2 Best Mountain Biking Trails Around Lavalette
Mountain biking is a popular pastime in and around the Lavalette area. Whether you are a novice or a more experienced biker, there are plenty of trails to meet your needs. Check out some of the best biking trails the area has to offer.
Lost Trail
The 3.3 mile, single-track Lost Trail is perfect for those looking for a relaxing mountain trail that can provide them with great views and a decent amount of exercise. The trail ascends to 458 feet and has an average grade of 5% with a max grade of 18%, providing enough of a challenge without being too taxing on novices. The trail is best known for its amazing views from the top, so be sure to bring your camera.
Mary Davis Trail
The Mary Davis Trail is geared towards more intermediate level mountain bikers and is 974 feet at its highest elevation and 597 feet at its lowest. The trail from point to point is 4.8 miles and has an average grade of 3% along the path. The trail features picturesque lake views along the single track area. The trail turns into a double track once you pass by the lake and follow along the creek through the wooded area. There are many fork-offs along the trail, but beware that seasonal overgrowth may make the trails harder to pass through.
No matter what level of mountain biker you consider yourself you can enjoy a day full of beauty and exercise along one of the Lavalette area bike trails listed above.
Image via Flickr by Timmo
What You Need to Know About the 2020 Ford Escape
If you’re looking for a brand-new SUV, loaded with can’t-miss features, look no further than the 2020 Ford Escape. Here are some of the most exciting features of the new Escape that make it one of the best SUVs on the road today.
Ford Co-Pilot360
Ford Co-Pilot360 is one of the most innovative safety suites available and all of the great features of this system will be available in the 2020 Ford Escape. From adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go to lane centering that makes driving in heavy traffic a breeze and collision avoidance features such as pre-collision assist with automatic braking, you’ll be safe and sound while driving the Escape.
Outstanding Technology Features
Hop inside the 2020 Ford Escape and you’ll find an array of technology features that make going for a drive easier and more fun. The Bang & Olufsen audio system with 10-speakers provides concert-quality sound so that you can always enjoy your favorite music to the fullest. The Escape also puts all of the information you need front and center thanks to a large, crystal-clear 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Multiple Powertrains
With the Ford Escape, you’ll be able to enjoy your preferred driving experience due to several available engine options. Both a hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain are available for drivers who value efficiency and for motorists who value get-up-and-go, there are two gas EcoBoost engines available, including a 2.0-liter engine with auto start-stop technology.
If you’re interested in hitting the road in the 2020 Escape, you should be sure to take this SUV for a test drive at your local dealer.
3 Tips for Surviving a Long Road Trip with Kids
Long road trips can be tough on anyone, but they’re especially hard on kids. Here are a few tips that you can try to make surviving a long road trip with kids a lot easier.
Allow for Some Screen Time
Using technology is one of the easiest ways to keep your kids happy on a long road trip. For instance, if your children like movies, you can load up your tablet with a few of their favorites. Letting your kids enjoy a movie marathon will help the trip to speed by.
Provide Easy Access to Snacks
If your kids get cranky when they’re hungry or thirsty, bringing along some snacks is another simple solution for making road trips easier. Before your trip, pack some individual snacks and drinks into a cooler so that your kids will be able to grab what they want while you’re on the road. Not only will this keep your kids full and happy, but it will also limit the need for pit stops which will make your drive faster.
Road Games Are a Must
Countless generations of families have played road games to make road trips more enjoyable and you can too. Road games are free, fun, and a great way to keep your kids distracted. You can try spotting license plates from every state or see who can spot the full alphabet the fastest using only letters from road signs — whatever you think will keep your kids entertained.
Keep these easy tips in mind and your entire family should have a great time on your next road trip.
Image via Flickr by truckhardware
3 Tasty Bakeries Near Huntington
There’s something more than enticing to the palate when the assortment of aromas created by fresh-baked goodies being prepared at local bakeries are in the air. As each makes its way to your nostrils, there’s no turning back from the promise of delectable goodness waiting at nearby Huntington bakeries.
- Paula Vega Cakes
Open Monday through Saturday, Paula Vega Cakes has a sweet menu of tiered cakes, gourmet brownies, and specialty cupcakes. Choose cake/cupcake flavors such as red velvet, chocolate fudge, and banana; assorted buttercream icings or fondant; and fillings such as blackberry, orange, cherries, and raspberries. Brownies include cream cheese, blonde, caramel, and deep dark chocolate. The bakery opens at 8:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday.
- Moonlight Cookies
When it’s late and you’re craving something sweet, Moonlight Cookies takes care of pleasing your sweet tooth with an order of freshly baked cookies such as double chocolate, peanut butter, white chocolate, and s’mores. Available from 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, place your order for tasty delights and coffee too, and they’ll be delivered to your door.
- Jolly Pirates Donuts
Jolly Pirates Donuts can make your day or night a tasty experience with around the clock service seven days a week. Whether you want coffee and a donut at 11 a.m. or 3 a.m., just stop by and enjoy a fresh serving of each. The shop has a wide variety of powdered, cream, fruit-filled, and cake donuts, fritters, and other baked goods.
When you want to add something special to your menu, consider a visit to local bakeries for some sugar and spice and everything nice.
Image via Flickr by infoMofo
If you’re looking for reasons why the 2019 Ford Super Duty is the best choice for a work vehicle, read on for a sampling of the super truck’s top features.
