The Most Scenic Routes in America: Summer Edition

Sometimes, you need to get away.  Work is exhausting, your favorite TV sitcoms have gone off the air, and it’s time to break the mold.  Imagine breathing in the cool breeze of an ocean, or the soothing heat of a morning sun while taking a trip down the countryside.  Road trips are a great way to embrace the open road to view what our beautiful country has to offer.  So, you have the keys, a bag of snacks, and a couple days to check out your surroundings, but where do you go?  In today’s blog, we’re discussing some great scenic places to visit while you travel. 

Overseas Highway – Florida Keys

A highway that spans 113 miles, composed of roads and bridges from the Florida mainland to the country’s most southern point, the Overseas Highway is a beautiful place to drive.  There’s blue ocean, ships, boats, fisherman and tourists at every turn.  As an added fact, the Florida East Coast Railway was converted into this awesome highway.

Finger Lakes Region – New York

The Finger Lakes are a chain of lakes in central New York State shaped like…well, uh…fingers with the lakes formed by glaciers.  The lake extends 75 miles from Syracuse to Rochester.  There’s farmland, quaint towns and hundreds of wineries.  An Autumn trip adds an accentuating foliage to a beautiful drive year around. 

Pacific Coast Highway – California

This is known as one of the most scenic views in the world.  Hugging cliffs, and coastlines line a 123 mile stretch in a blissful five hour dream of beauty and saltwater scents.  However, this is not for the faint at heart.  The PCH offers some hairpin turns, narrow shoulders and steep drop-offs so BE ALERT. Honestly, take some time to pull over in safe places to really enjoy the vista. 

San Juan Skyway – Colorado

This scenic 233-mile drive through San Juan National Forest, Grand Mesa, is known as the “road to the sky” because of its mountains, quaint towns and ancient Native American pueblo ruins.  The drive features steep cliffs, alpine forests, campgrounds and plenty of outdoor activities.

7 Things You Should Have in Your Car

            Ok, as an individual who enjoys a tidy workspace, I can understand why you wouldn’t want to be compared to the vehicle equivalent of the individuals on the TV show: “Hoarders.”  We also want you to keep safe while you make your daily commute, so we’re feeling a bit conflicted.  In most cases, your vehicle is well equipped with the necessary tools to run smoothly.  In today’s blog, with help from The Simple Dollar, we provide a list of some extra essentials that could aid you daily.

1.    Owner’s manual This should naturally be in your glove compartment anyway, but you want to make sure that it is indeed in your car.

2.    Maps Keep a detailed map of the state you’re in in your car at all times – or even a current atlas if you have room. Don’t completely rely on a GPS navigation system.

3.    First aid kit (and manual) This can be vital if you’re in an accident and someone has injuries. Slowing down bleeding quickly can mean the difference between walking something off and going into shock.

4.    Flashlight (and extra batteries) Similarly, a flashlight is utterly essential at night if you need to change a tire.

5.    Bottled water This is necessary for sustenance if you get stuck somewhere and have to wait for a while.

6.    Food! Non-perishables, need we say more?

7.    Umbrella stay dry, my friends.

Carpooling Should be Called Car “Cool” ing

The carpool.  When this word comes to mind you can imagine four adults slowly sipping coffee, one on their phone having a lengthy conversation with a significant other, another half asleep, hot coffee spilling into their lap and…well you get the idea.  Carpooling isn’t ideal in a lot of individuals’ eyes.  People show up late, complain, and touch your radio settings without warning.  Many would call it a burden.  The carpool should be more popular than it is, but it hasn’t seemed to catch on or so WE think.  According to recent federal government studies, 10-16 million commuters use carpooling as their principal means of transportation to work every year. That's two to three times the number of people who use public transportation.  Not too bad if you ask me, but it could be better.

Carpooling isn’t as bad as you think, there are countless benefits to riding with a co-worker.  The best incentive is financial.  The AAA estimates that “operating costs (gas, tires and maintenance) average 14.1 cents per mile for 2005, all of which are shared in a carpool. If ownership costs — such as insurance, depreciation, finance charges, and taxes — are also shared, the economic benefits skyrocket. Additionally, many employers offer financial incentives for employees who share their rides to work.”  Websites like http://www.rideshareonline.com/ will match people based on location.  You should set ground rules to avoid conflict and follow these tips provided by Edmunds.com.

·      Print driver schedules

·      Create policies on stereo, AC, Cell phones…

·      Set rules for latecomers

·      Advance notice for vacation

·      Establish a back up plan

A successful carpool takes a bit of work, but can make life a whole lot easier.  Good luck, guys!!!

Auto Fathers Day Gift Ideas

There are only 10 days before Fathers Day is here,  If you haven’t thought of any gifts to get your Dad, Husband, Son in Law or favorite Uncle read this blog to get some good ideas that your MAN-ly recipient will surely appreciate. 

Gift 1.) Auto Starter. Dad will no longer have to get heat stroke with this great device.  The car will start remotely with the push of a button leaving the car locked. So on those hot sunny days or freezing cold mornings, the temperature will be set to his perfect climate before he even opens the car door.  (Before you purchase one of these be sure to contact our Parts and Service for your man’s car.  Some cars may not be compatible with these devices)

Gift 2.) Car Washes and Car Details.  Car wash is always a great gift idea when you can buy them buy Gift Certificate or Buy the coupon books.  If you’re low on cash keep in mind, homemade coupon books are terrific and you could include a few hand car washes in them.  (Search places like Groupon, Living Social etc.)

Gift 3.) Find a local video editor who is can make Dear ole’ Dad a video of all the cars he’s owned in years gone by.  This historical video will tell the story of how much he has loved cars through the years.  A keepsake for the car enthusiasts; this gift is sure to put a smile on his face and is simple to use.  Just plop the DVD into the player and watch his face light up!

Gift 4.) Other than automotive; a game of golf has always been a big hit with my father.   If he wasn’t changing the oil on his car, he was loading it up with his golf clubs and heading to the course.  He has been happy with both paying for an entire round and spending a few hours at the shooting range.  Either one, if he plays this is a thoughtful gift he’s guaranteed to enjoy.

Men are practical and the gifts that they love tend to be gifts they can use.  Although the glamour shot of your mom last year in the twelve dollar frame was nice, your dad may have been  more content with a new hammer or a power washer for the house.  Any of the gifts we listed will not only show him some love it will make his day special. 

For more gift ideas call us at:770-386-8400