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The late morning meal of brunch became a popular American pastime in the 1930s. It's an excellent way to combine breakfast, lunch, and maybe even a glass of champagne. When you're hungry for more, try these four awesome brunch spots around Kingsport, Tennessee. The Bagel Exchange When you're craving an authentic New York-style bagel, head to The Bagel Exchange. It's a relaxing place to pick up a sandwich and a cup of coffee. Baked fresh daily, try the house breakfast bagel. It's piled high with scrambled eggs and your choice of cheese. Add ham, bacon, sausage, or turkey to this mountain of flavor, all for under five bucks. If you're feeling more on the lunch side of brunch, sample the NYPD Blue featuring chicken and ham with melted swiss cheese perched atop a multigrain bagel. Bring your laptop and surf the net while you dine with the Bagel Exchange's free Wi-Fi. more Lynn Garden Restaurant Family owned and operated by the Kerneys since 1989, Lynn Garden Restaurant is a tasty choice for brunch any day of the week. Their delicious, homestyle dishes are prepared fresh daily, and their extensive breakfast menu has something for every taste. Order up the Sunrise Special featuring eggs, biscuits, and gravy with sausage or get the short stack with a pancake special. Feast on the unlimited salad bar or order a basket of crispy onion rings. If you're feeling extra hungry, discover Lynn Garden's all-you-can-eat buffet, open for brunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to close. Perkins Restaurant and Bakery Perkins is an American tradition where you can get your fill of breakfast classics any time of day. Choose from farm-fresh omelets or a mouthwatering sunrise skillet, or build your own plate with dozens of tasty items. Get fantastic fruit pies, mammoth muffins, and scrumptious cookies for home from Perkins' bakery. Bring the kids along and order their favorites from the Kid's Perks menu. Whether they're hungry for the three pancake dippers served with syrup or the classic grilled cheese, Perkins aims to please. Join the club with an MYPERKINS account and get 20 percent off your next meal. You'll be the first to know about exclusive offers, including a special birthday gift. Cracker Barrel Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, with its Southern country theme and delightful gift shop, is a Tennessee darling. Founded in Lebanon in 1969, this hometown restaurant is famous for their brunch menu. Try traditional dishes such as Grandpa's Country Fried Breakfast with two eggs, grits, hash brown casserole, and a country fried steak. It comes with all the fixings from sawmill gravy to the best fruit preserves. Did you know that Cracker Barrel also offers catering? Whether it's a church brunch or a baby shower, have all of your dishes prepared by the professionals and save the cleanup for them too. Brunch is a hearty meal that's good for the soul. No need to wait for Sunday. Set out for a mid-morning feast today, at one of these awesome brunch spots around Kingsport. Image by JayMantri from Pixabay

Toyota makes plenty of fantastic cars, and one of them is the all-new 2019 Camry. With a handsome and expertly crafted exterior design, exceptionally powerful specifications under the hood, convenient features inside, and advanced safety additions to navigate you to your destination as safely as possible, there's no denying the Camry is an all-around great vehicle. Some have gone as far as to say the car offers a sporty aesthetic, and they're not exaggerating. There are plenty of reasons as to why the Camry is sportier than you might think. Here are a few that stand out to us. Sporty Engines The main reason why the 2019 Camry has been described as sporty is thanks to what's under the hood. You can configure the Camry with either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque or a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Both offer enough performance to navigate to any destination with ease, no matter how tight a turn or sub-optimal a driving condition you come across. more Powerful Accommodations But, of course, that's not all. The 2019 Camry also comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive, advanced suspensions, electric power steering, power-assisted brakes, and more. All of these features combined with the incredible engines Toyota includes, make it clear the Camry can provide the same performance you'd find out of a car specifically designed to offer a sporty experience. Clean Design Of course, any sporty car needs to look as good on the outside as it does under the hood, and the 2019 Camry doesn't disappoint. The car features an alluring design with modern head and taillight designs, clean lines, perfectly sculpted edges, and an incredible grille design. Even the tires look really good and are enough to turn some heads. No doubt about it, you'll fall in love with the Camry's sporty design the moment you lay eyes on it. Amazing Cabin Driving any sporty car has to be enjoyable, and the 2019 Camry delivers once again with its array of features that make the car both fun to drive and convenient day to day. For instance, you get available Cockpit Red leather-trimmed seats, a panoramic