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One of the most important things anyone purchasing a new or used car from a dealership needs to do is take the vehicle out for a test drive. No one buys a house without considering the features it must and must not have. You should take the same reflections when it comes to buying motor vehicles as well. Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of a test drive. more Have an Idea of What You're Looking For Research. Think about the kind of life you live. Find a car that suits your work, hobbies, and dreams. Does your car need four doors? Hatchback or no? How often do you go camping? Is a tow-bar necessary? How much space do you need in the back seat for your kids or your pets? Or when it's your turn to carpool?   Give yourself about three solid vehicle options. It'll help focus your final decision at the dealership. Don't risk it — be convinced. Make buying a car an investment worth taking. Ride in Comfort If it's not comfortable now, it probably won't be comfortable in a year's time, either. Nestle yourself in before you take off for your test drive. Adjust both your seat and your mirrors to how you like them and make sure you are satisfied. Then, think of your other senses. Are all the components smooth to touch? Do you enjoy the smell? Does the car hum quietly? Does it taste good? Actually, we can probably skip that last one. Test Yourself Give yourself a challenge. If possible on your test drive, take a route that covers many road styles and terrains that you may experience often. See how well the vehicle handles itself and how well you handle the vehicle. Would you be confident driving down winding country roads in this car? Or long highways? How about making sharp turns? Are the brakes fluid? Can you park it well? Hills — how does the car pull when you're on one? All these questions ultimately serve to help you narrow down your choice.   In addition, see if you can schedule a test drive at night or in the late afternoon when the sun starts to set. Visibility is important, Sample the Features If there's GPS, have the dealer run you through the basics, and decide if this GPS is right for you. Test the air conditioning. Make sure the displays are concise and easy to read and understand. If you're a big phone user, you'll want to be on the lookout for a vehicle that accommodates a phone charger. Not that you should use your phone when driving, but having it fully charged always comes in handy in an emergency. If you live in an area with harsh winters, seat heating is something worth looking into as well! Bring a Friend or Family Member Having a second opinion on the car can make all the difference during a test drive. If you'll be driving children often, bring one of them along. Have them experience what it's like for a backseat passenger in the car. Does the car adequately support the safety of both the front and back passengers?   At the end of the day, you're the one making the decision. Go in prepared and with an open mind. Give your four-wheeled candidates an honest chance to impress you.   Image via Flickr by The National Roads and Motorists' Association

Picnics are a summertime favorite. The best parks in Columbia, South Carolina, make the perfect picnic destination as soon as the weather heats up. When choosing the perfect picnic spots, we're looking for something not too busy, with ample shade, and good overall esthetics. Here are three picnic spots in Columbia, South Carolina, that are worth a visit. more Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park Enjoy your picnic while listening to the peaceful sounds of the waterfall. They also have well-maintained walking trails to enjoy before or after your picnic or to lead to you to the perfect spot. You'll find the picnic tables in the main section of the park.   This park is one of the most scenic that Columbia has to offer. It also provides a historical experience. You can visit the old pump house and learn about the history of the canal. Other facilities include bike trails and playgrounds. Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden This may seem like an odd choice, heading to a zoo for a picnic. Riverbanks, however, is much more than just a zoo. They have a beautiful botanical garden you can walk through and a specified picnic area. The area is nicely shaded as it is wooded and has picnic tables (no pesky ants in your food).   This is a great place to extend your picnic, and the perfect place if you have kids. You can come and go from the picnic area to the zoo without additional charges. They have an interactive children's area with a splash zone (for those really hot days), and there is a variety of animals you can feed. Just make sure you don't feed them your picnic food!   If your picnic is so big it becomes an event, you can even hold a private function here! If you keep an eye on their schedule of events, your day of fun in the sun can continue into the evening. They have summer movie nights, and if you're "of age," be sure to keep an eye out for their wine in the garden events. Irmo Community Park With its modern facilities, Irmo Community Park is a great place to visit for picnics, and it is very family-friendly. This park features lush grass, shaded picnic areas, ponds with fountains, and playgrounds. This park also hosts events such as summer movie nights in their amphitheater. There are also food vendors if you missed anything when packing your picnic basket.   