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Madison, Wisconsin, has a variety of delicious coffee shops where you can grab a quick snack, relax with friends, or get some work done on your laptop. Keep reading to learn about some of Madison's favorite coffee shops. Indie Coffee Time Magazine called Indie Coffee one of the best coffee shops in the United States in 2015, and it's a popular place for delicious teas, lattes with nondairy options, drip coffee, and more. Their coffees are made to order by expert baristas, and the collection of artwork on the walls salutes Madison's independent music scene. There's a spacious back patio, and Indie Coffee's excellent waffles come with a variety of toppings, including chocolate chips, strawberries, and whipped cream. They make granola, muffins, croissants, and bread fresh every day, and they offer a variety of local microbrews for people who don't feel like coffee or tea. This shop is open every day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Michelangelo's Coffee House Michelangelo's Coffee House makes quality coffee its top priority, and it's a comfortable place to relax. It buys small batches of beans from independent farmers and it makes its own peanut butter bars. There's also a variety of delicious sandwiches and desserts. Michelangelo's Coffee House is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., so it's a great place to get some caffeine before work or late at night. Ancora Coffee This business in Madison has cafes on University Avenue and King Street, and it offers organic fair-trade coffee and a delicious brunch menu. Try the Mint Cold Brew with mint syrup and a splash of cream or the Blackberry Sage Latte with blackberry syrup, espresso, milk, and sage syrup. The Pistachio Vanilla Zombie has white espresso, vanilla syrup, milk, and pistachio syrup. For breakfast or brunch, you can enjoy the Honey Bacon Biscuit with a fried egg, chives, bacon, cheddar, and Sriracha honey. The Sausage Jalapeno sandwich comes on an English muffin with sausage, a scrambled egg, blueberry jalapeno jam, arugula, and gruyere. Vegetarian sausage is available, and the Strawberry Pecan salad has parmesan cheese, strawberries, pecans, dried cranberries, red onions, and honey balsamic dressing. Ancora Coffee is open from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, and they open at 7 a.m. on weekends. Cool Beans Coffee Cafe This trendy coffee house has a comfortable interior with a fireplace, wood floors, plush chairs, and large windows that provide lots of natural light. There's a children's play area inside and a sandbox outside, so your kids can have fun while you enjoy your coffee. Try the Turtle Mocha with macadamia nut, chocolate, and caramel syrup or the White Cloud with white coffee, white chocolate, macadamia nut, cinnamon, and steamed milk. There's also an espresso shake with milk, whipped cream, ice cream, and espresso. Cool Beans Coffee Cafe is open on weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and it closes at 3 p.m. on Saturdays. For some great coffee, try out these excellent Madison coffee shops. Whether you want to relax or grab a quick drink, you can find a place for coffee you'll love. Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

The 2020 Toyota Sequoia three-row SUV is versatile and practical, and it's ideal for a scenic road trip or a family vacation. It's also great for camping and exploring off-road. You can choose SR5, TRD Sport, Limited, Platinum, or TRD Pro trim levels. Keep reading to learn more about this appealing vehicle's best features for traveling. A Distinctive Style The 2020 Sequoia has a boxy profile with curved corners, heated power side mirrors, a sculpted hood, automatic LED headlights, and rectangular upper and lower grilles. It also comes with fog lights, a spoiler, puddle lights, a windshield wiper de-icer, privacy glass, a roof rack, 18-inch wheels, and running boards. Its unique look makes it easy to find in a parking lot, and you can add 20-inch wheels, a power liftgate, and power-folding side mirrors with turn signals. The TRD Pro has large Toyota lettering on the upper grille instead of the Toyota symbol and black aluminum wheels for a rugged appearance. It also has a power rear window and an aluminum skid plate that protects the underside of the vehicle from off-road obstacles. Great Performance This SUV's speed-sensing power steering makes maneuvering at any velocity easy. It can navigate tough trails, and the independent suspension creates a smooth, comfortable ride. The 5.7-liter V-8 engine gives 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It uses a six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul and manual modes, and it can pull up to 7400 pounds. Four-wheel drive is available, and the TRD Sport has performance-tuned shocks. Choose the Platinum for an adaptive variable suspension that responds to changing conditions. This trim also comes with Comfort, Sport, and Normal driving modes. A Luxurious Interior The Sequoia can carry eight people, and it has a variety of luxurious features. The dashboard has plenty of user-friendly buttons and knobs, and folding the second- and third-row seats will give you up to 120.1 cubic feet of cargo space. This vehicle comes with three-zone climate control, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, a 7-inch touch screen, sunshades for the rear windows and the power moonroof, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and 16 cup holders. You'll also get a power driver's seat, keyless entry, two USB ports, push-button start, and a 4.2-inch driver information display. Several driver assistance features make long trips easier, including lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane change assistance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, braking assistance, front and rear sonar parking assistance, and trailer sway control. You can add a 9-inch rear entertainment system with a Blu-ray player, a remote, two sets of wireless headphones, and a 120-volt power outlet. Other options include voice recognition, a 14-speaker sound system with a subwoofer and an amplifier, heated and cooled leather front seats, and navigation. The Platinum trim level comes with attractive wood accents and memory settings for the front seats. To learn more about the 2020 Sequoia and try it for yourself, visit Smart Toyota. We offer an extensive inventory, and we can help you decide which vehicle is right for you.

