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Have you ever been told that an issue with your vehicle's performance is caused by the alternator, but don't even know what an alternator does or what to do? This essential car component is easy to understand, so don't worry. Read on to see the three key points about alternators: what they are, how to protect them, and how to know if there's an issue. What It Is An alternator is your car's electrical generator — a round piece of machinery that spins all the belts around your engine and re-cycles electrical power. They have been the standard for automobile electricity since the 1960s when it replaced dynamos, a similar part that used direct current instead of alternating current. If your alternator isn't working properly, your battery should die very quickly and you would have little or no power provided to the interior lights, headlights, air conditioning, and almost everything else in your car that needs electricity. Your car would most likely not start again after driving it, since a large amount of electricity is needed to turn the ignition over. more How to Protect It If your vehicle uses a splash shield for your engine, make sure that it is properly installed. If the shield is missing, this could lead to engine fluids or contaminants in the air like sand and dirt getting built up inside the alternator. The component has many fast-moving parts, so keeping it protected from any loose substances is crucial. If you wash your engine, never get water or soap in or on the alternator. It's also important to stay on top of your oil and coolant levels. If either of these are too low, the alternator, not to mention many other components, will not be able to work properly and will wear themselves down. Problematic Signs If your battery loses its charge and has to be jump started and re-charged at all, you could have an alternator issue. Batteries in frequently driven automobiles should not lose their charge until they break down and need replacement. There are many spinning parts inside an alternator, so if you hear a grinding or gritty sound while it is running that's also a bad sign. One of the clearest signs of alternator problems is dimmed lights on your dashboard and other electronic accessories. You may also notice that power features like windows or seat adjustment take longer to move. Since the alternator is connected to many belts, you might also smell burning rubber if one of them is not turning fast enough or is out of alignment. This doesn't necessarily mean the alternator has issues, so you might be lucky and only need a new belt. Finally, the most obvious sign of an alternator issue is a warning light that says ALT or GEN, although it may also fall under a battery signal. If you have any of the above warning signs or suspect that your alternator needs repair or replacement, contact us today. You can trust the skilled technicians at our service and parts department to diagnose. https://www.flickr.com/photos/jsnyng/5439576977/sizes/l Image via Flickr by jsnyng

Your car's battery is an extremely important component. If it unexpectedly dies while out on a trip, it could force you to pay for a tow or wait it out in the wilderness. Check out the following signs to see if your battery is on its last legs, or so you know what to look out for in the future. We'll also cover the ways to keep your battery in good shape, ensuring that it lasts its full life span of five to six years. If you've noticed any of these warning signs or any of these battery-weakening things apply to you, you might need to get yours replaced soon. Obvious Issues If you have trouble cranking the engine or have a check engine light, that could point to issues with the battery. To be absolutely certain, however, pop the hood and check it out. Most batteries have translucent sections where you can see the fluid levels, along with the minimum amount needed for it to run properly. Other clear issues are any cracks, swelling, or bloating on the case. Be sure to wipe off any corrosion on the terminals as well, since this is caused be leaking and also interferes with the ignition. more Irregular Driving It takes several hours of continuous driving for your car's alternator to fully charge the average battery. This means that making frequent short trips puts more stress on the charge. What also doesn't help is keeping your car sitting around and not turning it on for weeks. All the parts in your car need to get up and go for several hours every so often, so consider finding a way to drive longer once a week. For instance, you could pack all of your weekly shopping and errands into a single day. Don't Overload Since your battery supplies electricity to every electrical part of your vehicle, it's no surprise that asking too much of it will lower its lifespan. Try not to have too many plugged-in devices charging with the battery's power at once. Never leave things plugged in your car's ports, even if they're not connected to anything. Doing this once or twice could just drain the current charge, but keeping things plugged in that you aren't using only wastes energy and hampers the battery's long-term