Blog

What maps off a week better than a couple of nights of sleeping under the stars? Fortunately, Chesapeake, Virginia offers a couple camping destinations for singles, couples, families, and groups of friends alike. Whether you prefer to camp in your tent, in your RV, or without any protection at all, these destinations will provide you with the entertainment and relaxation you need to recuperate from the stresses of daily life. Northwest River Park and Campground With more than 750 acres of wide open spaces and secluded hiking trails, the Northwest River Park and Campground is the perfect place to get back to nature and enjoy your loved ones. It's part of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail, which means you'll never lack for wildlife sightings, and there are enough modern amenities to keep you comfortable even while you're roughing it. Play horseshoes, take a boating ride, dip your toes in the water, or take a long morning hike at this park. You can rent canoes or paddleboats by the hour and take a long excursion or watch the kids while the scamper across and around the playground equipment. In addition to the available campsites, you can also rent cabins on the property for a more luxurious camping excursion. more If you're planning on visiting the Northwest River Park and Campground for more than an afternoon, load up your Toyota SUV or crossover with your favorite gear. Models like the Toyota RAV4 and the Toyota Highlander offer plenty of cargo space to fit your favorite belongings. Chesapeake Campground Camping spots abound at the Chesapeake Campground, which also offers picnic pavilions, boating rentals, and a country store that sells toiletries, food, and memorable souvenirs. Water and electric hookups ensure you have a comfortable visit, and the miniature golf course will delight kids and adults alike. You can schedule a hay ride or an afternoon at the driving range, depending on your favorite hobbies. You can also rent a bicycle for just $5 a day to explore more of Chesapeake without wearing out your legs. On the weekends, the Chesapeake Campground also organizes pony rides for the little ones. You can drive your Toyota off the campground for a few hours to shop and dine in Chesapeake. However, the campground also features a store—Markley's Antiques—that is full of restored and refinished treasures. Since you brought your spacious Toyota SUV with you, you shouldn't have trouble loading up a unique find. For evenings, you can borrow board games and other entertainment from the country store. Maybe you and your family would like to try your hand at Monopoly or organize a Pictionary tournament. You can rent DVDs and books, as well, if you're looking for less active entertainment. Regardless of your camping preferences, Chesapeake offers you a safe and comfortable place to park your Toyota and get back to nature for a few days. If you get bored at your camp site, drive into Chesapeake to explore the quaint downtown area and other nearby attractions. Image Via Pixabay

Whether you live within the city limits and need a few ideas about entertainment or you're visiting Norfolk for the first time, you can drive your Toyota to many awesome destinations. Start with these four suggestions that make sense any time of year. Norfolk Botanical Garden While the Norfolk Botanical Garden is arguably the most beautiful during the spring and summer, it comes to life in other ways throughout the fall and winter. For example, around the holidays, the gardens receive one million bulbs of Christmas lights to celebrate the season, transforming the paths and trails into a magical wonderland after dark. The venue includes the titular botanical garden as well as a children's garden, a trolley ride during group tours, a well-stocked library, and a cozy café. Admission costs $11 for adults and $9 for children, though if you plan to visit often, consider an annual membership so you can visit when you want for free. more Nauticus National Maritime Center The Nauticus National Maritime Center offers fun for the whole family, including 3D movies, battleship personnel equipment exhibits, interior tours of the ship, and more. You will also find seasonal attractions and events, such as the haunted pirate ship exhibit that takes place every Halloween. You'll learn about historical events like the Jamestown Exposition. You can experience hurricane winds in a simulator, learn about how tsunamis form, listen to talks by Navy personnel, and view creatures common to the area's tide pools in a simulated environment (but with real animals). Virginia Zoo The Virginia Zoo is also located in Norfolk. Bring the kids (or just your camera) and get up-close views of some of the most majestic creatures in the world. Park your Toyota in the parking lot, then walk down the zoo's picturesque pathways in pursuit of wildlife. The venue hosts animals like elephants, bears, tigers, meerkats, monkeys, rhinos, and zebras. The amphibian and reptile displays are equally enchanting, with residents such as snakes, frogs, and turtles. For kids who can't get enough of the creepy-crawlies among us, you won't want to miss invertebrates like tarantulas, millipedes, and walking sticks, as well as the infamous Madagascar hissing cockroach. Ocean View Beach Park If you visit during the summer (or if you've brought a jacket), don't miss Norfolk's amazing beaches. Ocean View Beach Park is the perfect destination for first-time visitors. It covers nearly seven acres of waterfront property and keeps the area safe during the summer with professional lifeguards. Take a dip in the ocean, walk the beach for seashells, or lounge in the sand for some quality rest and relaxation. In addition to the sandy beaches, the park also boasts plenty of green space. Play a round of frisbee golf with the family or take a long walk to clear your head. If you want to visit with the fewest crowds, aim for late fall. Norfolk, Virginia, is one of the most dynamic destinations in the Commonwealth. Drive your Toyota into town and start your adventure with one of the above attractions. Image Via Pixabay

