4 Unusual Virginia Destinations
Although Virginia has your typical tourist destinations like beaches, historical sites, and national landmarks, sometimes these aren’t enough to quell your curiosity for the weird or obscure. Luckily, Virginia also has an ample amount of unusual and bizarre places that will have you taken aback. The next time you have an insatiable urge for the wacky, make sure to check out some of these unusual destinations.
1. Dinosaur Land
If you’ve ever caught yourself staying up until the odd hours of the morning to watch a rerun of “Jurassic Park,” you can’t afford to miss Dinosaur Land in White Post. For more than 50 years, this establishment has entertained adventurers, travelers, and locals with 50 amazingly accurate models of these famed, albeit doomed, prehistoric creatures. From carnivores such as the tyrannosaurus rex and velociraptor to gentle herbivores such as the stegosaurus and triceratops, you’re destined to find your favorite dinosaur here. Open seven days a week, admission is only $5 for kids and $6 for adults. Don’t forget to hop into their gift shop to pick up a unique gift for that special someone.
3 Toyota Models You Can’t Miss in 2017
As the world’s largest automaker, you’d think Toyota could ride its sales and reputation into the 2017 model year without changing much, if anything. However, that mentality would go against everything that’s made Toyota one of the best and most popular cars on the road for the past 20 years. Every few years, Toyota brings conceptual ideas to the showroom floor or improve upon an already successful product. 2017 is no different. If you’re planning to buy a new car this year, don’t miss out on these awesome Toyota models.
1. The 86
You’ve probably heard someone use the phrase “86” to describe doing away with or being out of something. The Toyota 86, however, has a lot to offer. Perhaps it’s an homage from Toyota to the discontinued Scion brand the produced the 86 in the form of the Scion FR-S, but that’s entirely speculation. Regardless of its name origins, the 86 is one of the most eagerly anticipated models of 2017.
The reason for such excitement is that Toyota hasn’t had a true sports car since the demise of the now legendary Supra. While it might take some time to bring the 86 up to the Supra’s level, it still has some nice power thanks to a 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter straight four under the hood. This enables it to burst off the line in a 6.4-second zero-to-60 clip with a top speed of 136 miles per hour. Throw in an updated dashboard, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and Granluxe Interior accents, and the 86 is definitely a head-turner.
3 Thirst-Quenching Norfolk Microbreweries
30 years ago, locally-made craft beer was a niche market, and sometimes even a hobby for beer drinkers who wanted something different from the mass-produced domestic and imported beers. Fast-forward to today, when you can’t walk 10 blocks in any modern city without finding a microbrewery that produces delicious seasonal and signature beers. However, that’s not a bad thing for the average beer drinker, especially if you live in Norfolk. With several breweries throughout the town, you’ll have your fill of interesting and thirst-quenching libations. Here are just a few of the best.
1. The Bold Mariner
Located in an unassuming spot just northwest of downtown Norfolk, the Bold Mariner is a locally-owned company that takes microbrewing to another level. Open Wednesday through Sunday, the company offers six distinct flavors that are sure to please your palate, no matter what your beer of choice. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, go with their Red Maiden Irish Red, or if you want something a bit more hoppy, opt for the Dog Zebra IPA or the Liberty Risk IPA. No matter what you choose, you’ll get a refreshing beer that will leave you coming back for more. They don’t serve food here, so make sure you chow down before you head over to their location at 2409 Bowdens Ferry Road.
4 Things You Have to Eat In Virginia
New Orleans has its etoufee, New York has its pizza, and Memphis has its barbecue, yet many culinary delights await you throughout Virginia. Perhaps these dishes don’t carry the same reputation, but they’re still a delicious meal and a masterpiece in their own right. The next time you’re searching for something to satisfy that hunger deep within, make sure to eat some of these delectable local cuisines.
1. Brunswick Stew
Although the deep south is the hotbed of comfort food, Virginia still reaches back to its southern roots with Brunswick Stew. With its origins in the southern half of the state, this hearty concoction of vegetables and beef is sure to hit the spot on a fall afternoon or a cold winter’s evening. It’s most readily available at local festivals and county fairs, yet many restaurants in the region all claim to own the best recipe. The official taste test is entirely up to you.
4 Reasons Your Next Car Is the Toyota RAV4
In case you were debating whether the RAV4 was a crossover or an SUV, it’s actually both. Billed as Toyota’s only compact sports utility vehicle, the RAV4 is unlike any other vehicle from the Japanese auto giant – or any other company, for that matter. Whether you’re looking for a car that complements your hectic workaday schedule, or just a more playful vehicle that’s versatile, attractive, and easy on the billfold, the RAV4 is sure to please. Here are just a few more reasons your next car should be the 2016 Toyota RAV4.
1. Fuel Efficient Either Way You Go
If you didn’t already know, 2016 was the first year that the RAV4 became available in both gasoline-powered and hybrid editions. While the hybrid will take you a bit further on a tank of gas, the gasoline version’s respectable fuel economy won’t make or break your decision, unless you really had your heart set on a hybrid.
