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The age-old question is this: Do I take my car to the local mechanic's shop or the dealership for repairs and maintenance? Though local garages can be convenient location-wise, dealerships are always the answer, whether you're getting repairs or just a standard oil change. Here are a few reasons why you should always get your Toyota serviced at your Toyota dealership. Toyota Specialists Possibly the biggest advantage of getting your Toyota vehicle serviced at a dealership is that the technicians there specialize in your vehicle. By becoming experts in servicing Toyotas, they avoid the Jack-of-all-trades syndrome many general mechanic shops may face. The technicians at good dealerships will often go through certification processes to ensure that they know exactly what to do to make sure your Toyota is running as smooth as possible. By taking your vehicle to a Toyota dealership, you're making certain that it's being taken care of by people who know their way around them. more Warranty Guarantee If your Toyota is under still under warranty, you should exclusively take it to a dealership for any necessary repairs and routine maintenance. Being under warranty means that any repairs your Toyota needs will be free to you because Toyota is paying the dealership for the costs of those repairs. Certain licenses are needed for a technician to be able to work on a Toyota under warranty. At a Toyota dealership, you don't have to ask yourself whether or not your mechanic has these certifications. Quality Parts Another great advantage of taking your vehicle to a certified Toyota dealership is that they have access to original equipment parts. This means that they can replace any problem parts with brand-new Toyota-brand parts. At a mechanic's garage, you may come out with a Frankenstein of different parts. Getting repairs done with original Toyota parts can increase the health of your vehicle. Choose parts wisely by asking your Toyota technicians' advice. Relationship-Building When you buy a Toyota vehicle from a dealership, that dealership should know that car inside and out. If you bring it back for a repair, they can use that information to better service your vehicle. By getting all your regularly scheduled maintenance work, such as oil changes, done at the dealership, they can keep an eye on the health of your vehicle through accessing their detailed records. Better Facilities Since dealerships have much bigger facilities than your average mechanic's shop, you can generally expect a quicker turnaround time when you take in your vehicle. Since dealership facilities usually have more technicians than local shops, you can expect your Toyota to be serviced the way it's supposed to be — with attentive care. When you take your vehicle to a dealership, you're getting the best option out there by far. We think the scale massively tips in favor of the dealership if you want your Toyota taken care the way it should be. At Priority Toyota Chesapeake, our number-one priority is you, and if you're not satisfied, we're not satisfied. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

If you love hiking and photography, you're in luck. The Chesapeake Bay area is near some great opportunities to do both, thanks to the protected parks, natural areas, and wildlife preserves in the area. Here are a few of our top choices for the best hiking locations where you'll find abundant landscape photography opportunities. Lake Smith/Lake Lawson Natural Area For fabulous lake photography shots, head to the Lake Smith/Lake Lawson Natural Area. This 42-acre park boasts more than 12,000 feet of shoreline and is home to abundant animal life. Take a boat out or take a hike around the lake to get shots you won't be able to find in many other places. For a chance to capture Virginia before humans shaped it, this natural area is the place to be. more Elizabeth River Trail - Atlantic City Spur If you want to get a good hike in while you snap photos, try the Elizabeth River Trail. It's in Norfolk county and runs between Harbor Park Stadium and the Norfolk International Terminals. This is a great spot to get photos of seascapes full of seabirds such as ducks, seagulls, cormorants, and skimmers. Though this trail runs through a lot of city, you'll still be able to find ample opportunities for natural scenery to shoot. Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve The Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve is one of our top choices for landscape photography opportunities. The wildlife that calls Hoffler Creek home is protected so they can flourish in the beautiful and natural Virginia landscape. There are multiple hiking trails that take you past beautiful and notable landmarks around the area, so explore and see what you can find! Cape Henry Trail First Landing State Park is a 2,888-acre park that fronts the Chesapeake Bay and features 1.25 miles of beach and more than 19 miles of interpretive hiking trails through protected salt marsh habitat, freshwater ponds, beach, dunes, forest, tidal marsh, and cypress swamp. A registered Natural Landmark, First Landing is the most visited state park in Virginia and contains one of the most endangered habitat types in the world, the maritime forest community. On April 