When you visit Chesapeake, Virginia, you'll never lack for entertainment and attractions. The city offers a host of venues and destinations to keep your schedule packed and your excitement level raised. When planning a trip to Chesapeake, gas up your Toyota and consider a couple of these five suggestions. Dismal Swamp Canal The name might not sound appealing, but the Dismal Swamp Canal is a national historic site and a great place to take the family for a day of natural excitement. Several hiking trails meander through the park that surrounds the Dismal Swamp Canal, and you're sure to see your fair share of wildlife during your visit. Rent a kayak to experience the water for yourself or bring your bicycles for a fast-paced trek through the park. Stop by the Visitor's Center to learn about the canal's history. It's the oldest surviving man-made canal in the country, and it still exists as part of the Intercoastal Waterway that extends all the way to the Florida Keys. more Chesapeake Arboretum The Chesapeake Arboretum is one of the most unique venues of its type in Virginia. There are no admission or parking fees, but the Chesapeake Arboretum accepts donations if you're so inclined. You'll enjoy learning about all the flowers, trees, shrubs, and other greenery that are native to the area, and the 40-acre venue contains plenty of hiking trails. The Chesapeake Arboretum offers free classes for people who want to learn more about horticulture and the venue in general. Plenty of birds and other wildlife make their homes in the arboretum, so don't forget your camera. Glazenfyre If you're interested in creating a unique experience in Chesapeake, Glazenfyre offers the perfect opportunity. It's a chance to release your inner artist, even if you don't possess sufficient talent to draw a proportionate stick figure. The venue offers three distinct crafts for visitors of all ages: pottery painting, glass fusing, and canvas painting Costs range from $6 to $8 depending on your age. It's a great place to bring kids who love expressing themselves creatively, but it also provides a creative outlet for adults. Just keep in mind that you'll only want to try the pottery and glass crafts if you live in the general area because you can't pick up your masterpiece for a week. If you paint on canvas, however, you can walk out the door with it. Greenbrier Mall If you're in the mood for some retail therapy, Greenbrier Mall in Chesapeake provides you with a different kind of shopping experience. The two floors of shops, restaurants, and other venues provide you with hours of entertainment, whether you're looking for a gift for a friend or something for yourself. Oak Grove Lake Park Interested in some good old-fashioned outdoor fun? Oak Grove Lake Park provides you with wide open outdoor spaces and secluded hiking trails. Park your Toyota in the generous lot and take a stroll, plan a picnic, or toss your lure in the lake with the hope of catching dinner. As you can see, Chesapeake, Virginia, offers plenty of places to go in your Toyota. Image via Pixabay

