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More than 1,500 rose bushes have been planted at the El Paso Rose Garden, so if you're a rose lover, that's reason enough to visit. However, there are many other reasons to visit this amazing garden right in the heart of El Paso. The Roses As mentioned above, the incredible roses are the main reason to visit the garden. You'll see more than 430 varieties of roses, which are just bursting with color and fragrance. Maintained by the City of El Paso and the El Paso Rose Society since its first 200 bushes were planted in 1958, the garden is truly a city treasure that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. more Volunteer Opportunities The garden offers some of the best volunteer opportunities in the city, and you'll meet several of these volunteers on your visit. They may even inspire you to volunteer yourself! You can become a volunteer Master Gardener by training and becoming certified in horticulture through the Texas Master Gardener Association and join the more than 6,000 Master Gardeners who have contributed over 400,000 hours of time to the garden and other local horticulture projects. You don't have to be a Master Gardener to volunteer at the garden. You can also volunteer to perform various duties around the garden, including pruning, watering, and more. The garden depends on volunteers to keep operating, so consider becoming one to help the community and indulge your own love of roses. Awards The garden has brought home numerous awards from the Texas Master Gardener Association between 2015 and 2018. There have been individual Master Gardener awards, education awards, project awards, and association awards. Certainly, a garden that has won so many awards is worthy of visiting at least once (but we're pretty sure you'll return once you experience the garden's beauty). School Garden Program The Master Gardeners at the rose garden also volunteer their time to give back to the community, many in the form of helping local schools set up gardens on their property. They know that space is at a premium in schools, so they help come up with space-saving solutions to grow herbs, tomatoes, and other vegetables at these schools to teach children about sustainable gardening. Community Assistance The garden also features the Ascarate Teaching and Demonstration Garden, where community members can learn how to grow a variety of vegetables, including asparagus, squash, tomatoes, eggplant, and even loofahs. Master Gardeners hold workshops, presentations, and demonstrations to provide tips and techniques for container gardening, self-watering, and keyhole gardening. What's more is that the garden has used the abundance from the Ascarate Teaching and Demonstration Garden to donate more than two tons of fresh produce to local food banks in El Paso. Its mission of providing assistance to the community is fulfilled in many ways, including teaching people how to garden and providing food to those in need. While the roses are certainly the main attraction of this garden, there is so much more to it than just a bunch of pretty flowers! It's a place where beauty meets function, and you can enjoy the roses as well as participate in activities that help your community. Call or drive over to Fox Toyota of El Paso to learn about other ways to contribute to the city or for more excellent attractions to visit!

As the seasons change and temperatures cool, it's important to prepare your car for the onset of colder weather. There are several steps you can take to prepare for a difficult or dangerous situation when the weather's bad. Browse these four ways you can prepare your car for the colder days ahead. 1. Check Fluids and Top Them Off Your car relies on a number of fluids to work properly. While it's a good idea to keep tabs on all your vehicle's fluids, some are more important than others when the mercury drops. For example: you need to check your vehicle's engine cooling system. Though the system is crucial year-round, it's especially important during cold weather because the antifreeze and water work to prevent corrosion. Ask your dealership to replenish the fluids in the cooling system, because vehicles require a different water-to-antifreeze ratio during cooler weather. more Other important fluids to check include windshield wiper fluid, oil, and brake fluid. Like the fluids in the cooling system, the other liquids in your car may need to be tweaked in anticipation of cold temperatures. When the cold begins to wane, it's a good idea to have the dealership check your fluids again. 2. Test the Heater and Defroster Even if you don't have to contend with snow and ice, it's important to make sure you can keep your vehicle's interior toasty when the wind picks up and the temperatures drop. Evaluate whether the vents are producing a strong air current and if the air is hot enough. Problems with these important systems usually require the skills of an expert mechanic. To prevent yourself from being left in the cold, you want to check these systems before the coldest weather blows into town. 3. Swap Out Your Windshield Wiper Blades In many regions, cold weather brings rain, sleet, ice, and snow. Even if you aren't expecting the worst kinds of weather, you need to at least be prepared for rain, so it's smart to change out your windshield wiper blades. Because downpours can happen at any time of year, set a schedule for changing your blades at least twice a year. This helps you achieve maximum visibility so you can stay safe when the roads are slick. Another way to improve visibility is to treat your windshield with a product that repels water. 