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If you're planning to propose, celebrating an anniversary, or going out for your regular date night, it's essential to choose the right setting. Luckily, there are several romantic restaurants in the Kingsport area. Let's discuss some of those restaurants and what they have to offer. more The Chop House The Chop House is an upscale steakhouse with a charming and sophisticated atmosphere. You and your date will enjoy sharing a plate of crispy calamari and shrimp, sweet corn tamale plates, or ahi tuna. Entrees include grilled chicken parmesan, petite pork chops, and cold water lobster tail. Of course, The Chop House serves up the finest cuts of beef, such as filet mignon, ribeye, and New York strip. If you're looking for something on the lighter side, try the Caesar, grilled chicken, or balsamic blue cheese salads. Cap off your romantic evening by sharing a slice of chocolate mousse cake. Riverfront Seafood Company Riverfront Seafood Company offers guests a dining experience overlooking the Holston River, an excellent setting for a romantic night out. Start your meal off right by sharing some coconut shrimp, fried green tomatoes, or oysters on the half shell. Riverfront's entrees are prepared using only the freshest seafood and other quality ingredients. The farm-raised catfish, trout almandine, and snow crabs come highly recommended. If you're not in the mood for seafood, you should try the grilled pork chop, beef tenderloin, or chicken Alfredo. Riverfront's desserts are all made from scratch and include blackberry cake, key lime pie, and bread pudding. Wasabi Wasabi is a traditional Japanese steakhouse and sushi bar featuring cozy seating and impressive performances from master hibachi chefs. You and your date will enjoy sharing appetizers like calamari, chicken tempura, and crab naruto. The sushi is made fresh to order and comes in a hand roll, traditional roll, or a la carte. Diner favorites include the tempura sweet potato roll, Philadelphia roll, and summer roll. Teriyaki and tempura entrees are served with a salad, soup, and white rice. Wasabi's menu also features several noodle dishes. If you want to sample a little bit of everything, you can order a dinner bento box. For dessert, try the tempura cheesecake or tempura fried ice cream. Giuseppe's Giuseppe's serves up all of your favorite Italian dishes in a warm, candlelit atmosphere. Baked clams, mozzarella-stuffed mushroom caps, and shrimp cocktail are just some of the freshly prepared appetizers you and your special someone can enjoy. Delicious seafood entrees include broiled Maine lobster tails, Tilapia Francese, and mussels marinara. Meat-lovers will savor the filet mignon, prime rib, and New York strip. House specials include the gnocchi Bolognese, ravioli Portobello, and pasta Toscana. If you and your date are in the mood to share, you can order one Giuseppe's specialty pizzas You can also have fun creating your own from a variety of fresh toppings. These are just some of the romantic restaurants in the Kingsport area. No matter which one you choose, you and your special someone are sure to enjoy a special evening. Image via Pixabay

The Toyota Corolla sedan received a complete redesign for the 2020 model year. Toyota made changes to both the interior and exterior styling, and it now comes standard with Apple CarPlay. The newly updated model also received some new advanced safety equipment that includes lane tracing assist and a traffic sign recognition system. Here are some of the features of the 2020 Toyota Corolla. more The Models The 2020 Corolla sedan comes in five trim levels. The L has 15-inch steel wheels, and LED headlights. A step up to the LE adds larger wheels, and it gets remote keyless entry. Another step up to the SE will get you a sportier look both inside and out, 18-inch wheels, and better headlights. The XLE is next in line with new technology in the cabin, and simulated leather seats. The XSE has features from both the SE and the XLE, including 18-inch wheels, and sporty seats. The Power The power for the 2020 Corolla comes from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. This will get 139 horsepower and works with a CVT. If you bump up to the SE or the XLE, you'll get a 2.0-liter engine with 169 horsepower. This engine comes with a different CVT that has paddle shifters, and of you have the SE you can also opt for a manual transmission. The XLE adds selectable drive modes so you can choose the model that fits the road and weather conditions. The Corolla Hybrid The big news for the Corolla for the 2020 model year is the addition of a hybrid model. This new Corolla will come with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that act as generators. It will have a total of 121 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. Some of the standard features include LED headlights, 15-inch alloy wheels, Toyota's Safety Connect emergency communication system, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. It will also come with an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, two USB ports, and selectable drive modes. The Technology Standard technology in the Corolla starts with a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and a USB port. You can get an 8-inch touch screen in the XLE, and this also comes with satellite