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Whether you need a vehicle to help make the daily commute a little more comfortable or one that will make your weekend escape easier, you need to consider the compact and stylish 2018 Toyota RAV4. With a versatile interior and great technology features, you'll find several reasons to love this crossover SUV. Plenty of Exterior Style The 2018 Toyota RAV4 has a dynamic and sporty exterior that's sure to turn heads. Standard conveniences you'll enjoy on every RAV4 include automatic halogen headlights, halogen daytime running lights, LED taillights, a noise-and UV-reducing front windshield, and privacy glass in the back. If you go up in trim levels, you'll find plenty of other impressive exterior features, such as a hands-free power liftgate, power tilt and slide moonroof, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and LED headlights and daytime running lights. more Great Power for All Your Adventures No matter where your adventures take you, the 2018 Toyota RAV4 has the power to get you there. The RAV4 comes standard with a 2.5-liter engine that works with a six-speed automatic transmission to produce 176 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. To help you take on a variety of road conditions, the RAV4 is available with electronic on-demand all-wheel drive, which continuously monitors your traction and automatically distributes engine power between the front and rear wheels when you need it. All the Safety Features You Need To help you stay secure when you're on the road, the Toyota RAV4 comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense. This collection of driver-assistive features includes lane departure alert with steering assist, which can alert you about unintentional lane drifts and help guide you back to your lane. You'll also enjoy a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, which scans for vehicles and pedestrians ahead of you to help you avoid potential collisions. Finally, Toyota Safety Sense also includes automatic high beams and dynamic radar cruise control. Some of the Latest Technology Features Along with advanced safety features, the 2018 RAV4 also includes plenty of technology. As you're cruising down the road, you'll enjoy the convenience of an infotainment system that comes standard with a 6.1-inch touch-screen display, USB port, auxiliary port, six-speaker audio system, rearview camera, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth connectivity, and hands-free phone capability. To help you and your passengers keep your mobile devices charged while you're on the road, the RAV4 also comes standard with two 12-volt power outlets in the front row and one in the second row. Impressive Interior Comforts The technology inside the Toyota RAV4 will keep you entertained, and the conveniences will help you stay comfortable. The available SofTex-trimmed front seats with a multistage heating feature and available heated steering wheel will let you beat the chill on those winter days. You'll also appreciate the convenience of the available integrated Homelink, which lets you control your front gate, garage door, and home security system from inside the vehicle. If you're interested in a compact SUV that offers great style and fun, get behind the wheel of the 2018 Toyota RAV4 to discover even more reasons why it's an excellent option. Image via toyota.com

When you're interested in learning something new, Chesapeake, Virginia, has a variety of museums worth exploring. From railroads to ancient art, you can step back in time and explore unique aspects of history when you check out these top museums around Chesapeake. Chrysler Museum of Art Travel seven miles north of Chesapeake to Norfolk to find the Chrysler Museum of Art. The museum's collection ranges from ancient Egyptian art to contemporary pieces. With such a range of work, you'll have a fascinating look at how art has changed throughout the years. For a unique look at history, the Ancient Worlds galleries have an incredible collection of non-western art, including Islamic, African, Greco-Roman, East Asian, and pre-Columbian pieces. Plus, the photography collection has over 4,000 objects with a strong selection from the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. more Hampton Roads Naval Museum Chesapeake and the surrounding communities have a strong connection to the Navy. So it's no surprise that if you head six miles north to Norfolk you'll find the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. As one of 10 Navy museums operated by the Naval History and Heritage Command, Hampton Roads Naval Museum has an impressive collection dedicated to over 240 years of naval history in the region. Permanent exhibits include information on the Battle of the Chesapeake, the American Civil War, World War II, and the Cold War. Railroad Museum of Virginia No study of American history is complete without an understanding of how trains changed transportation around the country. When you check out the Railroad Museum of Virginia, located six miles north of Chesapeake in Portsmouth, you'll be able to see a completely restored five-car train that features a 1910-era Norfolk and Western steam locomotive, Wabash Railroad Company dining car, two mail cars, and an antique Norfolk-Southern caboose. Children's