Looking for a venue in Dothan to enjoy some live music? Look no further.

Cowboys

Cowboys is a true southern experience. Some call it a true honky-tonk bar. There is live music here every night to dance to or sing to, or for simply enjoying the company of good friends. The drinks are cheap and bourbon is on tap. There are also several pool tables that you can enjoy for free.

To come for the country music, you need to sign up for a membership, which you can do online or at the door. Women go free and men cost between $5 and $10.

McLeod’s Publick House

McLeod’s Publick House is a popular music venue in downtown Dothan. The pub has all types of musicians and DJ’s playing almost every night of the week. You don’t usually need to book in advance, just arrive about a half an hour before the performances are due to start so you can get a good seat.

McLeod’s is also a great spot for craft beer lovers. Come a few hours before a concert to sample the different beers and secure yourself the best seat in the house.

The Plughouse

Those who are interested in hearing metal, rock, and punk music should join the Plug Uglies Wrecking Crew. This social club is interested in hearing local bands, advancing the music scene in Dothan, and getting to know each other in a fun environment. There are weekly concerts at the Plughouse for different local and national bands.

Whether you want to hear country music, indie bands, or rock and roll, there is a venue for you in Dothan.

Image via Flickr by Natan Peres

There are so many wonderful places to go for a day out in Dothan with the family. These are the best animal adventure parks around.

Wild Animal Safari

Wild Animal Safari is a drive-thru park which allows you to see animals in a more natural habitat. The drive-thru park is 3.5 miles of roadway that takes you past camels, zebras, giraffes, water buffalo, elk, Watusi, and American bison.  Some animals are even curious enough to come right up to the vehicles.

If you don’t feel comfortable driving your own vehicle through the park, there are tour bus options as well as van rentals if you’re coming with a big group.

Landmark Park

Landmark Park in Dothan is a nature park with walking paths, bird watching platforms, and an amphibian experience you won’t find anywhere else in Dothan.  Learn about and observe local frogs, snakes, and large aquatic salamanders known as amphiuma. Presentations occur every day at 10 a.m. but prior registration is required.

Wild Adventures Theme Park

Wild Adventures is the ultimate day out for families. There are theme park rides, entertaining shows, restaurants, and several different places to see and interact with animals. Wander around the zoo area to see Asian elephants, water buffalo, black bears, giraffe, zebra, rhinos, and majestic lions. There are also several different types of birds, rodents, and reptiles at the park.

Be sure to check out what animal shows are happening the day you visit so that you don’t miss a chance to interact and learn more about them.

Next time you plan a weekend adventure in Dothan, be sure to check out one of these animal experiences!

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The new 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser is packed with features that will change the way you drive.

Power and Performance

The Toyota Land Cruiser comes standard with a 5.7-liter, V8 Engine and 8-speed transmission. This gives drivers 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque.

The Land Cruiser has an intelligent transmission system that adjusts shift logic depending on the throttle input, incline, and speed. It delivers power to the wheels that need it most.

Off-Road Capabilities

The Land Cruiser has a new Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System that maintains optimal traction no matter what road conditions you find yourself in. When you activate the suspension system, it disconnects the sway bar and automatically adjusts the suspension for better wheel articulation.

The Torsen limited-slip differential is another system that helps the Land Cruiser drive on any terrain. The Torsen system sends power to the wheel or axle that has the most traction. It’s also equipped with locking features so that you can manually select a 50-50 front-rear wheel split in traction-limited situations.

Interior Cargo Capacity

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser has an enormous amount of interior space. The vehicle can fit up to eight people while still leaving plenty of trunk space. If you want to head away on a weekend adventure, you can fold flat the second row and fold the third row to the side to get up to 81 cubic feet of cargo space.

There are so many great reasons to get into a 2017 Land Cruiser. Test drive one today to see for yourself.

Image via Flickr by Toyota Motor Europe

If you’re in the market for a midsize vehicle, Toyota loaded the Highlander with many attractive features. Check out these three reasons you should drive the 2017 Toyota Highlander.

1. Save on Fuel

Engine and transmission enhancements help the Highlander get above-average fuel economy. In the city, the Highlander averages about 20 miles per gallon, which increases to as much as 27 miles per gallon on the highway, depending on the model.

