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America's top-selling truck is back again to maintain its place at the head of the pack. The 2020 Ford F-150 is stronger and more equipped than ever to give you everything you need to tackle your work and play. Here are a few reasons why the new F-150 is the truck to beat this year: Built Ford Tough The 2020 Ford F-150 brings the same high level of reliability the model has been known for. It has an impressive array of engine options that let you choose the perfect level of power for your needs, all the way up to the 450-horsepower turbocharged V-6 that packs 510 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission is built to last and offers seamless shifts that keep your ride smooth. Choose between multiple drive modes to tell your pickup how to tackle the road conditions ahead. If you're looking for an off-road-ready pickup, opt for the F-150 Raptor. Everything that went into the 2020 F-150 was designed to make it one of the toughest pickups on the market, thanks to Ford engineering. more Strong and Smart Not only does the Ford F-150 give you enough strength to take on your hardest days at work, but it also has access to an impressive array of smart tech that enhances every drive. The dashboard-mounted touch-screen display lets you perform thousands of tasks, through programs such as Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Ford+Alexa. The available 360-degree camera lets you see all around your truck to make navigating through tight spots a breeze. These features show us that the F-150 is both brawn and brains. Towing Gear If you're looking for a truck that can tow, you're in good hands with the 2020 F-150. Properly equipped, the F-150 can handle up to 13,200 pounds — perfect for hauling to the worksite or taking a boat out for the weekend. The F-150 also comes with plenty of gear to help you maintain ultimate control over your trailer. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist system helps you guide your trailer where you want it to go. The trailer brake controller makes stopping with a trailer less stressful. These are just a few of the ways Ford makes towing easier than ever. Driver-Assist Tech The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assist technologies helps you stay on the lookout for dangerous situations on the road. The Blind Spot Information System lets you know when it's safe to change lanes, even with a trailer. The lane-keeping system helps you stay on the straight and narrow. Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking looks out for potential collision ahead and will even apply the truck's brakes for you if you dont' do so in time. These technologies are just a few of the ways Ford focuses on keeping you, your passengers, and your truck as safe as possible while you navigate the world around you. Come see our team at Lenoir City Ford to test-drive your perfect F-150 today. See for yourself why America's top-selling truck is perfect for both your work and your play. Image via Ford.com

Looking for some fun and exciting things to do in Knoxville, Tennessee, with the family? You're in luck — there are plenty of great spots in town that the whole family will enjoy. Visit some of these awesome places to have a great day with the kids. Zoo Knoxville Zoo Knoxville is a great way to let the kids explore nature. This world-class zoo has a huge variety of animals — from giraffes and elephants to baboons and red pandas. Letting your kids find a new furry, feathery, or scaly friend to observe is easy with all the species that call this zoo home. The zoo also holds events for Christmas, Halloween, and other holidays for animal lovers to come and watch. Zoo Knoxville is constantly making improvements and working toward its goal of protecting as many animals as possible, especially the world's endangered species. more World's Fair Park If you want to dive into history or find something a little different to do with the kids, the World's Fair Park is the perfect place for you. This location was where the 1982 World's Fair was held, and now it serves as a popular getaway destination. The beautifully maintained historic site has many fun things to see, including a giant Rubik's Cube, performances throughout the year, an amphitheater, and more. Make sure to keep an eye on the schedule of events to find something that interests you and your kids. West Town Mall Shop until you drop at the West Town Mall. This amazing shopping center has over 100 shops, from American Eagle to Zumiez. Stop by the food court to eat at one of a variety of restaurants to refuel for your day. Stop by Build-A-Bear to let your kids make a new friend. Ijams Nature Center If you're looking for something fun to do on a nice day, pay a visit to Ijams Nature Center. There are a great many opportunities to let the kids get in touch with nature, as well as some fun activities to make the day even cooler. Get out on the water at Mead's Quarry. Let younger kids explore the play area at Jo's