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It's true, summer is coming to an end in Madison, Wisconsin, but that doesn't mean the good times have to stop as well. Instead, it's time to start looking forward to a variety of exciting fall activities. When you're ready to get outside and see what the area has to offer, make plans to check out one of these fun things to do in the fall near Madison. 1. Eugster's Farm Market and Petting Farm To experience all those classic and exciting fall activities, travel 15 minutes south of Madison to Eugster's Farm Market and Petting Farm. If you come for the Fall Festival Weekends, you can head out to the U-Pick apple orchard to fill a bag with your choice of apples, stop by the pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin, explore the 8-acre corn maze, walk through the haunted house, take a wagon ride, or stroll through the petting zoo to meet the farm animals. 2. Dane County Farmers' Market Held on Saturday mornings on the Capitol Square, the Dane County Farmers' Market is one of the largest producer-only markets in the country. If you're looking to fill your basket with some of the freshest fall produce from local farms, this is the place to go. You'll find apples, corn, eggplant, melons, peaches, pears, peppers, plums, berries, and more. In addition to fresh produce, you'll also be able to stock up on honey, nuts, jellies, jams, maple syrup, plants, cheese, meat, dairy, and baked goods. 3. Cherokee Marsh Hayride During the fall, the City of Madison Parks Division offers a schedule of hayrides for everyone to enjoy. One popular option is the Cherokee Marsh Hayride, which tours the Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park. If you decide to take this hayride, you'll climb aboard a tractor-pulled hay wagon to view the beautiful sights of the park. After the ride, volunteers from the Friends of Cherokee Marsh will offer a free, short nature hike. While you're there, you can also enjoy free marshmallows to roast on the fire and hot cider. 4. Olbrich Botanical Gardens Olbrich Botanical Gardens is beautiful no matter what time of year you visit, but it's especially lovely in the fall. As you stroll around the 16-acre outdoor display garden, you can take in the gorgeous colors of the changing leaves. The garden also hosts a variety of special fall events. This year, GLEAM: Art in a New Light is back by popular demand. This exhibition features stunning light installations around the gardens. 5. Schuster's Playtime Farm Another fun place to visit this fall near Madison is Schuster's Playtime Farm. During the fall season, you can ride the wagon out to the 14-acre pumpkin patch, practice your aim firing an apple cannon, get lost in the 8-acre corn maze, take a thrilling walk through the Haunted Forest, and enjoy savory treats that include caramel apples, cider donuts, kettle corn, and hot apple cider. When you're interested in having some fun around Madison this fall, be sure to check out a few of these outstanding events.   “ Fall color Madison, WI, October, 2011” via Flickr by Richard Hurd. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

The Toyota Camry has been in production for decades, and for good reason. Since the first front-wheel-drive Camry was introduced in 1983 in America, it has been out-performing the competition. Here's a look at why the Camry is one of the most enduring vehicles ever made. 1. Power Under the Hood The Camry has gone through many iterations, and each new model has been engineered with performance in mind. The 2019 Camry comes with two engine options, a 2.4-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder engine that is surprisingly responsive and a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that gives the Camry some real muscle. Both engines use Toyota's D-4S Direct Injection system which maximizes fuel efficiency by selecting the best injection method based on driving conditions. The result is speed and power while remaining fuel-efficient. 2. Agility on the Road Knowing the road you're on is important, and Toyota understands where the Camry will be driving. Whether it's a suburban or urban commute or upcountry for the weekend, the Camry is designed for comfort. Equipped with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, the Camry handles the stop and go commute and the curvy back roads with equal confidence. Toyota's Direct Shift Automatic 8-Speed Transmission also enhances the Camry's ride. Precision shifting, a lower center of gravity, and lightweight materials allow the Camry to ride smoother and with improved fuel efficiency. With three driver-selectable modes, the Camry can be tailored to the road or driver. Select Sport mode and hang on through the tight turns. Eco mode will get you there efficiently, automatically moderating throttle input. For the best of both worlds, you can select Normal mode, a seamless blend of efficiency and handling. The Camry also allows you to choose your own shift points on either the gear shift lever or the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, giving you the ultimate control of your driving experience. In the end, the Camry delivers an estimated 41 highway mpg, and that result speaks for itself. 3. Safety Always a hallmark of the Toyota Camry, safety continues to propel the Camry to the head of the pack. 2019 is no exception as the Camry comes standard with an Advanced Air Bag System that features dual-stage SRS driver and front passenger airbags and front and rear side-curtain airbags. With ten airbags overall, the Camry offers great protection in the event of a collision. The Camry also features the Star Safety System, a suite of six systems using cutting edge technology to keep you safer on the streets. Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-Lock Brakes, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Smart Stop Technology all work unseen under the hood. Additional safety features like Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert expand your vision and can help reduce the risk of accidents and injury. All in all, the Camry continues to deliver, year after year, and now, decade after decade. Power, performance, efficiency, and safety are the reasons why. Come in and test drive one today and see for yourself why the Camry continues to endure. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

