Blog

Battlefield Park Chesapeake is home to Battlefield Park, which pays to tribute to the history of the Battle of Great Bridge. Dock your boat at the pier and have a seat on the large stone monument that commemorates the Patriot soldiers. The Daughters of the American Revolution erected the monument, which is visible from Battlefield Boulevard. Walk along the interpretive Historic Pathway to learn more about the history of the area. Be sure to pack a picnic and relax at the Family Picnic Area. You'll also find an outdoor auditorium where events are held throughout the year. more Fun Forest – City Park Kids can use their imaginations and energy to take over a forest-themed playground at Fun Forest, inside Chesapeake City Park. Sprawling over 3 acres, nearly 2,000 volunteers built this magical wonderland, designed to help kids develop motor skills and coordination through interactive play. Kids can imagine they are paleontologists as they burrow through the Fossil Dig sand pit, or use the underground telephone as secret agents. A shaking bridge and dolphin slide are ready adventure, as are the swings and slides. Great Bridge Lock Park The lock where the Chesapeake Canal and the Elizabeth River meet was strategically placed to keep the fresh water and salt water of the two waterways separated. The Great Bridge Lock Park now stretches over a 19 acre peninsula with the river on one side and the canal on the other. Bring your boat to launch at one of the ramps, because fishing and crabbing are popular here. Pack a picnic and enjoy the views after hiking one of the trails that run along the shorelines or through the woods on the western side of the park. Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Turn on your music and take a drive through the engineering marvel that is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. The tunnel connects the eastern shore with the mainland at Virginia Beach in Norfolk. Stop and learn about the site's history at the Virginia Beach Visitor Information Center at One Island on the Bay, or at the Eastern Shore Welcome Center, inside the North Toll Plaza Rest Area on the eastern shore. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge The vast Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge sprawls over 112,684 acres of forested wetlands and is a favorite of anyone who loves the outdoors. Lake Drummond, a 3,100 acre lake, sits at the center of the swamp, and a feeder ditch connects it to the Dismal Swamp Canal on the east. The refuge is open to hunters on select dates in October and November, while bird watchers can look for more than 220 species of birds in April and May. May also brings the three-day annual festival celebrating Migratory Bird Day, where visitors can join guided tours and take part in workshops. Explore all that Chesapeake has to offer and you'll be hard-pressed to find yourself bored. Image via Pixabay

Young professionals will find that the 2017 Toyota Tacoma is the perfect fit for their busy lifestyle. It offers a stylish and smooth ride with plenty to offer in the interior, but is also capable of leaving the paved roads and heading out to the wilderness. Comfortable and Safe When you're heading to work, you want something that is both comfortable inside and looks good on the outside. The Tacoma has both boxes checked. The truck seats five passengers, so you can carpool with ease. The front bucket seats are 4-way adjustable and have lumbar support to help you relax after a long day. It's safe in traffic too, as it comes complete with airbags and the option to add blind-spot warning with rear-cross traffic alert. You'll also feel safe knowing the truck received a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars awarded for rollover and five stars for side the side crash test. more Plenty of Space for Gear Two bed lengths are available, so you can fit all your bags and camping gear in the back without a problem. You can also store gear in the interior concealed storage area, as well as the driver/passenger and rear door bins. Passengers can stow their bags in the 2 nd row underseat storage area. In the back, you'll find integrated storage and have easy access to luggage, camping equipment, and more via the tailgate rear cargo access point. Great for Off-Roading When Friday rolls around and you're ready to flee the city and hit the outdoors, the Tacoma is your perfect ride. The Tacoma has two models that are loaded with off-road gear and ready to hit the trails. The TRD Off-Road features special shocks, crawl control, knobby tires, and a multimode off-road traction control system. The TRD Pro has everything the Off-Road has, as well as heavy-duty suspension, a wider and taller stance, and big-bore FOX internal bypass shocks. With these additions, the truck rides smoothly on pavement, but is fully capable of delivering a nice ride in the woods. If you plan to haul a trailer or boat, the Tacoma has you covered. The V-6 Tw Package enables the truck to two up to 6,800 pounds. Entertainment and Navigation When you're on a long road trip, the Tacoma has plenty to keep you entertained. It comes with the Entune Premium AM/FM/CD/Nav/App Suite, a 7-inch touchscreen display with split screen, iPod connectivity and control, MP3 player, HD radio, and streaming music services so you can listen to whatever you're in the mood for at the moment. The turn-by-turn navigation system ensures you'll end up in the right place at the end of your journey, and steering wheel controls mean you'll never need to take your hands off the wheel. If you're looking for a truck that offers a sleek look, plenty of options, and the ability to go anywhere from a quick weekend getaway to a full-on road trip, the 2017 Toyota Tacoma is sure to please. Image via www.toyota.com

Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, constantly circulating through a well-maintained engine to pull away excess heat and provide lubrication for the engine's moving parts. For things to continue in this fashion, it's critical to change the oil on a regular schedule that is appropriate to the type of service the vehicle performs. The harder you work your vehicle, the more often the oil should be changed. Operating in particularly dirty, dusty, or wet conditions; in regular stop and go traffic; or while pulling a trailer is hard work and necessitate more frequent oil changes. Failure to change the oil on schedule will cause the following performance issues. more Deterioration Oil must be in good condition in order to effectively pull excess heat from the engine and lubricate moving parts. Oil contains detergents that cling to and sweep away particulate matter that would otherwise degrade the engine's performance. Over time, temperature shifts inside the engine and absorption of foreign matter causes these additives to break down. This makes the oil less effective and leads to wear and tear on sensitive surfaces, such as rings and pistons. Your vehicle's oil filter will remove these contaminants, but over time, it can become saturated, and thus less effective. If an old filter becomes too clogged to function, unfiltered oil may bypass it via a small valve, sending the dirty oil directly into the engine. Inefficiency One of the most important functions of clean oil in your car's engine is to provide lubrication to moving internal parts, such as the camshaft and pistons. Over time, as oil breaks down and changes chemically, its lubricating capacity is diminished. As your oil circulates, it picks up microscopic debris, such as iron, chromium, and aluminum from the various surfaces of the motor. In fresh oil, these particulates don't exceed a few parts per million. Oil that has been used beyond its recommended life can contain more than 10 times the recommended debris limit. These contaminants act like sandpaper on the microscopic level, denuding the inner surfaces of the engine and diminished performance or permanent damage. Overheating Heat is the enemy of any mechanical system, and the oil in your vehicle is on the front lines of this battle. When it's within its service life, oil circulates through the engine, drawing away damaging heat before making its way through an oil cooler and filter. Over time, debris in dirty oil can affect the efficiency with which the oil can move this heat away from vital components. When the oil becomes less efficient at cooling the engine, the heat has nowhere to go, and the operating temperature of the system increases. This causes thermal expansion inside the engine. Since the components are made of different materials, they don't all expand at the same rate, so there can be an increasingly poor fit between the various moving pieces. This leads to dramatically increased wear when compared to an engine that has had its oil changed regularly. Regularly changing your engine's oil is one of the simplest and least expensive pieces of vehicle maintenance. Avoid this step, or put it off for too long, and your engine's performance will degrade and ultimately fail—an expensive and possibly dangerous scenario. Forget to change your oil, and you will end up looking at an expensive repair bill faster than you may expect. Image via Flickr by Robert Couse-Baker: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29233640@N07/18592103079/sizes/l

