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When you want to plan a relaxing getaway, there's nothing quite like visiting a small town. Tennessee is brimming with these small, charming places that embody Southern hospitality and put other locales to shame, so be sure to add one of these to your travel itinerary: Kingsport Another small city, but one that's larger than Dayton, Kingsport is part of the Mountain Empire that spans Southwest Virginia and the mountain counties of East Tennessee. Kingsport itself is idyllic and historic with easy access to state parks, spas, antique shops, smokehouses, and family-friendly events that include a popular hot air balloon festival. When you're looking for a small-town feel with city amenities, Kingsport is the place to be. more Dayton Located in Rhea County between Chattanooga and Knoxville, Dayton is a picturesque small city oozing with charm. If you're familiar with the name, it's probably because you've heard of Dayton, Tennessee, being the location of the famous Scopes Trial in 1925, which is the town's main claim to fame. Dayton offers countless parks and recreational fields for its size, and the nightlife is an unexpected bonus with its exceptional restaurants and live music scene. Townsend Townsend tends to be overshadowed by the popularity of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, but it's a peaceful little town nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that should be at the top of your list of places to visit. There isn't much here but ample opportunity for peace and relaxation, but that's part of its appeal. Drive around the loop at Cades Cove, check out the Tuckaleechee Caverns, or visit the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center. You can bet your weekend will be packed with nothing but the natural beauty and quiet of the mountain region. Jonesborough This quaint little town is perfect for those who love Southern history. Jonesborough is home to more than 5,000 people, but it's retained its historic charm in ways few towns in America have. Jonesborough's claim to fame is that it's the oldest city in Tennessee, even older than the state itself, so you can expect to encounter a lot of historical significance during your visit. Walk through the Chester Inn Museum, visit the International Storytelling Center, go antiquing, pop into one of the art galleries, or simply stroll along the picturesque streets. Bell Buckle The smallest on our list, Bell Buckle is home to just over 500 residents. It's a close-knit art lovers' community that will make you feel as if you've stepped back in time. As it stands today, this tiny town is a preserved and restored railroad village featuring Victorian homes, farmland, and horse country that is known for its handmade crafts, country music, quilts, antiques, and Southern hospitality. You also can't beat the home cooking. Thousands of visitors are drawn to Bell Buckle each year for its annual festivals, though the town is a great place to visit any time of year. Give yourself a chance to breathe again. Get away from the daily grind and plan a trip to one of these laid-back Tennessee towns. Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay

Owning a car is a necessity for most Americans, but the daily commute can really do a number on the best-kept vehicle. If you've been putting off trading in your old car for a new one, you may just be holding off the inevitable. Here are some signs that it's time to upgrade: Repairs are Costing More Than the Car is Worth Maintenance and repair costs are part of the responsibility of owning a vehicle, but when those costs exceed the car's value, you've got a real problem on your hands. Older cars will get to a point where they require costlier repair jobs, so you end up sinking your money into an endless pit. Instead of wasting your money, why not invest some of it into the down payment on a new vehicle? more Your Car is No Longer Safe Older cars are more susceptible to breakdowns and malfunctions. Even the best cars on the market today will one day pose issues as they age – it's just the nature of automobiles. If your old car is no longer reliable or it poses a safety hazard to you or your family, it's time to buy a new one. You'll know if its safety is compromised when it inexplicably slows down on the highway, has trouble starting, or the engine has a tendency to shut off when you come to a stop. It No Longer Suits Your Lifestyle Cars that once suited us a decade ago may not fit our current lifestyle. Families grow, needs change, gas prices go up, and that once-favorite vehicle now seems more of a burden. Ask yourself what type of vehicle would best suit your daily commute, lifestyle, and family size. If your current car doesn't cut it, it's time to trade it in. You're Paying Too Much for Gas This one is a common complaint of drivers who own older vehicles. Modern cars boast fuel-efficient designs that optimize the amount of gas you put into them, so you get more for your money. If you've got a gas guzzler on your hands and want to take advantage of new engine advancements, now's the time. Your Car No Longer Qualifies for Safety-Related Insurance Discounts Older vehicles do come with the perks of requiring less insurance. On the other hand, outdated cars don't qualify for safety-related discounts. Thanks to their state-of-the-art safety features, new cars do, so you have to ask yourself which trade-off you'd prefer to make. Most people would rather be in a safer vehicle. You're Craving a Change Sometimes the best reason to buy a new car is simply that you're ready for something different. There's no need to hang on to an outdated vehicle if you'd rather be in something more updated with the latest design aesthetics and safety features. A new car can signify a new start, so why put it off when you can make the switch today? It can be difficult to part with a beloved old car, but when you find one that suits your current lifestyle, you'll wonder why it took you so long to make the switch. Image via Pixabay