efficiency. Find Shelter The colder parts of the year are particularly threatening to a battery's health, but a malfunctioning battery could die out in any season. The spring and summer pose their own threats, because the temperature under the hood will be higher than the temperature outside. Extreme heat can cause the fluids inside the battery to evaporate, reducing its effectiveness. If at all possible, park your vehicle in a garage or other shaded area, away from the worst of the heat or cold. Keep these warning signs and harmful factors in mind, and you'll have more peace of mind every time you're about to turn the ignition. Also, if your battery or other components are behaving strangely or need professional work, feel free to contact our parts and service department. We're happy to answer questions and schedule an appointment that works for you. https://www.flickr.com/photos/evelynishere/6626317749/sizes/l Image via Flickr by EvelynGiggles

There's nothing more spectacular, soothing, and invigorating than seeing the perfect sunrise. Although there are numerous places throughout the country that claim to have the most scenic sunrise, the ones in the Norfolk area are among the best anywhere on the East Coast. The next time you're looking to get up early and catch the glowing orb in the sky emerge from its slumber, check out these places around Norfolk. On the Chesapeake Bay The easiest, most accessible, and most popular place to catch the sunrise near Norfolk is on the Chesapeake Bay. As the sun emerges over the horizon, brilliant orange, red, and pink hues blend together harmoniously. The eastern shore offers the best options for an unrestricted view that seems to go on forever. To get there from Norfolk, head northeast along U.S. Highway 13 across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. The Virginia National Wildlife Refuge is a top destination, as you can enjoy the sunrise in unison with nature. more Virginia Beach If you get up early enough, you can take the 30-minute drive which puts you right on the Atlantic Ocean. From here, you can get the dramatic view without as many people hovering around as you walk along the beach. If you're searching for another way to see it, head over to First Landing State Park. This area's dunes and semi-tropical vegetation supply an interesting backdrop to the event, and it gives you a chance to do some hiking once the sun has risen. Hospital Point Park Few people know about Hospital Point Park, which is hidden between the Elizabeth River and the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, but it's one of the best urban places to catch the sunset. Once you wander through the park, stake out a park bench to have a seat as you witness the sun creep up behind the skyline of downtown Norfolk. As it rises up through the air, the sun illuminates the skyscrapers and buildings of the city, creating a scene that's truly mesmerizing. King-Lincoln Park Situated just off Interstate 664 in Newport News, King-Lincoln Park is 18 acres of scenic bliss, especially during sunrise. It's located right along the King-Lincoln Fishing Pier, and as the sun rises you'll see fisherman casting their lines, which is a magical scene in itself. Like Hospital Point Park, you can catch the sunrise over downtown Norfolk, and there's something about the park that's unlike any other in the area. York River State Park If you're willing to trek the 60 miles north to visit York River State Park, you'll get a secluded yet spectacular view of the sun as it rises over the York River. When the sun creeps over the horizon it illuminates the river, causing a reflection off of the water that's simply amazing. Catching the sunrise in Norfolk isn't difficult if you know where to look. With these spots, you never have to worry about finding the perfect spot. All you have to do is set the alarm, find the right person, and get there right on time. Image via Pixabay

Virginia is for lovers, or at least that's the slogan that defines the state's tourism bureau. While it's true there are many things to love about Virginia, the numerous coastal state parks are perhaps the best attribute. With awesome views and a bevy of entertaining outdoor activities, these state parks are almost guaranteed to give you an unforgettable experience. First Landing State Park Located on Cape Henry in North Virginia Beach, First Landing State Park is nearly 2,900 acres of pristine coastal wilderness. Opened in 1936, the park is a prime example of forested dunes and semi-tropical vegetation. Activities include hiking, boating, swimming, fishing, and picnicking. If you aren't an avid outdoorsman, the park also has a historic district that's famous for its architecture, which dates back to the beginning of the park. The grounds are open from 8 a.m. until dusk 365 days a year, and admission is $4 per vehicle on weekdays and $5 per vehicle on weekends. If you want to stay overnight, the park also has 200 campsites and 20 cabins available for a fee. more False Cape State Park Nestled in the southeastern corner of Virginia between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, False Cape State Park is one of Virginia's most hidden