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Car customizations can add up, especially when you take your car to the garage to have your modifications done. There are many different ways you can customize your vehicle yourself, though, which can save you some money on labor costs! Here are six DIY ways to upgrade your vehicle. Headlights and Taillights Customize your headlights and taillights with a few upgrades, including tinted light covers, new LED bulbs, and colored film for your headlight and taillight lenses. There are tons of colors to choose from, including clear white, purple, and pink. Just make sure your new lights and bulb colors adhere to vehicle safety laws. more Window Tints Another DIY customization you can try is window tints. Unless you excel at installing window tint, you'll need a pro, but you can save some money by purchasing the tint yourself and hiring an independent contractor to install it. There are all sorts of tint options you can consider, including reflective mirror tints. Car Wraps and Racing Stripes Are you looking to change up the color of your vehicle but don't want to spend the money on a paint job? Car wraps are a popular choice among car enthusiasts because they're cheaper than a traditional paint job, they're easy to install, and you can choose from tons of solid colors and patterns to fit your style. You can also add some racing stripes down the center of your vehicle or opt for partial stripes only on the hood. LED Interior Lighting Light up the interior of your car with an LED interior lighting kit. Accent your trims, dash, or floorboards with a nice selection of colors and intensities. For more ambient lighting, modify your interior with muted LED colors like purple, violet, or dark blue, or make the inside of your car pop with neon green or yellow. You can also find colored LED bulbs for your dome light, too, if you want to modify the lighting even more. Seat Covers Bump up the interior appeal of your car with custom seat covers. You have your choice of colors, patterns, and materials, including faux leather and fabric. Go for sport or racing seat covers to add an edgy appeal, or opt for something soft and comfortable to cover your factory seats. You can install a steering wheel cover to match your seats as well! Audio Systems Aftermarket audio systems are an excellent way to modify your car. If you want to boost your bass, install a subwoofer to your audio system. You can even find aftermarket touchscreens and entertainment suites to connect to your audio system so that you can play DVDs, connect your smartphone via Bluetooth, and play your favorite music! With some effort and a bit of money, you can turn your car into a custom ride! Modify your new vehicle to meet your preferences, or breathe life into a classic. There are plenty more DIY ways to upgrade your vehicle, but you can use these six customizations to get started! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Known for its fantastic spots, the Chesapeake Bay area has some of the best fishing around. There's a vast array of species of fish to catch, depending on which type of fishing you are looking to do during your next outdoor excursion. Here are a few locations where you can sharpen your fishing skills in the Chesapeake area. Rocky Point Beach and Park Located in Baltimore County, Rocky Point is a beautiful shoreline with soft sand that stretches 300-feet. The beach is part of a 375-acre park and has some of the most breathtaking views of the upper Chesapeake Bay, Craighill Light, and Hart-Miller Islands. It also has an abundance of wildlife to observe while you’re there. more Some of its features include a volleyball court, playgrounds, eighteen picnic areas, a sailing center, boat ramps, and of course, a fishing pier. Whether you choose to take your boat out into the bay or to fish from the pier, you are sure to sharpen your fundamental fishing skills at Rocky Point! Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park Open 365 days of the year, Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park is the perfect place to hone your fishing expertise. The piers found here are extremely popular for having striped bass, perch, croakers, catfish, and sea trout. The side of the pier located in Dorchester County remains lighted for night fishing all year, while the side of the pier found in Talbot County is only lighted for night fishing from April first through December thirty-first. Sailwinds Park is also connected via the pier by the under bridge walkway. On July 22, 2009, the Choptank River Fishing Pier was re-named by the Board of Public Works to Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park. This honor was bestowed upon Bill Burton for his instrumental part in helping to preserve the Bridge that is now a fishing pier. He is a writer, reporter, and fisherman that has documented various outdoor opportunities for the citizens of Maryland for more than 50 years. Fishing at these