Blog

New York is a wonderful city during the holidays. Christmas is the time of year when New York is at its best with shimmering lights and a magical feel. If you live in or near the city, here are some of the must-try holiday traditions for those of the area. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off the holiday season in New York. The parade starts at 9:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day and features huge hot air balloons and live entertainment from well-known artists. The Rockettes of Radio City Music Hall perform each year, and high schools from around the country march down the street. The end of the parade features Santa Clause's arrival to begin the holiday season. more See "The Nutcracker" at Lincoln Center Whether you are a fan of the ballet or not, seeing the iconic Nutcracker at Lincoln Center is a wonderful New York tradition. The entire Company, including 90 dancers and 62 musicians, take part along with students from the School of American Ballet. The show features a huge Christmas tree and lots of marching soldiers. It is a magical tradition in the city that's fun for both kids and adults. The ballet runs for several weeks leading up to Christmas. Performances start on Nov. 25 and end on New Year's Eve. 5th Avenue Holiday Window Displays You won't see anything like the window displays at Christmas on 5th Avenue. Every year, the department stores create holiday themed displays in the exterior windows, featuring one-of-a-kind presentations. Take a 2-mile self-guided walking tour to see the displays at Macy's, Lord & Taylor, Saks, and Barney's and enjoy the spectacle that has become one of New York's most talked about traditions. After checking out the window displays, you can do some shopping while you're there. Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center Bundle up and head to Rockefeller Center for some ice skating. The rink at Rockefeller is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. It is below the street level, and it is surrounded by white lights. Skate rentals and skating lessons are available daily. Check out the famous Christmas tree and the flags from nations around the world. Whether you can take off on the ice like an expert or you need to carefully make your way around, enjoy the music and the atmosphere until January 9th. Visit the Tree at Rockefeller Center The lighting ceremony of Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a fun tradition that every New Yorker should experience at least once. There is a live broadcast with entertainment at the ceremony each year. As they turn on the lights that cover the 100-foot tall tree, you'll see why exactly why this tradition is so popular. New York City has many traditions and events that you should check out each year. Whether you like to spend time outside on the skating rink, take in an annual show, or check out the department stores, there is something for everyone during the holidays in New York. "Christmas in New York City" by Jose Elias is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The winter weather can do a number on your car. Whether you're dealing with the salt and sand from the road or harsh winds and ice, you need to protect your vehicle to keep it looking like new. Here are some tips on how to protect your Jeep, Ram, Dodge, or Chrysler from the winter weather. Give it a Wax Before the Winter Season Just like we need to protect our skin from the harsh cold of the winter, your car needs protection too. Before the cold weather sets in, apply a polymer wax to the paint. This will help to create a shield against the salt and grime from the road along with protecting the paint from the wind and ice pellets. more Wash it Frequently You can also protect the paint by washing off the salt. The salt that's so commonly used on winter roads will eat through the paint and corrode your vehicle. Make sure to bring your car into the car wash frequently during the winter; every ten days is ideal. You want to choose a cycle that washes the undercarriage because grime and salt accumulate quickly in this area. To get the most out of the wash, do it early in the day and when the temperature rises above 40 degrees. That way, it'll have time to dry before the temperature drops below freezing again. Remove Ice Properly You can damage your vehicle's paint job if you don't remove snow and ice the correct way. Never use an ice scraper on any part of the car except the windows. The hard plastic of the scraper will damage the paint, so the best idea is to turn the car on and let it warm up to melt the ice. Lift large chunks of ice off the car with your hands to remove them so they don't cause scratches. Use the Sno Brum The Sno Brum is the best way to remove snow from your Car. The Sno Brum is a foam broom that you can use to both push and pull the snow, and the soft material won't damage the paint on the car. Pull as much as you can off the car using a straight line just in case you do cause a scratch. This will make it appear more like it is part of the paint job. Spray Wax You can also add more wax throughout the winter to help protect the car's surface. A spray wax goes on quickly and wipes off in just a few minutes. You can add a layer if you have some extra time on the weekends. If possible, try to apply it when the car is sheltered from the elements; a garage works well for this purpose. While winter weather is harsh on your vehicle, there is no getting around it if you live in a snowy area. You can keep your Jeep in better shape by taking some precautions before winter starts and staying on top of its care throughout the season. Image by Janitors is licensed under CC BY 2.0