roof, and available paddle shifters that will remind you of a race car you'd find at the track. The interior also comes with many conveniences such as Apple CarPlay, a premium audio system, a navigation system, an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen, and more. All of these features are implemented with the expert craftsmanship only Toyota could provide. With so many features aboard the 2019 Camry, it's no wonder why so many people call Toyota's vehicle sporty, exciting, and attractive. Of course, with so much more to learn about the Camry, you'll want to make sure you stop by Toyota of Kingsport in the near future and take one for a test drive to experience this amazing vehicle first-hand. Trust us, you'll feel like the king of the road from the moment you step inside this incredibly-capable sedan. Image via DealerOn

Sitting in the northeast corner of Tennessee, Kingsport is a modest city right in the heart of the southern Appalachian range. The city isn't well-known for its cattle pastures or its fishing industry, but that doesn't stop it from having some of the best steak and seafood restaurants in the Mountain Empire region. If you find yourself in the area at dinner time, you should stop by one of the following places to see what Kingsport can offer. The Chop House The Chop House is a Tennessee chain restaurant, and its outpost in Kingsport sits on North Eastman Road by Indian Highland Park. The Chop House makes a point of offering cornfed, aged Midwestern beef, tender prime rib, and fully inspected seafood. The menu includes steakhouse classics like colossal fried onion rings, Caesar salad, and rib-eye steaks, but you can also find options like Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, homemade crab cakes, seasonal seafood, and steaks seared with a horseradish crust. more Riverfront Seafood Co. The Riverfront Seafood Company sits on Netherland Inn Road in the shadow of the US-23 bridge. Like the name promises, Riverfront Seafood gives you a great view of the Holston River, both from inside the building and from the tables on the back porch. The restaurant offers plenty of seafood options, including mahi-mahi, oysters from the Gulf, crab cakes, and Alaskan white fish, but you can also choose from chicken tenders, beef filet, and pork chops. Stop by at 11 a.m. and you can buy your fish fresh from the daily seafood market that the restaurant hosts. Surf N Brew Surf N Brew is an oyster bar with two locations: one in North Carolina, and one near the Indian Path Medical Center on East Stone Drive in Kingsport. The restaurant puts a big emphasis on delivering plenty of oysters and locally brewed beers and ciders, but that's not all they offer. You can also order surf 'n turf and combine oysters or crab legs with steak or chicken, and you can order a steam pot full of shellfish and corn for the whole family to enjoy together. The Fisherman's Dock Despite the name, The Fisherman's Dock sits at one end of a strip mall on Fort Henry Drive. It's an unassuming place with a diner atmosphere and quiet patrons, but the menu includes all the classic seafood and steak options and all the Southern-style love you could ask for. You can get hush puppies and crinkle-cut fries piled onto just about every menu item, and popular side orders include baked potatoes still in the foil and coleslaw by the cup. Kingsport isn't the biggest city in Tennessee, but it's big enough to bring in area chains and offer some classic food served in local diners. Whether it's the surf or the turf that has your attention, and whether you want properly aged beef or oysters by the bucket, you can get your fill at any of the restaurants listed above and without having to visit a national chain to find it. Image by Stefan from Pixabay

With football season in full effect, many fans are gearing up to travel to their favorite team's stadium and have a great time with friends and family with a tailgating party. Oftentimes, you might think you need a big and inefficient vehicle to have the most fun with everyone, but that's not necessarily the case. In fact, Toyota offers up lots of different cars that can make for a great tailgating experience. Whether you need extra room for food or to store everything you'll need for the day ahead, Toyota has something for everyone in their lineup. Here are three Toyotas that make perfect tailgating companions. 2019 Toyota RAV4 It might not seem like the most obvious choice at first, but the 2019 Toyota RAV4 SUV is a great car to help you have a fantastic tailgating time. It includes up to 73.4 cubic feet of cargo room that allows you to store everything you need for the party, plus you can tow up to 1,750 pounds of cargo if you need it. You also get an Entune Audio system for jamming out to some hype music as you wait for the game to start. On top of all that, you get the standard array of RAV4 features, such as incredible performance, a slick design, and advanced safety features. Overall, you can't go wrong with this exceptional SUV. more 2019 Toyota Tacoma Next up on our list is the 2019 Tacoma. A more obvious choice for tailgating, this truck can carry a payload of up to 1,440 pounds and tow up to 6,800 pounds of cargo. Plus, its bed offers just enough room to fit everything you need for the party, such as chairs, tables, and food. You're also getting incredible performance thanks to Toyota's implementation of a 3.5-liter V-6 direct-injection engine. Plus, with trailer-sway control, you'll be sure to get everything you need to your destination as safely as possible. 