Blog

Sometimes one just needs to leave the stress and hustle and bustle of everyday life behind, and relax in a natural environment. Chesapeake and surrounding areas offer many outdoor parks and reserves where one can hike, cycle, jog, fish, hunt, or just enjoy a relaxing picnic. Next time you want to escape city life, try one of these spots in and around Chesapeake. Oak Grove Lake Park This is a well-kept park that offers a 1.5-mile circular trail around the perimeter of the 65-acre lake, which is ideal for walking, cycling, or jogging. Apart from the beautiful views that the lake provides, the park features forested areas, wetlands, as well as a diverse wildlife. You will see lots of butterflies, dragonflies, as well as songbirds. If you like fishing, the park also features many fishing piers. more If you don't feel like exercising, but just hanging out in the beautiful natural surroundings, you can have a picnic at one of the many picnic tables and benches provided. There is also a kids' play area stacked out with equipment, so they will stay entertained. Animals are also welcome. Oak Grove Lake Park is located at 409 Bryon St. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge This refuge, consisting of roughly 112,684 acres of forested wetlands wrapped around Lake Drummond at its center, offers a wide range of outdoor activities. In October and November, the refuge is frequented by hunters, and a variety of trails, open from sunrise to sunset daily, and it offers visitors the opportunity to hike or cycle. If you are into water sport, you are allowed to canoe and kayak on the lake, as well as launch small crafts. Clean restrooms are provided. Great Dismal features a diverse wildlife population, including whitetail deer, black bears, bobcats, and river otters. The refuge is also a popular birding spot, offering more than 220 species of birds. Great Dismal is located about a 30-minute drive out of Chesapeake, at 3120 Desert Road in Suffolk. Hickory Ridge Farm If you feel like experiencing farm life, Hickory Ridge Farm is open for public visits. Especially young children enjoy the activities on offer at this farm, which include hayrides, bounce houses, petting of farm animals, face painting, and strawberry and pumpkin picking. The staff is friendly, and the farmers go out of their way to inform the kids about farm life. If the kids get hungry, there are yummy snacks like cider doughnuts and kettle corn available. The farm also offers field trips, which involve a hayride around the farm, lunch, and snacks, hay bales to climb, and a lesson on how to grow pumpkins. The farm shop stocks homemade jams, salsa, cookies, pies, and much more. Hickory Ridge Farm is located at 2928 Battlefield Blvd S., and admission is $11 per person during the week, and $13 per person over weekends. If you need to escape from city life to rejuvenate your spirit, then you should take a drive to one of these outdoor sites in the Chesapeake area. You are bound to feel refreshed and rejuvenated after. Image via Tony Webster | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Toyota TRD Pro series has specifically been designed for off-roading. Here is some information on three TRD Pro models: the Tundra TRD Pro, the 4Runner TRD Pro, and the Tacoma TRD Pro. Tundra TRD Pro This full-sized truck offers many features that make for a superior off-road experience. An available 5.7-liter V-8 mated to a six-speed automatic, kicks out 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, providing all the strength and power necessary to tackle rough terrain. The Tundra also rocks exclusive 18-inch BBS forged-aluminum wheels, which together with Michelin LTX A/T tires, are able to get you around those tight corners and keep you firmly on the road. more The truck sports 1/4-inch thick skid plates, which help to protect the underbody of the vehicle, as well as a resin cover that protects the fuel tank. Further functionality is provided by TRD-tuned, heavy-duty FOX shocks, that provide better ground clearance and increased suspension travel, as well as an Automatic Limited-Slip Differential, which applies brakes to individual wheels in order to distribute power most effectively. On all models with AWD, you will also get Active Traction Control that improves grip on slippery surfaces by optimizing traction across the front and rear axles at the same time. Your Tundra TRP Pro will also come equipped with Rigid Industries fog lights with a 35-degree wide angle, to help you through bad weather conditions. 4Runner TRD Pro The 4Runner TRD Pro will give you al the utility, functionality, and power that might expect from an off-road vehicle. It receives its power from a 4.0-liter V-6, mated to a five-speed transmission, that is good for 270 horsepower. Advanced traction is supplied by multi-terrain select, crawl control, and an electronic locking rear differential, while protection of the underbody of the vehicle is provided through a 1/4-thick aluminum front skid plate. Like the Tundra, the 4Runner sports TRD FOX shocks and TRD-tuned springs, affording the SUV better ground clearance and a smoother ride. Further functionality is provided through a sturdy roof rack, and 17-inch TRD alloy wheels sporting all-terrain tires. Even the cabin of the 4Runner is equipped for off-roading, boasting TRD heavy-duty floor mats, and an available sliding