piers is like stepping into a historic moment in time. Fort Smallwood Park This 90-acre park located where the Patapsco River makes its way to the Chesapeake Bay houses what was once an instrumental part of the defense of the seacoast, Fort Smallwood. It was constructed in the late 1880s and was occupied from 1890 to 1927. You’ll find many recreational amenities, including a historic gun battery and barracks, beaches, a children's playground, a pond, volleyball courts, and walking trails, but the chief draw for fishers is the 380-foot fishing pier. At all of these locations and more, you’ll find some of the most targeted fish in the Chesapeake area, such as red drum, white perch, striped bass, summer flounder (fluke), and spotted sea trout. Don't limit yourself to these three places; you can find many more fishing hot spots that’ll allow you to practice and increase your fishing capabilities! The Chesapeake Bay is an excellent area for non-experienced and highly experienced fishers to catch a wide variety of fish for sport or consumption. Check these sites webpages to ensure they’re open, then plan an outing! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

One of the most disheartening things in the world is when you’re driving down the road and begin to hear strange noises coming from your car's engine compartment. This can make your heart drop, especially when this is your only means of transportation. Unless you’re a trained mechanic, you won't necessarily know what the issue is and will need to have your local dealer inspect your vehicle. Here are some common engine noises that can spell disaster. High-Pitched Squealing When you hear a high-pitched squealing sound coming from under your hood, you may need to check your vehicle's serpentine belt for cracks and wear. Many cars have multiple belts, and each one will need to be checked to ensure they are in good working order. If your air conditioning has a separate belt and you only hear the noise while operating the air conditioning, you’ve got a good idea of which belt to replace. more Belts tend to squeal or chirp when starting your car and in colder weather, and they will begin to quiet down as the engine compartment warms up. If your car's belts continue to make noise during normal operation, you should have your car's belts checked and replaced as necessary. Howling, Whining, Roaring, or Singing When you hear a low roaring, howling, singing, or whining sound that only gets louder when you pick up speed, you may be dealing with bad bearings. If it's your front wheel bearings, they will increase or change sounds as you turn right or left. If you hear a growing and steady howling, it's most likely your rear wheel bearings. In cases where you have a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, and you hear the sound when accelerating, it could be your car's differential. If your differential is leaking, it’ll need to be fixed quickly. Tapping, Clunking, or Banging If you hear sounds that seem to be rhythmic in nature and consist of tapping, clunking, and banging, your vehicle has a serious issue that needs to be addressed by a mechanic immediately. These sounds coming from under the hood typically relate to the internal components of your engine. Noises such as these could be problems with connecting rods, valves, and pistons. Any of these conditions are considered severe and will need attention as fast as you can get your car to the mechanic. Brake Sounds When your brakes are grinding, squealing, or growling, you’ll want to have them checked out as soon as possible. If your car's brakes are making unusual sounds, it could be a sign that your brake pads are going bad and in need of being replaced. Your brakes are vital when it comes to the safety of you and your family as they work to stop the car and also help you to avoid collisions. Your check engine light helps you keep potential issues from becoming dire – and inevitably requiring more expensive repairs - but you must listen to what your vehicle is telling you as you drive. The noises you hear can often be clear signs of what is wrong, and an experienced mechanic can usually diagnose vehicle problems by just listening. If you’re hearing sounds from your car that it shouldn't be making, take it and have it thoroughly inspected to ensure your vehicle is in tip-top shape. Schedule an appointment at Priority Toyota Chesapeake and allow one of our certified technicians to investigate the source of any troubling noises. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Chesapeake, Virginia, and the nearby cities are full of vibrant nightlife and great places to dance, eat, and party. Whether you're looking in Chesapeake, Norfolk, or Virginia Beach, you'll have plenty of options for a fun night out – make plans for when life returns to normal! Here are five of the best spots in the area to enjoy the nightlife. Eagles' Nest Rockin' Country Bar If you love country music and line dancing, you have to check out Eagles' Nest Rockin' Country Bar. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 2 a.m. and on Sundays from noon until midnight. Come out for a Sunday Funday and enjoy drink and food specials and some of the most popular DJs in the area. more Their outdoor patio is a great place to enjoy a night out in some fresh air. Play cornhole, giant Jenga, or hang out by the fire pits. Come by on a Wednesday at 7 p.m. for free line dancing lessons. This is a great place for a birthday party or a celebration with friends. Omega Bar Head to Omega Bar to enjoy some Latin music and yummy Tapas menu items. Check their social media sites for event information or stop in on any Friday or Saturday from 7:30 p.m. until 2:30 a.m. Latin Fridays are considered one of the best parties in the Virginia Beach area with local DJs, dancing, and special cocktails. Bugatti's Bugatti's club in Norfolk is a private club for members only. Annual membership is just $100 and includes a BYOB pass to bring your own bottle of any beverage that they will store and serve for a small fee, four guest passes, and discounts on special concerts and events. Fill out a membership application online and a background check will be conducted before approval by the committee. Now, as Norfolk's best after-hours club, this is the place to go after enjoying time at other hotspots in the area. They open at 1:30 a.m. on weekends. Upscale Restaurant and Lounge With special events throughout the week, Upscale Restaurant and Lounge keeps things fun and exciting. Thursdays are Girls' Night Out, offering free admission to all women all night. Every Friday night Upscale hosts an After Work Party featuring DJ Bossman and free drinks and buffet specials until 9 p.m. Stop by any Thursday, Friday, or Saturday evening until 2 a.m. Funny Bone At the Funny Bone in Virginia Beach, you can enjoy a night full of laughs and great drinks. Local comedians and others from throughout the U.S. perform here. Upcoming shows include big-name comedians like Damon Wayans Jr. and Andrew Schulz. The menu is loaded with yummy appetizers like spinach and artichoke dip and dinner items like a 12-ounce strip steak. The Baja Tacos are a comedy club favorite and feature your choice of pulled pork, chicken, or shrimp. You can even rent the club out for a special event or celebration! Once the current restrictions are lifted and life returns to a more normal state, check out one of these local hotspots. You're sure to have a great time and make some lasting memories! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Within easy reach of Chesapeake, Virginia, you can find many places for hiking. Whether you're looking for a short hike near the city or a longer adventure amid beautiful scenery, there's a trail for you! Here are four of the best places to hike in the area. Great Bridge Battlefield and Waterways Park Loop Not only is the Great Bridge Battlefield and Waterways Park Loop a short and easy hike - it also envelops you in history. The 1775 Battle of Great Bridge was Virginia's first land battle of the American Revolution. The shady, 1.2-mile loop runs along the Intracoastal Waterway and offers beautiful views of the river. The walk is suitable for the whole family, and dogs are welcome on a leash. After completing the loop, you could take the Interpretive Pathway through the historic park and visit the Marsh Overlook, which provides a view that's changed little since the 1700s. more Dismal Swamp Canal trail The Dismal Swamp Canal Trail is a paved 8.3-mile multi-use trail that’s ideal for the whole family, including dogs so long as they’re on a leash. Once a part of Virginia State Route 17, the flat and straight trail runs parallel to the canal and is now free from motorized traffic. The north trailhead is at the intersection of Dominion Boulevard and Old Route 17 in Chesapeake. Along the route, you'll find picnic areas, two restrooms, and rest areas offering views of the peaceful canal. Informative signs tell the history of the canal and buildings. Red and gray foxes, white-tailed deer, coyotes, opossum, raccoons, black bears - and in spring and fall, many migratory birds - are often seen on the trail. The swamp and canal also provide habitats for a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians. Stumpy Lake Loop Located around 10 miles east of Chesapeake, the Stumpy Lake Natural Area is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful environment with beautiful lakeside views. The Stumpy Lake Loop is an easy 1.5-mile wooded trail that's good for all skill levels, although it can get very muddy. Dogs must be kept on a leash. Despite its urban surroundings, this trail provides a sense of seclusion: the mirror-like surface of the lake is broken by cypress trees growing straight up out of the water. Around the lake, you can spot herons, egrets, turtles, frogs, and snakes, and the woods are home to deer, foxes, and many squirrels. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Covering more than 112,000 acres, the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge features forested wetlands with the 3,100-acre Lake Drummond at its center. The refuge is one of the most important wildlife habitats in the mid-Atlantic region: it's home to more than 200 species of birds, 96 types of butterflies, and 47 different mammals. The area offers many miles of easy hiking trails on gravel and dirt roads, as well as boardwalks. Four gated entrances provide access to the refuge, and admission is free. These hiking areas offer access to a variety of stunning environments, so make sure you have your camera with you. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Driving to your destination for family trips and vacations is cost-effective and simpler than flying. However, a long time in the car can feel like torture for parents and children alike. Here are five ways to keep your kids occupied and make everyone happy during a lengthy car ride. Family Car Games Many of us have fond memories of playing games in the car with family. For decades, games such as I Spy and 20 Questions have helped drivers stay alert and have kept children entertained. Some good car games to try on your next trip include license plate lingo, the alphabet game, and the map game. more License plate lingo is easy and can lead to absolute hilarity. Taking turns, each player picks a license plate from another vehicle on the road and makes up what the letters stand for. For example, a license plate beginning in "GHY" might mean "Gremlins Hate Yarn." You get the idea. Check the internet for more car game ideas and explanations. Audiobooks Sometimes listening to music can be a bore. Instead of playing the same songs over and over, save everyone's sanity with an audiobook. Find a book that everyone will like and play it over the speakers for the drive. Many audiobooks are between 8 and 13 hours long, so you might even get to finish the story on the way home. If your family can't agree on a book to enjoy, they can listen to their own selections through their headphones with their devices. Check your local library's website for audiobook downloading options. The Chesapeake Public Library uses programs like Overdrive and Hoopla to allow members to borrow digital audiobooks. Travel Binder Create a travel binder for each kid, including specific things they love. Some kids might enjoy a few children's magazines like Highlights or High Five. You can also fill the binder with coloring pages featuring their favorite movie characters or superheroes. Other great add-ins include stickers, word searches, math games, and Mad Libs. Put a zipper pouch pencil holder in the binder with pencils, crayons, pens, or whatever each specific child likes. The binder contents will vary with age, but you might even want to get your kids' input on what they would like. Mess-Free Coloring and Drawing The Magic Pad and other mess-free coloring options with special paper and markers are ideal for little ones during long trips. They can color and create without making a mess on the car or themselves. Water markers with special drawing pads are also a great idea. Opt for a Backseat Entertainment System Most family-sized vehicles offer a backseat entertainment system. The 2020 Toyota Sienna offers a dual-view rear entertainment system with a 16.4-inch color screen that folds down from the ceiling. It includes a Blu-ray player, and an SD and HDMI hook-up. With the available wireless hotspot enabled, the kids can stream their favorite movies and TV shows the whole ride. Toyota's third-row SUVs also offer this type of entertainment system. Come by Priority Toyota Chesapeake to browse our selection of new vehicles. Find the perfect family vehicle with all of the convenient features you want and space you need to make every trip fun and easy. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

The 2020 Land Cruiser is beauty and a beast all in one! Cruise the streets of the city while turning heads or take on the rough trails with total confidence. This highly capable SUV does it all and keeps you clothed in luxury while you're at it - here are five luxury features of the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser you're sure to love. Cozy Interior Inside the standard Land Cruiser model, drivers are met with leather-trimmed seating in black or Terra color. The driver's seat offers power adjustments with up to three memory functions and power lumbar support. Both the front and second-row seats come with multi-stage heating. Four-zone automatic climate control will keep everyone comfortable and the dust and pollen air filter will keep the air fresh and clean. A third-row seat allows for up to eight people to enjoy this luxurious interior. The leather-trimmed and heated steering wheel feature mounted controls for easy access to your music and phone. more Easy Connectivity A premium JBL sound system with 14 speakers is standard with the 2020 Land Cruiser. Control