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Summer has arrived! With its arrival also comes the summer heat, and what better way to stay cool than taking a dip in a local lake or pool? Whether it be a water park, sprinklers, beaches or even a secret swimming hole, making a splash has always been an effective and fun way to beat the heat. Additionally, more time spent near water is less time spent running your air conditioner, meaning a lower power bill and more family fun. Keep reading to learn about the best local Kingsport water hot spots so you can challenge the summer heat head on. Kingsport Aquatic Center The Kingsport Aquatic Center is one of most well-known swimming spots and with good reason. Spanning a vast 46,000 square feet with three indoor pools, an outdoor waterpark, and a 900-foot lazy river to coast down, this aquatic center has become a popular summer spot for families looking to stay cool in Kingsport. A variety of events — everything from swimming lessons to open paddleboarding — are held here annually, keeping guests entertained every year and leaving with a different experience each time. more Warriors' Path State Park Located on the shores of the Patrick Henry Reservoir, Warriors' Path State Park is home to nearly a dozen trails, with beautiful natural scenery and wildlife. Large enough to host approximately 200 campsites, this state park is packed-full with opportunities for family fun. You can rent paddleboards and kayaks — and even dock your boat at the marina. Warriors' Path State Park is also a canine-friendly area, so you can bring all your loved ones with you for incredible summer fun. Roan Mountain State Park More than 2,000 acres of thick woodland life and flora makes Roan Mountain State Park a great place to visit on those hot summer days. From swimming to fishing to biking trails, you'll always have something fun to do at Roan Mountain State Park. With over 12 miles of twisting forest trails, this state park offers plenty of shade to hide from the sun while taking a hike. The ever popular Doe River is also open to fishing year-round, and tour guides can help you spot amphibians and other aquatic life. Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park The Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park, named after American icon Davy Crockett, lives up to the excellence we would expect from such an aptly named park. Conveniently located by local watering holes such as the Nolichucky River and Cherokee National Forest, this state park makes a perfect place to camp, soak up American history, and enjoy the most popular activity at this park — fishing. Home to a large variety of fish, the Nolichucky River is a popular fishing spot visited by thousands of patrons each summer. If you're looking for summer fun and to make a splash, visit any one of these great locations to enjoy activities such as swimming, fishing, hiking, and more. With all the nearby state parks, aquatic centers, and local watering holes, you can easily create a memorable family experience and stay cool in Kingsport. Image Via Pixabay

Almost every driver fears sharing the road with oversized vehicles like semi-trucks. These imposing vehicles seem to take over the road and make people worry that a major wreck is imminent. Although these feelings are understandable, sharing the road with oversized vehicles isn't as difficult as you might think, particularly if you have the right tips at your disposal. Discover a few tips for sharing the road with oversized vehicles so that you can stay calm and safe the next time you're behind the wheel. Watch the Blind Spots Every vehicle has a blind spot, but many people are unaware that large trucks, particularly semi-trucks, have multiple blind spots, some of which are many feet in length. Staying out of these blind spots will help the truck driver to see you and allow you to stay safe. Large semi-trucks have four blind spots that you need to avoid. The first is directly in front of the truck. The second is the entire length of the passenger side of the truck. The third is right behind the truck. The final, blind spot is beside the driver's door. Being aware of these multiple blind spots will help you more easily share the road with trucks while protecting your safety. more Passing One of the most common causes of wrecks on the highway is passing another vehicle incorrectly. This is especially true when it comes to oversized vehicles. Following proper passing procedure is one of the best ways to share the road with very large vehicles. By law, most trucks are prohibited from passing cars in the left-hand lane, also called the fast lane. If you're in the right-hand lane—the slow lane—and notice a truck behind you, do them the courtesy of shifting to the fast lane so that they can pass. If you need to pass a large vehicle, it's important that you do so in the right way. If possible, only use overtaking lanes. You should also use proper signals and pass them as quickly as possible while still obeying the speed limit. If there are strong wind conditions or a sharp curve is ahead, you should refrain from passing the oversized vehicle. Tailgating Tailgating can be a major problem with even small vehicles, and the risks only increase with an oversized vehicle. If you are tailgating a large vehicle and they slam on their brakes, you will likely experience a major, life threatening accident. If you're behind an oversized vehicle on the road, make sure that you're following at a safe distance. Give yourself enough room to safely stop if the large vehicle applies its brakes suddenly and you'll be able to stay safe. Turning Oversized vehicles require a large turning radius, particularly if they are hauling a trailer. Often, the trailer will cover two lanes of traffic while turning, and if you're not paying attention, it's possible to cause a collision. When sharing the road with an oversized vehicle, make sure that you're watching for their turns so that you can give the large vehicle the space they need. Stick to these simple rules and you'll easily be able to safely share the road with oversized vehicles. Image Via Pixabay

