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If you have children, you know how quickly your car turns from a pristine, new car, into a landfill. You never know when you'll find a rotting banana peel beneath the piles of wrappers, crumbs, and melted crayons. It may not be possible to alleviate all messes in your car, but here are four ways to protect your vehicle. more Cupcake Liners Cup holders always seems to attract the stickiest messes. Things like lollipops, juice, melted chocolate, and spare coins usually mix into a nightmare that most of us just give up on. Try using cupcake liners to protect them. Simply place the cupcake liner inside the cup holder, and you automatically have a shield against the stickiness. When it gets messy, simply replace the liner. You may want to use silicone liners, as they will be more durable and won't leak through. Travel-Safe Snacks Your kids are going to eat in the car. It is inevitable. Whether you are bouncing back and forth between soccer games, or you are on a long road trip, snacks are necessary to keep the little (and big) ones happy. But you have control over what type of snacks make it into the car. Avoid anything sticky or greasy, like applesauce, yogurt, or fries. Instead, opt for food that can easily be vacuumed up, like crackers or trail mix. Bite-size fruits or vegetables are another great snack to bring along. Just make sure you are cleaning out the car on a regular basis so you don't discover squished grapes that have been ground into the seat or carpet. You will also want to make sure that water is the only drink allowed in the car. That way, if it spills, it's not a big deal. Clean-Up Kits You will be able to limit the extent of the messes in your car, but you won't be able to alleviate them completely. Sticky snacks will still sneak into your car, or that last fast food run will leave its evidence in the form of greasy fingerprints and spilled ketchup. There are also times when a little one will decide to draw on the door and/or window, or you may have one (or more) kids with car sickness. Have a clean-up kit handy so that you can take care of the messes quickly for easy cleanup. The kit should include things like baby wipes, stain remover, and extra grocery bags to contain anything gross. Trash Cans Garbage piles up at an incredible speed even when you don't have children, but it tends to accumulate at an exponential rate when you do. Keep a small trash can or two, depending on the size of your vehicle, so that the garbage makes it into the trash before it ever hits the floor. Then, at the end of the day, it is easy to empty and replace with a new liner. Your car will stay clean longer, and you won't have to worry about any lingering smells. Whether you have small children, teenagers, or no children at all, these four tips will help keep your car clean for longer and will help to keep suspicious odors from taking hold. Image by Bre LaRow, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

South Carolina is world famous for its wide selection of barbecue, and the options in Columbia are some of the best in the state. It seems like there's a barbecue spot on every corner just waiting to offer customers their best dishes. There's nothing wrong with trying them all, but there are so many that it can be tough to know where to start. So why not begin with some of the best-known local favorites? Stuff your face at these Columbia, South Carolina, barbecue joints. more Palmetto Pig The Palmetto Pig is a barbecue lover's dream, offering daily buffets that cater to everyone's taste. You'll find everything from country-style fried chicken to slow-cooked barbecue meats and plenty of homestyle sides like baked beans, potato salad, and slaw. The Palmetto Pig also provides takeout and catering services, so if you'd like to feature some of Columbia's best barbecue at your next event, they've got you covered. Midwood Smokehouse Midwood Smokehouse features a somewhat upscale atmosphere with prices that won't make you feel like you're paying for a five-star meal. That doesn't mean their menu options are sub-par, by any means. You'll find some of the best-smoked meats and barbecue trays in the state here. They're a chain restaurant, but Midwood Smokehouse focuses on quality food at every one of their locations and offers a wide range of barbecue styles on their menu. As a bonus, they take online orders and even have a mobile app to make ordering your next meal quick and easy. The Pot Smoker Don't worry, it's not what it sounds like. The Pot Smoker is a family-owned and -operated business that got its name from the unique method they utilize to cook their meat. They use ceramic pots, similar to planting pots, to slow-cook the meat for a delicious and distinctive flavor you won't find anywhere else. In fact, as far as the owners are aware, they're the only ones in the world that employ this method for crafting some of the most delicious barbecue you'll ever taste. If you're looking for something completely different that's a cut above the rest, add The Pot Smoker to your bucket list. Big Boys Original Smokehouse For good old-fashioned smoked barbecue done right, Big Boys Original Smokehouse is one of the area's most-visited barbecue joints. They may not be doing anything out of the ordinary, but Big Boys has used tried and true barbecue methods since day one. Their relaxed atmosphere and use of all-natural, high-quality ingredients make them a local favorite. If want to taste barbecue that will fall off the bones and melt in your mouth, this is the place for you. One of the best things about barbecue is that no two businesses do it quite the same way. That means there's always something new and interesting to discover. These four venues are a great starting point, but don't be afraid to branch out and discover some new favorites on your own. Image by John Tornow, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

The 2018 Kia Rio 5-Door and Forte5 sedans are both great vehicles for families and for making your daily drive to and from work. While they have a lot of similarities, there are also some differences that may make one a better choice than the other, depending on your specific needs and what you're looking for in your next car. Without further ado, let Hatchback Battle 2018: Kia Rio 5-Door vs. Kia Forte5 begin! more Internal Technology In terms of internal convenience technology, both vehicles perform equally well. It's worth noting, however, that they do handle certain tasks in different ways. The Rio, for example, includes onboard voice-activated navigation, hands-free calling, and media playback as standard options, while the Forte5 does not. Conversely, the Forte5 supports smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which provides similar functionality once you've paired your smartphone with the internal stereo system. It's an extra step to get everything set up, but considering you'll have access to all of your personalized settings through your smartphone, it's a small price to pay. This category is a tie between the Rio and Forte5. Fuel Economy Both vehicles perform on almost equal footing for fuel economy. However, there is no tie in this department. The Forte5 is capable of running up to 25 mpg on city streets and 34 mpg on the highway. That comes to an estimated combined 28 mpg, which is about the industry standard for a car of its size. That's pretty good, but how does the Rio stack up? The Rio 5-Door comes in at up to 28 mpg on city streets and 37 mpg on the highway, with a combined estimated fuel economy of 32 mpg. That's above the industry standard for its class and is a pretty impressive number. For fuel economy, the Rio 5-Door comes out ahead of the Forte5. Cargo and Passenger Capacity The Rio 5-Door boasts 90.5 cubic feet of room for passengers to sit comfortably, and it can accommodate as many as four people. Where the Rio really shines, though, is its cargo capacity. This vehicle offers a total of 32.8 cubic feet in the rear cargo area, giving you plenty of room for carrying groceries, sporting equipment, or whatever else you need to take from A to B. The Forte5, on the other hand, provides up to 96.8 cubic feet for passengers and can also hold up to four people at a time. Its cargo capacity is a bit smaller at 23.2 cubic feet, but this is still plenty of room for what most people need. In terms of space, the Rio wins for cargo capacity and the Forte5 comes out slightly ahead for passenger capacity. There are plenty of reasons to love both of these vehicles. For most customers, it comes down to the buyer's specific wants and needs. Either way, you can't really go wrong regardless of which one you choose. Image by RL GNZLZ, Licensed via CC BY-SA 2.0

South Carolina is a beautiful state with a lot of history to discover and explore. In fact, you may be surprised at just how historically significant the state really is. Almost everywhere you turn, you'll find some sort of monument or landmark with notable importance pertaining to both South Carolina and the United States as a whole. Here's a quick breakdown of some interesting places where you can get a dose of history in South Carolina. more Charleston No list of this nature would be complete without mentioning Charleston. The entire city is basically a huge historic landmark. With so many things to see and learn, it would be impossible to do it all in a single day. Spend as much time here as you can and discover sites such as: The Dock Street Theatre The Charleston City Market (one of the most popular shopping and tourist spots in the state) Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum The Old Slave Mart Museum Magnolia Plantation The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon Fort Sumter National