radio. An additional option that Toyota makes available for the Corolla includes an upgraded JBL stereo with nine speakers for the SE models and above. You can also get navigation and a wireless charging pad for the XLE and XSE. Safety Features All the Corolla models come with a rearview camera, forward collision alert, an automatic emergency braking system, and a traffic sign reader. You also get pre-collision pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, and lane keep assist. Adaptive headlights are an available option for the XSE and XLE, and blind-spot monitoring comes standard with both of these high-end trims. The 2020 Toyota Corolla has some exciting changes and updates. The new Corolla hybrid also gives buyers another fuel-efficient option, and it comes in a well-equipped trim level. Image via DealerOn

Date night is not just any night. You want to ensure that you take your date to a suitable place where s/he will be comfortable and where you can spend some quality time together. Kingsport, Tennessee, has quite a few places on offer that you can consider for your next date night. more Dinner at the Chop House Sharing a tasty meal and a good bottle of wine remains a great way to spend a date night. The Chop House in Kingsport is an excellent option for such a night, as it offers attentive service and good food. The venue is also attractive, featuring lots of raw brick surfaces, wine racks stacked to the brim, and an intimate and warm atmosphere. Before your meal, you and your partner can order a craft cocktail, such as an Elevated Gin & Tonic or a Key Lime Martini, and can then choose a wine from the extensive wine list. Start your meal with a tantalizing appetizer like Ahi Tuna or Deviled Eggs with Brown Sugar Bacon, or opt for a soup or salad. For mains, there are a variety of quality meat cuts, such as Filet Mignon, Ribeye, or New York Strip on offer, as well as delicious pork and seafood dishes. Camping at Warriors' Path State Park If you want to spend a romantic day and night away from the hustle and bustle of city life, you and your date can immerse yourselves in the tranquility and beauty of nature at Warriors' Path State Park. The 950-acre park, which was named for the Great Cherokee War and Trading Path, is located on the banks of the Patrick Henry Reservoir on the Holsten River. Couples can enjoy various outdoor activities at the park. Over 12 miles of hiking trails are available, which will take you through a variety of landscapes that include fields, forest, creeks, and peaceful streams. Or the two of you can enjoy two miles of scenic woodland trails from horseback. If water is more your thing, you can rent a paddle boat, tandem kayak, or a canoe for some fun in the lake. As the sun starts setting after a day filled with activity, you can light a fire in front of your tent or RV. The camping ground offers sites with water, electric hookups, tables, and grills, as well as modern bathhouses that are clean and well-equipped. A Beer at Sleepy Owl Brewery For a more casual night out with your partner, drop by Sleepy Owl Brewery for excellent craft beer, friendly service, and live music. Kingsport's first brewery is located in a section of the old train station, so on a nice evening, you and your date can enjoy a craft beer on the patio that overlooks the railroad tracks. The small venue is cozy and welcoming, and the service is friendly. Although they don't serve food at Sleepy Owl, food trucks are often parked outside and you're welcome to bring the food in. Whether you date likes spending time in the great outdoors, likes to be wined and dined, or prefers a more casual night with live music and some good craft beer, Kingsport is home to a venue where you can have a perfect date night. Image via Pixabay

The 2019 Toyota 86 is a nimble and attractive sports car. It will give you precise steering and handling, an aerodynamic performance, and many standard features, all at an affordable price. Three trims are available with the Toyota 86: the base trim, which has an MSRP of $26,655; the 86 GT, with an MSRP of $28,785; and the TRD Special Edition, which has an MSRP of $32,470. The GT trim adds convenient features to the base trim, in this way offering a perfect blend of functionality and comfort. It also boasts some aerodynamic add-ons that the base trim does not offer. Here's some more information on the Toyota 86 GT trim. more Aerodynamic Exterior With the 2019 Toyota 86 GT comes the long hood and short rear deck that is so typical of the classic sports car profile. The GT's styling, however, is not only attractive but also serves to improve its aerodynamics. At the front, the large chin spoiler and integrated canards help to keep the car grounded to affect improved turn-in and response, while the rear diffuser regulates airflow efficiently. The GT also boasts a rear wing with aerodynamic end plates that, together with the underbody aerodynamic panel, help to afford the GT a drag coefficient of just 0.27. Other external features offered with the GT include high-beam headlights, daytime running lights, LED taillights, and heated and power-adjustable mirrors. Attractive Interior The interior of the 86 is purposefully minimalist, and all controls are easy to reach and use. The heated sport front seats, which boast silver contrast stitching and Granlux suede-like inserts on the