For years, Jeep fans have clamored for a Wrangler pickup truck, and it seems their wishes might finally be answered. While some aspects of the Wrangler pickup truck are still just rumors, there are other pieces of confirmed information. Brand Extension Even though Jeep has showcased pickup trucks using the body of a Wrangler as concept vehicles, the company has only toyed with the idea of releasing a Wrangler pickup truck until now. This extension of the Jeep brand created a big stir when CEO Mike Manley, who admits he's been a fan of a Wrangler pickup truck, confirmed rumors of the long-awaited release. more Platform The next-generation Wrangler is on its way, and the Wrangler pickup truck will be built on this body. While Jeep hasn't released a lot of details about the new Wrangler, we do know it will still have its usual body-on-frame construction and steel frame. However, there are some rumors that it could have new plastic side panels and an aluminum body to reduce the weight of the vehicle and help with fuel economy. Photographs show a stretched out wheelbase with four doors and a bed that's around five feet long. While certainly longer than the usual Wrangler, this size isn't much bigger than a Suburban or a half-ton truck. Powertrain Don't expect any change from the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that's currently in the Wrangler. However, it's said that Jeep is working on a two-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine nicknamed Hurricane for the next-generation Wrangler. If so, this could also make an appearance in the Wrangler pickup truck. There are also plans to include a diesel engine in the near future, and a hybrid after 2020. Since these engines are still in the works, there's no way of knowing if they'll eventually end up in the Wrangler pickup truck. There should also be a manual and an automatic transmission, however, the current five-speed will probably get replaced with an eight-speed. Of course, four-wheel drive will be available, but since this is a pickup truck, Jeep could also offer rear-wheel drive. Production Like the rest of the Wrangler line, Jeep will also build the Wrangler pickup truck in Toledo, Ohio. However, since Jeep sells out of every Wrangler made in the Toledo plant, it might have to move Cherokee production, which is also made in Toledo, to a different plant to make sure there are no shortages of the popular Wrangler and what most likely will be an equally popular Wrangler pickup truck. Arrival Time and Price Manley says he expects the Wrangler pickup truck to arrive in late 2017. So far, the company has said nothing to indicate a change in this timetable. Since there's still a lot we don't know about the Wrangler pickup truck, coming up with a price at this point is just guesswork. However, industry experts suspect it will start around $25,000 to $30,000. Confirmation of a Wrangler pickup truck is exciting news for plenty of Jeep enthusiasts. As the company continues to verify more information, expect the buzz to continue to grow. Image by Michael is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Along with miles of beautiful shoreline, there are plenty of other fun activities to enjoy in and around Ocean Township, New Jersey. Whether you have an afternoon or the weekend, make sure you check out a few of these top attractions. 1. Jenkinson's Boardwalk Even if you spend the entire day at Jenkinson's Boardwalk, you'll never run out of activities to keep you entertained. Just steps from the sand and ocean, Jenkinson's Boardwalk has an amusement park with plenty of rides suitable for young children. There's a carousel, train, swings, bumper cars, and more. For older kids, there's a roller coaster, Tilt-a-Whirl, pendulum swing, and other exciting rides. You'll also find an arcade, miniature golf course, aquarium, batting cages, restaurants, and shopping. more 2. Gunnison Beach Gunnison Beach is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and the only legal clothing-optional beach in New Jersey. Additionally, since Gunnison Beach is part of federal land and there's no law banning alcohol on federal land, this is also one of the few beaches in the area where you can legally bring alcohol with you, as long as it's not in a glass container. While at the beach, you'll enjoy miles of sand and great views of the water. There's no concession stand, although food trucks usually make an appearance in the afternoon. If you prefer to enjoy your beach day with some clothing on, there's also a clothed area of the beach. 3. Asbury Park Boardwalk There are countless ways to have fun at the Asbury Park Boardwalk. On hot summer days, head to the Ashbury Splash Park to cool down. There's a playground with padded floors, a splash pad, and numerous water sprinklers to help you and the kids beat the heat. You'll also find a bowling alley, restaurants, ice cream parlors, and the Silverball Museum, which has over 6,000 pinball machines that you can actually play. Of course, just like every boardwalk, the sandy beach is only steps away. 4. Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park No matter what time of year you visit the 38-acre Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, you'll find plenty to do. During winter, take a walk on the quiet beach or try some surf fishing. In summer, you can swim, sunbathe, and play in the sand. There's also an award-winning and universally accessible playground; a skate park with ramps, stairs, rails, and a bowl; and a picnic area. Additionally, the park allows leashed pets from November 1 to March 31. 5. Sandy Hook Lighthouse Take a trip to Sandy Hook Lighthouse and see the oldest working lighthouse in the United States. From 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., you can take a tour of the lighthouse and climb to the top to take in the amazing views. You can also walk through the visitor's center and lighthouse keeper's quarters to learn more about the history of the lighthouse, ask the ranger questions, view the exhibits, and browse the gift shop. From beaches to boardwalks, there are plenty of attractions along the shoreline of Ocean Township and other nearby areas that are worth exploring. Image by SurFeRGiRL30 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Every year Jeep takes the opportunity to show off concept models at the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. This year, the manufacturer impressed Jeep enthusiasts with seven new concept models. Keep reading to learn more about each model and what makes them interesting. Jeep Comanche The Jeep Comanche is built around the body of the Renegade Trailhawk. While the front end has recognizable features from the Renegade, the six-foot bed in the rear of the vehicle makes it look more like a compact pickup truck. The vehicle sits on 16-inch wheels with 32-inch all-terrain tires and a two-inch lift. Under the hood, you'll find a two-liter four-cylinder diesel engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. more Jeep Renegade Commander Built on a stock body, the Renegade Commander looks very similar to the Renegades you see on the road except with a modified exhaust, skid plates, rock rails, and a two-inch lift kit. It also has a unique Fluorescent Gray exterior color and MySky roof. The vehicle has a nine-speed automatic transmission and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Jeep Shortcut The funky Jeep Shortcut pays homage to the classic Jeep CJ-5. Engineers took the body of a Wrangler and then shortened it by a foot. The Dana 44 axles, two-inch lift kit, and 17-inch steel wheels with 35-inch mud-terrain tires help this small but competent vehicle handle tight and winding trails. Inside, the vehicle goes bold and retro with a bright red interior and a combination of alligator-style leather and plaid seats. Jeep Trailcat The most talked about concept model at the show is the Jeep Trailcat. The Trailcat takes a Wrangler body and stretches it an additional foot. That extra space is necessary for the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 Hellcat engine that gets 707 horsepower with a six-speed manual transmission. Along with all that power, the 17-inch beadlock wheels, 39.5-inch tires, and Fox shocks help this vehicle take on bursts of high-speed or rocky trails. Jeep Trailstorm The Jeep Trailstorm looks like a vehicle you could easily put together yourself. The exterior features LED headlights and fog lights, a satin black grille, winch guard, power dome vented hood, off-road rails, high top fenders, taillight guards, and a concept fast-back soft top. The Trailstorm also comes with a two-inch lift kit, Fox shocks, 17-inch wheels, and 37-inch tires. Jeep Crew Chief 715 The Jeep Crew Chief 715 is a tribute to Jeep military vehicles. The four-door vehicle has a 138-inch wheelbase and five-foot bed. It also features a four-inch lift kit and 20-inch beadlock wheels. Lift up the hood and you'll find a capable 3.6-liter V6 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission. Jeep FC 150 The Jeep FC 150 takes a 1960 Jeep Forward Control body and puts it on a 2005 Wrangler chassis. The look is a classic design, but with a PowerTech four-liter V6 engine and 33-inch mud-terrain tires, it can handle any terrain. For a little added fun, the hay bale in the bed is actually a cooler. From acknowledging previous Jeep models to reimagining current ones, these seven concept models are entertaining and interesting to explore. Image by Robb Hannawacker is licensed under Public Domain Mark 1.0

