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While the great outdoors offers plenty of opportunities for fun and excitement, there are also plenty of places to go in York County for indoor family fun. 1. Titanium Athletics At Titanium Athletics, you'll have a variety of activities to get involved with and plenty of room to enjoy them in at the 14,000 square foot facility. The goal at Titanium is for kids and adults to enjoy what they're doing, while doing their best. The point is to have fun according to their abilities and feel good about those abilities at the end of the day. more The facility offers a variety of options to be played out within the fully equipped gym such as a 40-foot tumbling track, batting cages, bounce houses, and a competition spring floor. For parents, there's a separate viewing area to relax, listen to music, watch TV, or read while the kids are involved in their activity. 2. Hickory Falls For a diversified menu of things to do for the entire family, Hickory Falls is where you'll want to go. Show off your technique and tee off with a game of mini golf or lock and load for a game of pulse-pounding laser tag. If you have a need for speed, strap into a go-kart and hit the track or go head-to-head in Hologate, the virtual reality room. For younger kids, the indoor play area has plenty to offer. When you need to be refreshed, visit Rita's for a cool, sweet treat or one of the food venues for pizza, burgers, and more. Hickory Falls is open daily. 3. Suburban Bowlerama A great way for families to have fun is to challenge other family members and friends to a game of bowling. Since 1958, Suburban Bowlerama has been the go-to place to make this happen. The 30-lane bowling center has a retro-themed vibe, state-of-the-art technology, bumper bowling lanes for the kids, and lanes that are ready for you to bowl a strike. For an extra special night of bowling, reserve a lane and bring your "A" game to Cosmic Bowling where pounding music, fog, laser tag, black lights, disco lights, and glowing lanes create an exciting atmosphere. When it's time for a break, head to Alley Oops! Sports Bar & Grill to enjoy happy hour, daily food specials, steak night, plus seven flat-screen televisions for even more entertainment. Suburban Bowlerama opens Monday through Saturday at 9 a.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. 4. The Haines Shoe House You'll literally step back in time when visiting The Haines Shoe House. It was built in 1948 by eccentric millionaire Mahlon N. Haines who made his fortune selling shoes. The 25-foot-by-48-foot tall wood structure has been renovated and serves as a reminder of times past. Stop by to take a guided tour, visit the small museum, peruse the gift shop, and enjoy freshly made ice cream, baked goods, and assorted hot and cold beverages. The unusual house opens its doors the first day of spring through early fall. Staying indoors has its advantages when it comes to fun things to see and do. When you're looking for something fun to do with the kids, these four destinations are a great way to jumpstart the action.   Image via Pixabay

Regardless of all the bells, whistles, entertainment, and technology that are included in new vehicles, the one feature that is likely to be at the top of your list is safety. When it comes to driving with confidence, it all boils down to the features you can rely on. The Jeep Cherokee makes a safety statement with its rating as a 2019 Top Safety Pick. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety performs non-biased evaluations for all models and manufacturers. Since 2006, the IIHS has designated Top Safety Pick awards. Since 2013, awards have been given out for Top Safety Pick+. more When a vehicle is being evaluated, there are six tests applied. These include head restraints and seats, driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, roof strength, and side and front. IIHS Testing Testing for crashworthiness is important, as frontal crashes have become the most frequent accidents with deadly results. Crash testing began in the late 1970s with programs conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Crashworthiness evaluations began in 1995 by the IIHS, which currently runs three: driver-side small overlap test, passenger-side small overlap test, and moderate overlap test. 2019 Jeep Cherokee Top Safety Pick For 2019, the Jeep Cherokee Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk trim levels that were built after April 2019 and are equipped with the Technology Group Package earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation. To earn this rating, the Jeep Cherokee had to earn a "Good" rating in all crashworthiness tests, with the exception of the passenger-side small overlap front test, which will qualify for the Top Safety Pick rating even if it