yet breathtaking state parks. It remains one of the few undeveloped areas on the East Coast, and only those who love truly primitive camping and uninhabited places should trek here. Some of the most popular activities here include boating, hiking, kayaking, biking, or strolling along the six miles of white sand beaches. The best way to get here is by booking a ticket on the beach's transport called the Terra-Gator. There's also a tram that travels through portions of the wilderness, enabling you to take in the beautiful foliage and see the animals that live throughout the park. The park is open from dawn until dusk every day of the year. York River State Park Although it's miles from Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, York River State Park is still one of the state's most remarkable coastal parks. Known for its estuarine ecosystem, York River's water combines both freshwater and saltwater, giving it a diverse and rare mix of plants and animals. If you're into history, the visitor's center has exhibits that explain the rich history of the area from Native Americans to colonial times. For a more active approach, strap on your hiking boots and hit the 30 miles of trails throughout the park. Other activities include mountain biking, kayaking, boating, picnicking, and horseback riding. While the park is most popular with visitors during spring and summer, the fall is the best time to go as the foliage changes colors, offering a spectacular time for some prime leaf peeping. When it comes to enjoying the outdoors in a coastal setting, there's no better place to visit than these Virginia state parks. All you need to do is pack up the car with your gear and a few of your friends or family members, and set off for some fun that you won't soon forget. https://www.flickr.com/photos/vastateparksstaff/32684962761/sizes/l Image via Flickr by vastateparksstaff

Anyone living in or near Chesapeake has a bounty of seafood restaurants around them and the question is where to start. To help narrow down your choices, consider these top-rated seafood restaurants and markets in the Chesapeake area. Shaking Creole As the name might suggest, Shaking Creole is a Cajun cuisine restaurant and naturally offers plenty of seafood by the pound or in steamed and seasoned platters. Give Shaking Creole a visit if you're looking to share an extra-large platter of crawfish, shrimp, crab legs, corn cobs, potatoes, hush puppies, and more. There are some TVs with sports channels going, but the interior is a bit nicer than the common sports bar vibe and great for families. more Wicker's Crab Pot Wicker's is a popular casual seafood restaurant known for its oysters, crab cakes, and hush puppies, along with deviled and fried crabs. Family owned and run for over 60 years, Wicker's was originally in Portsmouth but has moved and settled in Chesapeake since 1999. On top of the diverse seafood lunch and dinner menu, there is also a brunch menu with southern breakfast items like hoe cakes and common favorites like eggs Benedict. If you love Wicker's Crab Pot they also have a special catering menu to serve boatloads of delectable seafood for special events. Off the Hook Off the Hook Seafood Market Steamer & Raw Bar is one of the best places to get simple, fresh seafood made in uncomplicated recipes and platters. The actual restaurant area is nicely decorated and some of the dishes are as attractive as they are tasty, especially the lobster mac and cheese and oysters Rockefeller. As one of the best markets for fresh-caught fish and seafood, Off the Hook is also perfect if you'd like to take something home to cook in your own recipe. Take note that if you do plan to dine at this popular local spot, it might be a good idea to call in first. D-Deb's: A Taste of Home At D-Deb's, the building, interior design, cooking style, and presentation all evoke the feeling of dinner with the neighbors. The menu combined the best of both New England and southern cooking, offering everything from shrimp salad sandwiches to filet mignon. This is undoubtedly one of the most unique restaurants in Chesapeake, and while not a seafood restaurant specifically it has popular items like crab and artichoke dip, she crab soup, scallops, crab-stuffed rockfish, and more. Red Bone Raw Bar This pub and seafood joint has regular live music and fun events, and is a terrific place to enjoy a meal with happy hour. Get a basket of fried seafood in checkered baskets, visit on fish taco Tuesday, or try one of their many rotating specials. There's seating outside if you'd like to enjoy the sun, and a wide selection of local and import beers. If you have a craving for crab, shrimp, oysters, and other seafood, then you can't go wrong with these five restaurants. Each one is popular and raved about for good reason and no two restaurants are alike. https://www.flickr.com/photos/nationalmuseumofamericanhistory/19670086520/sizes/l Image via Flickr by national museum of american history

