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Whether it is a special dinner out or something more unique, Valentine's Day is the perfect time to show that special someone how much they mean to you. In and around the Prince Frederick area, there are several places you can go to celebrate. Here are some ideas so you can start planning your Valentine's Day. Brick Wood Fired Bistro Head to Brick Wood Fired Bistro for a delicious wood-fired dinner. This restaurant serves locally sourced and sustainable produce with an emphasis on the flavors of the Chesapeake Bay area. You can start off with oysters Brickafella or wood-fired wings and then have some delicious crab bisque. This unique Bistro has a variety of wood-fired pizzas and a delicious chicken under a brick. This is wood oven roasted half chicken served with whipped potatoes and pan jus along with some crispy leeks. Brick Wood Fired Bistro is a great choice for a Valentine's Day dinner where you want a warm and casual atmosphere and great food. Dry Dock Restaurant There is nothing more romantic than having dinner with beautiful views of the harbor, and the Dry Dock Restuarant delivers. You can enjoy seasonal menu items with local produce and sustainable seafood at this restaurant that is part of the Zahniser's Yachting Center. Choose from the extensive wine menu for the perfect pairing whether you have steak or seafood, and relax in the cozy, yet upscale dining room. You can get anything from a grass-fed tenderloin burger to a grass-fed black pepper encrusted New York Strip steak, or duck tacos to make your Valentine's dinner memorable. The Dry Dock Restaurant sits right in the center of the historic Solomons Island on the Chesapeake Bay. Visit Running Hare Winery The Running Hare Winery is a great place to visit for a Valentine's celebration. The tasting room opens on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday so you'll have to plan your celebration for the weekend, but it is a beautiful and romantic setting. Every Saturday there is live music in the Tuscan Events building and you can pack up a picnic lunch for you and your special someone and make a whole day of it. Admission is just $7 for a wine tasting and $10 on Saturdays for wine tasting and live music. Reservations are not needed unless you go with a large group, and if you prefer craft beer, this winery is the only places in Maryland where you can get both wine and craft beers at the same place. CD Cafe The CD Cafe on Solomon's Island Road offers wonderful food in a romantic atmosphere. The chef at this restaurant creates new and innovative dishes that you won't find anywhere else such as the savory cheesecake appetizer or Bangkok scallops with apples, veggies, and onions in a curry honey sauce. Book a table at the CD Cafe to celebrate Valentine's Day with your loved one. These are a few of the places where you can spend Valentine's Day with someone special this year. " Happy Valentines day! " by Infomastern is licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0

When you're feeling up for an adventure, head out on the open road and explore these fun locations in Southern Maryland. Each has unique attractions to explore, helping you learn more about the history and cultural significance of the area. Historic St. Mary's City When you enter Historic St. Mary's City, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time to experience life in Maryland in the 17th century. Attractions in this area include an Indian witchcott, an authentic plantation household, and a museum packed with artifacts and exhibits dating back hundreds of years. Other things to see include the Maryland Dove, a replica of a square-rigged ship, the Godiah Spray tobacco plantation, and the town center. When the weather is pleasant, check out the hiking and walking trails that run throughout the city. You can also take part in the action by churning butter, shooting a bow and arrow, or working alongside professional archaeologists. This National Historic Landmark is one of the most well-preserved colonial archaeology sites, making it a fascinating spot to see if you want to learn more about the historic settlers and how they lived during this time. The Dr. Mudd House Museum Dr. Samuel Mudd is a famous person in Maryland history. He grew up on his family's plantation — located 30 miles from Washington, D.C. — and graduated from Baltimore Medical College. When President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth in 1865, Booth fled the scene and broke his leg during the process. He went to Dr. Mudd's home, where Dr. Mudd treated his broken leg and allowed Booth and his traveling companion to rest before they continued their journey. Today, Mudd's former home is now open to the public as a museum, packed with fascinating exhibits and artifacts from this period in history. Tours of the museum are available during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Calvert Marine Museum Another fascinating spot to take a day trip is Solomons, a city that houses the Calvert Marine Museum. This museum offers hands-on experiences to visitors of all ages, helping you learn more about the history of maritime activity in the area as well as across the country. “At the Water's Edge” is an especially appealing exhibit that will be on display through April 2018. Visitors can also attend one of the concerts in the Maritime Performance Series and enjoy their favorite tunes while relaxing next to the water's edge. The museum also hosts various activities and educational sessions throughout the changing seasons. For example, during the holiday season, kids can take part in fun activities that help them get in the spirit, such as making ornaments, touring a display of stunning gingerbread houses, decorating the lighthouse, or learning more about animals during the Ice Age. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Instead of staying home this weekend, take a fun day trip to one of these spots in Southern Maryland. " drum point lighthouse " by scott1346 is licensed by CC BY 2.0