receives an acceptable rating. Safety Features When driving a Jeep, you can drive with peace of mind due to the advanced standard safety features, as well as optional, active, and passive features. The high-strength steel construction of the Jeep works in concert with its safety features. The steel structure supports and enhances crash protection, while optimizing the Jeep's weight. Other mechanical features that add to the strength, durability, maneuverability, and overall safety of the Cherokee include all-speed traction control, electronic roll mitigation, electronic stability control, and an enhanced accident response system. The full-speed collision warning with active braking crash mitigation system is an option on select models. The system works as a notification to the driver by sending audible alerts and preps the brakes when the system senses the possibility of a frontal impact. If there is no immediate response by the driver, and the system continues to sense a potential collision, the brakes bring the vehicle to a full stop. For passenger and driver safety, the Jeep is equipped with advanced multistage airbags, passenger seat belt alert, supplemental front seat-mounted side airbags, supplemental side-curtain rear and front airbags, passenger inflatable knee-bolster airbag, and the LATCH ready child seat anchor system. Whether you're traveling across the country on an extended vacation, across town for shopping, or off-road on an adventure, the Jeep Cherokee safety features offer a confident and safe driving experience. Test drive a 2019 Jeep Cherokee today at Thornton CDJR.   Image via Thornton CDJR

When you want a delicious meal, something other than the same old menu, there are plenty of options in York County. If you're focused on fresh and creative menus, with farm-to-table fare, consider these local restaurants that are sure to please your palate. 1. Tutoni's Restaurant Located in the heart of downtown York, Tutoni's Restaurant serves a delightful menu with all items made from scratch. A talented staff of chefs work tirelessly to prepare authentic Italian, as well as creative Italian cuisine from scratch. Starters are savory, try an order of braised pork belly, calamari, or roasted bone marrow. Follow with a delicious dish such as shrimp pomodoro, potato gnocchi, pork Milanese, lamb ravioli, or linguine with clams. more If you're interested in light fare and refreshing libations, stop by for cocktail hour Monday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to  6 p.m. at the TT Bar. Enjoy select cocktails, flavorful glasses of wine, and a tasteful tapas menu which is served until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 2. Glen Rock Mill Inn Get a taste for the past when staying at the historic Glen Rock Mill Inn. Built in 1837, guests are surrounded by the vintage architecture and history of the woolen mill that today serves as a boutique hotel and fine dining restaurant. The inn features renovated rooms that blend country elegance with modern styling. You have a choice of nine beautifully detailed king suites, queen-executive suites, and standard guest rooms. Each room blends the beauty of original brick walls and wood floors with modern furniture and accessories, TVs, and Wi-Fi. While staying at the inn, you'll enjoy a diverse menu of creatively prepared dishes using locally sourced ingredients along with fresh products grown on the restaurant's 26-acre farm. During your stay, you'll have access to breakfast, lunch, and dinner dining and a Sunday brunch buffet. 3. The Restaurant at Wyndridge Farm The Restaurant at Wyndridge Farm serves a delectable menu of farm-fresh food year-round. Have an exemplary meal in the warm and inviting dining room or a casual bite at the bar. If you prefer the beauty of the outdoors, enjoy your meal and the panoramic views of the farm from the patio, which features a stone fireplace. The menu is palate-pleasing with something for everyone, whether you're dining for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch. Choose from fresh starts such as jumbo gulf shrimp, tempura fried vegetables, Cajun potato chips, and fresh calamari. There's also a variety of soups and salads, brick-fired pizzas, creative burgers, and assorted sandwiches. Entrees are tantalizing with specialties such as shrimp and grits, slow-roasted Angus beef short ribs, grilled swordfish, beef stroganoff, and flavorful filet mignon. To enhance your meal, enjoy a glass of crafted beverages brewed at the farm's facility. The beverage menu includes farm-crafted seasonal beer, cider, and sodas. Tours of the facility are also available. When only farm-fresh food will do, enjoy inspired menus, tasteful beverages, a historic atmosphere, and scenic views at these exceptional York County restaurants. Image via Pixabay