2019 Toyota Tundra Finally, consider the 2019 Toyota Tundra. This truck is similar to the Tacoma in that it offers a large bed for storing all the necessary supplies you need for a good time, but the Tundra ups the ante with even more performance under the hood and an even bigger towing capacity of 10,200 pounds. Combine these amazing features with an Entune Audio system for a fantastic music experience, you and your guests will be in for a real treat as you tailgate the night away. There are lots of exceptionally capable vehicles in Toyota's lineup that could all serve as tailgate companions. However, the vehicles we mentioned here will likely give you the best experience possible the next time you and your friends are looking to party. And with so much power and so many features packed inside, all three serve as great everyday vehicles as well. If you're interested in learning more about the vehicles mentioned here, be sure to visit Toyota of Kingsport. Image via DealerOn

Working out is a great way to keep yourself healthy, strong, and agile. Finding the perfect place to work out at, however, can be a tedious process. Luckily, if you live in or around Kingsport, Tennessee, you'll find that there are lots of gyms open for getting your exercise in. And while choosing one might not be easy at first, we've found three gyms we think you're going to love, which should help you in your search for your new workout spot. Snap Fitness Located right in Kingsport, Snap Fitness has everything you need to get in the best shape of your life. The gym offers heart-rate monitoring, cardio, strength training, plenty of available weights, and 24/7 access for all members. No matter what type of workout you're looking to perform, you're bound to find all the right equipment at this gym along with the necessary training to obtain the body of your dreams. Plans at Snap Fitness start at just $8.95 for a 30-day membership. Be sure to visit their website for more information on plans and pricing. more Anytime Fitness At Anytime Fitness, they're ready to help you reach your fitness goals with cardio and strength equipment, fun classes, experienced personal trainers, virtual coaching with custom workout programs, and much more. Located right behind O'Charleys on Eastman Drive in the Downtown East Shopping Center, Anytime Fitness is another great option if you're looking to meet your goals. Memberships at Anytime Fitness start at $34.99 per month. There's also a free seven-day trial available that will get you acquainted with the gym and how it operates. You'll want to stop by or visit their website for more information. Gold Star Fitness & Racquet Club Located on American Way in Kingsport, Gold Star Fitness & Racquet Club offers a fun and friendly atmosphere where you can achieve your fitness goals among others looking to do the same. Locals say the gym offers a good array of equipment, a friendly staff, and fun music to listen to as you're pumping iron and getting your reps in. Whether you're a beginner or are looking to maintain an already-jacked physique, Gold Star Fitness & Racquet Club is a great place to burn some calories and work up a sweat. For pricing information on plans and memberships, be sure to visit Gold Star Fitness & Racquet Club in person. You can also check out their Facebook page here. There are lots of great gyms out there, but when you visit any of the three we've mentioned here, you'll be in for a unique experience with each designed to help you achieve your fitness goals and maintain a healthy, strong, and active lifestyle. Of course, you can also feel free to explore Kingsport even more since we don't have time to mention all of the great gyms in the area. These are simply a few of our favorites we're positive you'll fall in love with. Image by Markus Spiske from Pixabay

Whether you like heading off-road or going camping, you know you need a vehicle that can handle a variety of conditions. That's why the 2018 Toyota 4Runner is an excellent option. Learn more about the top features of the 4Runner that make it an excellent choice for your next adventure. Convenient Exterior Features Since off-road conditions are sometimes a challenge, the 2018 Toyota 4Runner comes standard with a variety of exterior features to make the drive a little easier. The integrated fog lights and LED taillights provide excellent illumination when you need it. If the weather starts to change while you're out, you'll appreciate the convenience of the windshield wiper de-icer. The privacy glass on the rear windows and liftgate window is stylish and functional. Additionally, the skid plates on the fuel tank, engine, front suspension, and transfer case offer some extra protection from rocks, logs, or anything else in your path. more Excellent Power and Performance From the daily commute to off-road adventures, you'll love the power and performance you can feel every time you get behind the wheel of the 2018 4Runner. Every