, or XE AWD-e. Keep reading to learn more about this vehicle's most appealing features! An Eye-Catching Exterior The 2020 Toyota Prius is easy to spot in a parking lot or on the road. The front end is lower than the back, giving it a sporty profile, and the grooves in the hood form a prominent V shape. This car looks like a sedan, but it works like a hatchback. The back windshield is attached to the liftgate, and when you open it, you'll get access to a large cargo area. more The Prius also has a small upper grille with the Toyota emblem in the center, a larger lower grille, automatic headlights, active grille shutters, heated power-folding side mirrors, and 15-inch wheels. You can add auto-leveling headlights, fog lights, rear windshield wipers, a power moonroof, 17-inch wheels, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Efficient Performance This hybrid has an independent suspension and a continuously variable transmission for a smooth ride and easy shifting. It comes with front-wheel drive, and an on-demand four-wheel-drive system is available. The 1.8-liter, four-cylinder gas engine is connected to a 600-volt battery. The gas engine makes 96 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque, and the battery produces 71 horsepower and 120 pound-feet of torque. With both of them working together, you'll get 121 horsepower. The base L Eco trim gets 58 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on larger roads. Advanced Interior The 2020 Prius comes with a variety of convenient features, including an air filter to keep out pollution from traffic, a 4.2-inch driver information display, heated front seats, voice recognition, keyless entry, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. You'll also get a 7-inch touch screen, navigation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, push-button start, and eight cup holders. This car has 65.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and you can add Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless charging. A 10-speaker sound system and an 11.6-inch touch screen with a split-screen display are available as well. Excellent Safety This vehicle's excellent safety features will help you stay safe on busy roads and make your commute less stressful. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the 2020 Prius a five-star rating. It comes with collision warning, pedestrian detection, hill start assistance, enhanced stability control, braking assistance, and lane departure warning with steering assistance. Additional options include a head-up display, parking assistance, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. For more information about the 2020 Prius, visit Priority Toyota Chesapeake. We offer a large inventory, and we can help you find a vehicle you'll love! Image via toyota.com

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner is an SUV that's stocked with all kinds of great features! This vehicle comes in eight different trim levels, so it's more customizable than ever. Get to know what each trim level the 2020 Toyota 4Runner has to offer. SR5 The SR5 trim of the 2020 Toyota 4Runner has a head-turning exterior that features projector-beam headlights with smoked trim, heated power outside mirrors, roof rails, and privacy glass throughout the vehicle. This trim also features state-of-the-art interior technology, such as hands-free phone and voice-command controls and a backup camera display. more SR5 Premium Upgrade to the SR5 Premium for even more exciting features that offer optimal comfort. When you step inside the SR5 Premium, you can enjoy its power-adjustable front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and Smart Key System with Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry. TRD Off-Road The TRD Off-Road can get you through rough conditions with its front and rear mudguards, windshield wiper de-icer, Multi-Terrain Select, and Active Traction Control. The TRD Off-Road also features special floor mats that are easy to rinse off. These mats make it easy to keep your vehicle clean after off-road trips or muddy hiking expeditions. TRD Off-Road Premium The TRD Off-Road Premium gives you a little more versatility than lower trim levels. It includes a SofTex-trimmed 40/20/40 split reclining and fold-flat second-row seat that you can adjust to get even more cargo space. This trim also has impressive design details, such as the "TDR" red lettering on the driver and front passenger headrests. Venture Special Edition Venture Special Edition has ample storage space with its Yakima MegaWarrior cargo basket. This basket features weather-resistant heavy-duty steel construction, making it a great storage solution for all of your outdoor gear. Another impressive feature of the Venture Special Edition is its integrated concealed rear wiper that is both useful and stylish. Limited The Limited trim features a power-tilt/slide moonroof with a sunshade, making it the perfect vehicle for warm weather days and starry nights. With the Limited, you also get stylish chrome door handles that have a touch-sensor lock/unlock feature. With this feature, there's no need to dig through your bag to find your keys! Nightshade Edition The Nightshade Edition has many of the same features of