26, 1607, some 100 English settlers landed here and established the first elective government in English America before pushing up the James River to establish Jamestown. This historic event is reflected in the name of Virginia's most visited state park. Along with its historical significance, the park offers opportunities to explore a unique habitat featuring lagoons, large cypress trees, and rare plants. More than 19 miles of hiking trails wind through the natural area, guided kayak ecological tours allow exploration of the marshes and bays, and the visitor center exhibits explain much about this coastal environment. Cabins, campsites, picnic areas, a swimming beach, boat ramps, kayak rentals and tours, and a bicycle trail are offered in the park. In the First Landing State Park, you'll find the Cape Henry Trail, which is one of the best hiking trails in the area. It's 7.5 miles long and alternates between asphalt, gravel, and sand. You may see some great flora and fauna here, including foxes, waterfowl, and great blue herons. The park has a lot of Broad Bay's shoreline, so if you want the best of both worlds when it comes to waterscapes and beautiful forest shots, this is the park for you. Norfolk Botanical Garden If you want an easy hike that has some of the best photo ops you can find, head to Norfolk Botanical Garden. The gardens feature a 3.7-mile loop trail that wraps around a lake so you can enjoy the beautifully maintained gardens while you get in a hike. Thanks to the caretakers of this place, it's always ready for photographers. According to their website, there have been over 175 bird species documented at the botanical garden, and it's also home to many butterfly species. If you're trying to get shots of some avian wildlife, this place definitely warrants a visit! Take some time to explore everything our slice of Virginia has to offer and enjoy our state's natural beauty. If you're an amateur or professional photographer, you're in one of the best spots in the country to get some great shots of natural beauty! Image via vastateparkstaff | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

Toyota keeps surprising us year after year with the great options it offers. The 2019 Toyota models are better than ever, and finding one that's perfect for your life is easier than ever. Here are just a few of our favorite 2019 models that we think you'll love. 2019 4Runner The 2019 Toyota 4Runner is a top-of-the-line midsize SUV that's ready for any family and any adventure. The 4Runner is known for its truck-like capability and great interior features. If it's a stylish family vehicle you're hunting, the 4Runner is right up your alley. Its two rows fit five comfortably, and the back seats are 60/40-split foldable to let you pack as much cargo as you need. It also comes with a fantastic infotainment system and is equipped with Toyota's Safety Sense 2.0 suit, which keeps you and your family safer during your travels. more 2019 Tacoma The 2019 Toyota Tacoma is one of the top-selling mid-size pickups on the market, and for good reason. It's affordable without skimping on many of the features we look for in a truck. It's also highly customizable so you can find the truck that's perfect for your lifestyle. Two- or four-wheel drive, multiple cabin configurations and bed lengths, engine options, and much more make it easy to find a truck that can handle any job. 2019 Camry Hybrid If you're thinking about making the switch to electric power or looking for the best hybrid, check out the 2019 Toyota Camry Hybrid. It gets an estimated 51 miles per gallon in the city and 53 on the highway, letting you pass up gas stations without a second thought. Its futuristic setup continues from under the hood to the cabin. It's stylish, tech-savvy interior is unlike anything we've seen in a car. This is what the car of tomorrow will look like. 2019 86 For G-force-induced thrills, look to the 2019 Toyota 86. This sports coupe is one of the most exciting rides you'll find, thanks to its performance-minded design. Its handling lets you tackle curves and city streets deftly, and its distinctive presence on the road is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. The 86 looks fast even at a stand-still. Opt for the six-speed manual transmission to shift like the most seasoned street racer. 2019 Yaris The 2019 Toyota Yaris is one of the best deals you'll find on sedans, especially one with everything this Toyota model has to offer. This year's Yaris gets great mileage, lets you choose your level of luxury with three trim levels, and keeps you more entertained and connected from the comfort of your car. Whether you're tackling your daily commute or a weekend warrior destination, the Yaris will not disappoint. When you're ready to explore the world in a Toyota, visit us at Priority Toyota Chesapeake. Let us help you find the model that can handle what life throws at you. After a quick test drive, you'll see why so many people stick with Toyota. Image via runarut | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

