Blog

Headed out on a road trip? Driving the kids to and from activities? Just hoping to cruise around with the windows down? Whatever your plans are this summer, you'll want to make sure your money takes you as far as it can go. Here are a few ways to improve your car's fuel economy. Slow Your Roll Sure, living that racecar-driver fantasy is fun, but driving fast won't save you any fuel. In fact, taking it easy when it comes to the accelerator is the best way to save on fuel economy. As you ratchet up the MPH, your car has to work against more drag, which necessitates more fuel. Take it Easy While slowing down can save you gas (and money), easing up on the brake pedal can do the same thing. Sudden stops and starts burn more fuel. Instead, allow your car to come to rolling stops. This will help you avoid wear-and-tear on your brakes, too. Get a Tune-Up Be sure to take your vehicle in for the manufacturer's recommended maintenance checks. Quick fixes like replacing the air filters and changing the oil regularly can have a major impact on your fuel economy. Check Your Tire Pressure This is an easy task to neglect, but it's also one of the simplest ways to improve your fuel economy. Best to inflate your tires to their ideal pressure before you head out for the day. If you use these tips, you can improve the fuel economy of your vehicle, so you won't be sweating each and every dollar on your drives this summer. Image via Flickr by j.reed

Flowers Summertime means sunny days, warmer temperatures, and everything in bloom. Shed the winter “blahs” with a trip to one of Wayne County's many unique gardens. Most are just a short drive away. Once you get a taste of West Virginia's nature, nothing else will suffice. Ritter Park Rose Garden It's always a good time to stop and smell the roses. This park features over 3000 roses. Visit between late May and mid-June to experience the biggest bloom. Weddings, bridal showers, and other events are a great match for this floral fantasy. Lavalette Landscaping, Inc. If you want to bring the beauty of a garden to your own property, Lavalette is here to help you turn your dreams into reality. From ponds to patios, their knowledgeable staff can take on almost any landscaping project. Beech Fork State Park One of the best ways to experience our world's gardens is to hike, bike, and adventure right in your own backyard. This state park offers plenty of trees, plants, and flowers for hours of hiking, swimming, and other outdoor adventures. Joyce's Greenhouse When it comes to top-quality flowers and vegetables, you can get your fix at Joyce's. This greenhouse offers ample parking, end-of-season sales, and friendly employees. They say West Virginia is “Wild and Wonderful,” and they couldn't be more correct, especially in Wayne County. With garden centers, parks, greenhouses, gardens, and landscaping services all within a few short miles of each other, there are tons of ways to experience nature on a daily basis. Image via Flickr by Nouhailler

Midsize SUVs have been a popular choice for many years, both for families on the go and people who want to tow their boat to the lake for the weekend. The 2019 Ford Explorer remains a great choice for passenger and cargo room, along with many available features. Read on to see why you should test drive a 2019 Ford Explorer today. Seats Seven Comfortably For families who prefer an SUV to a minivan, the 2019 Ford Explorer gives you plenty of room for kids, car seats, and cargo. It can easily seat seven people, and with available PowerFold seating, the third row folds in with a touch of a button for versatility in transporting people or their supplies. Even with the seats filled to capacity, the Explorer has 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Safety Features Give You Peace of Mind The 2019 Explorer features standard stability control when it detects wheel slip, understeer, oversteer, or roll motion. This helps with driving in subpar conditions like gravel, rain, or icy roads, giving you confidence in any situation. LED headlamps offer improved lighting over halogen bulbs, and available automatic high beams help illuminate your way. Available rain-sensing wipers let you concentrate in wet conditions, and a lane-keeping system and adaptive cruise control help to keep your path straight and safe. Comfort and performance have always been the hallmarks of the Ford company. At River City Ford, we take pride in offering a huge selection of Ford Explorers. Come in for a test drive today.

Ford's lineup of cars, SUVs, and trucks has something for everyone. If you're looking for something fast, fun, and sporty, you might consider one of these options. Ford Mustang Since it arrived on the car scene in 1962, the Mustang has been popular with sports car enthusiasts. The newest models build on that history with modern performance, convenience, and safety features. The 2019 Mustang Bullitt is inspired by the original but has all the modern bells and whistles. A 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V-8 engine produces 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. It's sleek and finished to perfection with a quad-tip exhaust and red Brembo brake calipers. Fiesta ST The Fiesta is another classic Ford vehicle that came into existence in 1976 and has been beloved ever since. The 2019 Fiesta ST model is a four-door hatchback with thoughtful style. Available leather-trimmed Recaro seats, contrast stitching, rear spoiler, and 17-inch gray painted aluminum wheels stay true to its sporty DNA. It has a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 197 horsepower and 202 pound-feet of torque. Modern safety and convenience features round out a fun drive. Edge ST The 2019 Edge ST is a great option for someone who wants the passenger and cargo space of a crossover SUV but still wants to feel like driving is an adventure. With its 2.7-liter V-6 engine producing 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, the Edge has the power you want behind the driver convenience and safety features you expect. River City Ford has a great selection of sporty Ford models. Come on in for a test drive. Image via Flickr by crash71100