Museum of Virginia Located six miles north of Chesapeake in Portsmouth, the Children's Museum of Virginia is one of the largest museums of its kind in the state. The museum offers a variety of hands-on exhibits designed to teach children more about the world around them, including a wellness center for kids, a tot yard for toddlers, and a planetarium. If you're interested in giving your children a brief lesson in history, the Lancaster Antique Train and Toy Collection offers a train layout that represents the state of Virginia and displays several antique toys. Hermitage Museum and Gardens Hermitage Museum and Gardens is a picturesque historic home located 12 miles north of Chesapeake in Norfolk. While it was once home to the Sloane family, it now features an art collection that spans 5,000 years. The collection has over 5,000 objects that represent over 30 countries and include paintings, sculptures, textiles, and decorative arts. As you're visiting the museum, be sure to check out the surrounding grounds, which include 12 acres of formal gardens, wetlands, and forests. When you check out these popular museums around Chesapeake, you'll step back in time and learn even more fascinating history about the area and the world. Image via Flickr by L. Allen Brewer under use of CC BY 2.0 /Cropped from original

When you're looking for comfort food that can fill you up, Chesapeake, Virginia, has plenty of restaurant options. From traditional Southern cuisine to local fare, you can enjoy a delicious meal with down-home flair and flavor when you check out some of these top restaurants in the area. Ddeb's A Taste of Home Restaurant Although owner Debbie Toth has spent most of her life in East Lyme, Connecticut, she moved to Chesapeake in 2002 and opened Ddeb's a Taste of Home Restaurant. At Ddeb's, you'll find a unique combination of New England flair and Southern charm that comes together to create a warm and welcoming place for a meal. If you stop by for lunch, popular sandwiches include the crab and artichoke melt, turkey salad croissant, and turkey and avocado BLT wrap. For dinner, consider the maple walnut chicken or crabcakes topped with shrimp. more Maggie P's Country Kitchen If you're looking for homestyle dishes that will remind you of your grandmother's cooking, you need to check out Maggie P's Country Kitchen in the Chesapeake Square Mall. The lunch and dinner specials have classic choices that include pork chops, popcorn shrimp, fried fish, and chicken tenders. You'll also find excellent options for sides, such as fried apples, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Don't forget to save room for one of the homemade desserts. The banana pudding and strawberry shortcake are always popular choices. Martin's Soul Food Martin's Soul Food has several locations in the area, including one in Chesapeake. When you stop by for lunch or dinner, you'll find popular soul food options that include pork chop with fries, meatloaf, fried chicken, country-fried steak, and pork barbecue. If you're really looking for a traditional meal, you can also order pig's feet, oxtail, chicken and liver, or chitterlings. To make your meal complete, don't forget to savor one of the sweet desserts, such as the peach cobbler, apple cobbler, or banana pudding. Supper Southern Morsels Located just north of Chesapeake in Norfolk, Supper Southern Morsels is an innovative Southern-style restaurant serving comfort food in a contemporary and minimalist atmosphere. If you come for lunch, consider the seafood mac and cheese, which comes with the chef's selection of shellfish, cavatappi pasta, a house cheese blend, and sherry cream. For dinner, you can't go wrong with the blackened beef tenderloin, which comes over smoked blue cheese with a potato spinach hash and mushroom Bordelaise. Tap it Local When you're looking to combine some of your favorite comfort food with a great craft beer, you can't beat Tap it Local in Chesapeake. Whether you stop by for lunch or dinner, you'll find delicious menu options that include country-fried chicken, shrimp po'boy, and the Tapped Out Hangover Burger, which is a half-pound burger patty topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, and a fried egg. No matter what type of traditional Southern cuisine you're interested in, you're sure to find a satisfying meal when you check out these great restaurants serving up plenty of down-home flavors. Image via pixabay.com

The Toyota 4Runner has long been one of the most popular SUVs on the market, but if you think you know everything there is to know about this vehicle, it's time to think again. The 2018 version of the 4Runner offers a variety of new features that will please consumers everywhere. Learn about a few of the new features of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner so that you can decide if this vehicle is right for you. New Feature Packages Some of the biggest changes that consumers will notice in the Toyota 4Runner is the newly available feature packages. There are two new packages for this model year, and the first one that we'll discuss is the Wilderness Package. With the Wilderness Package, you'll have access to several features that will improve your vehicle's utility. All-weather floor lining, for example, will help preserve the interior of your 4Runner by protecting it