Sometimes visiting places off the beaten track is the perfect way to explore interesting locations that are aren't your typical everyday attractions. In Madison, consider these quirky destinations for intriguing and memorable adventures. 1. Cave of the Mounds The Cave of the Mounds is definitely off the beaten track when you're looking for natural beauty that has stood the test of time. The cave was discovered in 1939 and listed as a National Natural Landmark. Inside the cool recesses of the cave, a rainbow of crystal formations casts colorful hues along paved walkways. Take the guided tour and learn about the centuries-old cave and its history from the tour guides. Enjoy additional activities, including digging for fossils, mining for gems, hiking scenic trails, and relaxing in the Butterfly Gardens. While visiting, you'll have access to the rock and gift shops for a souvenir, a snack bar for refreshments, or you can pack a lunch and relax at the picnic area. Cave of the Mounds is open year-round with tours starting every 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the season, rain or shine. Tours last about one hour. 2. House on the Rock For a truly astounding example of architecture, the House on the Rock tops the list. The home is unique in more ways than one. Construction on the home began in 1945 by Alex Jordan, who had a vision of creating a retreat that would be perched upon the rock formation, providing a panorama of scenic views. The tour of the home is broken down into three sections. You will be guided through 13 creative rooms featuring beautiful decor amid soft colors and hues, treasures and collectibles, exquisite fireplaces, handcrafted dolls, music machines, and much more. The tour includes the Gate House, Spirit of Aviation, Music of Yesterday, Streets of Yesterday, The Mill House, Organ Room, Inspiration Point, Doll House Room, Circus Room, The Galleries, The Doll Carousel Room, the 218-foot Infinity Room comprised of over 3,000 pieces of glass, Indoor Carousel, and the Heritage of the Sea complete with a 200-foot tall denizen of the deep display. Outside, the Japanese Gardens features a 14-foot waterfall. 3. Lamp House For architecture enthusiasts, the Lamp House is a "must-see" in Madison. The home was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for his childhood friend, Robert Lamp. Located at 22 North Butler Street, the three-story home was built in 1903. The house features squares, tiered rectangles, a diamond pattern in the brickwork, casement windows with leaded glass, and atop the third story, a roof garden. The Lamp House is set back from the street amid a landscaped garden designed back in the day with decorative urns, detailed curbs, and stone walls to evoke a solitary environment. Although the impressive home is privately owned, it continues to draw artists, architects, and history buffs for its historical importance. Take a walk on the wild and unusual side, get up-close to ancient natural formations, and step back into a time when a legendary architect made dreams come true. Enjoy visiting these unique destinations that will take you off the beaten path.   “ Cave of the Mounds 15” via Flickr by minnemom. Used with permission via CC BY-ND 2.0 / cropped from original

If you are in the market for an economical car that is environmentally friendly, Toyota's Prius c is one you should consider. Toyota has been manufacturing the Prius since 1997, and it was the world's first mass-market hybrid vehicle. Originally a four-door sedan, the Prius morphed into a hatch-back in 2003. As of January 2017, the Prius hit the 4 million units sold mark, making it the world's best selling hybrid. In 2011 Toyota introduced the Prius v, an extended hatchback, and the Prius c, a subcompact hatchback. The Prius c was created for urban drivers seeking to leave as small a footprint as possible, both literally and figuratively, on the world around them. It succeeded and here's a look at why the Prius c is a great entry-level hybrid economy car. Performance When you shop for a subcompact hybrid, you aren't planning on hitting the track. You're probably more interested in getting around safely in a congested urban area. The Prius c does that and it does it well. This hybrid has plenty of pep for zipping around the city. Its 4-cylinder engine is paired with an electric motor and uses a continuously variable automatic transmission to propel the subcompact to a whopping 48 Mpg city rating. For a subcompact, it handles well. Its firm suspension is suited for city driving as it easily maneuvers through tight corners and cramped metropolitan streets and parking lots. The Prius c also uses a regenerative braking system. For those unfamiliar, a regenerative braking system uses the engine to slow the vehicle while at the same time transferring that braking energy into charging the battery. Interior When you hear the word subcompact you don't think about space, however, the Prius c offers plenty of it. With seating for five, you and your coworkers can carpool comfortably, or you and your friends can hit the town for a night out. The Prius c has plenty of cargo space too, with over 17 cubic feet in the hatchback. You can pick up your parents at the airport and stow their bags, or you can hit the grocery store and load up your weekly groceries; no problem. The Prius c also comes standard with a 6.1-inch touch screen for the infotainment system. Automatic climate control, USB port, Bluetooth, voice recognition, and Siri Eyes Free systems are all standard. Safety The Prius c comes equipped with driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, and front and rear head airbags. It's 4-Wheel Automatic Braking System is paired with Toyota's Brake Assist system that will detect when a collision is imminent and apply brake pressure to help avoid a collision or reduce the impact. Electronic Stability Control helps keep the vehicle under control when it detects extreme sway. Its Traction Control system provides additional power to select wheels when detecting slippage and a Lane Departure Warning system alerts you when the vehicle detects a drift outside your lane. The amount of power packed into its small frame combines with its unparalleled economy and class-leading cargo room to make the Toyota Prius c a natural choice for anyone looking for a great entry-level hybrid.   “ Prius c Tennessee” via Flickr by petridish38. Used with permission via CC0 1.0 / cropped from original

