One of the best things about buying a brand new car is not having to stress about breakdowns and costly repairs. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to worry about taking your car into the dealership at all. There are several important maintenance services that your Kia requires to keep it running at its best and to protect your warranty. The 15,000-mile service is the first significant tuneup your Kia will require. Read on to learn what Kia’s 15,000-mile service package will include.

Oil Change

It’s recommended to change your Kia’s oil every 3,750 miles, so when it’s time for your 15,000 mile service, your car will be ready for its fourth lifetime oil change. Engine oil lubricates the moving parts of your car’s engine, and it’s important to replace it regularly to ensure that the oil is clean and lubricating properly. This simple maintenance task goes a long way to keeping your car running smoothly and maximizing its lifespan. Read the rest of this entry »

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If you live near Orangeburg, South Carolina, you are fortunate to live in one of the premier outdoor areas of the United States. The region is known for its hunting parks and open policies, and dog-friendly attractions are easy to find.

Edisto Memorial Gardens

Located in the city limits of Orangeburg, just four blocks from the city center on US Highway 301, the Edisto Memorial Gardens is a can’t miss attraction for pets and owners alike. Visitors come from all over the country to view over 57 varieties of roses. The Horne Wetland Park, with its 2,600 foot boardwalk, is the crown jewel of the gardens. The main path follows the Edisto River, one of the longest blackwater rivers in the United States.

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Music fans in Columbia, South Carolina, are lucky. With venues ranging from the enormous 18,000-seat Colonial Life Arena to more intimate venues like USC’s Koger Center for the Arts and Music Farm, as well as an annual state fair that has attracted such diverse acts as The Roots, Miranda Lambert, and Gladys Knight, there is no shortage of big-name musicians to catch in this charming South Carolina city. Here are some of the performances you shouldn’t miss this fall.

Rock Out With Lynyrd Skynyrd and Alabama at the State Fair

Classic rock fans will relish the opportunity to see Southern rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd and Alabama this October at the South Carolina State Fair. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s lineup will include original member Gary Rossington as well as Johnny Van Zant, younger brother of original singer and founder Ronnie Van Zant. For Alabama, the fair will be the end cap to their 2016 “Southern Drawl” tour — and if their nearly sold-out 2015 tour is any indication, it’s not a performance you’ll want to miss.

Lynyrd Skynyrd will be playing Friday, October 14 at 7 p.m., and Alabama takes the stage on Wednesday, October 19 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the Friday show are $30, while the Alabama concert on Wednesday will run you $40. Tickets to either include admission to the fair, which is typically $10, so head to the fairgrounds before the show to enjoy the attractions and get the most bang for your buck.

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Just because summer is coming to an end in Orangeburg doesn’t mean fun activities around town are also stopping. As the weather begins to cool, head out and enjoy some of these excellent fall activities in and around Orangeburg.

1. Orangeburg County Fair

Celebrate the Orangeburg County Fair from Oct. 3 to 9. Along with carnival rides, games, and food, you’ll also find performers, livestock shows and competitions, and a craft fair. There are classic rides like the carousel and Ferris wheel, kiddie rides for the little ones, and thrill rides for those looking for a little more excitement. If you need a break from the rides, walk through the barns and check out the cows, goats, sheep, and horses, or relax in one of the pavilions to enjoy live music.

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If you’re looking to save money at the gas pump, a fuel-efficient vehicle is the way to go. Luckily, there are plenty of vehicles from Kia that get great gas mileage. Check out one of these most fuel-efficient 2017 Kia vehicles.

1. Niro

The new Kia Niro marks an exciting step forward in the world of hybrid crossover SUVs. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and small electric motor combine to generate 195 pound-feet of torque and 146 horsepower. This lets you get around 50 mpg in a mixed cycle. To help boost efficiency, the Niro uses new technology called Predictive Energy Control. This system works with the cruise control and navigation systems to detect changes in topography and figure out the best time to charge the battery.

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Sometimes you hear a weird sound coming from your car or see a warning light pop up on your dashboard and you’re not sure if it’s something serious enough to see a mechanic. However, if you notice one of the following warning signs, you need to make an appointment with your mechanic right away.

1. Check Engine Light Comes On

As much as we dread seeing the check engine light come on, it’s actually giving us a chance to take care of engine issues before they become even more severe. The check engine light could signal anything from a faulty gas cap to a failing catalytic converter. If the check engine light is steady, it’s not an emergency; but you still need to see a mechanic as soon as possible. If it’s flashing, you need to have your vehicle looked at immediately so you can avoid extensive engine damage.