Kingsport is lucky enough to be a town packed with great cafes and bakeries who not only fill our stomachs with sweet delights but supply us with the coffee we need to get through the day. Here are some of the coolest bakeries in Kingsport. 1. Little Cake Bakery Little Cake Bakery is the best cupcake bakery in town. They bake them fresh every morning and you can choose from a huge selection of daily flavors including red velvet, coconut cream, peanut butter cup, ganache, chocolate coconut, and an assortment of caramel flavors. In addition to the everyday flavors, there are special batches made each day of a huge assortment of flavors. Be sure to check the menu board when you come in to see what's on for the week. As well as baking tasty and unique cupcakes, Little Cake also brews nice strong coffee throughout the day. If you have a special event coming up, they can cater everything from small gatherings to colossal weddings. Location: 231 Broad Street, Kingsport, TN 37660 Opening Hours: Little Cake is open Mondays to Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. They are closed on Sundays. more 2. The Bagel Exchange If you prefer your baked goods for breakfast, the Bagel Exchange is the place to go. The bagels are freshly made each morning and they have almost any flavor you could think of: blueberry, cinnamon raisin, poppy seed, plain, pumpernickel, jalapeño cheddar, and even sundried tomato. The options are endless for toppings. Stick to the classic toasted with cream cheese or go all out with one of their signature bagel sandwiches packed with sliced meats. You can also opt to have a breakfast sandwich which is served all day. If you're in a rush, call ahead to place your order and you can pick it up when it's ready. The Bagel Exchange also offers catering services for everything on their menu, including their coffee. Location: 107 W. Center Street, Kingsport, TN 37660 Opening Hours: The Bagel Exchange is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 7:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays. 3. Seaver's Bakery If you're wondering where to get fresh made doughnuts in Kingsport, look no further than Seaver's Bakery. They bake fruit pies and doughnuts for four states in the region. They also freshly grind and brew coffee each and every morning. Their selection of pies and doughnuts is almost overwhelming. There are yeast-raised doughnuts and cake doughnuts. There are unglazed fruit pies and fruit pies glazed to sweet perfection. They'll even personalize the doughnuts and pies with a message for someone special. Keep your eyes peeled for the seasonal flavors like pumpkin, maple, and key lime. Location: 719 East Center Street, Kingsport, TN 37660 Opening Hours: Seaver's Bakery is open every day from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Whether you're looking for something to feed your sweet tooth or a savory sandwich for breakfast or lunch, these three cool Kingsport bakeries have you covered. Image by Vic Padilla from Pixabay

If you're in the market for a low-profile vehicle that offers a wealth of amazing features, there's virtually no better choice than a compact vehicle. Compact vehicles are a consistently popular choice thanks to their great features and sleek style, and this is particularly true if you choose one of the many excellent compacts offered by Toyota. When you're in the market for a new compact vehicle, you need to learn about some of Toyota's best options and their top features. Discover a few of the best compact vehicles made by Toyota so that you can decide which model fits your wants and needs. Prius C Many people's goal in purchasing a compact vehicle is buying a model that is both high-quality and offers excellent fuel efficiency. If this is what you're looking for in a compact car, then one of your best options is the 2017 Toyota Prius C. One of the most recognizable names on the market today, the Prius C is a compact vehicle that offers both hybrid performance and irresistible features. The main reason to drive the Prius C is its environmentally friendly performance. With the Prius C, you'll enjoy a Hybrid Synergy Drive that flawlessly combines a gas engine and electric motor, leading to an incredible EPA-estimated 43 MPG in the city and 48 MPG on the highway. Other incredible features of the Prius C include a Toyota Safety Sense C system, a multi-information display, and Bluetooth capability. more Yaris Despite the fact that you're interested in a compact car, you still want to make sure that you get impressive style and enticing features. While some compact cars are lacking in these departments, you'll find these characteristics