vehicle comes standard with a 4.0-liter V-6 engine that generates 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, with your choice of standard part-time four-wheel drive with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) or available full-time four-wheel drive with A-TRAC, you know you'll enjoy confident handling on a variety of road conditions. Versatile Interior Every adventure is different, which is why the Toyota 4Runner has an interior designed to adjust to your needs. The standard 40/20/40 fold-flat second-row seat makes it easy to create the combination you need for carrying cargo and passengers. If you know you'll have plenty of people joining you on your getaways, you'll appreciate the available third-row seat that increases your seating capacity up to seven. Plus, if you fold all the seats down, you'll enjoy up to 89 cubic feet of cargo space. Great Technology Features Along with great versatility, the inside of 2018 4Runner also includes some excellent technology features to help you stay connected with civilization even when you're leaving it behind. The 4Runner comes standard with a 6.1-inch touch-screen display that includes an auxiliary port, USB port, Bluetooth wireless technology for music streaming and hands-free phone capabilities, voice recognition controls, and Siri Eyes Free. Impressive Safety Features Since you never know what an off-road adventure will throw at you, the 2018 Toyota 4Runner comes with plenty of great safety features. Whether you're trying to back up around trees or hitch to a trailer, the standard rearview camera with projected path can make it easier to see what's behind the vehicle. The 4Runner also comes standard with the Star Safety System, which includes Smart Stop Technology, anti-lock brakes, brake assist, brake-force distribution, vehicle stability control, and traction control. No matter what type of outdoor adventures you enjoy, you'll find these great features and more make the 2018 Toyota 4Runner the perfect companion for your fun. Image via DealerOn

From Chattanooga to the Tri-Cities of Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, Tennessee has a long and rich history with the railroads that helped build the area. Whether you're interested in trains or simply want to learn more about the history of the area, make some plans to check out these top railroad museums in East Tennessee. Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum The Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum offers a variety of interesting activities worth exploring. If you head to the town of Jonesborough, you can take a tour of the historic Chuckey train depot, which has been restored and now serves as a museum. The historical society also offers excursions on the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which has been a popular location for filming movies, including "The Fugitive," "My Fellow Americans," and "Forces of Nature." more George L. Carter Railroad Museum Located on the campus of East Tennessee State University, the George L. Carter Railroad Museum draws thousands of visitors every year to view the railroad memorabilia, toy trains, operating displays, and more. The Dr. Fred J. Alsop III Gallery has displays of railroad charts, photos and paintings, and three operating model train layouts. The Charles Ken Marsh Gallery recreates the route that brought ore from Cranberry, North Carolina, to Johnson City, Tennessee. Finally, even the smallest engineers can have fun in the Little Engineers Room, which is a railroad-themed playroom. Little River Railroad Museum In 1901, W.B. Townsend created the Little River Lumber Company and Little River Railroad to cut timber from the forests in the Great Smoky Mountains and transport it around the country. The lumber company and railroad went on to become one of the largest commercial logging operations in the area. Today, the Little River Railroad Museum showcases this history with its museum and outside exhibits. You can view a vintage caboose, two vintage flatcars, a steam engine, and more outside of the museum. Inside the museum you'll learn the story of Little River through photographs, tools, and other small artifacts. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Take a trip to Chattanooga to explore the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Often described as a moving museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad offers interactive excursions that give an up-close look at history. Not only does the railroad offer regularly scheduled rides throughout the year, such as the Hiwassee Loop and Missionary Ridge Local, but you can also sign up for special excursions, like Dinner on the Diner, Halloween Eerie Express, and North Pole Limited. Monterey Depot Museum Tucked away in the small town of Monterey is the Monterey Depot Museum. Although the museum offers history about train service in the area and how it impacted jobs and industries, you'll learn about more than just trains when you visit. The museum also has displays that look at the lives of the Native Americans, coal miners, and timber cutters who once lived in the area. Whether you want to view model trains or head out on a real excursion, you'll find plenty of enjoyable activities at these railroad museums in East Tennessee. Image by Michael Krämer from Pixabay