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The restaurants around Columbia offer a variety of dining options to satisfy any craving. If you’re in the mood for a good meal, make sure you check out these top restaurants.

1. Solstice Kitchen

With its cozy atmosphere, stylish decor, and sophisticated menu, Solstice Kitchen is the restaurant you go to when you want to impress. The seasonal menu offers soups, starters, and entrées. The wine list is extensive and includes white, pink, red, and sparkling selections. You can’t go wrong with the goat cheese and bacon-tomato confit and pan-seared scallops. You can make reservations for Solstice Kitchen using OpenTable.com.

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When you’re traveling with kids, the activities and places to see are often quite different from what you’d see on a vacation with adults. Check out some of these kid-friendly activities in and around Orangeburg, South Carolina, so everyone in your family can enjoy the trip.

Orangeburg County Aquatic Center

Taking the kids to a swimming pool might seem like a daunting task, but it’s one of the best ways to cool down on a hot day and allow them to burn off some of their extra energy. Located on St. Matthews Road in Orangeburg, the aquatic center has a lazy river, rain drop fall, two slides for all ages, spider spray play area, and a bowl slide. Younger kids will enjoy playing in the tot pool, which also has its own small slide. Read the rest of this entry »

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Parents often have a different set of needs and wants when it comes to buying a new family car. The performance might not be as important as fuel economy, and luxury features often aren’t nearly as high on the priority list as those that add convenience and comfort. There are a number of Kia vehicles that have everything you’ve been looking for in a new car.

Kia Optima

The Optima is a great choice for smaller families since it has plenty of safety features along with extras that make it feel more impressive than other sedans. It also earned the Best Buy Award from kbb.com, and the 2016 model is the fourth generation of the family car. It gets great fuel economy with an EPA estimate of up to 39 mpg on the highway. There are three engine options available beneath the hood of the Optima. Standard safety features include seven airbags, including one at the driver’s knee, hill start assist, and a backup camera. Optional extras are available, such as adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, forward collision alert, and a 360-degree surround view camera.

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Located where the Saluda and Broad Rivers converge to form the Congaree River, Columbia is the capital and largest city in South Carolina. Columbia is a modest sized city, but with its long history and riverfront geography, there is no shortage of interesting activities to enjoy. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, be sure to check out these four must-see Columbia attractions.

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

Pay a visit to this remarkable facility and you’ll quickly realize why it’s a two-time recipient of the Governor’s Cup for South Carolina’s Most Outstanding Tourist Attraction. Featuring over 2,000 animals and 4,200 native and exotic plant species on a 170-acre site, the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is sure to keep visitors enthralled for hours. Don’t miss the award-winning Birdhouse at Riverbanks exhibit, which features three varieties of penguins among several other exotic bird species.

Admission to the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is affordable at $13.95 for adults and $11.50 for children ages 2-12. Discounts are available for military members and senior citizens, and children under two get in free.

Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park

Take in some scenery and history with a visit to the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park. This park is the original site of Columbia’s waterworks and the home of the first-ever electrically operated textile mill. Visitors can stroll along over two miles of scenic riverfront trail while learning about the history of the Columbia Canal, first built in 1824 with the labor of indentured Irish servants. Today, a memorial in the park recognizes the Irish workers who built the canal.

The Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park are located just outside of Columbia’s downtown business district, providing a convenient escape from the bustle of downtown. The park is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and admission is free.

Nickelodeon Theatre

Film buffs won’t want to miss a chance to visit Columbia’s Nickelodeon Theater. Founded in 1979, this nonprofit theater hosts independent films, curated series, and one-off screenings, and is the home of the Indie Grits Film Festival, an annual showcase of area DIY films. Screening attendees can engage in discussions with experts and community members before or after many screenings. The Nickelodeon is also home to the Helen Hill Media Education Center, which offers filmmaking workshops and educational opportunities for adults and children alike.

Ticket prices for the Nick vary, but most screenings are $10. If you’re a Columbia local, consider becoming a member of the Nickelodeon Theater to enjoy exclusive benefits like free tickets, discounted special screenings, and free popcorn.

Congaree National Park

When you need an escape to nature, look no further than Congaree National Park. Located less than 30 minutes from downtown Columbia, this national park is home of the largest expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the country. Visitors to the park can camp, fish, canoe, and kayak, or simply hike and take in the scenery of this unique floodplain forest.

Admission to Congaree National Park is free, and the park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Whether you’re interested in nature, history, wildlife, or the arts, Columbia has something for you.

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