and much, much more when you drive the 2017 Toyota Yaris. The Yaris embodies both style and substance, making a great choice for even the most discerning consumer. Some of the top exterior style features of the Yaris include bold alloy wheels, power outside windows with built-in turn signals, and a chrome-tipped exhaust. On the inside of the Yaris, you'll find exciting options like sport seats, 60/40 fold-down rear seats for extra storage, and a sport mode button. The Yaris also provides excellent tech features like Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel controls, and a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display. Prius Prime If you're like most car consumers, then you don't want anything less than a full-featured vehicle, which can be hard to come by when you want a compact. Fortunately, for a variety of excellent features in a compact package, you only need to drive the 2017 Prius Prime. Perhaps the best compact on the market today, the Prius Prime offers all the big features you expect from a manufacturer like Toyota. For example, the Prius Prime offers intelligent features like remote climate control and wireless smartphone charging. The Prius Prime also offers smart charging by providing a home charging port and helping you find public charging stations when you're on the road. The Prius Prime is the high-quality compact you need and deserve. Drive any of these Toyota compact cars if you're interested in one of the market's best vehicles.

Lace up those dancing shoes or at least get ready to come out and support a great cause. Dancing with The Tri-Cities Stars is back for its ninth year! For those not in the know, Dancing with the Tri-Cities Stars is an annual benefit event that includes a silent auction, dinner and most importantly – a whole lot of dancing! Each year 10 local “Stars” from Northeast Tennessee spend countless hours practicing their dance routines for a great cause. All proceeds go to benefit SteppenStone Youth Treatment Services in Limestone, Tennessee a great cause that supports and cares for at-risk youth boys age 13-17. Since 2003 SteppenStone Youth Treatment Services has provided counseling and continued treatment programs within a safe, caring environment for young boys. SteppenStone’s primary goal is to help heal and help an underserved segment of the population develop the skills they need to become successful, healthy adults. With the help of our community and all the dancer’s time and effort put into this, can provided the best for the boys in our community. more In addition to supporting a great cause, Dancing with the Tri-City Stars is also a great time. Mirroring the format of the hit ABC show Dancing with The Stars, each “Star” performs their dance routine with either Mike or Kim Alder, who together are two time World Champions in the Couples Division of The United Country Western Dance Council (UCWDC)! The female “Stars” even wear actual dresses from the hit show! Once you’ve seen what the skills that the “Stars” have you’ll want to get up and dance too, and the night concludes with open dancing and a live DJ! This year, Toyota of Kingsport’s very own General Manager Brian Griffith will hit the dance floor as one of the Tri-Cities Stars and with the help of the local community and Brian’s dancing feet, we can make a big difference in the lives of adolescent boys across Tennessee. There’s still time to show your support by donating money in Brian’s, or your favorite dancers, name. Donations will give extra points to the dancers, which help them in the competition. Follow the links below to learn more about Dancing with the Tri-Cities Stars and to help our General Manager Brian Griffith make a difference: http://dancingwiththetricitiesstars.com/stars/ Image Via Pixabay

Sometimes you just need a little comfort food to calm your grumbling stomach and make life not so bad after all. Kingsport is a Tennesee destination with numerous restaurants serving Southern comfort food you really shouldn't miss. Keep reading to learn about some of them. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Although this is a chain restaurant, it's a reliable place to eat, especially for breakfast. Guests particularly like the hashbrown casserole and the way that many breakfast items come with either toast or biscuits served with apple butter. Besides breakfast fare, you can get a variety of vegetables cooked Southern style, plus chicken, fish, and beef. As is typical in Cracker Barrel restaurants, this Kingsport location features old-fashioned items such as signs, photographs, and vintage home products. That means you have plenty to look at while waiting for your food. If you need another way to occupy your time, check out what's available in the store. Items like specialty candy, home décor items, and even audiobooks (to cater to the people who often stop at Cracker Barrel in the middle of road trips) are always available. However, the store also has a plentiful assortment of seasonal items, so if you're looking for charming items to get your house in the holiday spirit for Halloween or Christmas, stop here to find must-have items and enjoy hearty portions of Southern food at the same time. more Southern Smoke BBQ and Burgers This restaurant typically gets good reviews for its friendly service and large portion sizes. People particularly like the pork barbecue sandwiches and the ribs, along