With the standard version of the RAV4, you’ll get a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that boasts 176-horsepower and up to 172 pound-feet of torque, while also providing 31 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway and 24 mpg in the city. If you want to step into the 21st century with a hybrid, the RAV4’s version has the same 2.5-liter inline-four, but couples it with two electric motors. When working in unison, this powertrain provides 194-horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque, and gives you 34 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway.
3 Quirky Places in Norfolk for Your Inner Hipster
Whether you’re proud of your hipster lifestyle, you’re in denial, or you just love an interesting place for a weekend drink, Norfolk has some quirky spots that fit the bill. From fresh takes on classic cuisine and cocktails to bizarre decor, these businesses present the finest in hipster style with or without restraint. Don’t pass on them just because of the stigma; embrace the eclectic things they have to offer. Here are a few hipster locales to visit where you just might love what you find.
1. Tortilla West
Located at 508 Orapax Street, Tortilla West serves up some of the area’s best hipster-inspired Tex-Mex. If you’re looking for a drink after work, a light lunch, or a dinner entree, this establishment has it all. Tuesdays are the famed Taco Tuesday extravaganzas, where you can pick up a taco for a mere 75 cents. For lunch, try a lighter plate, such as the three berry, mango, red pepper, and arugula salad topped with shrimp, steak, or chicken. If you’re looking for a nightcap, finish it off with one of Tortilla West’s house-made margaritas or a beer from the extensive list. No matter what you choose, you’re bound to leave satisfied. Plus, it’s a hidden gem, even for the hipster crowd.
4 Places to Visit in Virginia Before You Die
While many people often say a visit to Paris, a 
pizza in Rome, or swimming with dolphins are some of the must-do events before you die, don’t neglect things in your own backyard. If you’re a Virginia resident, you might not even know about the delicious food, beautiful landscapes, and other things that exist in the Old Dominion. Creating a bucket list is a hard thing to do, but make sure you don’t skip out on these places throughout Virginia.
1. Yorktown Battlefield
Even if you aren’t a history buff, there’s something remarkable about seeing where your country finally forged its independence. At the Yorktown Battlefield, you’ll get to see where so many brave soldiers fought for the right to live free of British oppression. A museum and plaques provide additional information about the battle, and there’s something magical about standing right where the Revolutionary War ended.
3 Collectible Toyotas You Wish You Owned
Although Toyota doesn’t have the same collector’s appeal as some of the classic American or European cars, it does have a number of models over the years that are worthy of being put in the discussion. However, the reasoning behind the lack of inclusion into the collector car market isn’t necessarily a bad thing. When other automakers were making huge gas-guzzling cars, Toyota was building economical vehicles and working on efficient manufacturing practices. Even with this commitment, it’s still churned out its fair share of exotic vehicles. Here are just a few you wished you owned.
1. 1967 “Open-Top” Toyota 2000GT
Whether you love the over-the-top gadgets, the villains, the cars, or the women, there’s something about James Bond that embodies adventure. In 1967’s “You Only Live Twice,” Bond, played by Sean Connery, is only seconds from assassination until the famed 2000GT, piloted by the Bond Girl Aki, comes by to save him. She then leads the henchmen on a chase, until they’re picked off the road by a helicopter with a giant magnet.
Although the 2000GT was available in Japan as a hardtop, the convertible, or open-top, version was never released to the public and only two are still in existence. Aside from fetching a record $1.15 million dollar price at auction, this car is also said to be the most recent Bond, Daniel Craig’s, favorite.
What is Toyota Entune?
Toyota introduced its infotainment system, Entune, in the 2012 Toyota Prius v. Since then, Toyota has continued to improve the system, making it more useful for drivers. It has a lot to offer and comes standard on a number of Toyota vehicles.
Basic Features
Entune is an integrated telematics and multimedia navigation system that runs through the central display touchscreen. It uses satellite data to offer real-time sports scores, weather, stocks, and traffic information. The system can also pull location data based on satellite positioning to provide local fuel prices, allowing you to find the cheapest station and save money at the pump. To access this data, you must have a current subscription to SirusXM satellite radio.
The 5 Most Useful Apps for Drivers
The advent of smartphone technology has brought about a revolution that’s changed every aspect of your life. With this sudden influx of convenience, it’s only natural that you should think about using your smartphone in even more ways. One of these aspects is driving. With a number of apps, you’ll make your drive not only easier, but also less stressful. Here are just a few of the latest apps that will turn your taxing commute into sheer bliss.
1. GasBuddy
Have you ever purchased gas only to find another station down the road selling it for a dime cheaper? If so, you aren’t alone. Luckily, GasBuddy takes care of this frustrating little problem. Using user-uploaded data, GasBuddy shows a list and map of every gas station in your area. From there, you can sort them by company, proximity, and price. GasBuddy also offers prizes and incentives for users that send their updates, making it a win-win whether you’re a contributor or just a user. GasBuddy is a free app, and it’s available on both Android and iOS.
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