Grits Spots in Kingsport, TNIt’s no secret that grits are a Southern staple. From shrimp and grits to cheesy grits to every recipe in between, there’s no doubt that this dish is an integral part of the Southern diet. Where can you find some of the best grits in the area? You’re in luck — we’re here to give you the scoop on some of the best restaurants in Kingsport, Tennessee, that serve up this delicious comfort food. So get ready to have those taste buds start watering and read on to find your next favorite grit-serving restaurant.

Restaurant #1: FATZ Cafe

With great food, good service and amazing prices, FATZ Café definitely doesn’t disappoint. Upon walking through the front doors, the friendly and smiling staff will greet you with true Southern hospitality. While you can’t go wrong with any dish on the menu, we recommend trying the fried green tomatoes and grits.

Putting their own twist on Southern favorites, this restaurant serves South Carolina’s own stone-ground Adluh cheese grits with Cajun-spiced shrimp. Topped with Andouille sausage gravy, parmesan cheese, and scallions, this Lowcountry classic is truly remarkable.

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Whether you lease or own a vehicle, we all know the costly expense associated with replacing a vehicle’s tires. While no tire (even top brands) will last forever, there are different ways to extend the life of your vehicle’s tires. By following a regular tire maintenance routine, you can not only save money but also keep your passengers and other drivers safe on the road. We’ve compiled a list of the four top tips for prolonging the life of your tires.

Tip #1: Check Tire Pressure Frequently

We recommend that you take the time to check your tire pressure weekly. Simply unscrew the cap on your tire’s air intake and hold a tire pressure gauge, allowing the air to flow out of the tire and into the gauge. When doing this routine check, it’s important to make sure that all tires are evenly inflated.

Make sure to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended pressure. Depending on where you look for the recommended pressure (car manufacturer or tire manufacturer) it’s important to know that lower pressure improves drive performance while higher pressure will extend the tire’s life. At the end of the day, always avoid over-inflating your tires, as this can cause extensive tread wear and reduces its life.

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Chocolate Lovers Spots in Kingsport, TNAlthough Easter is a religious holiday, it is synonymous with the opportunity to eat lots of delicious chocolate. The use of eggs as a symbol of Easter might seem commercially driven, but it is steeped in history. German immigrants are reported to have brought the idea of an Easter bunny to the U.S. The idea of decorating eggs goes back as far as the 13th century when Christians used to decorate eggs and eat them on Easter Sunday to mark the end of Lent.

Luckily, if you live in Kingsport, Tennessee, you can indulge in delicious chocolate treats at any time of the year, not just at Easter. If you are a chocolate lover in search of a delicious sweet treat, read on to find out about three must-visit local establishments in Kingsport to get your chocolate fix.

1. Bellafina Chocolates

Head down to Bellafina Chocolates on Cherokee Street for an incredibly diverse selection of indulgent chocolate truffles. You’ll be able to purchase truffles in a large array of flavors, and there are even gift boxes to satisfy any chocolate lover.

A really special and heartwarming characteristic of this company is that all net proceeds after accounting for normal business expenses go toward funding charities that help disadvantaged or sick children. By getting your chocolate fix at Bellafina, you’ll not only be tasting some heavenly treats, but you’ll also be helping some of the most vulnerable people in society.

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Toyota makes reasonably priced vehicles that practically anyone can afford. You might think that Toyota’s affordable prices make them off-limits for television stars who prefer spending large amounts of money. It turns out that plenty of stars drive Toyota vehicles simply because they understand the value of good craftsmanship.

Browse this short list of TV stars to see if any of your favorite actors prefer driving Toyota vehicles.

50 Cent Drives a Land Cruiser

50 Cent started his career as a rapper. When television producers saw his charisma, though, they featured him on several shows. For the most part, he has played himself, even on scripted shows like The SimpsonsEntourage, and Robot Chicken. 50 Cent currently plays a main role in the crime drama Power. Today, though, he prefers to go by his given name, Curtis Jackson.

Jackson has been spotted driving his Toyota Land Cruiser around New York, where he grew up and currently spends most of his downtime. The Land Cruiser makes the perfect vehicle for Jackson, who is a large man with a commanding presence.

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Easter Events in Kingsport, TNKingsport is a great place to be during Easter, with an abundance of fun events held around the city in celebration of this Christian holiday. Read on to find out about four entertaining Easter events that you and your family can attend around The Model City.

1. Egg Hunt and Puppet Show

This annual show is normally held in Warriors’ Path State Park, and it makes for an exciting way to celebrate Easter. Music and puppetry are used to tell the story of Easter in a fun and engaging way, and afterward, you and your family can partake in the traditional egg hunt.

