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There's nothing quite like the excitement of planning a day trip to experience an adventure to a new destination. With a variety of places to discover near Manning, you can create a day to remember. more Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center Less than an hour's drive away, the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center will keep you entertained with its season of scheduled entertainment. For the upcoming season, the center has an exciting lineup of entertainment. From the South Carolina Dance Theatre putting on its presentation of the Nutcracker and Swan Lake performed by the National Ballet Theatre of Odessa, Ukraine to jazz, tenors, pianists, and legendary singers, the center offers a memorable day trip enjoying the performances of talented artists. The ticket office is open from noon until to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Santee State Park Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy their time at Santee State Park less than an hour from Manning in Lake Marion. With 2,500 acres filled with beauty, beaches, and boating along with fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation, your day trip will be jam-packed with activities. Extend your day trip into a weekend getaway and bring along your tent, or rent one of the cabins built above the lake. There's a pier, boat launch, and geocaching sites for even more things to do. EdVenture Children's Museum A little over an hour away in Columbia, you won't want to miss taking your children to EdVenture Children's Museum. Touted as the "largest children's museum in the south" and home to the Eddie, the world's largest child. The museum offers 92,000 square feet of fun and 300 exhibits providing hands-on interactive fun for kids 10 years of age and younger. There's fun for all with galleries such as the Great Outdoors, Wags and Whiskers, FLIGHT, Autoworks, My Backyard, and more. The museum also offers a variety of programs for members, field trips, camps, and souvenirs at the EdCetera store. The museum is open Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. South Carolina State Museum Walk the walk of past residents when touring the South Carolina State Museum and seeing up-close many artifacts from the past. The museum is a blend of Columbia's culture and history with art and science to show the then and now of the vibrant city. Take time to check out the 4-D theater, which offers a unique experience. While watching the visual program, you'll be subjected to real environmental experiences such as vibrating seats, a quick blast of air, or a gentle spray of water to complement the exhibit and enhance the experience. When you need to refuel, the Crescent Cafe offers a tasty menu of delectable food and refreshing drinks. The museum is open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.to 6 p.m., and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Whichever road you choose to follow for your day trip adventure, with the many places to travel to, you're sure to enjoy the journey from start to finish. image via pixabay

When your itinerary includes on the road adventures, in-town escapades, or on a family vacation, you want your ride to be powerful, comfortable, and technology savvy. With that in mind, enter the 2020 Dodge Durango. more Exterior The smooth design and lines of the 2020 Dodge Durango show off the exterior to a tee. Choose from one of five trims - SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T, and SRT then pick from one of 11 colors to make a statement and to enhance the LED headlamps, projector fog lamps, impressive crosshair grille, and LED Racetrack taillamp that light up the road day and night. If you want even more brilliance, automatic high-beam headlamps and LED daytime running lights are available. Sassy Mopar racing stripes are also available to show off your attention to style, and you can let the sun shine in with a sunroof. Power and Performance The Durango is ready to go with plenty of power with the base 3.6-liter V-6 producing 293 horsepower. If you need more, upgrade to a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 pumping out 360 horsepower. The V-6 and the V-8 engines are supported by an eight-speed automatic. When it comes to acceleration, the V-6 went from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds and the V-8 took 6.2 seconds. Fuel-wise, the V-6 gets an estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg while the V-8 has an estimated EPA of 23 mpg. Interior Look and Technology The SUV comes standard with seating for five, but if you need more a third row is optional which expands seating capacity to seven. There's also the option to replace fold-and-tumble captain's chairs in the second row to three-row models. With second- and third-row seats folded flat, the Durango provides generous cargo space. Comfort is key and the Durango has plenty starting with tri-zone automatic climate control. Continue with upgrades to suede, leather, and Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated second-row seats, and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Technology is standard operating procedure that keeps the Durango competitive and connected. The SUV comes with a 7-inch touch screen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a six-speaker stereo, digital 7-inch gauge cluster, keyless entry, and two USB ports. Options allow customization with a variety of features such as a larger 8.4-inch touch screen and navigation. Blast your tunes on a nine-speaker Alpine stereo or go all out with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system. Additional options include remote start, DVD entertainment system for rear seat passengers, household-style power outlet, universal garage door opener, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Safety Features No matter when or where you're driving, the Durango has safety covered with ample features to ensure a confident drive. The SUV comes equipped with blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, front and rear parking sensors, automated emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Consider riding into 2020 behind the wheel of a new Dodge Durango and enjoy every journey no matter how many miles you travel.