The rich and the famous don't always drive high-end luxury cars. Many environmentally conscious famous people choose, instead, to ride around town in their very own Ford Prius. Whether they value the Prius's fuel efficiency, its quiet handling, or its stylish profile, let's take a look at some of the most well-known Prius owners. Jessica Alba Known for her turns in movies like Fantastic Four and Entourage, Jessica Alba is a well-known American actress. She's graced the covers of numerous magazines and earned titles like Sexiest Woman in the World. She's also a proud Prius owner. Her decision to buy the Prius might have to do with her eco-friendly attitude. She founded a company that produces and sells non-toxic home products. more The Prius is definitely the car for consumers who want to narrow their carbon footprints. With an EPA rating of 51 mpg on the highway and 48 mpg in the city, you won't have to burn nearly as much fuel when you drive the Prius as you would with gas-guzzling cars. Leonardo DiCaprio You know him from his roles in blockbuster hits like Titanic, Django Unchained, and Shutter Island. What you might not know, however, is that Leonardo DiCaprio is also a notorious penny-pincher. He's known to make calculated purchases and only to splurge when it's something that really matters to him. Plus, he drives a Prius. This makes sense on multiple levels for DiCaprio. In addition to the gas savings described above, the Prius is also an extremely affordable car. The 2015 Toyota Prius has a starting MSRP of just $24,200. You don't have to earn millions of dollars as a movie star to afford it. Jennifer Aniston She was Rachel on "Friends" for 10 laugh-out-loud years, and now she stars in movies every single year, her star growing bigger with every film. Aniston recently wed long-time boyfriend Justin Theroux and is currently filming two movies for 2016: Mother's Day and The Yellow Birds. Of course, she also drives a Prius. She used to roll around town in a Range Rover, but apparently the Prius is more Jennifer's style these days. She might drive the Prius because of its ground-breaking role in bringing hybrids from concept to reality or for its many tech features, such as push-button start and remote air conditioning system. Gwyneth Paltrow With a host of award-winning films under her belt and a successful website and product line, actress and businesswoman Gwyneth Paltrow hardly needs an introduction. She graces the covers of magazines and earns top billing in major blockbuster movies. Her car of choice? A Toyota Prius. Paltrow is a famous mother of two who might have chosen the Prius because of its stellar safety ratings. The Prius comes equipped with numerous safety features, from Toyota's Star Safety System to lane keep assist functionality. It's not necessary to earn a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame just to buy a Prius, but it's nice to know that celebrities see the Prius's benefits. Image Via Pixabay

If you brave I-64 every morning and evening on your daily commute, you need a car that can handle the traffic without giving you further problems. Several Toyotas perform better than their peers in heavy traffic conditions, so head to your local dealership and give one of these models a test drive. Toyota Prius Stop-and-go traffic can damage more than your good mood—it can also wreak havoc on your vehicle's fuel efficiency. According to the Christian Science Monitor, hybrids offer the best gas mileage, especially in heavy traffic. The Toyota Prius steps in to save the day with its EPA rating of 51 mpg on the highway and 48 mpg in the city. more You'll also like the Prius for its comfortable seating, uncluttered instrument clusters, and remote air conditioning features. The Hybrid System Indicator helps you monitor your gas usage, and the Dynamic Radar cruise control helps keep you safe when the traffic finally clears and you can step on the gas. The 2015 Toyota Prius features a starting MSRP of $24,200. It comes in six distinctive trim levels so you can personalize your driving experience, and it can save you serious money at the pump, especially if you're stuck in Norfolk traffic on a daily basis. Toyota Camry The 2015 Toyota Camry received excellent reviews for its comfortable seats, excellent visibility, and quiet cabin. However, it also boasts the Toyota Entune system, which provides you with enhanced audio quality, controls, and features. Entune connects with your smartphone, helps you navigate to your destination, and supplies you with music so even rush-hour traffic doesn't seem like such a drag. More importantly, Entune has a traffic module that helps you decide which roads to take during the worst traffic conditions and shows you how to stay safe. For example, if you activate the predictive traffic map, you'll see what the traffic conditions will look like within a set amount of time, such as 15 or 30 minutes. The Entune system also responds to voice commands and provides you with a list of traffic incidents in your immediate area. Of course, the Camry is good for more than just traffic updates. It also features an excellent safety rating and a long history of excellence in its class. Toyota Sienna The Toyota Sienna is one of the most affordable SUVs on the market, but it's also one of the more luxurious. With a starting MSRP of $28,700, you might think the Sienna comes with just the bare bones, but it's actually a feature-packed entry with extremely comfortable seating and the top safety ratings in the minivan class. It doesn't look like a minivan. The elongated body and sleek, rounded corners give it an SUV's styling with a minivan's convenience. When you're not battling traffic during your daily commute, you can take the family on road trips and vacations or haul your sporting gear to the field. If you're looking for best-in-class comfort, safety, features, and fuel efficiency, these Toyota cars rise to the top of the pile. Image Via Pixabay