4. Check Your Tires for Wear and Correct Pressure Having the right tire pressure enables you to achieve better traction when you drive in adverse conditions. Your vehicle's ideal tire pressure is listed in the owner's manual or on a sticker inside the driver's side door. If you can't find it, your dealership can make sure your tires are properly inflated. When you check tire pressure, also look for signs of wear on your tires. Bald spots, gashes, and tears are signs that you need to get new tires. With the right steps, you can get your car ready for cold weather and reduce the chance that you'll have car trouble. Schedule an appointment today with your trusty service department at Fox Toyota of El Paso to prep for the incoming changes! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Who doesn't love cheesecake? With its smooth and creamy vanilla filling and that sweet, crumbly graham cracker crust, it's both soul-soothing and sociable. Whether it's topped with glazed strawberries or hot fudge, there's always room for cheesecake! Here are the top five places to indulge yourself with a slice of this irresistible concoction right here in El Paso, Texas. The Cake Boutique As the name implies, The Cake Boutique on 5860 N. Mesa St. specializes in delightful desserts like cheesecake. From the original New York style to the decadent Nutella cheesecake, each flavorful bite will tickle your taste buds. This hometown bakery offers a variety of lovely custom cakes for any occasion, and it's well known for its vast selection of gorgeous cupcakes baked daily. more Bella Cora Bakery You like cheesecake, right? Then you've got to try the ones from Bella Cora Bakery at 7500 N. Mesa St. Get your cheesecake, French-style pastries, and croissants right here. Each unique bite melts in your mouth. This award-winning scratch-made bakery led by Pastry Chef Jonathan Bowden even offers classes! Find them on the Westside of town at 7500 N. Mesa St. and on the Eastside at 1830 Joe Battle. Grimaldi's Pizzeria This casual, Brooklyn-based pizzeria at 8889 Gateway Blvd. W. serves up some of the best brick-oven pies in El Paso — plus five yummy flavors of cheesecake. From red velvet to eggnog varieties, no place does dessert quite like the folks at Grimaldi's. Try the traditional cheesecake with crumbled Oreo cookies on an Oreo cookie crust or the creamy vanilla cheesecake with chunks of Reese's peanut butter cups drizzled with chocolate sauce and topped with a dollop of whipped cream. The State Line Bar-B-Q When you think cheesecake, think barbecue too. State Line at 1222 Sunland Park Drive offers a huge, Texas-size cheesecake with a strawberry topping that's too good to pass up. Before you dive into dessert, order one of the family-style meals like the Cadillac that features your choice of five different types of meat, including chicken and beef brisket, plus generous helpings of potato salad, coleslaw, and beans. Why not get a handcrafted cocktail, a bottle of beer, or glass of wine from State Line's extensive list of choices? Julio's Cafe Corona Bar & Restaurant How does Amaretto cheesecake for dessert sound? This one-of-a-kind treat is on the menu at Julio's Cafe at 3630 Joe Battle Blvd. It's a must-try for every cheesecake lover in El Paso. This family-friendly restaurant is a popular stop for all your favorite classic Mexican dishes from tacos and chimichangas to enchiladas and fajitas. They even offer a well-stocked buffet, so stop in for lunch and fill up. Next time you're craving a sweet treat that only a rich, light and airy cheesecake will satisfy, try one of these top local venues. These divinely good cakes come in a wide variety of flavors to suit anyone's taste! No matter where you get your dessert in El Paso, it's going to be delicious! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Whether you're on a date or you're suffering a craving that just won't quit - there's a place open in town to satisfy your hunger. Whether you prefer a sports bar or an upscale eatery, there's something for everyone in this part of Texas! Use this list to discover the best restaurants in El Paso that are open late. Track One If you like a cold beer, great food, and some of the best wings in Texas, head to Track One on 1330 Robert E. Lee Road. This unique, late-night restaurant is made from a combination of three railroad cars. It touts a variety of delicious, hearty menu choices such as the 16-ounce T-bone, the butterflied fried shrimp, the juicy chicken kebabs, plus 14 different sandwiches! Track One has served the community of El Paso since 1972, and they're open every day from 11 a.m. to midnight. more Mesa Street Grill When you're craving a gourmet meal late, head to Mesa Street Grill at 3800 N. Mesa St. This premier fine dining restaurant serves up plenty of signature dishes in a unique upscale dining room. The dinner menu features Atlantic salmon with a butternut puree, a rack of lamb, and a pan-seared duck breast. Why not share a side of lobster mac and cheese, or the loaded, twice-baked potato? Mesa Street Grill also offers an extensive domestic and international wine list. It's open late on Fridays and Saturday until 11 p.m. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse Located at 11905 Gateway Blvd. W. in the Las Palmas shopping center, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse is a terrific sports bar and a popular place for late-night grub. Relax and enjoy a plate of slow-roasted baby back pork ribs. The mandarin-orange-glazed pork chop is quite popular, as is the deep-dish baked ziti. At BJ's you can choose from a handcrafted burger or a tri-tip wedge salad. From appetizers and soups to pasta and sandwiches, there's something for everyone at BJ's Restaurant! It's a great choice when you're in the mood for a fun atmosphere, a terrific selection of handcrafted beer, and some of the best pizza in town. Remember that BJ's is open until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday and until midnight the rest of the week. Village Inn El Paso's Village Inn on 1500 Airway Blvd. is open 24-hours on Friday and Saturday and until 1 a.m. Sundays and during the week. Stop by after a local concert for a hearty helping of scratch-make buttermilk pancakes and sausage or try one of their signature skillets. Breakfast is the kind of meal that's delicious any time of day, and you can enjoy unlimited hot coffee! If you're craving a burger, order one that's freshly grilled. If you're eating on the lighter side, try one of Village Inn's scrumptious made-to-order salads. Enjoy a satisfying plate of good old-fashioned comfort food such as chicken-fried steak or the hearty pot roast. Discover the best late-night restaurants in El Paso tonight. Try one of these four picks to make a new favorite of your own! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Staying in shape can help you prevent illnesses like the flu. It can also give you the extra energy you need to do a great job at work and have fun with your kids. Unfortunately, finding the right gym can be hard. Here are some of the best places to work out and get fit in El Paso, Texas. Hybrid Fitness Hybrid Fitness offers personal training, fitness boot camp programs, online programs, and small group training. The gym is open 24-hours a day, and you can get personal training anytime. Strength training and conditioning classes are on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. They're also on Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. more Fitness Central This place has a variety of fun classes. You can try them for a day at no charge before you sign up. It has classes for yoga, kickboxing, martial arts, power step, body toning, and more. Classes for kids are available as well! It's open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. You can also visit from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Friday and from 8 to 11 p.m. on Saturday. Spectrum Fitness When you sign up with Spectrum Fitness, you'll get two free sessions or a month of free membership. This gym has a holistic approach to exercise. They believe that focusing too much on one type of workout, such as strength training, could lead to injuries or muscle fatigue. Their integrated training programs use flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, resistance, and power training techniques. They'll also monitor your blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), weight, heart rate, and body fat percentage. This place offers physical therapy along with fitness classes, and they have programs for cancer patients and seniors. Visit Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday until noon, or Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon. PUSH Fitness & Athletic Training At PUSH, your entire family can get in shape! This gym offers classes and activities for kids and adults, and they can customize your workout for your goals and fitness level. They have cross-training, personal training, coaching for athletes, and nutritional coaching. You can take a shower after your workout, and child care is available during limited hours. It's open from Monday through Thursday from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday until 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. The BackStreet Gym This gym has quality equipment and customized programs for customers. They offer boxing, spinning, and core classes. You can get a monthly membership or just take classes. Check it out from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday. You can also work out from 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, or from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. At these gyms, you can improve your health, make new friends, and have fun! Staying in shape by exercising regularly can even extend your life. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Boba tea has arrived in El Paso in a big way. If you haven't heard, boba tea — also known as bubble tea or milk tea — is a combination of tea, creamer, your choice of flavor, and the black boba pearls for which the tea is named. Made from tapioca starch extracted from cassava roots, boba adds a chewy texture to these colorful drinks. Here in El Paso, you can sip boba tea at local dessert hotspots and Vietnamese restaurants alike. You can even visit cafes that specialize in bubble tea, where you'll find especially long lists of flavor combinations. Teapioca Lounge If you've never had boba before, Teapioca Lounge is a great place to explore everything the beverage has to offer. Experienced boba drinkers may want to skip directly to the “craft your own tea” part of the menu. Here you can choose your tea base (green, black, oolong, pu-erh, or white), temperature, flavor (including lychee, lemon, lavender, honey, green apple, and rose), sweetness level, and add-ons like tapioca. You can even select Teapioca's boba bursters — colorful, flavored variations on old-fashioned tapioca boba. more Teapioca Lounge takes your boba options a bit further, offering a range of drinks you won't find anywhere else. Their frappioca beverages combine the notion of boba tea with a frozen frappuccino. The red bean matcha frappioca is one of our favorite menu options. Bobaba Located inside Cielo Vista mall, Bobaba specializes in bubble tea. You should know, however, that they call their bubble tea “milk tea.” Like Teapioca, Bobaba has a bit of a DIY vibe. Choose one of their options — original, green, jasmine, oolong, or Thai — milk tea and then add your favorite flavor. Flavor options include sea salt cream, coconut, matcha, taro, and vanilla. For a small fee, you can even sip your bubble tea out of a cool, light bulb-shaped cup. Pho Tre Bien In addition to severing up authentic Vietnamese fare, Pho Tre Bien will quench your thirst for bubble tea. You'll find a range of flavors on the menu, including blueberry, coconut, mango, papaya, pineapple, strawberry, watermelon, taro, honeydew jasmine tea, and coffee. Pho Tre Bien gets our vote in part because of its delicious boba tea options and in part because it's also a great place to grab some grilled shrimp spring rolls and lemongrass beef vermicelli. Habit@T Boba Tea Express Conveniently sandwiched between a Costco and a Target, Habit@t Boba Tea Express helps you get your tapioca fix before your shopping trips. This boba specialist is a favorite among locals, who give its traditional milk teas excellent reviews. It might be the only boba café in town where you can experience authentic flavors like chai, brown rice green tea, and mandarin milk tea. Their taro green milk tea proudly boasts real taro. Whether you're a practiced boba drinker or you're itching to try it, you'll love what the local El Paso scene has to offer! Not only can you sip a traditional bubble tea, but you can also explore new horizons with boba coffees and frozen frappioca beverages! So, get out there and try something new! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

In El Paso, you're never short on burrito options! But with so many places where you can grab a burrito, you might be left wondering where to start. Never fear — we're here to guide you. Read on for some tasty suggestions! Viva Burritos Looking for authentic Mexican cuisine? Viva Burritos is an award-winning casual restaurant that offers delicious burritos that won't break your budget: for only $3.75, you can sit down and eat your fill of a satisfying burrito. At that rate, you can even grab two or three burritos and still feel like you're getting a great deal! more But Viva Burritos are more than just affordable. Made with fresh ingredients and authentic seasoning, the menu offers all your old favorites. Try the chicken mole and brisket barbeque burritos. Burritos Crisostomo Burritos Crisostomo gets straight to the point and divides its burrito menu according to spiciness: not spicy, spicy, and very spicy. If you're like most of us, you probably know immediately which category contains your next burrito. We have some favorites in each. Under not spicy, we recommend the barbacoa burrito, which is perfectly shredded and seasoned for your enjoyment. The spicy division contains some of our absolute favorites, including the papas a la mexicana and huevo con rajas. If you prefer as much fire as possible, skip to the very spicy menu and try the picadillo burrito. Vista Central Market Vista Central Market might be the most all-encompassing grocery store ever built. After you fill up your basket with farm-fresh produce and fresh baked goods, swing by the burrito grill. Here, you can order a specialty burrito with all your favorite ingredients. Best of all, the Market's flour and corn tortillas are made fresh every day. Carnitas Querétaro This burrito hotspot is a must-visit. Inspired by family home cooking, Carnitas Querétaro offers burritos on the breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. If you're looking for a burrito first thing in the morning, the menu offers much more than the usual breakfast burrito. You can grab a burrito stuffed with scrambled eggs and chorizo, ham and potatoes, or lamb barbacoa. Lunch and dinner are another delicious story. For only $5, you can grab a basic burrito. Check out the mole, asado, carnitas, or chile relleno