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For 2019, the redesigned Toyota Prius retains its distinctive aerodynamic shape but gets a sleek new front fascia and stylish front and rear light layouts. The Prius is now offered with the available AWD-e electronic all-wheel-drive system that gives you improved traction when it's needed. The four available trim levels are L Eco, LE, XLE, and Limited, and AWD-e is an option on LE and XLE trims. Exterior Features The Prius has stabilizing fins and an active grille shutter to improve airflow. L Eco and LE models offer Bi-LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, 15-inch alloy wheels, and body-color door handles and heated power door mirrors. Added to the XLE are 17-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic headlamps, while AWD-e models feature unique 15-inch wheels, LED signature lighting, and fog lamps. Stepping up to the Limited trim gets you adaptive front lights with auto-leveling headlamps. Interior Design Inside the Prius, you'll find 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space which increases to a generous 65.5 cubic feet with the 60/40 split rear seats folded. Because of its clever design, you don't lose any load space with AWD-e models despite an extra rear axle electric motor. L Eco and LE models feature keyless entry and ignition, cloth upholstery with six-way adjusting driving seat, climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, and digital instrumentation with a 4.2-inch customizable multi-information display. The Toyota Entune multimedia system features Bluetooth, voice command, iPod connectivity, a 6.1-inch touch screen, and a six-speaker audio system with CD player, three USB ports, and an auxiliary input. The XLE has SofTex simulated leather seating, an eight-way power driving seat, SofTex bound steering wheel and door panels, and wireless phone charging. The top-of-the-line Limited features a color head-up display, a split-screen 11.6 -inch touch-screen display with integrated navigation, and premium 10-speaker audio with satellite and HD radio. Power and Performance Under the hood of the Prius is a four-cylinder 1.8-liter engine that delivers 96 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with an electric motor that produces 120 pound-feet of torque to give a total power output of 121 horsepower. The system drives the front wheels through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. Featured on AWD-e models is a separate rear electric motor to power the on-demand AWD system that provides power to the rear wheels when slippage is detected and extra traction is required. Driver Assist Features Toyota Safety Sense is standard on all Prius models and offers a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high beam headlamps. Also included is the Star Safety System with enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, smart stop technology, and ABS with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution. In addition, you get a rear camera and a tire pressure monitoring system. The LE adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic warning, while the XLE has an auto-dimming rearview mirror. To get a closer look at all of the stunning features of the 2019 Prius, head over to Toyota of Kingsport. Image via DealerOn

If you're looking for a way to enjoy the natural wonders of Eastern Tennessee, birdwatching is an excellent activity. There are several sites in the Kingsport area where you can enjoy viewing the area's feathered inhabitants. Let's explore some of these sites. Kingsport Birding Trail The Kingsport Birding Trail (KBT) meanders through several unique habitats, each one an excellent spot for birdwatching. When exploring the urban areas along the trail, you'll see how natural and human-constructed environments exist together and allow each other to thrive. The KBT also includes stops in rural areas, mountain top outposts, and the Kingsport Greenbelt. As the trail takes you along the Holston River, be sure to keep an eye out for the bald eagles that nest there. Other species who live along the Kingsport Birding Trail include the white pelican, snowy egret, and red-necked grebe. Warriors' Path State Park Warriors' Path State Park, on the shores of the Patrick Henry Reservoir, provides visitors with 950 acres to enjoy and explore. The reservoir is home to several species of waterfowl, including heron, kingfisher, and osprey. As you hike the park's 12 miles of trails, you'll journey through a forest that is home to the pileated woodpecker, brown creeper, and Carolina chickadee. You'll also traverse through a marsh where you'll see the barred owl, wild turkey, and ruby-throated hummingbird that live in the park. Warriors' Path also features a creek that serves as a habitat for wood duck, hermit thrush, and great horned owl. Sycamore Shoals State Park Not only is Sycamore Shoals State Park home to many historical sites, but it also features many natural wonders. The Watauga River Trail is an excellent area for spotting yellow-crowned heron, ducks, and migratory warblers. Be sure to stop by the trail's butterfly garden and Monarch waystation. The park's Longhunter Loop takes you through open fields, shrubs, and saplings as you observe cedar waxwing, indigo bunting, and Cooper's hawk. The Sycamore Shoals Arboretum is home to more than 30 species of native trees, as well as blue jays, woodpeckers, and the tufted titmouse. Eastern bluebirds, American robins, and the great horned owl live on the grounds of the historic Carter mansion. Roan Mountain State Park Roan Mountain State Park, located at the base of Roan Mountain, contains more than 2,000 acres of rich hardwood forest, hollows, and ridges. The park's Forest Road Trail traverses two ridges that are home to the hairy woodpecker, northern flicker, and Acadian flycatcher. At the park's picnic shelter, situated along the Doe River, you can observe the belted kingfisher, Louisiana waterthrush, and great blue heron. Screech owl, Cooper's hawk, and wild turkey inhabit the grounds of the historic Miller Farmstead. The Peg Leg Mine Trail and Cloudland Nature Trail, suitable for beginner hikers, are great areas for spotting mourning dove, scarlet tanager, and eastern towhee. These are just some of the fantastic sites for birdwatching in the Kingsport area. No matter which one you visit, you're sure to have a wonderful time discovering these Tennessee treasures. Image via Pixabay

There is nothing like making a great find in a thrift shop. Whether you like to search for vintage clothes, find old jewelry, or you just like great deals, you can have a blast shopping in the thrift stores in and around Kingsport, TN. Next To New Next To New on Kingston Pike is an upscale consignment and thrift store. This shop sells high-end items from jewelry to shoes, handbags, and designer clothing. You can stop by to find a new outfit for any type of event, or bring in your upscale items that you no longer need. The experienced staff at Next To New will sell it for you, so you get money back in your pocket. The extensive inventory offers prices well below retail prices on name brands, and you can shop knowing that everything you buy is in excellent condition. Good Neighbors Shop Good Neighbors Shop in nearby Lenoir City is a wonderful resale shop with a friendly staff and huge inventory. You can find anything from housewares to kitchen items and exercise equipment. All the proceeds from this shop get donated back to the community so you will help out those less fortunate when you shop here. All the items in stock are in excellent condition, and there is so much to sift through that you never know what you might find. The Attic Resale Shop Stop by The Attic resale shop to search for your next treasure. David, the owner, is friendly and helpful, and the rest of the staff is also knowledgeable and kind. This shop has lots of great items to look through, and the inventory is always changing, so you need to stop by frequently to make sure you don't miss anything. You can find some great prints for your home at The Attic along with furniture, decorations, and much more. NTY Clothing Exchange NTY Clothing Exchange in Knoxville has a wide selection of gently used clothing. Everything is in good condition, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The inventory features name brands, and everything is always organized so you can easily find what you need. This is the shop to go to when you want something trendy and stylish without paying full price for it. If you have high-end clothes that you don't wear anymore, you can bring them in to get cash on the spot. You can also bring in accessories and items for young adults and teens, both female and male. KARM Stores KARM Stores offer a great selection of furniture, some vintage pieces, and clothing. There are several locations in Tennessee, including several in and around Knoxville, which is just a short drive from Kingston. Stop by and find something new to wear or a unique item for your home. If you're a student, show your ID for an extra discount. Check out these thrift stores in and around the Kingsport area. The gently used items come at huge discounts, and you never know what you might find. Image via Pixabay

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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