the Limited, except that its touch-sensor door handles come in black. Like the Limited, this trim offers perforated leather seats and trim details. It also features dual-zone climate control that ensures everyone in the vehicle is comfortable. TRD Pro With so much power at your fingertips, you're sure to enjoy taking the TRD Pro for a ride. It has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds and a Multi-Terrain Select system. Keep your vehicle looking brand new with its easy-to-clean TRD Pro all-weather floor liners and SofTex-trimmed seats. Now that you know the most notable features of these eight different trim levels, you have a better idea of which version of the 2020 Toyota 4Runner is best for you. When choosing an SUV, consider the comfort of your passengers as well as your lifestyle! Stop by our dealership to see our wide selection of full-size SUVs, and take your favorite for a test drive! Image via toyota.com

If you're an avid golfer, Norfolk features some of the best golf courses in the area. You'll find nine-hole courses, driving ranges, full 18-hole par courses, and classes and instruction. So if you're looking for quality local courses and community golf clubs where you can practice your drive, here's a golfer's guide to the Norfolk, Virginia, area. Heron Ridge Golf Club Heron Ridge Golf Club is in Virginia Beach, just 20 minutes outside of Norfolk. Heron Ridge is open year-round and offers tee time bookings for up to four players. With water hazards, steep banks, and sand traps, Heron Ridge provides an excellent course for beginners and experienced golfers alike. It's an 18-hole course with a par of 72, and you can choose from several different membership options. more Sewells Point Golf Course Sewells Point Golf Course is part of the United States Military Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) program, which provides sports, fitness, and recreational facilities for military service members and their families. While Sewells Point Golf Course is part of this program, it is also open to the public. Sewells is an 18-hole par 71 course and offers a full menu at the snack bar, including breakfast. Bayville Golf Course Bayville Golf Course is in Virginia Beach and features a regulation-length 18-hole course with a par of 72. Even though Bayville is a private club with a cap at 300 members, everyone in the public is eligible to join. Additionally, Bayville's membership is a family membership and includes spouses and children under 22. This course has no designated tee times, so you can golf whenever you want. You can also invite guests to golf and dine with you in the Tavern, which features a full menu for one of the finest dining experiences in the area. Lambert's Point Golf Course Lambert's Point Golf Course sits on the banks of the Elizabeth River and features a links-style, nine-hole course with a view of the river from every hole. Lambert's Point also serves as a training facility for the Old Dominion University golf team and is part of ODU's campus property. The elevation level varies throughout the course, with some of the landscape adding to the challenge of the game. Lambert's Point houses a heated two-story covered putting and driving range. Cypress Point Country Club Cypress Point Country Club is a semi-private golf club that offers several different membership options along with various tee times that you can book for up to four golfers. If you opt for a membership, you'll have access to the club's facilities, which include a junior Olympic-size swimming pool, locker rooms and showers, and the Cypress Bar and Grill. Cypress Point also provides golf lessons, so you can bring a guest who wants to learn the game. From Norfolk to Virginia Beach, there are plenty of golf courses to check out in this area of Virginia. If you want the benefit of golfing whenever you're in the mood to, consider a private club membership with no tee times and extra amenities. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Not all minivans are created equal, and that is clear when you begin to examine some of the models on the market. The Toyota Sienna stands out as an incredible vehicle for towing your most precious cargo. Keep reading to learn more about the 2020 Toyota Sienna's family-friendly features! Driving Performance When you've got mouths to feed, it's important to pinch pennies wherever you can. Luckily, the Sienna is one minivan that gives you more fuel efficiency for its class, lessening the impact on the environment as well as your wallet. The 2020 Toyota Sienna boasts 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Aside from having a great fuel economy, the Sienna provides a drive that’s both smoother and less noisy. When you opt for the sporty SE trim, you get enhanced steering response through the electric power steering and a sport suspension that optimizes the vehicle's stability and handling. more Technology Amenities The base L trim has impressive standard tech features like a media player interface with an auxiliary audio jack, a six-speaker sound system, a CD player, five USB ports, Apple CarPlay compatibility, a 7-inch touch screen with Toyota's Entune interface, and Bluetooth connectivity. When you opt for the Limited trim, you get a premium JBL