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The Ram truck line is synonymous with power. Now it comes in three new eye-popping trims and is loaded with tons of extras. Here's a look at some of the best features on these signature trucks. more Warlock Mojave Sand Edition The Warlock Mojave Sand Edition Ram 1500 is designed to blend into the desert but stand out in the city with its specialty Mojave Sand exterior paint color. The bold performance hood sports a black stripe decal, black painted 20-inch wheels, and powder black front and rear bumpers for a stylish look that will turn heads on the boulevard. You can choose what goes under the hood too. The 2.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine puts out an impressive 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. There's plenty of power here to tackle the Mojave Desert or to rule the beach. You can opt for the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine and get a monstrous 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Inside, the Warlock Mojave Sand comes with all-black cloth seats, plenty of soft-touch surfaces, and a center console with space to spare. It also comes with the UConnect 4C NAV system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Using the touch-screen you can access your music, send and receive calls and texts, and download directions. Heavy Duty Night Edition This special edition Ram is now available on the 2500 and 3500 Laramie and Big Horn trims. The Night Edition exterior comes with a choice of exterior monochromatic colors. To drive home the style, the Night Edition features black badging, a black billet grille, and black bezels around the headlights and taillights. Inside, the Night Edition is like traveling in first-class. The Big Horn has a premium cloth interior, and the Laramie is stylishly trimmed in leather. Piano-black accents, upscale finishes, and a black headliner turns this powerful truck into a luxury vehicle. Powered by either the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 or the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine, the Night Edition rules the road. Or you can choose the high-output diesel engine on the Ram 3500 and get a class-leading 1,000 pound-feet of torque. Classic Express Hydro Blue The Classic Express Hydro Blue package is only available on the Ram 1500, and only 1,000 units will be available, making this a rare opportunity to own a limited edition Ram truck. The dazzling exterior Hydro Blue paint is aggressively accented with a performance hood, black strip decals, a blacked out grille and bezels, and 20-inch black wheels. It's stylish and powerful. The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine pushes out an impressive 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, making this a monster in its class. Inside the cab, you'll feel comfortable in the all-cloth black seats and with the black interior accents and black carpeting and floor mats. You can also opt for the UConnect 4C NAV system. The system runs through the 8.4-inch touch screen. You can easily access your smart devices, get navigation information, and more, all at your fingertips. If you're looking for a powerful truck with a distinctive style, your search is over. Come test drive one today and see which of these signature Ram trucks is right for you.

Being prepared for an emergency is smart. If you went hiking in the mountains, you would bring certain things with you; the same should hold true when you get in your car. Just because you're driving on the road doesn't mean you cannot find yourself lost, or broken down in the middle of nowhere.  Here are some must-have items you should keep in your car. more Cell Phone and Charger There are too many things that can go wrong while driving to anticipate, so you should be prepared to call someone for help. Most Americans have cell phones, so you probably already carry yours. But is it charged? Most people have car charger adapters, so in many instances you can simply plug it in and charge. What happens if your car battery dies, though? You can buy a portable battery pack that is smaller than your phone. You can then charge it from your car adapter, and keep it in your glove box. It could save you a long walk if you cannot call someone to come get you. First Aid Kit This is another item many people overlook, but could end up saving you big time. Having the basic first-aid items readily available is important, especially if you have children. A simple splinter or cut could be horrifying to a five-year-old. Instead of listening to howling crying until you get home or to a hospital, you could use tweezers to pull the splinter. Or you could wash the cut with an antibacterial wipe, and apply a Band-Aid. Problem solved, crying stopped! Jumper Cables One of the top three reasons AAA is summoned is for a dead battery. You should always have a set of jumper cables in your car, even if you do not know how to use them. There are plenty of people that do know how to use them, but may not have cables themselves. if you have cables, any car can give you a jump start if your battery dies. Seat Belt Cutter and Window Breaker The idea of crashing into a large body of water often doesn't occur to people, yet it happens. Two things get in the way of extracting yourself or a loved one from a sinking vehicle are seat belts and windows.jumper cables A seat belt cutter and window breaker tool costs less than $10, and could save your life. Keep one in the glove box, just in case. Spare Tire & Jack Flat tires happen all the time. Even if you have AAA, you might find yourself in a remote area, without phone service, or hours away from help arriving. Having the ability to change a tire yourself will get you back on the road quicker. Make sure your spare tire is inflated. Just in case, you should also have a can of tire inflator/sealant. It is pressurized air with a sealing component that will fill your flat tire with air and seal any small leaks it might have. Being well prepared with the items you keep in your car can prevent you from getting stranded. Be sure to stock up on these five items so you'll never worry about being stranded again. image via pixabay