Monument Charles Towne Landing Middleton Place House Museum Edmondston-Alston House Fort Moultrie Drayton Hall Avery Research Center For African American History and Culture Additionally, you can tour houses that were once owned by former United States presidents, take carriage tours around the city, and even walk down the infamous Dueler's Alley, where the gentlemen of old used to settle disputes by participating in sword fights. Harbour Town Lighthouse The Harbour Town Lighthouse is a lesser-known historic attraction. The location includes a museum and offers insight into the world of maritime navigation before modern tools became available to sailors. Interestingly, even with all of the advanced equipment in use today, beacons like the Harbour Town Lighthouse are still critical for guiding sailors safely through dangerous waters. Learn all about this and more by visiting this beautiful site as soon as you get a chance. The Peachoid in Gaffney The Gaffney Peachoid is an unique landmark with an equally unique origin. This particular attraction doesn't have nationally historic significance, but it is very important to the local population and has become a popular photo op for visitors. The Peachoid is actually a large water tower that was designed in the shape of a peach. Constructed in 1981, the idea to make it look like the official state fruit was originally brought up by Jack Millwood, who was known at the time as the "Peachiod King." The concept arose because the Board of Public Works was working late one night. Jack was so tired that he simply said the first things that came to his mind. Eventually, the proposal caught on and what started as a joke turned into a local historic landmark. South Carolina is filled with historic sites of national significance like those found in Charleston and others that are equally important to the locals. With so much to explore, it's time to hit the road and see what you can discover. Image by James Willamor, Licensed via CC BY-SA 2.0

If you're in the market for a new family vehicle, the 2019 Kia Sedona should definitely end up on your short list. With so many great family vehicles on the market right now, it can be difficult to choose the one that's just right for your family. With so many options to choose from, why should you consider making the latest Sedona model your family's next vehicle? Here are three things that make the 2019 Kia Sedona the ultimate family vehicle. more Comfort for the Entire Family Think back to your childhood. Specifically, try to remember what it was like riding around town in your parents' mini-van on a hot summer day. If you were lucky, somebody would think to turn one of the A/C vents in an attempt to help you cool off, but it rarely did the job. That's a thing of the past with the 2019 Sedona's three comfort zones. Now, the driver can set their own specific temperature while the front passenger can adjust settings for their own comfort. Even more impressive is the fact that the entire rear cabin has its own climate controls with vents that are strategically placed to offer comfort for both rear seating rows. The days of being too hot or too cold are gone with the new Sedona. Now, everybody can ride around in comfort without having to compromise the temperature settings for the driver or other passengers. Technology Everybody Can Appreciate These days, technology is a major selling point for most car buyers. The 2019 Kia Sedona doesn't disappoint in this area and offers an impressive and intuitive control interface that provides dynamic information for the driver and unlocks access to media playback, hands-free calling, and more through the system's Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support capabilities. Another great feature worth mentioning is the hands-free rear liftgate. While this is nothing new for family vans, the ability to open the rear hatch simply by waving your foot under the van's rear bumper is a feature that parents appreciate. Safety Features You're Going to Love Speaking of technology, the 2019 Kia Sedona has many high-tech safety features built in as well, such as: Blind spot detection Automatic emergency braking Lane departure alerts Smart cruise control A backup camera with dynamic guidelines A birds-eye view, 360-degree camera These are, of course, in addition to standard safety features like child safety locks, driver and passenger airbags, and the LATCH system for kids in the rear seating rows. With interior features that take the comfort of every member of the family into consideration, a high-tech control interface, and some of the best safety features on the market, it's easy to see why the 2019 Kia Sedona is a great family vehicle. If you're looking for the perfect car to meet your family's needs, head out and test drive the newest Sedona model today. You may have just found your family's new home on the road.