burritos. For a few dollars extra, the menu offers sirloin and beef options as well. Add-ons include avocado and melted cheese topping. Rafas Burritos Not only is Rafas excellent, but this casual Mexican burrito joint even delivers! Whether you're in the mood for a low-key meal on Montana Avenue or some Netflix-and-chill at home, Rafas is your spot. On the menu, you'll find one of the biggest burrito selections in town. Breakfast options include eggs and bacon, eggs and chorizo, and machaca burritos. The long list of lunch and dinner burritos includes rarities like milanesa and buche burritos, giving you a bit of an international experience. When you're in the mood for a burrito, local restaurants are standing by to quench your cravings! One of these El Paso hotspots might even be home to your new favorite source of burritos! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

The Toyota Camry has always been known as a quality sedan that you can trust. This year's 2020 Toyota Camry is no exception. Here are five great features that make the Camry one of the best cars you can purchase for your family in 2020. 1. Improved Engine When you think of the Toyota Camry, fun to drive is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. However, Toyota has upped their game across the Camry lineup. more Nowhere is this more apparent than the new V6 engine that you get in the Camry XLE and XSE. This engine puts out 301 horsepower and offers drivers excellent acceleration and power whenever they need it. 2. Proven Warranty and Maintenance As everyone knows, the Toyota Camry is well-regarded as a reliable car. One reason for this is Toyota's rock-solid warranty. Toyota's limited warranty will cover you for 3 years or 36,000 miles. You also have a powertrain warranty that covers you for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Toyota also offers Camry owners 2 years or 25,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. This offer is a great value, and it can help ensure that your Camry will continue to run like new well into the future. 3. Advanced Safety Features are Standard In a lot of cars, advanced safety features are an optional extra. Not on the Toyota Camry. In the Camry, you get advanced safety features as standard on even the base models because everyone deserves to be as safe as possible on the road. Some of our favorite safety features include Forward-Collision warning and Automatic Braking that help you avoid forward collisions. As well, you will get Lane Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist to stop you from drifting between lanes on the highway. Finally, all models of the Camry come with adaptive cruise control to help you out on those long family car rides. 4. Ample Cargo Space When you are loading up your car, the Toyota Camry feels more like a big SUV than the family sedan that it is. The Camry manages to make use of every space to add more than enough room for whatever you are carrying. So whether it’s soccer practice or the weekly shopping trip - the Toyota Camry can handle your family's needs! 5. Great Fuel Economy One of the biggest costs associated with owning a car is big gas bills at the pump. The Toyota Camry can help you keep those bills down by getting every last mile out of a gallon of fuel. The Toyota Camry is rated to get a whopping 41 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city. If you opt for one of the hybrid models, those numbers can get even better. There are lots of reasons to love a Toyota Camry. From its reliability to its performance, the Camry is an all-around performer that does far more than its price tag might suggest. Visit Fox Toyota of El Paso to test drive a new Camry today!

Texas is well known for its hot climate, but it's also a state where people have learned how to stay cool even when the heat is bearing down. One of those ways is to enjoy an ice cream cone or another frozen dessert, and these four favorite spots for ice cream in El Paso have exactly the treats that will cool you down and make your mouth smile! Super Churro When you're facing intense heat, the Super Churro Split from Super Churro is just the dessert that’ll help you keep your cool! The combination of cinnamon churros, ice cream, cherries, and whipped cream make for the perfect frozen treat. If you don't want churros, you can get a Super Banana Split instead or even a Super Yogurt Split. more The only flavor of ice cream offered at Super Churro is vanilla, but when it's mixed with the sweet flavor of cinnamon churros, it becomes more than the plain vanilla you think of. Plus, on really hot days, sometimes - simple is better. A plain scoop or two of vanilla ice cream can really satisfy cravings. Super Churro does offer toppings such as strawberries, mango, kiwi, pineapple, chocolate chips, M&Ms, and more if plain vanilla isn't your style. Tropical Ice Cream Shop This is a Mexican ice cream parlor that offers many south-of-the-border frozen concoctions. It’s focused mostly on fruit flavors, which is indicated in the name Tropical Ice Cream Shop, but even then, some of the flavors are those you don't see very often, One example: pine nut and banana nut. Elotes and paletas are also on the menu, which are standards