"Summertime, summertime, sum, sum summertime" are lyrics from an upbeat 1950s song that inspires folks to want to get up and go out and find some fun in the summertime. In Madison, there are plenty of options to choose from for all ages to enjoy the day and soak up some rays. Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum Put on your walking shoes and sunglasses in preparation for enjoying the beauty of nature at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. For hiking enthusiasts, you'll have access to 17 miles of scenic trails along boardwalks, fire lanes, and footpaths. Along the way, you'll observe different landscapes from wetlands and woodlands to prairies and savannas. Save time to visit the natural areas, too. These are undisturbed areas that show Wisconsin landscape in its original form. Anyone who likes to grow plants, trees, and flowers will want to take one of three garden tours. The 35-acre Longenecker Horticultural Gardens is a palette of visual color with thousands of vines, trees, shrubs, plants; some native to Wisconsin. The Viburnum Garden hosts three acres with multiple varieties and species of arborvitae and Viburnum. The third area is the four-acre Wisconsin Native Plant Garden that is home to 15 gardens filled with native Wisconsin species. The visitor center is open Monday through Sunday, for information on seasonal hours of operation and events. Henry Vilas Zoo Get in touch with the wild side of life with a visit to Henry Vilas Zoo, which is home to more than 650 animals from around the world. From aardvarks to yellow-banded poison dart frogs, and nearly everything in-between, you'll observe and learn about 115 interesting and intriguing species. The zoo is home to mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, arthropods, and fish. Among these are 20 endangered species. Your visit will take you through several continents that include Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America and a variety of exhibits. Throughout the year, the zoo hosts events in support and celebration of the wildlife. The zoo is open year-round, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Hours of operation are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ice Age National Scenic Trail For hikers and backpackers who want to experience the challenge of a trail while enjoying panoramic views and scenic landscape, add the Ice Age Trail to your summertime itinerary. With over 1,000 miles to traverse, you'll walk along the edge of a continental glacier. The trail is entirely in Wisconsin and winds its way through multiple counties and parks. The views are spectacular, and the landscape offers opportunities for taking photos, viewing wildlife, and observing many bird species. Along some parts of the trail, bicycles are allowed but no motorized vehicles or ATVs are permitted. At certain state, national, and county parks, camping is available including primitive and full-facility campsites. Take your summertime fun to another level of excitement by visiting Madison's great outdoor attractions. They're sure to make memorable impressions.   “ Big Spring-UW Arboretum 10-07-2012 169” via Flickr by Richard Hurd. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

