As any local knows, Alabama boasts some of the best fishing spots in the South. The Dothan area has two great locations that any seasoned angler will appreciate.

Lake Tholocco

Of the six different lakes around Fort Rucker, Lake Tholocco is perhaps the most popular. The lake is about 40 minutes from town. It offers two fishing piers, one on West Beach and one on East Beach, and you can also fish from the shore. Some of the finds here include largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie.

This lake allows night fishing. So long as it’s properly lit, you can even take a boat out at night. Boaters here must complete a safety course, and anyone 16 and older must have a state fishing license and a fishing permit.

Lake George W. Andrews

Another popular spot, this Georgia lake is a short 30-minute drive from Dothan. While fish are more scarce here, it’s the size of the fish that draws people in. Largemouth bass around 7 pounds are common, and they’ve been known to go over 10 pounds. Bluegill and catfish can be found here as well.

Since it’s a narrow body of water, and popular among pleasure boaters and water-skiers, anglers should avoid the high-traffic hours and stick to morning or late afternoon fishing. Weekends can get pretty crowded as well. Fishing licenses are required for those 16 and up, and out-of-staters pay significantly more than Georgia residents, so you may want to look into fishing spots on the Alabama side of the lake.

Fishing has it all, from relaxation and quiet time to excitement and thrills. Grab those poles, put up that “Gone Fishin'” sign, and hit one of these Dothan-area hotspots today!

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If you live in Alabama, boating is in your blood. Whether you enjoy sportfishing on Lake Eufala or spending your summers down on the gulf in a large cabin cruiser, you’ll want to consider these Toyota models.

Toyota Sequoia

This large size SUV sits atop a Toyota Tundra frame and has an exceptional 5-liter V8 engine under the hood. The 2017 model can handle towing well over 7,000 pounds and up to 7,400 pounds, depending on which model you select and whether you choose two-wheel or all-wheel drive.

If seating is a concern, the Sequoia may be the better bet. It can comfortably seat up to eight while still handling the heavy-duty loads you’d expect from a V8 pickup like the Tundra. An integrated backup camera is available in the SR5 model and comes standard in the Limited and Platinum trims, making it a little easier to hitch your boat after a long day.

Toyota Tacoma

The 2017 Tacoma is a midsize pickup with a standard 4-cylinder engine in the lower trims, but a 278-horsepower V6 option is available in all trim levels and comes standard once you hit the mid-level TRD Sport edition. One feature boaters will appreciate is the composite-lined truckbed, which won’t rust from exposure to salty gulf water.

The Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds. That puts it well within the mark of most recreational boats in the gulf.

Whether you need the seating and versatility of a Sequoia or a pickup that can comfortably tow your summer getaway cruiser, Toyota has you covered.

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Living in Dothan, Alabama, offers the best of both worlds. You can reach Mobile or the Florida coast in a few hours, but we retain much of the small-town feel and civilities of a less crowded city. Some favorite annual traditions in Dothan remind us of the close-knit town we once were and are proud to remember. Join other Dothan locals or take a drive down to see our charming city for these fall events.

National Peanut Festival

As the event of the year in Dothan, the National Peanut Festival draws visitors from out of state each year as we celebrate the peanut harvest season.

This year’s event will run from Friday, Nov. 4, through Sunday, Nov. 13. With two back-to-back weekends, you’re sure to find time to check out the craft competitions, recipe contests, livestock shows, carnival rides, Miss Peanut Beauty Pageant, and music that make this event the biggest celebration in South Alabama.

Just be sure to check the hours before leaving home since opening hours vary. Tickets are $7 at the gate, and children ages five and under enter for free.

Dothan Cultural Arts Center Fall Choral and Theatre Festival

Each fall, local musical and theatrical talent from the Wiregrass region gather at the Dothan Fall Choral and Theatre Festival.

From Nov. 6 through Nov. 9, the Southeast Alabama Community Theatre and local youth will showcase their creative talents. The Cultural Arts Center proudly hosts six arts-related organizations in the Wiregrass region, and each will be performing during this year’s festival. There are theatre and choral competitions as well as general performances to enjoy.

Be sure to come out and revel in the fall festival season in Dothan!