Once winter ends, spring brings a breath of fresh air and rebirth. While there are numerous ways to spend this time, the best way is to take some spring drives around the Chesapeake, Virginia area. With beautiful scenery and several great stops along the way, a fun weekend jaunt is only a short drive away. Here are just some of the best ways to view the scenic portions of Chesapeake and the surrounding area while enjoying some excellent company behind the wheel. 1. Colonial Parkway Stretching from the York River to the James River, the 23-mile long Colonial Parkway, also known as Virginia State Route 90003, is one of the most picturesque and historic drives in the state. It winds its way through the Colonial National Historic Park, offering glimpses of the pristine wildlife and foliage of the area. During spring, it's easy to see the wildlife and fresh greenery of the local ecosystem. The speed limit is only 45 mph, allowing for a less hectic trip and more time to take in the scenery. The road ends in either Yorktown or Jamestown, which are perfect places to see some historical sites from America's past. more 2. Virginia State Route 5 Running between Williamsburg and Richmond, Virginia State Route 5 is another spring driving gem. Most of the road runs adjacent to the James River, offering breathtaking views. This road is also just one of four Virginia Scenic Byways, and it's often regarded as the most amazing of the bunch. Along the way, you can stop off at one of the historic plantations that offer some insight into the history of the area, as well as examples of interesting Virginia architecture from 150 years ago. At the end of the drive, you'll arrive in the cosmopolitan city of Richmond, where you can dine, visit a museum, or attend a Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball game. 3. U.S. Route 13 Running from Fayetteville, North Carolina, to the southern suburbs of Philadelphia, U.S. Route 13 is one of the most interesting roads on the East Coast, going from rural areas to one of the biggest cities in the country. However, its stretch from Virginia Beach to Virginia's Eastern Shore is perhaps the best portion of the highway. The most amazing section of the drive is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, which stretches 23 miles across the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. During spring, you can see for miles in every direction, providing panoramic views of the ocean. Once you arrive on the eastern shore, you can enjoy several of Virginia's quaint, small, yet fun towns. 4. Virginia State Route 10 Like Virginia State Route 5, State Route 10 runs along the James River, but on the south side rather than the north. The two routes are markedly similar, offering views of the countryside and river, as well as running past several historic plantations. If you take Route 5 up to Virginia, take Route 10 back to get the full experience. No matter where you decide to drive this spring, you're guaranteed to have a great time on these amazing Chesapeake area roadways. https://www.flickr.com/photos/mobili/12686268945/sizes/l Image via Flickr by Mobilus In Mobili

Bluetooth is a great connectivity technology that can let you play music or make hands-free phone calls using compatible devices. However, if you have an older Toyota you likely don't have this technology in your car. Luckily, there are several speaker options you can use to get some of these great benefits of Bluetooth connectivity. 1. Anker SoundSync Drive If you have an auxiliary input jack in your vehicle you can use the Anker SoundSync Drive. To install, simply attach the speaker to your dashboard using the adhesive backing, plug it into the auxiliary jack, press the large button in the center to turn it on, and pair it with your device. You can use the Anker SoundSync Drive to play music or make hands-free phone calls. The speaker uses special noise and echo cancellation technology to offer excellent sound quality, even if you have the windows down. more 2. iClever Himbox HB01 When you need to connect multiple devices to the same Bluetooth speaker, such as two different phones, the iClever Himbox HB01 can handle that. This Bluetooth speaker comes with a charger that plugs into a DC outlet, like a cigarette lighter, and connects to your vehicle's speakers using the auxiliary input jack. When a call comes in, simply press the large round button and enjoy clear audio quality. 3. Parrot MINIKIT Neo For a simple Bluetooth device that can help you make hands-free phone calls, the Parrot MINIKIT Neo is for you. This speaker is small enough to clip on your sun visor and stay out of your way. Yet the speaker is powerful enough to offer clear audio and hours of battery life. Additionally, the Parrot MINIKIT Neo responds to voice control commands meaning you can make and receive calls without even touching the speaker. 4. Parrot CK3100 When you need something that's slightly more advanced, the Parrot CK3100 connects right into your vehicle's audio system for superior sound quality. When a call comes in, the name and number of the caller shows up on the LCD screen. You can easily accept or reject the call with a single press of a button, and voice recognition technology lets you control the speaker using simple commands. Plus, the Parrot CK3100 automatically mutes your music when a call comes in and starts it up again when the call is over. 5. GoGroove FlexSmart X2 If your car doesn't have an auxiliary input jack but you still want Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio, consider the GoGroove FlexSmart X2. This device will work in any car that has an FM radio and a DC outlet. Simply plug it in and pair it with your Bluetooth compatible device for wireless calling and music. If music is playing when a call comes in, it will fade out so you can take the call. The LED display is easy to read and lets you take calls and control your music without hassle. Even if you have an older vehicle you can still enjoy Bluetooth technology features with one of these top speaker options. https://www.flickr.com/photos/janitors/14490542230/sizes/l Image via Flickr by Janitors

