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Toyota introduced its first version of the 4Runner in 1984. The manufacturer certainly thought it had built an SUV that would appeal to drivers throughout North America. The company's designers, however, couldn't have possibly imagined that they had created a vehicle that people would still love 30 years later. The 4Runner has undergone plenty of changes since its first generation. Once you understand the vehicle's history, you'll have an even deeper appreciation for its most recent incarnation. First Generation 4Runner (1984-1989) The first generation 4Runner was intended to give drivers a way to explore off-road environments. The earliest version featured a four-cylinder engine and plentiful cargo room for camping equipment. Over the next several years, Toyota updated the SUV's suspension, engine, and interior giving it a smoother ride and more luxurious interior features. Second Generation 4Runner (1989-1995) The second generation continued these improvements. Toyota also added more diversity to the 4Runner's lineup. Starting in 1990, buyers could choose between two-door and four-door models. They could also opt for a two-wheel-drive version if they didn't want four-wheel-drive. Third Generation 4Runner (1995-2002) Toyota completely redesigned the third generation 4Runner. Buyers could now choose between a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that created 150 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.4-liter V6 that offered 183 horsepower and 217 pound-feet of torque. The design overhaul also gave the 4Runner a plush interior, especially with upper trim levels. The increased power and consumer options, however, make it stand out from previous versions. Fourth Generation 4Runner (2002-2009) After seven years of production, Toyota decided to build a new model of the 4Runner. The company increased the 4Runner's wheelbase and length to give it more stability on and off the road. Toyota dropped the four-cylinder engine and created new V6 and V8 engines. The updated V6 generated 245 horsepower and 282 pound-feet of torque. The V8 offered slightly less horsepower at 235 hp, but its 320 pound-feet of torque made it a monster on trails. Fifth Generation 4Runner (2009-present) Not surprisingly, the 4Runner's latest generation is superior to earlier models. The 2016 model comes loaded with impressive standard features like: Rearview camera Heated exterior mirrors Rear privacy glass LED taillights Keyless entry Toyota has dropped the V8 engine, but the V6 is stronger than ever. The 4.0-liter generates 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, which is more than enough for exploring trails. The 4Runner now comes in more trim levels than ever. The base SR5 has trail-worthy features, but the Trail, TRD Pro, and Limited models pile on premium features and technology. While some of the features are purely cosmetic, others have a remarkable impact on performance. The Trail model, for instance, has a Dynamic Suspension System that automatically adjusts to rough, uneven terrain. The 4Runner has a long history of helping people explore the outdoors. With the advances included in the latest model, you have more reasons than before to leave the pavement behind for an off-road adventure.

For the 2017 model year, Toyota has made several upgrades to the Highlander, its mid-size, three-row crossover SUV that has become one of the most popular family vehicles in its class. Among the many changes is the addition of an all-new SE trim package that offers upgrades to the exterior appearance and the suspension. Exterior Upgrades Although the 2017 Highlander maintains most of the 2016 model's good looks, the front end does sport an all-new grille with three slats and shiny chrome trim. The entire front seems to be larger and offers an aggressive look that gives the vehicle a more SUV-like appearance. The Highlander also sports a new set of headlights that come with more LED lights for accent, all of which are built into a completely new headlight housing design. Interior Upgrades Much like the Highlander's exterior, the 2017 model's interior has not changed much from last year. However, there are some upgrades to the materials being used, including a new brown leather trim available in the Limited Platinum trim. Those who opt for the SE trim package will find seats covered in luxurious black leather with silver stitching and trim. The Highlander now sports four USB ports, bringing the total number of charging ports throughout the vehicle to five. You can choose between seating for eight with bench seats in the second and third rows or four captain's chairs and a bench in the third row. Powertrain and Drivetrain Changes to the 2017 Toyota Highlander run more than just skin-deep. In fact, you can find the biggest changes lurking under the hood. Here you will find an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine that is more compact than the one in last year's model. The new engine features direct fuel injection designed to offer more power and even better fuel economy than before. Although final horsepower and torque ratings have not been finalized, they will be significantly higher than those found in the 2016 Highlander. The new engine will also be equipped with the latest in stop and start technology to help significantly improve fuel economy and a brand-new eight-speed automatic transmission. Not only is this all-new automatic more compact than last year's six-speed version, but it also offers an expanded lockup range intended to help with overall performance and fuel economy. This same engine will also appear in the Highlander hybrid due to be released later in the model year. In this particular vehicle, the engine will be mated to an existing CVT transmission. Safety Upgrades The all-new 2017 Toyota Highlander comes with the very latest in safety features, including the Toyota Star advanced safety system and the Toyota Safety Sense P Elements bundle. This system includes a pre-collision warning with automatic braking, pedestrian pre-collision warning, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control. The 2017 Highlander is slated to be the best mid-size, three-row crossover SUV on the market when it hits the showroom in the fall of 2016.