Madison is known for a few key things; it's the capital city of Wisconsin and is the home of the University of Wisconsin. However, it's also a place that houses a number of unique and fascinating attractions. Check out these unusual spots to learn more about the city and its history. Lamp House The Robert M. Lamp House, also known as Lamp House, is a unique structure in the heart of the city's downtown area. Many Madison residents don't realize that a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home sits in their midst, as it's one of Wright's forgotten designs. If you can find it, you'll see some of the hallmarks of the famed architect's traditional style. It stands out in the neighborhood because of its blocky style and bold red accents that surround the windows. The home isn't open to visitors, although you can drive or walk by to see it in person. L.R. Ingersoll Physics Museum The L.R. Ingersoll Physics Museum is located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Two science professors at the university came up with the idea for the museum in the early 20th century, and when it opened in 1918 it was the first museum in the country to focus specifically on physics. It is named for one of its founding professors, Leonard R. Ingersoll, and showcases exhibits designed by the faculty and constructed by the students in the school's science department. Each exhibit provides a hands-on experience of a physical concept, so it's appealing to both children and adults. Admission is free and guided tours are available for groups. Elvis Karate Fight Plaque The Elvis Karate Fight Plaque sits in an area of Madison where “The King” once broke up a fight. After arriving in the city to perform a show, Elvis was being chauffeured in a limousine. At the corner of East Washington Avenue and Highway 51, two men were fighting on the street. Elvis had his driver stop the car and he got out to stop the fight. A bystander recalls that Elvis took a karate stance and threatened to take both of the fighters on, effectively ending the fight. A crowd of fans gathered when news traveled that he was there, and Elvis waved to the crowd and went on his way. Lost City Forest Lost City Forest is also within Madison's city limits, located on the southeast corner of the arboretum on the University of Wisconsin campus. In the 1920s, Madison was growing quickly, resulting in a need for more housing. The Lake Forest Land Company planned to construct a new housing development in this area, only to find that the marshy land was sucking up foundations and other components needed for sturdy homes. The plans were abandoned, leaving behind a forested area in the middle of the city. Both visitors to the city and long-time residents will enjoy spending some time at these unique Madison attractions. This weekend, make a plan to get out and explore the city. Image by Karen Arnold from Pixabay

Crossover SUVs are very popular among car buyers, boasting impressive functionality and capability. The compact crossover segment is fairly crowded, but one model that's worth looking at is the 2020 Toyota RAV4. 1. Quiet, Comfortable Cabin One of the most appealing aspects of the 2020 Toyota RAV4 is its cabin. The seating area has enough room for up to five, and even taller passengers will feel comfortable in the second row of seating. The RAV4 is also quiet, giving you and your passengers a more comfortable ride, even at high speeds. It comes in six trim levels, so you can choose the features you want at a price you can afford. Standard interior features include single-zone manual climate control, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, and in-dash storage trays. Tech equipment includes a six-speaker sound system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a 7-inch touch screen. With the higher trim levels, you can get additional luxurious features, such as faux leather upholstery, wireless charging, a premium audio system, an 8-inch touch screen, heated seats, ambient lighting, up to five USB ports, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a heated steering wheel. 2. High-End Safety Comes Standard Every 2020 RAV4 also comes equipped with an appealing suite of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. This suite, called Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control with road sign assist, lane departure warning with steering assist and lane tracing assist, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking assist with automated braking are available on the higher trim levels as well. 3. Efficiency and Performance The standard engine in all six trim levels of the RAV4 is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit, which pumps out 184 pound-feet of torque and 203 horsepower. It's an efficient engine that responds well when you accelerate, yet returns impressive fuel economy estimates. Front-wheel drive comes standard on all but the Adventure and TRD Off-Road, which come with Toyota's AWD system. You can also upgrade any of the other models to include all-wheel drive. Toyota also makes a hybrid version of the RAV4 for those who want to save even more at the pump. 4. Visual Appeal The outside of the 2020 RAV4 shows off sporty styling elements that make this SUV even more appealing. Even the base model comes equipped with LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights, 17-inch steel wheels, automatic high beams, power-adjustable and folding side mirrors, low-profile black roof rails, and dual chrome exhaust tips. As you move through the higher trims, you can get additional options to make this SUV even more stylish and functional. Some of these include mudguards, rain-sensing wipers, a height-adjustable power-operated liftgate with jam protection, roof rack crossbars, a panoramic moonroof, and heated side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators. At Smart Toyota, we have a selection of 2020 Toyota RAV4 models available for you to test drive. Stop by and check out this stylish crossover to see how it stacks up against others in the segment. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