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released their safety ratings and the 2017 Toyota Sienna earned five stars for overall safety, the highest rating available. If you're looking for a new vehicle and safety is one of your top concerns, keep reading to see why the Sienna ranks so high. Top Rating in Side Crashes When the NHTSA does a side barrier crash test scenario, they recreate an incident where you enter an intersection just as another vehicle runs a stop sign or red light and hits your vehicle along the driver's side. During this test, they place an average size adult male dummy in the driver's seat and small adult female dummy in the rear passenger seat. Then they evaluate the injuries to the head, chest, pelvis, and abdomen. In this test, the Sienna got five out of five stars. more High Marks for Front Crashes The strong body of the Sienna helped it get four out of five stars when testing the possibility of another driver veering into your lane and causing a head-on collision. They put the average size adult male dummy in the driver's seat and small adult female dummy in the passenger seat and look for injuries to the neck, head, chest, and legs. Good Ranking on Rollover Tests In a rollover test, the NHTSA considers a scenario where you're driving 55 miles per hour down the highway and suddenly come upon a sharp turn. While you're in the turn you lose control of the vehicle, it leaves the road, and it flips. Part of this test includes calculating a rollover resistance rating, which determines how top-heavy a vehicle is and whether it's vulnerable to tipping. The Sienna received four out of five stars in the NHTSA's rollover tests. Plenty of Standard Safety Features Part of the reason the Sienna received such high ratings from the NHTSA is that it has many standard safety features. The Sienna comes with the Star Safety System, which includes traction control, vehicle stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, anti-lock brakes, Smart Stop Technology, and brake assist. Additionally, the Sienna comes standard with eight airbags, three-point seatbelts on all seating positions, energy-absorbing crumple zones in the front and rear, and side-impact door beams. Advanced Safety Features Available Along with the standard safety features, the Sienna also comes available with some of the latest advanced safety equipment. These optional items include a blind spot monitor that illuminates a warning light in the side mirror when another vehicle is in your blind spot. There's also a rear cross-traffic alert system that gives you audible and visual warnings when another vehicle approaches as you're backing up. Finally, the Sienna is available with parking assist sonar that gives you audible warnings and a color video on the touch-screen display to help you park. If you're looking for a safe vehicle for your family, the NHTSA five-star overall rated Toyota Sienna is a great choice. With plenty of standard safety features and upgrades available, you can feel secure when you get behind the wheel of the Sienna. Image via Toyota.com

From deciding what color you want to picking out the features you need, shopping for a new car is an exciting time. However, you also want to make sure your new car stays within your budget. Keep reading to learn some helpful tips on how you can create a budget for your new car. Look Beyond the Sticker Price When you're shopping for a new car, don't make the mistake of focusing on the sticker price and forgetting the other expenses that get added into the total cost of the vehicle. You also need to add in title and registration fees and sales tax to the actual sales price. Additionally, consider what changes in registration, insurance, maintenance, repairs, gas, and warranties you might have. more Determine Your Monthly Payments While the sticker price of your new car is indeed a factor, the most important number to focus on is your monthly payment. Decide what monthly payment you can comfortably handle based on your income. The general rule is that you should devote between 10 and 20 percent of your monthly income toward your vehicle. As an example, if you make $2,000 a month, you can afford between $200 and $400 for your car payment. Bring Down the Total Cost Chances are you won't have to finance the total cost of your new car. First, you'll have to buy your car with a down payment. The more money you can put toward your down