upper bolsters, provide the front passengers with ample space. Although the back seat is not fit for passengers, it can be used to stow groceries or luggage and can also be folded flat to extend the trunk area. The interior of the GT also features Granlux trim accents on the door panels and the dash, a unique instrument panel, and leather-like knee support cushions for spirited driving. Other standard features include an auto-dimming rearview mirror, air conditioning, power windows and locks, keyless entry and ignition, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and parking brake, and cruise control. The standard infotainment system comes with a 7-inch display, eight speakers, voice recognition, Bluetooth, and HD radio. Sports-Car Performance With the GT comes a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is good for 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission, but a six-speed automatic is also available. The 86 GT boasts many performance features that make for some fun playtime on the race tracks, such as a sport-tuned independent MacPherson strut front suspension, an independent multi-link rear suspension, and sport-calibrated electric power steering. Your GT will also be equipped with a vehicle stability control sport tuning system, which allows the driver to switch off all stability assists to afford him full control when on the race track. If you're looking for an affordable sports car that will give you some fun time on the race tracks, as well as a comfortable on-road performance, you should definitely take the Toyota 86 GT for a test drive. Drop by Toyota of Kingsport to take one for a spin. Image via DealerOn

Kingsport, Tennessee, is home to a great variety of restaurants where you can head for a tasty lunch. Ranging from coffee shops to barbecue joints to drive-thrus, Kingsport features the perfect lunch spot for every occasion. Here are a few places that you definitely want to check out the next time you're on a lunch break. Braeden's Barbeque If you fancy authentic hickory-smoked barbecue served by friendly staff, pop by Braeden's Barbeque for lunch. The venue has an informal and cheerful vibe, featuring a big counter painted in bright colors, a few booths, some wooden tables and chairs, and a rough-pine-wall focal point. People don't only go to Braeden's for the ambiance — they are there for the excellent barbecue. On the menu are all the favorites, including pulled pork or turkey, beef brisket, and ribs, which you can complement with your choice of sauce such as hot & spicy, sweet & bold, honey, or the popular house sauce. No barbecue dish, however, is complete without a healthy helping of sides. At Braeden's they serve fries, coleslaw, potato salad, mac n' cheese, sweet potatoes, and onion rings. If barbecue is not your thing, the menu also features a wide selection of burgers, prepared from 100% Black Angus beef, hot dogs, deli sandwiches, and fresh salads. more Pratt's Pratt's has been around since 1971, when patrons could buy fried chicken dinners for 99 cents, and has been a firm favorite with locals since then. Today, the Pratt family still owns Pratt's. The iconic venue is easily recognizable, as it features a 32-foot-tall statue, called "The Big Indian," at the entrance. Inside, the venue is delightful, featuring red-and-white-checkered tables, quaint booths, and a raised "porch" seating area complete with pillars, swinging benches, and windows. The menu at Pratt's boasts loads of meat dishes, including smoked barbecue, St. Louis ribs, meatloaf, glazed ham, smoked turkey, and fried chicken. Guests choose their own sides from the side's menu, which includes Southern favorites like green beans, buttered corn, coleslaw, cinnamon apples, and mashed potatoes. For guests who want something a bit more Southwestern, smoked-chicken quesadillas, pulled-pork tacos, and nachos are also offered. Purple Cow If you don't have time for a sit-down lunch, Purple Cow drive-thru is your go-to place for quick, tasty, and fresh food. The drive-thru is family-owned, which means that guests always receive friendly and attentive service. The owners also take pride in preparing all their dishes from scratch, and from only the freshest and locally-sourced ingredients and produce. On the menu are a variety of subs, burgers, salads, and steak. You can, for instance, opt for The Intimidator, which is a 1-pound beef patty burger with cheese and bacon; the Chicken Bomb, which is a sub with sliced chicken breast, green peppers, mushrooms, and provolone cheese; a Chicken Cordon Blue sandwich; or a Kraut and Wieners hot dog. Their milkshakes are also delicious. Whether you want to spoil yourself with a slow, sit-down lunch on a weekend afternoon, or want to grab a wholesome meal on the run, Kingsport houses the perfect lunch spot for every occasion. Image by tookapic from Pixabay