The area around Ocean Township, New Jersey, is always fun to explore. If you're searching for a few of the most memorable museums and historical attractions in and around Ocean Township, consider a trip to one of the following places. 1. Silverball Museum Located on the Ashbury Park Boardwalk, the Silverball Museum pays tribute to the classic pinball machine. The museum has 600 pinball machines in rotation built between 1950 and today that you can actually play while you visit. Along with pinball machines, Silverball Museum also has vintage arcade games like Frogger, Pac-Man, and Pong, as well as other games like Skee-Ball and air hockey. If you get hungry while you're there, be sure to stop by the Silverball Café for boardwalk treats like pizza, hot dogs, nachos, soft pretzels, and more. more 2. Township of Ocean Historical Museum Learn more about the past of Ocean Township with a trip to the Township of Ocean Historical Museum. Housed in one of the last 18th-century homes still standing in Ocean Township, this museum showcases artifacts from the over 250-year history of the area. Learn about the lives of the Native American tribes who originally occupied the area, see what life was like for Colonial families, and find out how surrounding communities played a part in what Ocean Township has become today. 3. Historic Village at Allie The Historic Village at Allaire is a living history museum that portrays the lives of everyday people living in the early 19th century. There are 13 original buildings you can explore, including a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, bakery, and general store. See tools, equipment, household items, and learn more about the actual people who lived and worked in these buildings. Historic Village at Allaire regularly holds special events throughout the year, including flea markets, craft shows, and special seasonal performances. 4. Paranormal Books & Curiosities Explore the unknown and the unexplained with a trip to Paranormal Books & Curiosities. The bookstore carries an enormous collection of titles ranging from local lore to paranormal fiction. The storefront is also home to The Paranormal Museum. Exhibits in the museum include a timeline of paranormal events, a look at the infamous Jersey Devil, and a showcase on objects with a reputation for being haunted. The bookstore also offers ghost hunting classes, lectures, and book signings. 5. Monmouth Museum Monmouth Museum has rotating exhibits that focus on art, culture, and natural science for every age group. The Main Gallery is an ever-changing showcase of art, history, and science exhibitions. The Nilson Gallery showcases the work of New Jersey artists and allows the artists to share more about their stories and inspiration. The Becker Children's Wing has hands-on activities for children ages seven through 12 where they can learn about the world we live in, and the WonderWing is ideal for children six and under to explore and play. Whether you want to learn more about the area, or you're simply looking to have some fun, these interesting museums in and around Ocean Township are worth the visit. Image by PinballRobin is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

No trip to New York City is complete without seeing at least one show. Whether it's a show on Broadway or an off-Broadway production, you're sure to have a memorable experience as you watch professional actors sing, dance, or recite their lines on stage. Before you plan your next trip to the Big Apple, take a look at the five must-see shows in NYC. 1. Aladdin at the New Amsterdam Theatre Critics give this stage version of Aladdin, the Disney-animated film, rave reviews for its rollicking spirit and colorful presentation. With its upbeat musical numbers by Alan Menken, vibrant costumes and set, and energetic cast, this is a show your whole family will enjoy. If your children are familiar with the animated film, watch their eyes light up as they see the same story unfold before them on stage at the New Amsterdam Theatre. more 2. Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre If you ever wondered how the evil witch in the Wizard of Oz story became wicked, this musical gives you the back story. Set before Dorothy and her house arrive in Oz, Wicked features clever and memorable tunes by Stephen Schwartz that range from beautiful ballads to upbeat company numbers. The show also has a meaningful message about how appearances don't always reveal who a person is on the inside. For this show, leave the small children at home, but bring tweens and teens. They're likely to leave the theatre humming tunes like Defying Gravity and One Short Day. 3. Sense and Sensibility at the Gym at the Judson If you want to see a staging of Jane Eyre's beloved novel, Sense and Sensibility, check out the off-Broadway production at the Gym at the Judson. The story follows the lives of the Dashwood sisters and their mother just as they've lost their fortune unexpectedly. Told with great humor and heart, the story explores the conflicts between societal expectations, people's emotions, and their sense of duty. This delightful play is best suited to older teens and adults. 4. Avenue Q at the New World Stages, Stage Three Irreverent and relevant, Avenue Q tackles a wide range of social issues through song and puppetry. Even though the puppets might remind you of Sesame Street, they deal with some adult issues, though the tone remains mostly light. Book tickets to this Tony Award-winning show, but leave the kids at home. 5. Chicago at the Ambassador Theatre The latest iteration of Chicago proves that revivals can be as fresh as the original staging. As the tale unfolds, the actors take the audience back to the Roaring '20s. During song and dance numbers that exude classic Fosse style, two murderesses try to outdo one another in a bid to get out of the Cook County Jail. Sleek, sophisticated, and entertaining, Chicago remains a crowd-pleaser even though it's been 20 years since it debuted on the Great White Way. Whether you're visiting New York or live there, you can have a fun afternoon or evening at the theatre if you see any of these productions. Book tickets early to avoid having to pay higher prices from brokers. Image by Massimiliano Silipigni is licensed under CC BY 2.0

