Best Dothan Parks For a Lazy Summer Afternoon
If you’re interested in spending a lazy summer afternoon relaxing in nature, there are a few top-notch parks in the Dothan area that you should be sure to check out.
Doug Tew Playground
One of the best ways to spend a summer day is watching your children enjoy the outdoors, which is why you should think about taking a visit to Doug Tew Playground. With plenty of shade for parents and a variety of playground equipment for kids, Doug Tew Playground is an ideal spot for a fun summer day that the entire family will enjoy.
Landmark Park
If you’re looking for a Dothan-area park where you can have a great time both indoors and outdoors, then look no further than Landmark Park. This spot has plenty to see and do, and hosts a variety of regular events that everyone will enjoy. You can walk around and tour the historic exhibits, and when it gets a little too hot, you can cool off indoors at the planetarium while watching a fun and educational presentation.
Emerald Lake
Nothing says “lazy summer afternoon” quite like taking in a scenic water view. Fortunately, if you live near Dothan, you can stop by Emerald Lake. This tranquil park features a beautiful pond where you can see geese and ducks or simply enjoy looking at the water. Perfect for a quiet lunch or just a quick break from your busy day, Emerald Lake is one of the best summer spots in Dothan.
Spend a summer afternoon at any of these Dothan spots and you’re sure to have a great time.
Image via Flickr by unionland
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How Great Is the 2018 Toyota 86’s Handling?
Carrying the sports car torch for the entire Toyota lineup is no easy task, but in just its second year on American roads, the 86 looks the part. Raw power and sophisticated, aggressive styling make this sports car unlike any other, and starting at just $26,255, it’s a bargain in comparison to its rivals. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder supplies the power, but sports car enthusiasts know this isn’t the only aspect that makes a supreme sports car. Fortunately, the 86’s handling is up to the challenge.
The Hachi Roku Link
In the 1980s, Toyota developed the AE86 Hachi Roku Corolla as its most formidable sports car to date, earning a name for itself on racing circuits around the globe. The rear-wheel drive chassis and lightweight construction provided superb handling on both straightaways and corners, and Toyota uses the same formula in the 2018 Toyota 86. With rear-wheel drive, the 86 has better balance, which translates to improved handling. Coupled with its lightweight frame, the 86 can tackle just about any road.
Sport-Tuned Suspension
When you’re blazing up the road, the 86’s sport-tuned suspension enables you to tackle every corner with precision. A double-wishbone, multilink suspension with stabilizer bars improves grip on tight turns, while also offering unbeatable smoothness and comfort on the highway or city streets.
With a plethora of track and street-ready features, the Toyota 86 is a force in the sports car realm, yet it’s not confined to a behemoth engine. It’s the phenomenal handling that provides tight turns and thrills you won’t find anywhere else.
Image via Flickr by FotoSleuth
When you are in the mood for a hearty breakfast, you usually aren’t in the mood to cook it yourself. Whether you are just visiting Dothan, Alabama, or you call it home, you’ll want to check out these two local restaurants.
Dothan Livestock Cafe
If you want a delicious Southern-cooked meal and want to buy cattle at the same time, Dothan Livestock Cafe is for you. Of course, you don’t have to purchase livestock to eat here, but they are only open for breakfast on Mondays from 6 a.m. until the end of the cattle sale, which starts at 10 a.m. They serve everything from omelets and pancakes to biscuits and gravy, grits, and hash browns. You’ll get a lot for your money at Dothan Livestock Cafe. You can visit them at 9711 Highway 231 South, approximately seven miles from Dothan and the Florida state line.
Jeanette’s Restaurant
Jeanette’s Restaurant was founded in 1994. Biscuits and gravy, grits, omelets, and hotcakes are on the menu, but you may also want to try the Jerry Ard Special. It is wheat toast smothered in sausage gravy with scrambled eggs on top. Jeanette’s Kitchen is located at 279-1 Fortner St. and is open Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. They close early on Saturdays at 12 p.m. and are closed Sundays.
Enjoy your morning in Dothan, Alabama with a delicious Southern-cooked breakfast. No matter which restaurant you choose, you are sure to receive Southern hospitality to go along with it, which is enough to start anyone’s day off right.
Image via Flickr by larryjh1234
The 3 Best Things About the 2018 Toyota 4Runner
The 2018 Toyota 4Runner is one of the most adventurous vehicles currently available. While it has many exciting features, these are a few of the best.