When you want to hit the open road with your Toyota, Virginia Beach offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy more than your sound system. Head for one of these three scenic drives around Virginia Beach that will take just enough time to relax your muscles, clear your head, and put you in the right frame of mind for the rest of your day. Colonial Parkway If you're heading north from Virginia Beach, take the Colonial Parkway toward Yorktown. You'll pick up the Colonial Parkway at Jamestown and follow this scenic drive for 23 miles through some of Virginia's most beautiful scenery. You can only travel 45 miles per hour, which means you get plenty of time to take in the sights in a safe environment. Take the Colonial Parkway scenic drive at any time of year, but the summer months prove the most beautiful. When you get to Yorktown, consider parking your Toyota and getting out for a brief stroll. You'll enjoy walking around this historic town, so stretch your legs in preparation for the return trip. Route 17 If you're headed to or away from Virginia Beach, scenic Route 17 offers far more visual stimulation than the more mundane I-95 and I-64. You'll pass through the iconic Fredericksburg, with its quaint shops and quiet cafes, as well as other historic destinations. The view from the James River Bridge is particularly stunning, especially during the winter months when the water is cold and serene. Pull your Toyota into a parking space in Fredericksburg and spend a couple of hours touring the sites. Visit the Mary Washington House and the United States National Slavery Museum for a dose of history and a quiet way to pass the afternoon. If you're visiting for longer, the Kenmore Plantation is another must-see spot in Fredericksburg. Skyline Drive When you need an escape during the gorgeous autumn months, Virginia will never disappoint. For the best fall foliage views, Skyline Drive is the perfect destination for you and your Toyota. You'll pass through the unspoiled Shenandoah National Park, and although you'll have to drive about two hours to reach it from Virginia Beach, you'll receive a great reward as you wind your Toyota down blacktop surrounded by fall color. Skyline Drive stretches for about 100 miles through Virginia country, but you don't have to make the entire trip. Pick a segment and enjoy the views, then turn around and head home or back to your hotel. Look up the different mileposts before you leave, so you'll remember which areas you want to see. Pause at one of the 75 scenic overlooks on Skyline Drive to drink in the surrounding scenery. Since the speed limit is only 35 miles per hour, you'll also be able to enjoy the views while you're cruising down the blacktop in your Toyota. Getting out of the house (or the office) for a few hours to enjoy Virginia's unspoiled territory can be beneficial from time to time. Gas or charge up your Toyota and hit the road. Image Via Pixabay

According to AAA, more than 80 million Americans take a road trip each year that has them driving 50 miles or more from home. Whether you are taking a holiday trip to visit family or are the adventurous type and want to drive cross-country, here are three tips to ensure your journey is a safe one. Get a Checkup There are several car maintenance measures you have to do to keep your car in tip-top shape. One of those is having your vehicle serviced regularly. This involves having all of your fluid levels checked (oil, brake fluid, coolant, etc.), tire pressure, lights and turn signals, and all belt and hose connections. Remember, a pre-trip checkup is the one thing you can do that will tell you whether your vehicle will make however long a trip you plan on taking in it. more Check Your Spare Sure, everyone has a spare tire in his or her vehicle but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should actually put it on your vehicle. Maybe your vehicle is a 10-year-old model and you’ve been lucky to never need the spare. Maybe it’s not quite that aged, but it’s still pushing five or six years. Tire manufacturers say unused spares can last up to 10 years, though other organizations say six years. Check to make sure your spare is still in good working order in case you need it. The Trunk Your trunk is one space that’s practically made for storing useful items you will need on any drive, even if it’s just around the corner to the gas station. You always want to make sure you have certain items within easy reach when you open your trunk. Those items should include, but are not limited to, a tire iron, first-aid kit, bottled water, a fire extinguisher, and road flares or reflectors.   Image via Pixabay