in any Mexican ice cream shop. Other frozen treats here include sundaes, mini-paletas (for just $0.50 each!), chocolate bananas, banana splits, shaved ice, smoothies, and milkshakes. The prices are really reasonable, and you'll walk away feeling refreshed from whichever treat you choose, ready to head back out into the heat! Social Ice A small, family-owned ice cream and dessert shop, Social Ice is focused on bringing gourmet flavors to this southern Texas city. Fried ice cream is a hit with the locals, especially the rocky road fried ice cream and the Oreo fried ice cream. If you're really craving something sweet, you can get a sundae built on a funnel cake, which is definitely Texas-sized. Other unique snacks at Social Ice include fried Twinkies, shaved ice, root beer floats, fried bananas, and more. Some favorite ice cream flavors include Taste the Rainbow, Pink Panther, Coconut Dream, Pineapple Upside Down, and Cucumber Cooler. However, no matter what you order, you’ll be in sugar heaven! Aurora Rolling Ice Cream Rolled ice cream is a huge trend in the country right now and it's even come to southern Texas. Aurora Rolling Ice Cream makes your ice cream right in front of you using real cream and a frozen plate. You choose your toppings or try one of the eatery's signature concoctions like the Marzipan (with marzipan crumbles and pecans), Late For Class (with cornflakes and strawberries), or Rose Vanilla (with toasted marshmallows and graham crackers). It isn't always easy to find a way to beat the heat when you're in southern Texas, but these four ice cream shops are committed to helping you stay as cool as possible with their many sweet frozen treats! Find your new favorite source of cold, sugary deliciousness today!

Keep your investment looking new and dashing for as long as possible with the tips listed below! By protecting your paint job, you’ll increase your vehicle’s resale value. Find out how easy it is to take care of your car’s paint job below! Get it Pressure Washed Salt and road dirt build up on the undercarriage of the car when you drive on snowy, icy roads during the winter months. This is nearly impossible to see but can break loose as you're driving and move around to other parts of the car. If this occurs, it can cause significant damage to your vehicle. more When there is a break between snowstorms, head to a car wash for a pressure wash service. Make sure to add the undercarriage wash to get rid of salt and grime, since this area is hard to reach. Washing your car regularly is another easy way to protect the paint, especially throughout the colder months of the year. Apply a Protective Layer When the temperatures drop, many people put on gloves to protect their hands from harsh conditions. Your vehicle needs similar protection from the elements, and a coat of wax is the perfect option. There are several choices on the market, from wax products that have a glossy, shiny finish to those that offer a matte look, spray-on to wipe-on, and everything in between. Find the product that works best for you and that you'll actually use it since it won't do you much good sitting in your garage all winter. A coat of wax helps to protect the paint from sleet, rain, snow, salt, and other grime on the roads. Reconsider Your Ice Scraper Getting ice off your car is a safety concern that must happen before you drive, but hard plastic scrapers can cause damage to painted areas if your hand slips. Instead of one of these, opt for a soft-bristled or foam brush to gently wipe away snow and ice. In order to melt the ice, turn on the defrost system in the car to get the temperature up since this will make it easier to sweep away the frosty parts instead of scraping vigorously. Take Protection a Step Further If a coating of wax isn't doing enough to protect your paint job, you may want to invest in an auto paint protection film that covers the exterior of your vehicle. Often referred to as a clear bra, this film goes on transparent and protects the paint from chips, dings, dents, and other damage. The most common areas to apply it are around the headlights and front bumper since these tend to take a lot of abuse when tires kick up rocks and other debris from the road. Keep your car's paint looking nice and new by following these simple tips, no matter what season is coming! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

No one wants to waste money – which is why the manner you drive in can be so important. By following these simple tips, you can improve your car’s gas efficiency, saving you money in the long run! Read on for cost-cutting tips. Develop Better Driving Habits Rapid acceleration, speeding, and other forms of aggressive driving are not only a nuisance to other drivers, but they're also costing you big. more Stopping gradually and slowly accelerating from a stop can help cut fuel consumption by as much as 30 percent. When driving on the highway, turn on cruise control, as this handy feature will boost your vehicle's gas mileage by a noticeable amount. As long as you take it easy and develop good driving habits, you're already coming out ahead. Download a Mobile App Smartphone apps like GasBuddy and AAA Triptik are designed to help you locate the