See the Sea at Nauticus Kids who love history and maritime adventures will thoroughly enjoy spending the day exploring Nauticus. Home of the Battleship Wisconsin, you can step aboard and explore the ship via a self-guided tour. Nauticus also features a museum with numerous permanent and changing exhibits. If you want to get closer to the sea life, head to Horseshoe Crab Cove to touch exotic sea creatures or watch bamboo sharks, coral catsharks, epaulette sharks, and more at the museum's Shark Experience exhibit. You can also learn more about the animals and plants that call the Chesapeake Bay home at the Living Seashore exhibit. more Kids can also test their skills controlling a 9-foot-long robotic arm while trying to collect samples off the seabed. If you're looking for a thrill, head to the SOS Station to see NOAA's "Science On A Sphere" and step inside the Hurricane Simulator to experience hurricane force winds. Get Creative at Chrysler Museum of Art Spend the day at the Chrysler Museum of Art. Considered by many to be one of the top museums in the country, it's home to numerous permanent and traveling exhibits, including one of the world's largest collections of blown glass. The museum also hosts Tickle My Ears the first Thursday of every month. Here, kids can listen to stories while looking at art and then head to the Diamonstein Education Workshop for artistic, hands-on fun. During the summer, kids can join in on arts and crafts every Friday morning and create their own masterpieces. Held three times a year, Family Day is centered around an artsy theme and welcomes everyone to join in on crafts, hear stories, and watch performances. Bounce Around at Bounce House When it's time for the kids to burn off some serious energy, plan a few hours at Bounce House. The facility covers 15,000 square feet, and kids can jump on 11 different inflatables, test their skills on the climbing wall, navigate tunnels and slides, and bounce on trampolines. For the ultimate birthday party, you can even rent out Bounce House and have Mario or Luigi stop by to wish your child a happy birthday. For parents on a budget, there are weekly specials to help save money on open jump times. Next time the kids are home and the weather report says there are rainstorms on the horizon, don't panic! Load up the family and explore the many activities and exhibits that make Norfolk such an interesting place. Not only will the kids learn a thing or two about their town's history and surroundings, but they'll also have a blast while doing so. Image via Pixabay

How Often Should You Wax Your Vehicle? It's best to wax your vehicle once a quarter, or once every three months. One way to determine if it's time to wax is to spray it with water. If the water doesn't bead up, then it's time to wax. If it does, then there's no need to just yet. If your car is regularly exposed to harsh conditions, such as rain or dirt, then it is advised that you wax more often. This is especially true for those who live in areas that receive a lot of snow in the winter months—not only is the snow causing wear to your car, but the salt on the roads can cause additional damage. By waxing your car, you are also protecting it from the sun's harmful UV rays as well as the elements. more Before Waxing Your Car Waxing cannot be rushed. First, wash the vehicle thoroughly with car wash soap and water to remove the dirt, bird droppings, and salt. Be sure rinse your washing mitt regularly in clean water to remove debris. If you don't do this, you will end up scratching your vehicle. After washing and rinsing your car, gently dry it with a microfiber towel to prevent water spots. After you think the vehicle is clean, run your hands over it to feel for any rough spots. Your vehicle should feel like glass prior to waxing, so if it doesn't, you need to better clean those areas first. Tips for Waxing Your Vehicle Wax should be applied in a shaded area so that it doesn't dry too quickly and become too difficult to remove. Also, don't apply too much wax; a little goes a long way. Instead, apply a thin layer over your car in vertical or horizontal patterns, which will prevent swirls from appearing on the paint. Don't force wax into crevices, as it will be incredibly difficult to remove. Once the wax is dry, gently buff it off with a microfiber towel. How to Correct Waxing Mistakes If your car has a hazy spots or streaks after waxing, it means the wax dried too quickly or was applied too thick. Luckily, this can be fixed relatively easily. To correct these areas, simply fill a spray bottle with distilled water and isopropyl alcohol and mist the problem spots. Wipe the area clean, then apply a thin layer of wax once again, and buff it clean. You can repeat this process to any trouble areas until you have a beautiful shine. Keeping your car looking great doesn't take much effort. Waxing goes a long way in protecting it and keeping it looking good for years to come. Image via Pixabay