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Dothan, Alabama, is a small city in the southeastern part of the state, and is commonly known as the Peanut Capital of the World since about 1/4 of the US peanut crop is grown close by. If you are passing through Dothan, here are some of the top things to do.

Peanuts Around Town

If you look around town you’ll see over 60 4 foot tall fiberglass peanuts. Download a map with all the locations, and make a day of exploring the city while you find the peanuts. They are all decorated with a different theme such as the Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer Peanut and the Joe Cool surfer peanut.

Go to the Continental Drive-In

This is a great place to catch a movie. It has four different screens and each one plays a double feature. The theater is THX certified for a high-quality drive-in experience. Take the whole family and pile into the car so you can all sit back and relax together while you watch.

Visit The Dothan Area Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens covers 50 acres filled with nature trails and gardens to explore.  There are seasonal events you can attend or just enjoy walking through the gardens with a friend. Visit the butterfly garden, the Azalea garden, or stroll along the Fern Glade boardwalk. This is a great place for wedding pictures or family portraits.

Although Dothan is a small town, it has a lot to offer. Spend the day on a hunt for peanuts and then take in a movie once the sun goes down.

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While it is important to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road when driving, there are some phone apps available that can make your drive easier. Here are some of the most helpful.

Gas Buddy

This app will help you find the cheapest gas. All you need to do is enter in the city or zip code where you are driving and it will pull up a list of local gas stations with the prices. If you post cheap gas prices on the app you can even win prizes. It will also tell you how many miles away the stations are and you can get directions.

Waze

This popular app helps you to find out what is going on out on the road. You can get access to current traffic conditions, maps, and live routing. This app comes in handy when you need to change your route unexpectedly or you want to find out where your Facebook friends are headed. Voice assisted navigation helps direct you so you can keep your eyes on the road.

SpotHero

If you have ever driven to an event in the city and spent a good part of your day looking for a parking spot, then SpotHero will help. Use this to find open parking spots, reserve it, and pay for it ahead of time so you can park hassle free.

There are many apps available to make any kind of trip better. Whether you need directions, cheap gas or help navigating a new place, there is an app for it.

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Dothan is a small city with a lot to offer both residents and visitors. Within a short distance, there are many cultural activities to enjoy from parks to museums and theaters. Here are some of the best museums to visit and explore near Dothan.

Wiregrass Museum of Art

This museum was created in response to an article that said Dothan was one of the worst places to live in America. Part of the reason was because it didn’t have a museum, so a local committee created the Wiregrass Museum of Art. The museum, located in the old Dothan Water and Electric building, has over 600 pieces of contemporary art. It offers both permanent and temporary exhibits from artists all around America.

G.W. Carver Interpretive Museum

This museum focuses on educating its visitors about Civil Rights and the contributions of Dr. Carver. It sits in what was once the Dothan bus station and features exhibits that entertain and educate. Some of the exhibits include a Social Progress Heroes Timeline, and the Black Scientists, Inventors, and Explorer. The museum also has temporary exhibits from artists across the nation and some from local artists.

US Army Aviation Museum

This museum in Fort Rucker, Alabama, features exhibits showcasing Army aviation. See helicopters and airplanes that show how aviation developed over the years and how the use of aviation changed including cargo transportation and troop transportation. There is also a Vietnam Memorial at the museum.

Experience the small town charm of Dothan when you visit these museums and see the local sights.

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Having an artistic car is not just for parades anymore. Consider the amount of time you spend in your vehicle. Some invest more waking hours behind the wheel than in their homes. Adding touches to your paint job parallels decorating your house. Additionally, it’s not permanent. Another coat of paint restores a blank canvas.

Choose Your Favorite Color

While buying a new car is exciting, sometimes the color choices don’t match your tastes. Consult a sales representative to determine if additional hues of paint can be administered if you custom paint the automobile you are considering. If not, research paint and body detail in your area.

Consider Using Multiple Colors

The days of feeling restricted by how many shades tint your vehicle are over. Nowadays you can highlight different parts of the car using unique colors. Ponder adding a touch of flair if you had body work done and the second coat of paint didn’t quite match the first. Take advantage of the diversity of the rainbow and ride through town in a colorful beauty.

