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Get Outside and Go Hiking

When the weather gets nice, it's always fun to get outdoors and enjoy the natural surroundings. In the Hatfield, Pennsylvania area, there are plenty of hiking trails nearby that provide the perfect setting for your next outdoor adventure. 202 Parkway Trail This paved trail spans nearly 8.5 miles in length and runs alongside a scenic byway. It connects with The Circuit, which is the trail network that runs through Greater Philadelphia, and this segment links three separate towns. The trail is about 12 feet in width and has grassy areas along with split-rail fences that keep it separate from the roadway. 58 th Street Greenway This shorter trail is perfect for a brief walk near southwestern Philadelphia. It is about 1.4 miles in length and connects with Bartram's Garden on the east side and Cobbs Creek Trail on the west side. Some small sections of the asphalt trail also allow cars, so use caution when walking on these areas. The path is well-marked with clear indicators. Angelica Creek Trail The Angelica Creek Trail is paved in gravel and starts in the suburbs of Reading. At the start of the trail, you'll have breathtaking views of the Schuylkill River, then as it winds northwest, you'll be near to Alvernia University and Angelica Creek Park. Parking is available along Route 10 and within the KenGrill Recreation Center on the south side. During the spring, summer, and even early fall months, you'll see plenty of other hikers along these trails, taking advantage of the pleasant temperatures and breathtaking surroundings. Image via Flickr by Moyan Brenn

3 Best Beer Gardens Near Hatfield

There is nothing quite like relaxing with a cold beer on a hot summer day. If you find yourself in the Hatfield, Pennsylvania area, be sure to make a stop at one of these local favorite beer gardens. The Crafty Jackalope Unlike at chain restaurants, the experience at The Crafty Jackalope is one of a kind. The menu features homemade favorites like candied bacon, Ahi tuna, enchiladas, and burgers. But most people come for the large selection of craft beer. All appetizers are half-price during happy hour, 4 to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Other daily specials are available for wings and beer. Independence Beer Garden Located a little more than 30 miles from Hatfield, Independence Beer Garden is an All-American themed beer garden that overlooks the Independence National Historic Park and Liberty Bell. Choose from more than 40 different beers that are available on tap, including both domestic and regional craft varieties. It's open daily at 11:30 a.m. and stays open late on weekends. You can also dine on tasty entrees and appetizers that pair well with your beverages. Morgan's Pier Morgan's Pier sits on the Delaware River in Philadelphia, less than 35 miles from Hatfield. It offers a unique twist on the traditional beer garden feel, since its owners bring in top chefs from the area to prepare their own menus for four months. You can also listen to live music on Thursday evenings and rock out to DJ-spun tunes on weekends. Take advantage of the warm weather this summer by sipping on your favorite brew at one of these top beer gardens in the area. Image via Flickr by MIKI Yoshihito

How to Properly Adjust Your Car Mirrors

Many drivers don't take full advantage of the mirrors in their vehicles, making it hard to see what is beside them. Get rid of blind spots by adjusting your mirrors in a way that makes more sense. Out With the Old When you learned how to drive, your instructor or parent may have told you to adjust the mirrors a certain way, and you have just never deviated from that. Or, maybe you don't use your mirrors as often as you should, so they point in haphazard directions without doing much to help with safety. Point them Outward When you position your side mirrors to eliminate blind spots, they should both point outward. When you look at the reflection in one of the side mirrors, it should just overlap the view from your interior rearview mirror. This positioning is the best for eliminating blind spots completely. Adjust to the New View Many drivers are used to seeing the sides of their own vehicles in the side mirrors, so a changed view can take some adjusting. But pointing a mirror at your own car simply isn't doing any good, so it's worth getting used to the new (and safer) view, since it will allow you to change lanes and make turns without having to look over your shoulder as often. It is surprising how few drivers adjust their mirrors properly, but you can become one of the safe ones by redirecting the mirrors to reflect objects and other cars near your vehicle.   Image via Flickr by Croswald9

4 Ways You Know it's Time to Get an Oil Change

Preventive maintenance is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your car. But many drivers skip the oil changes and other maintenance services. If you haven't had the oil changed in your car recently, watch for these warning signs. 1. Color of the Oil If you check your oil, you may notice that it is darker and/or grittier than usual. This is a clear sign that you need to change it. Fresh oil is the color of honey, but it can get overloaded with dirt and other particles. You don't want these getting into the engine. 2. Recommended Schedule Your car's manufacturer will typically produce a schedule for recommended frequency of oil changes. Some cars need the service every 3,000 miles, while others can go longer. Synthetic oil burns more cleanly and efficiently, reducing the need to change it as often. But a synthetic oil change also typically costs two to three times more than a conventional service. 3. Strange Sounds If you hear odd noises coming from your engine, such as grinding or whining, this could also indicate that you need an oil change. Oil provides lubrication for the engine, so if it runs dry, parts start to grind together and lead to added wear and tear. 4. Low Level When you pull out the dipstick, make sure your engine has plenty of oil. If the indicator shows that the level is low, add more or get it changed ASAP. You can help keep your car running more smoothly by getting the oil changed routinely.     Image via Flickr by Robert Couse-Baker