Grove. Go hiking, biking, and kayaking, too. Ijams is a popular Knoxville spot to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. Muse Get your kids excited about science at the Muse. This is a science museum specifically designed to ignite children's imaginations about how the world around them works. They won't realize they're learning as they explore the many interactive exhibits Muse offers. Explore the stars at the planetarium, create new inventions and works of art at the Make Space, and learn about acoustics at the Sound Play exhibit. If you want a museum experience for your kids that they will love, visiting Muse is a great option. Getting out and enjoying the day with the kids in Knoxville is easy — the hard part is choosing where to go first. Any of these fun destinations are sure to please the young ones, and you might even have a good time yourself. Image via Pixabay.com

The moment you pay for your car, you are making a long term investment. You count on it for your daily commute and fun road trips. It relies on you to keep it running for as long as possible. There are several things you can do to help extend the life of your car's engine. Regular Maintenance Regular maintenance is the most important thing you can do for your engine. Change your oil on time. Do not ignore the mileage on the sticker from your mechanic. By changing your oil regularly, you keep the internal workings of the engine lubed up and ready for the road. You may change your oil at home or call a local shop to have a professional do it. Another part of routine care is checking on your fluids and filters. If your fluids are low, refill them. As you change your oil, change the oil filter. You may also want to check on your fuel filter and see if it is dirty. Changing these filters helps the fluids work through the engine better. Check and change your air filter if it is dirty. It helps your engine breathe and stay cool during long trips. more Drive Carefully Do your best to limit the number of quick reactions while driving. When you stop quickly, you put stress on the engine. Avoid racing and other stressful driving habits. If your daily commute includes stop and go traffic from the time you leave your house, look for an alternative route or consider mass transit. The constant stop and go traffic adds stress to your engine that reduces its lifespan. Let It Warm Up Cold weather does not just make life miserable for humans, it also beats up your vehicle. Before leaving for work, turn your car on and let it run. As it warms, clear the snow or ice from your windshield. By the time the windshield is clean, it is safe to drive. However, you must ease the car into your drive. Give it about fifteen minutes once you hit the road before you start driving at highway speeds. Do Not Ignore Your Check Engine Light If your check engine light comes on, your car is trying to tell you something. Do not ignore the light. Make an appointment to get your vehicle looked at as soon as possible. Even if the problem is minor, letting it go will only cause more damage to your engine. A Trustworthy Mechanic Your mechanic is an essential factor in determining the lifespan of your engine. Find one you trust. Ask friends and family for their recommendations. Talk to them about your vehicle and make sure you are comfortable with their answers. A good mechanic is forthcoming with any potential problems and the costs to fix them. Do not be afraid to speak with a few different garages before choosing your mechanic. Share this information with all of the car owners you know. Get the most out of your investment by taking care of it. Don't be afraid to call for professional assistance when needed. Image via Pixabay.com

Thrift stores are great places to shop for yourself and your family. Young people just starting out on their own can also find a variety of housewares and furniture at budget-friendly prices. If you're looking for some thrift stores, Lenoir City, Tennessee, has many good options. Goodwill Goodwill stores use their profits to help people in the community find jobs. The stores are divided into sections so thrifty shoppers can easily search the inventory. Check Goodwill for baby clothes, especially those for young babies, who are constantly growing. Goodwill has a good selection of onesies and other outfits. The furniture section is a great place for college students or people moving out on their own for the first time to look. The electronics section often features movies and shows that have long since disappeared from television. The books cover any subject and offer a pleasant escape from the electronic world. If you are wondering how a piece of clothing looks, step into the dressing room and try it on before you leave. Bring a friend or family member with you for another opinion on your new outfit. more Good Neighbors Shoppe The Good Neighbors Shoppe is on Leeper Parkway in Lenoir City. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday for shopping and donation drop-off. Bargain hunters check here for gently used clothing and shoes. You may also find some interesting books or antiques in the store, as well as home goods and furniture. Check the selection of collectibles to finish your collection. Proceeds from the store go to a variety of local charities and organizations in Loudon County. Loudon County Habitat Home Store The Loudon County Habitat Home Store, or ReStore, is located at 303 Simpson Road E. near the Burger King off Highway 321. It's open Tuesday through Saturday. This is the perfect store to find the finishing touch for any home project. These locations often have extra items from former Habitat builds. Some also include toys and housewares. The ReStore accepts donations for future builds. Some of the items you can donate to the ReStore include construction pieces such as tile, flooring, lighting, toilets, and much more. it also accepts donations of clean, gently used linens and clothing. Any electronics or appliances must include all pieces and must work. KARM Thrift Store The Knox Area Rescue Mission (KARM) Thrift Store is on Highway 321 North. The store is open six days a week for shopping and donation drop-off and is closed on Sunday. The store's profits support the work of the Rescue Mission. These men and women go out into the community and work with individuals. They also collect coats during the winter and offer warm meals when needed. Bring your friends or family with you as you shop. They can serve as both your fashion consultant and a helpful hand when loading larger purchases. If you are shopping for someone specific, bring him or her with you so you can see if a potential buy is a good choice before leaving the store. Image via Pixabay by angelsover

It's bound to happen. No matter how careful you are, your windshield is going to break. If you notice a small crack or something more significant in your windshield, you need to address it right away. There are several things you can do right after your windshield breaks to minimize or repair the damage. Pull Over Safely The first step after your windshield breaks is getting to safety. Flying debris from other vehicles or bridges can seriously damage your vehicle. Slow down and find a safe location to pull over. Call the police if you suspect someone throwing something from a bridge that caused the damage. They are going to need to take pictures and talk to you about what happened. more Determine If You Can Drive Safely Once you are in a safe location, take a minute for yourself. Are you okay to drive? After you check on yourself, it's time to check on your car. If you have a pair of thick gloves, you may want to put them on before getting out. Be careful if you have open-toed shoes or sandals on, small shards of glass may have fallen from your car after your windshield broke. Take a good look at the break. Is it in your direct line of sight? If it is out of your line of sight, you might be able to drive home. How large is it? Small chips and cracks caused by flying debris often allow you to drive home safely. However, if it is a large crack or one caused by an accident, driving is not recommended. Document the Break After looking at the damage to your vehicle, take pictures of it. This is especially important if you were involved in an accident. Document everything you can about the incident. Write down everything that happened or record a voice memo on your phone. If your insurance company has questions or needs to see the damage, you can provide them with everything they need. Clean Up the Glass Clean up the glass as soon as possible. Wear gloves while cleaning up the glass to avoid being cut by any small shards. If you have a vacuum in your vehicle, use it on your seats. You can clear the glass from the outside of your car with a wet napkin. Call for Professional Help After cleaning up the mess and determining if you can drive home, call for professional help. You'll want to make this call as soon as possible. Some glass shops travel to your home or office to make the repair or replacement easier. If it is not safe to drive your vehicle, call a towing company. Have them take you to the nearest glass repair shop. Do not try to drive your car if you cannot see clearly out of the windshield.  This poses a significant safety risk for you and your fellow drivers. Have a glass shop come to you or have the vehicle towed to a repair shop before driving it again. Image via Pixabay.com by kalhh