When you're shopping for a family-friendly vehicle, you have quite a few options available to you. However, some of the best models are the Dodge Durango and the Chrysler Pacifica. Both were named “Best Family Cars for 2019,” thanks to the appealing features and spacious cabins. Room for a Crew Both the 2019 Durango and 2019 Pacifica have three rows of seating with space for everyone in your family. The Pacifica comes standard with seating for seven with an available second-row bench that takes it up to eight. The Durango SRT trim level has captain's chairs in the second row as standard, which takes the seating capacity to six. If you don't need as much space for passengers, you can also add the Lightweight Performance package to the SRT model, which removes the third row to maximize cargo space. more Appealing Safety Features When you're traveling with precious cargo, it's important to make sure everyone is safe. Both vehicles come standard with a long list of high-end safety features designed to give you peace of mind as you transport your family. The Pacifica features a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and anti-lock brakes. You can also get the Advanced SafetyTec package, which adds front parking sensors, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a large driver information display, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, an automated parking system, and a top-down parking camera. Standard safety features on the Durango SRT include rear parking sensors, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, a rearview camera, and plenty of airbags throughout the seating area. An optional Technology Group package adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, and a forward-collision warning system with automatic emergency braking. Impressive Performance If performance is high on your list of priorities, the Durango won't disappoint. In fact, it's one of the only family-friendly models you'll find with so much power beneath the hood. The SRT trim level comes standard with a 6.4-liter V-8 engine that puts out 470 pound-feet of torque and 475 horsepower. Along with the powerful engine, this model includes an adaptive high-performance suspension, performance-tuned steering, upgraded Brembo brakes, and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. For buyers who don't care quite as much about what's beneath the hood, the Pacifica is a solid choice. This minivan has a capable 3.6-liter V-6 unit that makes 262 pound-feet of torque and 287 horsepower. It works with a nine-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth shifting. A hybrid model is also available for those who want to save on fuel. Advanced Technology It's easy for your family to stay connected and entertained. The Durango SRT has an 8.4-inch touch screen, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot, a premium nine-speaker Alpine sound system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, dual charging USB ports, navigation, and satellite radio. A rear-seat entertainment system is also available as an upgrade. The Pacifica has smartphone integration, a 7-inch touch screen, a six-speaker sound system, and Bluetooth connectivity. Take one of these impressive family vehicles for a test drive at Thornton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. We have plenty of options to choose from that will fit into your budget and give you the features you want. Image via Flickr by RL GNZLZ | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

Shopping for the holidays can be an overwhelming task, no matter how many people you have on your list. Instead of waiting until the last minute and stressing yourself out, start shopping early at these local spots that offer a wide range of appealing gifts. 1. Central Market Central Market has been part of York County's landscape for more than 125 years. This market is housed on Philadelphia Street and North Beaver Street in a stunning and historic building, but it has more to offer than just an appealing structure. This market is a community gathering spot and grassroots operation that allows locals to come together, sell their handmade goods, and shop for unique options. On Market Day, as it's called when the market is open, you can grab a cup of coffee, pick out some fresh produce, and support local vendors. more If you have someone on your list with a sweet tooth, pick up some baked goods that they can enjoy. A bottle of wine from the Burnt Timbers Winery or a bottle of liquor from Eight Oaks Craft Distillers is a fun option for your loved one to add to their home bar. Specialty goods include art, candles, homeopathic remedies, fashion, and apparel, homemade dog treats, nuts, candy, and soap. You can find something for everyone on your holiday list at Central Market, which is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday until 2 p.m. 2. Christmas Tree Hill Another fun place to shop for holiday gifts is Christmas Tree Hill, where you can find items from a wide range of brands. Pick out seasonal décor to complete your home's look, grab a functional gift for someone who is particularly hard to shop for, and grab a T-shirt from the local Simply Southern lineup. You'll also find new items for 2019, including Department 56 and Christopher Radko gifts. The shop specializes in helping you maximize your shopping experience and providing total customer satisfaction, so you can shop with confidence. Some of the other brands available include Duke Cannon Supply Co., Lang, and Michel Design Works. There are five locations in York, making it easy to visit a store regardless of where you live in the area. 3. Markets at Shrewsbury Markets at Shrewsbury is a local Amish farmer's market in nearby Glen Rock. Here you can shop the selection from more than 20 merchants who sell all types of items, including locally grown produce, canned goods, farm-fresh cheeses and meats, traditional Amish desserts, and handmade crafts, furniture, and other gifts. Some of the top vendors offering gifts include Penn Dutch Furniture, Wicker Works, The Clothing Warehouse, and Old Europe Stoneware. This market also hosts several events throughout the year. The Winter Beater Cruise is a popular event around the holiday season, during which locals bring their beat-up cars to put on display for a chance to win a trophy. While you're there, be sure to pick up a few unique options to wrap up for your loved ones. With so many unique places to shop in York County, you can easily find fun and appealing gifts for your friends and family without having to step foot in a crowded mall. This holiday season, shop local and feel good about supporting your community. Image via Flickr by 6SN7 | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

If you're thinking about purchasing a new vehicle, have you considered one that will accommodate your furry family members? The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica and the 2019 Jeep Wrangler each comes loaded with features that dogs and their humans will both enjoy. Let's talk about what makes these vehicles the best for dog lovers. 2019 Pacifica The 2019 Pacifica provides plenty of room for people and pets. For larger dogs, the Stow N' Go seating easily folds flat to give them plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy the ride. There's also lots of storage space for your furry friend's favorite toys and treats. An integrated vacuum cleaner makes cleaning up after Fido a breeze. A low floor and hands-free sliding door make it easy for all family members to board the minivan. If your dog does need assistance, Pacifica's low rear bumper can easily accommodate a ramp. more While your dog will enjoy cruising around in the Pacifica, you will too. Human-friendly features include Chrysler's UConnect system which allows you to integrate your favorite device to access music and audiobooks. With the system's navigation tools, you can find the nearest parks, beaches, and other dog-friendly destinations. Catch up on the latest in sports, news, and politics with SiriusXM radio. The Pacifica's 28 miles per gallon highway rating means you'll spend more time at play and less time at the gas station. You can depend on the Pacifica to keep you and your pet passengers safe and sound. Eight air bags come standard, along with brake assist and traction control. Advanced safety features include blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. 2019 Wrangler The 2019 Wrangler is rugged enough for the rowdiest pets. You and your canine companion will both enjoy getting closer to nature, thanks to a removable top and doors. Just make sure that you outfit your Wrangler with the available pet safety harnesses. The Wrangler's cargo area can accommodate a ramp so smaller or older dogs can comfortably board the vehicle. An available trail rail system gives you storage space for toys, food, and water. With the Wrangler's removable carpet and floor drain valves, you can easily wash away any mess. If you and your dog enjoy outdoor adventures, you'll appreciate the Wrangler's Selec-Trac 4x4 system, which will allow you to conquer any terrain. A cold-weather package, featuring heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, automatic temperature control, and heated mirrors, keep people and pets comfortable. The Wrangler's UConnect system will keep you connected and entertained. Of course, no Jeep vehicle would be complete without the latest technology designed to keep you and your precious pet safe. An advanced airbag system and high-strength steel beams come standard on the Wrangler. Available safety features include park assist, adaptive cruise control, and collision alert. These are just some of the features of the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica and the 2019 Wrangler that make them excellent options for dog owners. Take a test drive today to see which one is right for you and your canine companion. Image via Flickr by SoulRider. 222 | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