If you're interested in getting behind the wheel of a luxury sports car, Kia may not be the first manufacturer that comes to mind. You're going to want to take another look, though, because the Kia Stinger GT2 is a high-end vehicle that can definitely hold its own against the other cars in its class. In fact, the Stinger GT2 often outperforms some of the more well-known cars available today. So, what is it about the Kia Stinger GT2 that makes it something you should consider for your next vehicle? more Power and Performance The 2018 Kia Stinger GT2 is equipped with a powerful 3.3-liter V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers an impressive 365 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 376 pounds-feet torque between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. In simple terms, that's a lot of power when you hit the gas. Speaking of gas, the GT2's fuel efficiency is more than noteworthy for a car running an engine this powerful. You'll enjoy 19 mpg on city streets, 25 mpg on highways, and 21 mpg combined. Those may seem like small numbers but, when compared to other cars in this class, they're right on par. When a car that accelerates from zero to 60 in as little as 4.5 seconds can boast this kind of fuel efficiency, it's worth paying attention to. Technology Features The 2018 Kia Stinger GT2 is also packed with plenty of attractive technology. The control panel, for example, features a large eight-inch touch-screen and offers connectivity in a number of ways, such as: Hands-free Bluetooth Calling Voice-activated controls Onboard navigation Apple CarPlay support Android Auto Support This car also features mind-blowing audio through the included premium sound system by Harman/Kardon. With a total of 15 high-end speakers and QuantumLogic surround sound technology, you'll experience sound that rivals many in-home systems. Safety Features These days, cars are all about high-tech safety features and the 2018 Kia Stinger GT2 doesn't disappoint in this area. Some of the more advanced safety features you'll find include: A backup camera with dynamic guidelines Front and rear parking distance warning systems Blind spot collision warning sensors Lange change assistance Pedestrian detection Forward collision prevention systems These, in combination with standard safety features such as child safety locks, driver and passenger airbags, and the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system make the 2018 Kia Stinger GT2 just as safe as it is fun to drive. If you haven't considered a Kia for your next sports car, you may be missing out on a seriously impressive vehicle. With power and performance that rivals many of the other cars in its class, an impressive suite of high-tech features, and some of the best safety features available on the market today, the 2018 Kia Stinger GT2 is certainly worth a second look. The best way to experience everything this car has to offer for yourself is to get behind the wheel and take one for a test drive. Image by stillwellmike, Licensed via CC BY-SA 2.0

Whether you're planning to make a visit to the beautiful city of Columbia, South Carolina, or you're new in town and trying to get your bearings, there's plenty about this beautiful and historic city to discover and explore. In fact, there's so much to see and do in Columbia, many people who've lived in the area their entire lives still haven't experienced it all. With so much to explore, it can be a bit daunting to decide where to begin. To make things a little easier, you may want to begin with one of these three walking tours. more City Orientation Walk This is a self-guided walking tour offered by the GPSmyCity mobile application that will take you through some of Columbia's most popular destinations for people who are trying to get the lay of the land. Using this application, you'll be guided through several must-see locations, including places like: The South Carolina State House Trinity Episcopal Cathedral The University of South Carolina Memorial Park These are just a few of the stops you'll make along the way and the tour is designed to take you on a route that helps you explore interesting and unexpected things along the way. You never know what you'll discover on this tour. Museums and Gallery Tour If you're interested in learning about the rich and interesting history of the Columbia area, the Museums and Gallery Walking Tour will be right up your alley. This route, also offered on GPSmyCity, will take you to popular destinations such as: The Columbia Fire Museum Mann-Simmons Cottage The Columbia Museum of Art The South Carolina State Museum This is one of the best ways to discover the origins of the city and the role it played in shaping American history. There are also plenty of sight-seeing and dining opportunities along the way and, because it's a self-guided tour, you're free to take all the time you need to enjoy the experience at your own pace. Religious Buildings Tour Columbia's history extends far beyond that of American culture. In fact, a lot of modern American religious culture has close ties to houses of worship in the area. If this is something that interests you, the Religious Buildings Tour is definitely worth your time. This self-guided walking tour will take you to iconic religious