There aren’t too many midsize SUVs available these days that provide 4-plus star safety ratings, serious off-road capabilities, and plenty of space and comfort on the inside of its four doors. The 2015 Toyota 4Runner certainly fits the bill; offering a bit more all-around for those looking for a top-notch SUV that includes plenty to like interior wise. Seating and Space The 2015 Toyota 4Runner comes standard with a five-person seating arrangement that includes a 40/20/40 split-folding second-row seat. It also has an optional third-row seat, if you are ever in a pinch for added passenger space, but its best use is for additional cargo space. Behind the second-row seats, you get a hearty 47 cubic feet of cargo room. If you fold the second-row seats down that ‘magically’ becomes an even heartier 89.7 cubic feet. Moreover, while not specific to seating or space, a sunroof adds just a little extra pizazz to driving or riding in the 2015 4Runner. Technology One of the highlights of the 4Runner is the touchscreen infotainment system that comes standard in the TRD Pro Series. It includes a 6.1-inch display screen, reliable and easy to use navigation, and a stereo system that is better than what most other vehicles have to offer. There’s also the Entune App Suite that offers smartphone connectivity, which makes using your phone as easy and hands-free as possible. This system also comes complete with useful predictive traffic and weather features, though the 2.0 USB port is the real jewel here because it allows you to charge your smartphone and other devices more quickly while on the go. All in all, the 2015 Toyota 4Runner has a lot to offer that goes beyond providing you with a true SUV and off-roading experience.   Image via Pixabay

For more than a decade, the Toyota Prius lineup was limited to just one model but recent years have introduced us to the larger Prius V and the more compact Prius C. Now that fans of the hybrid vehicle, and the Prius specifically, have multiple models to consider it can be a bit challenging to figure out which one is right for you. The Prius C The Prius C is the compact version of the standard Prius and offers the fewest features and amenities. If all you are looking for is a hybrid vehicle that can get you around town, offers phenomenal gas mileage (50 mpg average), and has a very modest price point at $20,000 or so then the Prius C is for you. It does come standard with automatic climate control, power windows and accessories, and a touchscreen display and Bluetooth capabilities. more The Traditional Prius Still one of the most popular hybrids on the market today, the traditional Prius offers the best all-around hybrid vehicle of the three. Starting at around $25,000, the traditional (or standard) Prius offers all of the basic features of the Prius C but also keyless ignition, a navigation system, a rearview camera, automatic headlight, and a long list of safety features. It also provides the same gas mileage for drivers as the Prius C does at 50 mpg. The Prius V Most of the standard and optional features for the Prius V are the same as the traditional Prius, though the automated parallel-parking system is absolutely amazing. If you aren’t a big fan of doing it yourself the Prius V could very well be worth spending a little extra on for that feature alone, with an average price tag of around $27,500. The Prius V also offers additional cargo space, and just extra head and legroom in general.   Image via Pixabay