from moisture. With this package, you'll also receive cross bars that improve your standard roof rails' functionality. The Wilderness package includes a slide-out cargo tray that can make it easier for you to transport your important items. You can add this package to any 4Runner trim level except for the Off-Road Pro trim. more Essentially, the TRD Enhancement Package improves the already very attractive appearance of the 4Runner TRDOff-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium trims. If you add this package to your vehicle, some of the features that you receive will include 17-inch matte-gray alloy wheels and an aluminum skid plate. Exciting Paint Colors If you're like most drivers, you want to customize your vehicle's appearance so that it fits your exact tastes. Fortunately, with the new 4Runner, you'll have access to new exterior paint options depending on the trim level that you choose. If you select the TRD Pro trim, you'll have access to three completely new paint color choices: Midnight Black, Super White, and Calvary Blue. The Calvary Blue color is exclusive to this vehicle. Classic Feature You'll Love While the new packages and paint colors are the only updated features of this year's 4Runner, this SUV still offers a variety of classic features that drivers everywhere will be sure to love. For example, if you love to go off-road, there is still no better vehicle than the 4Runner thanks to its available four-wheel-drive system with active traction control. The 4Runner also offers a standard 4.0-liter engine that produces 270 horsepower and 276 pound-feet of torque and can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The newest version of the 4Runner also includes an array of high-end tech features that you would expect from Toyota, including available integrated navigation, and available JBL stereo system with fifteen speakers, and a standard integrated backup camera. You'll also have access to hands-free calling and voice recognition powered by Bluetooth technology. If you're looking for a high-quality SUV, you need to take a closer look at the new 2018 Toyota 4Runner. Take this vehicle for a test drive today so that you can examine its new features in person.   Image via toyota.com

The Toyota Highlander is one of the most popular crossover SUVs on the road, thanks to its outstanding performance and ability to easily seat up to eight passengers. If you're like many drivers, the best reason to invest in the Highlander is to have access to the wide range of safety features offered by this vehicle. Following are a few of the best safety features you'll find in the 2018 Toyota Highlander that will protect you while you drive this SUV. Star Safety System When you pick the Highlander as your next vehicle, you'll be kept secure by several excellent features, including a Star Safety System. The Star Safety System includes several intuitive features that improve the control of your vehicle and reduce your chances of an accident. The Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control Systems make sure that you have as smooth a ride as possible and that your wheels stay in contact with the road in slippery conditions. The Star Safety System also offers several features meant to improve your vehicle's braking ability, including Brake Assist, Electronic Brake Distribution, and Smart Stop Technology. more Advanced Airbag System and Seating Although we all wish it weren't true, it's a simple fact of life that automobile accidents happen, which is why it's important to drive a vehicle that will keep you safe during a wreck. Luckily, if you choose the 2018 Toyota Highlander, you and your family will be protected by an Advanced Airbag System. The Advanced Airbag System of the Highlander features eight airbags that have been strategically placed throughout the vehicle to provide you with full coverage. Front seat passengers, including the driver, will be protected by dual-stage airbags and seat-mounted side airbags. A front passenger seat cushion airbag and a driver knee airbag will protect the lower bodies of those seated up front. Passengers in both the front and the rear of the Highlander will be shielded by roll-sensing side curtain airbags. Inside of the Highlander, you'll also find seating that's designed to keep your children safe. This Toyota model offers a Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system that allows you to more effectively secure your children before a drive. In the second and third rows, the middle seat features a tether, and the outboard seats on the second row offer an anchor. Toyota Safety Sense While we've already discussed some truly impressive safety features of the Highlander, the best has been saved for last: Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P). The integrated smart safety features of TSS-P will help you avoid accidents and ensure that every trip in your Highlander is as fun and safe as possible. One of the most useful features of TSS-P is Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, which can both warn you when your vehicle is drifting and adjust your steering automatically to get you back in your lane. TSS-P also offers Dynamic Radar Cruise Control which lets you drive at a preset speed, while also controlling vehicle-to-vehicle distance. Other TSS-P features include a Pre-Collision System and Automatic High Beams. If you're looking for an ultrasafe vehicle for your family, look no further than the 2018 Toyota Highlander. Test drive this vehicle today so that you can see its safety features in action.   Image via toyota.com