2. Safety First

The Highlander has a long list of standard safety features. From adaptive cruise control and pedestrian detection to lane departure alert with steering assist, each Toyota Safety Sense feature helps prevent accidents and keep your family safe. Dynamic cruise control automatically adjusts to keep a certain distance between your car and the one in front of you, while automatic high beams turn on and off when oncoming vehicles are 2,000 feet away.

3. Quiet and Comfortable Interior

With a spacious interior that fits up to eight people and plenty of room for cargo, the Highlander is perfect for the family on the go. Reclining third-row seats and optional heated captain’s chairs in the second row make for a comfortable ride. Thanks to special insulation on the floor and acoustic-type windshield glass, the Highlander is an especially quiet ride. In-seat entertainment, an optional panoramic moon roof, and five USB ports round out the interior features.

With a focus on fuel economy, safety, and comfort, the Toyota Highlander is an ideal choice for a midsize family vehicle.

Toyota

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Toyota prides itself on putting people’s safety first when it comes to making vehicles. In fact, no car manufacturer has more 2017 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick Plus winners than Toyota for vehicles equipped with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights. Check out four of Toyota’s safest models:

1. Camry

Toyota’s popular midsize car made its debut in 1983 and is the best-selling passenger car in the United States. Following a redesign for 2018, the Camry has a funky new look and improved handling. Equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, the new Camry also includes more standard safety features.

2. Corolla

First introduced to the world in 1966, the Toyota Corolla is the best-selling car in the world. Available in seven models, the Corolla is a stylish and conservative compact car with a fuel economy that averages about 27 miles per gallon in the city.

3. Prius V

Debuting in 2012, the Prius V boasts 34 cubic feet of cargo capacity and the fuel economy of a hybrid. Combined with a spacious and quiet interior, the Prius V is the ideal utility vehicle.

4. RAV4

Toyota’s first compact crossover SUV, the RAV4, came to the North America in 1995. Offering the comfort and convenience of a compact car with four-wheel-drive capabilities and ample storage space, the RAV4 is perfect for both urban adventurers and young families.

Toyota makes many vehicles that earn safety recognition awards around the world, including these four safest Toyota models.

Toyota Corolla

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Toyota decided to hit it out of the park on the style front with the new Toyota Corolla XSE. Far from the soft and rounded shapes of previous models, this one takes sharp features and a slightly intimidating silhouette to the next level. But the Corolla XSE is not just a pretty face, it also happens to pack some other features that will make car enthusiasts sit up and take notice.

It Feels Like You’re Driving on a Cloud

Forget the early days before power steering or choosing your drive train. The 2017 Toyota Corolla XSE takes all the work out of driving and turns it into a pleasurable ride akin to that of a luxury model. It takes on corners, hills, and the open road with ease.

The Designers Paid Attention to the Interior

Apart from all the modifications in the exterior design of the Corolla XSE, the interior reflects a calm and peaceful palette of neutral tones. Clear lines ensure this sense of calm continues as the center console and counters all benefit from a less-is-more approach. The result? An uncluttered haven of pure driving pleasure.

Comfort for Passengers Too

It’s not often that car manufacturers remember the rear-seat passengers, especially in sedans. The sheer size of the rear seating area and comfort just highlights why Toyota is still a formidable force in the car industry.

This is the ideal run around and works well for those who face a long commute to work every day as it features 31 miles per gallon consumption. Classic features and a reliable brand make this a good option for those looking for a vehicle in the starting MSRP of $22,680 range.

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Image via Flickr by Zytonits

The 2018 Toyota Camry is a model that deserves a double take, amping up the power and the style quotient to claim its rightful spot as one of Toyota’s best. Discover some of the reasons why you simply need to get your hands on the latest Toyota has to offer.

An Appearance of Belonging

The first thing you notice when the light hits the podium and the car comes into focus is the impressive grille. The shape of the car is sleeker and more aerodynamic and is easy on the eye. The pinched look of the nose and trunk area have all but disappeared.

A Sporty Approach

The 2018 Toyota Camry offers a slightly more sporty approach to the road. It provides Toyota with the ammo it needs to make the Camry a formidable force on the market once again. Sporty also means speed and Toyota brings that to the table with its specialty models. These models feature a V6, four-cylinder engine that pushes out 301 horsepower, compared to the base model’s 206 horsepower.