How to Safely Drive in a School Zone

The streets surrounding schools in the United States are designated as "school zones" and have their own set of rules and regulations. If you get pulled over in a school zone, the police officer is much less likely to be lenient, and the risk of hitting a child is never worth driving too fast. Watch for Signs Some school zones have signs with flashing lights, while others aren't as obvious. If you see a yellow sign, always slow down so you don't have to hit the brakes. Always watch for kids, even if the lights on the sign aren't flashing. A child who is late to school could run across the road, and if you are moving too quickly, it could be tough to stop in time. Stay Back from Buses School buses often drive through school zones to drop off and pick up the students. If there are no flashing lights on the bus, you may proceed with caution. But as soon as the red lights start flashing and/or stop signs come out from the sides of the bus, you must stop immediately. Even if you are partway past the bus, it is always better to stop because you never know if a child will dart out of the door without warning. Avoid Acceleration As you move through a school zone, allow your car to coast at a low speed instead of pressing on the gas. With a few simple modifications to your driving habits, you can do your part in keeping school zones safe for children.   Image via Flickr by Brian

3 Ways to Ruin Your Car's Paint Job

A car is a hefty investment, so many drivers look for ways to extend the vehicle's life and keep it looking like new. The exterior paint job is one of the first things that people notice about your car, so avoid these situations at all costs. 1. Wash Your Car Often The first way that you are damaging your car's paint job without even realizing it is not washing it often enough. When mud, dirt, and other debris are kicked up from tires, they will scratch your car's paint and create a dull finish. Wash your car often, especially during the winter months if you live in a snowy area. After a wash, apply wax regularly to protect the paint and keep it shiny. 2. Park in Bad Locations When you park your vehicle beneath a tree and head into the office, your paint is at risk throughout the hours that you leave it there. Bird droppings and sap cause damage to auto paint. If you must park under a tree, drive through the car wash on your way home. A parking space in direct sunlight is also hard on the paint, since exposure to sun speeds up the oxidation process. The best place to park is in a covered space or garage. 3. Haphazard Maintenance When you refuel your car or top off the brake fluid, be careful to avoid contact to the exterior of your car with these liquids. They are highly corrosive materials and can cause the paint to peel almost immediately. Taking better care of your car can help prolong its life and maintain its value.     Image via Flickr by Charlie

The 3 Best Family Activities in Hatfield, PA

Looking for fun family activities to enjoy this spring and summer? You'll find plenty in Hatfield and the surrounding area. Here are a few of our favorites. Jumpin Jack's Open seven days a week, Jumpin Jack's is the largest indoor bounce center in the area — and it's located right in Hatfield! Seven huge inflatables fill this playland, which is perfect for children 12 years and younger. There is even a designated area for children under four and a parents' area complete with 50-inch TVs and free WiFi. Open play costs $12 per child. Merrymead Farm Families will enjoy seasonal outings to Merrymead Farm in nearby Lansdale. During spring and summer, for instance, you can pick up some plants, soil, and mulch to start your own garden. You can also visit the baby chicks, ducklings, and calves, along with the other farm animals, and see the cows being milked from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Rebounderz If you've never been to an indoor trampoline park, you're missing out. Fortunately, you can easily fix that by heading to Rebounderz in Lansdale. The park hosts Toddler Time on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon for $7 per hour. Otherwise, rates are $10 for half an hour, $14 for a full hour, $20 for 90 minutes, and $10 for an additional hour. This weekend, why not treat your family to one of these fun activities? If someone has a birthday coming up, keep in mind that all three venues can be reserved for parties. Image provided by Shutterstock

The 3 Best Cheesesteaks in Philly

Eating a cheesesteak is a rite of passage for all Philadelphia visitors. Whether you've recently moved to Philly or you're just passing through, here are some of the best eateries that ensure you'll get a delicious cheesesteak worthy of the Philly name. John's Roast Pork While seeded sandwich rolls aren't traditionally part of the Philly cheesesteak's list of ingredients, John's Roast Pork in South Philly does it very well. You won't find the standard Cheese Whiz here, though, but you will be rewarded with deliciously charred meat on a bed of a gourmet Italian roll. Tony Luke's An understated joint next to an I-95 underpass, Tony Luke's offers the typical Cheese Whiz-drizzled fare that's won numerous awards. Being a no frills eatery, you order at the window and pick up your sandwich from the streetside windows. Tony Luke's is also known for giving its customers a hard time, so don't be offended if they seem less than friendly. It's all part of the South Philly experience. Pat's King of Steaks It wouldn't be a trip to Philly without a stop at Pat's King of Steaks, the original home of the cheesesteak. The joint is still owned and operated by the Olivieri family, whose patriarch invented the sandwich in 1930. Where else can you get a classic cheesesteak from the most famous cheesesteak shop on the planet? The Philadelphia food scene is bustling with eats from all over the world, but the modest cheesesteak still reigns supreme in these parts. You simply won't find a better cheesesteak anywhere else. Image provided by Shutterstock