The definition of comfort food changes depending on who you ask. In general, comfort food is considered to be warm, stick-to-your-ribs food that often brings up memories of the past. Lenoir City, Tennessee, has many delicious restaurants that create these yummy meals designed to fill your stomach and transport you back in time. Aubrey's Aubrey's is an excellent destination for comfort food in Lenoir City. They are open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. There are different specials Monday through Saturday. Sunday is trivia day for those who want to have some fun while enjoying a delicious meal. The menu features house specialties like the buttermilk fried chicken which is double battered then deep-fried. Once it is on the plate, they add a thick layer of white gravy on top.  Another specialty is the North Carolina catfish with a lemon caper sauce.  All of the specialties come with one side. more Aubrey's also offers a variety of stick-to-your-ribs pasta dishes. One is the seafood pasta, which adds shrimp, Pacific white fish, sugar snap peas, and red onion to bow tie pasta. A delicious cream sauce finishes the dish. Another pasta option is the rattlesnake pasta with a base of linguini. The southwestern spiced Alfredo sauce covers grilled chicken, spinach, and green peppers.  Save room for desserts, including the chocolate turtle cake or peppermint patty ice cream pie. Maple Street Biscuit Company Comfort food is not just for dinner. The Maple Street Biscuit Company in nearby Knoxville creates breakfast and brunch comfort food dishes. They are open six days a week and are closed on Sunday.  The menu features several biscuit dishes.  The Farmer is a flaky biscuit with all-natural chicken, bacon, and homemade apple butter. The Garden Egg is a biscuit with house-made collard greens, a fried egg, and a splash of hot sauce. They also have house-made vanilla waffles topped with honey butter. For a comforting lunch, try the Smokey Mountain mac 'n' cheese. It features three different types of cheese topped with a crunchy cheese cracker crumble. Pair your dish with a steaming cup of coffee for a complete comfort meal. Petro's Chili and Chips Add some spice to your comfort food with a stop at Petro's Chili and Chips on Highway 321. The menu includes the mouthwatering Petro. This dish, served in a bowl, is a layered meal with a little bit of everything. The base is a layer of either pasta or corn chips followed by chili, cheese, tomatoes, green onions, and sour cream. You have the option of adding jalapenos or black olives to finish off the bowl. They also have baked potatoes, hot dogs, and family take-out meals. Finish your meal with a delicious homemade chocolate chip cookie. Don't forget to ask your friends and family to join you for lunch or dinner at these locations. It is a great time to introduce new foods and swap stories over a warm, family-friendly meal. Leave your phone in the car so you can focus on each other during the meal. Image via Flickr by Naotake Murayama under use of CC BY 2.0

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains with an outdoor adventure. Known as the "Land of the Noonday Sun" by the Cherokee nation, this parkland lies in the mountains and valleys of southwestern North Carolina. It encompasses more than 530,000 acres of glorious wilderness waiting to be explored. From a scenic train ride to whitewater rafting, here are four fun things to do in the Nantahala National Forest. Go Pitch a Tent There's nothing quite like sleeping under the stars at one of America's best national parks. Nantahala offers a variety of recreational area campsites and cabins. Whether you enjoy the solitude of a backcountry campsite or the convenience of indoor plumbing for you and your family, pitch a tent or park an RV at one of many assigned spots. Well-appointed Balsam Lake Lodge is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and sits near a fishing pond. Why not rough-it this year at Hurricane Creek Horse and Primitive Campground? Located in the midst of a multitude of trails, this site is set up for the equestrian camper with stalls, a vault toilet, and fire rings. Hop on the designated horse trails directly from this camp. more Head Off the Beaten Path With over 1,600 miles of trails, Nantahala offers plenty of opportunities for hikers, mountain bikers, and horse-back riders to get off the beaten path. For many outdoor enthusiasts, exploring a trail is the best way to enjoy the country's national forests. This park touts a variety of opportunities awaiting you, from short, easy walks to multi-day trips. Start with the Big Fat Gap Trailhead or try a long-distance backpacking adventure as you'll find on the Bartram Trail TR67. Take a Train Ride All aboard the Nantahala Gorge Excursion. Ride alongside the scenic Nantahala River on a real train. This four and a half hour journey departs from the Bryson City Depot and heads 44 miles to the Nantahala Gorge and back again. Cross Fontana Lake via the historic Fontana Trestle bridge on either a diesel or a steam locomotive. Arrive at the Nantahala Outdoor Center for a one-hour layover, then relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing. The trains are ready and waiting on the tracks now through the end of October. Experience the Thrill of Whitewater Rafting Embark on a fully-guided whitewater tour of the Nantahala River. Covering 8 miles in just over 3 hours, this beginner level rafting trip is a popular way to experience fun rapids under the watchful eye of an experienced professional. Have a great time with this trip's delightful mountain scenery and crystal-clear waters of the spectacular Nantahala Gorge. Rafters over seven years of age will travel through bouncing waves, splash along fast currents, and soak up the beauty of the surrounding forest during the occasional calm spots. Visitors to the Nantahala National Forest enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities. From a wilderness hike to a thrilling backpacking adventure, there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Image via Flickr by Razvan Orendovici under use of CC BY 2.0