Fall is coming up quickly, and while the kids probably aren't looking forward to getting back to school, we're looking forward to cooler, less humid weather. While the summer may be the perfect time for barbecues and fireworks, fall is the perfect time for festivals. The weather's perfect and by then, we all need the break from work and school. So get out your calendars, call your friends and family, and prepare to celebrate the fall at these three festivals across Virginia. LOCKN' Festival What better way to welcome in the fall then by celebrating in the beauty of nature? Starting August 24th and running through the 27th in Arrington is the LOCKN' Festival. While this festival only started in 2013, it's quickly become a local favorite. Come here to listen to local and famous bands in a positive atmosphere and surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. But the LOCKN' Festival is much more than just music. Get your fill and expand your palate with a wide array of food and try out the nearby food trucks. more While you're at the festival, get a fresh start to every morning with Opal Yoga. Don't worry, you can still sleep in. The yoga doesn't start until 9:30 a.m. If you plan ahead, you can also reserve a spot on the shuttle taking festival goers to swim at a reserved spot in the Tye River. St. Benedict Oktoberfest Are you really celebrating the fall if you don't attend at least one Oktoberfest? On September 15 through the 17, Richmond is hosting the St. Benedict Oktoberfest, which has been entertaining residents and visitors every year since 2005. Come here to enjoy authentic German music, dancing, food, and of course, beer. Shop for things you couldn't find anywhere else at the Christkindlmarkt. Just because most people associate Oktoberfest with lots of alcohol doesn't mean there aren't kid-friendly activities. In fact, there's a kid area designated just for them, and it even has a moon bounce for hours of entertainment. Just don't leave without a commemorative stein! Paquoson Seafood Festival Take a trip to the coast and enjoy some of the best seafood in the state by coming to the Paquoson Seafood Festival in Paquoson on October 20 through the 22. While there's plenty of great seafood to enjoy, this festival is about more than eating fish, it's a salute to the hard workers of Chesapeake Bay. The festival kicks off with the famous Workboat Races followed by a party. Throughout the festival, you can get a taste of a variety of music genres and performers across the festival's two stages. Don't forget to check out the many arts and crafts vendors while you're there. These three festivals only scratch the surface of everything you'll find across Virginia during the fall. So no matter what you enjoy, there's a festival out there for you. You know how quickly this summer has slipped by, so don't let the fall be the same. You deserve to take a break, escape, and have some fun with friends and family. Image via Flickr by austinkerr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/67841086@N05/22015519988/sizes/m/

You've had enough of the little sedan that you've been driving since college. It's high time for an upgrade. Something with more space and a radio that actually works. But you also aren't looking for a big, bulky SUV or a truck. If this sounds familiar, the crossover is the vehicle for you, but that still leaves you with so many options. Where should you start? How about with a fresh new crossover, a model that's seeing its first year on the road: the Toyota C-HR. Here's why the 2018 C-HR should be your next crossover. Performance When you're considering a crossover, it's because you want a vehicle that blends the power of larger cars with the handling of smaller, sportier ones. You won't be disappointed by the C-HR. A two-liter inline four-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine with Valvematic technology delivers powerful performance without sacrificing fuel economy. In fact, the C-HR gets an impressive 27 miles per gallon in town and 31 on the highway. The sport-tuned front-end suspension, made of a MacPherson strut and SACHS dampers, ensures that you feel connected to the road and that your vehicle responds quickly. Double-wishbone suspension in the rear utilized SACHS shock absorbers for a smooth, comfortable ride. more For those who need a little thrill, switch the C-HR to Sport Mode for a sharper throttle and quicker acceleration. Once you try it, you may never leave Sport Mode. Technology You've dealt with outdated technology for long enough, and you won't find anything of the sort in the C-HR. A 4.2-inch Multi-Information Display sits snug in the gauge cluster and provides information on fuel economy, outside temperature, driving modes, and trip information. The standard seven-inch touch-screen display gives you access to the radio and all the connectivity features made possible by Bluetooth connectivity. Battle bright high-beams with an auto-dimming rearview mirror with an integrated backup camera. In addition to entertainment and convenience tech, the C-HR also includes Toyota Safety Sense, a safety technology package guaranteed to protect you and your passengers. The package includes dynamic radar cruise control, a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, and much more. On many vehicles, features like that are only options, but on the C-HR, they come standard. Interior One key reason you're looking for a crossover is for the increased space. Not only will drivers and passengers