rear cargo deck, which is able to carry 440 pounds. Tacoma TRD Pro This truck also offers superior off-roading capability. It sports projector-beam headlights, and also an available Desert Air Intake that provides the engine with cool air on dusty trails. Power in the Tacoma is supplied through a 3.5-liter V-6, mated to a six-speed automatic, delivering a respectable 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. This TRD Pro model is also equipped with a multi-terrain select system, crawl control, as well as hill start assist, which afford the driver better traction and overall control. Like the other models, the Tacoma also sports FOX off-road shocks and underbody skid plates. If you are looking for superior off-roading capability, look no further than the Toyota TRD Pro series. If you want to take one of these models for a spin, drop in at Priority Toyota Chesapeake. Image via Heidi Carpenter | Licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

If you like hanging up your "Gone Fishing" sign every now and then, Chesapeake and surrounding areas offer plenty of spots for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. Here are a few places where you can get your line wet and hopefully enjoy a good catch. Ocean View Fishing Pier This super long pier, overlooking the Chesapeake Bay, is the perfect place for fishing. Although a minimal fee of $10 for adults and $8 for children is required in order to gain access to the pier, this fishing spot offers convenient facilities such a bait shop, fishing equipment rentals, and clean restrooms. The pier is also well-lit for those summer nights when you feel like casting a line in the water. more You can bring your own folding chairs if you wish, but there are benches and picnic tables available all along the pier. Fish that you could expect to catch here include sea bass, spot, croaker, and baby flounder, and you can also catch crabs. After a long day of fishing, cool down with a refreshing craft beer at the restaurant. On the menu are delicious seafood dishes, such as salmon, served with broccoli, mashed potatoes, and lemon and garlic butter, Crab Cakes, served with coleslaw and fries, and a Seafood Alfredo. The pier is located at 400 W. Ocean View Avenue in Norfolk, which is a short, seven-minute drive away from Chesapeake, and is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until midnight. Elizabeth River Park Another great spot for fishing is Elizabeth River Park. The park offers easy access for boaters onto the river, or you can fish from the 125-foot pier, which runs parallel to the Jordan bridge. Many convenient facilities are provided by the park, such as a shop where you can buy frozen bait, sinkers, fishing tackle, nets, and ice; clean restrooms; a fish-cleaning station; and ample lights on the dock for night fishing. If you get hungry, the Snack Shack offers food and refreshments. Fish species that frequent these waters include spot, black sea bass, pigfish, sand perch, and swelling toads. The park also offers sheltered picnic areas and adequate parking. It is located at 1224 Progressive Drive in Chesapeake. Oak Grove Lake Park This beautiful park features a hardwood forest consisting of pines, maples, and tulip poplars, as well as wetlands, which house a diverse wildlife including dragonflies, butterflies, and songbirds. It is also a great place for fishing, offering several piers around the park where you can cast a line into the waters of the big lake. Clean restrooms are provided, and picnic tables are scattered throughout the park. Fish that you can expect to catch here include trout, bluegill, and largemouth. The park is located at 409 Bryon St in Chesapeake. If you have had enough of the hustle and bustle, pack your fishing gear and visit one of these fishing spots. Even if you do not catch anything, some peace and quiet in beautiful, natural surroundings are bound to invigorate your spirit. Image via jack_spellingbacon | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

If you are looking to buy a Toyota SUV, you might be wondering whether the Rav4 or the 4Runner would be the better choice. The rugged and functional 4Runner might be the better option if you're into off-roading, whereas the Rav4 offers more advanced high-tech and safety features. Here is some more info on these two SUVs. Performance and Power The 2019 4Runner sports a 4-liter V-6, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, that is good for 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine will allow you to tow up to 5,000 pounds. For superior traction control, the 4Runner features a kinetic dynamic suspension system, which automatically controls suspension, as well as crawl control. To further help you navigate through rough terrain, the Off-Road trim sports an electronically controlled locking rear differential, which manages the amount of power sent to the rear wheels. more The Rav4 features a 2.5-liter I-4, paired to an eight-speed automatic. Although this SUV comes standard with front-wheel drive, three different all-wheel-drive systems are available. The Limited and Adventure trims boast an all-wheel-drive system that features a dynamic torque vectoring system, which automatically sends torque to the wheels that require it the most. This system also offers Toyota's Driveline Disconnect, which automatically disconnects