The fully redesigned 2020 Ford Explorer offers improved handling, a lineup of peppy engines, and a long list of impressive standard safety and technology features. With your choice of four trim levels, which one is right for you? Let's review each variant of the new Explorer SUV so you can pick the best one for this adventure called life. The Base XLT One of the main differences between the Explorer trim levels is the standard powertrain. The base XLT features a 300-horsepower four-cylinder engine and standard rear-wheel drive. It comes outfitted with cloth upholstery, second-row captain's chairs featuring power-assist fold, a power liftgate, and a 50/50 split third-row bench seat. Added comfort features include tri-zone automatic climate control, and push-button, remote start. You'll appreciate Ford's advanced SYNC 3 infotainment system, complete with an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two front-row USB ports, plus two second-row ports. There's the convenience of an integrated Wi-Fi hot spot, satellite radio, and a variety of safety features including Ford's MyKey safe driving system, Co-Pilot360, and rear parking sensors. more The Mid-Range Limited Add a touch of class to your daily grind with the Explorer Limited. It boasts genuine leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, heated front and second-row seats, ventilated, 10-way power-adjustable front seat, and power-folding third-row seats. A hands-free liftgate and power-folding mirrors are also included with the mid-range Limited variant. Get a slew of technology upgrades at this trim level, including a coveted 12-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system, wireless device charging, and a household-style power outlet. Plenty of additional safety features come with this trim, too. You'll get the added protection of a 360-degree parking camera, rain-sensitive windshield wipers, front parking sensors, plus Co-Pilot360 Assist+. This suite of active safety features offers adaptive cruise control, stop-and-go capability, street sign recognition, lane keeping assistant, evasive steering assist, and voice-activated navigation. The backbone of the Explorer's sporty ST is the lively 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine. The previous generation's Sport variant, this athletic trim generates 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque to take you wherever your busy life leads. With attractive black exterior styling elements, sport seats, and perforated leather upholstery, the ST stands out from the pack. Head off the beaten path with the ST's sport-tuned suspension, four-wheel drive, and a class III tow package. The Range-Topping Platinum The top-of-the-line Platinum edition builds on all the added niceties of the Limited trim. It combines premium tri-diamond perforated leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, and a large, twin-panel moonroof. Techies will love the 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment center with familiar pinch and zoom capability. Get the complete driver assistance package from Ford with this trim, including adaptive headlights and parallel and perpendicular parking active park assist. The Platinum is outfitted with four-wheel drive, a tow package, and front and rear skid plates. The 2020 Ford Explorer does a lot of things well, from its comfortable interior to its high-performance capabilities. Test drive your favorite trim at a Ford showroom near you. Image by Ford.com

Fall is the ideal time of year to spend time under the sun. Get outside and enjoy yourself at one of these great places near Lenoir City, Tennessee. Deep Well Farm Load up the kids and head to Deep Well Farm at 9567 U.S. 11 East for an exciting outdoor adventure that's terrific for the whole family. Visit the resident animals, including pigs, ducks, chickens, goats, sheep, donkey, cows, and miniature horses. Play on the stationary tractor, slides, and rope wall. Throughout October, browse the patch and find the perfect pumpkin for carving, get lost in the corn maze, and climb aboard the hay wagon for a ride around the farm. Get into all three attractions for one low package price of just $18. Don't forget to pack a lunch and have a picnic at the pavilion, then go for a stroll around the duck pond. At Deep Well Farm, there's plenty of room to run and play. more Denjo Stables Horse lovers are invited to spend the day in the saddle at Denjo Stables. Located at 15342 Hotchkiss Valley Road East in nearby Loudon, this full-service equestrian