The all-new, fully redesigned 2020 Toyota Corolla features dramatic front-end styling, a sleek aerodynamic profile, and a stylish back-end. The Corolla is offered in L, LE, SE, XLE, and XSE trimmed sedans, with SE and XSE also available with a hatchback. For the first time, there is a Corolla hybrid in LE trim. Exterior Styling Corolla L models feature the bold, black sport mesh grille, LED headlights and daytime running lights, 15-inch steel wheels, color-keyed door handles and power mirrors, and LED taillights. LE trim adds 16-inch wheels and heated mirrors, while the Hybrid LE offers alloy wheels. The sporty SE sedan has a metallic grille, accent lighting, 18-inch wheels, mirrors with turn signals, a color-keyed rear spoiler, and a dual chrome-tipped exhaust. The XLE features 16-inch alloy wheels and a power moonroof, while the XSE trim has metallic gray side panels and rear spoiler. Drivetrains Powering L, LE, and XLE trims is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. It's mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In the SE and XSE is a four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine producing 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. In hatchback models, this engine produces 168 horsepower and 155 pound-feet. SE models have the option of a six-speed manual transmission. The Hybrid LE features a 1.8-liter engine paired with twin electric motors and the system has a combined output of 121 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with an electronically controlled CVT. Interior Features The Corolla sedan has 13.1 cubic feet (11.4 in the hybrid) of room in the trunk, while the hatchback offers up to 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space. L trim offers cloth seats with 60/40 split-folding rear seats, air-conditioning, a tilting and telescoping multifunction steering wheel, a 4.2-inch multi-information cluster display, and a 12-volt power outlet. LE models add premium cloth upholstery, automatic climate control, metallic and chrome trim, and remote illuminated keyless entry. Hybrid LE has a 7-inch multi-information display, while SE trim offers sports seats, a leather steering wheel, push-button start, and normal and sport driving modes (CVT). The XLE features SofTex simulated leather upholstery, power driver's seat, and heated front seats, while XSE trim has paddle shifters. The standard infotainment system includes a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and six-speaker audio. LE adds an 8-inch touch screen, while the XLE has HD and satellite radio. It also has the option of navigation and a premium audio system. Driver Assist Technology Standard on the Corolla is Toyota Safety Sense, which includes pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, daytime cyclist detection, lane departure warning with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road edge detection, full-speed adaptive cruise control, road sign assist, and automatic high beams. The standard Star Safety System features vehicle stability control, traction control, and ABS with brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, and smart stop technology. To compare the models and see which is best for you, head down to Smart Toyota for a closer look. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

On a hot summer's day, few things beat delicious ice cream. Madison, Wis., boasts many great ice cream parlors; here are some of the best. Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream From humble beginnings in 1962, the Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company now has four stores and a manufacturing plant in Madison, and supplies over 400 small businesses nationwide. The ice cream is made from the milk of Wisconsin cows and the company uses real ingredients for the flavors. The Chocolate Shoppe offers more than 70 flavors of ice cream, some sporting names like Exhausted Parent (with Bourbon-spiked espresso); Fat Elvis, featuring banana ice cream with peanut butter ripple; and “This $&@! Just Got Serious” (with salted caramel ice cream, sea salt fudge, and salted cashews). It also sells frozen yogurt and no-added-sugar and vegan options. Babcock Hall Dairy Store The Babcock Hall Dairy Store is located on Linden Drive and attached to the dairy plant so the ice cream is always fresh. As well as standard flavors, this on-campus store has feature flavors that may be made only once, seasonally, or for special events. It also serves a variety of ice cream pies, sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, and malts and shakes. You could try Berry Proud Parent with vanilla ice cream, raspberries, and chocolate chips; Pomegranate Greek frozen yogurt; Blue Moon (yes, it's blue!); Mocha Macchiato; or Grapefruit Mango sherbet. The store also has a second-floor observation deck overlooking the dairy plant. La Michoacana For ice cream with a taste of Mexico, La Michoacana has two eateries in Madison on Odana Road and East Washington Ave. The ice cream and other frozen products are made in house using only fresh fruit and local ingredients. The high fruit content means less sugar and fewer additives are used. Some of the unusual ice cream flavors offered include coconut, cajeta made from caramelized goats' milk, queso (yes, cheese!), and tequila, which tastes just like a margarita. Mangonada is the house specialty and is mango ice cream with chamoy, a pickled fruit sauce. Also popular here are paletas, which are popsicles made with pieces of fresh fruit frozen in juice. Kilwins In this quaint store on State Street, you'll feel like a kid in a candy store. There are so many choices, you won't know where to start. Kilwins might be a chain, but all the goodies are made in the store. You'll find candy apples, chocolate treats, creamy fudge, and of course, ice cream. Kilwins offers more than 40 flavors with large scoops served in fresh-made waffle cones. Alongside the old favorites, they offer flavors such as Cake Batter, Turtle Cheesecake, Raspberry Greek Yogurt, and Key Lime Pie. Seasonal offerings include Pumpkin Pie and The Perfect Apple Pie. If you're not sure what to try, you can get a free tasting sample. One of these Madison ice cream stores is bound to become your new favorite.   “ Blueberry ice cream cone” via Flickr by m01229. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