During the summer in Chesapeake, spending time in the water is the best way to stay cool and have fun. If you're tired of the same old water activities, you should try out paddleboarding. Fun for both kids and adults, paddleboarding is a great activity to try out this summer, and in the Chesapeake area, several excellent spots are perfect for both experienced and first-time paddleboarders. Here are a few spots in the Chesapeake, Virginia, area where you can try out paddleboarding this summer. The Inn at Tabbs Creek If you're interested in trying paddleboarding for the first time, one of the best spots to visit in Chesapeake is The Inn at Tabbs Bay. Located on the Chesapeake Bay, The Inn at Tabbs Bay is both a great place for a weekend getaway and an ideal location to try your hand at paddleboarding. At this bed-and-breakfast, you can rent paddle boards through the Chesapeake Bay Paddling Company. If you've enjoyed this water activity before, you can rent your paddleboard and hit the water. On the other hand, if you're a first-timer, you can view a quick demonstration on how to paddleboard so that you can enjoy this activity safely and easily. more Rudee Inlet Stand Up Paddle When you're trying out paddleboarding for the first time, it's best to get some guidance from a professional. Fortunately, if you're a Chesapeake area resident, you can visit Rudee Inlet Stand Up Paddle. This company specializes in taking its clients on paddleboard tours of the Rudee Inlet and Owl's Creek and can teach you the ropes of this popular water activity in no time at all. The benefit of visiting Rudee Inlet Stand Up Paddle is that you can choose from a variety of paddleboard tours. For example, if you're a physical fitness enthusiast, you could participate in one of this company's Yoga Fitness Tours. If you're more interested in sightseeing, you can choose their Waterfowl and Wildlife Sightseeing Paddleboard Tour. Whatever your interests, Rudee Inlet Stand Up Paddle has a paddleboard tour that's right for you. Tula Adventure Sports Another great place where you can try out paddleboarding near Chesapeake is Tula Adventure Sports. This company offers a variety of water-based activities and has been serving customers in Virginia Beach for over nine years. For visitors who simply want to grab a paddleboard and hit the water, Tula Adventure Sports offers several rental options. If you only have a short amount of time to paddleboard, you can rent a board for an hour for $25. You can also rent a board for a full day for $65. Novice paddleboarders may want to take advantage of the lessons offered by Tula Adventure Sports. Each lesson lasts an hour, and you can book a lesson for a single person or for groups of up to six people. Once you're finished with your lesson, you'll know everything you need to know to enjoy paddleboarding to the fullest. If you live in the Chesapeake area and want to try out paddleboarding, be sure to visit one of these exciting locations.   Image via pixabay.com

When you're out and about with your family in Chesapeake this summer, you want to make sure that you can stay as cool as possible. Fortunately, there are several shady walks in the area that are perfect for a hot day. If the temperature starts to rise, you can visit one of these walking locations to cool down so that you can continue enjoying the outdoors. Here are a few of the shadiest walks in Chesapeake, Virginia, that you and your family should take this summer. Chesapeake Arboretum For families looking for a place where they can take a walk and cool down this summer, the ideal location is the Chesapeake Arboretum. If you visit this arboretum, you'll be able to enjoy a variety of amenities that will help you have a great time. more At this popular Chesapeake spot, you can find three miles of walking trails where you and your family can go for a leisurely stroll. When you want to take a break from walking, you can sit down by Lake Hughes, a beautiful three-acre body of water that provides the perfect resting spot. Before you visit Chesapeake Arboretum, make sure that you pack a lunch so that you can enjoy a meal at one of the picnic tables. The Noland Trail When you're looking for a walk where you can stay cool, it's important to pick somewhere with tall trees that provide plenty of shade. Fortunately, this is exactly what you'll find if you visit the Noland Trail. Located near the Chesapeake area, the Noland Trail is an extremely popular walking spot that every family will enjoy. On this five-mile trail, you'll see towering trees that offer ample shade during the hot summer season, and you'll also walk past refreshing bodies of water such as the James River and Lake Maury. Because of the length of the trail, this isn't the best walking spot for families with small children, but families with older kids will definitely enjoy taking a stroll on the Noland Trail. Crabtree Falls Trail In addition to cooling off, you want your summer walks to take you past breathtaking natural scenery, and if waterfalls are your favorite natural feature, you should