To the average motorist, there is nothing worse than sitting on the side of the road with a flat tire. Although you might prefer to call a professional to come out and remedy the situation for you, this might not always be possible. For times like this, know how to fix a flat for yourself so you can get back on your way in the least amount of time. As long as you have the right tools and knowledge, changing a flat tire is a fairly simple task. Follow this step-by-step process to help you get the job done quickly and safely. Pull Over in a Safe Spot If you find yourself with a flat tire, the first thing you need to do is find a safe and preferably flat place to park. Try to avoid grass or dirt, as these surfaces are typically not very stable and the jack might sink into the ground, causing the vehicle to fall. Turn off the engine and apply the parking brake, or put the car in gear to prevent it from rolling. If you have them, use a pair of wheel chocks to block the wheel opposite the flat tire. Grab the Tools and Spare Tire Open your trunk and remove the spare tire, jack, and tire tools. Your owner's manual will tell you where they are located. If you have never used the jack included with your car, review the operating instructions first. These instructions will also indicate where the different jack points are on the car. Before You Jack Up the Car Before you jack up the car, you need to remove the wheel cover (if your car has one) and use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts. You need to do this while the wheel is still on the ground, as it might turn once it is off the ground. More importantly, the vehicle is very unstable once you jack it up. Raise the Vehicle Once you have loosened all the lug nuts, follow the instructions in your owner's manual to locate the jack and raise the vehicle up high enough that the wheel and tire clear the ground. Again using the lug wrench, completely remove all lug nuts and remove the flat tire and rim. Set these where you won't trip over them. Install the Spare Tire and Rim Install the spare tire and rim in place of the one you just removed, and then install all the lug nuts hand-tight. You want the nuts to be tight enough to hold the spare in place while you lower the vehicle back to the ground. Lower the Vehicle and Finish the Job Lower the vehicle down to the ground, and remove the jack. Using the lug wrench, tighten the lug nuts securely. Your owner's manual will show the proper tightening pattern. Then place the flat in the trunk along with all the tools, and you are ready to go. Remember most spares are for temporary use only and designed to operate at much slower speeds. Image by Nicholas Jackson from Pixabay

The brake pads and shoes on your vehicle are designed to last for a very long time. Some brands even offer a specified mileage or guarantee their products for life. But the reality is that at some point they are going to wear out. One thing you can do is pay attention to your driving habits and follow a few easy steps to make sure you get the maximum lifespan out of your brakes. Watch That Left Foot You should never use your left foot to use the brake pedal. Instead, always use your right foot. If you look around while you are driving, you might be surprised at how many people are driving at cruising speed with their brake lights on. This means the driver has a foot on the brake pedal. No matter how lightly the driver is applying the brakes, the pads or shoes will wear far more quickly than intended. Play the Memory Game If you drive the same routes every day, you probably already know where the stop lights and signs are and where traffic tends to slow down on a regular basis. Planning ahead and coasting when appropriate can help you reduce the amount of time you have to actually use your brakes. Pay Attention to Traffic By paying closer attention to the traffic and traffic lights ahead of you, you can learn how to time the lights and your speed to make sure you hit as many green lights as possible. You might also be able to see where traffic is backing