find plenty of leg and head room no matter what their age, but the 60/40 split rear seats make it easy to create more room for more cargo. Plus, with dual-zone automatic climate control and available driver and passenger heated seats, everyone will stay comfortable no matter what the weather or the duration of the drive. Don't settle for another day with your old vehicle when an efficient, powerful, and innovative crossover is just around the corner, calling your name. Be one of the first to drive this brand new, fresh off the line vehicle. If you have more questions about the C-HR or want to see one for yourself, come down to Priority Toyota Chesapeake, today. Image via Flickr by Zytonits: https://www.flickr.com/photos/zytonits/32574317051/sizes/m/

Once again, you've paid too much at the pump, leaving you wondering why gas has to be so expensive and how you ran out so quickly since your last fill up. Rather than asking yourself those questions, maybe it's time to simply get a more fuel-efficient vehicle, and you can't beat the fuel efficiency of a hybrid. There are plenty of hybrid vehicles out there, but why go anywhere else when Toyota has just the hybrid for you? Here's a look at Toyota's hybrid lineup. Toyota Hybrid Sedans If you're looking for a sedan with unbeatable fuel efficiency, look no further than the two hybrid sedans offered by Toyota: the Avalon and Camry. The Avalon is the larger of the two, a full-size sedan that offers luxury in addition to the efficient hybrid technology. Thanks to its size, there's room for everyone in the Avalon, and because of the independent suspension, everyone will enjoy a smooth, comfortable ride. To step up the efficiency even further, the Avalon's diffuser panels reduce turbulence. The Toyota Camry is the cheaper, smaller hybrid sedan option. This mid-size sedan has a hybrid energy monitor that tracks the vehicle's efficiency and displays how energy is being used. If you want a sharper throttle and quicker acceleration, switch to the Camry's Sport Mode. more Toyota Hybrid SUVs For something a little bigger, check out Toyota's pair of hybrid SUVs. The Highlander is a prime example of how you don't need to run on purely gasoline to have power. Even though it gets 30 miles per gallon in town, the Highlander also gets 306 net horsepower. Plus, the Highlander doesn't just use its electric motor for better fuel efficiency, it integrates that motor with the AWD-i system (All-Wheel-Drive with intelligence) to deliver more torque to the rear wheels for better traction on poor road conditions. Maybe you don't need a full-size SUV, but you need something bigger than a sedan. Consider the RAV4 crossover. Despite being smaller than the Highlander, it still has 70.6 cubic feet of cargo space. In addition to the same AWD-i included in the Highlander, the RAV4 allows drivers to monitor the Hybrid Synergy Drive System in the middle of the gauge cluster. Toyota Prius Lineup It's been years since the classic hybrid made its debut, and the Prius lineup has only grown since then, providing drivers with a handful of different options. The classic Prius compact car will get you 54 miles per gallon in town and 50 on the highway. Not bad, right? The Prius v offers more space, luxury, and updated technology, but doesn't get as many miles per gallon as the base Prius. The Prius c is the city-friendly hatchback of the lineup and the Prius Prime is the most advanced hybrid of them all, with aerodynamic features that increase efficiency, a color head-up display, and a customizable digital gauge cluster. Hybrids are getting closer to center stage than ever before. Now's the time for you to find out what all the fuss is about. Come down to Priority Toyota Chesapeake and see these hybrids for yourself! Image via Flickr by mariordo59: https://www.flickr.com/photos/30998987@N03/32771045502/sizes/m/

The YMCA is more than just a place to go and shoot some hoops or swim a few laps, it's a hub that seeks to improve the community around it. Whether through fostering youth development, encouraging healthy living, or nurturing social responsibility, the programs at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads have the potential to impact your neighborhood and your own life. But for that to happen, you have to get out there and participate. With the plethora of programs available at the Y, there's bound to be one that feels like it was made just for you. Here are a few programs to give a try. Amenity Parents Night Out Be honest, how long has it been since you and your sweetheart really had a stress-free date night? One where you're not wondering if the kids are still alive and if your home is still intact. Sure, you could hire a babysitter, but then you have to worry about paying them and ensuring that they're actually taking good care of your kids and not just on their phone with their boyfriend the whole time. more Fortunately for you, the Y hosts a fun night