If you're planning a trip to the capital city of Wisconsin, you're probably looking for somewhere to stay during your visit. Madison is home to a number of appealing hotels, each offering a wide range of amenities to keep you comfortable. 1. The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club Located less than a block from Capitol Square, the Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club is a great place to stay if you want to be in the heart of downtown. Many of the rooms offer views of the capitol building. Guests who upgrade to stay in the rooms on the upper three floors get access to the Governor's Club, which includes an evening happy hour and daily breakfast. Each spacious room includes free wireless internet access, a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, and a flat-screen TV. For the ultimate in relaxation, upgrade to a room with a Jacuzzi or whirlpool tub. Additional amenities include an indoor pool and hot tub, restaurant, and a complimentary airport shuttle. 2. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Madison When you stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Madison, you'll be within walking distance of the shopping and dining options on State Street. It's about a mile from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and offers free shuttle service to several top attractions within 2 miles of the property. In-room amenities include microwaves, complimentary Wi-Fi, and coffee makers. Parking is free, while guests also have access to a fitness center, open 24 hours a day. If you're a Badgers fan, be sure to enjoy at least one meal at the hotel restaurant. It is themed around the local university's mascot and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also upgrade your stay to include access to the breakfast buffet, which is also served in the restaurant. 3. The Edgewater For an upscale stay, book a room at The Edgewater, a boutique hotel located in downtown. It is next to the university campus and within walking distance of Capitol Square. The hotel also sits at the edge of Lake Mendota, which is visible throughout many common areas and guest rooms. Each luxurious room features well-appointed decor elements, a spacious bathroom with a spa shower, and a plush bed to help you rest and relax. The Edgewater is also known throughout Madison for its spa and wellness facilities. Guests can enjoy a pampering facial, massage, or body treatment at the spa, stay active at the onsite fitness center, or even change their look with a visit to the beauty salon. 4. Courtyard Madison East For an affordable stay, check out Courtyard Madison East. This property is close to the East Towne Mall and the University of Wisconsin. Guests can dine at the onsite restaurant, which serves breakfast, dinner, and cocktails, or head to one of the nearby restaurants. Additional amenities include a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, and complimentary airport shuttle service. Each room has a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, a microwave, and a fridge. Whether you're looking for a luxurious, upscale property or sticking to a tight budget, you can find a hotel in Madison that suits your needs. Image via Pixabay by Grungly. Used with permission via Pixabay License / cropped from original

If you're shopping for a new SUV, add the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid to your list of models to test drive. This crossover checks all the boxes — it's stylish, eco-friendly, and reasonably priced. Take a look at a few of the reasons you should consider this vehicle for your needs. 1. Incredible Efficiency When looking into SUVs, you may soon find that many of the models in the crossover segment aren't very efficient. But you don't have to sacrifice efficiency for the convenience and functionality of a crossover SUV. Instead, you can get a hybrid model like the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. This vehicle features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that works with two or three electric motors, depending on whether you opt for front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The combined output is 243 horsepower and the powertrain works with a continuously variable transmission. According to estimates, the 2020 Highlander Hybrid returns an average of 35 miles per gallon combined. The Limited trim level gets slightly lower efficiency, with the highway estimate coming in at 34 mpg. However, those numbers are quite impressive for a three-row crossover. The non-hybrid version of the Highlander comes in at 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for a combined estimate of 34 mpg. 2. Upscale Interior Within the cabin of the 2020 Highlander Hybrid, you'll find a spacious seating area with room for up to eight, although all models but the base come standard with