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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

Fore! That's the main word you'll use when teeing off and navigating across the greens at some of the area golf courses in Kingsport. Check out a few of our favorites below. Warriors' Path Golf Course Get into the swing of things at Warriors' Path 18-hole course nestled on the scenic shores of Fort Patrick Henry Lake. The course is located inside a state park and is one of 11 golf courses with the distinction of being noted by Audubon International as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Along with an 18-hole par 72 course, Warriors' Path offers a tent and RV camping for those interested in a weekend getaway. Warriors' Path caters to all skill levels and offers lessons for those interested in learning the game or honing their skills. Golfers have access to a practice green and bunker as well as a driving range. Pull carts and a snack bar are available for your convenience. Tee times are required. Reservations are accepted in advance up to six days. more The Crossings Golf Club The Crossings Golf Club is your one-stop course for all things pertaining to golf. About a half-hour's drive from Kingsport to Jonesborough, the club is set amid rolling greens dotted with trees and duck-filled ponds. The well-planned 18-hole par 72 course offers a peaceful respite for a relaxing game. If you want to warm up before a competitive game with friends, the club also has a driving range, putting green, practice bunkers, and a practice facility. When you need to refuel, hot food, cold beverages and beer, and snacks are available. The Crossings welcomes public play as well as memberships with family, corporate, single, or junior options available. Please note there is a dress code, and proper attire is required. Crockett Ridge Golf Course No matter your skill level, Crockett Ridge Golf Course offers a challenge. The course is well-planned and designed for players to test their skills. The 18-hole course features four lakes, an expansive playing field, graduating slopes to keep you on your best game, and multiple tee boxes to accommodate skill levels from novice to seasoned player. While visiting, stop by the Pro Shop for any items you might need. The shop has a full line of name-brand equipment and clothing. Golf carts are also available. Cattails at MeadowView Take your game to another level of play when you tackle the greens at Cattails at MeadowView. Situated along the base of Bays Mountain, the views of the mountain and the course's six lakes make for a stunning view while players navigate the 18-hole par 71 course. The course provides exceptional playing conditions for all player levels, with a variety of sand bunkers, grass mounds, a winding stream, and undulating greens to keep players on their quests to make par. Lessons from professional staff members are available and include putting, chipping, and clubs and irons. Cattails at MeadowView is open daily. When you're ready to tee off and play through the morning or afternoon, a challenge awaits you among the Bentgrass greens and Bermuda fairways at any one of these area golf courses. Image by KEN KAMINAGA from Pixabay

Toyota's Land Cruiser, one of the brand's most popular vehicles, has a rich history of struggle, war, and innovation. What began as a police patrol vehicle has become one of the few vehicles that can conquer both the asphalt and the off-road. Here's a taste of the Toyota Land Cruiser's history. Post-War Struggle The heritage of the Land Cruiser takes us back to the harrowing conclusion to World War II. Following the war, inflation in Japan skyrocketed. To assist with the dangerous consequences of high inflation, the Allied Powers implemented the "Dodge line" economic stabilization policy in 1949. While the policy helped stabilize Japan's inflation, the restrictions of the policy caused industrial production to slow down, sending many Japanese businesses into further struggle. Then, at the end of a month of heavy labor strikes against Toyota, an army from North Korea invaded its neighbors to the south, starting the Korean War. more The Toyota Prototype Since the United States held considerable influence over Japan as the Korean War took off, the U.S. military began using Japan as a central supply base and relied on the island nation for significant military production. Japanese automakers were asked to develop prototypes for compact 4x4 trucks. By August, Toyota was designing something special: the Toyota Jeep BJ. Toyota created the vehicle by taking a water-cooled in-line six-cylinder engine and throwing it on an SB-type truck chassis. The Toyota Jeep BJ was first rejected by the National Police Reserve Force in favor of the Willys Jeep. But Toyota didn't give up. Months after the Jeep BJ's rejection, Ichiro Taira, a test driver for Toyota, took the vehicle on a drive up Mount Fuji as officials from the National Police Agency watched on. The Toyota Jeep BJ managed to make its way to the No. 6 checkpoint on the mountain, the greatest height any land vehicle had ever reached. The test won over the officials, and the agency brought on the Jeep BJ as its official patrol car. From Jeep to Land Cruiser After two years of price negotiation and deliberation on vehicle specs, the Toyota Jeep BJ entered large-scale production. In 1953, 298 Jeep BJs made their way onto the streets. At first, only the National Police Agency used the vehicles, but then Toyota began receiving production orders from electric power companies and the Forestry and Agricultural Agency. The following year, Toyota faced claims of trademark violation from the Willys Company, which had created the original Jeep. In response, Director of Technology Hanji Umehara dubbed Toyota's 4x4 truck the Land Cruiser. Since its birth as the Land Cruiser, Toyota's truck has established its place as one of the most versatile vehicles on the market. Over the years, drivers have proven the vehicle in snow, swamps, sand, and in the most isolated areas of the world. Today, Toyota's evolved Land Cruiser continues to conquer every terrain. Test drive one today and see what the heritage of the Land Cruiser has led to. Image via DealerOn