take a hike on the Crabtree Falls Trail. This trail is found in the George Washington National Forest, and since it's only three miles long, most families should easily be able to complete this hike. While you're taking this walk, you'll be able to see five gorgeous waterfalls and a variety of smaller falls that will add to your enjoyment of your hike. In addition to the waterfalls themselves, this walk offers scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Tye River Valley. Both you and your children will be able to stay cool and have a great time walking the Crabtree Falls Trail. Staying cool in the summer is very difficult. Fortunately, there are several shady trails near Chesapeake, Virginia, where you and your family can take a walk while staying cool. Make sure to visit all of these trails if you want a fun, memorable summer.   Image via pixabay.com

Shopping for a new family-friendly car can be stressful, but there are plenty of great options on the market. One, in particular, is the 2018 Toyota Corolla which sports a familiar design with powerful internals, a gorgeous cabin, and enough safety features to keep you and the gang safer and more secure than most cars in its class. Of course, things don't end here as you're also tasked with picking the perfect trim that packs all the features you desire. To help make that decision, we've listed some of the best trims to consider below. L The 2018 Corolla L ships with all the standard features of a Toyota. This means you'll find a 1.8-liter I-4 engine with 132 horsepower, 32 combined miles per gallon, front-wheel drive, and seating for up to five passengers with plenty of leg and cargo room. It also ships with wireless phone connectivity to play your favorite music through the vehicle's sound system and a touchscreen interface for interacting with the GPS and radio. more LE Turning things up a notch, the 2018 Corolla LE adds a few touches you won't find on the standard L trim. There's the Entune Audio system for jamming out to your kids' favorite music, premium fabric-trimmed seats to guarantee a comfortable ride, an integrated backup camera for safer parking, and automatic climate control to ensure everyone is toasty warm during the winter or comfortably chill during the summer. SE Going a few steps up will get you the 2018 Corolla SE. With this trim, you're getting a sportier outer design that will, no doubt, make you the cool family at school. An Entune Audio Plus system with Connected Navigation App, driver and front passenger heated seats, a Smart Key system, and upgraded wheels make this trim a well-rounded option. In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the SE trim is ahead of its class. XSE Finally, for those of you who need plenty of features and perks to have the ultimate family road trip, the 2018 Corolla XSE is for you. Not only do you get everything we've already mentioned, but you also get an Entune Premium Audio system with even better-sounding speakers, SofTex-trimmed front seats, a power tilt-slide moonroof for gazing up at the sky, whiplash-injury-lessening seats, and a LATCH seat belt system for younger travelers. Plus, standard safety features include dynamic cruise control, pre-collision warning, and lane departure assist. The improved XSE trim will meet and surpass all your expectations. Whether you're in the market for something that'll fit a small family or a larger ensemble, the 2018 Toyota Corolla is sure to have exactly what you need. With its wide range of available trims and various options that make it one of the most versatile sedans on the market, you're bound to find a configuration that's perfect for your entire gang. To learn more about the Corolla and what it has to offer, be sure to visit Priority Toyota Chesapeake to schedule a test drive.   Image via toyota.com

The 2019 RAV4 is expected to hit dealership floors later this year. We can expect to see some significant changes to the exterior design and power capabilities of this highly anticipated car. This is what we can expect from the 2019 Toyota RAV4. New Trim Levels The RAV4 exterior is often characterized as being a modern crossover. Toyota has taken the 2019 RAV4 to the next level of modern design and added in a few exciting exterior features. It features bolder lines, metal fender details, and a bold new grille. Toyota describes these updates as chiseled. The entire RAV4 is also longer in size with an additional 1.2 inches in length. The expected available trim levels include the RAV4 Adventure, the RAV4 Limited, and the XSE Hybrid. It is still possible that a few additional trim levels will be added closer to the actual release date. more Interior The interior of the RAV4 is known for being both sporty and comfortable. The 2019 model will bring an available added touch of luxury, the panoramic moonroof. Luxury can be found all throughout the interior of the RAV4 with 8-way power adjustable leather wrapped seats, an 11-speaker audio system, and an exclusive rearview mirror camera. Toyota has also re-designed the interior layout with optimal ergonomics in mind. Each of the added technological features can be easily reached from the driver seat with a new, larger center display screen. Power As if the new RAV4 did not already have an entire slew of exciting changes, it is also built on a new platform. This