Whether you're looking for a romantic evening picnic with a movie or a great place to bring your kids, a place to go for a run with your dog or a peaceful walk, Irmo Community Park is one of the best around.   Columbia has many great parks to offer. Decide how you want to spend your day and the type of activities you enjoy and you'll be able to plan your picnic with it. Each picnic spot is easily accessible, has ample parking, and a variety of facilities to make your day convenient and enjoyable.   Image via Flickr by davebloggs007

Move aside, luxury sports sedans — there will soon be a new contender on the market: the 2018 Kia Stinger. This sleek and aggressive sedan that is built for performance and indulgence is perfect for car-buyers who are looking for a vehicle that will turn heads and provide an enjoyable driving experience. What's more, Cars.com named the Stinger Best in Show at the North American International Auto Show due to its combination of luxury and performance. A car that's winning awards before it's even available? That's a vehicle that's ahead of the curve, wouldn't you say? more The Features Everyone Will Be Raving About What sets the Stinger apart from other luxury sedans? Is it really a contender in the luxury sports sedan arena? Well, check out the following incredible features found in the Stinger and judge for yourself: A luxurious interior: From the deeply contoured seats covered in Nappa leather to the aircraft-style spoke vents to the advanced navigation system and head-up display, the Stinger brilliantly combines style and technology. Turbocharged power: When building the Stinger, the engineers were serious about the engine. An eight-speed automatic transmission and twin turbo V6 engine that offers more than 360 horsepower come together to deliver stunning performance that will allow you to cruise along the highway efficiently. An advanced safety system: Along with beauty and power, the Kia Stinger offers many advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring to make sure your drive, whether in rush-hour traffic or through winding mountain roads, is a prudent one. A distinct exterior: The Kia Stinger looks like nothing on the road, so it will turn heads anywhere it goes. With an accented roofline that sweeps past the rear wheels, a low hood, Kia's signature tiger-nose grille, and four oval rear exhausts, this car offers style that beats the competition. Well-controlled suspension: To provide exceptional handling, the engine needed to be as low and toward the middle of the car as possible. This means that cutting around corners and hugging the road are seamless and allow for smooth, flawless sailing. Luxury, Class, and Performance If you're looking for a car that offers luxury, performance, and class, the 2018 Kia Stinger is the perfect vehicle for you. Look for it to become available in the summer, perfect for zipping off to weekend getaways before the weather gets too cold. Since there is plenty of room for both front and rear passengers, you'll have an abundance of space to bring some friends along. The 2018 Kia Stinger is a car everyone will be raving about once it hits the market, and for good reason. It's chock full of features designed to make a striking impression, and is redefining the Kia brand. Whether you're looking for a car that will hug the road as you travel long distances or get you and your family to their destination safely every time, the Stinger has something for everyone.   Image via Flickr by automobileitalia

Kids love a playground; it's an environment created just for them. It gives them the opportunity to stretch their legs, work out some energy, and socialize with their peers. Columbia's park system offers an impressive number of options for parents looking for a playground to take their kids for an afternoon. Anyone interested in swings, slides, monkey bars, and fountains should check out these fantastic Columbia playgrounds. more Earlewood Park Located on Parkside Drive just north of downtown, Earlewood Park boasts many amenities for people of all ages to enjoy. They include baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, an amphitheater, and a totally unique playground. When the park was designed, residents voted that they wanted the equipment to have a natural look. As such, the playground at Earlewood features the boulder-themed Rocks and Ropes set as well as a Mud Puddle water and sand area. Kids may also want to check out Earlewood's 18-hole disc golf course and the off-leash NOMA Bark Park. Finlay Park On Laurel Street in downtown Columbia, Finlay Park is part town common, part nature escape, and all recreational destination. In addition to its recognizable curlicue fountain, the park boasts a lake, waterfalls, athletic fields, and a summer snack