Vehicles with four-wheel drive transfer the power from your engine to four wheels instead of two wheels. Some vehicles have it part of the time or all of the time (often called all-wheel drive), depending on the model and what options it has. Here are just five of the benefits of having four-wheel drive when driving around in the winter months. Additional Traction The main purpose of four-wheel drive is to provide you with additional traction. In the winter months, traction is important as you drive over icy conditions and through the snow. Better traction can help keep you and your passengers safer in varying road conditions. Whether you plan to travel to a different climate or stay home, this added traction is helpful. Travel Anywhere With four-wheel drive, you can travel almost anywhere. This includes on mountain paths, through forests, and in the snow. During the winter months, many families travel more than usual to visit family and to enjoy winter break. Having a vehicle with available four-wheel drive means that you can travel to places where someone with a simple two-wheel-drive sedan would not dare to venture. High or Low Depending on the model, you might have access to Four-High and Four-Low settings that you can switch between based on driving conditions. You should rely on Four-High when you're on a highway and the roads are wet, icy, or covered in snow. You can also use it when you're driving on gravel or mud. It is a great way to get additional traction when you need it during regular use. During the winter when roads are more likely to be icy, Four-High can help prevent slips or accidents. The Four-Low setting can help you in less common situations, such as getting caught in deep snow, going up steep inclines, or driving through water. You'll need to drive slowly to benefit from this feature, as Four-Low uses more torque to substantially increase your traction. In the winter, it is perfect when you go out to your car only to realize it's been covered in snow. You can dig out the top of your car and then use the Four-Low setting to help get out of deeper snow. Best of Both There are some drivers that would fully benefit from having all-wheel drive, especially if they spend a lot of time driving in less than ideal conditions. However, having a vehicle with four-wheel drive gives you the best of both types of vehicles. You'll be able to turn on the power of four-wheel drive only when you need it and turn it off when you don't. When it comes to the winter season, there are a few things that make driving safer and more enjoyable. This includes features such as four-wheel drive, a great pair of all-terrain tires, and heated seats. If you're looking to purchase a new vehicle, consider how you want to spend your winter months driving around. " Kindness is like snow, it beautifies everything it covers " by PokemonaDeChroma is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

We're almost two weeks into the New Year, and almost everyone has a plan in place to improve their life, whether with fitness, organization, or even managing finances. But what about bettering your automobile? It’s not too late to set a resolution to keep your vehicle at it’s best this 2018. Your vehicle is most likely one of your most valued and relied on possessions, so, why not take every measure to ensure you're keeping it in tip-top shape throughout the year? Here are a few ideas for New Year's Resolutions, specifically for your automobile: Keep up with your routine maintenance. Your vehicle's routine maintenance is one of the easiest things to overlook—whether it's not having the time to have maintenance addressed, or the money. Although it's easy to neglect, it's also one of the most important aspects of your vehicle's longevity and can help you save money and time, in the long run. Schedule an appointment with our Service Department to have your routine maintenance addressed. Keep your vehicle's interior and exterior clean. Although it's tough to maintain the cleanliness of your vehicle, especially in the colder months, you may feel better if you do. Having a clean vehicle may help reduce stress, especially if your vehicle tends to get cluttered easily. Keep up with your neglected maintenance. Have a rattling noise that's been driving you crazy for a while, but haven't had it looked at yet? Bring your car in for Service, and let our experts help you pin-point the problem, before it becomes a bigger problem. Schedule regular check-ups. Just like your physical health, it's important to keep tabs on your vehicle's health. Schedule regular appointments to have your car checked, to ensure everything is in working order.