captain's chairs that takes the seating capacity to seven. Standard cabin features include cloth upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, soft-touch materials, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and six cargo hooks. On the tech side, the base model comes with a six-speaker sound system with an 8-inch touch screen, satellite and HD radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and four USB ports. For a more luxurious ride, check out the higher trim levels. You can get features like leather upholstery, faux wood trim, ambient interior lighting, heated front-row and second-row seats, power-adjustable seats with adjustable lumbar support, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Additional options include wireless device charging, a premium audio system, navigation, and a 12.3-inch touch screen. 3. High-End Safety Features All trim levels of the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid come standard with Toyota's Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which includes active safety features to protect you and those around you on the road. The suite includes a pre-collision warning system with automatic braking and pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control with road sign assist, a rearview camera, cyclist detection, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and lane departure warning with steering assist. Additionally, the Highlander Hybrid comes with blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert as standard. Options include front and rear parking assist with automatic braking and a bird's eye view camera system. If you're interested in this crossover SUV, visit Smart Toyota to get behind the wheel. We have a selection of Highlander Hybrid models available for you to test drive, and we can answer any questions you may have about the vehicle. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

Whether you use your truck for work or play, Toyota trucks have the power and amenities you need to get the job done. Read on to compare two of Toyota's hardest-working trucks, the 2020 Tacoma and the 2020 Tundra. Cab and Bed Options The 2020 Toyota Tacoma trim packages include the SR, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. All Tacoma models are available with a variety of cab and bed options. The Tacoma extended cab features half-size rear-hinged doors and a 6-foot bed. The Tacoma crew cab includes two rows of regular doors and a 5- or 6-foot bed. The 2020 Toyota Tundra trim packages include the SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, and TRD Pro. On the Tundra models, both the extended and crew cab features two rows of regular doors. The Tundra extended cab is available with a 6.5-foot or 8.1-foot bed, while the Tundra crew cab is only available with a 5.5-foot bed. Infotainment Both truck lineups include many modern infotainment features. The Tacoma SR includes a 7-inch touch screen display, while all other Tacoma and Tundra models bump up to an 8-inch display. Both truck lineups include Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, USB ports, Amazon Alexa compatibility, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. High-end models of both the Tacoma and Tundra include premium audio systems, integrated navigation, and dynamic voice recognition. Engine Engine options for the Tacoma include a 159-horsepower 2.7-liter I-4 engine and a 278-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The SR and SR5 engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while all others are built with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Tundra lineup includes one engine, a 381-horsepower, 5.7-liter V-8 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. In both truck lineups, the SR and SR5 models are equipped with rear-wheel drive, while all other models are four-wheel drive. Performance Fuel efficiency is much higher in the Tacoma than the Tundra. The Tacoma has an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency rating of 18 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The larger Tundra is slightly lower, with a fuel economy of 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. The payload capacity for the Tacoma varies from 1,105 pounds (TRD Sport) to 1,685 pounds (SR and SR5). The Tundra payload maximum varies from 1,560 (TRD Pro) to 1,730 (SR5 with the 8.1-foot bed). The Tacoma's maximum towing capacity varies from 3,500 pounds (I-4 engines) to a max of 6,600 pounds (V-6 models). The maximum towing capacity for the Tundra varies from 9,200 pounds (TRD Pro 4x4) to 10,200 pounds (SR5 with rear-wheel drive). Both trucks are equipped with a standard towing package that includes a receiver hitch, 4- and 7-pin connector, supplemental coolers, and trailer sway control. The Tundra also includes a tow/haul mode switch and an integrated brake controller. Both the Tacoma and Tundra lineups include off-road TRD models. The Tundra TRD Pro offers a longer bed option, but both include heavy-duty shocks and skid plates. The Tacoma is more nimble when driving off-road thanks to its smaller size and standard off-road tech. The Tacoma is equipped with crawl control, a locking rear differential, and multi-terrain select. The Toyota Tundra does not currently come with crawl control, but it was recently announced that this feature will be available on the 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD PRO. Shop the Toyota Tundra & Toyota Tacoma Trucks in Madison, WI To check out the Tacoma and Tundra for yourself, head over to Smart Toyota. Our experienced staff can help you find the perfect truck for you. We proudly serve drivers throughout the greater Madison, WI area, including Sun Prairie, Middleton, and beyond. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