While it has a terrible name, Dismal Swamp State Park is actually one of the most beautiful places in the country. Located in South Mills, North Carolina, this hidden gem has a long history with Native American tribes and early European settlers. Today, it's the perfect place for a daylong excursion into the wilderness. If you're looking to reconnect with nature, check out the following fun attractions Dismal Swamp State Park has to offer. Kayaking and Canoeing Kayaking and canoeing are among the most popular activities in Dismal Swamp State Park. The Dismal Swamp Canal flows steadily along the outskirts of the park, and its amber-colored waters provide a stark contrast to the brilliant green of the surrounding trees and plants. Just head to the boat ramp near the parking lot to enter the water safely. If you don't have your own boat, don't fret, as the park offers kayak and canoe rentals for $7 an hour. more Hiking If you like hiking, you're in luck, as this park has 16.7 miles of trails for you to explore. Once logging roads, these trails have now been transformed into people-friendly passages through the swamp. While most are multipurpose, two are dedicated solely to pedestrians — the Supple-jack Trail and the Swamp Boardwalk. Both are half-mile treks with easy terrain. The Supple-jack Trail has a natural surface. As you walk along this path, you'll find yourself surrounded by dense vegetation, the remains of illegal liquor stills, and various fauna. The Swamp Boardwalk, on the other hand, takes you directly over the swamp and provides interpretive panels so you can learn more about the area during your walk. Fishing Thanks to the Dismal Swamp Canal, there's plenty of fresh water for fishing. While you're allowed to fish most spots on the Canal, one major exception is the Welcome Center and rest area. Just keep in mind that you need a North Carolina fishing license before you cast any lines. You also need to follow all the rules set by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and Marine Fisheries. Biking If you're seeking a challenging day of mountain biking, you're in luck, as all but two of the park's trails are also open to bikes. For longer rides, try Corapeake Road or Kim Saunders Road, which are 4.8 and 5.4 miles one way, respectively. Each has a natural surface sprinkled with gravel for an off-road feel with slightly more control. Don't have a bike? That's not an issue, as the park rents them out to adults and children on an hourly basis. Bikes cost $7 an hour, making riding an affordable way to spend a couple of hours outdoors. Dismal Swamp State Park certainly has a lot to offer its visitors. If you're craving a respite from the stresses of everyday life, you could greatly benefit from the peace and tranquility offered by this natural gem. Pack a picnic lunch, and enjoy some time ensconced in the embrace of nature's wonders. Image via norfolkdistrict | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

The 2020 Toyota Corolla has just hit the market, and so far, it more than exceeds expectations. As the 12th generation of one of America's most beloved cars, this Corolla now features the Toyota New Global Architecture platform, giving it a sportier design, paired with a more powerful engine. However, that's just one of the perks of this new vehicle. Check out some of the most impressive features this redesigned model has to offer. Sleek and Sexy Exterior The new Corolla kicks things up a notch compared to its predecessors with a sportier, more athletic vibe. A lower roof and hood provide a more aerodynamic feel, while a wider track offers a more menacing appearance on the road. LED headlights are standard on all trims to help your lights stand out even on the darkest of nights. You can even choose to add on an aggressive front fascia featuring a honeycomb mesh grille, 18-inch machined alloy wheels, and dark gray metallic sport accents if you truly want your new Corolla to shine. more Improved Performance While the previous model was already extremely efficient, the 2020 Corolla takes it to the next level with its standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. This is a more powerful variant of the engine in its predecessor and gets a total of 139 horsepower. If you choose a higher trim, such as the XSE or SE, you'll receive an upgraded 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that gets 169 horsepower. The final engine choice is a 1.8-liter hybrid mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission that gets 121 horsepower. Luxurious Interior Styling While the 2020 Corolla might not technically be a luxury vehicle, it sure feels like one with its clean and minimalist interior. The design was kept simple on purpose to invoke a warm, open, and inviting atmosphere. All the controls and seats were designed specifically to increase visibility to help you stay safer and more comfortable while driving. You'll also see an amalgam of matte and glossy surfaces that truly elevate the Corolla to more than just an everyday commuter. While cloth upholstery is the standard, you can choose to upgrade to a two-tone leather or SofTex sport seats for even more sophistication. Improved Technology The 2020 Corolla is truly a modern vehicle, thanks to the wide variety of technology it includes. Connect your smartphone with ease through Apple CarPlay, or you can even control your smart home devices while on the go with the Toyota+Alexa app. You'll control all your entertainment, navigation, and audio on the available 8-inch touch screen. To really make your ride more enjoyable, upgrade to the available JBL nine-speaker system to blast your tunes like there's no tomorrow. Other available features include a blind-spot monitor, Remote Connect, and an adaptive front-lighting system. As you can see, the 2020 Toyota Corolla has a lot to offer if you're in the market for a new car. Check out all of these features and more by browsing our online inventory and stopping by to take a test drive! Image via toyota.com