Ram has been a leading truck brand for decades. Ram consistently improves its trucks with the features that drivers are looking for. New technologies are changing the car industry at a rapid pace. The 2018 model year is quickly approaching, and Ram is already making the new Ram 1500 available. Here's a closer look at the 2018 Ram 1500. New Trim Packages Ram trucks are available in multiple configurations. On top of that, Ram offers the 2018 Ram 1500 in a variety of trim levels. The new Limited Tungsten Edition focuses on increased luxury. It includes faux-suede lining alongside leather and wood accents around the cabin. There is also the Harvest package which gives the 1500 a higher ride height, a mesh grille, and paint jobs that match many of the leading farm vehicle brands. Each trim package focuses on a different type of driver, but all of the packages offer extended value beyond what most drivers expect. Consistently High-Quality Ride The 2018 Ram 1500 continues Ram's long tradition of providing one of the best-riding trucks on the market. The key to this is the inclusion of advanced air-spring and coil-spring suspension systems that smooth out the ride. Despite the smooth ride, the 1500 maintains its ability to handle heavy loads while keeping the ride as smooth as possible. Performance-focused Designs The 2018 Ram 1500 is designed to outperform similar vehicles. To that end, Ram equipped it with a range of performance-focused features. Right now, the new 1500 seems to be the only truck of its kind on the market that has a diesel engine option which is great for fuel efficiency. The standard is a powerful V-6 that is both reliable and efficient. For more power, there is an optional V-8 that can drastically increase the amount of horsepower that you get. All of the different models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. New Technology Features Ram added several new technology upgrades for the 2018 model year which will make the Ram 1500 a stronger work vehicle as well. Backup cameras are becoming a key feature on new vehicles, and it is now a standard feature on all Ram 1500 models. That way, you'll have an easier time backing up and avoiding accidents when the bed is full. Another new feature is easy-to-reach bed lighting controls which can be found in the cargo box and in the cabin. Having a switch in the cargo box lets you have better control over your lighting without having to get in and out of the driver's seat so much. The 2018 Ram 1500 also comes with an updated 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen which makes it easier to find and control various features throughout the vehicle. The 2018 Ram 1500 is expected to be in high demand this year for all of its new features and dependability. Check it out at your local Ram dealer today to experience it for yourself. If you need a lightweight truck with a range of great features, you'll likely end up driving home in a new 2018 Ram 1500. Image via ramtrucks.com

The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most well-known Jeep models on the market. Its off-road ability is well-known and the 2018 model will replace the current model after ten years. This article outlines the reasons you’ll want the 2018 Jeep Wrangler. Technology Upgrade Touchscreen are present in other cars in the Jeep line offering both information and convenience. Now it’s the Wrangler’s turn to receive the same benefits. The 2018 Jeep Wrangler has the same UConnect system present in the Chrysler line. It’s easy to use and responsive. The screen is about 8.4 inches. Smaller screens are in lower-end versions of the Wrangler. Parking assist features are also available in the Wrangler along with USB ports, and an SD card slot. The more connected Wrangler is an excellent feature for all the technology used on the go today. Power While the 2018 Wrangler is not out yet, there is evidence out there to suggest that the vehicle has a significant power upgrade in store. A 2.0L turbo engine codenamed Hurricane and a 3.6L Pentastar. The latter produces 285 hp which hasn't from the earlier model. However, the turbo engine produces 365 hp. If this assessment is correct, the engine is the most power-dense entry in the marketplace now. In terms of power, it comes close to the Porsche 911 engine and the current Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 and CLA 45 engines. The Eco-Diesel Engine While it technically would not make it into the 2018 model, an eco-diesel will come out in 2018 for the 2019 model year. This engine makes the Wrangler more efficient in terms of gas mileage. Other Features The 2018 Jeep Wrangler features automatic climate controls and a standard audio system. It also has a push-button engine start and a heated steering wheel. But the Wrangler is really known for its off-roading capabilities. As such, it is not surprising that mysterious rocker buttons are inside of the vehicle. Those who have seen the vehicle’s interior cannot definitively find what the buttons actually do. They may be capable of changing modes for off-roading. Combined with its design and soft cloth top, off-roaders are likely to appreciate the 2018 Jeep Wrangler for everything it does both on and off the road. Jeep has stayed mum about most of the details in the new Wrangler. Given that it represents the first major upgrade of the model in a decade, surprises are good. If it stays true to the type of upgrades promised by the first glances, the Wrangler will keep its place as the heart and soul of the Jeep line. From all indications, the 2018 Wrangler has a broader appeal,beyond those who love Jeep vehicles or off-roading. It’s designed to appeal to the customer who wants power, utility, convenience, and eventually fuel efficiency with a new type of engine.  The 2018 Jeep Wrangler will debut at the LA Auto Show in November. " 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara " by AlBargan is licensed by CC BY-ND 2.0