The Ram lineup has long been known for powerful performance. There's the everyday Ram 1500, or the heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 models that have power and payload to spare. Dodge also makes a Chassis Cab, and two ProMaster vans for those unique vehicle requirements on the job. Here's a rundown of the latest commercial Ram vehicles you should consider. more Chassis Cab The Chassis Cab is the most versatile truck in the Ram lineup. Up-fitting is easy on this fully-flat frame, with a cab-to-rear axle length of five or eight feet. It also comes with a new vehicle system interface module with over 70 vehicle inputs and outputs, including lighting and power take off (PTO) connections. You can haul, load, and dump just about anything with the Chassis Cab's class-leading 43,000-lb gross vehicle weight rating. The Chassis Cab also has a gas or diesel engine configuration that gets up to 400 horsepower, and 800 lb-ft of torque. Ram 3500 The 3500 comes in five trims, so there's a truck to fit your lifestyle. The 6.7-liter high output Cummins turbo diesel engine gets an astounding 400 horsepower, and 1,000 lb-ft of torque. It also has a class-leading max payload of 6,750 pounds, and can tow a class-leading 35,100 pounds. The 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 gas powered engine is no slouch either. This powertrain gets 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, and can tow up to 7,680 pounds. The 3500 can be equipped with an auto-level rear air suspension to make towing easier. This system automatically adapts to changing road conditions, and shifting loads to level out the truck-to-trailer connection for smoother performance. It can also be outfitted with a bed-mounted trailer hitch. A factory-installed rear axle structural support system allows you to haul fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers. ProMaster Van The Ram ProMaster van comes in two versions: the full-size ProMaster, and the smaller ProMaster City. The full-size ProMaster has up to 460 cubic-feet of cargo space. The low, 21-inch floor height makes loading and unloading easier. With a best-in-class cargo width of 76 inches, you can load more, and make fewer trips to get the job done. Sliding side doors open to either side, and the rear doors open up to 260 degrees, folding nearly flat against the sides of the vehicle. You can choose the cargo-style side panels, or opt for the window version, letting a little light in. Inside, the van can be up-fitted with the Plumbing package, or the HVAC package, preset designs to get you working quickly. Or you can configure your own design elements to fit your unique needs. Ram offers their own Telematics vehicle monitoring service, great for fleet management. Now you can monitor your entire fleet, from location, route history, driver behavior, and maintenance requirements. All this information is available in real time, giving you control over how you allocate your resources. No matter what you're planning on doing, plan on doing it with a Ram. Come test drive one today, and see which Ram has the power for your next job. image via ram.com