will significantly change the power and drivability. The new RAV4 platform is shared with the Toyota Camry. The new platform will improve the RAV4's ability to perform in off-roading capabilities. In turn, this will also improve the efficiency and durability of the daily drive. The included all-wheel drive system will further improve driving conditions when off-roading. In conclusion, the 2019 RAV4 will feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a direct shifting automatic transmission and a special sport-tuned suspension system. There will also be a separate hybrid engine available that includes the Hybrid System II engine with a continuous variable transmission for optimal efficiency. Technology Considering that Toyota has increased the modern feel and functionality of the 2019 RAV4, we can also expect to see improvements to interior technology. The RAV4 will come standardly equipped with the Toyota TSS safety system which includes emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and steering assist. It also includes the advanced lane tracing assist and road sign assist technologies. Additionally, technology will improve the comfort and entertainment value of the interior of the RAV4. The upgraded 7-inch touchscreen is equipped with the Entune media system and smartphone capability via Apple CarPlay or Android Autio. Finally, the vehicle will be Wi-Fi hotspot capable for Verizon users. We can expect the 2019 RAV4 to go on sale as early as the winter of 2018. Come by Priority Toyota Chesapeake to see the redesigned 2019 RAV4.   Image via toyota.com

Chesapeake, Virginia, is a beautiful part of the United States known for its scenery. If you're planning a trip to the area, take advantage of this by visiting parks and arboretums in the area and experience this beauty for yourself. Here are several great options to do just that. Oak Grove Lake Park Oak Grove Lake Park in Chesapeake has many fun activities for visitors to take part in. It has a series of walking and hiking trails to follow with the family. Many choose to walk their dogs here, too. If you enjoy running or fishing, Oak Grove Lake is the place for both. The park is off the beaten path and away from the hustle and bustle of city life, giving people much-needed peace and quiet. Other amenities include a small beach and a playground for children. more Dismal Swamp Canal Trail The Dismal Swamp Canal Trail was once part of Virginia State Route 17. Today it is a trail people use to walk, bike, hike, and run along in Chesapeake. It runs for 8.3 miles to the Dismal Swamp Canal. It's also a place for boating. Every year, the park hosts Paddle for the Border in the spring. People explore the canal trail using kayaks and canoes and get together for a picnic lunch at the end. The Dismal Swamp Canal also includes a wildlife refuge where many species live or come to rest. Migratory birds tend to stop here on their way to their destination to rest up. It's also an ideal spot for horseback riding because the trail is flat and linear. Kayakers and boaters can launch their craft using the nearby boat ramp. The Chesapeake Arboretum Known as “Nature's Classroom,” the Chesapeake Arboretum is a 48-acre site in Chesapeake dedicated to teaching about and preserving nature. It promotes horticultural and environmental awareness through research, displays, and education. The arboretum features a trail system that walks visitors through a hardwood forest featuring a number of plants and trees. The Arboretum is home to Lake Hughes which spans 3 acres. Use caution when visiting during the summer months, and make sure to pack bug spray to keep the mosquitoes away during your exploration. Hickory Ridge Farm Nothing says connecting with nature better than picking produce in the summertime. You can do just that at Hickory Ridge Farm, a family run place in Chesapeake. The 18-acre farm offers strawberry picking in May and summer produce from June to August. There's also pumpkin picking in the fall. It's a wonderful place to go if you're visiting the area or are just looking for an activity to do with the kids. The cost of picking fresh produce in the summer is relatively low and it teaches kids how fruits and vegetables originate. Plus, you can make delicious treats like pies and jams with what you pick. Connecting with nature isn't always easy given how hectic day-to-day living is, even during the summer. Whether you need to plan a road trip or have to carve out time as a local to visit Chesapeake, the effort is well worth it. The city is full of beautiful parks and other natural sites that come alive in summer with plenty of activities for individuals and families.   Image via Pixabay.com