Although there are no fixed requirements as to what constitutes a great family restaurant, eateries that offer good value for money, friendly service, and spacious and clean venues are ideal for families. In Manning, South Carolina, there are a variety of restaurants that offer precisely that. Here are a few suggestions for the next time you take the family out for a meal. more Georgio's Restaurant & Pizza Featuring a spacious and clean venue, a warm and laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff, and the best pizza in town, this family-owned, Italian-style restaurant is perfect for families. Patrons can eat from the buffet, which features a variety of pizzas and salads, or can choose dishes from the extensive menu. Apart from delicious pizza, the menu features traditional pasta dishes like chicken Parmesan and spaghetti with meatballs, and seafood dishes, as well as burgers and steaks. Kids are sure to be happy with the kids menu, which offers dishes like hamburgers, spaghetti with meat sauce, and cheese ravioli. Georgio's also features specials, such as the family night special on Thursdays, where patrons receive a free kids meal with every entree order. Mariachi's Mexican Restaurant Mariachi's boasts a colorful interior and a friendly and warm atmosphere. The brightly-painted wooden booths and chairs that feature Mexican-themed carvings, as well as the Mexican scenes depicted on the high-ceilinged walls, create a cheerful setting that appeals to kids and adults alike. The venue, as well as the bathrooms, is also spotlessly clean, and the staff friendly and accommodating. The traditional-style Mexican fare served at Mariachi's is fresh and delicious. On the menu you'll find all the favorites, including nachos, fajitas, quesadillas, enchiladas, and tacos, and sides like rice, beans, guacamole, and three levels of salsa. For family members who are not fans of Mexican food, the menu also offers American fare like corn dogs and chicken fingers. And moms and dads may want to try Mariachi's large and affordable margaritas or a refreshing daiquiri. Porter Jacks Grill When the family is in the mood for some Southern-style comfort food and authentic barbecue dishes, Porter Jacks Grill is a great option. Apart from the delicious food, this restaurant features a spacious and attractive venue and great service. On the menu are appetizers like salmon cakes and fried green tomatoes, as well as salads and the soup of the day. For mains, the family can tuck into delicious Southern-style dishes like baby back ribs, served with a baked potato, cucumber salad, and hickory barbecue sauce; slow-smoked pulled pork barbecue and Carolina grits; or smothered pork rib-eye, served with homemade mashed potatoes and cucumber salad. The menu also offers burgers and sandwiches, as well as a few seafood dishes like glazed salmon and butterfly shrimp. Manning is home to many restaurants that offer the perfect setting for an afternoon or night out with the family. Whether you're in the mood for the best pizza in town, traditional Mexican fare, or some Southern-style comfort food, you'll find the perfect family restaurant in Manning. image via pixabay

Minivans have their place, but not every family needs one. You can still have a safe, spacious family vehicle without getting a van. The Jeep Cherokee is one of the Jeep crossover vehicles and has room for up to five passengers. It offers impressive towing capabilities, and it comes with the safety features you want for your family. Here are some reasons to get your family a Jeep Cherokee. more The Spacious Cabin There are two rows of supportive, comfortable seats in the 2019 Cherokee. Cloth seats come standard in the lower trim levels with leather available as you move up through the lineup. This SUV comes with two sets of LATCH connectors for car seats in the back, and even the middle rear seat has an upper tether and an anchor. In the back, behind the rear seats there are 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space. This is plenty for daily gear for the family, and if you fold down the rear seats when you don't have the kids with you, it opens up to 54.7 cubic feet. The Powerful Engine Options The base engine in the 2020 Cherokee is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower. This is plenty to get you going, but if you want more, a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder will get you 270 horsepower. There is also a 271 horsepower V-6 engine available, and if you have this engine and the tow package, the Cherokee can tow up to 4,500 pounds. The Technology Kids are all about technology, and the Cherokee gives them plenty to work with. A 7-inch touch screen comes standard along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. A larger 8.4-inch touch screen is an available option along with the Uconnect infotainment system. Starting with the Latitude Plus model, you'll get two USB ports in the back center console so the kids can connect and charge their devices Safety Technology You can keep your family safe in the Cherokee with the standard and available safety technology. All models come standard with a rearview camera and rear parking sensors, and additional advanced driver-assist features come with an optional package. Jeep makes forward collision warning with automated emergency braking available along with lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. You can also get the available blind-spot monitor that has a rear cross-path detection system too. Adaptive cruise control, a parallel and perpendicular parking assist feature, and rain-sensing wipers are available as options. The Off-Road Capabilities The Jeep Cherokee has off-road capabilities that you won't get in a minivan. This SUV offers the perfect combination of comfortable cruiser and off-road vehicle so that you can take the family out on weekend adventures. Jeep offers four different four-wheel drive systems that provide extra traction and a system the automatically engages when the road conditions deteriorate. Choosing the 2019 Jeep Cherokee over a minivan gets you the best of both worlds. You can fit your family in comfort, the kids can connect while they ride, and it can take you off the beaten path.