Toyota cars have long been known for their safety and reliability. To keep with this tradition, Toyota has created Safety Sense, a suite of drivers' assistance features which is now a standard addition on many of their newest car models. Learn how the Toyota Safety Sense can help protect you and your family on the road. more Pre-Collision System The pre-collision system is designed to prevent potential crashes. It uses radar sensors, also known as lane sensors, and an in-vehicle camera to detect the presence of a pedestrian in front of the car. If the camera and sensors detect that a collision is likely, the system will provide visual and audio alerts. After you receive the alerts, if you begin to apply the brakes, then Brake Assist may take over and apply additional pressure on the brakes to come to a stop in time. The pre-collision system with pedestrian detection is available on models such as the Avalon, Camry, Land Cruiser, Corolla, Highlander, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, and Sienna. Lane Departure Alert Lane departure alert is available on all Toyotas equipped with Safety Sense and is designed to detect drifting from the lanes on roads that have visible lane markings. It will activate when drifting is detected above 32 miles per hour, and will provide you with both a visual and audio alert. These alerts will help you find your bearing and make any necessary adjustments to get back into the lane. Steering Assist Electronic Power Steering and Steering Assist 50 is available on the Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Prius, RAV4, and the Sienna. When it activates, it detects unintentional drifting and makes small steering corrections to help direct your vehicle back into its designated lane. Automatic High Beams The Automatic High Beam provides better illumination which will enable you see more clearly at night while minimizing the distraction to other drivers. The Automatic High Beams will activate once the vehicle accelerates over 25 miles per hour. The Beams utilize the in-vehicle camera to detect the presence of head and taillights from other vehicles on the road, automatically adjusting between high and low beams. The high beams are useful for indicating the presence of pedestrians and obstacles. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control The Dynamic Radar Crusie Control is designed to keep your vehicle at a constant speed when traveling on the highway. All you need to do is set your preset speed, and the system will use the front grille-mounted radar and in-vehicle cameras to detect when vehicles in front of you are driving at a slower speed and adjust your speed settings to prevent a collision. Once your path is free, your vehicle will resume its set speed. The DRCC system is available on the Highlander, Land Cruiser, Mirai, Prius, RAV4, Corolla, Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra, and Sienna. Find out how Toyota Safety Sense can help you become a better driver, by stepping into the dealership and testing it on one of their new vehicles. Image via DealerOn

Kingsport is a tried and true hub of National Forests. No matter which direction you head in, you're sure to wind up in one of the area's excellent and beautiful protected forests. Each offers stunning vistas and days worth of recreational activities. If the opportunity for adventure around Kingsport, Tennessee, has sparked your interest, check out this comprehensive guide to some of the incredible National Parks in the vicinity. more George Washington and Jefferson National Forests This massive chunk of land offers a vast amount of opportunity for outdoor fun and recreation. If you're looking to cool off with a swim in the hot summer months, this park includes several great beaches. Cole's Point daytime recreation area includes a large swimming area as well as a large field for games, and there is a one-mile trail and a three-mile trail for hikers. The Bolar Mountain recreation area, Brandywine recreation area, and Beartree recreation area all have great beaches as well. This National Forest is a true gem for fishing fanatics. With the wide variety of fish species available at several optimal bodies of water, it's hard to argue against a day of fishing at these locations. Those with a boat can access miles of wooded shoreline for prime bass fishing. Other species include brown trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish, sunfish, and pickerel. If you don't have a boat, there are dozens of shoreline and pier-fishing opportunities at several recreational areas throughout the park. If you're looking to take advantage of camping opportunities in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. The Clinch, Eastern Divide, Glenwood Pedlar, James River, Lee, North River, and Warm Springs ranger districts all have a multitude of campsites available, many of which include spaces to fit RVs. Hookup availability varies, so check ahead of time. This National Forest is a top destination for local outdoor enthusiasts. Other recreational activities include winter sports, biking, horseback riding, and hunting. Cherokee National Forest Another popular National Forest in the Kingsport area is the Cherokee National Forest. There is a wide variety of water activities in this national forest. Swimming locations include the Chilhowee recreation area, Mac Point Beach, Parkville Beach, Indian Boundary recreational area, and Snook Branch beach. The wet-and-wild fun doesn't end with a few swimming holes. World-class whitewater rafting, motorized and non-motorized boat access, and tubing are all available in the forest's boundaries. The forest has no shortage of fishable waters. You'll find access to rivers, streams, secluded ponds, and large lakes all provide incredible angling opportunities to catch many of the same sought-after species as were listed in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. The wide range of bodies of water creates exciting tests of skill for all levels of fisherman as well as peaceful and memorable vistas. If you're looking for outdoor adventure in the Kingsport area, head to one of the two amazing National Forests listed above. Whether you're looking to do some weekend camping with the family or are heading out on a longer outdoor adventure the area's National Forests have just what you're looking for. Image via Pixabay