Fall in York County is a lovely time of year thanks to the changing leaves and cool, crisp air. A great way to enjoy the area's beautiful scenery is to take the family on a hike. Let's discuss some of the county's kid-friendly hiking trails. 1. LaHo Trail While there are many hiking, biking, and equestrian trails in Codorus State Park, the park's LaHo Trail is the best choice when hiking with younger family members. The 1.5-mile trail, stretching along the shoreline of Wildasin Flats, is the most accessible in the park. It's a single-path track with fewer sections of steep terrain than other areas in Codorus. Several bird species visit the trail's wetlands in the fall, including Great Blue Heron, osprey, and wood duck. more 2. Rocky Ridge Park With more than 12 miles of trails for hiking and biking, you could easily spend an entire day exploring Rocky Ridge Park. The kids will especially enjoy the park's nature fun zone. Here they can climb, dig, and build. They might even spot a squirrel or chipmunk. Also, keep an eye out for the pheasant, brown thrashers, and woodpeckers that call the park home. The park's two observation decks give you fantastic views of the changing oak tree leaves. 3. Richard Nixon Park Richard Nixon Park's six miles of trails were designed with nature observers in mind. You won't have to share the trails with cyclists, horseback riders, or dogs, making them safer for little ones. The trails take you through woods of Eastern Red Cedar, dogwood, and mountain laurel trees. There are several felled trees along the trails that serve as homes for salamanders and insects. At the end of your hike, be sure to stop by the park's nature center. Here you'll find a working beehive, a touch room, and observation decks for viewing the many birds that live in the park. 4. Highpoint Scenic Vista It's only a 1/2-mile hike from the Highpoint parking lot to the scenic vista overlooking the beautiful Susquehanna River. The trail is ADA-certified, making it suitable for both wheelchairs and strollers. Along the way, you'll find several benches, perfect for when you want to take a rest and enjoy the scenery. At the top of the hill, there's a beautiful fountain and spots for birdwatching. Highpoint is the perfect spot for picnics, so be sure to pack a lunch. 5. Lock 12 Lock 12 is an intermediate section of the 199-mile Mason Dixon Trail. It takes you past an old sawmill and into tree-filled woods that include a bamboo tunnel. While it's a short hike, it will feel like you're a world away. Lock 12 concludes at a beautiful waterfall that is the perfect place to rest and enjoy a picnic. Be sure to keep an eye out for squirrels, chipmunks, and several bird species. These are just some of the kid-friendly trails in York County. No matter which one you visit, you're sure to create special memories as you explore the autumnal wonders of Southern Pennsylvania. Image via Flickr by Nicholas_T | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original.

Fresh off a complete redesign, the 1500 is a capable truck with a premium interior and one of the smoothest rides in its class. Ram's contribution to the 2020 half-ton market features an EcoDiesel engine that delivers more torque and a higher towing capacity compared to rivals. The 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is poised to become a leader on the scene when it comes to torque. Let's discover how. Power to Spare Ram one-ups the competition with this full-size truck's power output. It delivers some pretty impressive numbers such as 260-horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque courtesy of the Italian-built 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 under the hood. more That's an increase of 60 pound-feet of torque and 20 horsepower over the preceding motor. In addition to better power, the 2020 has improved its fuel economy. While Ram hasn't released concrete numbers yet, we expect estimates to exceed its forerunner's 20 mpg city and 27 highway. Paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, this Ram engine hits peak torque quickly, at 1,600 RPMs. This new and improved second-generation EcoDiesel is expected to grace the entire lineup's availability, from Tradesman to the previously gas-only Rebel variant. Top Engine Features The all-new, water-cooled turbocharger provides more consistent power over a longer period of time, resulting in less lag time, more efficiency, and better fuel economy. Ram's engineers shaved 15 pounds of