The Jeep Renegade is an excellent choice for families looking for a compact, fuel-efficient SUV. This Jeep offers a smooth ride on the road, but it also has some off-road capabilities so that you can take it on your weekend adventures. The Renegade sits upright, providing passengers with plenty of headroom, and it has a nice cabin with technology that the kids will love along with available safety features that parents will love. Here are some of the reasons the 2019 Renegade is perfect for your family. more The Power Power for the Renegade comes from either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower or a more powerful 1.3-liter turbo engine with 177 horsepower that gets 200 pound-feet of torque. When equipped with the turbo engine and a tow package, the Renegade can tow up to 2,000 pounds. This is plenty for small campers and boats that you might need for a family weekend away. The Safety Features It's important to have safety equipment when you transport your family. The Renegade comes standard with a rearview camera that provides visual and audible alerts if you get too close to an obstacle behind you. Jeep also makes several advanced safety features available, including adaptive cruise control, a blind spot monitoring system, and Jeep's LaneSense lane departure warning with lane keep assist to keep you from drifting out of your lane. The available full-speed forward collision warning with an active braking system sends you an alert in the case of a possible frontal impact. The Technology A 5-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, and a USB port come in the base Sport model, or you can opt to upgrade to the Uconnect 7.0 Group for a larger 7-inch touch screen. This package also adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and if you bump up to the Latitude trim, the upgrades will come standard. Choosing one of the top three trim levels adds the option for an 8.4-inch touch screen that comes with HD radio and a navigation. image via jeep.com

As versatile as SUVs may be for transporting your family and a lot of gear, a minivan is hard to beat. And the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica top of the class of minivans, with the most awards for the third consecutive year. more While the Pacifica is available in four trim levels — Touring, Touring L, Touring L Plus, and Limited — Chrysler is offering all but the Touring model in the 35th anniversary limited editions, with unique badging and interior. Here are some of the features that distinguish the Pacifica as the best choice of a minivan. Exterior Styling The Pacifica might be a practical family hauler, but it's also a great looking car. From the aggressive front-end, through the sleek lines of the profile, to the stylish rear, it has a dominant road presence. Access to the rear seats is easy with the convenient power sliding side doors, and the standard power liftgate make stowing cargo a breeze. The Touring has distinctive daytime running lights (DRL), fog lamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, remote-activated perimeter lamps, and heated power mirrors. The Touring L adds a color-keyed grille, while the Limited trim features a chrome-trimmed grille, LED fog lamps and DRL, 18-inch wheels, mirrors with turn signals, and a dual-pane sunroof. Spacious Interior With the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica's standard seating for seven people and the option of eight seats, you don't have to leave anyone behind. In the car's upscale contemporary cabin, you have up to 243 seating configurations for any combination of passengers and cargo. The second and third row class-exclusive Stow ‘n Go seats fold into the floor to create a flat storage area. With these rows folded, you have a huge 140.5 cubic feet of cargo space. When the seats aren't stowed, the floor bins can be used for extra storage. Getting in and out of the third row is easier with the available class-exclusive Easy Tilt second-row seats. Kids can be messy, but with the available integrated vacuum cleaner, cleaning up after their mess in this car is simple. Power and Performance Under the hood of this latest Pacifica is a smooth and powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine that delivers 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels via the nine-speed automatic transmission. You'll get up to 19 mpg for city driving and an impressive 28 mpg on the highway. With the tow package, the Pacifica has a best-in-class maximum towing capacity of 3,600 pounds. Driver Assist Technology To keep your family safe on the road, the Pacifica sports standard driver assistance features such as four-wheel automatic brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, blind spot monitor, rear parking sensors, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Limited trim adds an automatic dimming driver's side mirror. The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica's Advanced SafetyTec package includes adaptive cruise control, frontal collision warning, lane departure alert, front parking sensors, an automatic parallel and perpendicular parking system, a surround view camera system, and automatic high beams. To see why the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica is the perfect minivan for carrying your family in comfort and safety, head over to Santee Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for a closer look.

