Stay Connected With NissanConnect
A car’s infotainment system and features are important deciding factors for many customers when choosing which vehicle to buy. People want the latest features, including smartphone integration, so they can stay connected at all times. Below, find out more about the NissanConnect infotainment system.
Stay Social
NissanConnect comes with built-in Facebook connectivity so you can keep updated on events, friends, and news straight from the dashboard. You can also check-in at your favorite locations from the Facebook app. The Twitter feature reads out the latest gossip and updates straight from your Twitter feed so you always know what’s happening.
Nifty Navigation
NissanConnect comes with a range of useful navigation features designed to get you to your destination faster. With the in-built voice recognition or by using the touchscreen, you can perform a Google search for nearby destinations, such as restaurants or ATMs. The GPS system covers six million miles of road with visual maps and turn-by-turn voice directions guiding you to your destination.
You can also receive real-time traffic updates via SiriusXM traffic services, with alternate route suggestions to help you avoid frustrating delays.
Rock Those Tunes
You can listen to your favorite tunes effortlessly from your Bluetooth-compatible device with wireless Bluetooth streaming audio.You also get SiriusXM Satellite Radio with many Nissan models, which gives you 150 stations of music, comedy, sports, news, and more.
In a world increasingly reliant on technology, NissanConnect provides excellent infotainment features for a better in-car experience.

Image via Flickr by Janitors
Can’t Miss Autumn Events in Albany
Autumn brings cold air, wet weather, and the holidays. Residents and visitors have plenty of things to do in Albany this time of year. Find out about the can’t miss autumn events in Albany below.
Troy Turkey Trot
Held every year on Thanksgiving morning, the Troy Turkey Trot provides the perfect opportunity to warm your body up in that cool autumn air. This event is over a century old, and it’s actually composed of four sub-events: a competitive 5k run, a 10k run, a one-mile Turkey Walk, and a Grade School Mile.
Lark Fest
Held every September, Lark Fest is one of Albany’s most treasured events and provides the perfect introduction to what Albany has to offer during autumn. Located on iconic Lark Street, Lark Fest is a one-day street festival with two stages of live music, over 80,000 attendees, and many exciting craft vendors and food trucks serving delicious autumn fare that will warm you up.
September in the City Art Fair
Located in Jim DiNapoli Park every Thursday in September, this fair features some stunning examples of local art, crafts, and some great musical performances from talented local musicians.
Apple & Wine Festival
Held at the Altamont Fairgrounds every September, the Capital Region Apple & Wine Festival includes some great attractions for the kids and adults alike. There is a food court and wine tasting for the adults while children have plenty of fun things to get involved with such as face painting, a kids circus, and a haunted house tour.
Attend these great events in Albany with friends or family for some autumnal fun.

Image via Flickr by Boss Tweed
Spooky Halloween Spots in Albany
When celebrating Halloween, it’s nice to see some spooky attractions to help you get in the spirit. Read on to find out about some of the spookiest Halloween spots in Albany.
Double M Haunted Hayrides
These Halloween-themed attractions have provided scares for thrill-seekers around Upstate New York for over 25 years. Situated in Ballston Spa, the Double M Haunted Hayrides are well worth the 40-minute drive from Albany. Attractions include haunted houses, ghost trains, and prisons full of walking undead.
Fright Fest
Head on down to Fright Fest at The Great Escape as the park gets taken over by zombies, ghouls, and other terrifying creatures. Get your scare on at haunted houses, scare zones, and haunted mazes.
Nightmares at Liberty Ridge Farm
Another attraction located near Albany is Nightmares at Liberty Ridge Farm. This spot turns into a haunted nightmare every year at Halloween and features six haunted attractions to scare you out of your skin. Recent attractions include a haunted house, haunted corn maze, creepy underworld tunnel, and haunted forest. This event begins at the end of September and is held twice each week until the end of October.
The Spirits of Rensselaer
Held each year at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s lower campus, this spooky walking tour teaches you about some of the apparitions who haunt the area and is sure to get you in a paranormal mood. Tours start in the middle of October.
Try these four spooky Albany spots out and ensure you immerse yourself fully in the Halloween spirit.