full of activities tailored to kids. When you sign up for a Parents Night Out, your kids are placed in a group with other kids of similar ages and similar interests. This way, you can enjoy a well-deserved night on the town without having to worry about the kids. Self-Defense You knew that the Y had basketball, racquetball, and other sports programs, but those just scratch the surface of all the Y has to offer. Today, you can sign up for a program to learn traditional karate. You're never too old to start learning. After all, it's not only great exercise, but you never know when you may need to defend yourself or someone you love. You won't need a weapon because you'll become the weapon. The karate program is only $45 for members and usually runs for just under a month, with lessons every Saturday. First Aid Training You've always wanted to learn proper first aid techniques, but you've never had the time or resources. Now, with the help of the YMCA, you can learn how to save a life. You never know when you may need it. It could be your child, your mother, your friend, a stranger. No matter who it is, with first aid training through the Y, you'll be able to help them all. Come to the Y and learn how to do proper chest compressions, conduct rescue breathing the right way, and assess an unresponsive or responsive person. And it doesn't stop with CPR; you'll also learn how to control bleeding, stabilize potential head, neck, and back injuries, and stabilize broken limbs. At the Y, you'll not only learn, you'll also get certified! You don't have much free time, so make the most of it. Head to the YMCA of South Hampton Roads and find the program that's right for you! Image via Flickr by woodleywonderworks: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wwworks/449091218/sizes/m/

Those adventurers don't want an ordinary vehicle that will simply get them from point A to B. The 2017 Toyota Sequoia is a vehicle for those people. It's for the adventurer in you. Here's why the 2017 Sequoia is anything but ordinary. Power and Performance You don't want to settle for a commonplace vehicle. You need something that has rumble and power. The 2017 Sequoia has a six-speed transmission and a powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine capable of reaching 381 horsepower. An Automatic Limited-Slip differential gives you the maximum possible traction on unwieldy driving surfaces, and an available multi-mode four-wheel-drive allows you to maintain control and power on any surface. Not only does the Sequoia have the power to get you wherever your travels take you, but it also has the strength to tow up to 7,400 pounds. Plus, Trailer-Sway Control adjusts torque and brake pressure with each individual wheel for better control when towing. more Space You need enough room in your vehicle to carry cargo, and since you rarely go on exciting trips alone, you also need plenty of space for friends and family. While the average vehicle may not provide what you need, the Sequoia can seat up to eight people. With all the seats folded down, the Sequoia has 120.1 cubic feet of cargo space for when you need to heft the big stuff. Both the spacious second and third rows of seats can slide and fold to adjust for any situation. A dual-level glove compartment also grants some extra storage, and the Platinum trim level includes an additional center console between the seats on the second row. Is all that space still not enough? Never fear, a roof rack comes standard. Technology All adventurers enjoy having some entertainment and convenience features. Integrated into the 2017 Sequoia is the Entune App Suite, which gives you access to popular apps such as iHeartRadio and Pandora as well as an Integrated Navigation system. Other technology features include a backup camera and USB and Bluetooth connectivity for your smartphone. Upgrading to the Platinum trim level opens up even more tech capabilities. For example, Dynamic Laser Cruise Control uses lasers to keep you at a safe distance from the car in front of you while on cruise control. Your car is a crucial part of your life, so it should fit your lifestyle. Don't settle for a mundane vehicle when the 2017 Toyota Sequoia offers a powerful, thrilling driving experience. If you have more questions about the Sequoia or would like to see one for yourself, come down to Priority Toyota Chesapeake and experience how this SUV is anything but ordinary. Happy adventuring! Image via www.toyota.com