Let’s face it, when it comes to car servicing and maintenance we don’t always stay as on top of things as we should. We are all guilty of waiting until the last minute to take care of things like oil changes, general checkups, and having our tires balances, rotated, or outright replaced. Unlike other required maintenance, tires are one of the few things that warn you well ahead of time when they need some attention. Here are the warning signs your tires need some serious attention to avoid an accident, poor gas mileage, and extra wear and tear on your vehicle. Tread Wear The easiest way to determine if you need to replace your tires is by checking the tread on them. What makes this so easy is because you can do it with a penny. Quickly check the treads on your tires by placing a penny into the tread with Abe Lincoln’s head facing down. If any of Lincoln’s head is visible, your tread is bordering on being unsafe. If all of Abe’s head is showing, it’s time to get new ones. more Bulges or Cracks When a tire begins to lose pressure or deflate, you’ll notice a slight bulging out on the sides. This lets you know there is either a slow leak, low tire pressure, or needing to take notice of how you drive and the impact that has on your tires. Cracks in the sidewall or anything else that looks weird could be indicative of poor tire quality or rough roads/driving and should be taken in immediately. Vibration Vibration or thumping is never a good sign when driving. Unless you are on a particularly rough stretch of paved road, off-roading, or driving on dirt and gravel there is no good reason why vibration should occur. If vibration is coming from under your seat then your rear tires could be off-balance. If you feel vibration from the steering wheel then you could have issues with your suspension.   Image via Pixabay

It can be tough trying to come up with things to do with the entire family that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Going to the movies with kids and your partner not only gets expensive between tickets and snacks, but it’s not exactly a great bonding experience either. Here are three things you can do with the family this weekend that won’t break the bank – because they’re FREE! Dismal Swamp Canal Trail Its name may give you the impression the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail is, well… dismal, but it actually offers a lot of variety. The trail is open to everyone seven days a week and is popular with hikers, bicyclists, horse owners, and others. The 8.5-mile trail offers a full day of sight seeing and adventure or even a couple hours. The Great Dismal Swamp Refuge is also home to plenty of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals you otherwise wouldn’t see. Also, Fun Fact – this place is nationally recognized as a stop on the “Underground Railroad.” Chesapeake Planetarium Every Thursday night at 8 PM you can attend a free program at the Chesapeake Planetarium to learn something new and exciting. The programs themselves are provided as a free service through the Chesapeake Public School System and the Planetarium itself has been in operation for 52 years now. The special program for October is called “Sky Watchers of Ancient Mexico” and explores the skies of Central America. Learn the secrets of the Maya, Aztec, and other sky watchers of Mexico. Fun Forest What’s better than watching your kids’ faces light up as they run around the ultimate children’s playground? Fun Forest sits on three acres of City Park and includes an older children’s area that focuses on helping kids develop gross motor skills. There is also a dragon (who doesn’t love a good dragon), a three-way underground telephone, shaky bridge, and plenty of other cool things for kids to get into.   Image via Pixabay

Fort Monroe used to be an active military base, completed way back when in 1834, but now it’s home to the Casemate Museum. The museum chronicles the history of Fort Monroe, which happens to be the largest stone fort in the United States, and was a stronghold for the Union and Union soldiers during the Civil War. Once the war was over, the fort was home to Confederate President Jefferson Davis for a brief time. It has been 126 years since Davis died but interest in his time spent at the fort remains strong. After his capture in May 1865, just one month after the Civil War ended, Davis spent two years at the fort. The cell he spent a portion of his time in, 4-1/2 months to be exact, is the same one on display at the Casemate Museum within the fort. He was locked away in Casemate No. 2 with nothing more than a cot, a shelf, a bible, a table and chair. And for good measure the 35-star American flag was hung on the wall to rub his defeat in his face just a bit more. Whether you care about Davis and his being held there as prisoner or not, the museum itself highlights an interesting historical collection of items and the fort itself is really cool. If self-guided tours are your thing you can get in for free and wander around a bit. Guided tours are available, and offer a bit more substance and history during your trip, for groups of 10 or more and cost $3 per person. Open Monday-Sunday 10:30am – 4:30pm Memorial Day to Labor Day Tuesday-Sunday for the remainder of the year Phone: (757) 788-3391 Fax: (757) 788-3386 Email casematetours@fmauthority.com Address: 20 Bernard Road, Fort Monroe, VA 23651   Image via Pixabay