New Jersey residents and visitors alike can find loads of fun activities during the winter. Whether you want a cozy seaside retreat or a large family friendly resort with indoor tropical pools, New Jersey has options that will please you. Now is the time to start planning your winter getaway in New Jersey. To help you along, here's a list of four fun places you can go. 1. See the Beach in Winter at Cape May Cape May, New Jersey, is one of the country's most picturesque seaside communities. From its lovingly restored homes to the locally owned businesses near the shore, Cape May is a beloved vacation spot in late spring and throughout the summer. Even though the tourists dwindle as the temperature drops, it's still a gorgeous place to visit during the winter. more When you visit this small town, take a walk down its tree-lined streets to enjoy the stately houses that sit close to the beach. If you plan your trip around the December holidays, bundle up for an evening stroll. You just might see some homes with beautiful light displays. Do your holiday shopping at the Washington Street Mall and cozy up to the fire at Fire Pit Fridays at Willow Creek Winery. 2. Get Active in a State Park There are many state parks that offer gorgeous landscapes where you can go cross-country skiing. Ringwood, Fort Mott, Wharton, and Double Trouble are some of the state parks that offer excellent terrain for skiing. Some parks allow you to camp overnight, even in winter, and many of these sites encourage sledding, ice fishing, and snowshoeing. 3. Experience a Taste of the Tropics at Grand Cascades Lodge Located in Hamburg, the Grand Cascades Lodge sits at the foot of Kittatinny Mountains. As a AAA 4-Diamond-rated resort, it's rustic but upscale, woodsy but elegant. Unwind in the spa with a pedicure or massage. If you want to lounge by the pool, try the massive indoor pool with tropical landscaping. With its green foliage and bright colors, the tropical pool-scape offers a cure to the winter blues. Savor a delicious meal in one of the on-site restaurants. Regular culinary events give guests the chance to sample wines, hard and traditional cider, and seasonal cocktails. If you want to venture off the lodge's property, check out the nearby community of Warwick. Full of local shops and restaurants, this town is perfect for couples and families. 4. Stay at the Inn at Laurita Winery Enjoy seasonal decorations, delicious food, and elegant accommodations at the Inn at Laurita Winery in New Egypt. The rooms have fun theme names like "Romance is in the Air" and "Shall We Dance?" In most of the rooms, you'll have a queen-sized bed with an air-jet soaking tub. You can also reserve a room with a private balcony. Cap off your stay with the gourmet country breakfast that's included in the price. From quiet getaways to engaging family trips, New Jersey has plenty of options for anyone who's looking to book a winter vacation. "Ablaze" by Nicholas A. Tonelli is licensed under CC BY 2.0

When it comes to pizza, New York style is one of the most beloved variations. With its thin crust, oversized slices, and greasy cheese, it's a delicious and memorable take on one of the country's most beloved foods. Regardless of what you want on your pizza, you can get it made-to-order in many pizzerias in and around New York City. Check out this list of the five best places to get a New York-style slice. 1. Joe and Pat's on Staten Island Joe and Pat's is practically an institution on Staten Island. There's no pretentiousness at this eatery that quickly developed a strong following among locals shortly after it opened in 1960. The restaurant's New York-style pizza has a perfectly thin crust, the perfect delivery vehicle for the memorable tomato sauce and ample portions of cheese. Even if you normally don't visit Staten Island, Joe and Pat's is worth the trip. more 2. Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village Joe knows pizza, and that's why you have to stop in Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village to try a slice. Expect this traditional pizza parlor to be busy, but the line moves quickly. The owner, Pino "Joe" Pozzuoli is still involved in the eatery, ensuring consistency and high quality. Diners describe the pizza as being close to burnt with a few cheesy blisters, fresh tomato sauce, and a delicious brown end crust. Most of the pizza makers in this shop have years of experience making New York-style pizza. Their craft shows in each delicious bite. Here's one important tip for ordering at Joe's: stick with cheese. This pizza is so fantastic, it doesn't need any topping other than cheese. 