the rear wheels from the driveline for improved efficiency. Interior The interior of the 4Runner has modern amenities and it is spacious and comfortable. The infotainment system features a 6.1-inch touch screen with Bluetooth, a USB port, integrated navigation, and HD radio. A 15-speaker JBL sound system is also available. Quality materials, such as SofTex and perforated leather, are featured in the interior, and even the lowest trim offers an eight-way adjustable driver seat with power lumbar support. Higher trims boast heated and ventilated seats, driver-seat memory, and an available power moonroof. The 4Runner also features fold-flat second-row seats, as well as available third-row seating. A sliding rear cargo deck, which can carry up to 440 pounds, makes cargo loading effortless. The Rav4 features a more advanced infotainment system, boasting a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa connectivity, as well as Wi-Fi. An 8-inch infotainment system is also available. Different trims either get an interior featuring quality materials or SofTex faux leather. Available features include a moonroof, heated and ventilated seats, a power liftgate, and a JBL audio system. Safety Features The 4Runner offers limited safety features. Standard features included with this SUV are an integrated backup camera, eight airbags, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. It also comes with the Toyota Star Safety System, which includes vehicle stability control, traction control, an anti-lock brake system, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, and smart stop technology. The Rav4 also offers the Toyota Star Safety System but adds the Toyota Safety Sense package across all trims, which is a suite of driver assist features that include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and automatic high-beam headlights. It is not an easy choice to decide between these two SUVs, as they both offer impressive features. If you want to take these two models for a spin, drop in at Priority Toyota Chesapeake. Image via crash71100 | Licensed under CC0 1.0

Whether it's an educational adventure or a musical retreat, there's something for kids of all ages to stay warm this season. Keep reading to discover some places where parents can take the kids when the weather gets cooler and Friday nights get dark early around Norfolk, Virginia. more Children's Museum of Virginia Spend the day exploring the Children's Museum of Virginia's spectacular exhibits, then stay late for Make-n-Take. This family-fun event runs Friday, Nov. 24 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. in the Make-n-Take craft room. Display your fun themed art project or take it home with you. Don't miss the Train Exhibit, designed to look like a real train depot platform. Follow the railway tracks to see the main Lancaster antique toy train collection, then head through the “tunnel” to discover a delightful train layout. Visit the Museum's Beazley Planetarium and take a virtual trip to distant worlds with an immersive theater experience. The planetarium is a digital full-dome projection that allows everyone in the family to explore the wonders of the universe and find inspiration in our starry skies. Attucks Theatre Tucked away on Norfolk's historic Church Street is the Attucks Theatre, formerly called the Apollo Theatre of the South. Named in honor of Crispus Attucks, the first African-American patriot to lose his life in the 1770 Boston Massacre, the theater was designed by architect Harvey Johnson. When the theater opened in 1919, it showcased a host of legendary performers, from Duke Ellington and Nat King Cole to Redd Foxx. Stay toasty and warm on a cold Friday night and take the kids to a live performance of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at this unique venue. Head over on Friday, Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m. and watch Rudolph and his friends soar onto the stage this holiday season. You'll see all your beloved characters, from Santa and Mrs. Claus to Hermey the Elf. Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster and Clarice will be there too. They'll come to life right before your eyes in this magic musical presentation. Bounce House What better way to keep warm on a dark, chilly Friday night than with a bounce house party? Come to Bounce House in Norfolk's Janaf Shopping Center, and enjoy tons of toasty fun at open jump. Your kids will play until they drop on a variety of exciting inflatables. With plenty of places to bounce and run, you never need a reservation at Bounce House. All the attractions under one roof offer endless opportunities for kids to explore. Not only is Bounce House filled with unbridled fun, but it's also a great way to engage in healthy physical exercise, and parents will appreciate the free Wi-Fi. Drop your kids off on Friday, Oct. 12, from 6 to 11 p.m. for a Halloween craft. Kids will make a holiday home decor project and munch on pizza while they play late. Admission is $35 for the first child and $5 for each sibling. As the weather turns chilly, parents set their sights on the indoor fun on Friday nights. Check out these three places where parents can take the kids around Norfolk, Virginia. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under CC0 Creative Commons