East Tennessee is a beautiful area that is home to a number of attractions and stunning natural locales. It's a popular spot for road trips thanks to the picturesque roadways and plenty of things to do. Here are five must-see places to visit when heading off on a road trip in East Tennessee. Tennessee Aquarium Situated on the Tennessee River, the Tennessee Aquarium highlights the beautiful Tennessee ecosystem as well as wildlife from around the world. Watch playful otters or be amazed by massive catfish. The aquarium has interactive exhibits and includes both fresh and saltwater exhibits plus more zoo-based areas like the newly opened Lemur Forest. Plan to spend at least three hours exploring the aquarium and learning more about the animals and fish that call this incredible aquarium their home. more Burgess Falls Burgess Falls is a stunning natural location with streaming water that thunders down an impressive rock formation. It's a quick hike from exit 286 off I-40 to the viewpoint where you can see the falls off I-40. Unfortunately, the trails down to the falls are closed, but the overlook is still stunning. The falls are located in the Burgess Falls State Park, which also has fishing and picnic areas as well as three smaller falls to visit while you're in the area. Navitat Located in Knoxville, Navitat is a super unique destination that has earned rave reviews from visitors. This ropes course is a self-guided adventure that travels through the Tennessee treetops. Get your blood pumping with the zip line or challenge yourself with the more rigorous rope course elements. It's open during the day, but the real magic starts at night. While it is open at night, you aren't completely in the dark: Navitat has created a wonderscape of lights to make your trip even more fantastical. Navitat is located at 2915 Island Home Ave. Chimney Tops Chimney Tops is a quick hike that showcases one of the most spectacular views in all of East Tennessee. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the trail to this natural wonder is only 4 miles in and out and the spire of Chimney Tops looks out over the beautiful picturesque mountain ranges. While the trail is short, it is strenuous, climbing 1,335 feet from the start of the trail with some near-vertical portions but the adventure is worth it. Ruby Falls Ruby Falls is located in Chattanooga and is a waterfall located deep beneath the earth in a dazzling cave formation. The trail to the waterfall is accessed via an elevator, and it is a mostly flat walk with access to stunning rock formations. Trips are guided, and it costs $19.95 per adult. Plan to spend a few hours exploring the area and the cave. Little ones will love the kid-friendly attractions on-site. For even more adventure, guests can choose to access the site via the incline railway instead of driving up. These five locations are just a few of the many neat areas that make perfect road-trip stops while making your way through East Tennessee. Image by 41330 from Pixabay