bar. Its playground is an extensive waterfront structure that will make your kids feel like they're running around a coastal fortress, and its elegant swing pergola makes for a one-of-a-kind swinging experience. With plenty of ramps and paved paths, Finlay has the bonus of being one of the largest handicap-accessible parks in the country. Edisto Discovery Park On Wiley Street off Rosewood Drive, Edisto Discovery Park features a basketball court, a concrete splash pad, and a choice playground that sits right in front of the community center, which hosts birthday parties, banquets, and classes. Unique to Edisto Discovery is the Fossil Dig, an area where kids can learn about archeology by digging up gemstones. Emily Douglas Park Located on Wheat Street in the Shandon neighborhood, Emily Douglas Park's tall, shady pine trees and spray pool make it a perfect spot for the summer months. The park has swings and three different playgrounds for kids to choose from, which could easily keep them occupied all day. Emily Douglas also has a dog park, so you can bring along the family pet to make sure everybody is having a great time. Drew Park Another cool summertime park is Drew Park, located on Walker Solomon Way behind the Drew Wellness Center. In addition to its playground and LED fountain, Drew Park boasts one of the largest splash pads of any park in the city, which earned it a special mention on the Columbia SC Moms Blog list of Columbia splash pads. With so many playground options available in Columbia, your kids should never have to sit at home bored on a beautiful summer day. From Finlay Park downtown to the many neighborhood playgrounds around the city, the children of Columbia will find no shortage of places to swing, slide, and have a blast.   Image via Flickr by cwwycoff1

If you're in the market for a new car, take a look at the 2017 Kia Optima, which was redesigned with a completely new exterior that includes the signature tiger-nose grille and LED headlights. It's built to make heads turn when you're driving around town. With its elegant interior that includes heated and ventilated seats and bold accents, you'll feel like you're in the lap of luxury. The Optima also has advanced technological features, such as a surround view monitor to make parking a breeze and autonomous emergency braking to help you avoid collisions. All in all, this is a car that provides a grandiose driving experience. Even better than all that, though, is that the Kia Optima is the winner of many industry awards, including some of the top safety awards. Here are some of the awards this car has won: more 1. IIHS Top Safety Pick When equipped with optional front crash prevention, the Kia Optima comes out on top. Let's face it: A car can have all the bells and whistles it wants, but if it's not going to protect you in a crash, it's not doing its job. With the 2017 Kia Optima, you can feel good knowing this car is one of the leaders in the industry when it comes to safety. 2. IIHS Top Safety Pick+ In addition to the traditional IIHS Top Safety Pick, the Optima also won the award for the IIHS Top Safety Pick+, which is the highest designation offered by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. When equipped with optional front crash prevention and LED headlights with high beam assist, this car gets it done. In order to win this award, the Optima had to earn an advanced or Burns rating for front crash prevention, as well as a good or acceptable headlight rating, which means you can count on it if the unthinkable happens. 3. 10 Best Hybrid Cars Under $40,000 by Kelley Blue Book Are you interested in the Optima Hybrid? Well, you'll be pleased to know it won a Kelley Blue Book award as a 10 Best Hybrid Car under $40,000. As more hybrid cars come on the market, it's important to stand out in ways that surpass efficiency. With smart cruise control and autonomous emergency braking, this car delivers it all. 4. 5 Best Plug-In Hybrid Cars Under $40,000 by Kelley Blue Book Even the plug-in hybrid boasts an award — kbb.com's 5 Best Plug-In Hybrid Car, which it earned due to its sleek exterior, incredible fuel economy, and stylish interior. This high-end car comes with an app where you can check the charge levels and set the charge time without ever leaving your couch. Now, that's efficient. The 2017 Kia Optima truly has it all — top-notch safety features, an elegant design, and some of the most advanced technological details. It's no wonder why this car is continuing to win awards for its high-end engineering. For car-buyers today, the Kia Optima is the logical choice.   Image via Flickr by Automotive Rhythms