One of the most popular and fun events in Norfolk, Virginia is the Bayou Boogaloo Music and Cajun Food Festival. It's a weekend festival that takes place every year in June to celebrate the New Orleans spirit while paying tribute to the influences of Bayou culture. This year, the event is celebrating its 30th anniversary on June 28-30. Here's what you need to know about this upcoming celebration. Live Music What's a summer festival without some great tunes? This event has you covered, with two stages featuring recording artists. While the full lineup isn't available, you can expect big names such as the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Chubby Carrier, JJ Grey, Dumpstaphunk, and New Orleans Suspects. The artists will provide a diverse range of culture and style, offering entertainment that will broaden your horizons. more Authentic Arts and Crafts For those looking to be inspired by cultural crafts, stop by the Arts Market of New Orleans. This arts and crafts marketplace features some of the best artistry Louisiana has to offer. These artisans will be displaying and selling their fine work, which can vary from sculpture to jewelry to art. All the artists were selected by the Arts Council of New Orleans and Norfolk Festevents for the perfect amalgam of authenticity and talent. Cajun Delicacies Perhaps the most popular part of the festival is the Cajun cuisine, which is cooked by chefs inspired by Louisiana's vibrant culinary scene. You'll get to enjoy all the traditional favorites, including fresh crawfish, beignets, muffuletta, alligator, jambalaya, and much more. Of course, if you have a pickier palate, you'll also be able to find plenty of traditional festival fare, including funnel cake, kettle corn, and Italian water ice. If you'd like a drink to pair with your meal, a number of New Orleans beers will be on tap, including selections from Abita Brewing Company. Tickets Available Now Pumped for the Bayou Boogaloo Music & Cajun Food Fest? If so, you'll want to get your tickets soon before prices go up. Currently, the cost is $10 for a day pass for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, or you can go all three days of the weekend for just $20. If you're on a tight budget, consider stopping by Friday from noon to 2 p.m., as admission is free during this two-hour session. Once these early tickets sell out, prices will increase to $15 for a day pass and $30 for a weekend pass. If you have a boat and were thinking about enjoying the water before heading over to the festival, you're in luck. There is also a boater's package deal that gives you reserved dockside parking for one vessel right at the entrance to the festival. It costs $50 in advance and $75 on the day of the event. While it's still a few months out, it's time to start preparing for this epic festival. Make a note on your calendar, and get ready to enjoy some of the best food and music of your life. Image via BPPrice | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

The 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid does not only offer excellent fuel efficiency, but also utility and comfort. This SUV is a perfect family SUV that features a spacious and versatile interior, plenty of modern tech, and advanced standard driver-assist systems. The Hybrid version of the Highlander is available in the LE, XLE, Limited, and Limited Platinum trims. Here is some more information on what this SUV has to offer. Excellent Fuel Economy The Highlander Hybrid comes with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that is paired to three electric motors to produce 306 horsepower. This engine, which comes standard with an all-wheel-drive system, delivers remarkable fuel efficiency for a three-row SUV. Its estimated fuel consumption is rated at 30 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, which has earned it a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) rating. more Comfortable Interior The cabin of the Hybrid is perfect for big families, as it can seat up to eight passengers comfortably. It also offers a versatile passenger and cargo area with its 60/40 split-folding third-row bench seat, which can recline when passengers want to rest. An available height-adjustable power liftgate is convenient, as it makes for effortless loading and unloading of cargo. The Hybrid features silencing insulation materials in its cabin, as well as a windshield constructed from acoustic-type glass, to afford you a quiet and peaceful ride. Available interior features that will ensure you and your passengers an even more comfortable ride include second-row sunshades, three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, ambient lighting, leather upholstery, driver-seat memory, a rear cargo cover, and a heated steering wheel. Modern Technology The Hybrid comes with loads