weight off the 1500's graphite iron for a quieter engine in a smaller package. They also added more sound-deadening foam under the hood of this truck than any other engine compartment on the lot. The high- and low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system delivers lower emissions — about 20% less than average EGR setups, and better overall cooling efficiency. With aluminum piston heads and faster, Bosch computer-controlled injectors, the new EcoDiesel engine delivers a more complete burn, thus providing more low-end power. Performance For the first time, Ram will release its off-road-capable truck, the refined 1500 Rebel variant, with an EcoDiesel powertrain option. Combined with this truck's class-leading 12,560-pound towing capacity, take your new pickup on an adventure. With all this added torque thanks to the new powertrain, off-roading has never been so exciting. You'll also appreciate the convenience of a multifunction tailgate and the RamBox storage solutions. Handling Ram will release the diesel version of its flagship truck with an air suspension, further improving its handling. However, the real comfort difference of the 1500 pickup over its competition is the class-exclusive link-coil rear suspension. The ride and handling on and off-road are impressive. Comfortable Interior and Technology The new EcoDiesel is a quiet engine, and the 1500's cabin is quiet too. Ram's designers went to great lengths to ensure less driver fatigue and more pleasant road trips. Keep the good times rolling with the optional 12-inch Uconnect touch-screen infotainment system. This massive display features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is poised to take over the half-ton market. Visit Thornton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram this fall and discover one of the world's most advanced diesel trucks.   Image via ramtrucks.com

Autumn is an excellent time of year for a picnic, and York County, Pennsylvania, is a terrific place to spread out a feast under the warm skies of fall. Whether you're leaf-peeping or spending quality time outdoors with friends and family, try one of these five best spots for a picnic today. 1. Samuel S. Lewis State Park Samuel S. Lewis State Park's 885-foot-high ridge is the focal point of the area. Located at 6000 Mt. Pigsah Road., this peak offers one of the best views of York County. Sprawled over 85 acres, there are plenty of spots for a fall picnic, including several tables and benches. If you don't want to hike up the mountain, there's ample parking near the top. more 2. Codorus State Park Located on Marina Drive in Hanover, Codorus State Park covers 3,500 acres and is an obvious choice for a picnic — but a great one nonetheless. Lake Marburg offers picnickers 26 miles of shoreline and the chance to glimpse migrating waterfowl. It's an excellent place for lunch and is a rest stop for a variety of shorebirds. The park is open every day of the year, from sunrise to sunset. 3. Heritage Rail Trail County Park Covering 176 acres, the 21-mile long Heritage Rail Trail County Park runs from the Mason-Dixon line just past the Borough of New Freedom. Stop along the route and enjoy a picnic at one of several historic sites, such as the Hanover Junction Train Station. Built between 1851 and 1852, this historic railroad station features a three-story, three-bay by six-bay building. Open every Saturday this fall, this museum is an ideal place to walk off your meal and discover the history of the area. 4. Highpoint Scenic Vista and Recreation Area Located at 1199 Hilts Road in nearby Wrightsville, Highpoint Scenic Vista and Recreation Area boast 79 acres of scenic meadowlands that are an ideal destination for a glorious autumn picnic. Located on top of a hill, it provides magnificent views of the Susquehanna River right from your table. After filling up on fried chicken and potato salad, why not go for a stroll? The infamous 193-mile Mason-Dixon Trail travels right through the park. Highpoint Scenic Recreation Area has well-maintained restrooms and a seasonal fountain for added enjoyment. 5. Codorus Furnace While this pick may not be your traditional picnic spot, there's a lot to love about this unique backdrop. Near the Susquehanna River, Codorus Furnace is a giant forge that was built in the mid-1700s. Standing on the south side of Codorus Creek, it offers a variety of associated buildings to explore and is a terrific place to enjoy a tasty packed lunch. This picnic destination is located off of Furnace Road, and there's ample parking. Get out and enjoy the weather before York County is buried under a blanket of snow at one of these great locations across the county. Pack a lunch or hit up a nearby restaurant and eat your food at an awesome outdoor spot today. Image via Flickr by adamdachis | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