with familiar sides like potato salad and cole slaw. Sweet potato fries and cowboy beans are also on the menu. There are numerous reports that you can expect fast service even if visiting Southern Smoke during a very busy time. The restaurant specializes in Memphis barbecue that is dry rubbed with a spice blend then cooked over a flame that includes hickory smoke flavoring. There are also many specialty sauces you can try, from Memphis Blues to Pop's Sweet Heat. These special sauces mean you can have a slightly different meal experience on multiple visits if you choose a different sauce each time. FATZ Cafe People who have reviewed FATZ Cafe often said that the service and food were both outstanding, Many took the time to call out specific people within their reviews to say the attentiveness they offered during meals was unforgettable. Because the menu has so many possibilities, you won't have trouble finding things to eat even if you're very picky. Even better, the restaurant has a kid-friendly atmosphere that makes parents breathe sighs of relief. If you need ideas for things to try, make plans to visit during the Southern brunch and start your day right. Or try a Club sandwich piled high with all your favorite meats, cheeses, produce, and condiments. The baby back ribs are also very tasty. Now you have no excuse the next time you want to chow down on Southern food in Kingsport. These beloved establishments satisfy comfort food cravings. Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay

Buying your first car is a major accomplishment, but it's a milestone that can cause understandable stress if you're trying to figure out how to finance the vehicle. Keep reading to get some tips to help you manage the financial side of things without getting too anxious. Understand the Applicable Payments A car is usually associated with a down payment and monthly payments. The down payment is something you have to pay on the day of sale, whereas the monthly payments are recurring amounts that you pay while working towards paying off the total cost of the vehicle. Once you understand the difference between those two types of payments, it's a good idea to use an online loan calculator that will allow you to input different figures and determine how much you can afford to pay per month and offer as a down payment. more Get a Relative to Act as a Cosigner One of the issues that people typically run into when attempting to buy their first cars is difficulty proving that they'll be able to pay a car loan back in time. That's often because they don't have a long-term credit history yet. If that's the case for you, see if a parent or other family member is willing to act as a cosigner on your loan. The cosigner is a person who agrees to take over the loan payments if something happens that makes you unable to handle the responsibility. Tell the Salesperson About Your Budget and Other Financial Limitations Car dealerships have financial departments staffed by professionals dedicated to helping customers find reliable cars they can truly afford. That's why it's smart to have a figure in mind that represents the maximum amount you're willing or able to pay for a car. When you're honest with a dealership's salesperson right away about your budget, there's no need to worry that the individual might have the wrong impression and attempt to sell you a car that you definitely could not afford. Also, if you are in a situation where you have bad credit, no credit, or are recovering from financial hardships, mention those specifics to the salesperson too. Usually, those factors don't make it impossible for people to get their first vehicles, and when you provide those details from the start, it'll be easier for a salesperson to discuss feasible options. Try Not to Get a Loan Term of More Than 48 Months Many car loans have terms that enable people to pay for the full cost of the vehicles in about three years. However, there are also options that span across more time, such as 48 months. Some people caution against getting a loan for more than 48 months because you'll increase the risk of something potentially happening to the car before you can pay for the cost in full or even having to deal with interest rates that are too high. These tips should help you feel more equipped when it's time to buy your first car. What you're about to do is a major achievement, and it's one you can feel even better about when you know how to finance the purchase. Image by Raten-Kauf from Pixabay

The summer is a great season to get out and enjoy one of Tennessee's many festivals. Keep reading to learn about three of them you shouldn't pass up. Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival Held since 2002 at  the 700-acre Great Stage Park in Manchester, the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival features dozens of acts ranging from chart toppers to indie up and comers. Past guests have included Beatle Paul McCartney and Fitz and the Tantrums, a Neo Soul act known for high energy and great vocals. U2 and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are two of the headliners this year. Many vendors come and sell art like dreamcatchers or paintings, and you can also get art on your body in the form of temporary tattoos. This year, the festival takes place from June 8-11, and you can expect that music and other festivities will go from about noon each day until very early the next morning. Tickets for general admission start at $349.50 plus applicable fees. However, you can also splurge on a two-ticket Platinum package for $5,000 that includes access to premium stage viewing areas, food served in a special hospitality tent, and the chance to camp in a designated area with other people who have also paid for upscale tickets. more Taste of Music City Festival Nashville is well-known for its country music scene and major record label offices, but music isn't the only thing Music City offers. The Taste of Music City Festival proves this, because it's the largest celebration of food and drink in Nashville. Occurring on June 17 in Public Square Park, the festival offers an all-inclusive ticket that lets attendees feast on gourmet food and sip on high-quality specialty beverages for the entire festival, which happens from 5-9 p.m. What better way to take care of dinner for that night? There is also an instructional element to the festival that allows people to watch as talented chefs whip up new and familiar cuisines. If you're seeking a little inspiration for the meals made in your own kitchen, be sure to check out some of the awesome demonstrations. General admission advance tickets are $59 plus applicable fees, but kids can go to the festival for $15 plus fees. Proceeds benefit St. Luke's Community House, a charity that helps low-income individuals in West Nashville. The Chattanooga Market's Red, White, and Blueberries Festival The Chattanooga Market has become an area favorite because it's a bustling place for people to buy produce and other locally sourced items. It's also known for having several festivals. One notable option is the Red, White, and Blueberries Festival, which happens this year on July 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have a big appetite, enter a blueberry pie eating contest. Otherwise, just enjoy browsing for the various items available for purchase that feature blueberries on the ingredients list. This free event happens at the First Tennessee Pavilion. Hopefully these three summer festivals get you excited for some of what Tennessee has to offer. While visiting them, you can enjoy good music and tasty food while potentially meeting new friends. Image via Pixabay

If you're considering the 2017 Toyota Highlander for your next car, you probably already know it's a mid-sized SUV packed with features that make driving more fun. Keep reading to learn some of the things that'll help you decide you're ready to buy this well-made vehicle. It Has a Bold Style You'll Love When you're on the road steering through heavy traffic, why not stand out for all the right reasons when you're behind the wheel of a stylish Toyota Highlander? The front section of the car got an upgrade for 2017, and now this SUV features a new front grille with a cool segmented look. It also has redesigned headlights that light up dark areas and look nice at the same time. When you own a Toyota Highlander, you'll appreciate the atention to detail that proves this car was carefully designed at every stage of the engineering process. more Enjoy a Fuel-Efficient Engine Many drivers are understandably concerned about rising fuel costs and want to make sure they buy vehicles that sip gas instead of guzzle it. The 2017 Toyota Highlander certainly meets that purchasing priority because it features an available 3.5- liter, direct-inection V6 engine. Built to include Toyota's next-generation technologies, this innovative engine comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission that gives you ample control for every trip. It is also available as a hybrid. EPA estimates indicate the Highlander gets up to 27 MPG on the highway. There's also special technology that could help you get even more miles out of every trip to the gas station. Specifically, if you decide to get your Highlander with a V6 engine, it comes with a stop-and-start system that shuts off the engine when you are at a stop light or otherwise not moving. To start the engine again, just take your foot off the brake pedal. This fuel-saving option works seamlessly. Plenty of Creature Comforts Thanks to perks like reclining third-row seats, the 2017 Highlander seats up to eight people. If desired, you can get heated seats in the second row on some trim levels. If your family can't go more than an hour without using tech gadgets, don't worry. The Highlander has five USB ports divided between the front and rear so you never have to deal with dead batteries in smartphones, MP3 players, or tablets. You can also keep kids content with an available backseat Blu-Ray entertainment system. It has a nine-inch display screen, RCA jacks, and two wireless headphones. That means youngsters stay quiet and you stay more relaxed, even on lengthy trips. Numerous Integrated Safety Features There are several available safety-related technologies that help you enjoy hassle-free journeys. You can get your SUV with a lane departure alert feature that includes steering capabilities to help you stay in the right place on the road. It's even possible to purchase your Highlander with a collision mitigation system that detects pedestrians as well as other cars. Eight advanced air bags keep your family safe if crashes do happen. You've just learned about some notable reasons to buy a 2017 Toyota Highlander soon. Visit your dealership to learn more.