As one of Toyota’s best sellers for a number of years, the 2018 Toyota Camry carries forth the torch of smooth and reliable traveling. Comfort and space ensure that this is the ideal match for those who wish to do their daily commute, as well as those who want to take to the open road. Toyota also claims better fuel efficiency which makes us wait in anticipation for the final numbers.

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Image via Flickr by Zytonits

The open road is not the only place travelers may experience a bit of roadside drama. Disaster can strike locally too, which means you should pack an emergency kit that accounts for your personal situation, local weather conditions, and travel destination. Here are two different lists to use in your planning.

Staying Local but Racking up Miles

Travelers who don’t take to the open road may find themselves in a predicament when a convenience store, medical center, or pharmacy isn’t within a quick walking distance. Things that should always be in an emergency kit, apart from tire-changing equipment, include:

  • First aid items such as bandages, antiseptic lotions, and gauze

  • A fire extinguisher

  • A flashlight and batteries

  • Multipurpose tool and fresh drinking water

Those who are on medication should also have some locked away in the glove compartment or a small lock box.

Heading for the Open Road

Apart from the items above, drivers should pack a few additional items for longer journeys. It’s not enough to prepare for the destination, but also all the areas in between. This means thermal blankets for extreme weather, ice scrapers, and some non-perishable, ready-to-eat food items. Other items that go a long way include:

  • Foam tire sealant

  • A tow strap or rope

  • Duct tape, and more

These items can make the difference between a safe journey and a very long, uncomfortable wait for assistance. Travelers are recommended to invest in thermal clothing and rain ponchos for adverse weather the ensure they remain dry as the heater can deplete battery life.

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Visiting Conecuh National Forest is a chance to experience unrivaled natural beauty. The thousands of guests that flock to and through it each year are a testament to this. The forest creates the perfect backdrop to a great family vacation or even a semi-permanent residence for RV enthusiasts. Discover some of the best things to see in Alabama’s best-kept secret.

A Feast for Botanists

What better place for a botanist to discover unique and possibly undiscovered species than in a forest? The Conecuh National Forest is home to magnolia, dogwood, holly, cypress, and Longleaf pine. The forest also has a cypress forest around a pond that tends to be a draw for photographers and hobbyists too.

Ponder Deep Thoughts on Scenic Shores

With no shortage of recreational waters in the forest, guests enjoy scenic lakes, ponds, and springs. The lakes and ponds offer boating, fishing and kayaking opportunities. For those who prefer to stand on the shore and simply take in the beauty, there is Blue Spring, a crystal-clear natural spring.

The Home of Many Creatures

The abundance of trees and natural cover provide the ideal habitat for many local critters and birds. Sightings often include some exciting bird species that are merely traveling through the forest, which is a treat for birdwatchers.

The Conecuh National Forest is the ideal location for those who wish to visit it for the day or those who wish to stay a little longer. Ample facilities for campers and RVs ensure that the visit to the forest is one to remember.

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Endless soft white beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see is one of the first images that come to mind when a trip to Panama City Beach is in the cards. Although beaches are a big part of the reason guests flock to this destination year-on-year, there are plenty of other great reasons to pack a travel bag and head on down to the coast.

Fun Attractions for the Whole Family

Instead of spending all that time on the beach catching up on tanning, spend some time exploring some of the best attractions in the area. Shipwreck Island Waterpark is a delight for young and old with wave pools, slides, zip lines, and more. The Science and Discovery Center of Northwest Florida and the Museum of Man in the Sea are two more items to place on an itinerary.

Explore the Great Big Blue

What is a visit to these endless white beaches without exploring the waters, too? Take a luxurious trip around the coastline on a catamaran or charter a fishing boat to reel in some prize fish. Charters are also ideal for spotting some of the local wildlife such as sea turtles and dolphins.

It’s Not All Beaches and Waves

Panama City Beach offers some of the best local parks and it’s all due to the location. Guests enjoy guided trails and occasionally spot wildlife such as deer and alligators. Some of the parks include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park.

Panama City Beach is known for outdoor fun and providing great locations for the whole family. It also offers ample shopping and dining opportunities, which make it a destination of choice.

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