cheapest gas stations in your area, which makes them invaluable tools to have since prices are constantly fluctuating. You can even save gas by using your mobile phone to check traffic conditions. Waze or even the Maps app for iPhone, for instance, give you a helpful traffic report so that you can plan your route accordingly, avoiding all that gas-wasting idling. Reduce the Weight Hauling unnecessary cargo, especially on the roof of your vehicle, can really cut into your gas mileage. Luggage racks, cargo containers, and other exterior add-ons create more wind resistance, making your vehicle less aerodynamic. Any extra weight in the trunk or cargo space can also be detrimental to your fuel economy. Unless you're setting out on a road trip and require all that extra gear - leave it at home. Turn Off the Air Conditioning Cranking up the air conditioning is a necessity in the summer months, but it really puts a dent in your gas budget. Try wearing lighter clothing and rolling the windows down. If you're commuting in the early morning during the coolest part of the day, you may not even miss the A/C. You'll also want to park your car in a shaded area to help keep it cool. At the very least, try using your A/C less to help save on gas expenses. Time Your Fill-Ups Gas prices tend to rise on Thursdays just before weekend travel, so try to fill up your tank just prior to that on Wednesday or Thursday morning, since 10 a.m. is generally when most gas stations set their prices for the day. Whatever you do, don't buy gas from Friday to Sunday, or even during the holidays, as prices always seem to rise during these periods. Sign Up for a Gas Rewards Card Many grocery stores offer gas rewards cards that allow you to accumulate points with every purchase, which you can put toward gas. If you can get the entire family to share the same card, you can build up points even faster. Sticking to your gas budget is easy when you shop and drive smarter. Try out a few of these suggestions and see just how much you can save! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Texans like to boast how we’re unique out of all the states – and we’re right! With multiple influences combining to create a rich and unique tapestry of cultures set against a backdrop of wide-ranging geological features, it’s no wonder Texas is considered one-of-a-kind! Read on for more examples of what sets us apart. Barbecue Is a Food Staple Regardless of where you live in Texas, you're sure to find barbecue around every corner. From Black's Barbecue in Lockhart to Bill Miller Bar-B-Q in the Texas Hill Country, there's certainly no shortage of quality meats in the state. After all, you haven't truly experienced all Texas has to offer until you've tasted the savory brisket, ribs, and barbecue chicken that make up its signature cuisine! more The Weather Is Unpredictable Here in Texas, it's pretty common to have hot, humid temperatures one day and cold, windy temperatures the next. This is especially true for some areas, such as Amarillo and Dallas, that rank highest on the list of Texas cities with the most unpredictable weather. While it's normal to experience low temperatures in the winter, cities such as McAllen get an average high of 72 degrees Fahrenheit in December. So for those who aren't used to the cooler climates, readings in the mid-60s can feel pretty chilly and warrant a jacket and gloves. That's Texas weather for you! Driving for Hours Doesn't Always Take You Very Far You know how they say everything's bigger in Texas? Well, that even holds true for the distance you must travel to actually leave the state! That's why it's easier to measure driving distances in hours rather than miles. In fact, just getting from east (Texarkana) to west (El Paso) would take you around 11 and a half hours! Rodeos Are a Big Deal You can't visit the Lone Star State without heading to a rodeo. You also won't have to look very far to find cowboy hats and boots to match. In fact, most major cities in the state host their own annual rodeo, where activities range from competitive bull riding to live music performances. The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is one of the most popular in the state and garners over 1 million visitors each year. It features events such as team roping, bull riding, and a star-filled concert, so grab the family and experience for yourself what makes Texas rodeos so fun! Texas Has a Diverse Population The languages and cultures of Texas are broad and span across the entire state. On the eastern side bordering Louisiana, you may encounter a few French-speaking residents, while Spanish is commonly spoken in the towns near the Texas-Mexico border. Additionally, the semi-tropical climate of the Rio Grande Valley is a popular hotspot for Winter Texans, who travel from northern U.S. states and Canada to enjoy the mild temperatures of the South. With its growing African-American, Anglo, Asian, and Latino populations, it's no surprise that Houston wins the title of most ethnically diverse city in America. As a Texas native, there are plenty of things you've come to expect over the years. Which ones top your list as the most interesting? Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License