up and find new ways to get around it that require you to stop less frequently, once again reducing the amount of wear and tear on your brakes. Lighten the Load Reducing the extra weight in your car can not only help save you money at the pump by increasing your fuel economy, but it can also help your brakes. The more weight you are hauling, the more difficult it is for your brakes to stop the car. This extra weight can and will cause extra wear on your brakes, so lighten the load and save your brakes. Saving a Penny, Spending a Dollar Never make the mistake of buying cheap brake pads and shoes. While doing this might save you money at the outset, it will only cost you more in the long run. Bargain pads might be cheaper, but they are only designed to last a very short time, as they wear quickly due to being made from inferior materials. Paying top dollar for premium pads will cost you more, but will provide many more years of service and offer better overall performance, making them a better choice. By following these simple steps, you can make your brakes last for a long time. It also pays to have your brakes inspected by a professional regularly to make sure they are wearing evenly and that there are no other mechanical problems or leaks. Image via Pixabay

Offering buyers a combination of exceptional gas mileage, great value for money, and one of the largest dealer networks in the world, it is no wonder the Toyota Corolla has become one of the best-selling cars in the world. When you look back over the course of the past 40 years, Corolla sales have averaged one vehicle every 40 seconds. What might surprise most people is that the Corolla earned this title as early as 1974 and by 2013 had sold over 40 million units. The Corolla has sold more units than the venerable Volkswagen Beetle, the Mini Cooper, and the Ford F150. Affordability is Only Part of the Picture While there are many reasons why the Toyota Corolla continues to endure and enjoy such incredible sales, many compare it to the Model T Ford in that it has always been intended as an affordable car. It not only comes with a low initial purchase price, but it also has low operating costs. Operation costs are gauged on more than one level. They include fuel economy, the cost of maintenance and repairs, and, of course, durability. However, as with any automobile, the initial outlay is typically the first thing most buyers look at, and the Corolla has long been one of the least expensive entry-level vehicles. The first Corollas came off the production lines way back in 1966 when the KE10 Corolla rolled into special dealerships in Japan. Reliability is the Key to Success Whether you are talking about an automobile, a NASA spacecraft, or a fancy ballpoint pen, there is one very important reason one brand sells more and achieves the level of success that a car like the Corolla has managed: reliability and the ability to do exactly what the manufacturer has stated its product is capable of. The Toyota Corolla might historically have been one of those cars that seemingly hides in the background. However, if you keep producing a vehicle that continues to perform in exactly the same way as it was intended for 50 years, at some point, it will find its way into the limelight. It's products like this that seem to outlast all others. Innovation in its Simplest Form Just because the Corolla is an entry-level car does not mean it can't be ahead of the curve in design and features. Over the course of the past 50 years, the Corolla has gone from a rear-wheel-drive platform to front-wheel drive and even comes in all-wheel drive to meet the many driving conditions buyers are likely to encounter. Today's Corolla might no longer be the quiet, simple car that hides in the background. Instead, it offers sleek sporty styling, LED lighting, alloy rims, the Entune audio pack, and the latest 7.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system. With sales surpassing 43 million, the Corolla continues to be the best-selling car in the world and has a long future ahead of it.