If you love the outdoors, you probably desire cooler weather. If so, good news! There are some great hikes that get even better in the winter months. Here's a look at some of the most underrated winter hikes in the Manning, South Carolina area. more Congaree National Park This South Carolina gem is one of the oldest bottomland hardwood forests in the state. With most of the park situated at the bottom of a flood plain, there is very little elevation change, making this a great place to hike for novices. There are also eight trails to choose from at Congaree National Park, some as short as 0.3 miles. For the seasoned hiker, the park offers trails over 11 miles long. All trails wind through this beautiful forest starting from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. The Boardwalk Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop with a slight elevation change to the bottom of the flood plain. The trail is wheelchair accessible, and has benches along the way. For another fairly easy hike, the Bluff Trail loops north from the visitor center for 1.7-mile hike through young loblolly trees, and pines. If you want a longer hike, check out the Oakridge Trail. This is a 7-mile hike across a ridge of old oaks. The low-lying sloughs across this ridge line offer plenty of shelter to deer and wild turkey. Poinsett State Park Accessed from Poinsett Park Road in Wedgefield, South Carolina, the Poinsett State Park is a great place for hiking in winter. The 10-acre pond offers plenty of winding trails with very little elevation change, making this a great location for casual hikes. The Park is nestled in the High Hills of Santee, and includes a dozen trails of varying length and skill level. The kids will love the quick 0.2-mile Levi's Run. If you want a view, try the Hill Top Trail. This short 0.4-mile trail will take you up quickly. If you plan on spending the day, the Whippoorwill Trail offers 5.4 miles of hiking through the beautiful hills. You can see animals like deer, and birds of all types. The park offers cabins for rent, and a camping area too. There are park offices and restrooms, and plenty of trail signs so you don't get lost. Ann Springs Close Greenway This nature preserve is located in Fort Mill, South Carolina, and accessed via the Greenway Gateway on Adventure Road. The serious hiker can join their hiking club, which regularly explores this 2,100-acre wonderland. The novice will enjoy guided hikes through the region, while you learn about nature and the local wildlife. History buffs will enjoy hiking a portion of the famous Nation Ford Road. This was once part of the main roadway stretching from Augusta, Georgia all the way to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There's also the Garrison-Webb Gristmill to visit. Check out this historic 1780 gristmill, which served the local area for over 100 years. You'll hike trails that have been used for nearly 250 years. There are plenty of winter hiking venues in the Manning, South Carolina area. The next time you're looking for a fun day outdoors, you should check out one of these three great places. image via pixabay

When you're out and about running errands and the hunger pangs set in, you need a few local restaurants to choose from. Visit one of these Manning, South Carolina eateries for a quick and satisfying lunch. more Cook Out Satisfy your craving for a grilled hot dog, bowl of homemade chili, fresh slaw and a Cheerwine float to top off a meal at Cook Out. If a juicy char-grilled burger is what your taste buds want or your heart's desire is BBQ plate with fries, slaw, and hushpuppies, stop by the restaurant for a quick and delicious meal. The restaurant's menu also includes cheese quesadillas, corn dogs, chicken nuggets. Add a Cook Out creamy milkshake with your meal and choose from a list of flavors such as chocolate cherry, banana pudding, cheesecake, peanut butter banana, caramel fudge, and many more! Mill Street Grill Comfortable, cozy, and delicious is what you can expect when having a meal at Mill Street Grill. With over 40 years' experience in preparing quality cuisine and providing excellent service, you'll leave more than satisfied.The lunch menu is enticing with entrees such as three cheese ravioli chicken, shrimp alfredo, wings, and grilled salmon. Sandwiches are also available and include grilled homemade pimento cheese, plump mushroom swiss burger, veggie burger, Philly cheese hoagie, and a flounder Po Boy. The restaurant has you covered when it comes to good food, no matter what time of day you're in need of a quick meal. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. If you want to enjoy the choices on the Country Cooking Buffet, plan your lunchtime between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. McCabe's Bar-B-Que When you want to indulge your desire for authentic Carolina bar-b-que, make your lunch destination McCabe's Bar-B-Que and sample the freshly prepared selections. The McCabe family prepare their BBQ to bring out the best in flavor with its variety of tasteful sauces. The main sauce that speaks to Carolina history is a blend of vinegar, a smattering of salt and pepper, a dose of ketchup, and the McCabe secret ingredient to create their original sauce. This results in a touch of sweet with a dash of heat. Your mouth will be watering while waiting for your order of true South Carolina barbeque slathered with the original sauce of the region. Gullah Gullah Fish Located in downtown Manning, Gullah Gullah Fish serves up fresh seafood as good as any you'll find on the South Carolina coast. The tiny restaurant serves up big helpings of deliciousness including Frogmore Stew, also known as Lowcountry Boil, chicken and waffles, and shrimp and grits. Plan your errands around the restaurant's schedule so you can enjoy the creative cuisine the cooks have to offer. Restaurant hours are noon to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Please your palate any day of the week at one of these Manning restaurants where the atmosphere is inviting and the menus diverse. image via pixabay