sound system, a navigation system, and keyless entry and ignition. Passenger and Cargo Space You can configure the Sienna to accommodate seven or eight passengers, giving you plenty of room for the whole family! The entry-level L trim comes with a conversation mirror and tri-zone climate control so that you can keep everyone connected and comfortable during a long drive. When you upgrade to the LE, you get rear sunshades, easy-clean fabric upholstery for those inevitable spills, power-sliding rear doors, and roof rails for additional storage. With the SE, you get added features like heated front seats, leather upholstery for the first and second rows, and a power liftgate, making it easy to load and unload the vehicle, even when your hands are full! Communicating with the third-row seats is easier than ever in the Limited trim, which features the Driver Easy Speak system, allowing you to amplify the driver's voice through the rear speakers. Safety Features When it comes to transporting your family, safety is key. Toyota knows how important it is to keep your loved ones safe, which is why even the 2020 Sienna's base trim level comes standard with a windshield wiper de-icer, automatic headlights, and a rearview camera. On top of that, Toyota Safety Sense comes standard on every model, giving you adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warnings. If you opt for the Limited, you get a navigation system, rear cross-traffic alert systems, and blind-spot monitoring. When looking through Toyota's lineup, there are a ton of options that are perfect for the family. If you're looking for something that has ample space for the whole family, safety features, modern technology, and performance capabilities: you can't beat the 2020 Toyota Sienna! Schedule an appointment at Priority Toyota Chesapeake today to see for yourself! Image via toyota.com

When you're looking for a place to relax and unwind, make an appointment at one of these spas in the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, area. Each offers a wide range of pampering treatments in a welcoming and soothing atmosphere. Check websites for availability, then reward yourself with a day of gratifying indulgence! Flowering Almond Spa Located within the Founders Inn, a Tapestry Collection hotel from Hilton, the Flowering Almond Spa offers a number of treatment options to hotel guests and locals. The technicians use time-honored relaxation and rejuvenation techniques to help you feel more comfortable and pampered. When you receive a treatment, you can enjoy all-day access to the hotel's pool and fitness center as well. more Massage treatments include those for muscle repair, stress relief, and deep tissue repair. Couples' massages are also available, as are aromatherapy oil add-ons, face and scalp massages, and reflexology. For your body, treatments include wraps, balm applications, scrubs, and polishes. Skincare treatments include facials with a variety of ingredient options, chemical peels, hand treatments, and anti-aging solutions. You can also enjoy a mini experience, such as a sampler with a sugar scrub, facial, and massage. Kimpton Lorien Hotel and Spa At Kimpton Lorien Hotel and Spa, you can enjoy a treatment that will help you look and feel your best. This location was voted the “Best Spa 2019” by Northern Virginia Magazine and Best Hotel + Spa 2018 in the Zebra's Readers' Choice Awards. As the seasons change, the spa rotates the ingredients used in its pampering treatments. Whether you're getting ready for your big day and need a pre-wedding treatment or simply looking to relax, you can find the perfect option at this spot. Exclusive services include facials, body scrubs and wraps; Swedish, deep-tissue, and therapeutic massages; and tinting and waxing. For brides, the pre-wedding package is the ideal option as it includes a pigment correcting facial, body polish treatment, and trial makeup. Enhance any treatment with a customized facial booster, LED light treatment, eye rescue patch application, paraffin softening treatment, or scalp massage. Lotus Day Spa Lotus Day Spa is in Norfolk, which is about 7 miles from Chesapeake Bay. This location is proud to offer customers the best in salon and spa services. When you walk through the doors, you'll be surrounded by upscale, posh elements that make you feel more relaxed. The technicians use organic and natural ingredients to meet all your pampering needs in a fulfilling way. You can book individual treatments or take advantage of multi-treatment packages. Nail services include acrylic, UV gel, shellac, and dipping powder manicures and pedicures, while additional beauty options include lash application, permanent makeup, microblading, and facial and body waxing. If you want a relaxing massage, choose from Swedish, deep tissue, relaxing herbal, hot stone, prenatal, and trigger point options. Additionally, you can treat your skin to a facial, acne treatment, anti-aging treatment, or purifying skin treatment. Book a treatment at one of these Chesapeake Bay spas when you want to experience the ultimate in relaxation. You can truly unwind and feel your best after a pampering treatment! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Not all minivans are created equal, as is clear when you begin to examine some of the models on the market. The Toyota Sienna stands out as an incredible vehicle for towing your most precious cargo! Keep reading to learn more about the 2020 Toyota Sienna's family-friendly features. Driving Performance When you've got mouths to feed, it's important to pinch pennies wherever you can. Luckily, the Sienna is one minivan that gives you more fuel efficiency for its class, lessening the impact on both your wallet and the environment! The 2020 Toyota Sienna boasts 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Aside from having a great fuel economy, the Sienna provides a drive that is both smoother and less noisy. When you opt for the sporty SE trim, you get enhanced steering response through the electric power steering and a sport suspension that optimizes the vehicle's stability and handling. more Technology Amenities The base L trim has impressive standard tech features like a media player interface with an auxiliary audio jack, a six-speaker sound system, a CD player, five USB ports, Apple CarPlay compatibility, a 7-inch touch screen with Toyota's Entune interface, and Bluetooth connectivity. When you opt for the Limited trim, you get a premium JBL sound system, a navigation system, and keyless entry and ignition. Passenger and Cargo Space You can configure the Sienna to accommodate seven or eight passengers, giving you plenty of room for the whole family. The entry-level L trim comes with a conversation mirror and tri-zone climate control so that you can keep everyone connected and comfortable during a long drive. When you upgrade to the LE, you get rear sunshades, easy-clean fabric upholstery for those inevitable spills, power-sliding rear doors, and roof rails for additional storage. With the SE, you get added features like heated front seats, leather upholstery for the first and second rows, and a power liftgate, making it easy to load and unload the vehicle, even when your hands are full. Communicating with the third-row seats is easier than ever in the Limited trim, which features the Driver Easy Speak system, allowing you to amplify the driver's voice through the rear speakers. Safety Features When it comes to transporting your family, safety is key. Toyota knows how important it is to keep your loved ones safe, which is why even the 2020 Sienna's base trim level comes standard with a windshield wiper de-icer, automatic headlights, and a rearview camera. On top of that, Toyota Safety Sense comes standard on every model, giving you adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warnings. If you opt for the Limited, you get a navigation system, rear cross-traffic alert systems, and blind-spot monitoring. When looking through Toyota's lineup, there are a ton of options that are perfect for the family. If you're looking for something that has ample space for the whole family, safety features, modern technology, and performance capabilities, you can't beat the 2020 Toyota Sienna! Image via toyota.com

If you're an avid reader and you're looking for the perfect place to pick up your next book, Norfolk has plenty of great spots to pick! From comics and records stores to used bookstores and exchanges, consider these five places to find your favorite summer read in Norfolk, Virginia! Positive Vibes Positive Vibes is a little book shop in Virginia Beach, about 25 minutes from Norfolk. With tons of literature, art, and other accessories centered on African culture, the Positive Vibes bookstore offers a unique experience. You can shop for books and artwork from local artists, and you'll also find an array of natural products like jewelry, clothing, and home goods. more Book Exchange Book Exchange has two locations, one in downtown Norfolk and one in Virginia Beach. These bookstores feature collections of over 60,000 used books, movies, music, and more! All of the books they sell are 50% off their original cover price, and you even can bring in your own used books, DVDs, CDs, and vinyl records to exchange for something in the store. Teachers can save when they shop for their classroom supplies at the Book Exchange, and students receive a special store credit when they showcase their good grades. AFK Books and Records AFK Books and Records combines a love of reading with music. The store features over 10,000 vinyl records in just about every musical genre you can think of, including jazz, hip hop, rock, and blues. Browse over 60,000 gently used books and products in AFK's 5,000 square feet of space, where you can also find a relaxing and comfortable seating area complete with a fresh cup of complimentary tea. AFK is in Virginia Beach, only 25 minutes from Norfolk. Local Heroes Comics Local Heroes Comics is a comic book and graphic novel shop in the Ghent community of Norfolk that caters to all types of fans of this diverse art form. Local Heroes carries a large collection of comics and graphic novels, but they also have a nice selection of novelty items, including merchandise from your favorite movies and TV shows. Local Heroes buys used comics and graphic novels, so if you're looking to trade for some new reading material or you want some extra cash, stop by for a visit! Prince Books Prince Books, located in downtown Norfolk, features a large selection of books, including intellectual literature, fiction, poetry, history, biographies, outdoor, travel, children's books, and more! Prince also carries a variety of news releases and current events, along with books and guides on DIY, cooking, and spirituality. You'll find new releases in hardcover and paperback along with pre-owned selections. Drop by the Lizard Cafe inside Prince Books and enjoy a cup of coffee while you read! If you're looking for a diverse selection of books, reading materials, and other novelty items, these five shops are excellent places to visit whether you're a Norfolk native or you're in town for the weekend. No matter which spot you choose, you're sure to find plenty of new books to add to your summer reading list. Image via pixabay.com