buildings like: The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church St. Peter's Catholic Church Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Ebenezer Lutheran Church Even if you're not interested in historic houses of worship, the beauty and architecture of these buildings are certainly worth checking out. Some of them are truly a sight to behold, so if you're interested in seeing some of the city's more interesting buildings, this is a great place to start. Columbia, South Carolina, has so much to see and do, it's impossible to fit it all into one day of touring the city. These three tours, though, are a great place to start and you're sure to find even more to explore along the way. Image by Kevin Oliver, Licensed via CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Spring is here, and summer is right around the corner. In South Carolina, that means plenty of great weather and lots of beautiful scenery to enjoy. If you're looking for some creative ways to spend some quality time outside with your family and friends in the Orangeburg area this season, taking at least one trip to the Edisto Memorial Gardens should definitely be on your list of things to do. Here are just a few of the many things you can enjoy while there. more Centennial Park Centennial Park is the epitome of South Carolina's natural beauty. This park features an upper and lower plaza, connected by a gorgeous set of Victorian-style steps that also serve as a sitting area. The upper plaza offers a beautiful place to walk with convenient paving stones, raised planters, and plenty of benches where you can sit and enjoy the view or the beautiful fountain that is there. On the lower plaza, you'll find a spacious gazebo if you'd like to just sit and take in the natural beauty around you. This is a nice place to set out a blanket and enjoy a nice, relaxing picnic or just walk the grounds and take in the scenery. The Butterfly Garden South Carolina is home to some of the most beautiful butterfly species in the country. The Butterfly Garden at Edisto Memorial Gardens is filled with nectar-producing flowers that have been specifically procured to attract many of the area's butterflies and is an amazing spectacle, particularly in the spring and early summer months when most butterflies begin to emerge. If you time your visit right, the Butterfly Garden can resemble something out of a fairy tale and will enchant visitors of all ages. The Disc Golf Course If you're more interested in physical activities, swing by the disc golf course and start a friendly game with family and friends or even make some new friends. The disc golf course at Edisto Memorial Gardens makes excellent use of the area's natural elements and includes signs pointing the way to special disc golf challenges, goals, and more. The Spray Park If you've got kids (or kids at heart) that need to cool off on warmer days, the spray park is the perfect place to stop. This is a 6,000 square-foot area that features water jets and play areas that are suitable for almost every age. There are plenty of restrooms, sitting areas, and a picnic area for parents to relax and enjoy the sights and watch children play from a safe distance. This year, make it a point to avoid spending the entire day indoors while the weather is nice. There's too much to see, do, and enjoy together with family and friends to miss out on the natural beauty of South Carolina. Places like Edisto Memorial Gardens offer an amazing opportunity to get out of the house and make memories that will last a lifetime with the people that matter most. Image by R.A., Licensed via CC BY 2.0

The Kia Soul has stunned the motor market by surpassing a million in sales. Since its release in 2009, the Kia Soul has been considered a trendy and modern vehicle that appeals to drivers interested in a zippy, reliable, and affordable car to jet around the city streets. Let's look at the top features of the Kia Soul and the reasons why this powerful little car has become so popular. more How The Kia Soul Rose To The Top Kia marketed its range of hatchback motors to a younger public. The clever advertising and endorsements by some of the biggest names in the music industry have created the Soul's positive and funky brand. Apart from its smart promotion, the Kia Soul is affordable while offering many modern features. Its unique design has captured the attention of motoring enthusiasts and continues to impress after all these years. Power and Performance Poor performance is often a problem with smaller vehicles and hatchbacks. The Kia Soul ensures you get to your destination with ease with its turbocharged 201-horsepower engine. The dual clutch provides a seven-speed gear system and a superbly efficient acceleration. The combination of a small city car with a powerful engine has outdone even the toughest motoring competitors. A Stylish Car Kia has gone against the grain with its interior and exterior design. The decision to combine its turbo-powered engine with its characteristic red stripes immediately creates a sporty appeal. The exteriors can be described as sleek and sophisticated. The Kia Soul moves away from the standard style of hatchback and provides a boxy feel that obviously work. High-density discharge lights and LED fog lights offer brightness and clarity at night and in misty conditions. Plush Interior Features The interiors of the Soul combine leather and cloth for ease of maintenance and comfort, and an extraordinary orange stitching, truly unique to the Kia Soul. Stepping into the Kia Soul produces an immediate sense of plushness. Climate control includes heating and cooling for both the front and rear seats. The option of a sunroof adds to the spacious feel of the interior. Kia has invested in comfort for both the driver and the passengers. The seats are comfortable even during long drives, and the unique touch of sound-activated mood lighting contributes to the Kia Soul's cool vibe. Suberb Quality According to J.D. Power's vehicle quality studies conducted in 2018, Kia received a positive rating regarding the amount of motor issues per 100 cars checked. The popularity of the Soul is not only attributed to its sleek appearance and powerful performance, but also its Burns manufacturing. Kia's safety standards ensure a reliability that drivers of all ages desire in a modern vehicle. Kia Motors America has received much praise for its top-quality branding and is often rated as one of the best companies in the automotive industry. From its marketing strategy and investment in luxury features to its turbo engine, the Kia Soul has certainly proven its worth. Image by loubeat, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

In the heart and surrounding areas of Columbia and Orangeburg, you can find some of the best golf courses in South Carolina, ranging from beautiful public clubs in Orangeburg itself to privately owned greens in Santee. This spring, hit the links at these five golf courses near Orangeburg. more Hillcrest Golf Club Rated as the top public club in the state, the 72-par Hillcrest Golf Club features beautiful greens for players of any skill level. During the summer months, you can also enjoy the tennis courts, which makes for a great day out with the whole family. A professional golf shop sells an assortment of accessories and golf wear. No need to worry about safety since there are locker rooms where you can store your personal items. Calhoun Country Club The Calhoun Country Club features a 71-par course and offers a challenging game for the more avid and experienced player. This golf club is beautifully landscaped and well maintained, set between rolling hills and exquisite hardwood pine trees. Located in Saint Matthews, it's one of the top clubs just outside of Orangeburg. You can grab a bite to eat at the local restaurant or visit the golf shop on the course, where you can upgrade your equipment or buy new accessories to improve your game.  Here you'll also find fully-equipped practice areas, and rental carts are available on the green. Orangeburg Country Club The privately-owned Orangeburg Country Club encompasses an impressive 6,692 yards and is beautifully landscaped. Members can also access the swimming pool to cool off on hot summer days or exercise their skills on the tennis court. Make sure you take advantage of the designated practice area to improve your swing. Lake Marion Golf Course Lake Marion Golf Course in Santee is a popular choice for more skilled golfers thanks to its uneven surfaces and valleys that present a challenge during play. Lake Marion Golf Course is also a great destination for a spring weekend away. You can purchase a golfing package and stay on the course in one of the villas available for rent. Kountryside Golf Course Located 20 miles from Orangeburg and spanning across 180 acres, The Kountryside Golf Course in Cope is lined with pine trees and features manmade lakes, so you can enjoy the scenery while you play. It's best to visit the course in the early spring to summer when the warmer weather brings the lush green fields and trees to life. Since it just opened in 2003, this is a relatively new club, but its unique and sloped design presents a new challenge for many experienced golfers. Keep in mind that the downhill green may be too difficult for beginners. South Carolina is known for its picturesque landscapes and bustling city life, but when it comes to exceptional games on the greens, it also offers an array of wonderful golf courses. Visit these popular golf clubs near Orangeburg, enjoy the warm weather, and practice your swing! Image by Udo Schröter, Licensed via CC BY-SA 2.0

With spring and summer fast approaching, there is no better time to plan your recreational activities to take in the blue sky and crisp, fresh air. Columbia, South Carolina offers many opportunities to get outdoors for families and people of all ages, including hikes on the natural trails through forests, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Now is the best time to plan an exciting outdoor trip and work on those fitness resolutions! more Fishing Is Always a Good Idea Get active this spring and go fishing at Lake Murray. Access the shallow waters from Dreher Island State Park. Bring your gear along and relax on the water while you wait for the catch of the day. Boat rental is available at Saluda Shoals Park, and once out on the lake, you'll have the chance to capture smallmouth bass. For something a bit more challenging, schedule a deep-sea boat trip and experience action fishing for an adventure you won't easily forget. Hike at Congaree