Ram and Dodge finished among the top automakers in the 2019 J.D. Power APEAL Study. Thanks to the high rankings in these recently released results, both the Ram and Dodge brand automobiles show more major advancements this year than any other brand featured in the study. Let's reveal what led these automakers to earn this coveted recognition. What Is the J.D. Power APEAL Study? The Automotive Performance Execution and Layout (APEAL) study by J.D. Power is a post-90-day evaluation. Car owners are asked to document their opinion of their newly purchased vehicles. They complete a comprehensive questionnaire, giving feedback on a total of 77 attributes from layout to performance and content to design. This data is then used to rank individual automotive manufacturers and their overall standing within this extremely competitive market place. more How Did Ram Perform? Ram dominated its competition, beating all 18 mass-market brands surveyed. It earned the highest score of 851 out of a possible 1,000 points, giving it the industry's best surge and the most significant improvement compared to other brands. This impressive score for Ram is 26 points higher than the 2018 study. How Did Dodge Perform? Finishing a close second, Dodge also performed exceptionally well in J.D. Power's 2019 study. Finishing just behind Ram, Dodge received an impressive total of 848 points. Some of this brand's outstanding performers included the sporty Dodge Challenger, the midsize Dodge Durango SUV, and the large Dodge Charger sedan. What Has the Most Effect on Vehicle Appeal? One exciting and noteworthy result of this year's study is the effect technology has on a vehicle's overall appeal. The design and function of audio, entertainment, navigation, and driver assistance systems are even more important than ever before. Customers report on the attractiveness of display screens, the ease of syncing external smart devices, sound and call quality when using Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and the look and feel of dash-mounted controls. The data indicates that customers want to feel connected on the road, and we're demanding better responsiveness and more flexibility when on the go. Both Dodge and Ram brand vehicles offer drivers the power of the award-winning Uconnect infotainment system. It's continually evolving to better support your busy lifestyle. Improvements in the safety department have been noticed as well. The Dodge Grand Caravan touts side-curtain airbags and electronic stability control. You'll also get the added convenience of a standard rearview camera and available rear parking sensors. The Ram 1500 pickup boasts plenty of available driver assistance features including a surround-view camera, forward collision warning, lane departure alert, and parking sensors. Other Key Findings J.D. Power's APEAL study examines ten vehicle categories, all of which saw vast improvements over 2018. The study also pointed out a narrowing gap between luxury and mass-market brands, and a similarly shrinking satisfaction gap between cars and SUVs. The customer's voice is coming across loud and clear. Shoppers love Ram and Dodge brand vehicles. See what all the fuss is about at your local showroom today, and test drive your favorite car, SUV, or truck.   Image via dodge.com

Autumn is an excellent time of year to attend a local event. The weather's not too hot, and it's not too cold yet either. If you're somewhere like York County in Pennsylvania, the changing leaves make a breathtaking backdrop to any outing. From spooky Halloween fun to a traditional beer festival, here are four local fall events you shouldn't miss this year. 1. Yorktoberfest Beer and Wine Festival What better way to usher in the chilly weather than with a pint of your favorite brew? Head to the York Fairgrounds on Oct. 12, 2019, from noon to 5:00 p.m. Sample from your choice of more than 80 beers and lagers and 120 wines from local Pennsylvania wineries at this family-friendly event. In addition to sampling some frothy ales, you can browse vendor booths, savor local eats, and dance to live bands at the annual Yorktoberfest. Tickets are on sale now for this fabulous fall event. more 2. Get Some Exercise Along the Pumpkin Walk Join your friends and neighbors at the annual Pumpkin Walk on Oct. 12, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. It's a great way to work off the season's extravagant number of sweet treats while helping support the work of the York County Rail Trail Authority. Walk along the scenic 0.6-mile Heritage Rail Trail in Seven Valleys and enjoy the decorations and lighted, hand-carved pumpkins that sit along the path. Donations are just $5 per person, and the walk goes on, rain or shine. 