Chesapeake City Park Just off Greenbrier Parkway is the Chesapeake City Park, a lovely spot with a leashless dog park and a big playground area to keep the family busy while one parent shops. The market itself takes place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays under the Market Place covered shelter, which means it's open every week rain or shine. This market and the next two all open for the season on June 10. more Battlefield Park Battlefield Park is on Reservation Road at the south end of town by the Elizabeth River and the Albemarle Canal. This market keeps the same hours and days as the one in Chesapeake City Park, but it takes place in the open air so it may get rained out when it comes down really hard. Western Branch Community Center The Western Branch Community Center is at the west end of the city on Portsmouth Boulevard. The market is only open on Saturdays and it takes place outside the building, which means it might not take place on rainy days. On the other hand, if you feel like getting in a Saturday workout right after you shop, the center offers fitness and game areas and stays open on Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center Head up to Portsmouth where High and Court Streets meet and visit the Portsmouth Olde Towne Farmers Market. The market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There you'll find heirloom produce and free-range eggs and chicken, but many of the vendors also offer baked goods both sweet and plain, jams, flowers, herbs, soap, meat, and seafood. You can also get lessons on gardening from experts every week. Virginia Beach Farmers Market Located where Princess Anne Road and Dam Neck Road cross, this market is open all year round and every day of the week, although the individual vendors set their own hours. Amongst the vendors, you can shop for fresh seafood, soap and body care products, crafts and jewelry, meats, organic produce, gourmet ice cream, and more. The market even has a full restaurant that serves food using the ingredients offered by the other vendors. East Virginia is full of good soil that can grow just about anything you want in the right seasons, and the Chesapeake Bay has been a good place to find seafood ever since English settlers first arrived in the area. If you want a taste of Virginia, Chesapeake has plenty of farmers markets where you can find it. Image via Pixabay

Few people look forward to taking their car into the shop for repairs and maintenance. For many, it means another dent in the budget and taking more time out of an already busy day. However, as little as you may like it, vehicle maintenance is crucial to the safe and efficient operation of your Toyota. So how can you find a way to meet somewhere in the middle? How can you get what's necessary without feeling like you're spending too much money and time? Toyota's found a way to settle your concerns with Toyota Express Maintenance, a service that takes care of both factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs in record time. Here's everything that Toyota Express Maintenance provides you. more Services At the core of Toyota Express Maintenance are the services our dealership provides. We'll drain and refill your oil, ensuring that your car is using the best possible oil for your model. We'll also rotate your tires to help them last longer. Our experienced technicians can perform a brake inspection to check the thickness of your brake pad and recommend replacement, if necessary. We'll also check all your fluids, from coolant and brake fluid to power steering, windshield washer, and transmission fluids. We'll top them all off at no additional charge. Our Multi-Point Inspection will go through every major system in your car to check that everything is working as it should. Reliable Parts You may think that going directly to the manufacturer for parts just equals a higher price tag. Can't you just find it cheaper online? While you may be able to find something cheaper online, parts installed in your car through Toyota Express Maintenance are of the highest quality. High-quality parts mean high-quality performance. From tires and belts to hoses, and much more, the parts we install will last longer and offer better performance than knock-off products. Peace of Mind Why do you even need maintenance? Can't you do all the necessary work yourself? Services may be the core of Toyota Express Maintenance, but the reason we do it is to give you peace of mind. In addition to everything else that Express Maintenance provides, it provides the reassurance that the work you're getting done will keep you off the side of the road. It will keep your family and friends safe as well as reliably get you from work, to school, and to grandma's place. Since regularly scheduled maintenance will prevent more severe problems from sneaking up on you, Express Maintenance will also save you money in the long run. Stressed about the time it will take to get repairs done? Our pit-crew inspired methods will complete maintenance and repairs as quickly as possible while still maintaining high quality. Don't let the costs of vehicle maintenance stop you from giving your Toyota the care you both deserve. Still not convinced? Come down to Priority Toyota Chesapeake and see the benefits of Toyota Express Maintenance for yourself. We promise you'll never go back once you've seen what we can do. Image via Flickr by katerha