of modern tech. If you opt for all the available features, your Entune infotainment system will include an 8.1-inch screen, Bluetooth, integrated navigation, SiriusXM, HD radio, and a 12-speaker JBL sound system. An available rear-seat entertainment system, featuring a Blu-Ray player, two wireless headsets, and a 9-inch display, is also on offer with the Hybrid. Another innovative available feature included with the Hybrid is the Driver Easy Speak system, which allows the driver to communicate with passengers in the rear through a built-in microphone that sends sound to the back speakers. With the Hybrid model also comes a Hybrid Energy monitor, which will provide you with information regarding energy saving and usage. You can access data regarding system charging, electric power consumption, and whether your Hybrid is running off the gasoline engine, electric motor, or both. Advanced Safety Features The Hybrid comes with impressive driver-assist features that are included as standard equipment across all trims, such as the Toyota Safety Sense suite that includes lane-departure alert with steering assist, dynamic radar cruise control, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. The XLE trim adds a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert system. An available bird's-eye view camera will provide you with a 360-degree view of your surroundings when you're parked. If you're looking for a fuel-efficient and safe SUV that also provides lots of modern tech and a good overall performance, look no further than the 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. If you want to take one for a spin, drop by Priority Toyota of Chesapeake. Image via toyota.com

With Easter just around the corner, now is the time to start lining up fun Easter activities that you can take the kids to. Here are some fun Easter activities in and around Norfolk, Virginia, that both children and adults will have a great time at. Spirit Cruises One of the biggest parts of the Easter celebration is sitting down with family and friends to enjoy a delicious meal. Spirit Cruises, a locally based cruise line company, offers guests a two-hour boat-ride up and down the coast of Norfolk aboard their appropriately named Spirit of Norfolk. During this coastal tour, passengers will take in amazing sights including the skyline of Norfolk, the Naval Shipyards, the vast expanse of ocean around them, and more. more To celebrate Easter, the Spirit of Norfolk will be hosting a special brunch and dinner menu on April 21 to celebrate the holiday. In addition to the buffet-style meal, diners will also be treated to unlimited mimosas, a live DJ, and interactive games. For more information and to book tickets, visit their website or give them a call at 757-625-1748. Hunt Club Farm Located about a half an hour east of Norfolk, this family-owned farm sits on 28-acres and raises chickens, goats, and other livestock. The farm has been in operation since the 1960s and has always enjoyed educating children on how farms operate. They offer educational field trips and feature agricultural-based entertainment including a petting farm, pony rides, and seasonal farm festivals. On Easter weekend, Hunt Club Farm will be holding their annual Easter Spring Fling and Egg Hunt. There will be a  children's Easter egg hunt, visits with the Easter Bunny, farm tour hayrides, petting farm admission, inflatable amusements, a live DJ with music and farm games, costumed characters, and more. For more information, contact them via their webpage or call at 757-427-9520. 219 American Bistro Instead of slaving over a hot stove all day to prepare a perfect Easter dinner for your family and friends, head over to 219 Bistro on the corner of Granby Street and Brooke Avenue where their expert chefs will serve up mouth-watering dishes. Winners of the Diner's Choice Award, this Bistro prides itself on inventing creative dishes that pair wonderfully with different wine and beer selections. To celebrate Easter, the bistro has a special brunch and dinner menu planned that offers a little something for everyone. Diners can choose between delicious lamb, fish, beef, and vegetable dishes as they sip on sweet wine and enjoy good company. The 219 American Bistro is open for brunch from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is running normal dinner service until 8 p.m. For more information and to book reservations, give them a call at 757-416-6219. The activities in this list will provide some great holiday entertainment this Easter and create memories that will last a lifetime. Stay safe and have fun taking the family out for some Easter celebration! Image via simplynutty | Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Voted the number one midsize car by the U.S. News and World Report, the 2019 Toyota Camry is a high-performance vehicle that is packed with features and accessories every driver will love. Check out some of these reasons why the Camry would make an excellent choice for your next vehicle. Trim Levels There are five different trim levels for the 2019 Camry including the L, LE, SE, XSE, and XLE. The L is the base-level trim and comes standard with a 4-cylinder engine, Entune infotainment system, 7-inch touch-screen display, LED headlights, rearview camera, and Toyota Safety