The Dodge Durango is a versatile, capable SUV with loads of power. This SUV creates its own space in the market. It seats up to seven, has excellent towing capacity, and a refined cabin. The range of models and engine choices give buyers plenty of options to choose from so they can get the vehicle that works best for them. Here are some of the reasons you'll love driving a Dodge Durango. more The Power The base engine in the Durango is a 3.6-liter V-6 that makes 295 horsepower. Stepping up to one of the performance models gets you even more power. The R/T has a 5.7-liter V-8 with 360 horsepower and comes with upgraded brakes. The SRT is the most powerful of the bunch and has a 6.4-liter V-8 that generates 475 horsepower and gets 470 pound-feet of torque. Dodge matches this with Brembo brakes, and an adaptive high-performance suspension. The Technology The Durango starts with a 7-inch touch-screen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. As you move up through the trims, you get more features such as a 115-volt power outlet and satellite radio. The luxurious Citadel has an 8.4-inch touch-screen, navigation, and an upgraded Alpine stereo with nine speakers, HD radio, and a subwoofer. The Comfortable Cabin The seven seats in the Durango are all spacious and comfortable. This SUV sets itself apart from others with the room third row that will fit adults comfortably. The third row has power-folding headrests and a 60/40 split.  You also have the option to remove the third row if you want more cargo space. The Citadel adds leather and vinyl upholstery, along with a heated steering wheel and driver-seat memory settings. The R/T has simulated suede and leather on the seats. The Safety The standard and available safety systems are a big reason to love driving the Durango. All models have  a rearview camera, while the Citadel adds front parking sensors and automatic high beams. Adding the Technology Group package to the Citadel or the R/T gets you adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, a blind-spot monitor, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. This package also has a rear cross-path warning system. The Utility When equipped with the towing package and the V-6 engine, the Durango can tow up to 6,400 pounds. Bump up to the V-8 and it can handle up to 8,600 pounds. If you need storage and cargo space, you'll find over 17 cubic feet behind the third row, and if you fold them down it opens up to 43.3 cubic feet. When both the second and third row get folded down, the Durango has over 85 cubic feet of cargo space. The SRT The SRT stands out from the other models because of its power. It springs from zero to 60 in just 4.4 seconds. When you get to cruising speed, it offers a comfortable and quiet ride. The Dodge Durango is capable, comfortable, and powerful. It has a range of option to choose from, the latest technology, and lots of available safety features. image via Do dge.com

In 2005, Jeep shook the world of pickup trucks with the Jeep Gladiator. Fifteen years later, the company is doing it again with the all-new, all-powerful 2020 Jeep Gladiator, which is slated to roll into dealerships in Spring of 2019. The new Gladiator is a hot topic for our team and we can't wait to get behind the wheel of this unstoppable truck. Here are just a few reasons why you should be excited about the return of this iconic pickup: Best-In-Class Everything Everyone expects a Jeep to be massively capable, and the 2020 Gladiator will do that trust justice. Thanks to Jeep's keen eye for performance engineering, the Gladiator will have a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,650 pounds, which is enough to handle most adventurers' gear. Drop the tailgate and load up the Gladiator's truck bed — it has a best-in-class maximum payload rating of 1,600. The 2020 Gladiator will dominate the midsize pickup world. Off-Road Like a Wrangler As expected, the Gladiator will have Jeep's four-wheel-drive system that will allow it to tackle terrains more than any other truck. Simply put, the 2020 Gladiator will be the most off-road-capable truck in its class, period. It's equipped with great gear that helps it earn this title, such as lockable wide track axles, FOX shocks, an electronic disconnecting front sway bar, and much more. more Interior Excellence The Gladiator is as impressive on the inside as it is on the outside. The available leather-trimmed seats, slick console design, and spacious interior all lend themselves to an unforgettable ride. Go with the soft top Gladiator to open up the cabin for a real safari feel. Strip the truck of its doors and fold the windshield down to become one with the outdoors. The available 8.4-inch touch screen is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can access many of your phone's features through your truck — look up directions, make hands-free calls, read your text messages, listening to your favorite music and podcast streaming apps, and much more. An available Bluetooth wireless speaker is removable, so the music doesn't have to stop when the Gladiator does. Customize It To Fit You One of the greatest aspects of the 2020 Gladiator is you'll be able to build one that fits you perfectly. Begin forging your Gladiator by choosing between the four trim levels: the Sport, Sport S, Overland, and top-of-the-line Rubicon. Give your truck life with one of seven exterior paint colors and four interior colors. From there, you can equip the Gladiator with the numerous packages Jeep offers, such as the cold weather group, trailer tow package, premium LED lighting, the Jeep Active Safety Group, and more. With so many options, it will be difficult finding two Gladiators exactly alike. When the 2020 Jeep Gladiator comes out this spring, we'll be excited to experience this revolutionary truck for ourselves. Make sure you stop by Santee CDJR for a test drive of the most off-road-worthy midsize truck on the market. Image "2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Pickup" via Flickr by Greg Gjerdingen used under CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