- Trims
The Super Duty is available in many durable trims. These include the F-250 and F-350 XL, F-250 and F-350 XLT, F-250, F-350, and F-450 Lariat, F-450 XL and XLT, F-250, F-350, and F-450 King Ranch, F-250, F-350 and F-450 Platinum, and F-250, F-350, and F-450 Limited.
- Power
The truck features a 6.2-liter SOHC V-8 gas engine and Ford TorqShift G six-speed automatic transmission. The 6.2-liter produces 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. There’s also the 6.7-liter Power Stroke Turbo V-8 diesel engine, which produces 450 horsepower and 935 pound-feet of torque. The Super Duty has impressive towing capabilities. The F-450 Limited maintains 27,500 pounds maximum 5th wheel towing, 35,000 pounds of gooseneck towing, and a maximum payload of 7,640 pounds.
- Exterior Assistance
The Super Duty offers a variety of features designed to promote productivity. Available convenience features include the integrated tailgate step handle for easier access to the cargo area. To light up the truck bed after dark, use the LED lamps conveniently located in the LED pickup box. With seven optional cameras, there’s no need to worry about visibility with trailer guides and 180/360-degree cameras that show all sides of the truck.
When power, performance, and strength are at the top of your list of requirements for a work truck, let the 2019 Super Duty show you what it’s got to offer in all three categories any day and any time.
Image via Flickr by truckhardware
2 Ways to Enjoy Independence Day Near Huntington
If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate Independence Day and you live in the Huntington area, you’re in luck. There are several exciting events scheduled. Here are just a couple of the many ways to enjoy Independence Day near Huntington.
Hurricane Independence Day Celebration
The annual Independence Day Celebration in nearby Hurricane, West Virginia, will surely provide a great time for you and everyone who attends. Perfect for both adults and children, the Hurricane Independence Day celebration has big fun in store and if you attend once, it’s guaranteed to become one of your favorite annual events.
The fun begins at 4 p.m. on Main Street with a colorful parade. After the parade is over, you can head over to City Park for giveaways, games, and delicious food from 5 to 10 p.m. The evening will be capped off by a dazzling fireworks display.
Coal Grove Family Fun Days
Attending the annual Coal Grove Family Fun Days event is another great way to enjoy Independence Day near Huntington. This event takes place every year over the Fourth of July holiday and includes a wide array of can’t-miss activities from live music to arts and crafts vendors. There is also plenty of food and games so that your kids will have a great time too. Like all good Independence Day celebrations, Family Fun Days ends with fireworks exploding in the night sky.
If you want to have a fun, memorable Independence Day, you should be sure to put one of these celebrations on your schedule.
Image via Flickr by Jenni Reynolds-Kebler
There are plenty of reasons to take the 2019 Ford Edge on your next outing. Consider a few of its features to understand why the SUV remains the first choice for those with a passion for a quality vehicle.
Exterior
The 2019 Ford Edge is part of the second generation introduced in 2015 with this year’s model’s featuring refreshed and refurbished styling for the front and rear. The Edge is available in four trims, which include the SE, SEL, Titanium, and the ST. All-wheel-drive and front-wheel drive is available depending on the trim.
Under the Hood
Power-wise, there’s the 2.0-liter I-4 engine producing 250 horsepower and supported by an 8-speed automatic transmission; one with automatic overdrive and one with automatic overdrive and auto-manual. The ST is fitted with a 2.7-liter V-6 producing 335 horsepower and an 8-speed automatic with auto-manual and overdrive. The SUV has an independent rear multi-link suspension system with anti-roll bar, front and rear coil springs, and rack and pinion steering for smooth handling.
The fuel economy ranges between 23 miles per gallon and 25 miles per gallon, combined, for the SE, SEL, and Titanium. The ST has a combined fuel rating of 21 miles per gallon.
Interior
The five-seat SUV provides plenty of passenger and cargo space, lumbar support, adjustable driver seat, rear seat fold forward, and bucket seats to ensure a comfortable ride. A touch screen monitor, wireless phone connectivity, SYNC system, AM/FM radio, speakers and 4G LTE Wi-Fi are a few of the features available for entertainment.
Power, performance, and style; all good reasons for committing to the 2019 Edge.
Image via Flickr by truckhardware
Where to Swim in Lavalette
For lovers of water recreation, Lavalette, West Virginia, has fun places not far away.
Beech Fork State Park
Beech Fork State Park is about 16 miles away. It’s a sprawling lake with hiking trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, and swimming beaches. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can rent canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, jon boats, and paddle boats for all kinds of lake fun. Or bring your own boat to the paved boat launch from April to November with no fees.
For swimming, there’s a designated area that includes a wading section for small children. There’s also a public pool with a snack bar that’s open from Memorial Day to Labor Day if you’re looking for a break from the lake activities.
With a proper fishing license, visitors can enjoy fishing for largemouth and striped bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. Take your catch back to cook over the fire at one of the 275 campsites, 80 of which are on the water. All the campsites have bathhouses and restroom facilities.
If hiking or mountain biking are your activities of choice, Beech Fork State Park has 14 miles of trails for your enjoyment.
Ohio River
About 8 miles away just across the West Virginia/Ohio border, you can access the Ohio River boat ramps for kayaking, canoeing, or boating. The Ohio River is a mile wide in some places with plenty of space to move around. All along its banks, you can find swimming holes and seasonal concerts, festivals, and community activities.
Image via Flickr by likeaduck
4 Tips to Boost Fuel Economy This Summer
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
4 Unique Gardens in Wayne County
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
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