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The days are getting shorter and the weather is getting cooler and we know that means it’s fall in the Capital Region! There are so many great activities to do in the Albany, Schenectady, Latham, Saratoga, and Clifton Park, NY areas, you’re going to be busy every weekend! Below are a few of our favorite events that have become Fall traditions over the years. Check them out and mark your calendars.

Double M Haunted Hayride

This hayride has become a staple event in our area. Everyone knows Scary Harry and his haunted woods! Admission, which includes the hay ride, corn maze, haunted house, and more, is $25. They request that you make a reservation by phone at 518-884-9122 for the 30-40 minute ride. With the walk-through attractions, the entire experience will be about an hour long. This year’s walk-through attractions include the Salvage Junkyard, the Last Inn, and the Schadenfreude Circus.

Indian Ladder Farms

You do not want to miss your chance to spend the day at Indian Ladder Farms. We suggest getting right in line for your fresh, homemade cider donut and then heading over to the orchard to pick some of the freshest apples you can find. Throughout this month they host Apple and Pumpkin picking parties that are great for kids and include a tractor ride and pumpkin decorating.

Fright Fest

Mix the thrill of zombies, ghosts, and ghouls with the excitement of rollercoasters and you have Fright Fest at the Great Escape! Through the entire month of October, during Friday, Saturday, and Sunday days there are family friendly events like trick or treating and costume contests. At night the place is transformed into a living nightmare with haunted mazes, scare zones and rides in the dark!

“Fall 2016 In Albany – Apple Picking, Pumpkin Patches & More!” Albany Fall Guide: The Best Fall Activities, Events and More. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Oct. 2016.

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The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Research & Review page that we told you we were going to be releasing is now officially available right here at on our website. Look under our “Model Research” tab to find this exciting new page and read up on all the details of this all-new SUV.

When you read this page you will find out all about the four trim level options, the capabilities of the engine that powers all of them and the feature options that are available depending on which trim you choose. A few of these features include Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Easy-Fill Tire Alert, Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Vehicle Security System, EZ FLEZ™ Seating System with 2nd-Row 60/40 Split Fold-Flat Bench Seat Featuring LATCH AND GLIDE® and 3rd-Row 50/50 Split Fold-Flat Reclining Bench Seat, Eight-Way Power Adjustable Driver’s Seat with Manual Lumbar, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel and Shift Knob, AroundView® Monitor, and Motion-Activated Liftgate with Position Memory.
 

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The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder has a lot to offer you and your family. A fact you that’s exemplified over and over on the new Research & Review page that we are going to release soon. The details of this page will include facts about each of the trim level options, engine and transmission, and safety features. Look out for the arrival of this page and then be sure to contact us with any additional questions that you may have about this vehicle.

The Nissan Heisman house is the lavish home that Nissan has set up for all Heisman winners of the past. You can imagine that when a large group of football players from rival teams share one house, things can get interesting, even in a house this big. Check out the video above for a quick glance at some of the antics. Maybe a player from your favorite college team will fill this year’s empty bed!

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It takes a lot of time and hard work to become a good driver. Of course, you want to limit distractions, understand the difference between a rolling and complete stop, and be able to read every road sign, but there’s more to it than that. There are even some tips that your teen’s Driver’s Education teacher might not teach.

Experience is Everything

When teaching a young driver, don’t just stick with days that have ideal conditions, and do more than practice three-point-turns. How will your child know how to avoid a collision if they’ve never been in that situation before? Use cones to keep things safe but be sure to run through different scenarios (quick stops, hydroplaning) so they’ll be prepared for these things on the road.

Proper Braking Saves Lives

A lot of driving students are nervous to push their (or their parent’s) vehicles to the extreme. That means a lot of new drivers end up in collisions that could have been avoided if they had used their ABS correctly. Teach the proper way to use the ABS before they get on the road so you know you’re handing the keys over to a confident driver.  

Above All, Relax

Nervous drivers are dangerous. They’re the ones that overcorrect and slam on their brakes in the middle of the highway. If you or your beginner driver do happen to drift out of the lane, make sure they know to lift their foot off the gas, and not hit the brake as hard as possible. This will allow the vehicle to slow down at a safe rate.

Finally, one of the best things you can do it get them started in a safe vehicle. And that’s exactly what we have available at Destination Nissan. Come check out our new and used vehicle inventory and take a test drive!
Demere, Mac. “4 Things You Didn’t Learn in Driver’s Ed.” Popular Mechanics. N.p., 30 Jan. 2015. Web. 20 Sept. 2016.

5015992000_36a0e6f167_bThe Albany area has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, no matter what you like to eat. If you are looking for some delicious seafood when in the capital region, try these top restaurants.

Jack’s Oyster House

Serving superb seafood since 1913, Jack’s is a family-owned restaurant and one of the oldest in the country. They serve a delicious salmon and steak dinner and fresh oysters. This restaurant has an upscale feel and is suitable for both special occasions and family dinners. You’ll find Jack’s at 42 State St. in Albany.

Black & Blue Steak and Crab

This popular restaurant on Western Avenue offers steak and seafood with a twist. The Filet and Lobster Mac and Cheese is a big hit with diners, and the restaurant offers several different cuts of steak cooked how you like it. The decor is modern with a wall of wine bottles that stretches from the floor to the ceiling. The staff is attentive, and they offer large portions.