Off-Roading Abilities
Off-roading capability is one of the most important components when measuring how adventurous a car is. Not only is the standard Toyota 4Runner built for off-roading, but there is an additional trim level dedicated to premium off-road experiences. It features a durable exterior frame and an available crawl control mode with multi-terrain driving abilities. Additionally, the active traction control and advanced kinetic dynamic suspension system give added traction for a more capable drive.
Powerful Drive
With a 4.0-liter V-6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, it is no surprise that the 4Runner drive is often characterized as being powerful. Whether you are towing your favorite recreational vehicle or sitting in traffic on your daily commute, you will have ample power to get where you need to go. The included side door beams and Star Safety Connect System give you the confidence you need to know you are protected in all of your adventurous pursuits.
Capable Interior
The interior is comfortable and conveniently geared for weekend adventures. The premium leather-wrapped seats are heated and power adjustable. The 6.1-inch touch-screen display comes standard and makes it easier to access the most important drive controls. Open the available moonroof to feel the fresh air on your face.
The Toyota 2018 4Runner is the ultimate adventure vehicle. Come by Toyota of Dothan to see these exciting features in person.
Image via Flickr by Andrew Gustar
Good coffee is hard to come by, and everyone claims theirs is the best. To help you out, here are two of the most popular cafes in Dothan, Alabama.
Dakota Coffee Works
Founded in 1995, Dakota Coffee Works is the real deal. They started out in an industrial park on the south side of Dothan and made a name for themselves.They’re known for their freshly roasted coffee, but you can also pick up a sandwich, soup, ice cream, or pastry while you are there. They also treat customers like family, which makes this is a cafe you won’t want to skip. Visit them at 4440 West Main Street 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.
Bird & Bean Coffee House
If you are looking for award-winning coffee, stop by Bird & Bean Coffee House. They serve Crimson Cup Coffee, which was awarded Roaster of the Year in 2016. Located in downtown Dothan, they have a beautiful location, perfect for relaxing with friends or a good book. They also have hot chocolate and smoothies if you want to take the kids out for a special treat. You can find them at 144 North Foster Street 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. They are closed Sunday.
Everyone needs to treat themselves to a relaxing cup of coffee or tea once in awhile. Try one of these cafes, and you’ll find yourself coming back again and again.
Image via Flickr by Cloud seeker
3 Bizarre Urban Legends in Alabama
Alabama is perhaps best known for its storied college football program or as the setting of the awarding winning film “Forrest Gump,” yet few know of the urban legends that exist from Mobile to Dothan and everywhere in between. From bone-chilling ghost stories to unexplained visions, Alabama is creepier than you may have thought.
Sally Carter
In 1823, a 15-year-old girl named Sally Carter visited her sister at the Cedarhurst Mansion in Huntsville. During her visit, she passed away under suspicious circumstances. Due to the events surrounding her death, some think she may have been murdered. She still haunts Cedarhurst to this day.
Cry Baby Bridge
Located in Saraland, Cry Baby Bridge is one of the most bizarre urban legends from Alabama. The story goes that a young woman, under the duress of war, escaped from a plantation with her baby in tow. Pursued by soldiers, she attempted to hide under a bridge. To muffle the cries of her child, she put the baby’s face under the water. Unfortunately, the baby did not survive. Today, you can still hear the cries of the baby as you walk the bridge that now crosses the creek.
The Witch in the Woods
Beware if you ever go into the woods near Gadsden. According to local folklore, a disheveled woman will appear and tell you she sold her soul to the devil. This witch has been here for nearly a century and shows no signs of leaving.
Whether these tales are fact or fiction, one thing’s for sure. The next time you’re in Alabama, make sure to look over your shoulder.
Image via Flickr by Jonathan Michael Peel
Why Toyota’s Entune is an Unbeatable Audio System
Your car is more than just a mode of transportation, which is why Toyota has given drivers a revolutionary system to meet their daily needs. Whether you need connection, navigation, or entertainment, Toyota’s Entune is there for you.
What is Entune?
Entune is Toyota’s infotainment system. Utilizing your center console display, Entune gives you access to a wide variety of apps that are meant to make your drive easier and more enjoyable. You can utilize the apps through touch or through voice recognition, making it safe and convenient.
Features
Entune allows you to be connected in a variety of settings and situations. If your car is stolen or you are in an accident, Safety Connect allows assistance to be sent to your vehicle via GPS. Service Connect allows you to check on your fuel levels and mileage through the mobile app or by email. Did you lose your car in the parking lot? Remote Connect helps you find your vehicle, lock and unlock doors, remotely start the engine, and even monitor other drivers who are using it. Through Wi-Fi Connect (which is powered by Verizon), you will be able to connect up to five devices to the Wi-Fi network.