When you're searching for a stylish and fun compact car that's ideal to take to college, consider the 2018 Toyota Corolla. With impressive features inside and out, you're sure to find several reasons to love the Corolla. Learn some of the top reasons why the Corolla is the perfect vehicle to take you back to college. Sporty Exterior You'll love taking the 2018 Toyota Corolla for a spin to show off its sporty exterior. The Corolla comes standard with Bi-LED headlights and LED daytime running lights that are sharp, eye-catching, and efficient. The available rear spoiler integrates perfectly on the back of the vehicle to provide good looks and more aerodynamics. Other available features you'll enjoy as you go up in trim levels include heated side mirrors with built-in turn signal indicators, a power tilt and slide moon roof, and chrome-tipped exhaust. more Stylish Interior Along with plenty of style on the outside, the 2018 Corolla offers some great stylish features on the inside as well. The available SofTex-trimmed seats offer a leather-like feel that provides plenty of support for long road trips and stain and water resistance for those little mishaps along the way. Plus, with the available automatic climate control and heated front seats, you'll always feel comfortable no matter what type of weather you have outside. Plenty of Technology When you're looking for some of the latest connectivity technology, you'll find it inside the Toyota Corolla. The Corolla comes standard with an infotainment system that includes music streaming and hands-free phone access using Bluetooth, advanced voice recognition, Siri Eyes Free, and a six-speaker audio system. You'll be able to access and work this system using either the 6.1-inch touch-screen display or the built-in controls on the steering wheel. You'll also enjoy a USB port and 12-volt outlet to keep everything charged while you're on the road. Excellent Performance While you want a fun drive, you also need an efficient one. That's why the 2018 Toyota Corolla comes standard with a 1.8-liter engine that produces 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. On its own, this engine gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 32 mpg combined. However, press the available ECO Mode button and the Corolla will ease gas pedal output and adjust the air conditioning to give you even better fuel efficiency. Great Safety Features To help you stay safe when you're on the road, the Corolla comes standard with plenty of impressive safety features. You'll enjoy a rearview camera that automatically turns on when you put the vehicle in reverse. The Corolla also comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes automatic high beams, lane departure alert with steering assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. Other standard safety features include hill start assist, a tire pressure monitor system, traction control, and brake assist. When you're looking for the ideal vehicle to take to college, you can't beat the style and features offered on the 2018 Toyota Corolla. Image via DealerOn

The Tri-Cities area of Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, Tennessee, is home to plenty of great restaurants, including some incredible seafood options. Whether you're craving crab or in the mood for shrimp, the next time you're planning a meal out, make sure you check out one of these top seafood restaurants in the Tri-Cities. Harbor House Seafood and Steaks Locally owned and operated in Johnson City, Harbor House Seafood and Steaks offers an impressive variety of domestic seafood options. Open for lunch and dinner, you can start the meal with a bowl of the clam chowder or the shrimp cocktail. For the main meal, the ultimate crab cakes come with your choice of one or two cakes, the stuffed flounder comes packed with delicious pieces of crab meat, and the Harbor House Special includes Alaskan whitefish, oysters, deviled crab, butterfly shrimp, sea scallops, and clam strips. more Riverfront Seafood Company Located right on the shores of the South Fork Holston River in Kingsport, Riverfront Seafood Restaurant offers great waterfront views to go along with its seafood meals. When you stop by for lunch or dinner, consider the Riverfront Combo Platter, which comes with Alaskan white fish and popcorn shrimp, or the North Atlantic salmon, which is grilled with your choice of seasoning. If you're interested in dining at home, be sure to check out the fresh seafood market for options you can cook yourself. Surf N Brew Oyster Bar With locations in Johnson City and Kingsport, it's easy to find a Surf N Brew Oyster Bar when you're looking for a fun place to enjoy seafood. With around 24 craft beers and ciders from local breweries on hand, you're sure to find an excellent drink to go along with your meal. If you're not sure what to get, the steam pots are always a popular option. The Duo Brew Bucket includes 12 steamed oysters, a half-pound of shrimp, half-pound of snow crab legs, two pieces of corn, hush puppies, and coleslaw. Greene's Fresh Seafood Head to Greene's Fresh Seafood in Bristol for a nice selection of seafood options for lunch