payment, the less money you have to finance and the smaller your monthly payment will be. Additionally, if you have an old car that you're trading in, it helps to get a sense of the trade-in value. One easy way to get an idea of your trade-in value is to research what your current vehicle is selling for online. While you won't get the retail price, it will at least give you an idea of what number to expect. Consider Other Debt If you already have a lot of debt from loans, credit cards, or a mortgage, you might not want to add even more to it with a car loan. In this case, it's best to spend less than 36 percent of your total monthly income on your new car. For example, if you spend $600 a month on other debt and your income is $2,000 a month, you can afford a monthly car payment of $120, calculated as ($2,000 x .36) – $600 = $120.00. Use an Affordability Calculator Another good way to figure out the budget for your new car is to use an online affordability calculator. With this tool you can add in your down payment, trade-in value, length and interest rate of loan, sales tax rate, and desired monthly payment to get a price range for your new car. When you're shopping for the new car of your dreams, make sure you can actually afford it by using this information to come up with a new car budget. https://www.flickr.com/photos/gotcredit/30234282561/sizes/l Image via Flickr by Got Credit

With spring just around the corner, the beautiful weather is coming back to Chesapeake. Get the entire family out to enjoy the nice weather and some good exercise by hitting one of the following bike paths in and around Chesapeake. 1. Indian River Park Indian River Park is a 90-acre getaway in the heart of urban Chesapeake. One of the park's unique features is that Military Highway splits it. Both the northwest and southwest side of the park have biking trails that will take you through forests of large, mature pines and hardwoods. The southwest side of the park also has a bike trail with changes in elevation that are ideal for mountain biking and a series of jumps for those who like extreme adventure. more 2. Dismal Swamp Canal Trail Don't get scared away by the name; Dismal Swamp Canal Trail actually offers amazing scenery, unique history, and chances to spot some of Virginia's native wildlife. The paved canal trail is actually an old section of Virginia State Route 17. It's now an 11-mile multi-use trail that connects to Deep Creek Park and is perfect for all ages. While you're on the trail, keep your eyes open, and you might just spot turtles, lizards, snakes, frogs, squirrels, foxes, deer, beavers, river otters, and more. 3. Oak Grove Lake Park The 65-acre Oak Grove Lake Park is an excellent place to explore forests and wetlands on your bike. There's a 1.5-mile multi-use biking trail that runs the perimeter of the 65-acre lake. Along with beautiful views of the water, there are also opportunities to spot wildlife in the park. With benches and picnic tables scattered on the trail, you can pack a picnic and find the perfect spot to enjoy a lunch outside. The park also has fishing platforms, a play area, and six outdoor fitness stations. 4. Northwest River Park The 763-acre Northwest River Park offers many biking trails for a range of skill levels. Deer Island Trail is a 0.75-mile trail that starts at the campground, runs across Deer Island, and ends at the Northwest River. It's an easy trail that's good for any member of the family. For a little more challenge, try the 1.25-mile Shuttle Trail. This trail starts at the Northern Terminal and runs along the creek in the park. It eventually connects with the Deer Island Trail to end on the bank of the Northwest River. 5. False Cape State Park For some truly one-of-a-kind biking trails, head just outside of Chesapeake to False Cape State Park. Located on a barrier spit between the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay, False Cape State Park has numerous biking trails that go from easy to difficult. For those looking for a challenge, Sand Ridge Trail is one of the more demanding trails in the park. It stretches for 6.2 miles and covers some sandy terrain that's hard to manage. Biking one of these wonderful trails in and around Chesapeake is a great way to explore the area and enjoy some time outside. https://www.flickr.com/photos/familjenhelsingborg/16072545124/sizes/l Image via Flickr by FamiljenHelsingborg