Norfolk's waterfront area is the ideal setting for fun. From concerts to events, there's something exciting happening indoors. Whether it's toe-tapping your rainy day blues away or exploring an emerging art form, there's a variety of happenings in the area this November. Stay warm and dry, and escape the rain in Norfolk, Virginia. more Go Line Dancing Grab your umbrella and your cowboy boots, and head over to PBR Norfolk, a Coors Banquet Bar in the Waterside District. Where cowboy cool meets metro-chic, this decked-out club with beautiful decor features the toughest sport on earth: bull riding. Enjoy free line dancing lessons and drink specials on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, and every Thursday, from 6 to 9 p.m. Order up a cold beer or something a bit more potent, and forget about the rain. Go to the Opera Escape those dark clouds with a night at the opera. Don Giovanni hits the stage at Chrysler Hall on opening night Nov. 2, 2018. Mozart's timeless story blends delightful comedy with classic drama and a dash of supernatural elements. Always the bad boy, Don Giovanni is a shameless nobleman who enrages everyone in his path, as his uncertain fate awaits. This production features a number of talented young singers making their debut, including baritone Tobias Greenhalgh as Don Giovanni, and soprano Rachelle Durkin as Donna Anna, while the Virginia Symphony Orchestra provides the composition. Discover 3D Printing The Hermitage Museum and Gardens partnered up with the Smithsonian to present an interactive exhibit. Featuring a collection of 3D printed artworks from the Institute's Freer Gallery of Art, these 10 objects are on display daily through Dec. 16, 2018. Because of the innovative technology of today's 3D printing, treasures from around the world can now be scanned and placed on exhibition without leaving the security of the Smithsonian. Visitors are encouraged — as opposed to prohibited — to touch and interact with the pieces. Of the objects on exhibition, discover a life-size Cosmic Buddha sculpture, a Syrian funerary bust, and a Japanese Fushimi doll. The exhibition will also highlight the various ways 3D printing has radically reshaped our lives, from art-making to fashion. Explore the benefits of this new way to cherish relics from the past at the Hermitage Museum. Sweet Tooth: A Dessert Bazaar Who's ready to satisfy your hankering for sweets? Follow us to the fall edition of the Dessert Bazaar. Sample a diversity of indulgent treats by local bakers. The Dessert Bazaar comes to town on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, and runs from 4 to 7 p.m. As of today, there are nearly 20 confirmed vendors including Gigi's Cupcakes, JMT Sweets, and Pop Culture Popcorn. Some of the event's proceeds benefit the Autism Society of Tidewater, Virginia. Tickets to get into the bazaar are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. We all know the sun will come out tomorrow, but what are we supposed to do when it's raining? When the weather interferes with your waterfront plans, we've got you covered with these fun indoor activities. Image via liza31337 | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

With good looks, a composed ride, and the available rev-matching manual transmission, the new Corolla is grabbing consumer's attention everywhere. For the upcoming model year, Toyota added some interesting features worth noting, including a new suspension, the Dynamic Shift-CVT, and a refreshed exterior design. Keep reading to discover five things you need to know about the new 2019 Toyota Corolla. more New TNGA Suspension The new Corolla rides on one of Toyota's favorite platforms, the modular unibody design called the Toyota New Global Architecture, or TNGA. You'll find it under a ton of Toyota's new cars and SUVs because it easily accommodates different size vehicles and front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive powertrains. On the 2019 Corolla, the TNGA is configured with front wheel drive. It features a pair of struts up front under the nose, while the multi-link independent suspension supports the tail. The Dynamic Shift-CVT Pair this new suspension with the Corolla's Dynamic Shift-CVT, and get ready for a thrill. Toyota decided to install a “launch gear” to this compact's transmission, giving it the feel of a conventional automatic with paddle shifters. When accelerating from a stop, this snazzy new launch gear engages at a fixed ratio, just like a traditional stock automatic transmission's first gear. As you build up speed, the gearbox shifts out of launch gear and returns to the normal CVT performance parameters. Power and Performance Introducing Toyota's 2-liter inline-four cylinder: Dynamic Force. Installed under the hood of the 2019 Corolla hatchback, it features dual injection, with intelligent dual variable valve timing to produce some pretty impressive fuel economy figures. Drive past the pump with Corolla's EPA-estimated 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. New Exterior Design Take a good look around the Corolla, and feast your eyes on modern LED headlights, 16-inch steel wheels, and its giant, toothy grille. A blunt front end gives this compact its distinctive face. It's kind of sleek, with an eager profile that's ready for takeoff. The view from the rear is even better with the Corolla's shapely polymer resin backside, and sculpted hatch, framed