and dinner. In the afternoon, the blackened tuna sandwich and crab cake sandwich are popular options. If you're stopping by for dinner and bringing your appetite, the Seaside Sampler Platter comes with fresh whitefish, jumbo shrimp, scallops, oysters, and deviled crab. Don't forget to finish the meal with a slice of the Key lime pie or New York-style cheesecake. The Fisherman's Dock The Fisherman's Dock in Kingsport serves up quality seafood in a warm and friendly environment. Stop by for lunch or dinner and you can start with the oyster stew or New England clam chowder. Popular seafood dishes include the broiled sea scallops, flounder fillet with jumbo shrimp, crab cake, and crispy clam strips. Be sure to check out the daily lunch and dinner specials as well. No matter what type of seafood you're in the mood for, you're sure to find it when you dine at one of these top seafood restaurants in the Tri-Cities. Image by 昕 沈 from Pixabay

You have finally graduated from college, and the world is now your oyster. A new vehicle could be your ticket to navigating this unfamiliar world full of fresh opportunities. To help make owning a new vehicle a reality, graduates are encouraged to take advantage of Toyota's College Grad Program to get a great deal and save money. At Toyota of Kingsport, college graduates who meet specified requirements can receive a $750 rebate when they finance or lease select untitled Toyotas, Scions, and Priuses through Toyota Financial Services. Rebate Program Vehicle Choices Toyota makes it easy to find the right vehicle to fit your needs and your personality. From a new sedan or SUV to the convenience of a hatchback or the efficiency of a hybrid, the College Grad Rebate Program is designed with you in mind. Vehicle choices include the new Camry, RAV4, Corolla, Tacoma, Corolla iM, Yaris and Prius models, and Scions. Alternatively, if you are looking for a quality used vehicle, Toyota Certified Used Vehicles or Scion Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles are also eligible for the rebate. more Rebate Qualifications To qualify for the $750 rebate, you must show proof that you will either be graduating from an eligible school or graduate degree program within six months after you sign the purchase or lease agreement or that you have already graduated from an approved/accredited school at some point during the two years prior. You must also show proof of current or upcoming employment. If you have an upcoming position with a future start date, you must show proof that the start date will begin at some point within a 120-day timeframe of when you received credit approval. The types of schools and programs that are considered eligible include four-year accredited colleges or universities and registered nursing programs. An accredited two-year undergraduate or an associate degree earned from a junior, community, or technical college or an accredited vocational or trade school is also acceptable. You must be able to provide proof in the form of one of these items: a diploma; a letterhead from your college, noting your graduation date and degree earned; a copy of your transcript with your degree and your date of graduation listed; or, if you're still enrolled, a copy of your current transcript. Alternatively, those who are still enrolled may also submit a letter from the registrar that validates your current enrollment and provides your choice of degree program. Financial Services Toyota of Kingsport makes the financing portion easy by allowing students to apply for credit online. Once you have filled out the credit application and it has been processed, you will receive an email notifying you of your status. If you have met all the qualifications and been approved, just print the verification email and bring it with you to the dealership. The next step is the fun part — you get to choose your new Toyota or Scion. Whether you have recently graduated or you are getting ready to graduate, start your new future with the quality craftsmanship you will only find in a Toyota. Image by Andrea1597 from Pixabay

If you are an avid cave explorer, then you know how exciting it can be to explore the ins and outs of a cave on a spelunking adventure. With summer in full bloom, now's the time to load up a new Toyota and head to the hills. Bristol Caverns Bristol Caverns is part of the network of caverns within the Great Smoky Mountains. It is expansive and provides visitors with a colorful vista intertwined with formations from large to small. Tours take visitors along the very paths taken by Indians years ago when they used the caverns as a means of escape for raiding parties. Throughout the tour, you'll traverse three cavern levels and the Underground River located 180-feet below the surface. Bristol Caverns is about a half-hour's drive from Kingsport and open year-round. more Appalachian Caverns When you take the guided tour of the Appalachian Caverns, you'll step back in time to as early as 675 A.D. Historical evidence of habitation dating back to more than 1300 years ago was discovered at the caverns, as well as a log cabin that dates back to 1777.  