3. Williamsburg Pizza on Union Avenue Offering up a variation on the New York slice, Williamsburg Pizza sells slices of white pizza that's savory and memorable. There's a Brooklyn slice that's similar to traditional New York-style pizza with its sweet tomato sauce, an airy end crust, and melted mozzarella. This pizzeria also offers more exotic options among its suggested topping combinations, including a pie with bacon, apple, and Gorgonzola. Other unusual toppings include kale, pine nuts, and taleggio cheese. 4. Patzeria Perfect Pizza in Times Square Because looks aren't everything, Patzeria Perfect Pizza relies on its food to build its reputation rather than its décor. Priced right and ready to go, the pizza from this tiny pizzeria hits the spot for many hungry diners who want a memorable taste of New York-style pie. This is also a place where you can wash down your slice with suds or soda. 5. Patsy's Pizza in East Harlem The puffy end crust is always perfect at Patsy's Pizza, located in East Harlem. Regular diners rave about the garlic pizza and margherita pie. Having once hosted director Francis Ford Coppola as a regular, Patsy's inspired the ambiance of The Godfather film. In fact, the eatery has hosted many film crews over the years because it has an authentic New York vibe. Regardless of where you get your slice of New York-style pizza, just be sure you eat it the right way: fold it in half and take a bite. Image by Eric is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The 2017 Jeep Wrangler holds true to the design and features that people traditionally associate with this brand. The Wrangler remains a powerful utility vehicle with some new upgrades in 2017 that drivers will appreciate. Take a look at what sets the 2017 model apart! Appreciate the Exterior Upgrades When you look at the 2017 Wrangler, you know immediately that it's Jeep's flagship go-anywhere vehicle. Enthusiasts of this off-roading wonder embrace the fact that the exterior retains the Wrangler's classic shape and aesthetic. Opt for two or four removable doors, a signature feature of the Wrangler. more New for 2017, LED headlights and fog lamps come standard on Rubicon and Sahara trims. They're optional on the stripped down Sport. With these lighting upgrades, the 2017 Wrangler gives its driver better visibility in adverse weather conditions. The LED lights also enable other vehicles to see it easier in the dark and during heavy fog. Consider the Expanded Options For the 2017 model, you can choose a two- or four-door model. Once you know how many doors you want, there are three trims available for each: the Sport, Sahara, and Rubicon. The Sport is the no-frills base trim. It's low on creature comforts but high on utility. On the Sahara, you get air conditioning, an insulated hood to reduce engine noise, and satellite radio. The 2017 model includes some of the same packages previously available on the Wrangler such as the Power Convenience Group, but adds a new one: the Cold Weather Package. Stay Warm With Features to Combat the Cold If you opt for the new Cold Weather Package, you get several amenities that provide additional comfort during the winter months. This package starts with the same upgrades as the Power Convenience Group such as keyless entry, heated power mirrors, a mirror that dims automatically, power locks and windows, and a security system. The Cold Weather Package adds the warmth of heated seats and the convenience of remote start. If it's a cold morning, you don't want to get in the cold to start your Wrangler. Rely on the Tradition of Excellence Though many aspects of the Jeep Wrangler remain the same in 2017, there's still plenty to love. At the top of the list is its ability to go off road. You can't beat the off-roading capabilities of the newest Wrangler. Able to crawl over rocks and gain traction in the mud, it's the right vehicle to take off pavement and into the wild. Meanwhile, the interior remains straightforward and easy to use. With its intuitive layout for controls, the dashboard makes it easy to monitor gauges while the mud splashes across the windshield. For power, all Wranglers have a powerful 3.6-liter V6 that hits its peak at 285 horsepower with 260 pound-feet of torque. If you want exceptionally short gearing with a more sophisticated transfer case, opt for the Rubicon trim. Though many industry observers expected an overhaul for 2017, the newest Wrangler still delivers new features and remains impressive. Image by Yucun Tang is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

If you plan on heading to NY this fall, there's plenty of great Fall activities going on in Brooklyn to keep everyone in your family entertained. From festivals and events to tours, you will find several activities in Brooklyn this year. Get ready to see Brooklyn like never before this Fall. 1. Brooklyn Bridge Park Kite Festival Want to get outside and enjoy the last waning days of summer and early fall? The Kite Festival is just the thing! It takes place the first or second week of September in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Kids of all ages can bring their own kite and fly it high in the sky. Kites are also available at the event, which takes place at the Harbor View area. more 2. Annual Atlantic Antic Festival If you haven't heard of the Atlantic Antic Festival, you haven't been in Brooklyn in the fall. This is the largest street festival in the city spanning four neighborhoods. Merchants, vendors, and performers take to the streets to showcase their wares, foods, and talents. There are also musicians playing on the stage. This festival is ideal for all ages, from toddlers to adults. There's something for everyone here. Indulge in funnel cakes and other favorite festival foods. Admission is free, and the event is between Fourth Avenue and Hicks Street. 