Shopping around for a fuel-efficient vehicle is a smart choice. With gas prices in a constant state of flux, you never know when they're going to shoot through the roof and make it difficult to afford filling up at the pump. Thanks to Toyota's innovative technologies, the automaker is offering an impressive lineup of fuel-efficient cars that make life a little easier on your wallet. 1. 2016 Toyota Corolla America's favorite car, the Corolla has a longstanding tradition of quality and value. Thanks to recent updates, the 2016 incarnation of this sporty sedan boasts a max estimate of 42 miles to the gallon on the highway. That's an impressive feat for a car of this size and style! Even the city estimate is great at 30 miles per gallon, making the Corolla the perfect car for the daily commute. The Corolla starts at just $17,230 and features user-friendly controls, generous legroom, and an impressive list of standard equipment that make it a worthwhile investment. more 2. 2016 Toyota Yaris The compact hatchback of the lineup, the 2016 Yaris is the perfect size for urban driving. Its 1.5-liter four-cylinder automatic gets an impressive 33 miles per gallon in the city and 42 on the highway, which translates to a combined mpg of 37. The car is also affordable, starting at just $14,845. The 2016 Yaris is available as a three- or five-door hatchback that features Toyota's Entune infotainment system, available five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, snappy styling, and an updated interior. When you need a small car that offers a little something of everything, the Yaris is a great option. 3. 2015 Toyota Prius Debuting with a base price of $24,200, the 2015 Prius hatchback made a splash with its 48 mpg on the highway and 51 miles per gallon in the city. That's an outstanding 50 miles per gallon combined. The 2015 Prius offers a straightforward interior with a floating console, standard touchscreen, and optional E-tune system, but it's outfitted with numerous safety features that make it a solid choice for any driver. These include multiple airbags, including a driver knee airbag, rearview camera, traction and stability control, and antilock disc brakes. Other safety features such as Toyota's Safety Connect emergency communications system are optional. 4. 2016 Toyota Prius C If you love the Prius but need something a little more budget-friendly, consider the 2016 Prius C. This sports car boasts 53 miles per gallon in the city and 46 on the highway. A major update from 2015 is Toyota's Safety Sense-C system, which includes lane-departure assist, a low-speed collision system, and automatic high beam assist. This system is available on the Prius C Three Deluxe Moonroof and Safety package, although it comes standard on the Prius C Four trim. There's even an exciting Persona Series that looks custom with its electric lime accents. When you need to purchase the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the market, look no further than Toyota's offerings. There's bound to be a high-efficiency vehicle that suits your family's needs. Image by Cristhian Adame from Pixabay

There's a lot to love about East Tennessee, including our off-beat attractions. While there may not seem like much to do in the immediate Kingsport area, locals generally know where to head to find the best, most unusual attractions that would surprise any tourist. If you're ready to visit some of these sites, you'll want to add the following to your itinerary: 1. Titanic Museum Located in Pigeon Forge, the quintessential Tennessean's vacation spot, the RMS Titanic Museum boasts a half-scale model of the Titanic itself, just hanging out on the side of the road with the iceberg. It's an unusual site when you first drive into Pigeon Forge, but the museum holds the claim to fame as being the world's largest Titanic museum attraction. View the Titanic's exclusive jewelry collection, have your photo taken on the ornate staircase, and see haunting special displays like the $1.7 million violin owned by the Titanic's bandmaster. more 2. The Evil Dead Cabin Located down the road in Morristown, just past Martin Road, is the deserted film set from the "Evil Dead" movie. The cabin itself was largely destroyed during filming, and what remains today is an eerie ruin. Be warned, though. Visiting this cabin means you're trespassing. It's essentially private property, but that hasn't stopped locals from braving the wooded trail and observing this rural section of Appalachia firsthand. 3. Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum Let's face it: Many gift shops in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are filled with Americana kitsch souvenirs. It's the nature of this highly visited tourist area. What many East Tennessee locals may not realize, however, is that Gatlinburg houses a little-known secret called the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum. This unexpected museum features over 20,000 sets of spice shakers from the 1500s to today, and it's the only one of its kind according to the owners. To get there, take the East Parkway from the Gatlinburg Visitor Center, and it's near the Flapjacks Pancake Cabin. 4. Lost Cove Settlement Located along the Nolichucky River between Tennessee and North Carolina, Lost Cove is a ghost town that was abandoned after the railroad left. It was first settled by moonshiners in the early 1900s, and at its height during the town's timber production, Lost Cove was home to about 100 people. The last family left in 1957 after state legislation stalled on building a road into the town. Now, only a few buildings are still standing. Getting to the Lost Cove Settlement is a bit tricky, and you can only hike in, but there are several entry points. Kingsport residents should drive to Uncle Johnny's Hostel and Outfitters in Erwin, then hit the trail from there. 5. Natural Tunnel State Park Although located in Virginia instead of Tennessee, the Natural Tunnel is worth a mention because it's just 30 minutes northwest of Kingsport. The park features a naturally formed cave that is so large that it's used as a railroad tunnel. Getting down to the tunnel requires a hike or riding a chairlift, which makes for some great scenery as well. Unusual attractions abound in our neck of the woods, so get out there and explore! Image via Pixabay