A coffee shop is a great place to relax and think while energizing yourself with a freshly brewed coffee. Make sure to check out some of these coffee shops in Prince Frederick to think about your car-buying decisions at Prince Frederick Chrysler Jeep Dodge. Dream Weaver Catering & Cafe Dream Weaver Catering & Cafe is located in the Prince Frederick Shopping Center at 114 Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick. The coffee at Dream Weaver Cafe is served in a unique way. They offer a self-serve coffee bar where you can customize your brew with milk, sugar, cream, and other flavorings. The pots of coffee are refreshed frequently throughout the day to keep them as fresh as possible. Dream Weaver Cafe does serve food too if you are in need of a meal with your coffee. You can pick from the usual breakfast staples such as bacon, eggs, sausage, pancakes, or French toast. They also serve a multitude of items for lunch such as sandwiches, hot paninis, salads, and soups. The Lobby Coffee Bar & Cafe The Lobby Coffee Bar & Cafe is located 6201 Solomons Island Road in nearby Huntingtown. The Lobby is the place to go if you want a specially crafted cup of coffee. They serve hot drinks such as an americano, breve, cappuccino, chai latte, espresso shots, latte, macchiato, mocha, and misto. If you want a cold-crafted drink, try the iced chai latte, iced latte, or iced mocha. The Lobby also has four different drip brews: a Honduran blend, decaf, a bold Marcos, and a medium Carlos. You can also try one of their craves, which is coffee mixed with a flavoring such as caramel, chocolate, fruity pebbles, Nutella, or vanilla. If you want a snack, they have a large variety of freshly baked treats that are made daily at the store. Sweet Sue's Bake Shop & Coffee Bar Sweet Sue's Bake Shop & Coffee Bar is located at 9132 Bay Avenue in North Beach. Sweet Sue's is primarily a bakery that creates delicious cupcakes, pastries, and cakes. Sue's dispenses coffee blends which rotate daily. One of the most popular blends is the Black Raven blend. They also serve a pumpkin spice blend in the fall. If you are hungry for something besides dessert, Sue's sells made-to-order sandwiches, most of which come on a bagel. Cool Beanz Coffee Located at 29948 Three Notch Road in Charlotte Hall, Cool Beanz is a cozy little coffee shop that sells a variety of coffee and tea along with simple breakfast dishes and baked goods, some of which are gluten-free. They sell a few different kinds of coffee such as hot brew, cold press, and latte. The latte can be flavored with things such as pumpkin spice and peanut butter. Make sure to start your day with a nice fresh cup of coffee from one of these coffee shops around Prince Frederick, Maryland. You will get a kickstart to your day, and then you can use the energy to go car shopping at Prince Frederick Chrysler Jeep Dodge. " coffee " by jng104 is licensed by CC BY 2.0

As the holiday season approaches, you might be looking for things to do with your family and friends. Luckily, Prince Frederick and the surrounding areas have plenty of fun activities that will warm your heart even on the coldest day. Embrace your holiday cheer and check out the following events that will make your winter a bit brighter. Annmarie Garden in Lights Located in nearby Dowell, the Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center is your hub for all things holiday. One of its main events is the Garden in Lights holiday light show. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every night between December 1 and January 1, this already beautiful complex is transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland. For the low cost of $6, you can stroll along the wooded paths and walk into a world of mystique. Each night also features a variety of live entertainment, including musicians, ballet performances, and comedians. While you're here, you'll also want to check out the Annual Ornament Show and Sale and the Holiday Pop-up Shops, both of which feature hand-crafted goods from various local vendors. Scuba with Santa Getting your child's picture with Santa is a holiday tradition. However, have you ever gotten your child's picture with Santa underwater? You can make this dream a reality at the Scuba with Santa event at the Hall Aquatic Center. The big man himself will be suited up at the bottom of the pool waiting to take pictures on Sunday, December 17. The cost of this water-lover's dream is just the price of admission to the pool. For kids up to 17 years of age, that's $4. Kids under three are free, and adults cost $6. Naughty or Nice Holiday WINE Down For a night of fun for the adults, check out the Naughty or Nice Holiday WINE Down. Happening on Saturday, December 9, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., this event lets you imbibe in wine to celebrate the end of 2017. Guests are invited to wear red if they've been naughty, green if they've been nice, or a combination of both if they need Santa to do a recount. The event is hosted by the Running Hare Vineyard at 150 Adelina Road, and all proceeds from the $25 ticket go to the Smallwood Family Scholarship Foundation. You can support the community, have fun, and celebrate the holiday season at all the same time. Pancakes with Santa If swimming with Santa is a little too much for you, eating breakfast with him might be a safer alternative. Happening on December 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Pancakes with Santa lets you eat as many pancakes as you want and get a photo with the man in red. It costs $8 for kids four to 11, $12 for anyone over 11, and children under three are free. Whatever holiday events you decide to go to, make sure you have a safe way to get there by stopping at Prince Frederick Chrysler Jeep Dodge beforehand. We'll set you up in a brand new car that can handle any icy weather that comes our way. " Santa visits the fire department " by Bailiwick Studios is licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0