Tennessee is a beautiful state for anyone to visit, but it is especially popular among fans of country music. When you're ready for your own country music tour of Tennessee, put these five attractions at the top of your list. Graceland A visit to Elvis Presley's famous home in Memphis should also be on the bucket list of any country fan. Although Elvis is better known for rock and roll, his country influence was strong enough to earn him an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The 14-acre estate includes Presley's mansion, private jet, almost three dozen automobiles, and other personal items and memorabilia. Grand Ole Opry The Grand Ole Opry actually refers to a country music radio show based in Nashville. It has been on the air since 1925 and is often referred to as "country's most famous stage," perhaps contributing to the misperception that it is a building. You can buy tickets online to watch the show live at the Grand Ole Opry House. While you're here, be sure to check out the historic Ryman Auditorium, as well — where country stars in the 50s would perform during the Grand Ole Opry. This auditorium hosts the "Opry Country Classics" show on Thursday nights. Country Music Hall of Fame Another Nashville attraction, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum makes the list for obvious reasons. Nowhere else will you find such an impressive collection of country memorabilia. Current exhibits highlight Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, Sam Phillips, musicians like Dylan and Cash who made Nashville the hub of country music, and the Bachman-Gretsch collection of vintage guitars. The core exhibit, permanent to the museum, walks guests through the history of country music. To complete the experience, catch a live show at the CMA Theater and tour the Historic RCA Studio B, located on Music Row. Dollywood Dolly Parton left her mark on Pigeon Forge, Tennessee when she opened her own theme park in 1986, appropriately named Dollywood. The 150-acre park includes roller coasters, live entertainment, and a water park. Summer is the best time to visit, as this is when the park hosts a 40-minute country music performance called "The Great American Country Show." The odds that you will run into Dolly Parton may not be too high, but you'll have a better chance here than in most places. Loretta Lynn Ranch In Hurricane, Tennessee you will find Loretta Lynn Ranch. More than just an homage to Loretta Lynn (one of country music's biggest stars), this ranch is the site of her current home. You can even tour the first floor. Also located on the property are her former home, a replica of her childhood home, and a few museums — including one that displays the dolls and gifts sent to the country star by fans. The best part? While these are some of the best country music attractions in Tennessee, this is by no means an exhaustive list. From the historic Printer's Alley to the Johnny Cash Museum, fans will find plenty more must-see stops for their pilgrimage to the state. Image via Pixabay

A broken tail light may seem like something you should let a professional handle — especially on newer models, whose designs make the screws a bit harder to find. However, replacing a broken tail light is something you can easily do yourself. Here's how: Before You Start First, of course, you will need to purchase the replacement lens. In terms of actual tools, what you need is minimal. Just have a socket wrench, screwdriver, and crowbar on hand. All of these are good things to keep in your car anyway since they will come in handy in a variety of emergency situations. The ideal location for this repair would be your home garage, but that may not always be possible. If you are changing the tail light during a trip, try to find a covered spot away from moving cars. Otherwise, rain may force you to stop in the middle of the repair — and you don't want that. Make sure to employ the emergency brake if you park on an incline, and use road flares and reflective cones at night. Finally, remember to be firm but gentle during the removal and installation process. Force will be required, but too much can lead to broken pieces and ripped wires. Step-By-Step Turn off the vehicle. This will eliminate the possibility of electric shock. Remove the fasteners. In older vehicles, you may find the screws on the outside of the vehicle. To achieve a seamless look, newer models typically place the screws somewhere less visible, such as in the trunk area. Depending on the type of fastener, you will either need a wrench or a screwdriver for this step. Twist out the bulb socket. This only requires a quarter turn counterclockwise and should release the tail light assembly. Separate the tail light assembly from the vehicle. This may require a good bit of force; you may need to use both hands or even a crowbar on some models. Remove the old lens. There will probably be a few screws or thumb nuts holding it in place. Insert the new lens. Remember to secure it in place with whatever fasteners held the old lens. Reinstall the tail light assembly. Twist the bulb socket clockwise until it locks into place and secure the tail light assembly with any screws or fasteners you removed earlier. Once you're finished, be sure to test the tail light to make sure it is working properly before you get back on the road. Video Tutorials If you're a visual learner, you may prefer to watch a video tutorial before attempting this yourself. In that case, it's best to key your search to the specific model you own. For instance, you can find a video tutorial for replacing the tail light lens on a 2013 Toyota Camry on YouTube. Other users have posted similar videos for their own vehicles. Next time you need to replace a broken tail light, skip the expensive visit to a mechanic. Instead, follow the steps above to complete this repair yourself. Image via Pixabay