Hybrid vehicles have taken the world by storm. Over the last few years, we've seen a huge increase in the number of available hybrid and electric models to choose from. The Toyota Prius has to take some of the credit with it being one of the first mainstream hybrid models to have wide-sweeping success. In 2020, Toyota is looking to re-stake it's claim as a top hybrid on the market with the new Prius Prime. While not all of the details have been revealed, here are a few of the top perks to get excited about. more Updated Cabin Usually, when a model is doing well, not much is done to upgrade the available entertainment and cabin features. This is not the case with the 2020 Prius Prime, which appears to be aiming for a big win once it's released. One of the biggest shifts is a changeover to a five-passenger cabin instead of one that only seats four. This will open up the Prime to those with more than two kids. While cargo numbers aren't yet released, it's safe to assume an extra seat means extra storage capabilities. The extra seating means extra demands for connectivity and device charging. Toyota thought this through and included two extra USB ports, making sure that even a full car is connected and happy regardless of the trip duration. The 2020 Prius Prime is also hitting the pavement with an upgraded entertainment suite which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It's also been announced that satellite radio is standard. Another exciting feature coming to the 2020 Prius Prime is Amazon Alexa compatibility, a feature not common among current vehicle models. Updated Engine and Performance Features At this point, Toyota may have made plenty of drivers happy with the inclusion of in-demand entertainment options and extra seating, however, there have been improvements to the capability and performance features as well. One of the biggest pieces of news coming out of Toyota is an all-electric drive mode for the Prius Prime. This allows it to start competing in the electric space without sacrificing the convenience of hybrid gasoline engines. A two-mode drive system has been created to allow for such a revolutionary changeover. This feature helps give the 2020 Prius Prime an acceleration boost while operating in all-electric mode. Toyota Safety Toyota is quickly being recognized as a leader in standard driver assistance features with all new models being equipped with some level of Toyota Safety Sense. The 2020 Prius Prime includes a mid-level Toyota Safety Sense P, or TSS-P. This suite of assistance features includes collision detection and avoidance, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assistance. Toyota has taken a bold, serious, no-nonsense approach to safety and driver assistance features. All Toyota models continue to include Toyota Safety Sense as a standard feature, which is the brand's suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance features. Optional additions to the safety package include collision avoidance, parking assistance, and blind spot monitoring. The Prius Prime will be in dealership lots before you know it. If this exciting release of a popular hybrid has you chomping at the bit for a test drive, stay alert for news and updates. Image via DealerOn

Bays Mountain Park is one of the top places around to score some memorable outdoor excitement. With plenty of different activities available, the Bays Mountain is sure to have something for everyone. Here is a comprehensive guide to all the outdoor adventures there are to experience at the park this summer. more An Overview of Bays Mountain Park Bays Mountain Park spans 44 acres of outdoor and educational experiences. You'll find everything from a planetarium theater to hiking trails and animal exhibits. There is a small entry fee for access to the park, as well as other small per-diem fees on certain special activities such as boat rides and zipline tours. If you plan on attending the park multiple times a year, you may want to consider a yearly membership. This grants you unlimited access to the park and is offered in several different tiers. Individual passes and family passes are $30 and $50 per year respectively. High tier memberships grant more money to the park and also give you a few more perks. Once In A Lifetime Opportunities The best things about Bays Mountain Park are the once in a lifetime opportunities offered. It's far from an ordinary park. For starters, there are three different ropes and zipline courses for you to experience. The low ropes course includes several team-building puzzles which are sure to create lasting bonds. The high ropes course is similar, however, the experience is a bit more streamlined. Oh, and you're 40 feet in the air. The zipline course will send you over 310 feet from point A to point B. As you explore the park, you'll have a chance to spot whitetail