Are you struggling to find something to do over spring break or the summer that will keep your kids occupied? Fortunately, there are plenty of fun-filled destinations in Madison, Wisconsin, that both kids and parents alike can enjoy. Check out some of our favorite fun-filled destinations and get ready for an afternoon to fly by. Henry Vilas Zoo The Henry Vilas Zoo was founded in 1904 when William and Anna Vilas donated 50 acres of land to the city in honor of their son Henry. Today, the Henry Vilas Zoo is one of only a few free admission, community-supported public zoos in the country. The zoo is home to 115 species of animals, from African lions to meerkats, giraffes, and rhinoceros. Visit the Big Cats exhibit, which mimics habitats you'd see in the wild, and the Tropical Rainforest Aviary. The zoo takes its commitment to sustainability and conservation seriously and has LEED-certified buildings. Kids will love special educational programs like Breakfast With the Animals or Snooze at the Zoo, a public sleepover for families featuring animal presentations and behind-the-scenes activities. Madison Children's Museum On a cold or rainy day when you have to be indoors, a visit to the Madison Children's Museum is just the thing to keep everyone occupied. The museum offers families the opportunity to move and play, learn, and engage with inspiring and imaginative exhibits. Visit the Bakke Art Studio, where kids can create masterpieces, from weaving to sculpture and drawing. With Stair Trek: Core to Cosmos, you can take an interactive journey from the Earth's core to the outer limits of the universe. The exhibit features the playful voices of children from the Madison community describing the smells, sounds, and experiences of each of these environments. The museum hosts around 200,000 visitors each year, including 300 school groups and hundreds of educational programs. Olbrich Botanical Gardens Spend a day strolling the paths and taking in the beautiful sights of the 16 acres of the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. The Bolz Conservatory, built in 1991, is a glass pyramid filled with over 650 tropical plants native to regions around the world that bloom year-round, surrounded by free-flying birds and a bubbling waterfall. Visit the Thai pavilion, or "sala," a gift from the government of Thailand and the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Thai Chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Association. Explore the Sunken Garden, built like a traditional English garden, and the Rose Garden, featuring more than 700 varieties. Babcock Hall Dairy Store For a treat and a one-of-a-kind experience, visit the Babcock Hall Dairy Store. Founded in 1951, the store currently offers 23 flavors of award-winning cheeses made on-site under the guidance of Gary Grossen, Master Cheesemaker, and featuring ice cream flavors such as salted caramel toffee and grapefruit mango sherbet. Visit the second-story observation deck overlooking the on-site dairy plant to take a guided tour and learn how the Babcock Hall Dairy Store makes cheese and ice cream. Kids will get a kick out of these exciting destinations in Madison. Check them out today. Image v via Pixabay by pasja1000 Used with permission via Pixabay License / cropped from original

Whether you're looking to take your family on your next great adventure or down the street to soccer practice, the 2020 Toyota Highlander will get you there. Read on to learn more about why U.S. News & World Report says the 2020 Toyota Highlander "offers a great predicted reliability rating, a sizable cargo hold, and a gentle ride." Fun-Filled Interior The 2020 Toyota Highlander's premium interior offers features that are fun for drivers and passengers alike. An available 12.3-inch touchscreen display has Apple CarPlay compatibility, Android Auto, and an all-access three-month trial Sirius XM subscription. The available JBL with Clari-fi audio system delivers phenomenal surround-sound with 11 speakers with high-quality engineering. A center console with Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging capabilities allows you to charge your devices with ease on the go. Roomy third-row seating provides seating in the vehicle for up to eight with plenty of legroom for everyone. High-Design Exterior Contoured lines and a chiseled shape give the 2020 Highlander's exterior a unique, eye-catching design. The Highlander's all-new design in 2020 includes 20-inch wheels available on the Limited and Platinum models, and stylish LED headlights come standard. Families will love the convenience of the available hands-free power rear liftgate; with the Smart Key fob in your pocket, simply wave your foot under the rear bumper when your hands are free to load up groceries or sports gear and hit the road. Safety Features The 2020 Toyota Highlander's safety features are designed to give you and your family peace of mind. Toyota Safety Sense is a set of safety features designed to protest you and your passengers, including the pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure alert. Also included is the new road sign assist, which is designed to detect signs such as stop and speed