East Tennessee is a beautiful area to call home. Thanks to our prime location between the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, Kingsport boasts several nearby scenic drives that are best experienced in the cooler months when the air is crisp and the leaves are changing. If you're looking for a great drive to take this weekend, here are a few you may consider: 1. Cades Cove Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park less than three hours from Kingsport, Cades Cove is an isolated valley that was once home to numerous settlers. The loop through the cove is 11 miles long and circles back to the beginning, so drivers have the opportunity to experience Cades Cove at their own pace. Scattered along the loop are a variety of historical buildings as well – a testament to the area's early settler days. Expect to see barns, log cabins, a working grist mill, churches, and other restored 18- and 19th-century structures. The loop is open daily except for Christmas, and year-round campgrounds serve as the perfect place to pitch a tent and enjoy an entire weekend here. Simply take I-81 South and go through Townsend via TN-1 East. Continue straight on TN-73 into Cades Cove. more 2. Clingmans Dome This mountain is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so it's no wonder visitors flock to its observation tower every year. On clear days, you can see over 100 miles, although pollution usually limits viewing distances more to 20 miles. While Clingmans Dome itself is a great destination, the drive there is quite scenic. Although it will take about two hours and 30 minutes to arrive at the park, driving through Gatlinburg into the mountains is a spectacular sight. Once you're in Newfound Gap, turn off Newfound Gap Road and follow the seven-mile-long Clingmans Dome Road to the parking lot. Bring your camera. 3. Blue Ridge Parkway Just an hour and a half south of Kingsport is Asheville, North Carolina, and the drive there on I-26 is a speculator one in and of itself. The Blue Ridge Parkway, however, is an iconic scenic route with numerous trails and overlooks the parkway. There are several places that allow you to enter and exit the parkway, but the ones in Asheville are among the most convenient. Once on the parkway, drive north to Little Switzerland and Spruce Pine, then get off and drive back past Burnsville straight to I-26, which will bring you back into Tennessee. The best thing to do is download a map from the National Park Service site and plan your route according to where you want to enter and exit the parkway. Along the way, be sure to visit the Folk Art Center, Craggy Gardens Visitor Center, Mount Mitchell State Park, and the Museum of North Carolina Minerals Visitor Center. These gorgeous mountains offer countless hidden gems and awe-inspiring views you won't want to miss. If you're feeling cooped up, set aside a day and head out on a scenic drive. You never know where you'll wind up. Image via Pixabay

It's no secret that the Toyota Corolla is the bestselling car in the world. With the debut of the 2016 model, Toyota has once again proved that the Corolla will be a mainstay in the American car-buying tradition for years to come. The latest incarnation of this beloved car offers several features that make it a must-own for buyers currently comparing their options. 1. Sportiness The Corolla may be sleek, but it's also sporty. The Sport Mode button adds an invigorating feel to the ride, making it incredibly fun to drive. And the Corolla's sportiness doesn't stop with Sport Mode. The 2016 model also features race car-like front seats, a sport gauge cluster, paddle shifters, and a sportier driving position, all of which enhance the overall experience. If you've always had to sacrifice buying your favorite sports car in favor of a more family-friendly or economical sedan, the Corolla may just embody everything you're looking for. This also makes the Corolla a great choice for students. more 2. Efficiency The new Corolla boasts an exceptional fuel economy of 42 miles per gallon on the highway and 30 in the city. That's nearly unheard of for a vehicle of this style and size. The ECO driving mode even adjusts air conditioning and gas output for more improved efficiency, letting you enjoy an even better fuel economy than the estimates. The 2016 Corolla also features CVTi-S Valvematic engine technology. This valve powertrain technology was first used on the 2014 Corolla, and it's been proven to offer more than five percent of fuel economy improvement and engine output. 3. Safety Features The 2016 Corolla offers an impressive list of safety features that have contributed to its top safety ratings. It offers eight standard airbags, driver and passenger front and side airbags, traction and stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, anti-lock braking, brake assist, and smart stop technology. Some of the trim levels even feature active parking systems, blind-spot monitoring, and rearview cameras. As for the design, the 2016 model is made of ultra-high-strength steel, and it features a rear-seat crossbar to reduce injury from side impacts. If you're looking for a safe car, the Corolla is the one to own. 4. Technology One of the best features of the 2016 Corolla is its Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite. Etune is Toyota's name for the audio, visual, and information interface display located on the center stack. This innovative feature boasts voice recognition, smartphone integration, Bluetooth, an iPod and USB connection, and optional SiriusXM satellite radio. Stay up-to-date on your route with the Corolla's 6.1-inch touchscreen while you listen to Pandora. Even better, the car's Smart Key System includes a smart key fob, so as long as you have the key fob on you when you approach the car, the system will unlock the Corolla for you. You can even start the vehicle using your key fob. There's a lot to love about the new Corolla, but the best way to be won over is to take one for a test drive. Image via Pixabay