Situated on the northeast tip of Tennessee and along the banks of the Holston River, Kingsport is an urban oasis in the middle of the beautiful outdoor wilderness. If you're an avid outdoorsman, it's also the perfect starting point for an excursion into nature. The next time you're looking to get some exercise and a breath of fresh air, make sure to check out a few of these parks in and around Kingsport. 1. Big Ridge State Park If you're willing to take the two-hour drive west of Kingsport, you're rewarded with the scenic landscapes of Big Ridge State Park. Located in the Appalachian Ridge and Valley, this 3,687-acre park is famous for its forests, fertile river valleys, and the majestic Big Ridge Lake. When you arrive, there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied. Fifteen miles of hiking trails will give you more than enough exercise. If that's not your favorite activity, biking, swimming, boating, and the annual bluegrass festival should suffice. If you plan to stay overnight, make sure to check ahead for availability and any park fees. more 2. Warriors' Path State Park For those who don't want to spend half a day driving, Warriors' Path State Park is the perfect destination. Nestled just 12 minutes from downtown Kingsport, this 950-acre park has loads of recreational activities to do throughout the year. The top things include boating, fishing, and hiking, but the real gem is the nationally-renowned bike trail. Designated as part of the National Recreational Trail, this moderate biking path is one of the most scenic in the state. For children, the Boundless Playground and Anderson Treehouse will keep them occupied for hours at a time. 3. Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium Just 20 minutes from Kingsport, another close destination is Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium. This beautiful, 3,550-acre nature reserve is the state's largest city-owned park, and home to tons of wildlife and foliage. The Adventures Rope Course is one of the more exciting parts of this park, featuring a 300-foot zipline that provides panoramic views of the area. If it's raining or you've already explored the area, hop into the planetarium for a jaw-dropping exhibit about the stars and planets of the galaxy. During the spring, the park also offers stargazing outings for free. No matter what you do, you're bound to have a great time at Bays Mountain. 4. Cloud Park If you only have a few hours or you just don't want to drive, Cloud Park is the perfect destination. At only 7 acres, it's easy to explore or enjoy a recreational activity. Park amenities include a fenced children's playground, concrete basketball courts, bicycle trails with a complimentary air pump, a skate park, and a picnic area. It's also nestled along the Holston River, providing brilliant views throughout the year. While it may not have the same ambiance as the other parks on this list, it's an urban park that's worth a look. Getting out into nature in Kingsport is an easy task with so many parks around. This weekend, pack up the car and family and hop into an experience you won't soon forget. Image by Valentin from Pixabay

Spanning nearly 35 years and eight generations, the Camry is the flagship sedan of Toyota. From 2002 to 2015, the Camry was the top-selling car in the United States, adding to its legendary status. However, few people know the storied history of the vehicle that's become a staple of the American automotive landscape. If you're a Camry owner or you just want to learn more about one of the best sedans ever to grace the road, here's a crash course on the history of America's favorite car. The First Two Generations (1983-1991) While the Toyota Camry first came out in Japan in 1979, it didn't hit U.S. markets until 1983. That year, limited quantities of a sedan and hatchback arrived on the west coast. During this time, the Camry was a compact four-door, offering three engine options that were designed more for fuel economy than anything else. In 1987, the Camry entered its second generation, replacing the hatchback with a wagon and adding a V6 option to the mix. It was also the only Camry to offer all-wheel drive, and the option has yet to return to the lineup. more Stepping Up the Size for the Third Generation (1992-1996) and Speed for the Fourth (1997-1998) In 1992, the Camry upped its size from a compact four-door to a mid-sized sedan. This upgrade brought the Camry into competition with many of the other players in the industry. A year later, Toyota provided a coupe that only lasted until 1996, and it only returned in 1999 as the Camry Solara. Engine options for the third generation featured a 2.2-liter