Sometimes your budget just can't keep up with your need for fun and exciting things to do, but don't let money be the reason you stay home. Kingsport offers several free things to do — enough to keep anyone busy all year round. Here are four ideas to get you started. Enjoy a Weekly Outdoor Wonders Wander (W.O.W.W.) From March 1 through mid-May, Warriors' Path State Park will be holding a weekly nature walk for the public. These walks will last about an hour and will be held on Tuesdays at 3 p.m. Each will be led by a park ranger and begin at the Warriors' Path pool entrance. They could cover park trails, explore a meadow or stream, or focus on specific wildlife. All ages are welcome. If you cannot make one of these walks, Warriors' Path State Park is still a great place to visit. It boasts ten different hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, as well as a biking trail and fishing opportunities. Have Some Country Fun at the Exchange Place The Exchange Place is a living history farm that takes you back in time to the 1850s. It is open to the public from April through October. Not all of the festivals held here are free, but a good number are — including the Christmas in the Country events scheduled for December 3, 2016. Another example is Farm Fest 2016, which will be held on July 17 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Come prepared for some old-fashioned family fun, from sack races to hayrides, as well as fresh summer food, farm animals, and nineteenth-century craft projects. Drive the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail The Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail runs from Kingsport, Tennessee through the Cumberland Gap to Middlesboro, Kentucky. Although officially carved out by Daniel Boone in 1775, the route had been used by Native Americans for hundreds of years. Today, it makes for an excellent driving tour of the area. There are several notable sites along the way, starting with the Netherland Inn in Kingsport. You can find a map of the trail, complete with markers for nearby attractions and other helpful information online. Attend a SunWatch or StarWatch Although show tickets cost $4, there are other ways to benefit from the Bays Mountain Planetarium's presence in Kingsport. Two examples are the seasonal SunWatch and StarWatch programs. You can attend a StarWatch (held at the observatory) on Saturday evenings during March, April, October, and November. In the case of inclement weather, a live tour of the night sky will be held in the planetarium theater instead. SunWatch events, which allow you to safely view the surface of the sun through a filtered telescope, are held on Saturdays and Sundays from March through October at 3 p.m. If conditions are cloudy, SunWatch will be canceled. Whether you are a lifelong resident of Kingsport or just visiting, these free events and activities are worth checking out. With so many to choose from, there's no need to stay bored or cooped up inside just because you're running low on cash. Image via Pixabay

With summer break just a few months away, it's time to start planning your family vacation. For anyone cringing at the thought of hours in the car, here are five tips for surviving a family road trip. Use Checklists for Packing Packing for yourself is hard enough; when you add in an entire family, it gets even harder. Make a packing list ahead of time to help you remember everything. Check off items as you pack them — and then hang onto the list. Using it again at the end of your trip will make you less likely to leave anything behind. If you make the list on your computer, you will only need to do it once. After that, you can use the same list with minor tweaks based on the season, destination, and planned activities. Remember to add things like plastic bags (for trash and car sickness), healthy snacks, and pillows for in-car naps to your list. Invest in an Entertainment System A rear entertainment system can be a lifesaver on a family road trip. Some vehicles offer a built-in option, or you can buy one of the many aftermarket alternatives available. On vehicles equipped with their own Wi-Fi hotspot, headphones and a tablet or two may be all you need. The goal is for backseat passengers to keep themselves entertained with a movie, TV show, or video game. Headphones make this possible without subjecting mom and dad to the sounds of something they can't see. Take Advantage of Audio Books Can't afford a rear entertainment system? No worries! There are other ways to keep the entire family entertained. In addition to music, you could bring along some audio books for the road. If you have younger children, focus on winners of the Newbery Medal and Newbery Honor books — "Charlotte's Web," "Island of the Blue Dolphins," "The Graveyard Book." Recent