Wayne County, West Virginia, has beautiful views, friendly people, and plenty of shopping. Pullman Square In downtown Huntington, Pullman Square is a shopping center with an outdoor concert venue, stadium seating movie theater, national and local shops, and restaurants. With a casual outdoor neighborhood vibe, you can find a gift for a friend, paint your own pottery, enjoy lunch, and catch a movie in a safe and clean atmosphere. There's a parking deck for convenience. Gabe's Department Store Gabe's in Huntington is part of a chain that was founded in 1961 in Morganton, West Virginia. It's expanded to states all around the southeast and northeast, and it features great discounts on clothing for men, women, and children, including plus and big and tall sizes, housewares, small electronics, home decor and accessories, bath and beauty products, and pet supplies. Gabe's is a one-stop shop for many of the things you need to keep your household running smoothly. Glenn's Sporting Goods Glenn's Sporting Goods in Huntington is a proud seller of Marshall team gear, along with all the other sports gear you need for soccer, baseball, basketball, and cheerleading. Besides team apparel, you can find workout gear, swimming sportswear, footwear, and all the accessories perfect for the sports and recreation you enjoy outdoors in beautiful West Virginia. Glenn's offers team sales for uniforms, including custom screen printing to show off your team's colors and spirit during the big game. Image via Flickr by finalcut

Thanks to an effective public awareness campaign, everyone knows that driving drunk is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. But did you know that driving while drowsy can be just as dangerous? Let's talk about how you can avoid drowsy driving. Get Plenty of Sleep Of course, the best way to avoid drowsiness is to get plenty of sleep the night before. Seven to eight hours of sleep is ideal, but if that isn't possible, try to take a nap right before you drive. You can even pull over and take a nap in the middle of your drive if you're feeling too tired to continue. Just be sure that if you do pull over, it's in a safe area. Avoid Alcohol Not only can alcohol cause drunk driving, but it can also cause drowsy driving. If you're already tired, one alcoholic drink can feel like four. If you're on any medications, you should find out if drowsiness is a side effect. Do try to drink something with caffeine, as that can help improve your alertness, at least for a little while. Try The Buddy System If you're driving on a long trip, it's best to share the driving with someone else if possible. By switching with a co-driver every two or three hours, you can stave off drowsiness and the breaks will help you stay focused and relaxed when's it your turn to take the wheel. Hopefully, you find these tips helpful. Stay safe and enjoy the ride! Image via Flickr by Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious

If you're looking for something new to do, you should consider ghost hunting. There are several places right here in the Lavalette area that are said to be haunted. Let's take a look at some of these destinations and what visitors can expect. The Keith-Albee Theatre The Keith-Albee Theatre, a beautiful Spanish Baroque-style building constructed in 1928, still plays host to a variety of arts and entertainment events, including the 2006 world premiere of "We Are Marshall", starring Matthew McConaughey. However, it's also been the site of several tragedies, including the electrocution of two electricians in the basement and the death of a maintenance man in the projection room. These unfortunate events make it one of the most haunted locations in the area. When you visit, keep an eye out for the Lady in Red, a ghost dressed in 1940s-style clothing and red shoes. Z.D. Ramsdell House Rumor has it that the Z.D. Ramsdell House, completed in 1858, was built on an ancient burial mound belonging to the Adena tribe. Local lore also says that the basement was a stop on the Underground Railroad. The owner of the house, Zopher D. Ramsdell, passed away in 1868, but visitors say that he and his family still live there, at least in spirit. Be on the lookout for doors opening and lights turning on by themselves. These are just some of the places in the Lavalette area where you can expect an encounter with the supernatural. Should you choose to visit one of them, stay safe and have fun! Image via Flickr by robad0b

While good driving skills are an important factor in operating a vehicle, being a good passenger is just as important. By being a good passenger you can help decrease the chance that the driver will be distracted from the road. Let's discuss some good passenger habits. Act As A Co-Pilot It never hurts to have an extra eye on the road.  By acting as the driver's co-pilot, you can detect hazards that might be out of their line of sight. You can also help with navigation. However, it's important to refrain from pointing out what you might consider bad driving. If you're constantly criticizing the driver this can lead to stress and distraction. Be Considerate With Phone Use Unless it's an emergency, you should never talk on the phone while someone else is trying to focus on the road. And if you do need to use the phone, try to speak calmly and quietly. Better yet, send texts instead of making calls. You can also offer to send texts for the driver if necessary so they don't have to try to use the phone and drive at the same time. Follow The Rules If the driver requests that you not bring food or drinks into their vehicle, you should honor their wishes. By not doing so you can cause the driver unnecessary stress and agitation. Also, refrain from changing the radio station or climate settings unless you have the driver's OK. Hopefully, you've found these tips helpful. By following them, everyone can enjoy the ride. Image via Flickr by Storm Farm