3 Ways Toyota Helps the Local Community

Toyota has always been in the business of giving back. Thanks to the company's success, local communities across the country have benefited from Toyota charities and organizations, which alone is a great incentive for buying a Toyota. Donating Efficiency In 2013, Toyota partnered with the New York food bank to improve the nonprofit's service, boosting their efficiency and helping the organization help more people. New York City's food bank is the country's largest anti-hunger charity, which is why Toyota approached the organization with the offer of "kaizen," the Japanese word for "continuous improvement." Toyota was able to help the food bank revamp its operations and reduce wait times from 90 minutes to 18. Giving Cars to Charity One of Toyota's most noted charitable actions in recent years is its Hundred Cars for Good campaign. More than 3,000 non-profit groups applied for the car donation program, and 500 finalists were selected. The finalists were then sorted through, thanks to a social media campaign that allowed the public to vote on their favorite organizations. Toyota gave a new car to 100 non-profits who won the competition. Sports Sponsorships Toyota is invested in social development so that future generations can create a brighter future. One way the company has helped realize this vision is through sports sponsorships. Toyota has created and continuously supports a variety of community-centered sports projects around the globe, all with the aim of sharing a strong foundation of dreams, hope, and enthusiasm. It's nice to know that your car company cares enough to give back. Stop in today to see how you can support Toyota's vision. Image provided by Shutterstock

The 3 Most Environmentally Friendly Toyotas Available

When you want to shop for the most environmentally friendly Toyota models at Peruzzi Toyota, it's nice to know you have options. Read on to learn more about the current eco-friendly lineup and how they stack up. Toyota Prius Considered the king of Eco-Friendly Cars, the Toyota Prius Hybrid has proven itself time and time again. Whether you opt for a pre-owned model or the latest version, you'll enjoy all the perks a true hybrid has to offer. The 2016 Prius, for instance, is in its third generation, boasting an EPA-estimated 51 mpg and an affordable starting MSRP that makes it a popular option. Alternatively, you can opt for the Prius c or Prius v, both of which offer a fresh spin on the Prius' eco-conscious tradition. RAV4 Hybrid Compact and sporty, the RAV4 is a great option for those who prefer a crossover to a compact sedan. The RAV4 Hybrid has taken this classic styling and fused fuel efficiency and affordability into every feature, resulting in a chiseled RAV4 that can get 34 miles to the gallon. Highlander Hybrid For a more traditional SUV look, go with the Highlander Hybrid. A great option for families, the Highlander Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated rating of 27 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway, making it a great vehicle for the daily commute and extended family road trips. It also offers all the space you could need. These three models are just a sampling of Toyota's environmentally friendly options. Stop by Peruzzi Toyota to experience them all for yourself. Image provided by Shutterstock

4 Ways to Avoid Mechanic Scams

Auto mechanics can get away with a lot, especially when customers aren't familiar with the workings of their vehicles. Avoid scams by following these simple tips. 1. Ask for Evidence Even if you aren't familiar with individual parts and components in your car, you can still ask to see evidence of a problem. For example, if your mechanic recommends replacing the spark plugs, request to see the current spark plugs as they usually show physical, telltale signs of damage. Filters also look dirty when it's time for replacement, so request to see the old filters before opting for this service. 2. Track Maintenance Timelines The manufacturer of your automobile will have a recommended timeline for maintenance services. If you don't keep track of these services, your mechanic could try to talk you into doing one before it's needed. Keep reminders in your phone or on your calendar so you know exactly when the service comes due. 3. Consider the Dealership Repair shops that are part of automotive dealerships are often held to higher standards than standalone shops, which means that scams are less frequent. Dealerships also work closely with automotive manufacturers, so their employees are usually more familiar with recommended service timelines, OEM parts, and guidelines for handling repairs and maintenance honestly and efficiently. 4. Ask Others Referrals are great, so ask around to find out who your friends and family members use for vehicle service. You can avoid auto scams and save your hard-earned money by steering clear of untrustworthy mechanics that will overcharge for services you may not even need.   Image via Flickr by Mark Ittleman

4 Dangers of Summer Driving (And How to Avoid Them)

It may come as a surprise that the highest number of accidents occurs during the months of July and August. Most drivers think that winter is the time when road conditions are poor, but there are also hazards that come along with summertime driving. 1. Overheating When the weather is warm, many people head out on road trips to take advantage of the pleasant temps. Overheating is a common problem, so check your coolant and oil levels before you embark on an adventure. 2. Road Construction It's easier for construction workers to take on projects when the days are longer and the weather is warmer. As a result, road construction is at an all-time high throughout much of the summer. Watch out for cones and barrels, get over sooner rather than later when you see closure signs, and slow down to prevent accidents. 3. More People Many people enjoy spending time outside during the summer months, which means that kids and pets could dart out into the road chasing after a toy or ball. Keep a close eye on sidewalks when you drive in residential areas, and always obey speed limits. 4. Vacation With breaks from school, families often take summer vacations. This means there are more cars on the road heading to various destinations. Plan ahead and allow plenty of time to get to and from work, school, or even your own vacation destination. Although there are hazards, you can keep yourself and your family members protected from hazardous driving conditions this summer.     Image via Flickr by Marcus Povey

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