Modifying your new vehicle with custom upgrades can get expensive, but there are many ways to customize different features of your car while still staying within your budget. You can opt for cost-effective modifications that improve your vehicle's performance and capabilities, or you can even set aside some cash for aesthetic upgrades! Here are five cost-effective ways to upgrade your vehicle for performance and appeal. Custom Paint and Vinyl Wraps Upgrade the exterior appeal of your car with a custom paint job or vinyl car wrap. You can go for an entire body color or opt for a partial paint job to make different features on your vehicle stand out. For instance, a matte black vinyl hood wrap can accent a bright body color like red, yellow, or blue. Depending on your budget, a new color can add loads of exterior appeal that can go a long way if you want to resell your car down the road. more Interior Accent Lighting This is a cost-effective modification because you can upgrade your interior lighting with LED kits, different bulb colors, and door lights. Brighten your car's interior for better visibility, or create an ambient atmosphere in your vehicle with some muted LED colors like blue or violet. You can even upgrade your dome light for maximum brightness so that you can see more easily inside your car. Wheels and Rims Most drivers think of custom wheels and rims as purely cosmetic, but you can choose a set of wheels from a reputable brand that can decrease the unsprung weight of your vehicle. This performance factor can significantly improve your car's handling and boost the performance of your steering. With the right set of wheels, you can enhance performance and appeal simultaneously. Engine Tuning If you have a factory turbocharged engine in your vehicle, consider tuning your engine control unit (ECU). This updates the factory software code of your engine, improving its performance with a boost in horsepower. It can also increase its durability and economy. Use a reputable auto mechanic or your dealer's service center to update your ECU safely. Exhaust Manifold Upgrade Upgrading your exhaust can help you lower emissions and boost your car's horsepower by a few points. You can trade out your factory exhaust with an aftermarket axle-back exhaust, which replaces the parts of your exhaust behind the rear axle of your vehicle. If you want more efficiency and a little bit more horsepower, go for a cat-back exhaust replacement, which upgrades the entire exhaust manifold behind the catalytic converter. A full cat-back exhaust overhaul is more expensive than an axle-back upgrade, but you'll get more power from your car. When you modify your vehicle, it's important to first understand what types of upgrades you can do yourself and which modifications you should take to the pros. You can apply several of these upgrades for less than a few thousand dollars, and for some modifications, you can even purchase the parts yourself and have the work done at a shop. So, if you're interested in upgrading your vehicle, consider one of these cost-effective solutions! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner and the 2020 Toyota Avalon share several differences, aside from the type of vehicle each one is. While the 2020 4Runner is an SUV, the Avalon is a full-size sedan. There are more key differences between the two vehicles, and we cover these in this overview of the 2020 Toyota 4Runner versus the 2020 Toyota Avalon. Trim Levels Available One of the biggest differences between the 2020 Toyota 4Runner and Avalon is that the Avalon features a hybrid option for three of its eight trims: the XLE, XSE, and Limited hybrids. Both models feature eight trims to choose from and up to nine different custom colors for any of the models' trims. Though if you're looking for eco-friendly and electric capabilities, the Avalon may be the best choice of the two vehicles. more Engine Configuration The 2020 Toyota 4Runner comes standard with a 4.0-liter V-6 engine that's capable of producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. The engine couples with Toyota's five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT-i). This is the only engine configuration Toyota makes available for the 4Runner's 2020 model inventory. Unlike the 4Runner, the Avalon features two engine configurations: the standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine and the 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder EVCT hybrid engine. Both pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivetrain, Suspension, and Capabilities The Toyota 4Runner, like most SUVs, is a rear-wheel-drive vehicle with part-time four-wheel drive and traction control. This gives you the performance you need for navigating any driving condition. The Toyota Avalon, on the other hand, is a front-wheel-drive system, no matter the trim level you select. The 4Runner, being an SUV, is well-equipped to handle off-road driving conditions. With off-road tech like the electronic locking rear differential system with Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control (CRAWL), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), and Downhill Assist Control (DAC), the 4Runner is an excellent option if you need the capability for driving on rougher road conditions. Since the Avalon is a luxury-style sedan, it doesn't feature the same capabilities as the 4Runner. This doesn't stop it from having a lot to offer, though! The Avalon's strut and shock suspension system cushions your ride over bumpy roads, keeping you comfortable. Available Tech and Connectivity Features While many of the tech options for your infotainment suites are the same between models, the 2020 Avalon offers a little more when it comes to connectivity. With Toyota Remote Connect, you can control your Avalon right from your Apple Watch or other connectable smartwatches - the 4Runner doesn't come with this feature. Both models support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as Bluetooth capabilities and an array of USB ports throughout the vehicles for charging your devices on the go. Each model can offer a range of standard and available features, along with the reliability and longevity Toyota is known for. Whether you need the power and towing capabilities of the 4Runner or prefer the sophisticated style of the Avalon, both models provide the innovation you'll need in any driving situation! Image via toyota.com

Toyota has many different vehicles and any would make an excellent choice for your next family car. With top of the line SUVs and one of the most convenient minivans to choose from, Toyota has you and your family covered. Check out these top family vehicles and some of the features that make them great. 2020 Toyota Highlander Not only does the 2020 Toyota Highlander have a bold new look, but it is more family-friendly than ever before with numerous new features that make your life more convenient while keeping you and your family safe. The available 12.3-inch touchscreen display allows you to entertain like never before. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM compatibility is integrated into the Highlander's audio system to provide you with ease of use, with or without your smartphone or smart device. more The available panoramic moonroof lets natural light in or gives a magnificent view of the night sky for all passengers. You can also open it up to let fresh air stream through the cabin. For hot summer days in the direct sun, you can use the power-retractable sunshade to block out those warm UV rays. Depending on the needs of your family, the 2020 Highlander offers third-row seating and can carry up to eight passengers. The second and third rows both have ample legroom with enough comfort to go around! Your family can also enjoy Wi-Fi connectivity and the five USB ports as they stay connected while maintaining their device's power. You and your family's safety are also covered with available safety features such as a pre-collision system with low light pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and road sign assist, to name just a few. 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser If you and your family love exploring the outdoors, there’s no doubt that the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser is the vehicle that you need in your driveway. The 2020 Land Cruiser has bridged the gap between luxury and capability, taking you further than ever before while blanketing you and your family in opulence. The off-road prowess of the Land Cruiser only improves with each passing year, and the 2020 model is more capable than ever before, giving you access to uncharted terrain that you and your family can explore together! The interior of the 2020 Land Cruiser is simply lavish with plush leather-trimmed seating, a four-zone automatic climate control, the best in audio technologies, accurate navigation, and available rear-seat DVD entertainment system. No matter the distance or the destination, the Land Cruiser takes you there in style and keeps your passengers comfortable and entertained. A few of the available Toyota safety features you can expect to see in the 2020 Land Cruiser include ten airbags, stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, active traction control, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. The 2020 Toyota Sienna is a no brainer for those who are driven by convenience, and many more Toyota vehicles can meet - or exceed! - your family's needs. With safety, comfort, and entertainment incorporated into nearly every car, Toyota is your one-stop-shop for family-friendly vehicles, SUVs, and minivans. Schedule an appointment at Priority Toyota Chesapeake to take a few test drives today! Image via toyota.com