Sense. The LE adds 17-inch alloy wheels, 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and rear cup holders. more The SE (Sports Edition) has a svelte appearance with a black grille, sport mesh inserts, and 18-inch black machined-finish alloy wheels. Accessories include color-keyed rear accents, dual chrome-tipped exhaust, and SofTex upholstery. The XLE comes with either the 4-cylinder or a V-6 engine, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, Audio Plus with JBL speakers, and Toyota Smart Key. The XSE is the top trim level and includes a 10-inch touch-screen display, smoke-tinted headlights, 19-inch black machined-finish alloy wheels, leather-trimmed steering wheel, and interior accents. Performance This year's Camry has a few different engine options depending on the trim level. The L, LE, and SE trims come with a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, dual overhead cam, 16-valve engine that produces 203-horsepower at 6,600 revolutions per minute and 184 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. The XSE and XLE use a 3.5-liter, V-6, dual overhead cam, 24-valve engine that has 301-horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 267 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm. Both engines come with a hybrid option for added fuel economy. The Camry is available in front-wheel drive only and has an electronically controlled, direct shift, 8-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode. The suspension consists of independent MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link setup in the rear that lessens the impact of potholes inside the car. There are front and rear disc brakes that use electronically controlled braking to keep from slipping on wet or icy roads. Interior Inside the Camry, passengers will enjoy abundant leg and headroom in both the front and back seats. The seats are made from high-performance fabrics with leather trim with an optional upgrade to full leather. Air conditioning comes standard with the option to get dual-zone climate control for the front driver and passenger seats. There is also an optional moonroof on the upper two trims. The Camry uses the Entune infotainment system that is accessible through a full-color touch screen that ranges between 6 and 8 inches. A suite of entertainment apps comes with the Entune system, such as Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, and Pandora. There is also navigational software that utilizes GPS to track the car's current location as well as plan trips. As you can see, the 2019 Toyota Camry is full of features and accessories that make it an excellent choice for your next purchase. If the Camry interests you, then check out our inventory of what's available. Image via toyota.com

With the weather starting to turn nice, it is the perfect time to plan a long weekend getaway and have some fun. Here are some great getaway spots to visit around the Norfolk, Virginia, area on your next three-day weekend. Virginia Beach Sitting about 45 minutes east of Norfolk, Virginia Beach is a beautiful little ocean city packed with enough attractions, activities, and events to keep you busy for far more than a weekend getaway. The biggest attraction they have is the miles of sandy beaches stretching up and down the eastern seaboard. Here you can do everything water related like swimming, boating, and fishing, or you can just throw down a towel and soak up the sun for a few hours. more When you're not relaxing at the beach, there are a ton of things to do in the city regardless of what you're into. A quick list of just a few of Virginia Beach's attractions includes the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, Freedom Shooting Center, Lynnhaven Mall, and taking a tour of the Thoroughgood House. There are also a bunch of great restaurants and bars in addition to all the hotels to choose from. Norfolk Botanical Gardens With a history that dates back 80 years, the Norfolk Botanical Gardens has been wowing visitors with lush gardens and vibrant flora for nearly a century. There are more than 60 themed gardens on display across 175-acres of land that can be explored on foot, by boat, or by tram. In addition to the various collections of flowers and beautiful statues dotting the garden, both children and adults can sign up for classes to learn about horticulture, cooking, art, floral design, crafts, and more. The Norfolk Botanical Garden is open all year and offers scheduled guided tours for individuals as well as groups. For more information, including ticket prices and how to become a member, visit their website or give them a call at 757-441-5830. Spirit Cruises Looking to see the city of Norfolk from a unique angle while having an amazing dinner with close family and friends? Then you'll want to buy a ticket and hop on board the Spirit of Norfolk for a two-hour cruise along the Elizabeth River. On the Spirit of Norfolk, guests will have the chance to dine, dance, and play games as they take in amazing sights like the entire skyline of the city and the Naval Shipyards. They offer an assortment of lunches, brunches, dinners, and special holiday menus devised by top-rated chefs and paired perfectly with wines and other spirits. The Spirit of Norfolk leaves dock throughout the year and has special rates for large groups and private bookings. For more information, including ticket prices, specials, and boating guidelines, visit their website or give them a call at 757-625-1748. Nothing is better for relaxing and recharging your batteries than taking a long weekend vacation. Check out these great spots and go have a fun time! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

