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Ford is releasing a new generation of their SYNC infotainment wireless connectivity software, and with it, a ton of great new features and updates. Here are two big reasons to look forward to Fords SYNC 4 release. Over-The-Air Technology. The earlier generations of SYNC software needed to be updated via a Wi-Fi connection or a pre-loaded USB drive. The new SYNC 4 software will make updates automatic. The intent of Ford is to make these updates happen without you noticing them. The system will download and install the updates in the background. When it is ready to launch, the new update should start up seamlessly. The new SYNC 4 will also have better cloud connectivity, making Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Sync AppLink cordless and far more efficient. Bigger Better Screens. SYNC 4 is designed for touchscreen displays. The new model cars will have screen sizes ranging from 8 inches to 15.5 inches. The view of apps can be dropped into multitask windows, letting you see more than one function at a time. Programs and functions that you use regularly will become small dash cards at the bottom of the screen. These dash cards are small widgets that allow you to control those features, without pulling it up into full screen. The new infotainment software by Ford is a huge upgrade from their past versions of SYNC technology. With upgraded graphics, cloud access, and over-the-air technology, we are excited to see how the new SYNC 4 holds up over time.

Trying to plan that perfect date? Whether it's your first date, or another special night out with your long-term partner, these are some of the best spots in Huntington to plan your next big date. Heritage Farm Museum and Village. The Heritage Farm Museum and Village is a great place for a date. You can take in some old history in this perfectly preserved farm town museum. The village has tons of events, and a cafe on site. If you are really looking to make it a great date, you can even stay overnight in one of the quaint cabins within this little preserved village. The Huntington Museum of Art. The Huntington Museum of Art is another spot for a special date. This Museum has an extensive collection, with new exhibits popping up regularly. They have an interactive educational gallery, and an art collection of over 16,000 pieces. The grounds also have a tropical and subtropical plant conservatory. There are outdoor sculpture exhibits as well. Keith Albee Performing Arts Center The Keith Albee Performing Arts Center is another really nice place for a date. Keep an eye out for their show and performance schedule, get a few tickets and enjoy a night out at an amazing event at a beautiful performing arts center. With these three ideas, you should be ready to plan your next date with ease. Anyone of these places will be a great day or night of unforgettable memories. So go find your sweetheart, and have a good time!

The 2020 Escape Sport Hybrid is a total game-changer when looking at crossover SUVs. This economical Hybrid SUV comes in two configurations, a plugin and non-plug in. The plugin model promises a minimum 30-mile range without the use of the gas engine. Powertrain Options The Hybrid Escape has two options, the most interesting is the plugin model. This 209-horsepower car will have a 14.4 Kwh lithium-ion battery. The battery is made with Samsung cells, and has a charge time of 3.5 hours. Ford promises a range of approximately 30 miles on electric power alone for the plugin models. The plugin model is only available in front-wheel drive and has the benefit of federal and local tax incentives. Interior Design The new Hybrid Escape is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. It comes with a standard 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, and selectable drive modes. The SUV has a 10-way power adjustable driver seat and a four-way manual adjustable passenger seat. The entertainment system includes Fords SYNC 3 infotainment, and FordPass Connect software. Handling and Performance This SUV handles exceptionally well in comparison to other Hybrid SUVs. In fact, it performs just as well, if not better, than its gas-only counterpart. The Hybrid Escape takes corners tight and accelerates quickly. The New 2020 Escape Sport Hybrid will change the way you commute by saving you money on gas, and providing some of the best options in modern automotive technology as standard equipment. Come on down to River City Ford today to check the new models out!

Have you been thinking of going to the gym recently? If you are looking for a new gym around the Lavalette area, here are three great gyms you need to check out. The YMCA of Huntington, W.V. The YMCA has a fantastic gym. If you have kids, there's a daycare, plus tons of kid-friendly programs included in your membership, so you won't have any excuses to miss a workout. The YMCA has basketball courts, racquetball courts, a pool, and weight room. They also have saunas and steam rooms in the locker rooms for some post-workout relaxation. Free classes are available daily. Orangetheory Fitness, Barboursville This is another great gym option close to Lavalette. Orangetheory guides you through your workout program, and the instructors help you track your results. This gym offers a unique five-step approach to personal fitness, focusing on your heart rate. Orangetheory is a great option when you are looking for a new place to work out. Planet Fitness, Barboursville, W.V. Planet Fitness is one of America's most popular gyms. The membership fees are affordable, and they focus on the average individual trying to better themselves. They pride themselves in being a no-judgment zone, just an affordable gym with great equipment. If you are getting ready to get into working out, then Planet Fitness is a great option. There are many good gyms near Lavalette, and staying getting a good workout and staying in shape is an important part of personal health. So stop making excuses, and check out one of these gyms today!