four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter V6. The fourth generation didn't change the body style, but it did provide a V6 engine that propelled drivers from zero to 60 in just 7 seconds. The Solara (1999-2002) and the Fifth Generation (2002-2006) In 1999, Toyota brought back the coupe model, calling it the Toyota Solara. More sporty than earlier versions and offering a convertible, the Solara branched out to find drivers who wanted a more pure driving experience. With a sports-tuned 3.0-liter V6, it also became the first Camry to break a 7-second zero-to-60 time. The fifth generation didn't add much in the way of new engine specs, but it did provide some looks that would propel sales into the future. In 2002, the Camry also began its run as America's top-selling vehicle. The Award-Winning Seventh Generation (2007-2011) When the new Camry arrived in 2007, it was immediately given top marks. It became the first Camry to win the prestigious Motor Trend Car of the Year award. It could hit 60 mph in the low 6-second range, and it was also the first to offer a hybrid powertrain. The Eighth Generation (2011-2017) Today, the Camry remains in its eighth generation, and it's never looked better. Featuring an active safety suite, an upgraded hybrid version, and stunning looks, it finished its run as the top-selling vehicle in 2015, although it finished fourth in 2016. With such a storied history, the most intriguing thing about the Camry is where it will go next. The 2018 Camry is just that model. So strap on your seat belt and get ready for another exciting ride with the Toyota Camry.

Spanning 440 miles from east to west and 120 miles from north to south, Tennessee is a road trip fantasy world. Throughout the state, there are tons of things to see, ranging from the country music mecca of Nashville to the capitol building of Knoxville. However, there are many bizarre roadside attractions that are definitely worth a look. If you thrive on experiencing the strange or viewing the outlandish, make sure to add these roadside spots to your visit through the Volunteer State. 1. Titanic Replica If you ever wondered what a tacky yet interesting resort town nestled near the Great Smoky Mountains looks like, don't forget to head to Pigeon Forge. Located just 5 miles from the mountains, Pigeon Forge is a vacation destination for many locals in the area. While Dollywood, outlet malls, and amusement parks are the most popular attractions, don't skip out on the Titanic replica. Built to a half-scale of the original ship, the Titanic replica is a museum with over 400 artifacts from the doomed vessel. It's also built in a pool to simulate what the ride may have been like. Self-guided tours take two hours, but even if you don't go, it's well worth a drive-by. more 2. Backyard Terrors and Dinosaur Park With a name like Backyard Terrors and Dinosaur Park, you know it's a must-visit destination. Located in Bluff City, this park showcases over 20 life-size recreations of dinosaurs that look real enough to take a bite out of your arm. The best part is there's no admission, although donations are strongly encouraged. Once you're done viewing the park, hang out in the picnic area for your last views of the bizarre dinosaur sculptures. 3. Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains If you're lucky enough to travel through Gatlinburg in June, you can't miss one of nature's most amazing spectacles. During this time, fireflies provide a light show that's unlike anything else in the world. Every six seconds, millions of fireflies illuminate in unison, blink six times, and then disappear. This happens throughout the evening, and to this day, the reason remains a mystery. For you, it's an excellent chance to experience nature and take amazing photos and videos. 4. The Bloodstained Crypt of Nina Craigmiles To add a bit of chill and the macabre to your trip, make sure to visit Cleveland, Tennessee. Here you'll find the final resting place of Nina Craigmiles, who was a 7-year-old girl unfortunately killed in a buggy accident in 1871. What makes this crypt so horrifying is that blood stains appear on the crypt without warning throughout the year, and no amount of scrubbing seems to clean them. To this day, experts, psychics, and paranormal workers have yet to figure out what causes the blood to flow. If you can figure it out, you'll forever etch your name into the history of this otherwise quaint town. There's a seemingly endless amount of weird attractions throughout Tennessee, but these are definitely worth the trip. Make sure to adjust your route to hit these places for an unforgettable road trip. Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay