It’s finally summer, and it’s getting hot, hot, hot. That means our nation’s favorite holiday is right around the corner, and that means no work and ALL play! So whether you’re hosting the 4th of July pool party or your next door neighbor who has awful music taste, I’m here to assure you that the playlist will be as hot as the dogs…the hotdogs…get it!

 

Now I understand that the chances of everyone at the party having the same taste in music is pretty small, that’s why I have found a couple different playlists you can choose from to please your party goers…because apparently not everyone wants to listen to Miley Cyrus’s Party in the USA on repeat, so here you go… haters.

 

Fourth of July

This playlist is for all the country lovers out there! From Keith Urban to Rascal Flatts, and Thomas Rhett this playlist will have you tapping your cowboy boots and loving America! If this sounds like the playlist for and your friends you can find it on Apple music!

 

4th of July Party

This playlist is your go-to pop party playlist. This is every cliche pop song that will have all of your guests singing along and having a blast all day long! And if you were wondering, yes, it does have Party in the USA!! Available on Spotify!

 

4th of July: American Rock Anthems

This playlist is filled with pure American rock classics that will have the whole party jamming out and feeling extremely prideful of America the great! So get your air guitar ready and crank the volume up, because it will be one rockin 4th at this party! Find it on Spotify!

 

4th of July BBQ

This playlist has a little bit of everything! If you read all the playlists above and said “I want them all!” well this one’s for you! It has a good mashup of country, pop, rock, and more! Courtesy of Spotify!

 

Regardless of what music you choose to play at your 4th of July BBQ, we hope you have an amazing holiday and spend it with lots of family and friends. Happy birthday, America!

Summer in Albany is beautiful, and there’s no better way to enjoy the summer weather than to head out to one of the many festivals that take place during the warmer months. Here are our top three favorite Albany summer festivals to help you plan an exciting summer vacation!

PolishFest

A celebration of Polish culture, PolishFest is a great way to learn more about Poland while getting out in the sunshine and mingling with other members of your community! Dig into some delicious Polish food and watch performances of traditional Polish dances. The festival is held at the Blessed Virgin Mary of Czestochowa Church located at 250 Old Maxwell Road. The festival takes place June 1.

Taste of Country Music Festival

Taste of Country Music Festival is a full weekend of the best stars in country music. The festival is held on the gorgeous Hunter Mountain. Enjoy the stunning countryside while taking in the performances of musicians, like Eric Church and Sam Hunt. There are both camping and hotel lodging options available to guests. The festival runs June 8-10.

Mountain Jam

Mountain Jam is also held at Hunter Mountain, which is the premier natural amphitheater in the region. The festival has performances from over 40 bands across three stages. There’s a variety of genres present at the festival, and this year includes Jack Johnson, Alt-J, and The Decemberists. The festival is held June 15-17.

These three festivals are a great way to get outside in the summer weather!

Image via Flickr by Kashmera

 

With summer upon us, you’re going to be using that A/C system a lot more than you have been. That means you need to make sure that your air vents are in good shape – meaning that they’re clean and not dusty and that they don’t blow out stinky air. Have you ever been in someone’s car and experienced a stinky air conditioning system? Don’t be that person. Here’s how to make sure that your air system is in great shape and smelling fresh as springtime all year round.

Of course, the first things you’ve got to deal with are the vents themselves. You know, the ones that blow air onto your face and feet that you probably adjust either all the time or never let anyone touch because you’ve got the perfect angle? You’ll need cleaning solution, white vinegar, a vacuum, and some Q-tips. Give your vents a vacuum to get any loose dust out. Then you want to take a Q-tip that’s been dipped in a cleaning solution and really work it into the crevices and hard-to-reach spots. When the Q-tips you’re using come back clean, you know you’ve gotten all the grime. Then, take another Q-tip dipped in white vinegar and go over everything again to get rid of any lingering odors. The vinegar smell doesn’t last long, and when it disappears it takes gross odors with it. Give the vents one last vacuum and you’re done! Make sure you’ve gotten them ALL, including the one that’s right up next to your windshield and the ones at your feet. Don’t forget the back seat!

The next step is to take a look at your cabin air filter. Your owner’s manual should cover how to access it, and if not there’s always YouTube. The cabin air filter is your barrier against everything that’s floating through the air that you drive your car through – pollen, dust, smells, odors – and it’s often a forgotten part of the vehicle. Take a look, and if you think it needs changing then schedule an appointment with us to have our service department take care of it!

Finally, if you still smell something reminiscent of dirty socks in the car when you run the air, you might have mildew in your A/C evaporator. It’s easy to dry that up! Just drive about a mile away from home (that’s enough time to warm up your engine, you see) and then roll down all your windows and turn the air on full blast. Don’t use the A/C! Just regular old air will do. Keep it running for a minute or two, and that should be enough time to circulate air through the evaporator and dry up any residual moisture.