Looking for the best spots to enjoy the nightlife in Huntington? Here are three of our favorite places to go for a great night out. EvolvE EvolvE is Huntington's premier night club. They have a great dance floor, tons of great signature cocktails, and lots of beer and wine options. There's an outdoor, semi-enclosed patio to relax if you want to break away from the music and have a great conversation, or maybe throw some darts. EvolvE has something for everyone to enjoy. The V Club The V Club in Huntington is a great spot to catch live music. They have a large bar and a great outdoor patio. The club gets some of the best local and national acts, and also hosts open mic nights. Check out their calender of events or stop by the next time you are looking for a good night out. They are sure to have something good going on. Quicksilver Arcade Bar If you are looking for something different, Quicksilver Arcade Bar is the place to go for a fun night out. They are a 21 and up location, with a huge selection of classic arcade games, gaming consoles, pinball machines, air hockey, Dance Dance Revolution and more. The best part is, games are free when you are buying drinks. The bar also has two patios on its second floor, overlooking Pullman square. So the next time you are wondering where to go for a good night out, check out one of these three spots. You won't be disappointed!

Are you looking for Chinese food in Huntington?  Look no further. Here are three delicious options for lunch or dinner. China Garden Buffet Located close to City Hall, the China Garden Buffet offers all you can eat Hunan, Szechuan, and Cantonese food. The buffet has over 150 items to choose from including hot and cold items, vegetarian specialties, and traditional Chinese dishes. If you order off the menu at China Garden Buffet, you can choose from chef specialties not offered on the buffet, as well as sushi. In addition to dine-in and take out, China Garden Buffet offers delivery. No. 1 Kitchen No. 1 Kitchen takes pride in serving the finest Chinese dishes. They combine fresh ingredients with their special sauces to prepare a truly memorable meal. Be sure to try the lunch specials for an inexpensive yet delicious midday meal. No. 1 Kitchen offers take out, delivery, as well as dine-in seating. If you are feeding a crowd, No. 1 Kitchen offers customizable family dinner specials that can feed up to eight hungry people. China Wok Drive a quick 10 minutes to Proctorville to visit China Wok. Open every day from 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m., China Wok's friendly, attentive staff is ready to meet all your needs during your meal. China Wok is known for offering outstanding Chinese classics with a modern twist. In a hurry during the workday? Check out China Wok's lunch specials. Check out any of these three restaurants for a great meal without the cleanup. At China Garden Buffet, No. 1 Kitchen, and China Wok, you will walk away full and happy. Image via Flickr by Agu Nieto

SUVs have always been a winner for families. Their capability paired with extra cargo room and safety features make them an indispensable companion. If you're looking for a new SUV for you and your family this year, check out the 2020 Ford Explorer. Here's a quick look at it's best features. Built for Any Family Adventure The 2020 Ford Explorer is designed to handle the greatest adventures your family can go on. The terrain management system lets you choose from seven different driving modes. The Explorer is also equipped with an intelligent all-wheel drive system which can engage and disengage all-wheel drive and switch to rear-wheel drive when road conditions allow, increasing your efficiency. If you're looking to tow some gear or a small trailer with you on a trip, the Explorer has extra features to make it easier. The trailer-sway control system can adjust everything from engine power to brakes to help you stay in control at all times. Safety Features From the Future Families love the safety features available on the 2020 Ford Explorer. There's a slew of great driver assistance features such as automatic high beams, a lane keeping assistance system, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring to keep you safe on the road. Another in-demand safety feature is automatic emergency braking. This advanced system will alert you of a potential collision, and if a collision is imminent and the driver doesn't respond, braking pressure is automatically applied. Take the 2020 Ford Explorer for a spin to see what all the buzz is about. Check out our online inventory or schedule a test drive today!

You can never count on gas prices to stay at reasonable levels. Add on the fact that our commute times are increasing thanks to cities being more expensive to live, and how much you pay to fill up becomes a big factor in your car buying decision. If you're looking for a car that will save you money at the pump and help the environment at the same time, Ford has several vehicles in its lineup that will fit the bill perfectly. 2020 Ford Fusion There are two Fusion models this year which will be attractive to Eco-conscious drivers. The first is the Ford Fusion Hybrid. It totes estimated fuel efficiencies over 40 mpg for both city and highway driving. The SmartGuage with EcoGuide gives you an incentive to drive more efficiently. The more efficient your vehicle is, the more digital leaves grow on your information display. Tying a visual reward to efficient driving can subconsciously influence better driving on top of the already excellent efficiency metrics. 2020 Ford Fusion Plug-In Hybrid Take your efficiency game to the next level with a plug-in hybrid. They have a small battery as well as a gas tank. Operating the vehicle with fuel and other driving actions help recharge the battery. You can also recharge the battery in your garage or at charging stations in parking lots. If you're looking for some of the most eco-friendly vehicles on the road, give the Ford Fusion Hybrid or its plug-in hybrid variant a test drive. You will love how modern and efficient these sedans are.