Taking your dog for a walk is a wonderful activity for you and your furry friend. But sometimes you want to bring them to a place where they can really run free. Off-leash dog parks give your dog a chance to enjoy a large open space without the restrictions of wearing a leash. Here are some dog park options within driving distance of Orangeburg. more Southern Paws Pet Lodge Located on North Road about 9 miles from the town center, Southern Paws is a full-service pet lodge, offering boarding, grooming, doggy daycare, and pet supplies. The dog park includes a large pond and plenty of space, plus a host of dogs for your pooch to play with. The park is free for boarding or grooming clients of Southern Paws. However, as with the pet lodge's other services, all dogs must be up to date on their shots to enjoy the park. The Barking Lot Dog Park Located within Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, the Barking Lot Dog Park is 2 acres of fenced-in open space and shady sections. Two bone-shaped pools are available for dogs to take a dip when the weather gets hot, as well as doggie drinking fountains. The park sells a Barking Lot pass ($40 per year) that is required for entry. This is in addition to the $5 per day parking fee. Saluda Shoals also requires all dogs to be spayed or neutered and to have received the requisite shots. Emily Douglas Dog Park Also in Columbia is the Emily Douglas Dog Park, located within the larger Emily Douglas Park. The dog park is a sandy, fenced-in hillside with a water fountain and two benches for you to sit at while your dog mingles with its four-legged peers. This park charges no entrance fees and it requires no passes or paperwork, making it convenient for dog owners who are visiting the area or who are trying to entertain a dog on a budget. Bees Landing Dog Park For those willing to drive a bit, Bees Landing Dog Park in Charleston is a spacious spot for dogs to enjoy a dip. Located behind the Bees Landing Rec Center, the park includes three separate fenced-in areas: one for small dogs, one for big dogs, and a swimming hole area for dogs of all sizes to splash around. A hose is available to rinse off your dog if it gets too muddy, as well as drinking fountains for both dogs and owners. Plenty of benches are available to sit while your dog frolics around, and no entry fee is required. A pleasant, on-the-leash walk around the block or park is well and good, but sometimes it's nice to treat your dog to something more. Dog parks provide a wonderful space for your dog to run free for a few hours while you enjoy some pleasant time outdoors. With several options available in Orangeburg and the surrounding area, you and your dog can find a place that works for both of you.   Image via Flickr by M&R Glasgow

Coffee and tea are essential for many, and getting that caffeine boost can make the difference between a good and bad day. Luckily for residents of and visitors to the Orangeburg area, there's plenty of excellent coffee and tea spots to kick back and enjoy a good relaxing cup or pick up some caffeine to go. We've listed our top five favorite tea and coffee shops in the Orangeburg area to help you plan your next caffeine trip. more Common Ground Cafe Housed in Cornerstone Church, Common Ground Cafe is the most popular coffee destination in Orangeburg. They have a full menu of delicious coffee-based drinks, from just a plain black cup of coffee to espresso. Plus, they also have a number of different teas available and non-caffeinated beverages like frappuccinos and creamice drinks. The cafe is open Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. All proceeds go back into community organizations. In addition, there are super yummy sandwiches, lunch platters, and sweet treats for purchase. Drip Drip is located in Columbia, a short trip away from Orangeburg and a favorite destination for both residents and tourists. This cafe specializes in pour over coffee with a wonderful range of different beans and coffee styles to choose from. The cafe space is big enough to meet up with friends, coworkers, or family, while still maintaining that intimate coffeehouse feel. Drip also sells a number of homemade sandwiches and other quick bites and also has some of the best espresso available in South Carolina. Tea Thyme Tea Thyme is the best place in the Orangeburg area for decadent teas and spices. Fresh, unique sandwiches, salads, and wraps are made in-house every day, and their website regularly updates the daily offerings. Customers can stay in the restaurant and enjoy a cup of delicious tea and yummy food, or buy some tea to take home to brew. In addition to tea for sale, Tea Thyme also has gorgeous teacup sets for purchase as well as different spices, both on their own and in blends. Mama's Kountry Kooking While technically a breakfast restaurant, you can't go wrong with the hot coffee available at Mama's Kountry Kooking. Open for breakfast, this super cute restaurant has delicious homestyle cooking and a cozy atmosphere that keeps its loyal clientele happy. The Wired Goat Vista Like Drip, The Wired Goat is located in Columbia but is absolutely worth the drive. This eclectic, artsy coffee shop features coffee and tea drinks, plus a number of non-caffeinated options. All their beans are hand-picked from international locations to create the perfect cup of coffee. In addition to coffee, the restaurant also sells delicious gourmet foods. Some favorite breakfast items include berry lavender French toast and seasonal gourd toast. Lunch is also available, with fantastic sandwich offerings such as Veggies Take Two and Very Berry Bacon. These five locations are excellent choices for grabbing a cup of coffee or tea plus a snack or meal. Whether you want to stay local or have time to drive to Columbia, these spots have the best coffee in the Orangeburg area.   Image via Flickr by keso s