this system and your integrated smartphone through a 9-inch touchscreen. An integrated navigation system helps you stay on the right path. Keep your devices charged up with a wireless charging pad. A 4.2-inch multi-informational display in the instrument cluster can display the information you want whether it's incoming phone messages, turn-by-turn directions, or terrain information. Eye-Catching Exterior The Land Cruiser is built to take on the great outdoors but doesn't sacrifice style for capability. Chrome side moldings and LED exterior lighting will keep heads turning as you drive by. Front fenders and a sculpted hood give this SUV an edge and attitude you'll love. Other eye-catching and practical exterior features include aluminum running boards, 18-inch alloy split-spoke wheels, front and rear frame-mounted tow hooks, and front and rear heavy-duty mudguards. Top Driver-Assist Technologies Every 2020 Land Cruiser model comes equipped with Toyota's Safety Sense P package of active safety features. This includes several driver-assist technologies like pre-collision warnings with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alerts, and automatic high beams. You'll also enjoy an extra pair of eyes in those hard-to-see places with the blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alerts. Toyota's Safety Connect service also comes standard for access to roadside assistance, automatic crash notifications, and stolen vehicle location services. Stylish Heritage Edition Choose the 2020 Land Cruiser Heritage Edition for unique style accents and added features inside and out. Darkened chrome accents run throughout the exterior — from surrounding the unique Heritage Edition front grille to housing the LED projector-beam headlights and fog lights. The 18-inch wheels are bronze forged-aluminum alloy with a split-spoke design. Black leather seating gets a high-contrast bronze stitching that creates a sleek look. This edition only comes with seating for five with no option for a third row. Stop by Priority Toyota Chesapeake to see our selection of new Toyota models. Get behind the wheel of a 2020 Land Cruiser to get a feel for these luxury features in person. Image via toyota.com

When you get a craving for great pizza, Chesapeake, Virginia, has an amazing choice of pizza restaurants. Here are four of the best the city has to offer – place an order for pickup and try them out today! Pizza Bella Vista by Signorelli Located on North Battlefield Road, Pizza Bella Vista by Signorelli features tasteful decor that gives it a contemporary feel. The Neapolitan-style pizzas are made in a hand-crafted wood-fired oven using the freshest farm-to-table ingredients. more Appetizers on the menu include a Charcuterie board, fried gnocchi, calamari, and bruschetta. Along with a variety of salads, you can try the pasta or soup of the week. As well as the regular pizza types, you could have Macellaio (the butcher), Diavolo Rosso, La Porcini, Big Ugly Sausage & Stout, and Salsiccia Pistachio. Chesapeake Pizza First opened in 1973, Chesapeake Pizza on Battlefield Boulevard South is a family-owned and operated full-service restaurant that has been serving the local community for over 46 years. Featuring exposed brickwork, wood floors, and heavy dark wood furniture, the place has an old-style ambiance that can be tasted in their flavorful meals. The menu items at the restaurant are made fresh daily to their own recipes. Especially worth trying is the homemade bleu cheese dressing. Featured starters are boneless spicy wings, garlic cheese sticks, bacon cheese sticks, and cheese bread. You can choose your own pizza toppings or pick from one of the specialties, like The Chesapeake Special, The Vegetarian Special, or the Mediterranean Special. Baba's Pizzeria Family-owned Baba's Pizzeria on Carmichael Way is a lot bigger inside than you'd expect from the small storefront. The decoration has been done with a real personal touch that, along with the artwork, creates a warm, cozy atmosphere. Once the current situation has calmed down, you'll be greeted by the super friendly servers at this restaurant that specializes in New York-style pizza. For now, pick-up orders and delivery are available! Among the appetizers are breaded zucchini, fried pickles, breaded ravioli, and the must-try garlic knots, with or without cheese. The menu features a good selection of salads, pasta dishes, and subs. As well as NY-style pizza, the eatery serves Sicilian Pizzas, gourmet white pizzas, calzone, and Stromboli. For dessert, try Baba's Donuts fresh fried with powdered sugar. Andiamo Ristorante Pizza Napoletana Andiamo Ristorante on Battlefield Boulevard South features wood paneling, low lighting, and cozy booths that give it a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. The restaurant is currently offering orders for pickup; their hand-tossed pizzas are cooked in the custom-built wood-fired oven. The menu offers appetizers like cold antipasto, burrata, focaccia, and toasted ravioli. You can select from red and white pizzas such as prosciutto, Biagio, Amore, and Mediterranean. Pasta dishes include baked ziti, manicotti, Penne Alla Vodka, and Fettuccini Alfredo. There's also a great selection of seafood, chicken, and veal dishes. If you have room for dessert, try the Nutella pizza. These restaurants all serve outstanding pizzas, and each one adds its own individual style. Whether you order to go or get delivery, you sure won't be left feeling hungry! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