You don’t need to worry about getting lost when you have Entune. With Destination Assist Connect you can get directions delivered by a real person, 24 hours a day. Dynamic Navigation gives you the most current map data and routes.
Whether you need to connect, navigate, or use the hands-free calling and music streaming features that are also available, Toyota’s Entune has what you need, when you need it.
Image via Flickr by GD Taber
To help in the decision-making process of whether to purchase a 2018 Camry sedan or the hybrid, here’s a few points to consider. Knowing some of the differences in price, fuel economy, and features can help narrow it down to the one that works for you.
Pricing
The 4-cylinder Camry Hybrid is available in three trims – LE, SE, and XLE. Estimated purchase prices for the Hybrid start at $27,000 for the LE, $29,000 for the SE, and $32,000 for the XLE.
The 4-cylinder Camry is available in five trims – L, LE, XLE, SE, and XSE with estimated prices ranging from $23,000 to $29,000 depending on the trim selected.
Starting prices for both are estimates and will vary by region.
Fuel Economy
The Hybrid’s EPA fuel economy rating for the LE is 52 miles per gallon (mpg) combined for the city and highway. The XLE and SE have a combined rating of 46 mpg.
The Camry has a combined fuel economy of 34 mpg for the city and highway for the base LE trim and 32 mpg for the LE, SE, XLE, and XSE. The difference between the two equates to significant savings for Hybrid owners.
Other Factors
The Hybrid is equipped with a 4-mode drive switch, which includes EV Mode for optional electric driving. The Camry is strictly gas-motivated.
With decisions to make when choosing between the sedan and the hybrid, consider a test drive to experience firsthand what the 2018 Camry has to offer.
Image via Flickr by mariordo59
Why the 2018 Camry Is Your Perfect Road Trip Car
The 2018 Toyota Camry is a reliable mid-sized car with a starting MSRP of $23,495. Though it’s a popular daily commuter, the vehicle is also excellent for travel. These three reasons are a few of the many that make the latest Camry a great fit for regular road trips.
Engine Options and Fuel Economy
The 2018 Camry is available in seven trims offering a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V-6. The latter gets up to 29 miles per gallon in the city and 41 on the highway, and the former gets up to 22 and 33, respectively.
If fuel efficiency is a priority, consider one of the three Camry hybrid configurations. These run on a 2.5-liter engine that produces 208 horsepower. You’ll enjoy up to 51 miles per gallon in the city and 53 on the highway.
Comprehensive Safety Features
No matter which Camry you build, your vehicle will come standard with Toyota Safety Sense technologies. This includes the following active systems:
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Lane departure alert with steering assist
- Automatic high beams
- Dynamic radar cruise control
In addition to these standard features, all Camrys come with a 10-air bag system. You can add extra features, such as an available blind spot monitor and rear-cross traffic alert system, to enjoy even more security on the road.
The Camry is a wonderful vehicle that offers exceptional fuel economy and an array of standard safety features. Check out these perks and more at Toyota of Dothan.
Image via Flickr by rohan.vakil
Should You Wait for The 2019 Corolla Hatchback?
If you’re interested in a hatchback Corolla, check out the Corolla iM. This vehicle is one of the models that was redesigned when Toyota discontinued the Scion brand. However, in 2019 they’re replacing the iM with the Corolla Hatchback, a new design that’s closer to the Corolla Sedan. So should you get the iM now or wait for the 2019 hatchback?
Trim Options
The 2019 Corolla Hatchback will have more trim options than the 2018 Corolla iM. As a Scion model, the iM has only one trim level, but this single trim comes with plenty of features you don’t get on a Corolla trim at the same price. However, the hatchback will probably have better features at the top of its range.
Powertrains
The 2019 Corolla Hatchback comes with a new engine and either a manual transmission or a CVT. The iM has the same transmission options, but the new engine will be lighter and more powerful while the CVT gets an upgraded design.
Size
The 2019 Corolla Hatchback will come on a new Toyota chassis, and it’ll be bigger than the iM. The sedan Corolla will eventually switch to the new platform, too, but for now, only the hatchback is being redesigned.
The 2019 Corolla Hatchback isn’t a replacement for the iM. Rather, it’s a new version of a new Toyota compact car that will fill the iM’s spot. Like any new car, it promises to have some big improvements over what’s available now, but if you want a new car at a bargain price, the iM may be the better option for you.
Image via Flickr by neubie
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