If you live in the Lavalette area or are just visiting, there are several great spots to grab a bite to eat without breaking the bank. Let's take a look at some of these budget-friendly eateries and what they have to offer. Gino's Pizza & Spaghetti House There's something for everyone at Gino's Pizza & Spaghetti House. All of their pizzas, such as the Pepperoni Delight, are made with only the freshest ingredients. Other favorites include the spaghetti with homemade meatballs, the Italian sub, and the antipasto salad. Appetizers include chicken wings, garlic bread, and mozzarella sticks. Be sure to check out the Two Can Dine For $11.99 special. Tudor's Biscuit World As the name suggests, Tudor's Biscuit World serves up delicious biscuit sandwiches and so much more. The biscuits are made fresh daily and come topped with sausage or bacon, cheese, and eggs. The Little Tator, a breakfast platter featuring fried potatoes topped with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon, is just $3.99. Be sure to try one their delicious hamburgers for lunch. For dinner, options include the chicken fried steak platter, fried fish, or meatloaf. Tenampa Tenampa serves up authentic Mexican dishes at budget-friendly prices. Be sure to check out the daily lunch specials, including burritos, enchiladas, and chile rellenos paired with rice and beans. Dinner specials include the $22.99 Super Fajitas For Two platter. These are just some of the excellent, yet affordable eateries around Lavalette. Check them out for a great dining experience that won't break the bank. Image via Flickr by jshj

If you're in the market for a new pickup truck, the Ford Ranger is a great choice, especially if you opt for Black Appearance Package. Let's discuss some of the features that make this premium package well worth the upgrade. Black Accents Available on the all-new 2019 Ford Ranger XLT, Lariat SuperCab and, SuperCrew models, the Black Appearance Package features stunning black accents. The front grille, fender vents, mirrors, running boards, lower valance, and sill plates all stand out in bold black. Even the bed liner is a black spray-in. Also, a black bash plate is included in the off-road package. These accents really pop against exterior colors like Lightning Blue, Hot Pepper Red, and Ingot Silver. Wheels No premium package would be complete without an exquisite set of wheels, and the Black Appearance Package is no exception. The package gives the Ranger 18-inch black-painted aluminum wheels with black center caps. With these wheels, you'll really stand out while driving the Ranger. Aggressive Styling While the Ranger is already stylish and dynamic in appearance, with the Black Appearance Package the truck takes on an even bolder and aggressive look. When paired with the Absolute Black exterior paint, that bold look is taken to a whole new level. It's a perfect fit for any driver looking for a truck that stands out, yet fits in, with any adventure. These are just some of the features you can enjoy when you opt for the Black Appearance Package. Consider a test drive so you can experience it yourself.

In Beech Fork State Park, Pennsylvania Now that spring is here, it's the perfect time to visit one of the beautiful state parks in the Lavalette area. Let's take a look at some of these parks and what they have to offer. Beech Fork State Park You'll never run out of things to do when visiting Beech Fork State Park. Along the miles of trails that are perfect for hiking and biking, you'll see a variety of wildlife including deer, rabbits, and several species of birds. The park's 720-acre lake is enjoyable to kayakers and swimmers, alike. If you like to fish, cast your line and catch one of the lake's striped bass, crappie,  or catfish. There are hundreds of campgrounds, making Beech Fork perfect for a weekend getaway. Chief Logan State Park Chief Logan State Park is a great destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike. Named after Chief Logan of the Native American Mingo tribe, who once inhabited the area, the park also has ties to the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad. In fact, a C&O Kanawha 2700 Class locomotive is still on display. There's also a museum on the park grounds dedicated to regional history. Outdoor activities include swimming, fishing, and hiking. The park's lake is regularly stocked with trout and catfish, while the wildlife center is home to bobcats, black bears, and several bird and reptile species. These are just some of the wonderful state parks within driving distance of Lavalette. Consider planning a trip so you can see for yourself the wonders of West Virginia. Image via Flickr by string_bass_dave

It may be 500 miles from Augusta National Golf Course and some of the other renowned golfing areas in the country, but Lavalette, West Virginia, holds its own on the links. With two golf courses a short drive from downtown, you can put your golfing skills to the test. Sugarwood Golf Club Opened in 1965 and renovated in 1989, the course at Sugarwood Golf Club is consistently ranked among the best public golf courses in West Virginia. The well-groomed appearance of all 18 holes provides a pleasant aesthetic to the course and an excellent reason to play hooky on a weekday afternoon. Shoot nine holes starting at $14.50 or 18 for $21.50. You can also hit the driving range, grab a lesson, or hang out in the clubhouse after your round. Creekside Golf Course Formerly known as Silo Golf Course, Creekside Golf Course is a beautiful 18-hole golf course known for its variety of holes, eight lakes, and scenic backdrop. Opened in 1991, this par-70 course has nearly 6,500 yards of fairway, three challenging par-5 holes, a course rating of 69.5 and a slope rating of 121. On weekdays, hop out on the course for as little as $9 for nine holes or $15 for 18 holes. If you're feeling confident, keep an eye out for tournaments that take place throughout the year. Whether you're new to the links or a seasoned veteran, these two golf courses combine challenging holes and beautifully manicured landscapes into a day you'll want to have again and again. Image via Flickr by Chris Urbanowicz