by even more spiffy LED lights. The top XSE touts a sporty gloss black front fascia, and larger, 17-inch alloy wheels, plus an attractive and athletic rear spoiler. Safety and Technology The Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assist features comes standard on the 2019 Corolla. It includes active technology such as pedestrian detection with automatic emergency braking, lane departure alerts, and lane keep assist. You'll also get the added convenience of automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. For the technology side of things, enjoy automatic climate control and a 6.1-inch multimedia touchscreen. Opt for the larger, available 7-inch display, loaded with SiriusXM satellite radio, Siri Eyes Free, and navigation. Now that you've learned the top five things about the new 2019 Toyota Corolla, you're ready to give it a test drive. It will hit our showrooms soon, so stay tuned for more updates. Image via prioritytoyotachesapeake.com

Road trips are a fantastic way to spend time with your family, but if you don't plan ahead and prepare your vehicle, the adventure can quickly turn chaotic and leave you wanting the vacation to end. You can keep this from happening and get the most from your journey with a little preparation. Try these four simple hacks to keep the mess and clutter at bay on long drives. more Drop Cupcake Wrappers Into the Cupholders Whether you drop drinks or change into your cupholders, these small spaces are often the go-to container for whatever you happen to hold in the car. Unfortunately, this means that grime sometimes builds up in the space. You can prevent this with a simple hack: dropping cupcake wrappers in the cupholders. These will fit perfectly into the space and catch any syrupy spills that fall from drinks. Also, if you tend to drop change into cupholders, you won't have to work so hard to dig it out — simply remove the wrapper and dump the contents into your hand. Alternately, you can use an organizer or a hack like a coffee cup tissue dispenser to get more utility out of your cupholders. Clean as You Go Don't wait for a huge mess to pile up in your car before you decide to clean it out. Each time you stop for gas or to stretch your legs, take a moment to remove any trash that's accumulated during the ride. Also, pack some wet wipes and give the interior a once-over to keep it clean. You're more likely to dirty an already messy space, so keeping on top of this chore can keep your car clean and manageable for an entire trip. Keep an Envelope for Receipts If you're traveling and need to keep a paper trail for tax purposes or to budget for your journey, take along an envelope or another container, such as one made for 3x5 cards, to store your receipts in. It's easy to crumple these papers up and shove them into door pockets or under the visor. This simple hack will keep this from happening and help you find important paper slips when you need them later. Bring a Trash Bag Everyone along for the ride should know that trash doesn't go on the floor — it goes into the bags you've specifically brought for that purpose. Some people just place a plastic bag on the floor or between the front seats. This is fine, but you can also find an organizer to hang a trash bag from behind the front passenger's seat. This way, the space around your feet will stay clear. Another hack is to use a container, such as a seal-able one made for cereal, to hold a trash bag. Many containers are even small enough to fit snugly between the seats. Family road trips are lots of fun, but they can also mean a huge mess for cars. Try these hacks on your next adventure to reduce everyone's stress and have a better experience on the road. Image via comedy_nose | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

Shopping is a great way to work up an appetite. However, often you want something more than food court fare. This is no problem at Greenbrier Mall. Sure, there is food court staples like Chick-fil-A and Auntie Anne's, but there's also lots of culinary variety for when you're craving a filling, delicious meal. Sit down and feast at these five wonderful places to eat at this popular mall. Seven City Salads Seven City Salads serves salads, soups, wraps, sandwiches, and panini. All options are made to order, so you can pick turkey or chicken, seafood, or ham for your meat and then add from 15 different ingredients and numerous dressings. There's also a “Soup of the Day” that's prepared from scratch. La Hacienda Fresh Mexican Grill La Hacienda Fresh Mexican Grill is one of two Tex-Mex options in the Greenbrier Mall. The comprehensive menu includes favorites like: more Burritos Burrito bowls Taco salads and regular salads Quesadillas Tacos Nachos Chips, salsa, and queso, guacamole In addition to these entrees and appetizers, you can add sides of rice and beans to a meal. La Hacienda Fresh Mexican Grill is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. It's only open on Sundays from noon to 5:30 p.m. Abuelo's Abuelo's is another excellent choice for Mexican food in Greenbrier. The restaurant is equally known for its unique atmosphere and quality dishes. Menu options include tapas, chips, salsa, and dip, soups and salads, and specialties like fajitas and steak and enchiladas. You can also get a signature drink, such as a Sangria Swirl or the La Grandeza Margarita. This