The Holidays have arrived, and we thought it might be a good time to share some of our favorite recipes, to give you some inspiration for your upcoming Holiday dinners. Here is a list of a few of our favorite recipes, perfect for all of your Holiday dinners, potluck lunches at work, or any holiday celebration: Green Beans with Almonds Ingredients: 2 Pounds Fresh Green Beans, Washed and Trimmed 2 Slices of Bacon ¼ Cup Sliced Almonds Directions: Remove both ends of beans, break in half, and wash thoroughly. Place in a large pot and add water 3 to 4 inches from the top. Add bacon and cook until tender. Remove bacon from cooking water and discard. Remove beans and place in a large bowl, add almonds and toss. Serve Hot. Red Garlic Mashed Potatoes Ingredients: 8 Red Potatoes, Cubed 2 Teaspoons Crushed Garlic 1/2 Cup Butter 1/4 Cup Half and Half Cream 1/4 Teaspoon Steak Seasoning 1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder 1/8 Teaspoon White Sugar Directions: Place the potatoes into a large pot, and fill with enough water to cover. Add 1 teaspoon of the crushed garlic to the water for flavor. Bring to a boil, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes, and add the butter. Mash until the butter is melted. Mix in the half-and-half, steak seasoning, garlic powder, sugar, and remaining garlic. Mix potatoes with an electric mixer until smooth. Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes Ingredients: 4 Russet Potatoes, sliced into 1/4 inch slices 1 Onion, sliced into rings 3 Tablespoons Butter 3 Tablespoons All Purpose Flower 1/2 Teaspoon Salt 2 Cups Milk 1 1/2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Butter a 1 quart casserole dish. Layer 1/2 of the potatoes into bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Top with the onion slices, and add the remaining potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. In a medium-size saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Mix in the flour and salt, and stir constantly with a whisk for one minute. Stir in milk. Cook until mixture has thickened. Stir in cheese all at once, and continue stirring until melted, about 30 to 60 seconds. Pour cheese over the potatoes, and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake 1 1/2 hours in the preheated oven.

Fall is rapidly approaching its end and the holiday season is coming up. With the holiday season, gift shopping follows. People staying in Maryland during this time have many options in terms of where to go for holiday shopping. This post outlines some of the best spots for shopping in the state, covering both towns as well as other places like outlets. 1. Baltimore Christmas Village, Baltimore The outdoor Christmas Village in Baltimore is the place to go for those seeking European charm. Over 50 vendors sell items found in Europe. International gift seekers need not look further than the village to find unique gifts. 2. Downtown Annapolis The historic downtown of the former capital of the United States has a variety of shops where gifts related to the city and state are found. Rare comics, jewelry, and items from Ireland are just a few of the items available. Good shopping combined with a picturesque downtown featuring cobbled streets and bows on lampposts make this location on the water a must-visit for locals and visitors alike during the holidays. 3. Hagerstown Premium Outlets, Hagerstown Nothing makes holiday shopping better than a visit to the premium outlets. Paying retail price for goods isn’t necessary here. Find deals from some of the most well-known brands in the country including the following: Kate Spade Kay Jewelers Harry and David Columbia JCrew Factory Guess The outlets have running deals and promotions that change from time to time. Examples include a percentage off full price merchandise,  percentage off staff picks, and buy one get one. 4. Arundel Mills, Hanover Arundel Mills is another place to shop. It mixes regular retail stores with outlet stores and includes entertainment spaces like a movie theater and Medieval Times. Similar to the premium outlets, there are deals to be had, and they change often. So be sure to look for them as the holidays start to roll around. 5. Downtown St. Michaels The Victorian town of St. Michaels has plenty of shops in their downtown. For those that want to get into the holiday spirit before turkey day, The Christmas Shop is a great place to begin. As the name suggests, it features Christmas items all-year-long. Some chain stores are also available here so visiting the mall to get a sweater or another staple isn’t necessary. 6. Hampden Village, Baltimore Hamden Village in Baltimore combines a holiday experience with unique holiday gift finds. Search around this section of the city to find old-fashioned toys, unique puzzles, and collectibles. A light display after dark ends the shopping experience on a beautiful and positive note.   Getting into the holiday spirit is not very difficult in the right holiday shopping spot. Sometimes deals are enough to motivate people to get in the holiday mood. Experiences, as offered by Maryland towns and neighborhoods, help get everyone in the mood no matter what state their shopping list is in. " DSCN3039 " by ursusdave is licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0