It's a perfect marriage: the performance and power of a muscle car, with the space and stance of an SUV. The 2019 Dodge Durango is the best of both worlds. Unrelenting, dominating, and stylish to boot, the all-new Durango is an SUV for the driver who needs a ride that's as useful and tough as they are. Muscled Exterior The 2019 Durango's aggressive presence makes it turn heads everywhere it goes. From the split-crosshair grille to its taillight that stretches across the entire back end, the Durango isn't afraid to show off some muscle. Add some Mopar Dual Strips to your Durango to give it even more of a muscle car look. The Perfect Durango for You Building a Durango that matches you and your style perfectly is easy to do thanks to its high level of customization. Shopping for your Durango starts with the trim levels: the SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T, and SRT. Give your Durango a personality with one of ten exterior paint colors. Upholster your seats in quality cloth or leather, available in seven colors. Unbridled Power The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, standard on the SXT, gets you 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, which is a great start. Next on the list is the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, which packs 360 horsepower and a 7,400-pound maximum towing capacity. If you're looking for maximum power, go for the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine. This top-of-the-line engine packs an impressive 475 horsepower, 470 pound-feet of torque, and ramps up the towing capacity to 8,700 pounds. The Durango's engines are matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission that's designed to give you the smoothest, most exhilarating ride possible. Each Durango comes standard with trailer sway control, which is a game-changer when you're hauling. Available steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters let you give your Durango more of a manual racer feel. more Interior Excellence The three-row Durango is designed to keep you and six of your friends comfortable for the long haul. Go for the available fold and tumble second-row captain's chairs and 50/50 split-folding third-row seat and get 84.5 cubic feet of space when you have more cargo than passengers. Futuristic Tech Drive into the future of SUVs with 2019 Durango. It's equipped with some impressive technologically advanced features that let you stay more connected and more entertained than ever. The 7-inch touch screen is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to let you use many of your phone's features, such as music and podcasts apps, text messages, weather reports, and much more. Upgrade to Uconnect 4C NAV to never get lost again. Add the dual-screen Blu-Ray entertainment system to add two television screens to the backs of the front seats. With these great tech features, the 2019 Durango is not only one of the toughest cars you'll find, but also one of the most entertaining. Whenever you're ready to give the 2019 Dodge Durango a test drive, stop by Santee CDJR. We'd love to show you exactly how the new Durango combines the best parts of the muscle car and the SUV! Image via santeechryslerdodgejeepram.com

We depend on our vehicles to get us to and from places every day. When it comes to trucks, they often need to perform other jobs as well. It is essential to keep up with regular maintenance to make sure your truck keeps working for you, and while every make and model is different, there are some things that every truck needs to stay in good working order. Watch out for these signs that it's time to take your truck in for service. Fuel Mileage Is Going Down If you drive the same route every day and notice that you need to fill up the gas tank more often than usual, your truck may need some maintenance. A reduction in fuel economy is often the result of low tire pressure. Or, one of the brake pads could be sticking. Your vehicle may also just need a tune-up. Make sure you always pay attention to the fuel mileage, so you know when it is not performing up to its regular standards. more Noisy Brakes The brakes in your truck should not make any noise when you press down on the pedal. If you find that you have to press down harder than usual, or if you hear squeaking as the truck comes to a stop, then it is time to bring it to the dealer to have the brakes checked, All the parts of the braking system are wear-and-tear items that need maintenance and replacements on a regular basis. Sluggish Acceleration Since you drive your truck every day, you know how quickly it accelerates. If you notice that it feels sluggish when you press down on the gas — whether you are starting from a complete stop or accelerating at highway speed — it is time for service. Make sure to bring it in as soon as you can to have your dealer's service department check it out. Regular maintenance will often prevent this problem. Warning Lights The warning lights on your dashboard are there for a reason, and you should not ignore them. If a light goes on, you can start by checking the owner's manual. If it is an indicator of a problem, you should bring the truck to your dealership. Some warning lights indicate a minor issue such as low windshield wiper fluid or low tire pressure, but no matter what the light is for, never ignore it. Regular Maintenance Keep track of the maintenance on your truck, and keep it on a regular schedule for service. You'll know it is time to go in when you hit a certain number of miles. Frequent oil changes, fluid checks, and tire rotations will keep you safe on the road. Make sure to have the tires rotated every time you bring in your vehicle for an oil change to keep them from wearing unevenly, and also have them aligned and balanced. Regular maintenance and paying attention are key to keeping your truck in good shape. Image by truckhardware via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original