shop is open daily starting at 11 a.m. It closes at 9 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday and at 10 p.m. during the rest of the week. Sarku Japan For made-to-order Japanese cuisine, go to Sarku Japan. Boasting fresh food that's prepared quickly, this stop is perfect if you want to sit down to a full meal without having to wait long for your food. The menu features dishes like chicken teriyaki, beef teriyaki, and sushi rolls, including classics like the California roll and Spicy Tuna Roll. Bento boxes and tempura meals are also available. Sarku Japan is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. It's open every Sunday from noon to 5:30 p.m. Famous Wok Famous Wok is one of the most popular restaurants in the mall. It specializes in Chinese cuisine, such as Chow Mein and fried rice and noodle bowls. Entree choices include cashew chicken, sesame chicken, tofu stir fry, spicy beef, and barbecue pork ribs. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5:30 p.m. Greenbrier Mall is full of so much variety when it comes to food that you could bring a family of picky eaters here and everyone would be happy. The next time you work up an appetite cruising the retailers, stop off at these wonderful full-service restaurants in the mall. Image via pixabay.com

The 2018 Toyota RAV4 SE Hybrid is a great choice for city driving. If you're looking for an efficient vehicle to help with daily urban commutes, consider these features of this new RAV4 trim that make it a good choice for traversing city streets. Efficiency If you're considering a hybrid, fuel efficiency is likely a priority for you. Indeed, this is one of the biggest selling points of the 2018 RAV4 SE Hybrid. The RAV4 is available in three hybrid trims, and each provides wonderful economy so you can make multiple trips around town on a single tank. The vehicles have a total driving range of roughly 475 miles before needing to fuel up. The XLE Hybrid, SE Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid all get 34 mpg in the city, 30 on the highway, and 32 combined. The starting MSRP for these vehicles is $29,280, $32,435, and $34,280, respectively. more Low Emissions In addition to not consuming much gasoline, the SE Hybrid is a super ultra-low emission vehicle. It's an electronic on-demand all-wheel-drive SUV equipped with Toyota's powertrain technology. All RAV4 hybrids run on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder. This configuration delivers 194 net horsepower between the electric motor and gasoline engine. Maneuverability With high total horsepower and sporty acceleration, especially for a hybrid, this RAV4 is great for getting up to speed quickly in stop-and-go traffic or for having to merge onto the freeway without much runway. But the Hybrid SE's size is also beneficial for maneuverability in urban areas. This is a compact SUV, so tight streets and narrow parking spaces aren't as much of a hassle as they would be in a midsize or full SUV. You can even add front and rear parking sonar through an optional package, which is an extremely helpful technology for making parallel maneuvers or when you have to squeeze into or out of a tight space. ToyotaCare Every new RAV4 comes with a free two-year maintenance plan called ToyotaCare. This service is good for up to 25,000 miles and includes complimentary scheduled service checks. You also get free 24-hour roadside assistance for the duration of the program. Safety Features If you're an experienced city driver, you know that other vehicles on the road can be a serious hazard. No matter how defensively everyone drives, some accidents are unavoidable. But with the SE Hybrid's suite of safety technologies, you can avoid collisions and stay safe should an accident occur. Standard technologies in the SE Hybrid include pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control. These are just a few of the features included with Toyota Safety Sense P. A comprehensive air bag system and other passive technologies are also standard. The 2018 SE Hybrid has received a five-star overall NHTSA safety rating. The RAV4 is a top-rated compact SUV for some obvious reasons. Especially as a hybrid configuration, you get a vehicle with excellent fuel economy, lots of space for a compact, and ample utility. Check out the SE Hybrid and other vehicles in the current inventory at Priority Toyota. Image via toyota.com

Chesapeake's Greenbrier neighborhood has some great park facilities, including a dog park and a skate park. These are some of the best ways to exercise at Greenbrier's parks and where you can enjoy each activity. Chesapeake City Park Chesapeake City Park is a 90-acre area with lots of trails and open spaces, so it's ideal for running, hiking, and more intense and focused workouts, such as doing sprints. There's lots of equipment and some courts you can use, too, to stay in shape. Look for these amenities to help you stay active at Chesapeake City Park: Dog park: You can run freely with your fur babies at the dog park, which is in the north part of the green space by the lake. Skatepark: Fans of rollerblading, skateboarding, and BMX bikes can spend a day at the skate park, which is next to the dog park. Volleyball courts: The volleyball courts are in Section B, which is in the southern part of the park along City Park Drive. The marketplace is next