deer, bobcats, red foxes, and even gray wolves. While the wolves are wild, they were raised in captivity and are used to humans' presence. For more animal action, you can check out the raptor sanctuary to get up close and personal with some stunning birds of prey. Visit the herpetarium to learn about reptiles and amphibians. Bays Mountain Park also offers barge rides to give you a new perspective on the wildlife around the park. Tickets are provided to members of the park association, or they can be purchased for $5. The planetarium is also an excellent way to add on to your Bays Mountain experience. Everyday Fun At Bays Mountain Park You don't need to go on a grand adventure to have fun at Bays Mountain Park. The park is also chock-full of exciting hiking and biking trails. There are four popular destinations for hikers at Bays Mountain Park. The waterfall hike and Dolan branch hike will both take you past iconic waterfall scenes. The fire tower and lily pad cove are also popular destinations. There are 32 miles of biking trails with different trails for every skill level. Bays Mountain Park is more than just another park. The hiking and biking trails are top-notch, and the ropes courses, barge rides, and planetarium add a new depth of excitement. Check out Bays Mountain Park the next sunny weekend! Image via Pixabay

Fuel efficiency has become a big sector in the automotive industry. Buyers are looking to save a bit of money for better things and overall concerns for the environment and fluctuating availability of oil are also driving factors. This makes hybrid and electric vehicles much more attractive options than less efficient cars, trucks, and SUVs. The electric vehicle charging infrastructure is growing but falls short in many rural areas, making hybrids a great choice. The Toyota Highlander is answering the call with the inclusion of a hybrid version in the 2020 release. Here's a quick look under the hood. more Here's What Makes The 2020 Highlander Hybrid So Exciting The comfort and convenience of an SUV or compact SUV are hard to argue. However, the fuel economy has been a thorn in the side of many owners who have had to put up with sub-optimal numbers for years. The new hybrid Highlander, however, will apparently boast numbers close to or above 34 MPG, a massive step forward in SUV efficiency. Toyota had some help in this department outside of pure engineering. A smaller engine is included in the new Highlander, but it shouldn't lose too much oomph. With regard to the powertrain, previous year's releases included a hybrid option for an all-wheel-drive option. To create more pricing flexibility, the 2020 Highlander Hybrid has configurations for both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The move to a four-cylinder engine from a six-cylinder may make you think that there will be less capability, however, an added battery beneath the seats helps ensure it has the same performance specs as its 2019 counterpart. Entertainment Additions On the 2020 Highlander Toyota is adding entertainment features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the new Highlander. Lately, these media connectivity features have worked their way into being standard inclusions, so making sure they found their way onto the Highlander was a great choice by the designers. You can access these great features and more on an intuitive 8-inch touch screen display. This Platinum trim has an upgraded 12.5-inch display, making it one of the largest available. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 Toyota has been committed to adding excellent driver assistance features as standard inclusions for a couple of years now. The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid will include Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, or TSS 2.0. This premium set of driver assistance safety features adds an entire umbrella of great technology which makes the roads a much safer place to drive. TSS 2.0 includes a pre-collision warning system with added pedestrian detection. Dynamic cruise control automatically adjusts the cruising speed if you are gaining on the car in front of you too quickly, and maintains a safe distance. Lane departure assistance with added lane tracing features help you keep the Highlander in the correct lane. Automatic high-beams are a nice, convenient touch for nighttime driving. The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is creating a lot of buzz and for good reason. The added efficiency and extra safety and tech features make the full-size SUV a very attractive option to car buyers. Image via DealerOn