Are you looking for something fun to do this weekend? Check out these three unique Wayne County attractions. Heritage Farm Museum and Village At Heritage Farm Museum and Village, you can take a trip back in time. The museum features exhibits, interactive folk crafts, and period actors that recreate life and work in pioneer Appalachia. Be sure to stop at Bowes Doll and Carriage Museum, a life-size dollhouse home to the country's largest private collection of dolls, carriages, and accessories. You can even stay overnight in the Virginian Caboose Inn (a real 1930s Virginia Railroad caboose). Museum of Radio and Technology The Museum of Radio and Technology in Huntington, West Virginia is a must-see for the radio lover. Major displays include a radio shop from the 1920s with a working crystal radio, a modern ham radio "shack," and a military communication display featuring a "Gibson Girl" emergency radio. Check out the WV Broadcasting Hall of Fame with displays dedicated to Don Knotts, Soupy Sales, and Little Jimmy Dickens. Huntington Museum of Art The Huntington Museum of Art has a permanent art collection with over 16,000 pieces including Caribbean art, European art, Asian art, and Inuit art and sculpture. The museum also boasts two outdoor sculpture courts and hiking trails. Be sure to check out the C. Fred Edwards Conservatory to see over 100 types of orchids and a glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly. Not only is Wayne County a great place to live and work, but it also offers some unique attractions. Whether you are a history buff or art lover, there is something for everyone in Wayne County. Image via Flickr by Meddy Garnet

The 2020 Ford Escape is here with plenty of great trim levels to choose from and several other features that will have you begging for a test drive. Here's a quick overview of the available trim levels and some of the other most in-demand features. 2020 Ford Escape Trim Levels There are five different trims available on the 2020 Ford Escape. The base trim is the S, followed by the SE, SE Sport Hybrid, SEL, and Titanium. There are three engine configurations for the Ford Escape based on the trim level you select. The S, SE, and SEL trims feature a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The second engine available is a 2.0-liter EcoBoost Engine. You can add a towing package to tow up to 3,500 pound s, available on the Titanium and SEL trims. The third engine is the hybrid option which is available on the Titanium and SE Sport Hybrid trim level. It's a 2.5-liter hybrid electric engine which features an 8- kilowatt motor and electronic CVT. Entertainment Features On the 2020 Escape There are two entertainment feature sets available based on your trim level. Lower trims are equipped with Fordpass Connect. This system lets you unlock and lock your car from your phone, in addition to other convenient features. You can also turn your Escape into a Wi-Fi Hotspot, letting you access your favorite media while on the road. Higher trims have SYNC 3 which gives you access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Escape is cooler than it's ever been. Take a test drive today or check out our online inventory.

If you love fall, "Almost Heaven" West Virginia is a great place to check out the changing leaves. Here are three places perfect for enjoying fall colors near Lavalette. Beech Fork State Park Drive 12 miles outside of Huntington and you will find 3,144-acre Beech Fork State Park in Barboursville, West Virginia. You can enjoy the fall foliage from one of the many overlooks on Beech Fork's hiking, biking, and walking trails. If you are interested in enjoying the fall scenery for a few days, cabins overlooking Beech Fork Lake are available for rental. Cabwaylingo State Forest Cabwaylingo State Forest is 8,123 acres of heavy forest, making it perfect for enjoying the changing fall leaves. Cabwaylingo's nine miles of trails wind through the mountains of southwest West Virginia, offering lots of places to enjoy the fall scenery. For a longer stay, cabins are available near the center of the forest. Babcock State Park If you are willing to travel a bit farther, Babcock State Park is definitely worth the drive. Located in Clifftop, West Virginia, Babcock State Park covers 4,127 acres of forest. Babcock is very popular with nature and landscape photographers due to its incredible natural scenery. Enjoy the leaves along Babcock's 20 miles of hiking trails and be sure to check out the Glad Creek Grist Mill. If you want to spend more time enjoying the fall foliage, cabins are available deep in the woods. Fall is fleeting but beautiful. Get out there and enjoy spectacular fall colors near Lavalette at any one of these three great parks. Image via Flickr by Ravi Shah

Safety is essential, no matter where your next drive leads you. Ford keeps you and your fellow drivers safe on the road no matter the road, weather, or traffic conditions with a wide array of safety features. Ford Co-Pilot 360 The Ford Co-Pilot 360 system gives you an extra set of eyes on the road. It helps reduce distractions while maintaining good driving habits. This suite of safety features includes a cross-traffic alert that alerts you if something behind you before you back out. This feature is available for all 2019 and 2020 modes. The auto high-beam headlights automatically turn the high beams off if a car is approaching from the opposite direction or there is a car in front of you. Then they turn back on once the road is open. It is available for all 2019 and 2020 models. Add in the evasive steering assist for better steering support when the car in front of you suddenly stops. Evasive driving is available for the 2019 Edge. Self-Sealing Tires Nobody wants to think about getting a flat tire; they usually happen at the worst time. However, the 2020 Ford Explorer eases your mind with available self-sealing tires from Michelin. Avoid losing control from a puncture as the tire takes care of holes up to one-quarter inch in diameter in the treads. If you are interested in the 2020 Ford Explorer or any of the other safety-minded models, stop by River City Ford today. Our staff looks forward to helping you find your dream car.