Fusion restaurants combine elements from different cuisines to create a fun and exciting menu. Chesapeake is home to many new and interesting fusion restaurants that make original dishes with influences from around the world. If you're looking to try a fusion restaurant, check out a few of these top options. 1. Lemongrass Grille Lemongrass Grille is an Asian fusion restaurant that serves organic, vegan, and vegetarian options. The restaurant uses responsibly raised, farmed, and prepared meats and fresh, local ingredients. Stop by for lunch or dinner and put together your own healthy meal. Start with a base of noodles, rice, or a wrap. Next, choose beef, chicken, pork, or tofu for your protein. After that, you pick up to three vegetables and a sauce. Finally, finish off your meal with your choice of garnish. more 2. Nouvelle Restaurant Nouvelle Restaurant combines French and American classics for a fresh take on casual dining. If you stop by for dinner, you can start your meal with seared sea scallops or a roasted beet salad from the appetizer menu. Popular main course options include beef marinated in burgundy wine with root vegetables, mushrooms, and herbs and free-range chicken marinated in a garlic and buttermilk sauce before being fried and served with garlic mash and farm greens. If you save room for dessert, be sure to try the seasonal bread pudding or another dessert special. 3. Yumi Yumi Yumi Yumi serves fresh Chinese and American fusion meals for lunch and dinner. Appetizers include chicken nuggets, fried cheese wonton, shrimp egg roll, and boneless ribs. Yumi Yumi also has fried rice, chow mein, lo mein, chow fun, and mai fun. The main dishes include honey chicken, eggplant chicken with garlic sauce, pork with mushrooms, curry beef with onion, beef with asparagus, kung po shrimp, sesame shrimp, and more. You can order online for delivery, pickup, or dine-in. 4. Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse was the first restaurant in Chesapeake to serve hibachi and sushi together. Stop by the hibachi grill for lunch or dinner and you can order teriyaki chicken, hibachi shrimp, hibachi steak, or sukiyaki steak. There are also specialties like chicken and shrimp, steak and shrimp, and chicken and steak. Choose the sushi bar for lunch or dinner and you'll find a la cart choices like eel, crab, shrimp, scallop, tuna, salmon, conch, and more. 5. Fusion Restaurant and Lounge Head out to the beautiful shores of Virginia Beach and you'll find Fusion Restaurant and Lounge in the contemporary Sheraton hotel. This is the perfect spot to watch the waves as you relax with a specialty cocktail. When you're hungry, try one of their artisan sandwiches, like the turkey club or the fried green tomato BLT. Popular entrées include scallops with cumin and Hawaiian sea salt, lobster ravioli, and applewood smoked New York strip steak. For dessert, you can't miss the molten chocolate cake. When you're looking for a unique combination of cuisines, be sure to check out these fusion restaurants in and around Chesapeake. Image via Pixabay

Bad posture when you're sitting down can create a lot of pain in your neck, shoulders, and back. Sitting improperly in a car can also make a long commute or road trip unbearable. However, there are simple ways you can adjust the way you sit to improve your driving posture and ease your pain. 1. Adjust Your Seat Properly The first step in improving your driving posture is making sure you have your seat properly adjusted. To start, push your seat as far back as it will go, recline it back 30 to 40 degrees, and place it as low to the floor as possible. From there, raise the seat up so your hips are level with your knees and you can clearly see the road and instrument panel. Next, bring the seat forward enough that you can completely push down on the pedals without having to lean away from the seat back. Finally, bring the seat forward again until you're reclined between 100 and 110 degrees. more 2. Give Your Knees Space When you're sitting in your car, you want to make sure the seat cushion provides support for your entire thigh. Additionally, you want to leave space between your knees and the edge of the seat. If your knees press directly against the seat cushion, it can restrict blood flow and create stiffness or pain in your legs. Finally, make sure you don't have anything in your back pockets when you sit down. This can create uneven pressure points that hurt your back. 3. Hold the Steering Wheel Correctly Along with proper seating adjustments, how you hold on to the steering wheel can also create bad posture. Put both hands on the wheel and try to hold it at the 9 and 3 o'clock position or lower. Make sure you change positions frequently to increase blood circulation. 4. Use Lumbar Support Many vehicles today come with lumbar support built into the seats that adjust to the shape of your back. However, if your vehicle doesn't come with lumbar support, you can still create your own. The easiest way to make your own lumbar support is using a small pillow or rolled up towel. Just place it between the seat and your lower back for extra support. You need to make sure the support doesn't over-pronounce the natural curve in your back, and instead simply helps you maintain it. 5. Stretch While You're Sitting If you're stuck in traffic or simply sitting at a red light, take that opportunity to do a few stretching exercises to release any tension you have. Take a deep breath in and lift your shoulders up to your ears. Hold for a few seconds, and then exhale and drop your shoulders. Repeat this exercise three times. Next, take a deep breath in and as you exhale twist to the right. Slowly come back to center, and then repeat by twisting to the left. With these tips on improving your driving position and posture, you can reduce pain and discomfort you feel when you sit down. https://www.flickr.com/photos/statefarm/7838235550/sizes/l Image via Flickr by State Farm