As summer gets closer and the temperatures continue to climb, you might decide to head outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. Fortunately, Kingsport, Tennessee, has a variety of parks in the area that offer something for everyone to enjoy. When you're ready to have some fun this summer, check out a few of these top options. more Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium The 3,550-acre Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium offers the ideal place to explore nature. Head to the nature center and animal habitat area to get a closer look at some of the animals that live in the area. If you need to stretch your legs, the park has over 39-miles of hiking trails. You can also check out a show at the planetarium, take a barge ride on the Kingsport Reservoir, or have some fun on the adventure course. Preston Forest Park The three-acre Preston Forest Park provides several recreational opportunities to enjoy. If you're looking to play some sports, the park has soccer goals, a basketball court, a backstop for baseball or softball, and open green space. Children will also have a good time at the playground and multi-station swing set. You can also bring a lunch to enjoy at the pavilion or picnic tables. Centennial Park The beautiful Centennial Park in the heart of Kingsport provides a unique destination to learn more about the city and spend some time outside. The park was created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the city. You can take a stroll along the walkway to read about the history of the city. The interactive water fountain at the center of the park is a popular spot on hot days and it even illuminates at night. Riverview Park When you're looking to have some fun, plan a trip to Riverview Park. This eight-acre park has a basketball court, two lighted tennis courts, lighted open green space, and a children's playground. When it's hot outside, you can cool down with the surface water jets, rotating water cannons, and dumping buckets at the Riverview Splash Pad. Cloud Park Cloud Park makes it easy to have fun on wheels. The seven-acre park is home to Scott Adams Skate Park, it's open to bikers and skateboarders. The park also provides access to the Kingsport Greenbelt, which is a nine-mile path that meanders through the city and offers an excellent opportunity for walking and bicycling. Edinburgh Park Edinburgh Park is a 4.5-acre neighborhood park that's a nice place to relax. The walking paths wind around two ponds and feature ornamental landscaping and decorative lighting. If you want to enjoy the view of the birds swimming in the water or the fountain in one pond, you can take a seat on one of the park benches. The ponds are also stocked with fish. If you have your fishing license, you can drop a line and see what's biting. Whether you want to get out and hike or find some relief from the summer heat, you'll have a great time when you check out these Kingsport parks. Image via Pixabay

Toyota debuted the new 2020 Highlander at this year's New York Auto Show and the redesigned SUV had a lot of people talking. Learn more about what Toyota showcased at the auto show and what you can expect when the updated Highlander hits the market later this year. New Style on the Outside While the overall silhouette of the 2020 Toyota Highlander is similar to the 2019 version, the SUV will be about two-inches longer. It also showcases a new appearance that's a little more streamlined. In the front, the Highlander has a smaller grille and thinner headlights. As you go along the side of the vehicle, you'll notice a new accent line that sweeps from the front fender to the rear wheel arch. Once you get to the back of the SUV, you'll see the taillights have also been thinned to match the headlights. more New Engine Options Toyota made some excellent changes to the engine options in the 2020 Highlander. The 2.7-liter engine that came standard on the 2019 models is gone. In its place, the 2020 Highlander will have a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that works with an eight-speed automatic transmission to generate 295 horsepower and deliver a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Additionally, if you're looking for an SUV that combines plenty of room with top-notch efficiency, you'll be pleased to know the 2020 Highlander will also have a hybrid model. Spacious Interior If you're searching for a new Toyota that offers plenty of interior space, you'll love what you find in the 2020 Highlander. The Highlander will come standard with seating for up to eight people. It's also available with second-row captain's chairs for seating for up to seven. Additionally, the Highlander will offer plenty of luxurious features, such as genuine leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. For your convenience, the Highlander will now come standard with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Updated Technology If you're interested in some of the latest technology features, the new Toyota Highlander has you covered. The 6-inch display that came standard with the infotainment system in the 2019 model has been replaced. The SUV will now come standard with an 8-inch touch screen display. It's also available with a 12.3-inch touch screen display. Additionally, for the first time ever, the Highlander will now come standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Waze, and Amazon Alexa. Impressive Safety Features The 2020 Toyota Highlander will still come standard with automatic high beams, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. New safety features for the SUV include a road sign reading system and lane tracing assist which helps you stay centered on the highway. Additionally, the Highlander will be available with a blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and parking distance monitors that include automatic braking. These are just a few of the great new features Toyota unveiled when it debuted the new 2020 Highlander. To discover even more, visit your Toyota dealer when the Highlander arrives later this year. Image via DealerOn