2. Hop to It Community Egg Hunt

It wouldn’t be Easter in Kingsport without a frantic egg hunt. Upwards of 3,000 people from Kingsport and further afar normally attend this event, which is typically held in the field adjacent to the playground at Andrew Johnson Elementary School.

You’ll have the chance to win some amazing prizes that’ll keep the kids happy, including video games, bicycles, and more. There is free food available so you and your family can be full of energy for that all-important egg hunt, which is split into three different age groups to give everyone a fair chance to find some eggs. There are 20,000 candy-filled eggs in total to be found.

You can also get a memorable family photograph with the Easter Bunny or have the kids’ faces painted.

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Since so many families enjoy owning Prius vehicles, Toyota has spent a lot of effort making sure the model uses the latest safety features. After all, few things are more important than keeping your family safe on the road. If you’re interested in buying a new vehicle, make sure you pay attention to these four safety features included in the latest Prius models.

Intelligence Clearance Sonar

A lot of drivers assume that accidents happen on the road. A large number of vehicle collisions, however, take place in parking lots. Toyota developed Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) technology to make parking easier and safer.

The current version of ICS uses several sensors to detect objects all around the Prius. It can recognize obstacles approaching from several yards away and even help you avoid vehicles in adjacent parking spots.

The 2017 Prius relies on ICS when you drive at speeds below 10 mph. This makes it perfect for navigating parking lots that often present difficulties for drivers.

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The idea that “dogs love to ride in the car” hearkens back to the days of the horseless carriage. The slobbery truth, however, is that dogs can suffer from motion sickness, just as some people can. Before taking Fido along on that next road trip, be sure to do some research.

Why Do Dogs Get Carsick?

The science behind dog carsickness is a bit hazy, but it seems that dogs get carsick for the same reasons that people do. Your dog’s inner ear fluids slosh around when riding in a car, and if their neurological input doesn’t match what Rover is seeing, nausea can be the result. When humans drive cars, for example, carsickness is almost never a factor because they can see the road ahead and predict movements such as turns and stops. It’s generally ill-advised to let your dog drive, however.

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3 Book Clubs in Kingsport, TNIf you think a “book club” is something made out of wood pulp that’s handy for beating a caveman to death, you may need to spend a bit more time at your local library. Better yet, join one of the many cool book clubs in the Kingsport area, and you’ll find that books are indeed weapons of mass enlightenment. Folks from all walks of life can easily find a book club that’s just right for them.

Kingsport Public Library Teen Book League

The Kingsport Public Library Teen Book League is not a group of superheroes, though they might as well be. This book club draws its members from 6th grade through 12th grade and is based out of the Kingsport Public Library. During the fall and winter months, they read and discuss books that have been nominated for the Volunteer State Book Award. When spring arrives, they vote for their favorites in various categories to create a list of Tennessee Teen book selections.

The Book League assumes one of the most important roles in today’s society of young readers. They help navigate the crowded world of published books. With so many titles, authors, and subjects to choose from, the process of selecting what to read can be daunting. Groups like the Book League are a tremendous help. The group meets twice a month from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Join them to not only discuss literature but also to make friends and have fun.

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It’s a rare occasion when a global automaker releases a new series of powertrains. Toyota’s all-new Dynamic Force lineup is poised to shake up the automotive industry and unlock a new world of fuel efficiency, performance, and eco-friendliness.

What Is Dynamic Force?

Dynamic Force powertrains are a critical component of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. Modular parts and technologies will streamline and simplify Toyota’s manufacturing process. Behind each new vehicle’s unique skin will be key systems — such as drivetrain, shifters, air bags, and steering — of which there are just a small handful, handpicked for each specific vehicle. Toyota anticipates a savings of about 20 percent and more consistent quality and performance as well.

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Healthy Restaurants in Kingsport, TNThe fuel we choose to put in our gastric gas tanks can make the difference between our being sleek sports cars or smoke-belching jalopies. Those who care about what they eat are all too familiar with the challenges of dining out. Who knows how it’s prepared, or where the ingredients come from? Fortunately, as home to the Healthy Kingsport initiative, this town has no shortage of local restaurants providing high-octane premium fuel for your body.

Mustard Seed Cafe

The quaint, laid-back Mustard Seed Cafe prides itself on locally sourced, fresh, and healthy ingredients. It serves a variety of sandwiches, quiches, and specialty coffees. All of the soups are made daily from scratch. Folks rave about the Tomato Pie quiche, the chicken salad, and the Micah’s Smash sandwich.

Mustard Seed is nutrition for the soul as well as the body. The pleasant service, relaxing atmosphere, and roomy interior make it a perfect place for a healthy and refreshing meal. Oversized windows flood the restaurant with light. Outside seating is available for those who want an additional dose of vitamin D with their lunch.

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