Create a Design

How many times have you driven down the road and been attracted by the vehicle up ahead with a logo painted on one side? Companies realized in the last decade that their logo sells, and they have added their insignia to vehicles as a form of marketing. In the same way, your wheels can advertise for you and your business. Often business men and women buy luxury cars to show prestige, but a car with a design is most likely to stay in a consumer’s mind long after you’ve driven away.

If you’re tired of silver, white, black, and red, why not spruce up your auto with something different?

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Whether you spend a lot of time on the road or just use your car for short trips around town, you can make your ride better with some fun accessories. Here are some useful ones you can put in your Toyota.

The Drop Stop

If you are constantly losing things down the gap between the seat and center console of your car, the Drop Stop will help. Just place these down in the gap and they will catch anything you drop or that slides off the seat. Keep your phone up where you can reach it and your French fries from getting stuck under the seat with this handy accessory.

Seatbelt Cutter

A combination seatbelt cutter and window breaking tool is a must have in your Toyota. Although you hope to never have to use this, it may save your life. There are several different types on the market, but they will all fit in your glove compartment or mount down under your dash for easy access.

Trunk Organizer

If you are constantly trying to find things in the trunk of your car then a trunk organizer is what you need. The Honey-Can-Do organizer has two compartments to organize your gear along with side pockets for smaller items such as tools. This will also help keep grocery bags from sliding all over on your way home from the store.

These are just a few of the accessories you can add to your Toyota. There are many more that will make your drive more convenient and more enjoyable.

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When people think of Toyota hybrids, most envision a Prius. Luckily, hybrid versions of many of the models you know and love are vrooming off the assembly line.

The 2016 Avalon Hybrid

Why not reward yourself with a luxury vehicle equipped to turn heads while saving you Jacksons at the pump? Redesigned to appear chiseled out of perfection, you won’t be able to take your eyes off this remarkable hybrid. The chrome-accented front grille reassures you that protecting the environment does not mean compromising style. Ambient lighting, a spacious second row, and premium heated and cooled seats extend luxury and comfort to the interior.

The 2016 Highlander Hybrid

If what you’re looking for is space, look no further. For a large sports utility vehicle that seats eight occupants, getting 28 miles to the gallon is a steal. Haul like a boss with second and third-row seats which split 60-40. That means when you are not chauffeuring kids, you can purchase new furniture or appliances and deliver them the same day. An available panoramic moonroof and rear-seat entertainment system make the long trips to grandma’s house a little more bearable.

The 2016 RAV4 Hybrid

This sports utility vehicle packs a lot of power and more cargo room than a Prius. With 194 net horsepower and all-wheel drive with intelligence, you’re not limited by the road before you. This vehicle is a great option for maneuvering on complex terrain, and 34 miles per gallon on the highway keeps money going to where it should – in your adventure fund.

Buying a hybrid is a responsible choice. Keeping pollutants out of the air by burning less fuel means a brighter future for everyone. When it’s time to head to the dealership for another car, don’t forget your favorite carmaker has several eco-friendly options.

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Although gas prices are lower than they’ve been in years, there’s still an uncertainty about how long they’ll stay that way. Because of this, you may want to think about a fuel-efficient vehicle for your next car purchase. With five gasoline-powered models offering 30 miles per gallon (mpg) or more, you can pick one that fits your tastes.

2016 Yaris

If you’re looking for an affordable, efficient compact, the Yaris is the logical choice. With a 106-horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the Yaris isn’t going to win any drag races, but it will give you an astounding 37 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg in the city. Starting at $14,895, it’s also one of the cheapest new cars on the market.

2016 Corolla

With sales totaling over 37.5 million, the Corolla is the most-sold vehicle in automotive history. 2016 is the 50th anniversary of the famed vehicle, and this four-door compact comes better looking than ever. In addition to fantastic aesthetics, the Corolla also comes with a 132-horsepower four-cylinder engine that offers a remarkable 37 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in the city.

2017 Camry

The first Toyota of the 2017 model year, the Camry remains one of the most popular and fuel-efficient cars on the road. Even though it has a larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the Camry still goes up to 33 mpg highway and 24 mpg city, making road trips and commutes surprisingly economical.

With these Toyota models, you don’t have to trade features or aesthetics for fuel economy. Instead, you get it all in one place.

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