Learning how to drive is often viewed as a rite of passage for teenagers. In fact, most driving schools seem to market themselves just for teens. However, if you're an adult looking to learn how to drive, don't let this common perception deter you from learning! Just like many other skills, practice makes perfect, and you're never too old to learn how to drive. Still not convinced? Read on for reasons you should start learning to drive today. more Cheaper Insurance One of the most overlooked, but perhaps the most rewarding, parts of being an older driver is that insurance is far cheaper for adults than it is for teens. As an older driver, insurance companies are more willing to give you cheaper insurance rates, which makes learning to drive and then actually driving a much more affordable luxury. Insurance is a big cost, and getting an affordable rate is a concern for many drivers. If the cost is what's keeping you from getting your license, this is a big consideration to take into account! Fewer Distractions Teens are notoriously easy to distract, which can make them dangerous drivers. As an adult, drivers are more likely to just focus on the road instead of texting, eating, chatting, or using social media. Being distracted while driving can not only lead to difficulty learning and remembering the rules of the road, it can also lead to accidents and tragedies that would be easily avoided if the driver hadn't been focused on other things. Confidence Many teens who get behind the wheel for the first time think they're invincible, and therefore are perhaps overconfident when they head out onto the road. Folks who start driving when they're a little older tend to be less confident than teens, which can actually work in your favor. Taking your time and being more cautious can lead to fewer accidents. Just don't get too anxious! Over-anxiety can massively reduce your ability to make snap judgments or movements, which is necessary when driving. Another plus for adult drivers is that many adults are much better at handling stressful situations than teens. Since stress happens a lot when driving, this can lead to adult learners being more capable on the road than their younger counterparts. Experience What is often overlooked by older first-time drivers is that you've been using cars a lot longer than younger drivers. You've undoubtedly been on way more longer car trips, quick runs to the store, or commutes than many of the teens learning to drive, and you've subconsciously noticed many of the driving habits of others. This will actually make it easier to figure out how to drive! Think about all the things you've noticed that are good and bad habits in other drivers, and try to apply that knowledge to your own driving. In addition, you're probably far more familiar with the streets and directions of your city than teens, which means you'll have an easier time getting around! These are just a few reasons why you should strongly consider learning to drive, even if you're well out of your teenage years.   Image via Flickr by Nicolas Alejandro

Asian fusion is quickly becoming one of the most popular food types in cities across the States, and for good reason. Taking the best of Asian cuisine and melding it with other flavors, Asian fusion creates a delicious mix of two distinct cooking styles. Luckily, this delectable blend of Asian and Western styles has come to Columbia. We've listed our top four favorite Asian fusion restaurants in Columbia so you can plan your next night out! more Takosushi Takosushi is interesting because their menu includes both traditional style Japanese cuisine with more Asian fusion style options. This makes Takosushi the perfect compromise if you or your dining partner want to stick with traditional Japanese sushi while the other wants to try something new. Most of Takosushi's fusion options are based on Southwest flavors, which adds an extra level of interest to their food. First-time restaurant goers should definitely try the Southwest tuna tartare, tilapia ceviche, and the yasai roll. Takosushi is open for both lunch and dinner. Tao Asian Fusion Cuisine and Bar With an emphasis on fresh cuisine, Tao Asian Fusion Cuisine and Bar is popular in the Columbia area. Blending Chinese and Japanese styles of cooking, Tao has distinctive dishes from the two different culinary traditions. The restaurant offers both lunch and dinner options, plus dishes specifically designed to be big enough for couples to split, making this a great date choice. Tao's sushi lineup is excellent, with rolls like the crystal roll, signature roll, and angry lobster roll that are sure to please even the pickiest sushi eaters. In addition, there are non-sushi dishes, like Szechuan shredded pork and pineapple fried rice. M Grille M Grille is an upscale establishment with stunning modern decor and a fantastic menu. It's a favorite destination for a date