Image via Flickr by wwarby
Where to Get the Best Fall Comfort Foods in Albany
Fall is the time of year when comfort food becomes more alluring, with some tasty and tempting treats helping to warm you up on a cool autumn day. If you live in Albany, you have plenty to choose from when it comes to comfort food. Find out below where to get the best fall comfort foods in Albany.
Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Cafe
There are few more comforting dishes than a good bowl of warming noodle soup, which is exactly what the chefs at Tanpopo on Broadway provide with their take on Japanese ramen noodles. The miso ramen dish is a particular fall favorite thanks to the healthy umami flavor of miso, which warms you right up.
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Cider Belly Donuts
Situated on North Pearl Street, this gem serves up some of the best donuts you’ll ever eat. Nothing quite matches the sweet warmth of the humble donut for a perfect autumnal sweet treat, and at Cider Belly, they have donut-making down to a fine art. Particularly recommended is the cinnamon sugar version, with its pleasant aroma and addictive flavor. Another fall favorite is the rum glaze, which provides a warming boozy hit that can put a spring in your step regardless of the weather.
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Druthers Brewing Company
Head to Druthers on Broadway to sample some of the best mac and cheese you’ll find this side of the United States. There are other warming fall foods available, including pizza and burgers. The mac and cheese is so good here that it won first place at the annual Mac-n-Cheese Bowl.
Whether you want something sweet or savory, Albany has a great selection of comforting fall eats for you to try.
Image via Flickr by George Alexander Ishida Newman
Savings That Will Have You Feeling #Blessed
Ok, friends, we are officially in the week of Thanksgiving! This means MANY THINGS. Namely, a short work week (blessings upon blessings) and ending the week strong with Black Friday and Cyber Monday! So I can comfortably say that I will be fat and happy this weekend. Adding to those blessings, Destination Nissan has a number of AWESOME deals on vehicles that expire at the end of the month, so your time to take advantage of these savings is RUNNING OUT.
With vehicles like the 2017 Nissan Sentra S for $0 down and $198 per month for a 36-month lease, and the 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport S AWD which can be leased for $0 due at inception and $258 a month you’ll be feeling all kinds of thankful! Other specials include 2017 Nissan Rogue S AWD and the 2017 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV! For more details on these incredible savings, check out our website and go to our New Vehicle Specials page!
So if you want to feel truly #Blessed this year, stop by Destination Nissan, at 770 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206!
*All specials expire on 11/30/17 see specials page for full details.
Getting to Know Your Car’s Crucial Fluids
Your vehicle is a complex creature that, much like a human baby, needs a lot of attention and fluids to function. Fortunately, there are magical service centers like the one at Destination Nissan that can take care of your vehicle’s many needs for you. If you are the kind of person that likes to know what’s going on in your car and what it needs, this is a blog that will help you understand what some of the fluids that make your vehicle work and why they are important! Check it out!
Brake fluid ensures that you are able to stop when you want to stop. Check your brake fluid every time you have your oil changed and look to replace the fluid every 2 years. Your brake fluid can be checked by looking through the brake fluid reservoir on the driver side of the vehicle and should be a golden color. If the fluid looks brown, you need to change the fluid. Brake fluid should never get low, so if it looks low, or if your brakes don’t feel as responsive and you need to use more pressure to stop, check your fluid first.
Coolant doesn’t just keep your engine cool. It actually keeps your engine the optimal temperature, preventing it from getting too cold or too hot. Your coolant should not get low, so if it does, you very likely have a leak. You can usually identify a coolant leak by a very distinct sweet maple syrup smell. Coolant can be checked by looking at the overflow reservoir (an opaque white container under the hood) and seeing if the fluid level is at or above the minimum line. If your coolant level is low, be sure to add the same type of coolant already in the vehicle. Check your coolant levels at least every 6 months, once before winter and once again before summer. Your coolant should be replaced every 2 to 3 years.
Engine oil is probably the one fluid other than fuel that you know your vehicle needs. Engine oil lubricates the engine and absorbs heat to help your vehicle from overheating. Some experts recommend you check your oil every time you fill up with gas, but checking once a month should be fine for newer vehicles. Your oil can be checked by lifting the hood, removing the oil cap (it should be labeled, and if not consult your Owner’s Manual) to find the dipstick, taking the stick out and wiping it off, put it back in and then finally take it out one more time. The stick will show you what your oil level is. The color of the oil will tell you if it needs to be changed out. Make sure your car is off and has been off for at least 10 minutes before checking your engine oil.
Power steering fluid keeps your steering running smoothly. If you feel or hear a creaking as you steer, your power steering fluid may be running low. You can check the level by opening the hood and checking the reservoir. If you do notice the power steering fluid is low, it’s worth having your vehicle looked at by your friends at Destination Nissan. Checking your power steering fluid monthly will help avoid any leak based issues. It’s also important to note that your power steering fluid may never need replacing, but it doesn’t hurt to keep track.
Your transmission fluid is a lubricant like your engine oil. Instead of lubricating your engine, it keeps your vehicle’s gears moving. Checking your transmission fluid is a lot like checking your engine oil, except you will want your vehicle on when you check your transmission fluid. Transmission fluid should be checked at each oil change interval and replaced typically every 30,000 miles. The fluid should be red, so if you notice that it’s brown and smells vaguely burnt, you should replace the fluid. Your transmission fluid should not get low, so if it does, stop by Destination Nissan and we’ll check it out to see what’s going on.
Keeping up with the needs of your vehicle can be a lot, but now that you have a better understanding of a few of the fluids your vehicle needs and how to check them, it’s not so scary! If your vehicle does need some maintenance your friends here at Destination Nissan are here to help, so stop by today.
Top Technology Features of the 2018 Ford EcoSport
The Ford EcoSport is returning to the United States for the first time in more than a decade. As you can imagine, it’s a more modern version than the last one seen in the U.S. In particular, there are two impressive technology features you should check out.
Ford Sync 3
Ford Sync, the automaker’s infotainment connectivity system, has been getting better with each iteration and update. For those unfamiliar, Ford Sync has all sorts of handy technology features, including serving as a Wi-Fi hot spot and accepting voice commands. The main attraction is the ability to use your mobile device through the central touchscreen, and the latest Ford Sync makes this easier than ever. Thanks to user-friendly design, the system is secure but also convenient if you need to switch to different devices.
Floating Touchscreen
Speaking of the central infotainment screen, Ford is ahead of the curve on the new trend in “no-touch” screens. This new user-friendly technology requires that you only place your finger near a part of the screen to register the touch, and also understands gestures like pinching to zoom in or out on a picture.
Anyone interested in a compact SUV with the latest infotainment technology should give the 2018 EcoSport a chance. Ford plans to release the model to dealers in early 2018, so keep an eye out after the start of the new year. For the time being, we welcome you to take a look at our inventory and ask about any models that interest you. We hope to hear from you soon.