For 2020, the Toyota Highlander has been completely redesigned with a striking new exterior, a refined interior, and more cargo space. A V-6 engine is now standard for all gas-powered models, while hybrid models get a new four-cylinder engine and the option of front-wheel drive! The new Highlander is offered in L, LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum trim levels. Here are some of the features that make this mid-size SUV a great choice for your family. Exterior Styling From its aggressive new front-end design to its chiseled profile, the Highlander will turn heads wherever you go! L models feature LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, color-keyed door handles and heated power mirrors with turn signals, a rear spoiler, and LED stop and taillights. more The LE trim adds LED fog lights, front and rear mudguards, and a power liftgate, while the XLE model offers LED daytime running lights (DRL), a power moonroof, and roof rails. The limited models give you LED projector headlights with LED strip DRL, 20-inch wheels, mirrors with Highlander logo puddle lights and automatic reverse tilt down, and a hands-free liftgate. Platinum trim features unique accents, adaptive front lighting, and a panoramic moonroof. Power and Performance The standard engine for the Highlander is the tried and true 3.6-liter V-6 that generates 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission transfers power to the front wheels or the available all-wheel-drive system. With this drivetrain, you'll get up to 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg for highway driving. Hybrid models are now powered by a 2.5-liter engine linked to electric motors to give a total system output of 243 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Although the power has been reduced, the fuel economy is significantly improved. For combined driving, the front-wheel-drive hybrid will return up to 36 mpg, while AWD models will give you 35 mpg. Interior Design The Highlander's stylish and contemporary cabin offers three rows with seating for up to eight people. Behind the third row, you have 16 cubic feet of room for luggage. And when you have more gear than passengers, folding the 60/40 split second and third rows will open up 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Inside, the L trim offers fabric seats, a power driving seat, a 4.2-inch multi-information display, tri-zone automatic climate control, a tilting and telescoping steering column, and Driver Easy Speak for convenient communication with the rear passengers. LE models have a leather-bound steering wheel and shift knob, while the XLE trim adds a 7-inch multi-information display, simulated leather upholstery, a power passenger seat, and second-row captain's chairs and sunshades. Stepping up to the Limited trim gets you leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with memory settings, faux wood trim, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, metal door sill scuff plates, and a 120-volt power outlet. Platinum models have heated second-row seats, a color 10-inch head-up display, and illuminated scuff plates. In addition to these striking features, the Highlander also offers state-of-the-art infotainment and driver assistance features. To find out more on what the 2020 Highlander has to offer, call us at Priority Toyota of Chesapeake and we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have, or schedule you for a test drive! Image via toyota.com

During these uncertain times, Priority Toyota Chesapeake is committed to continuing to serve our community in as safe a manner as possible. To that end, we have implemented a number of new operations: more At our dealership, we will be maintaining social distancing with a spacing of 6 feet; any new guidelines from the CDC will be implemented as well. We have implemented additional cleaning and sanitation procedures, such as the installation of additional hand sanitizer stations throughout our dealership. To accommodate our customers, we will now be offering mobile service for test drives. We will continue to take care of our customers and work diligently to provide a hygienic dealership to those visiting us. If you need special accommodations, please call and we will work towards a solution together. As always, the safety of our customers is Priority Toyota Chesapeake’s top concern. We will get through this together.