Steakhouses are a popular choice for a night out. Whether you’re going on a date or looking to bring along the whole family, there are several great steakhouse options in Albany. Here are our top three favorite restaurants, in no particular order, to help you plan your night out!

1. Black & Blue

One of Albany’s chicest restaurants, Black & Blue is housed in a stunning space with modern decor and an emphasis on gracious service. They have an incredible wine list, and servers are happy to help you select the best pairing for your meal. Favorite menu options include the filet mignon and red snapper dishes. The restaurant also offers a raw bar for interested seafood fans, plus some vegetarian options.

2. Angelo’s 677 Prime

A more traditional formal steakhouse, Angelo’s 677 Prime is a popular destination for special occasions. Their menu has plenty of options, with a large range of available steak cuts to please any guest. Sides are family style and generously portioned, and there’s also a comprehensive wine list and full bar available. Reservations are absolutely recommended.

3. Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse

Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse is a modern twist on the traditional Italian-American restaurant, thanks to its innovative chefs who blend traditional offerings with modern sensibilities. Enjoy one of their generously portioned Italian dishes, or dig into one of their mouthwatering steaks, which are available in a variety of cuts and cooked to order.

These three steakhouses are all excellent choices for a night out on the town, with large menus that have offerings for every palette.

Image via Flickr by Au Kirk

SUVs are often known for their practical build and luxury interiors, but Nissan is stepping up the game with the Nissan Rogue. The Rogue Sport is the sportier version of the Rogue and has gained traction as one of the most popular sporty SUVs on the market. Here’s a little more information to get you up to speed on this exciting vehicle and how it differs from the Rogue.

Versatility

The Rogue Sport has a tighter suspension and a more solid grip on the road than the higher-sitting Rogue counterpart. It’s able to tackle both urban and country road styles, especially when equipped with the all-wheel drive configuration. The Rogue Sport can nimbly handle tight turns and tricky parking situations, making it the perfect city car.

Overall Size

The Rogue Sport is closer to a true crossover than the Rogue and it has a smaller, lower stature with more aggressive styling. Its size also helps it navigate city streets and reduces the chance of rollovers on windy roads. Plus, it’s easy to fit into smaller parking spots, but still has plenty of cargo space and room for passengers.

Cost

Thanks to its smaller size, the Rogue Sport costs less than the Rogue. That doesn’t mean that users are missing out on any of the luxury interior touches or included technology, which makes it extra popular for drivers looking to save money, but not skip the high-end touches. The Nissan Rogue starts at $22,110 MSRP.

The Nissan Rogue is a great choice for small families and commuters looking for a stylish vehicle that suits their budget and lifestyle.

Image via Flickr by THE SMADE JOURNAL

So, I am planning a road trip with my boyfriend this summer, and I asked my mom what I should bring along in the car. Disclaimer: my mom is SO organized – she has lists of her lists, basically, and she’s always on top of things. It’s kind of scary, honestly. She and I used to drive down South every summer, and so she has tons of experience in the car-packing area. I thought this list was great, and I wanted to share it with everyone!

  • Snacks!!!
  • Cooler with drinks/food (so much cheaper than gas stations)!!!
  • Refillable cup for each passenger
  • Bag of change for tolls and tire air machines (not just dollar bills, but some change, too)
  • Roll of paper towels
  • Box of tissues
  • Hand wipes
  • Shout wipes
  • Car charger for each passenger
  • A travel sized or neck pillow is not a bad thing to have along for napping in the passenger seat
  • Likewise a light blanket in case of AC temperature wars
  • A sweater for icy restaurants
  • Mints (or toothbrush and paste: long drives = fuzzy mouth)
  • Make sure you have current registration and insurance cards
  • Flashlight with new batteries
  • towel/blanket for pavement in case you have to change a tire
    • Make sure your spare is filled, not flat
  • Jumper cables if you have them
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • AAA card (if you have one)

Remember – apps will always help, especially if you’re interested in stopping at various roadside attractions, or want to wander off the beaten path to explore. Good luck!

The 2018 Nissan Maxima S is a luxury car and a sports car wrapped up in one sleek package. Offering roomy seating, luxurious interior, and high-end performance, this car is ready to take you to work and on a vacation.

Performance

The new Nissan Maxima is the four-door sports car. This vehicle offers you a choice of Normal Drive Mode or Sport Drive Mode. If you want a smooth ride experience, switch to Normal Drive Mode. If you feel adventurous, switch to Sport Drive Mode, and experience quicker shift points and response.

Comfort

The Nissan Maxima’s interior is available in an Italian-made quilted Alcantara insert. This plush interior is comfortable as well as stylish.

Legroom is plentiful in this luxury car. Whether you’re driving or sitting in the back, you have plenty of space without constantly hitting the seat in front of you with your knees. Stretch out as much as you need for your daily commute or long trips.

Safety

The Forward Collision Warning system can monitor up to two vehicles in front of yours. This system monitors your speed and distance from other vehicles and then warns you if you need to slow down. The brakes will automatically engage to keep a collision from occurring. The Maxima also comes with a blind spot warning system, alerting you to vehicles approaching.

The 2018 Nissan Maxima S has plenty to offer drivers, whether you need a reliable vehicle for your family or a fun vehicle for a weekend mini-vacation.

Image via Flickr by moonjazz

 

This month is the first month of summer, and there’s nothing better than getting behind the wheel of a brand new car you love to ring in the season in style! We are excited to offer some awesome deals at Destination Nissan this month – check them out and schedule your test drive today!

The first thing you should know is that we are offering 0% APR for 60 months on ALL 2018 Nissan models – so if that doesn’t motivate you, what will??

First up is the 2018 Altima, with a price tag that’s too low to advertise and discounts too big to advertise! We can, however, share with you how awesome this vehicle is. Accelerate your pulse with a look that’s aggressive and strong. Own the road with dynamic performance at your command. Inside, you’ll find everything you could ever want, along with a true sense of connection to what’s possible. The best part? The 2018 Altima is a 2018 IIHS Top Safety Pick. How do you like that?!

Next we have the 2018 Rogue Sport with AWD – one of the most popular models in Nissan history! You won’t find another price like ours on this popular vehicle, so stop in today. This is the street-savvy, road-trip ready crossover that helps you navigate life’s daily adventures, or break routine at a moment’s notice.

Both of these vehicles come with technology out the wazoo, including Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility, as well as Nissan Intelligent Mobility. Nissan Intelligent Mobility empowers you with tomorrow’s technology so you can take on today. You’ll make every move with greater awareness and can get a little help when you need it most. All of this gives you more confidence and, ultimately, the freedom to embrace the joy of being behind the wheel – the way driving was always meant to be.

Stop in today to take your test drive! We’re excited to see you drive home in your brand new Nissan!

John Boyd Thacher State Park is a stunningly beautiful location that demonstrates the natural beauty of New York. Local residents and visitors alike can explore and enjoy the park while learning more about New York’s wildlife. Here are three of our favorite outdoor activities you can do at John Boyd Thacher State Park.

Geocaching

Geocaching is one of the most fun things to do in John Boyd Thacher State Park, especially for guests who are already somewhat familiar with the area. Look for hidden treasure using coordinates and clues while also learning about the park in more detail. The park itself regularly sponsors these challenges as a way for guests to see some of the best of the park.

Camping

There are a number of different camping options available for guests of the park. There are RV spots with hookups for guests who have campers, while more primitive sites are available for guests who want privacy and a closer-to-nature experience. The Thompson’s Lake Campground is close to the lake, which offers swimming during the summer months. Reservations can be made online.

Guided Tours

When the trail is open, the park offers guided tours of the famous Indian Ladder Trail, which leads to stunning views and is one of the most popular trails in the area. The guided tour gives guests more information about the area, plus the chance to experience the hike with a true expert.

John Boyd Thacher State Park offers outdoor activities for everyone, no matter their age or ability, in a stunning setting.

Image via Flickr by Dougtone

The 2019 Nissan Altima has revived the American sedan image with its new sleek style and updated technology. As the first Nissan to offer all-wheel drive, this car is equipped to keep you safe and comfortable.

New Technology

The 2019 Nissan Altima features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities. Using the 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto displays apps and includes route selection and weather reports. Apple CarPlay gives you additional access to music and your contacts. Amazon Alexa connectivity is also available and allows you to unlock doors, flash lights, and remote start.

The new Altima also features an Intelligent Climate Control system that responds to outside temperature by adjusting the interior to warm or cool.

All-Wheel Drive

This year’s model is the first to feature all-wheel drive (AWD).  This technology is called Intelligent AWD and is available as an option with the 2.5-liter engine. This system monitors road conditions and automatically adjusts accordingly. All power can be sent to the front wheels or can be split between the front and rear wheels.

Safety

The Nissan Altima is set up for safety with Nissan Intelligent Mobility. ProPILOT Assist allows you to keep a certain distance from the vehicles in front of you and keeps pace, stopping and starting when necessary. This feature also keeps you between the lines when driving in curves.

Many more features are available, but the only way to truly experience the new generation of Nissan Altima is to go in to your local dealer for a test drive.

 

Image via Flickr by Automotive Rhythms