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While it doesn't snow very often in Manning, SC, it is still important to know how to drive on snowy, slippery roads when it does happen. The winters in this part of South Carolina bring temperatures down into the mid-30s, which also means there is the possibility for ice on the roads. When you travel through the area during the colder months, make sure you are ready for anything. Follow these winter traveling tips when passing through Manning, SC. Pack for All Conditions Even if your trip starts in an area where it is warm, you will want to plan for any type of weather and pack cold weather clothes. In many parts of the country, the weather can change quickly. Make sure you have a winter jacket, gloves, and a hat in the car and always keep a blanket with you. If you pass through Manning on your way north, you will also want to pack items such as a shovel, a cell phone charger, and sand or kitty litter in case you need to get out of a slippery situation. Check the Forecast Ahead of You Always look at the weather not only in the area where you are starting your trip but also where you're heading. It is so easy to see what is coming, even when you are already on the road, so take advantage of it. If severe weather is coming in, you can either delay your trip by a day or two or leave early if you can beat a storm. Driving on Slippery Roads The key to safe driving when the roads get slippery is slowing down. It is also important to know how to stop on an icy road. If you have ABS brakes, apply firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal. The ABS system will take care of pumping the brake for you. If you drive an older model that does not have ABS, pump the brakes to keep the vehicle moving in a straight line. Always leave extra time to stop, and keep in mind that if the roads have ice on them, it does not matter if you have all-wheel drive, four-wheel-drive, or two-wheel drive. The vehicle will slide. Pack an Emergency Kit It is a good idea to have an emergency kit in the car no matter what time of year you head out on the road. The kit should include a flashlight with working batteries, an air compressor, a first aid kit, jumper cables, some basic tools, a utility knife, and first aid supplies. You should also keep food and snacks in the car so you have something to eat if you run into any problems. Pack a few energy bars, water, and some other snacks that will stay good for several days. South Carolina may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of snow, but it pays to be prepared. Follow these winter traveling tips for a successful winter road trip through the Manning area and beyond.   Image via Pixabay.com | CC 0 | Cropped from original

Dining opportunities in Manning are abundant despite its smalltown status in the heart of Clarendon County. In fact, the city has a thriving food scene beckoning residents and visitors alike to grab a bite at its top-rated establishments. With that in mind, here's your guide to some of the town's most talked-about food stops. Mariachi's Mexican Restaurant What catches most eyes at Mariachi's is the elegant wall art and colorful carvings adorning each chair back and table stand. These showcase various aspects of Mexican culture and provide a unique backdrop for diners as they enjoy authentic Mexican dishes. Each table is presented with fresh tortilla chips and salsa to start, leaving guests to then choose among favorites like the pico de gallo chicken soup, stuffed chili poblano, or famous chimichanga, along with housemade refried beans and rice. You can also browse the dessert menu for sweets like fried ice cream or strawberry churros, sample a glass of beer or wine at the full-service bar, or take advantage of the daily specials on drinks and food. With a main dining hall and outdoor patio, Mariachi's offers a cozy and comfortable environment for guests looking to dine south of the border. McCabe's Bar-B-Que If old-fashioned, pit-cooked barbecue served buffet style is more your taste, the recently reopened hidden gem known as McCabe's Bar-B-Que is the place to be. Plus, its walls are decorated with critic and magazine reviews that truly showcase the success of this small establishment built on a dedication for quality food and local flavors. There are too many menu favorites to list, but we suggest the pulled pork accompanied with signature vinegar-pepper sauce, rice with homemade sausage, or syrup-covered yam patties. On the side you'll see options like okra and tomatoes, mac and cheese, and sweet potatoes. However, you'll only find these delectable barbecue foods available three days a week during opening hours. Gullah Gullah Fish Genuine Gullah cuisine is the main specialty at this fish market/seafood restaurant. Gullah Gullah Fish serves up Southern favorites like alligator bites, shrimp and grits, and nine different flavors of chicken wings. You can also order a house classic like the blue crab platter with sausage, shrimp, boiled eggs, and corn on the cob. Pair your entree with a hearty side of coleslaw or hush puppies, and continue onto dessert where you're treated to sweet delights such as Mama's Famous Peach Cobbler or Aunt Jeanie's Famous Apple Crunch Cake. Porter Jacks Grill Sporting a menu with kid-friendly and adult options, Porter Jacks Grill has the right fit and feel for hosting family hangouts. Plus, its menu is even more inviting thanks to appetizers like buffalo or bourbon chicken wings, fried green tomatoes, and loaded nachos. You can then select from an array of soups and salads, burgers and sandwiches, or Southern picks like country fried steak, Charleston shrimp and grits, or catfish stew. Happy Hour runs daily from 4 to 7 p.m., so be sure to take advantage of Porter Jacks' food and drink specials, too. Whether you're in the mood for Latin American cuisine, barbecue classics, or SSouthern-styledishes, cruising the streets of Manning will help you discover these and other top dining hot spots in the city. Image by piviso_com via Flickr | CC 0 | Cropped from original