Maryland's winter can be hard on vehicles and stressful for drivers. Unpredictable road conditions can make longer trips difficult, while city streets can be plagued by ice patches and layers of salt. We've come up with four ways to prepare your car for the Maryland winter so you stay safe on the road. Wax Ahead of Time Snowy conditions can wreak havoc on your paint job. There's lots of debris that can get caught under your vehicle and along the sides. Left untreated, it can eat away at the paint and cause rust and other damage. In addition, the salt on the road can destroy the exterior of your vehicle. To prevent damage, get your car professionally waxed before the cold sets in and maintain it throughout the season. The wax will create a barrier between your car's paint and the outside world. Try to hose your vehicle off after driving through salt or dirty snow to help prevent a build-up of corrosives that can, over time, cause serious body issues. Don't forget to spray under your vehicle as well. Change Out Fluids During the wintertime, fluids in your vehicle can pose problems. If you don't have the correct type, you may find yourself with a broken down vehicle. To prevent this problem, make sure that both your oil and wiper fluids are freeze-proof. Frozen oil can cause major problems with your engine, while frozen wiper fluid decreases visibility and can damage the associated hose. Check Your Tires Whether you have front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, skidding on ice presents a serious issue. There are a number of ways to help avoid slipping on ice patches, including driving slowly and carefully, with a healthy distance between your vehicle and the one in front.   However, sometimes even the most careful drivers find themselves in danger of skidding. To help prevent these situations, make sure your tires have healthy treads. Treads help grip the road, and a solid tread will keep you more firmly planted. There are specific snow tires available, but often — especially for city drivers — a well-maintained tread should be enough. Create Emergency Kit A winter emergency kit can spare you a lot of stress and misery. While no driver wants to think they'll get stranded, it's a common enough occurrence during the winter, especially if the weather deteriorates quickly with very little warning. Emergency kits should include items like warm blankets, ice scrapers, and kitty litter or sand for traction in case your vehicle gets stuck. Snacks may also be a good addition, as well as gloves and thick socks. Your top priority is warmth and safety, so your kit should address those needs. These are just a few ways to get your car prepped for the Maryland winter. Remember that driving carefully in these conditions, no matter how confident of a driver you are, can mean the difference between staying safe and a potentially dangerous situation. Image via pixabay.com

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, along with the busiest travel holiday of the year! If you’ve traveled on this holiday in the past, you know that planning is key to a seamless, relaxing trip, and we’ve got just the list to keep you organized this year! Stay Connected – Download the latest travel apps for your phone before you hit the road—Spotify is a great channel for music, Waze will help with traffic, and Citymapper will be your best-bet for navigation! Travel Late or Early – Instead of sitting in a huge mess of traffic this year, leave in the middle of the night, or early in the morning to avoid traffic jams—you’ll get to where you’re going much faster, and your passengers will thank you… especially if you have kids! Pack Wisely – Make sure to bring temperature-appropriate clothing, shoes, and coats, especially if you’re heading north or to the mountains! Have Your Car Serviced – Make sure that all of your fluid levels are topped off, your brakes, lights work properly, and that your car is up to date on all routine maintenance including oil changes and tires. Contact our Service Department to set up an appointment to have your car prepared for your road trip! Have Travel Documents on Hand – Be sure to carry your Insurance Card, Roadside Assistance information, and any other vital information, in case of emergency. Make All Stops at Once – If you have children, it might be challenging trying to travel with the constant stopping for bathroom breaks, food, and drinks, but, if you stop in a place where you can use the restroom, grab a sandwich and a bottle of water, all in one place, you’re guaranteed to save time instead of loading and unloading everyone into and out of the car at each place. Visit us online to schedule your appointment with our Service Department, to ensure your vehicle is up-to-par for your Thanksgiving travel. Buckle up, and enjoy the ride!