You've heard about the Toyota Prius' fuel efficiency and its hybrid capabilities, but you may not be aware of the level of detail Toyota has drawn into the bones of this vehicle. Here are four things you probably didn't know about the Toyota Prius. Intuitive Design Since its inception, the Prius has displayed some of the most intuitive and innovative designs, and not just in what drivers can see. For example, the first generation of Prius vehicles featured insulation surrounding the cabin that improved heating and cooling efficiency. To reduce the weight of the vehicle, further improving fuel efficiency, the first-generation Prius also used high-tensile steel and made the rear window glass thinner than normal. Toyota continued improving the Prius' design with every generation. In fact, the third-generation Prius used ecological plastics, derived from plants, in the vehicle's interior trim, making the vehicle even more environmentally friendly. more Powerful Efficiency The Prius is known for delivering impressive fuel efficiency, but few people realize how deep that fuel efficiency runs into the core of the vehicle. The first-generation Prius ran on a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle engine that Toyota used to pump up fuel efficiency with light components, a narrower crankshaft, less load on valve springs, and more. The Atkinson cycle engine's design also significantly reduced internal friction. Few drivers would consider the Prius a powerful vehicle, but in addition to fuel efficiency, the second-generation Prius delivered an impressively powerful electric motor. This motor was more powerful than many 1.0- to 1.2-liter combustion engines and even generated more torque at low revs than a V6 diesel engine. Aerodynamic Accuracy Aerodynamics has always been a foundational aspect of the Prius. The efficiency of the aerodynamics really took form in the second-generation Prius, which created the best drag coefficiency in the Prius's class: Cd 0.26. The aerodynamic design went even further in the third-generation Prius, which featured a flip-up design along the rear of the bonnet that reduced airflow disruption over the windshield wipers. Yes, Toyota was even worried about the windshield wipers. The fourth-generation Prius was adjusted by millimeters, with the help of a wind tunnel, to deliver optimum aerodynamics. Innovative Comfort In addition to finding innovative ways to be fuel efficient, the Prius also found a way to make comfort innovative. The second-generation Prius relied on an air-conditioning system that didn't draw on the gasoline engine but rather on the hybrid battery, which meant the AC could run even when the engine was off. The third-generation Prius introduced a solar-powered ventilation system that could be remotely activated so drivers could cool their vehicle minutes before they entered it. The fourth-generation Prius added another level of innovation to its temperature control system. In this recent model, the AC will adjust according to factors like the amount of sunlight entering the vehicle, how many seats are occupied, and the outside temperature. To preserve energy, the system will even minimize airflow around unoccupied seats. The Prius never ceases to surprise us, even several generations into its lifespan. To learn more about the Toyota Prius, take one out for a test drive. Image via DealerOn

Tennessee is known for its southern hospitality and East Tennessee lives up to this reputation with many small charming towns that are warm and welcoming. Whether you're a first time visitor to the state or a resident looking to learn more about Tennessee, we've created this small guide to some of the most charming East Tennessee towns to help you plan your next trip. Read on to learn more about four East Tennessee towns you should make a point to visit. Townsend Townsend is nestled along the Smokey Mountains in an area appropriately named the "Peaceful Side of the Smokey Mountains." Ideal for adventurers who want a home base to explore the rich natural beauty of Tennessee, Townsend is only a short trip away from a multitude of trails and other outdoor adventures. Journey to the Tuckaleechee Caverns and stand in a space that was carved from the mountains tens of thousands of years ago. Or, climb to the top of one of the nearby mountains for an unparalleled view overlooking the peaks and valleys of this ancient mountain range. more Jonesborough Described as Tennessee's Oldest Town, Jonesborough is full of stunningly preserved historic buildings and tributes to Appalachian culture. It has plenty of museums for visitors looking to learn more about the history of Tennessee and gain a stronger appreciation of its distinctive culture. The Chester Inn Museum and Washington County/Jonesborough Museum are two of the best. Interested visitors can also embark on one of the many walking tours in the area to get a greater feel for the architecture and the history of the town. Jonesborough also hosts the National Storytelling Festival, one of the most distinctive and interesting festivals in the area that draws in a national and international crowd. Dandridge Dandridge is located by two of Tennessee's largest lakes which makes it a popular spot for avid fisherman to kick back, relax, and drop a line in.  Nature lovers also appreciate the proximity to Cherokee Lake and Douglas Lake and watercraft like canoes and kayaks are available for rent nearby. Dandridge draws in visitors thanks to its charming Main Street, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to a number of shops and cafes. Pulaski Rich in Tennessee history, Pulaski played an important role in the Civil War and is named after a Polish-born American Revolutionary War hero. While there are positive and negative aspects to Pulaski's role in the American cultural landscape, it's now a charming town filled with historic architecture and charming local businesses. Head to the Milky Way Farm Manor House to tour some beautiful examples of home design before taking a stroll through the 1,000-plus acres that surround the house, home to plenty of wildlife and domesticated animals. There is a small museum dedicated to the history of the town in the city library that's worth a visit for visitors interested in learning more about Pulaski. East Tennessee is a beautiful stretch of countryside that's home to many charming small towns that would make excellent road trip destinations. Image by Jen Kindell from Pixabay