bestsellers like the Harry Potter books or Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events" are also good choices. You can find an audiobook that will last all the way to your destination or bring along a couple of shorter books for variety. Break up the Hours Speaking of variety, scheduling several different activities to break up the hours can help the time pass more quickly. You could plan stops at a few roadside attractions and pick a spot for a picnic lunch. You can also alternate between music, audiobooks, and traditional car games. Let passengers take turns choosing the activity to give everyone something to look forward to. Also, keep in mind that experts recommend driving only four hours in one day if you have a baby and six to eight with older children. Stay Flexible Perhaps the most important tip, at least in terms of your own sanity, is to stay flexible. Plans and routines are good — but there's no reason to stick to one that isn't working. With young children especially, you may need to stop more often than you'd like. That's OK. Make the journey part of the adventure and cut yourself some slack. Keeping everyone happy and healthy is more important than being on time. Following the tips above will help everyone have a good time, even in the close quarters and long hours of a road trip. Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

If you're seeking history and culture, family-friendly adventure, or arts and entertainment, Tennessee has you covered. Here are five of the top activities to do throughout Tennessee when spring blooms. Memphis Zoo With more than 3,500 animals on display, visitors get to see giant pandas, including Le Le and Ya Ya, who arrived at the zoo from China in 2003. Some other exhibits at the Memphis Zoo include Cat Country's array of African lions, cheetahs, and tigers, and the Aquarium with its variety of balloonfish, softshell turtles, and red-bellied piranhas. Admission to the Memphis Zoo ranges from $10 for children to $15 for adults and it includes $5 parking. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from March 1 to October 16, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from October 17 to February 28. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Known as one of America's most visited, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park highlights its diverse plant life and wildlife, along with its beautiful mountains and waterfalls. Horseback rides throughout the Cades Cove, Smoky Mountain, the Sugarlands, and Smokemont are available. Visit historic homes, churches, and farms built by the early settlers of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in the Cataloochee Valley, Mingus Creek Trail, and Roaring Fork areas. The park remains open year-round, but some roads and facilities close during winter. National Civil Rights Museum at The Lorraine Motel Opened in 1991, the National Civil Rights Museum highlights the people, places, and events surrounding the American Civil Rights Movement. It is located at the Lorraine Motel — the site where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968. Approximately 260 artifacts and more than 40 interactive media and films capture five centuries of history from slavery to the Civil War to the late 20th century. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, including 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The museum closes every Tuesday. Tin Pan South Every spring in Nashville, also known as "Music City," Tin Pan South showcases more than 350 songwriters and acts from various genres at venues around the city. Thousands of music lovers attend the event recognized as one of the world's largest songwriter festivals. Venues have included the Blue Bar, the Hard Rock Cafe, and the Listening Room Cafe, among others. Admission for the music festival is on a show-by-show basis, unless you buy a Fast Access pass, which ranges from $100 to $125 and covers most of the shows. Dollywood Fun for the entire family, Dollywood features several thrill, kiddie and family rides, and water excursions. The popular Daredevil Falls is a boat expedition with a 60-foot drop at 50 mph. Other attractions include the Barnstormer, Chasing Rainbows, and a new roller coaster named the Lightning Rod, which is anticipated to be one of the world's fastest wood roller coasters. The amusement park opens in mid-March, and admission prices vary for one-day and three-day passes. Tennessee offers a variety of activities, especially when the warm weather arrives. Whether traveling solo or with your family, you can always plan a weekend getaway or a day trip to any of these attractions. Image via Pixabay