National Park If you prefer to stay on land, Congaree National Park features one the most spectacular hardwood forests in the whole country. Congaree is a self-sustaining ecosystem of dense skyscraper trees, and the beautifully constructed trails through the forest provide the opportunity to get up close to these natural masterpieces. Bring the whole family with you for a stroll through the woods--the kids will love it! Sleep Under the Stars If you love the outdoors or have never experienced sleeping under the stars, consider hiking and camping in Columbia. Congaree National Park provides a range of camp sites to choose from, whether you wish to explore the park from the comfort of an RV or you want to get away from it all by sleeping in a tent. Remember that the campgrounds are the only area where you can light a fire, and there is nothing better than roasting marshmallows with fellow campers after a long day out hiking in the countryside. Canoeing, Kayaking, and Tubing In Columbia, you will find plenty of canoeing, kayaking and tubing opportunities. These adventures are for avid water lovers, offering everything from calm water to rushing rapids in Saluda. These physical activities will have you enjoying the beautiful blue water while getting fit in the warmer weather, whether you're a beginner or an experienced kayaker. For a relaxing journey in your kayak or canoe, choose the Cedar Creek paddle trail in Congaree Park. The path guides travelers along the still water for up and close encounters with the surrounding wildlife. Beginners will find another easy kayak trail at Sesquicentennial State Park, or you could rent a canoe at Saluda Shoals Park for a chance to see birds of all kinds, eagles, and turtles. Columbia is known for its many water activities, forest paths, and adrenalin-pumping activities. No matter your fitness level, you'll find something to do in one of the best destinations in South Carolina. Go on an outdoor adventure this week, and get that much needed release from the confines of winter!   "Congaree National Park Visitor Center boardwalk" by Miguel Vieira, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

Kia's release of the 2018 Stinger comes with much excitement and anticipation. The Kia Stinger offers exceptional power in a 2.0L sedan and appeals to drivers who invest in class and speed—it really can play with the big boys! Learn why this vehicle turns heads, and why great engineering combined with a stylish design will make you feel young again. more What Makes the Kia 2018 Stinger Special The 2018 Stinger offers the perfect combination of power and refinement. Buyers can choose between the 2.0L sedan with a 255 hp turbo engine and the 3.3L with a 365 hp twin turbo V6 engine. Boasting some serious muscle, this car was developed for the serious driver looking for a dependable car that is fast, safe, and absolutely gorgeous. The vehicle offers all the modern features you would expect from a car of this caliber, including cruise control, lane assist, and an on-board touchscreen. Simply climbing into the Stinger will transform the way you feel and drive. Who is the Kia 2018 Stinger Designed For? Given all these features, you might think that the Stinger is a sports car exclusive to a younger market, but Kia has aimed to create an appealing vehicle with all the trims and advanced engineering for those who enjoy sophistication and distinction. It's a car made for drivers who know what they want. Kia has incorporated a multitude of modern features to ensure the 2018 Stinger remains competitive with similar sports models on the market, but older drivers will particularly appreciate these features. Acceleration and Power The Kia Stinger was built to resemble a sports car in appearance and operation, and wow, does this motor deliver! There is nothing more rewarding and pleasing than the experience of putting your foot down and feeling the thrill of the acceleration and torque under your feet. The Stinger produces 365 horsepower and can go 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. Affordability The Kia is not only fuel efficient, but it's also fairly priced. Drivers might not find all the luxuries and features you would find in other models in the same category, but the Stinger promises power, speed, and safety, and it's way more affordable that most other sports cars on the market. Safety Whether you're driving a sports car or a regular sedan, safety is always a top priority. Safety features on the 2018 Stinger include electronic, mechanical, and bodywork enhancements. For mature drivers concerned about driving in tough winter conditions, the Stinger provides anti-skid and innovative technology to prevent the car from drifting while taking corners. The entire car is designed to be durable. The bodywork is lightweight but solid. Its strong body provides peace of mind while on the road, while advanced engineering provides the confidence you need to drive safely and comfortably in all types of weather conditions. The 2018 Stinger delivers on safety, security, comfort, and efficiency, whether you travel daily or take the occasional long-distance trip. If you're a more experienced driver looking for a reliable and modern vehicle, don't look any further.   "2018 NAIAS 129" by GabboT, Licensed via CC BY-SA 2.0