night or a special occasion with friends. M Grille emphasizes wild, organic ingredients in its food. The restaurant offers a range of different foods, from sushi to soup to salad to steak. M Grille blends Eastern and Western culinary traditions to create a richly textured menu. There's a lot to choose from at M Grille, but some must-tries include their seared diver scallops, honey brined southern chicken, za jan noodles, and salmon berry sushi roll. Reservations for dinner are recommended, but M Grille also has a great lunch menu if you're looking for a more casual dining experience. Publico Kitchen and Tap Publico Kitchen and Tap takes flavors from both Latin American and Asian cuisine to create a unique yet utterly delicious melding of styles. There's a full menu at this trendy restaurant, plus tons of craft beers to choose from. Publico is a popular spot for fun nights with friends. Publico specializes in fusion tacos, with seafood, vegetarian, and meat options available, but there's plenty more to choose from. Popular menu items include the poke tacos, spicy tuna roll burrito, and bulgogi beef ramen. These four Asian fusion restaurants should be the perfect way to get you started on your next culinary adventure in Columbia!   Image via Flickr by Harald Groven

The 2017 Forte5 is a stylish upgrade to the previous models. While those previous models are already popular among smaller families, the 2017 Kia Forte5 has tons of new features that families will love. The Forte5 is a standout in the hatchback market, and we've listed 5 reasons why your family with love the new Kia Forte5. more Blind Spot Monitoring With Lane Assist This feature has been attracting a ton of buzz in the auto industry, and for good reason. Blind spot monitoring with lane assist is the newest "must have" in vehicle safety, and it makes driving in both the city and on the highway far easier and safer, especially if you're hauling your family around. This integrated system warns drivers if the car begins to drive out of its lane without the turn signals on, which is remarkably handy, especially if you're distracted by little ones or you're tired from a long trip. Plus, this safety feature also alerts drivers of traffic in their blind spot with both lights and, if the turn signal is activated, beeping. Sporty and Practical The Forte5 is the sportier sister of the Forte sedan, both in performance and design. The vehicle is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four cylinder engine that gets more-than-respectable pickup and will get your family from point A to point B with plenty of style and speed. This engine is hooked up to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission that will provide a smooth yet powerful drive. While there is a sportier tilt to the Forte5, it still maintains plenty of practical aspects, such as its spacious back seats and plenty of cargo room. Infotainment Replication Using either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, the Forte5 replicates your phone's capabilities on its 7-inch infotainment touch screen. This allows drivers to send and receive text messages and phone calls hands-free, reducing driver distraction. This is very important for parents who need to keep in touch with their families, but also not put themselves or their passengers in danger. It's also popular for parents who are teaching their teens to drive, since teens are notoriously easily distracted by calls and texts. Quiet Interior A whisper-quiet interior makes the Forte5 the ideal choice for parents with little ones who like to sleep on long and short car rides. With special engineering and meticulously chosen materials, the Forte5 is an impressively quiet car, whether you're just taking a cruise around the block or speeding down the highway. Small Touches There is a multitude of small touches that make the Forte5 the ultimate small-family vehicle. Car seats are easily fit into the back seat area, thanks to larger doors, and the cargo hold has more than enough room for sports equipment or luggage. The interior mats are a snap to clean down, and the stylish interior is fun for kids and adults alike. Hands-free operation and access make it easy to get in and out of the car without juggling keys as well as kids and bags. These are just 5 reasons why your family will love the new 2017 Kia Forte5. Image by James Case, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