If you have a family then you know how important it is to have a vehicle that is not only big enough to cart everyone around in but is also safe, reliable, and will perform well. The Toyota Sienna offers all of these things, and here are some of the top reasons why you should considering making it your next purchase. Performance The Toyota Sienna is available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive and is powered by a 3.5-liter, V-6, dual overhead cam, 24-Valve engine that generates 296 horsepower and 263 feet-pounds of torque. The 8-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission and low emission exhaust help boost the miles per gallon estimates to 19-city, 27-highway, and 22-combined which is one of the highest in its class. more Riding on rough roads in the Toyota Sienna is far from a bumpy experience thanks to its unitized body design with anti-vibration sub-frame and suspension system utilizing MacPherson front struts with gas-filled shock absorbers and twist-beam rear suspension with coil springs. Four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking technology and Brake Assist will minimize the Sienna's skidding and sliding on wet or icy asphalt. Interior The interior of the Toyota Sienna is the most spacious of its class and can easily seat seven or eight passengers depending on if the second row has two captain's chairs or a bench seat. The cargo room behind the third row is a respectable 39 cubic-feet which can be expanded to a spacious 150 cubic-feet with the second and third rows removed. The seats are made using easy-clean fabric with optional leather trim and heat. In the dash is Toyota's Entune 3.0 audio system with a 7-inch touch screen. Some of the features of the Sienna's infotainment system include a collection of multimedia apps including Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. There is also GPS navigation with up-to-date map data, routing, and 24-hour, real-time navigation assistance. The Entune system uses a JBL 7-speaker premium sound system and has Wi-Fi connectivity through Verizon. Safety The Sienna holds top ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This is thanks in part to Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) which is a suite of advanced safety systems designed to alert and assist drivers to avoid collisions. TSS includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Other safety features on the Sienna include a driver, passenger, front and rear head, and front side airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), daytime running lights, child safety locks, and Traction Control (TC). The Sienna scored exceptionally well in side crash tests, roof strength, front and rear crash protection, and rollover crash tests. With all these features, it is no wonder that the Toyota Sienna is a great choice for those looking for a minivan that the whole family can fit into. Check out these Siennas available at Priority Toyota Chesapeake for more details. Image via toyota.com

Having a dead battery can seem like the worst thing of the day, but there's no need to feel discouraged. Follow these simple steps, and you'll be back on the road in no time. Gather your supplies: - a set of jumper cables - another vehicle, a charged battery or portable power unit - safety equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses more 1) Identify the positive terminal on both batteries, marked with red. 2) In the vehicle with the dead battery, identify an unpainted metal surface that is not next to the battery. 3) Connect a positive (red) jumper cable clamp to the positive (red) post of the dead battery. 4) Connect the other positive (red) jumper cable clamp to the good battery’s positive (red) post. WARNING: Do NOT allow the positive and negative jumper cable clamps to touch once connected to a battery. This will generate sparks. 5) Connect the black (negative) clamp on that same end of the jumper cable to the negative (black) post of the good battery. 6) IMPORTANT: Connect the other negative (black) clamp to the unpainted metal surface under the hood of the car with the dead battery. DO NOT connect to the negative post of the dead battery – this could cause an explosion. 7) Start the good vehicle, allow it to run for about 5 minutes with the jumper cables connected. Attempt to start the disabled vehicle; if the engine won’t turn over, try repositioning the negative (black) jumper cable connected to the unpainted metal surface. Ensure the surface is clean so as to allow for a good connection. If the engine doesn’t turn over after a couple more minutes, try to race the good vehicle’s engine a little so the alternator delivers more amperage. 8) Once the dead vehicle has started, remove the jumper cables in the reverse order they were connected. Allow the vehicle to run for at least 10 minutes before turning off, to recharge the battery. Image via pixabay.com