Image via Flickr by Zytonits
Fall Weekend Getaways Around Connecticut
The changing colors and breezy weather make weekend getaways in Connecticut the perfect way to relax during the fall season. If you are looking for a quick retreat in the Connecticut area, check out one of the fabulous fall weekend getaways listed below.
The Mansion at Bald Hill
Nestled in the South Woodstock area of Connecticut, in the area known as the Quiet Corner, The Mansion at Bald Hill is a bed and breakfast as well as a historic landmark. The B&B holds six rooms, three of which are outfitted as suites and an onsite fine dining restaurant owned by head chefs Joel Theriaque and Scott Plantier. During your visit to the Woodstock area, there is plenty to see and do including Mystic River Cruises, the Fitchburg Art Museum, or the Taylor Brooke Winery.
Water’s Edge Resort and Spa
The Water’s Edge Resort and Spa offers a wide range of amenities to complete the perfect package for your fall weekend getaway. For dining, the resort offers multiple options ranging from fine dining to bar and grill fare. No matter what way you like to unwind, the resort has something to offer. You can choose from a multitude of spa services and even attend various events throughout the year, such as concerts. During your stay, there are many area attractions to add to your must-see list including The Connecticut Wine Trail, Mystic Aquarium, The Ivoryton Playhouse, and The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat. If you like to shop, you can spend the day at one of the many local outlets.
No matter what you are looking for, Connecticut has something for vacation goers of all ages. Make the most of the fall season in Connecticut by choosing a relaxing weekend excursion to one of the locations listed above.

ib1987 deerfield ma massachusetts the berkshires colorful maple trees along the street in historic deerfield in the autumn
Image via Flickr by Sangre-La.com
Scenic Fall Drives Around Albany, NY
The changing fall colors can make for a beautiful scenic excursion in and around the Albany area. To make the most of this fall season and enjoy all nature has to offer, put one of the picturesque fall drives listed below on your itinerary.
Black River Trail
This scenic drive stretches over 100 miles from the Canadian border to the city of Rome. You can enjoy the foliage as you continue south along Route 26 through the rural country. The route provides for some fantastic photo opportunities along the ridge or in Whetstone Gulf State Park.
“The Ridge” in New Platz
The scenic route nicknamed “The Ridge” continues along Mountain Rest Road from New Platz to High Falls. The route includes wooded areas on both sides, giving excellent views of the changing foliage. You will also have exposure to some beautiful farmland scenery, as well as breathtaking views of the Catskill Mountains.
Blue Ridge Roads
Beginning in the north in the town of Hudson, the Blue Ride Road drive continues west past Fort Ticonderoga toward Newcomb and ending at Long Lake. This remote trip extends through a portion of Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest, wherein one section you will drive through a golden tunnel of fall leaves.
Whether you prefer scenic drives through rural farmland or winding mountain roads with beautiful color changes, the Albany area has a route for any traveler. On your next trip to the upstate New York area, take a drive on one or all of the routes listed above to enjoy the changing colors this fall season.

Images via Flickr by KimonBerlin
The Nissan Leaf is the first and last car to consider if you’re looking for an affordable but fun electric car. The question becomes, which of its three trim levels suits you best? Take a look at what’s included with each model below.
S
All models feature a powertrain setup with 107 horsepower and a max travel length of 107 miles. The starting S trim includes heated front seats, a 5-inch central infotainment display with a rearview backup camera and Bluetooth, a USB port, and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. The S also offers an optional, more powerful charger and port.
SV
Step up to the mid-level SV to upgrade the wheels from plain steel to alloy. The infotainment screen is replaced with a more advanced 7-inch alternative with full navigation and the NissanConnect app system. The seats also get imitation-suede instead of cloth. The SV and top-tier SL both include the S model’s optional faster charger and port as well. Both the SV and SL offer a Premium package with a 360-degree camera system and a premium speaker setup.
SL
Finally, we have the top-class Leaf SL, with fog lights, heated rear seats to go with the ones up front, LED headlights, and suave natural leather seat upholstery.
As you can see, the 2017 LEAF SL is less of a jump in features from the SV than the SV is from the S. Consider the S if it’s appropriate for your budget, and consider the SV or SL if these additional features and options look like something you and your passengers would appreciate. If you have any questions, contact us today and we’ll happily answer them.

Image via Flickr by automobileitalia
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