Buying a new car is a big commitment that you should take seriously. If you don't spend some time thinking about what matters most to you, then you may regret buying the car you choose. Before you head to a Kia dealership, consider how these three factors will affect your decision. Keeping them in mind should help you choose a Kia vehicle that meets your needs perfectly. How Much Money You Want to Spend When most people start to think about buying a new car, they wonder how much money they will need to spend on the vehicle. Kia gives you a lot of price options. The 2017 Kia Rio starts at just $14,165 while the 2017 Kia K900 starts at $49,900. Find a price that fits your budget and doesn't put too much financial pressure on your bank account. Of course, you need to think about more than the car's price before you decide. If you plan to get a loan to buy your new car, then you should compare interest rates. You also need to get price quotes from several insurance companies. These factors contribute to the total price of your car. more What Features You Want Kia includes a range of features in its vehicles. Some of those features may appeal to you. Others may not seem very important. It makes sense for you to look at a variety of vehicles to determine which ones have the features that matter to you. Drivers who want the latest technology in their cars should consider cars like the 2017 Kia K900 Luxury. It comes with a 17-speaker, 900-watt audio system that includes HD Radio, an external amplifier, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Buying the K900 Luxury also means that you get the latest safety technology like a surround view monitor, front and rear camera, blind spot detection system, lane departure warning system, and rear cross-traffic alert. In other words, it comes loaded with just about anything you could want. Whether You Want a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle Kia makes three hybrid vehicles and one electric car. If you want to lower your emissions without giving up the advantages of owning a gas-fueled vehicle, then you should consider buying the Optima Hybrid, Optima Plug-In Hybrid, or Niro. A lot of buyers like the Niro because they want the luxury of an SUV and the efficiency of a hybrid. Not many auto manufacturers offer that combination. Electric vehicles have limited ranges compared to gas-powered cars, but many people don't mind as long as they can finish their daily errands without getting stranded on the side of the road. The Soul EV has a 93-mile range that most drivers will find more than suitable for their needs. With the 2017 Soul EV, you also get a spacious interior that's perfect for families. Each driver wants something slightly different from his or her car. Considering what you want ahead of time will make it easier for you to compare vehicles when you test drive them. Come to the dealership prepared so you can choose a vehicle that you love. Image via Flickr by Ceiling

Soda City is an open-air market that takes place on Main Street every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market has dozens of vendors that sell a diverse range of items. Having so many options makes Soda City Market one of the best places to shop in Columbia. If you haven't visited before, though, you could feel a bit overwhelmed by the experience. Try these three approaches to exploring everything the market offers. Wander Through the Market Wandering aimlessly gives you a great way to discover new things at Soda City Market. Show up with nothing but your curiosity and a reusable bag. As you make your way through the aisles and tents, you'll find interesting vendors selling local produce, clothes, health products, and much more. You should enter the market without any expectations if you intend to wander. Treat it like a walk in the wood. You never know what you will find. Just keep your eyes open for things that you find interesting. more Talk to the Vendors No one knows Soda City Market better than the vendors who sell their products every Saturday morning. Most of the farmers and merchants enjoy talking to shoppers. Give them a few minutes of your time to learn more about the items they sell. You may discover that one of the local farmers specializes in organic meats or hard-to-find vegetables. The grocery store doesn't have nearly as much diversity as Soda City, so take your time to learn about everything the farmers have to sell. If you want to find a certain type of item, talk to the vendors about where you can find it. Everyone at the market knows that they thrive when they work together as a community. If one vendor doesn't have what you want, the person running the booth probably won't mind talking to you about other places to look. It doesn't hurt to show your appreciation by purchasing something that a helpful vendor has for sale. Visit During a Soda City Event Soda City Market hosts events throughout the year. If you're new to the market, then you might want to visit during one of these events. There is a good chance that one of the 2017 events will pique your interest. Soda City Market already has several events planned. Some appealing options include Soda City Crit, which includes a 5K race; Fitness Fest that will introduce you to healthy lifestyle choices as well as exercise options like yoga and jogging; and Oktoberfest, an annual event that celebrates the fall harvest and locally crafted beers. Check the Soda City Market Facebook page to stay updated on the latest events. The market posts more information on Facebook than it does on its website. Soda City Market gives you a chance to meet Columbia area residents who have a passion for local produce, art, and health. It's more than a place to shop. It's a social event that will start your Saturday morning in a fun, healthful way. Image via Flickr by gmtbillings