South Carolina has great weather all year, making it the perfect place for people who love the outdoors. There are state parks and forests to visit within a short drive of Manning, along with natural areas and town parks where you can just relax and enjoy the fresh air. Here are some nature centers worth visiting in Manning. Swan Lake Iris Gardens Swan Lake Iris Gardens is a fun place for the whole family to visit. True to its name, this area has lots of swans to see along with some turtles and even alligators. These animals are in a fenced-in area to keep them away from visitors, but they are fun to look at from a distance. This park has a playground for the kids, walking paths to explore all around the grounds, and some beautiful scenery to explore. You'll see lovely flowers as you walk along the paths, and there is even a butterfly garden. Santee National Wildlife Refuge The Santee National Wildlife Refuge in Summerton is located just a few miles outside of Manning. This 13,000-acre refuge sits along the shores of Lake Marion. It is a winter destination for many ducks and geese, and it's a nesting place for several migrating birds and raptors. There are all sorts of activities for visitors to enjoy including fishing, bird watching, and hiking. Some of the wildlife you might come across at this refuge includes alligators, painted bunting, and over a dozen different species of ducks. Woods Bay State Natural Area Visit Woods Bay State Natural Area for a quiet sanctuary where you can enjoy nature. Located just a few miles off Interstate 95, this park features a boardwalk that takes you through a forest that sits in standing water. As you walk along the path, make sure to read the signs that provide information about the dark waters and the trees. This natural area is home to many migratory birds, and depending on the time of year, you might even see an alligator. You can also take a walk to the historic Mill Pont to see old grist mills. Or, you can bring your kayak and paddle along the 1-mile Kayak Trail to see all the birds in their natural habitat. Santee State Park Santee State Park has a little of something for everyone. It sits along Lake Marion, which has an abundant population of large catfish. Camping is available on the lake, or you can stay in one of the cabins. Some of these are even on piers right on the lake. This area offers many activities for visitors such as fishing, boating, bird watching, swimming, and both hiking and biking trails. For a more leisurely stroll, three different nature trails offer short walks. These include the 1-mile Limestone Nature Trail and the half-mile Sinkhole Pond Nature Trail. Get out and explore these natural areas near Manning, South Carolina. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery found only in South Carolina and see some of the wildlife, native plants, and flowers. Image by chrismeller via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

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. 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