limits, and display them on the MID. The available digital rearview mirror takes advantage of a rear camera to offer a wider field of vision with the flip of a switch. The 2020 Highlander also features available dynamic navigation, providing you with up-to-date mapping data and routes to get to your destination on time. Seamless Everyday Performance The 2020 Toyota Highlander offers performance that makes it fun to drive while delivering a consistently exceptional driving experience. The Highlander's advanced 3.5-liter V-6 engine gets an impressive 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, and has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The available Highlander Hybrid all-wheel drive offers an estimated best-in-class EPA estimated 35 miles per gallon combined. The Toyota New Global Architecture Platform creates smooth handling and a comfortable, confident drive. Available Dynamic Torque Vectoring all-wheel drive improves stability and responsiveness. All-wheel drive models also feature multi-terrain select, with four modes to improve traction in a wide variety of environments: normal, snow, rock & dirt, and mud & sand. Ready to check it out in person? Stop by and visit us at Smart Motors, Wisconsin's Toyota Dealer, to give the 2020 Highlander a test drive today. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

Visiting our local recreation areas is a great way to connect with nature and each other. Whether you prefer the land or water, there is something for everyone near Madison. Read on to learn about several Madison-area parks that are perfect for enjoying the great outdoors. Capital Springs Recreation Area The Capital Springs Recreation Area covers almost 2,500 acres and is a great place to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. The park is home to an 18-hole disc golf course and six miles of hiking trails. Bicyclists can enjoy the Capital City State Trail. Capital Springs includes a huge off-leash dog park with parking and trails to enjoy with your pup. If you enjoy the water, Lake Waubesa and Mud Lake offer opportunities for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. In the winter, cross-country skiers can enjoy several groomed trails. If you have family members with disabilities, be sure to check out the Jenni and Kyle Preserve in Capital Springs. The Preserve is a unique area with specially modified play areas, shelters, and trails. The Preserve is one of the few places for those with disabilities to enjoy fishing, thanks to its modified beaches and trails. Capital Springs offers a large number of individual campsites that include electricity. Rustic group campsites for up to 20 people are also available. Pheasant Branch Conservancy With over 160 acres of natural grasslands, the Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a great place to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. The Conservancy includes open water, springs, prairies, and wooded areas. You can take in the many scenic overlooks while walking, hiking, and biking on the unpaved trails found throughout the park. Several trails are groomed in the winter months for cross-country skiing. Thanks to its varied landscapes, the Conservancy is a great place to go birdwatching as well. The Conservancy is dedicated to making the outdoors accessible to all. Those with disabilities can reserve an outdoor, all-terrain wheelchair perfect for taking out on the trails. Many volunteers are on hand to answer questions about the park and its animals. Special educational programs include Conservancy Days (every third Tuesday of the month) and Tunes on Tuesday (featuring local musicians). Lake Kegonsa State Park Lake Kegonsa State Park offers lots of outdoor activities. The park includes 96 family campsites, including two designated for those with disabilities. Group campsites capable of holding up to 20 people are also available. The park's five miles of trails are perfect for hiking or biking. Water activities include kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and fishing. The park includes a designated swimming beach with bathhouse. Those with furry friends can enjoy the trails, camping areas, and special pet swim area. For picnics, check out the five picnic areas, each with its own shelter, sand volleyball pit, and horseshoe area. In the winter months, you can enjoy cross-country skiing, ice fishing on Lake Kegonsa, and sledding. Spending time in nature is good for the body and soul. The next time you need a little nature time, check out the many amenities available at these Madison parks.     “ Sunset at Lake Kegonsa” via Flickr by ofthebeautyallaround. Used with permission via CC BY-SA 2.0 / cropped from original