3. First Responders Fall Fest Help support your local first responders at this exciting fall event on Oct. 19, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Get to see fire trucks, police cars, and ambulances at this fun and educational event. You'll learn how first responders help keep our community safe, watch CPR demonstrations, practice putting a fire out with a hose, and tour a real, working police car. Pick your own apples and pumpkins, visit the corn maze, and embark on a wagon ride around the farm located at 110 Ducktown Road. in Hellam. 4. Celebrate Halloween in the Park Trick or treat your way through Codorus State Park in Hanover this Halloween. Wander through 90 spooky campsites decked out with spider webs and creepy decor at this family-friendly event Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25 and 26, 2019. Climb aboard the 1.5-mile hayride, grab a bite to eat from local food vendors and the S'more Shop, explore the nature tent, and tap your toes to the DJ's as they spin today's hottest hits. Head to the park with your four-legged friend on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. for the Halloween Pet Parade and earn special prizes. Trick or treating runs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and hayrides run until 10:00 p.m. Enter the event from the swimming pool parking lot off of Blooming Grove Road. There are multitudes of ways you can enjoy the fall season here in York County, including these four popular attractions and events. Which one will become your new annual favorite? Image via Flickr by Sean Loyless | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

Looking for a weekend of fun? You don't need to spend a fortune and travel far to enjoy a great weekend getaway. York County is full of fun places to visit. Why not plan a weekend staycation in York County? Get to know your own backyard. Be a tourist at home by visiting some of the following attractions in and around York. Steam Into History If you're a train aficionado or just interested in a bit of history, Steam Into History has got you covered with many of their fun activities designed for you. When you visit, you can experience the authenticity of a Civil War steam engine, ride a mid 20th-century diesel locomotive, travel the historic Northern Century Railway routes, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of South Central Pennsylvania. more Steam Into History trains leave from New Freedom and pass through places like Hanover Junction and the old Howard Tunnel. This tourist-centric company will allow you to "meet" Abraham Lincoln and General Robert E Lee on themed excursions and challenge you to "survive" the excitement of a wild west raid from the James Younger Gang. Apart from proving an affordable and informative way to spend your time in York County, Steam Into History is a source of educational activities for the whole family. So, have fun riding the same route as President Lincoln before his famous Gettysburg address. Sunrise Soap Company Due to their many media reviews and appearances, the Sunrise Soap Company has become a downtown York attraction. If you've never done one of their factory tours, you may consider this for your next local outing. With an emphasis on fun at work, they create soaps and body care products in a visitor-friendly kitchen. At your request, the company can organize parties and workshops for all ages. The business takes pride in their products. In their own words, they create them with "much love and excellent ingredients." The Sunrise Soap Company's mix of fun, excellence, and customer care have given them a viral following. Celebrities, such as Melissa Etheridge and Bob Weir of The Grateful Dead, are among their patrons. MA & PA Railroad Heritage Village Abandoned in the 90s, the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad has been preserved, with part of it converted into the Ma & Pa Railroad Heritage Village. The Village now hosts special events, field trips, train rides, and a village tour. Visit the MA and PA Heritage Village between June and September for self-guided walking tours. Discover what life was like when Muddy Creek Forks was a thriving railway town. View the Village's calendar for exciting special events and train rides. Each Sunday during the operating season — from 1 pm to 5 pm — the Village's train rides are functional. Hourly motorcar train rides are also available. The first train departs from Muddy Creek Forks Station 15 minutes after opening, and the last ride leaves 45 minutes before closing. Plan your visit with this in mind so that you don't miss out. If you've never had the chance to experience any of these attractions, now is the time to plan your staycation. Each of their activities is family-friendly and have something that will appeal to all age groups. Image via Flickr by lcm 1863 | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original