Are you looking for an affordable vehicle with enough room for the whole family? Although SUVs are very popular these days for busy families, the minivan is still an excellent choice. For a comfortable ride that offers plenty of room for passengers and gear, opt for the 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan. Let's take a look at what its trim levels have to offer. more SE The SE is the base trim, but you'd be impressed with the standard and optional features on this model. You can choose from six exterior colors to give it a unique look. Take on the road with 17-inch wheels and a powerful 3.6-liter 24-valve VVT V-6 engine. The six-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes will provide you with a smooth, comfortable ride. Listen to your music on the six-speaker audio system while enjoying the Radio 6.4-inch touch screen with Uconnect hands-free voice command. 35th Anniversary SE Plus Because the Dodge Grand Caravan has been providing families with a great minivan for the last 35 years, they wanted to celebrate with the 35th Anniversary SE Plus trim. It comes standard with an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, power two-way driver lumbar adjust, premium cloth bucket seats, and second-row bucket seats that fold into the floor. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-wrapped shift knob provide an elegant driving experience. Keep things organized with the in floor console, which has cupholders to keep your drinks form spilling. You'll also get the unique 35th Anniversary badge on the front fenders, as well as having it embroidered on the front floor mats. The all-black interior that comes with cranberry wine accent stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and the door trim panels, will make you feel like you're driving in first-class. SXT With the SXT trim, you'll get features such as sunscreen glass in the windows, a dual glove box, rear grocery bag hooks, and an interior observation mirror. Loading and unloading your gear will be easy with the right and left power sliding doors. Everyone will stay comfortable with the three-zone automatic climate control. SiriusXM radio and Bluetooth audio streaming capability means you can listen to all your favorite tunes no matter where you're headed, and the steering wheel-mounted audio controls make it easy to control the volume without taking your eyes off the road. 35th Anniversary SXT For all the best features, you're going to want to go with the highest trim level, the 35th Anniversary SXT. It comes standard with third-row Stow N Go seats, overhead storage bins, and third-row tailgate seats to keep your things out of the way and your passengers comfortable. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel will keep you warm on cold winter mornings. The Garmin navigation system ensures you arrive at your destination effortlessly. Whether you just need the basics that the SE trim offers or you want all the bells and whistles from the 35th Anniversary SXT trim, you'll enjoy a comfortable, roomy ride inside the 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan. Stop in to Santee CDJR and take one for a test drive today.

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.

As you get into the holiday spirit, local events are a great way to celebrate and enjoy a fun time with family and friends. Manning, South Carolina, and its surrounding areas offer lots of ways to ring in the season. Here are three holiday events just a short drive away that will provide all kinds of holiday fun. more The Charleston Holiday Festival From November 15 through December 31, the Charleston Holiday Festival welcomes visitors every evening to enjoy the lights and celebratory displays at James Island County Park. Open from Sunday through Thursday from 5:30-10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m., this is a great place to bring family and friends of all ages. Charleston is just an hour and a half from Manning, so this is an easy drive to make on the weekend or after work. You can drive your car through the beautiful display of lights and then park and experience lots of other activities. Visit with Santa Claus and tell him your wish list, then satisfy your sweet tooth at Santa's Sweet Shoppe. Ride the holiday train and the Victorian carousel. You can even head home with an official ornament from this year's celebration. The Fantasy of Lights Display in Sumter Just 30 minutes north of Manning is Sumter, South Carolina. This town offers the largest free display of Christmas lights in the state. At the Swan Lake Iris Gardens, you'll find a collection of more than 1 million lights twinkling in the dark and creating beautiful and fun pictures of holiday themes. Drive out on Sunday, December 1 at 6 p.m. for the opening night celebration and to see the lights turn on for the first time. If you can't make it opening night, the lights are open every evening throughout the month of December. Local favorites include the floating Christmas tree out on the lake and Santa's Village. Several displays combine holiday music and lights to create the look of a dancing light display. Since it's only a short drive and admission is free, you can make this a regular stop throughout the season. The Great Christmas Light Show in Myrtle Beach At Myrtle Beach from November 25 through December 30, you can experience the Great Christmas Light Show. This is a two-hour drive from Manning, so it might be best for a weekend holiday adventure, but it's definitely worth the trip. Drive through the light display any night of the week, but on the weekends, Santa's Village is open. Here you can visit with Santa, pet some animals at the petting zoo, climb through a holiday-themed obstacle course, and enjoy a train ride. Guests pay $15 per vehicle. Groups of 16 to 30 people will pay $30 per vehicle. If you're from the Manning area, these holiday events are perfect for a weekend drive to celebrate the season. Head out with your loved ones and create some great holiday memories. image via pixabay

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