to this area. Basketball courts: The basketball courts are also in Section B. Outdoor fitness area: There's an outdoor fitness area along City Park Drive. If you're heading north, the exercise equipment is just before the skate park. Make a stop here during your run or just visit the park for isometric and body weight exercises. more The official walking trail goes for .75 miles, so a few laps will do for a moderate workout. You can also widen the route to include some of the paved roads around the park if you'd like to increase the distance. Greenbrier's Other Dog Parks In addition to Chesapeake City Park's space for canines, there are two other nearby dog parks that you can visit. Let your dogs stretch their legs while you play with them and exercise at either Western Branch Dog Park or Deep Creek Park. Western Branch Park is at 4437 Portsmouth Blvd. In addition to a fenced-in space for your dogs, there are some ball fields nearby. At Deep Creek Park, which is at 437 George Washington Hwy S, you can run around with your pets or go for a walk around the trial. There are ball fields at this location, too. All of these dog parks allow off-leash play. Poop-scoop bags and water for the pups are provided. Greenbrier Sports Park As the name implies, this location is great if you want to play some sports. This is a 12-acre park with lighting, making it ideal for late-night games. There are eight tennis courts, two softball fields, and space for soccer, sprints, and other activities. Oak Grove Lake Park Oak Grove Lake Park is a gorgeous green space that's fantastic for running, hiking, biking, and walking. A tree-lined trail circles the lake, offering fantastic views while you exercise. Chesapeake's Greenbrier neighborhood has parks that are excellent not only for their natural surroundings but for the amenities they provide. The next time you want to get a good workout in the fresh air, head to one of these parks in the city. Image via Flickr by Infomedmag under use of CC BY 2.0 /Cropped from original

When your next adventure takes you off the beaten path, you want a vehicle that offers both the capabilities you need with the comforts you want. That's why you should get behind the wheel of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner. With an interior and exterior made for off-road traveling, the 4Runner is ready for whatever type of adventure you create. Bold Exterior Style On the outside of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner, you'll find a style that's bold and durable. To help with visibility, the SUV comes standard with projector-beam headlights, integrated fog lights, and LED taillights. Additionally, every 4Runner comes with a unique wheel style to enhance its style. For example, the SR5 offers 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels, and the TRD Off-Road gets 17-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels. The Limited features 20-inch split six-spoke alloy wheels. more Plenty of Safety Features While good looks on the 4Runner are important, safety is vital. That's why Toyota includes plenty of excellent safety features on every model. Whether you're on-road or off-road, you'll appreciate that each SUV comes standard with the Star Safety System, which includes traction control, vehicle stability control, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, anti-lock brake system, and Smart Stop Technology. Additionally, every 4Runner comes standard with a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system, and daytime running lights. All the Capability You Need If you'll be taking on a variety of road conditions on your next outdoor adventure, you'll be pleased to know the Toyota 4Runner comes with all the capabilities you need to handle whatever nature throws at you. Every 4Runner comes standard with a 4.0-liter V-6 engine that generates 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque to give you the power you need. Plus, the available kinetic dynamic suspension system (KDSS) automatically adjusts to give you optimal traction, and the available multi-terrain select dial lets you choose from four modes to regulate wheel spin. Impressive Interior Comforts While the Toyota 4Runner offers plenty of power and performance to let you explore more of the great outdoors, it also includes the interior features you need to do it comfortably. You can relax in the available perforated leather-trimmed front seats that offer heating and ventilation to keep you comfortable no matter what the outside conditions are like. Additionally, the available power moonroof gives you an incredible view and allows you to let in fresh air whenever you want. Great Technology Features To help you stay connected when you're on the road, the 2018 Toyota 4Runner has an infotainment system that comes standard with a 6.1-inch touch-screen display, eight-speaker audio system, auxiliary port, USB port, hands-free phone capability, and music streaming and phone book access using Bluetooth wireless technology. To help work this system, the 4Runner also comes standard with a leather-trimmed steering wheel that includes buttons for audio and voice-recognition controls. No matter what type of off-road adventures you have planned, you know you can turn to the 2018 Toyota 4Runner to help you take on the challenge with ease and with style and comfort to spare.