facility offers English or Western riding lessons and family-fun adventure rides. Each lesson works with the rider's experience and confidence level in mind. Denjo Stables even offers equine and farm day enrichment study classes for homeschooled students. Head out on a five-hour trek through Lone Mountain State Forest on Oct. 5, 2019. Lone Mountain is one of Tennessee's most prominent mountains, rising over 1,000 feet. Rider's seven and up will journey to the overlook, then enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to the barn. The Lenoir City Cotton Mill Why not explore the historic site of the Lenoir City Cotton Mill? Built in the early 1820s to manufacture cotton yarn, the mill once served as a civil-war era general store and a flour mill, which operated until the 1950s. It's one of the earliest remaining examples of industrial architecture in the area. The Lenoir Cotton Mill Association worked tirelessly since the 1980s to stabilize and restore what's left of this fascinating structure. It has even survived an arson attempt in 1991 and is now a prime destination on the "walking tour" of Lenior City. It's located just off U.S. Route 1, near the corner of Depot and South Hill Streets downtown. Tellico Reservoir and Dam Get outside and spend the day at Tellico Reservoir and Dam. This lake covers 16,000 acres and provides guests with 357 miles of shoreline. Launch your boat from one of two ramps or fish from the shore. Kayakers will enjoy a relaxing 11-mile float down TellicoBlueway or take your adventure overland on one of the area's many year-round hiking trails including the East Lakeshore Trail, a recently designated National Recreation Trail or the quick, two-mile Beach Trail. Get outdoors today at any one of these fun and exciting destinations. From hiking to exploring a historic site, there's something for everyone to see and do. Image via Flickr by Five Furlongs under use of CC BY-ND 2.0

Are you in the market for a new SUV? Ford offers up several highly competitive options, including the EcoSport and the Escape. Let's put these two crossovers side-by-side and compare all of their most appealing features. Who will come out on top? Let's find out. Does Size Really Matter? Ford's latest subcompact SUV is making big waves in the crossover market. The 2019 EcoSport represents a new era for this American automaker, as it moves away from the classic sedan into the dawn of tiny SUVs. Its compact size is one of its strongest attributes, making it easier to drive and park. It's very appealing to motorists that want the versatility of an SUV, in a smaller package. But will its diminutive stature push other shoppers toward its sibling the Escape? While the 2019 Escape isn't the largest SUV on the road, it's noticeably bigger than the EcoSport. One enormous benefit of a larger SUV is the cargo space. The Escape offers urban adventurers a whopping 68 cubic feet of cargo capacity to work with. Compared to the EcoSport's 50 cubic feet, that's enough room for an entire person's set of luggage or a tent and sleeping bag. more The Proof is in the Power While horsepower may not be your sole determining factor when purchasing a compact crossover, the Escape comes out on top when it comes to performance. Powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the Escape's standard 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque have the upper hand over the smaller EcoSport. Its 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder motor is good for 123 horses and 125 pound-feet of torque. Available Passenger Room If you're a modern urbanite, interior space might not be tops on your list, either. The EcoSport seats five passengers across two rooms. While there's plenty of room in the front row, the back seat offers limited legroom and is best suited for the occasional carpool duty or friend's night out. The driver's seat is positioned high for excellent visibility, and power-adjustable seats are optional. The new Escape also seats five. However, its interior passenger room is better suited for full-time use, with a spacious rear seat. This configuration is an ideal choice for growing families, thanks to two sets of LATCH child car seat connectors. Its hushed cabin is attractive, and the comfortable seats ride well on road trips to grandma's house. Technology Package Ford equipped the Escape with the connectivity of its standard SYNC infotainment system. The voice-activated 4.2-inch display screen, USB port, and a six-speaker stereo are all included with the base package. The EcoSport features a similar SYNC technology system, including the same display and radio, with the addition of a second USB port. Ford's technology is highly acclaimed for its responsive touchscreen and easy to navigate menus. Head to your local dealership today and put these two SUVs in a head-to-head competition of your own. Regardless of the model one you drive home, you'll get Ford-built quality, every time. Which one will you choose? Image via Flickr by RL GNZLZ under use of CC BY-SA 2.0