3. Open House New York See New York buildings in a whole new light at Open House New York. Inspired by the same tradition that takes place every year in London, England, this event welcomes the public inside the buildings you walk past everyday. Explore the architecture, learn about the history, and engage in new inspirations inside of Brooklyn's most interesting public spaces. Take a tour of open buildings close to your neighborhood or experience something new. This event is ideal for teenagers and adults that are interested in architecture. 4. Harvest Festival The Harvest Festival is one of the larger and most fall-inspired festivals. Taking place at Brooklyn Bridge Park, this family friendly festival is ideal for toddlers to early teenagers, and it includes a host of enjoyable fall activities. Pumpkin carving, puppet shows, games, concerts, and arts and crafts are all on tap at what is becoming a bigger and better event every year. This festival is usually held the last week in October on the Pier Lawns. 5. Bike Tours You may not have thought about bike tours, but this outing is something that everyone in the family will love. Bike tours are getting more and more popular, especially in New York where getting around by car is a challenge. Book a bike tour in Brooklyn Bridge Park or nearby to explore your neighborhood. This activity is excellent for families with teenagers because it provides a certain amount of independence. Try Brooklyn Bike Tours, which is just one of many companies offering custom or pre-planned bike tours in the area. These are just a few of the activities for families in Brooklyn this fall. Make sure to check out at least one of them this year. "Colors" by Jackie is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Jeep Renegade is a subcompact crossover that offers buyers a fun and adventurous SUV. It's worth taking a test drive for many reasons. For example, the Renegade is able to accommodate five adults in a cabin that is clean and uncluttered. The design cues are taken from iconic vehicles such as the Wrangler. Like its predecessors, the Renegade is fun to drive both on and off the road. Take a test drive of this crossover to appreciate its driving dynamics, ride, and handling. Discover Which Renegade is Right for You The Jeep Renegade is available in a variety of trim levels, each with its own distinct personality. A test drive will give you the chance to decide which model will best suit your needs. It will also allow you to note the differences between its Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk variants. The Renegade Sport has 16-inch wheels, while Latitude models have upgraded alloy wheels. Latitude models also sport roof rails and fog lights. The Limited features 18-inch wheels and dual exhaust tips. If you need something with more serious road capability, then you should test drive the Trailhawk; it has 17-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, tow hooks, skid plates, and a lifted stance. more Enjoy the Renegades Performance A test drive will give you an opportunity to decide which of the Renegade's available engines will work best for you. Renegade comes standard with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 160 horsepower. It is available with a six-speed manual transmission and returns 31 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg in city driving. An optional 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. This engine is optional on Sport and Latitude models; it is standard equipment on Limited and Trailhawk and is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Sport, Latitude, and Limited models are either four-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. Trailhawk models are only available with the four-wheel drive powertrain. Experience the Space and Personality of the Interior While test driving, you'll have a chance to discover what many drivers of the Renegade have noticed: the interior of this little Jeep feels larger than expected, fitting up to five adults. On a test drive you can check out all of the features found in the cabin, from comfortable seats, to infotainment technology, to its cargo handling abilities. All Renegades are equipped with folding rear seats. Latitude models feature interior LED lighting, a passenger seat that folds out of the way, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, cruise control, and a rearview camera. Test drive a Limited and you will notice upgraded materials, a driver information display, and dual zone climate control. On a test drive of a Trailhawk model you will find unique trim, Trailhawk badging, and a 115-volt power outlet. If you're looking for a fun vehicle, test driving the Jeep Renegade will allow you to get behind the wheel of a vehicle that blends Jeep's heritage, a capable four-wheel drive system, and an engaging design into an attractive subcompact crossover package. Image by Janitors is licensed under CC BY 2.0