Shopping for a truck is much different from shopping for a car. There is a lot more to consider when buying a truck including the many special uses and the large number of options and configurations available. If you are in the market for a new or used truck, here are some things you should consider. Decide How You Will Use It Trucks come in more varieties than most cars, so it is important to think about how you will use it before you start shopping. Do you need room for just you and a passenger, or do you need to haul the whole family? Will you use it to carry gear for fun, or is it going to be a work truck with secure lockboxes in the bed for your tools? You'll also need to take into consideration how much towing power you'll need. Do you have a boat or camper that you'll tow, or do you need the power to haul heavy loads for work? What Size Do You Need? Pickups come in light, medium, and heavy-duty. Once you know what you'll use the truck for, you can decide on the size. If you won't tow very often or just need to carry light loads, then a light-duty truck is all you need. You don't want to pay for more than what you need. If you have a large camper or boat, you'll want to look at a medium or heavy-duty truck that has more power. The Bed Length The bed of a pickup truck, whether it is new or used, is one of the most useful parts of the truck. The beds come in several different lengths depending on the cab size, and  they range from 5.5 feet up to 8 feet. If you will use the truck to carry long, bulky loads, you'll want to look at a smaller cab size and a longer bed. Keep in mind that a truck with a longer bed is more cumbersome to drive and won't fit in smaller parking spaces. You also need to measure the size of your garage if you choose a long bed. Interior Options Truck cabs come with just the basics if that's all you want, or you can go all out and get all the bells and whistles available in a luxury vehicle. Again, think about how you will use the truck before choosing the interior features and technology. Convenience Features Many trucks also offer features to make your workday easier. Additions such as running boards and a large center console bin that can fit handing folders will help you turn your truck into a rolling office if you need it. Just make sure only to add features you'll use and don't pay for things that you won't. There is a lot to take into consideration when you buy a new or a used truck. Take a good look at what you need, and then from there add some things that you want. Image by RL GNZLZ via Flickr | CC BY-SA | Cropped from original

The winter months can be tough on automobiles, even reliable models such as the Pacifica. If you're not careful, you may find yourself stranded on the side of a snowy road waiting for a tow truck. Fortunately, getting your vehicle ready for winter is actually very quick and easy if you know what to do. Here are a few tasks that will help you get your Pacifica ready for the winter months so that you always have the dependable transportation that you need. Invest in a Set of Winter Tires Losing traction and having your vehicles spin out is the biggest threat when driving during the winter. If there is frequent snow or other types of wintry precipitation in your area, purchasing and installing a set of winter tires is the best way to get your Pacifica ready for the winter months. Winter tires are specifically designed to maintain your traction on slick roads during the colder winter months, and will help you drive with confidence in slippery or snowy conditions. Check Your Battery Extremely low temperatures can impact your car's battery, and if you have an older battery in your car, low temps may prevent your vehicle from starting. Before the winter months arrive, you should test the voltage of your battery to make sure everything is in working order. When you crank your Pacifica, your voltage should be above 10, and while your minivan is running, the voltage should be above 12. Inspect Fluid Levels Checking your antifreeze levels is another important way to get your Pacifica ready for winter. Antifreeze, as its name suggests, prevents freezing in your engine, and if your levels are too low, your engine could actually freeze when the outside temperatures plummet. If you find that you antifreeze is running low, you should top it off to make sure that your engine runs smoothly all winter long. Change Your Oil Scheduling an oil change and requesting that your technician use a winter-grade oil is another effective way to prepare your automobile for the winter season. When the weather cools down, it's better to use an engine oil with a lower viscosity. Low viscosity oils perform much better in lower temperatures, so using this type of oil during the winter will help ensure that your Pacifica runs the way that it should. Build an Emergency Kit Even with the proper preparation, it's still possible that you'll experience a breakdown while driving this winter. Because being stranded in cold weather can be very dangerous, you should be sure that you build a winter emergency kit for your Pacifica before the season arrives. Your winter emergency kit should include several items that can keep you safe if your minivan breaks down. Pack enough blankets to keep your family warm until a tow truck arrives. You also need to store a supply of water and non-perishable snacks. A portable cell phone charger will make sure you can call for help and stay in touch until you're back on the road. Including a bag of sand may help you restore traction on ice or snow. Follow these simple tips, and you can easily get your Pacifica ready for winter.   Image via Chrysler.com