Toyota created a legendary car in the past that is now making a big comeback this year, and it is the 2020 Toyota GR Supra. True Supra fans may question the new Supra's performance when considering the Supra models of old, but you can rest assured that it has more than earned its sports car stripes. Let's explore some of the key features and specs of the 2020 GR Supra. Did Someone Say Power? One might think that a sports car needs to have V-8 power to stand out from the crowd, but this assumption couldn't be more wrong as the 2020 GR Supra proves with its powerful new engine. A 3.0-liter twin-scroll single turbo DOHC 24-valve inline-6 engine is responsible for propelling this car from zero to 60 in only 4.1 seconds. This is impressive and more readily understood when you learn that this engine produces an incredible 335 horsepower and an even more impressive 365 pound-feet of torque. Power distribution is considered to be just as, if not more, important as the power itself. Toyota addresses this premise with an eight-speed automatic transmission that is anything but ordinary. It is lightweight, compact, strong, and strategically placed with the GR Supra's overall center of gravity in mind. The internal components of this ZV 8HP eight-speed transmission are designed to take that 365 pound-feet of torque and seamlessly transfer it to the rear wheels, sending the maximum amount of power to the road. Yes, you did read that right; the 2020 GR Supra is also rear-wheel-drive, making for the ultimate driving experience. The combination of engine and transmission that Toyota has devised gives the GR Supra acceleration and power you can feel. Performance The 2020 GR Supra is more than just raw power; it has been designed to deliver exceptional performance. For starters, it has been engineered to have an almost perfect weight balance by distributing its weight to all the right areas. This has been accomplished by positioning the engine and transmission as low in the car as possible, along with the powertrain being moved as far back as possible. This design effectively keeps the car's center of mass where it should be and drastically improves the GR Supra's performance and handling. Other performance-based engineering that has gone into the GR Supra includes a wide platform chassis, adaptive variable suspension, available Brembo brakes, forged alloy wheels, and an electronically controlled rear differential. You can own the road in the 2020 GR Supra. Interior Design and Tech The interior of the GR Supra is designed with the driver as the focus with sports seats that are deeply bolstered, console-mounted knee padding, an 8.8-inch digital driver's display, a head-up display, a sport steering wheel, a Supra Command dial, Supra Connect, and Qi-compatible wireless charging, just to name a few of its great amenities. This sports car is loaded with modern conveniences, and don't forget about the 10 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk. This space may not be huge, but it makes the Supra perfect for a weekend getaway. Stop by your local Toyota dealer today and learn more about the 2020 Toyota GR Supra. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

Getting outdoors to go camping makes for an awesome weekend getaway. There are some vast camping areas where you can enjoy tent, trailer, or RV camping near Madison, Wisconsin. Let's explore a few of the best places you can camp out this weekend in the local area. 1. Mendota County Park Camping in Mendota County Park is an enjoyable experience for the whole family. You will find that this park has a 5-unit boat camping area and a 30-unit campground. Every campsite has a 30-amp electrical hookup, but you would need to supply an extension cord for hooking up an RV. Campers have access to amenities such as bathrooms, showers, an unsupervised swimming area with an accessible swimming ramp, two shelter facilities, play equipment, volleyball courts, and a shallow launch. The launch is suitable for canoes, small boats, and kayaks. Mendota County Park has something for all ages and you can make reservations. Book your next weekend excursion at Mendota County Park. 2. Crystal Lake RV Resort and Campground If you're searching for a memorable camping experience that has more to offer than you could imagine, Crystal Lake RV Resort and Campground is the place for you. You can choose to stay in the on-site rentals that include cabins, an A-frame, and yurts, or you can reserve a seasonal site. If you're looking to camp, there are overnight RV sites and rustic tent campsites as well. Activities and events take place throughout the year, such as themed weekends, that will keep you and your family entertained. If that isn't enough, you can go swimming or boating, eat at the restaurant and bar, rent a golf cart or a boat, go fishing, or sit around the fire making s'mores. There are plenty of recreational activities to keep you busy, or you can just sit back and relax, the choice is yours. When planning to visit Crystal Lake RV Resort and Campground, it is always best to book your reservations in advance, as campsites, rentals, and seasonal sites go fast. 3. Viking Village Campground If you're more into "glamping" than rustic tent camping, Viking Village Campground is where you want to go. Though tent camping isn't permitted by itself, you can use a tent along with a camper. There are no pull-through campsites, and only one vehicle is allowed per site unless others are approved at the office. You may also have a boat if room permits. The campground offers 71 campsites, and it is located in the majestic countryside that surrounds Stoughton, Wisconsin. Playing some challenging golf courses and access to four of Wisconsin's most beautiful lakes are just a couple of the varied recreational activities you will have access to while on-site. You and your family are sure to enjoy your stay at this outdoor haven. These are just three of the many places you can camp near Madison, Wisconsin. Check out these locations or find the perfect place for you and your family in the surrounding area. There's a whole outdoor world to explore in Madison, so get out there and find the best spot to set up camp. Image via Pixabay by Pexels. Used with permission via Pixabay License / cropped from original