Chesapeake, VA, is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. You don't have to go far to get in touch with nature during a long walk or hike. You can view animals in various types of habitats thanks to the nearby oceanfront, bay area, swamps, and rivers. Several nature preserves and wildlife management areas surround this city. Here are five of the best spots to explore Chesapeake and enjoy nature. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a large, protected area just about 20 minutes southwest of Chesapeake. Bird watchers will love the over 200 species of birds that make their homes in the area. This refuge covers over 112,000 acres, so there's no shortage of space to enjoy as you explore nature. Walk along the various dirt paths, forest trails, and boardwalks as you explore. You may even see a flying squirrel, red fox, or black bear along the way! more Lake Drummond Right in the center of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is Lake Drummond. This is one of two naturally formed freshwater lakes in the state, and it's the highest point in the swamp. This is a great spot for quiet fishing. Several species of fish have been caught in the lake including crappie, bowfin, bullhead catfish, flier, yellow perch, and chain pickerel. The lake is large but only six-feet deep, so it's fairly safe for small fishing boats and canoes. First Landing State Park Amid the tourist-filled Virginia Beach, First Landing State Park is an oasis of sorts. Here you'll find a peaceful beachfront along the Chesapeake Bay and more than 20 miles of walking, running, and hiking trails. Within this small state park, there are several different natural habitats including lagoons and bald cypress swamps. Rent a cabin or take your tent or RV and stay in the park campgrounds. Virginia Zoo The Virginia Zoo is just a 20-minute drive north of Chesapeake. Here, you'll see animals from all over the world, including lions, elephants, giraffes, bears, kangaroos, orangutans, and many more. Visit any day of the week from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., except during most major holidays. Tickets are $17.95 per person with lower rates for children, seniors, military, students, and Norfolk residents. Book a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo and get up close to many of the animals in the park. You can watch animals train, help feed, and even touch a few. Tours must be booked in advance, but they are definitely worth your time. Paradise Creek Nature Park Just under 15 minutes north of Chesapeake, Paradise Creek Nature Park is easy to get to and perfect for a relaxing day outside. Hike, run, or bike along the 2.5-mile trail and enjoy lunch in one of the picnic areas. With a free boat launch area, Paradise Creek is perfect for easy kayaking or canoeing. Set aside time this year to get out and enjoy the beautiful places around you. Engage with nature and find the relaxation offered by being outside. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

The Toyota 4Runner has been a favorite for more than 30 years for those looking for an SUV that offers uncompromising off-road ability, awesome towing capacity, and superb cargo and passenger carrying capability. In 2020, a new trim level became available along with a new infotainment system. More standard driver safety aids have been added to the 4Runner's already impressive list of features as well. Model Choice You can get the 4Runner in SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, the new Venture Special Edition, Limited, Nightshade Edition, and TRD Pro trim levels. Each model is set apart from the others with its own unique features and styling cues. more This choice of models, along with a variety of available options, enables you to configure your 4Runner just the way you want it. TRD and Venture models are all-wheel drive (AWD) only and seat five, while other models are available with front-wheel drive or AWD and a third row so that you can seat up to seven people. Venture Special Edition The new 4Runner Venture Special Edition has standard AWD and is designed with your adventures in mind. With a full complement of five passengers, you can stow up to 46.3 cubic feet of gear behind the rear seats; with the rear seats folded flat, you get an impressive 88.8 cubic feet of cargo space! The sliding rear cargo deck can support up to 440 pounds, which makes for convenient loading and easy access to your gear. In addition, the Venture features a roof-mounted Yakima Megawarrior cargo basket so you won't need to leave anything behind. If you want to tow your boat or other toys, the powerful 4.0-liter V-6 engine enables you to pull up to 5,000 pounds. As with other 4Runner models, the Venture has a 120-volt power outlet for operating or charging your electrical gear. Design features of the Venture Special Edition include black badges, door handles, side mirrors, and rear spoiler, 17-inch dark gray TRD wheels, and a black-accented interior with simulated leather upholstery. For your off-road adventures, it offers 9.6-inch ground clearance, an electronically controlled locking rear differential, crawl control, and multi-terrain select with four drive modes. Infotainment System Across the 4Runner range, the new infotainment system now offers compatibility with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa to provide the connectivity you want. Wi-Fi Connect, Bluetooth, voice recognition, media and charging USB ports, eight-speaker audio with satellite radio, and an 8-inch touch screen are also featured. Premium models add navigation and HD radio, while the Limited trim features a JBL 15-speaker sound system with subwoofer and amplifier. Driver Safety Aids All 4Runner models now feature Toyota Safety Sense P, which offers automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure warning with sway alert, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The Limited models add front and rear parking sensors. The Star Safety System also comes standard and includes ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, smart stop technology, electronic stability control, and traction control. For a closer look at the striking features of the 2020 4Runner, head over to Priority Toyota of Chesapeake to arrange a test drive. Our friendly sales team is ready to answer any questions you may have – visit us today! Image via toyota.com