Besides Nashville, other cities around Tennessee host music festivals every year throughout the spring and summer. Highlighted below are some of the most popular upcoming music festivals in Tennessee. Rhythm N' Blooms The 2016 Rhythm N' Blooms music festival returns to Knoxville from April 8-10 to showcase nationally known and local artists. Set near the Great Smoky Mountains, the music festival also focuses on the city's and East Tennessee's history. Artists come from genres ranging from rock to country. Featured acts include groups like G. Love & Special Sauce, Robert Randolph and The Family Band, and Mutemath. General and VIP passes cost from $50 to $150. Good for the entire weekend of the event, the passes give fans access to such perks as artist meet-n-greets, reserved seating, and commemorative items like a Rhythm N' Blooms t-shirt and poster. Beale Street Attracting more than 1 million music fans from the United States and internationally, the Beale Street Music Festival brings together big-name artists in rock, soul, blues, and contemporary genres to downtown Memphis. The 2016 festival kicks off April 29 and continues through May 1 at the city's Tom Lee Park. Past acts of the Beale Street Music Festival have included Lenny Kravitz, Ed Sheeran, John Fogerty, and Alabama Shakes. Open to music enthusiasts of all ages, the festival offers general admission tickets ranging from $95 to $135. Bonnaroo Music Festival Scheduled for June 9-12 in Manchester, the Bonnaroo Music Festival will be celebrating its 15th year on The Farm, the site of the main event. This music and arts festival attracts thousands of fans. This year's anticipated lineup includes Pearl Jam, Ellie Goulding, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, and many others. Between musical acts, visitors can entertain themselves through on-site activities such as camping, light shows, and The Fountain, which serves as a great way to cool off from the hot weather. While a ticket price for general admission is almost $350, payment plans are available. CMA Music Festival Happening June 9-12 in 2016, the CMA Music Festival presents the best in country music. Held throughout downtown Nashville, the major music event hosts concerts on multiple stages. During the daytime, the city fills up with free music events and activities such as karaoke, giveaways, games, and food sampling. Past acts have included Carrie Underwood, the Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan, and several others. Ticket prices vary for the main event, which is held at the Nissan Stadium (formerly LP Field). Riverbend Festival Located in Chattanooga, the Riverbend Music Festival boasts eight days of concerts on five stages starting on June 10. Held along the 21st Century Waterfront, Riverbend attracts more than 600,000 fans for country, classic rock, bluegrass, and urban contemporary music. A marketplace, children's village, and mobile exhibits round out the daily activities during the festival. Artists expected to perform include Heart, Salt N Pepa, Blackberry Smoke, REO Speedwagon, and more. Admission to the Riverbend Festival costs $25 per day and free for children 10 and under. These well-known festivals occurring around Tennessee appeal to all musical tastes. Make the most of your spring and summer by attending one of these exciting events. Image via Pixabay

While Toyotas are known for their reliable performance and safety features, it is still important to have a few key items handy in your car at all times in case of an emergency. In the event of a flat tire, accident, or inclement weather, be prepared by keeping these six things in the trunk of your Toyota. Jumper Cables A pair of jumper cables is one of the most important items to have in the trunk of your Toyota. A weak or dead battery can leave you stranded along the side of the road or in a parking lot because your vehicle won't start. With some assistance from a good Samaritan, connecting the jumper cables adds power to your battery and helps you restart your car. Then, you can get back on the road and likely head to an auto repair shop to replace the battery. First Aid Kit Having a first aid kit is also a must-have in your Toyota. Make sure to include the basics such as gauze pads, bandages, and aspirin, along with antiseptic ointment or wipes. These items may help in treating minor injuries in the event of an accident until help arrives. Also, a charged cell phone will enable you to dial 911, and one to three reflective triangles placed on the roadside can warn oncoming traffic of danger ahead. Flashlight You never know when you might get stranded in the dark, so you should have a flashlight with an extra set of batteries. If you need to change a tire or jump start a dead battery, the extra light helps. It is also a good idea to have a waterproof flashlight if you get stranded in the rain. Blankets or Extra Clothes It may be in the middle of winter, and your Toyota may experience a flat tire or run out of gas. Having a warm blanket or some extra clothes such as sweaters can help you keep warm until you get help. Gas Can It may also be a good idea to keep a gas can in the trunk of your Toyota. Then, you can try to get to the nearest gas station to fill up the can and transfer it to your car's gas tank. However, because gas is flammable, always keep the gas can empty in your trunk until you need it. Spare Tire If you know how to change a tire, then make sure the spare is stored in your trunk, along with a car jack and lug wrench. That way, if you get a flat, you can change it yourself rather than wait a long time for a tow truck. Additionally, consider carrying another component such as a mini air compressor to fill your tires before they go flat. Along with the essentials noted above, other items worth storing in your trunk include cloths for handling grease, specifically if you need to check or change the oil. Wrenches and screwdrivers can also be kept in your Toyota's trunk for minor repairs. Image by Stefan Schweihofer from Pixabay