The caverns also served as a hospital, a place for military troops to hide, and a place to make moonshine. The regular guided tour takes a little over an hour for the one-mile journey along gravel and concrete pathways where you'll experience firsthand the artistic beauty of the many formations. The extended tour allows spelunkers to explore undeveloped areas and requires specific equipment to participate. The caverns are open daily for tours. There is also a campground, souvenir shop, and a gem mine. Tuckaleechee Caverns If you don't mind venturing a little further for your spelunking adventure, the Tuckaleechee Caverns are well worth the drive. Located in Townsend, the drive takes about two hours. Open to the public since 1931, the 1.25-mile expanse is a true adventure. The caverns are millions of years old and offer some of the most spectacular examples of living cave onyx formations. You'll see helictites, cave draperies, stalactites and stalagmites, the Big Room — a cavernous area nearly the size of a football stadium — and the subterranean 210-foot Silver Falls. The caverns open for guided tours seven days a week at 10 a.m. March 15 through Nov. 15. Forbidden Caverns Located about an hour and a half away in Sevierville, the guided tours at Forbidden Caverns offer an up-close look at these ancient caverns with a colorful history. The caverns were a source of shelter for Eastern Woodland Indians back in the day. From 1943, the caverns became active as a repository for making moonshine due to the crystal-clear water running through them. In 1967, the caverns opened to the public, allowing visitors to witness extraordinary formations of stalagmites and stalactites, picturesque grottos, ornate walls and columns, and resident bats. Open April through November, guided tours begin at 10 a.m. Enjoy the 55-minute tour and then have some refreshments and pick up a souvenir or two at the gift shop. While spelunking is an interesting excursion into the dark recesses of caves, it can be a dangerous activity even for the most experienced spelunker. With this in mind, never go alone. Guided tours are the best way to enjoy this exhilarating pastime with friends and family. Image by LEEROY Agency from Pixabay

When buying your next vehicle, consider the benefits of choosing a pre-owned model that has had limited owners. Purchasing a well-maintained pre-owned vehicle can save money on future repairs and get you a reliable vehicle at the same time. Limited Ownership Benefits One-Owner Vehicles The ideal choice when purchasing a used vehicle is to find what you're looking for in a car that has only had one owner. While this is the best-case scenario, it isn't always the reality. It may be simple to find what you're looking for both in price and features, but more than likely, in a vehicle that has had more than one owner. A one-owner car is a gem, as it has most likely been maintained by the owner whether they've owned it for one year or five. Since it was purchased new, that means the owner made a significant investment. Because of this, the chances are greater that it has received ongoing maintenance and service checks. A vehicle that is on its fifth owner, for example, may not be in the same great condition as that of one owner. A car's second or third (or more) owners may not have the same inclination to maintain the upkeep of the car since they purchased the car for a much lower price. Another reason that vehicles that have had multiple owners may be problematic is that the vehicles have been subjected to a variety of driving styles that may result in more stress to the cars' parts. Vehicles with limited ownership, especially those with only one previous owner, are generally in better condition, require fewer repairs, and have a higher resale value. more What to Look for When Buying Just looking at the odometer isn't going to tell you whether one or more drivers have driven the vehicle. A car, truck, or SUV with 100,000 miles on it might have been logged by one owner or by a series of owners. If the car comes with a set of service records providing the vehicle's maintenance history, the records will often list the previous owner's name (or owners' names). Having an overall history of the vehicle is important. You can gain access to a vehicle's background by asking the dealership's staff about their inventory of vehicles that have a CARFAX history report. If you're browsing the inventory on the dealership's website, look for the CARFAX 1 Owner emblem on the vehicle's information page. The report is based on the car's registration history. CARFAX One-Owner History CARFAX was established in 1986 to provide vehicle information, including model, trim, engine and drivetrain, standard equipment, safety options, and the vehicle's VIN number. A CARFAX report also lists the title and ownership history, including the year the vehicle was purchased, the type of owner (business or corporate), how long it was owned, where the vehicle was registered, and the odometer reading. If accidents or damage were reported to CARFAX, these would also be included in the report along with its service/maintenance records. While it is important to know how many owners a vehicle has had when it comes time to decide, selecting one with the least owners may cost more, but it can be a better bargain in the long-run. Image by Diego Bircher from Pixabay