There's nothing like a farmers market. You get to buy produce fresh from the farm and get to know small local merchants from around the area you might not otherwise see. Here are four farmers markets to visit around Chesapeake, Virginia. The Chesapeake Farmers Market The Chesapeake Farmers Market is open during the summer and stays open all the way through the fall. However, it's only open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., so going to it requires a bit of planning. But this small market is well worth the effort. It usually has 8-10 vendors at any one time. There's also plenty of parking. You'll find everything from fresh produce to pastries, flowers, eggs, chicken, and lamb here. Visitors appreciate the depth and breadth of the products offered. The prices are reasonable and there's a communal atmosphere, making it a change of pace from the traditional grocery store. more Virginia Beach Farmers Market If you're looking for a farmers market open on more days and for longer hours, the Virginia Beach Farmers Market is it. It has a mix of produce and grocery vendors, as well as gift shops. There's a creamery on site that sells fresh milk. Eggs are available at a few other vendors, and you'll also find a variety of meat, produce, and organic foods for sale. There's also a nursery on site where plants are available for sale. Since the market is open every day all year-round, it often pairs with events held on the grounds like a hoedown. Locals appreciate having a dedicated place to get unique gifts, fresh foods, and produce. Olde Towne Farmers Market Portsmouth The Olde Towne Farmers Market in Portsmouth, Virginia, has both spring/summer and winter hours. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from May to October. Like the Virginia Beach Farmers Market, Olde Towne has vendors offering many different things including fresh produce, baked goods, coffee, crab soup, fresh meatballs, fresh mozzarella and other delectable items. Fresh seafood is available, too, along with fresh meat. Some vendors also sell homemade crafts and beauty products. There are even homemade dog treats. Not all vendors take credit cards, so make sure to have cash on hand, too. A list of vendors is available online. They may vary week-to-week. Hickory Ridge Farm Hickory Ridge Farm holds its own farmers market daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from May to October in Chesapeake. They sell produce grown on the farm and surrounding farms throughout the season. Fresh eggs are also available. Starting in mid-May and lasting through early August, the farm puts together produce boxes with items in season every week. The boxes come in different sizes and are available for pick up at the farm on Fridays and Saturdays. It's a good option if you don't have time to shop every week in the summer. Chesapeake and the surrounding areas have many farmers market options. It's nice to eat fresh during the summer and as this list illustrates, you can keep up eating good foods in the fall and winter, too. Consider stopping by one of the markets on your next visit to town.   Image via Pixabay.com

Getting around town, especially in a big city, can be more enjoyable with the right vehicle. You want something that is the right size for city life, feels good on the road, and has the right look. A comfortable and stylish interior can also make a big statement with your friends and family. That is why Toyota developed the Yaris iA. It has all of the features that you are looking for in a city car. Here is a look at what it is like to get out and about town in a sporty Yaris iA. Fun on the Road The Yaris iA will grab your attention with its sporty design, which includes the equipment and tuning for more fun on the road. With a 1.5L four-cylinder engine, sport-tuned suspension, and a six-speed automatic transmission, the Yaris iA gives you an agile ride. You can also get one with a manual transmission if that's more in line with what you want. However, you'll miss out on the available sport mode system that comes with the automatic transmission. more When you flip the switch, the Yaris iA goes into sport mode giving it better acceleration, handling, and overall performance. Despite the high-performance features, the Yaris iA is also fuel efficient. It gets up to 32 mpg (city) and 40 mpg (highway). Comfortable Interior Along with sporty performance, the Yaris iA also gives you a sporty interior beginning with the Toyota Sport Seats. The seats are specially designed to help keep you comfortable in high-performance situations, which will help you stay comfortable at all times while driving. The design for the seats comes from Toyota's high-performance cars where comfort and functionality are critical to driver safety. The Yaris lets you take advantage of that and makes you feel like you are in a race car. Technology The Yaris iA comes with a wide range of technology features to make driving easier and more enjoyable. If you are tired of fumbling with your keys, then you will enjoy the Yaris' remote keyless entry and button start system. You won't need to take your keys out anymore to get in or start your car. The infotainment system comes with a seven-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and controls on the steering wheel. That way, you can get the most out of your media devices without having to take your hands off of the wheel. The Toyota Yaris iA is a great option for daily driving, especially in the city. Its size, features, and overall performance help it stand out from the rest. The best way to know if it is the right vehicle for you is to check one out in person at Priority Toyota of Chesapeake. Their Toyota experts can show you all of the available features and how they can make driving more enjoyable for you. Toyota also has a wide range of other vehicles that can fit your needs. Stop by Priority Toyota of Chesapeake to see what a new Toyota can do for you.   Image via toyota.com