The Waters Edge Lighthouse Restaurant and Inn

Enjoy your seafood while sitting by the water at this award-winning restaurant. It has a multilevel patio and an outdoor Cabana Bar when the weather is nice. Enjoy delicious seafood along with pasta and steak as you sit and enjoy views of the river from the newly renovated dining room. The Waters Edge is in Glenville on Freemans Bridge Road.

Enjoy your seafood in a trendy downtown restaurant or with quiet views of the river when you dine in Albany.

Image via Flickr by Nanophoto69

 

9774089394_cf9d3c7b66_bChoosing a car for a teen driver is a big decision. You want to keep in mind several things when looking, including safety, price, and reliability, before making a decision. Here are some of the top Nissan vehicles for teen drivers.

Nissan Altima

Whether you choose to buy new or used, a Nissan Altima is a good choice. It received good ratings in crash tests from the IIHS, and the 2013 model is a Top Safety Pick. The newer models come with Bluetooth hands-free calling and LED daytime running lights. Other safety features include rear cross traffic alert and a blind spot warning system to help teens drive safer.

Nissan Juke

The Nissan Juke is a fun car for young drivers. It is a compact hatchback with a high driving position to give teens a good look at the road, while still providing the easy handling of a car. The Juke comes with a Bluetooth Hands-free phone system, so you can be sure the kids will stay off their phones while driving, and it comes with the NissanConnect system.

2014 Nissan Rogue

The IIHS named the 2014 Nissan Rogue a top safety pick in the small SUV category. It also gets excellent gas mileage and has ample interior storage for teens’ sports and school gear.

These are just a few of the Nissan vehicles that are good choices for teen drivers. The lineup of new and used vehicles offers something for every kind of driver, including teens and new drivers.

Image via Flickr by THE SMADE JOURNAL

 

14030431157_676613e3ef_bCollege students need a vehicle that is dependable and fuel efficient. It is important that they have a reliable and safe car when they are away from home. Here are some of the best Nissan vehicles for college students.

Nissan Versa Note

There are many features on the Versa Note that make it a good choice for a college student. With 31 miles per gallon in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, this fuel-efficient vehicle makes it easier for students on a budget. They can drive on the road with fewer trips to the gas station to fill up on gas. It also comes with Vehicle Dynamic Control and a Traction Control System to help with steering and a brake assist system for help in emergency stopping.

2015 Nissan Altima

This sedan has a sporty look that students will like. It received good scores in crash tests from the IIHS, including being named a Top Safety Pick, and it comes with Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling, so students can feel confident they are staying safe behind the wheel. It also has a four-speaker sound system the kids will love. The spacious interior and roomy cargo space also help when it is time to pack up and come home for the weekend.

Finding the right car for your college student is not easy, especially when he or she is on a budget. Nissan has several budget-friendly choices with all the safety features to help keep drivers safe while they are away from home and on their own.

Image via Flickr by loudtiger

10025687845_de03547d50_bFall is a wonderful time to get out and to enjoy the fresh air and scenery. If you want to see the beautiful colors of fall while visiting the Albany, New York, area, check out these top places.

Adirondack Park

The Adirondack park has an abundance of deciduous trees that turn beautiful colors in the fall. Since there are only a few different species of trees, they tend to turn color all at once, so you have color all over the region simultaneously. Make sure to visit during peak season to get the full effect.

Bald Mountain

Bald Mountain offers an easy hike that is good for beginners who want to get out and enjoy the views. From the top of the mountain, you can climb up the Rondaxe Fire Tower for even better views. Bald Mountain is near Fourth Lake and just under an hour’s drive from the Albany area.

Prospect Mountain

If you want to see the sights, but don’t want to hike, head to Prospect Mountain. You can drive right to the top where you’ll experience beautiful views and stunning sites filled with color when you get to the summit. The Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway stays open through October, so you can see all the fall foliage.

There are many places to see the colors of fall in Albany and within a short drive. Whether you like to walk and take in the views from a hiking trail or take a scenic drive, there is something for everyone.

Image via Flickr by Etolane

113460195_86edf543bc_bThe 2017 Nissan Maxima will come with some new and improved features, and the SR is the top level trim with many extras. Nissan has improved on what buyers already like about the Maxima by upgrading the technology and adding standard features. Here is what you can expect from the 2017 Nissan Maxima SR.

Exterior

The new Maxima will have boomerang-shaped headlights with LED lighting, which stays on all the time. The SR will have 19-inch, aluminum alloy wheels with a diamond-cut finish to give them a mirror effect. The SR also comes with a panoramic sunroof and heated and ventilated front seats.

Interior

Inside the vehicle, you’ll find luxury in every direction. The seats have a deep sporty design to keep you comfortable and in place, while the center stack angles towards the cockpit to give the driver better control. There is ambient lighting in the cabin to set the tone, and an 8-inch, touch-screen display along with a 7-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display keep all the information the driver needs right at his or her fingertips.

Safety

The new Maxima comes with many standard safety features, including front radar parking sensors. There is also a rearview camera and rear cross traffic alert. Other safety systems include a blind spot warning system and moving object detection. Driver assist systems include a predictive forward collision warning system and forward emergency braking.

The 2017 Nissan Maxima SR has a sporty look that should appeal to many drivers. The addition of premium leather and other luxury features make this the top-of-the-line model.

Image via Flickr by allie