The future of Toyota is very exciting, thanks to a 2020 lineup filled with brand new automobiles. Whether you're looking for a vehicle for your commute to work, or a family-friendly car to drive your kids around town, there's an upcoming Toyota model that will more than meet your needs. 2020 Toyota Tacoma If you're looking for a powerful pickup truck that is just as capable at work as it is at play, then you're going to love the upcoming 2020 Toyota Tacoma. The newest version of this classic pickup truck is better than ever before, offering a wide range of features that every driver can appreciate. For instance, when you take your truck off-road, the innovative Crawl Control (CRAWL) system will help you climb over obstacles with the greatest of ease, and the multi-terrain monitor helps you keep an eye on what the trail ahead has in store. The new Tacoma also has a few bonus comforts in store, including a powered, 10-way adjustable driver's seat that provides lumbar support so that you can spend hours driving your truck with ease. 2020 GR Supra Drivers who want a vehicle designed to tear up the track won't be able to resist the 2020 GR Supra. After what seems like years of speculation and rumors, the GR Supra is finally back on American shores, and when you get behind the wheel of this stunning vehicle, you'll enjoy one of the most exhilarating drives of your entire life. The exterior of the GR Supra has been meticulously crafted to provide a combination of form and function. For example, the front grille is not only eye-catching, but it also directs air over the powerful engine to help keep it cool. Speaking of engine power, the twin-scroll turbo-powered engine of the Supra is one of the most impressive you've ever seen, offering 335 horsepower and the ability to go from zero to 60 in 4.1 seconds. 2020 Toyota Highlander The 2020 Highlander is another can't-miss upcoming vehicle from Toyota and makes a great choice whether you want a family vehicle or are looking for something to help you get around town in comfort and style. Tech lovers will be pleased that for the first time ever, the Highlander offers Apple CarPlay compatibility, making streaming music from your smartphone quick and easy. The 2020 Highlander, highly responsive and smooth handling, comes standard with a 295 horsepower, V-6 engine. Also available is a hybrid configuration that provides both power and efficiency. An optional advanced all-wheel-drive system lets you control the exact amount of power distributed to each wheel, and with the right equipment, this SUV is capable of hauling up to 5,000 pounds. A second-row bench seat is also available so that you can seat up to eight passengers, making the Highlander the ideal family SUV. As you can see, there are a lot of exciting things in store for the future of Toyota. Keep an eye out for these models at Smart Motors Toyota so you can schedule a test drive as soon as they're available. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

Summertime is festival time and in and around Madison, Wisconsin. You'll find some awesome events to help celebrate the season. Here are some of the best festivals in 2019. Dane County Fair - July 18 to 21 The family-friendly Dane County Fair dates back to 1851. The four-day event is held at the Alliant Energy Center and features nightly concerts, daily stunt shows, the lumberjack show, and  more. The Kiddie Farm gives young ones the chance to see, meet, and touch farm animals, and learn about farming. Special events include Thursday's Hometown Hero Day, Friday's kid's day activities, Saturday's agricultural-based farm fresh day, and Sunday's family fiesta activities. A wide variety of food is available, and vendors and exhibitors will be offering their goods. The gates open at 9 a.m. and the carnival operates from noon to 11 p.m. Midwest Fire Fest – July 27 and 28 The Midwest Fire Fest is held in scenic Westside Park in downtown Cambridge. It celebrates all things created from fire, smoke, and heat, such as metal art, forging, welding, pottery, and glass. Entertainment is provided by bands, fire dancers, 11 live fire demonstrations, and more. Approximately 10 food vendors offer tasty choices, and wine, cider, and craft beer are served in the beer tent. Dramatic displays include a 1,000-pound hot-iron pour, a seven-foot fire sculpture produced from a 13-foot flaming kiln, and live knife, iron, and metal demonstrations. You can also enjoy the Saturday night fire feast. The festival is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Middleton Good Neighbor Festival – Aug 23 to 25 Since 1964, the Middleton Good Neighbor Festival has been bringing the community together. Located in Firemen's Park, the event offers entertainment and activities for the whole family. You'll find your favorite food choices in the Food Court, which will also feature daily specials. Live bands perform on the stage and, on Friday night, family movies are shown on the big screen. Additionally, a carnival operates throughout the weekend and you can have fun playing laser tag. An arts-and-crafts show offers more than 100 booths showcasing a diverse range of products. The annual parade on Sunday has a SuperHero City theme. The event runs Friday 5 p.m. through Sunday 6 p.m. and is open late Friday and Saturday. Taste of Madison – Aug 31 and Sept 1 Capital Square hosts the Taste of Madison food festival, which has three entertainment stages, over 80 participating restaurants selling more than 200 menu items, and 26 beverage vendors with beer, wine, soda, and more. Details of the entertainment will be released in August. The festival is open 2 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday; admission is free. Head out to these great festivals this summer and enjoy great entertainment, food, and drink while supporting local charities and worthy causes.   “ Fire Dancer” via Flickr by SteFou!. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

Toyota has redesigned the 2020 Highlander Hybrid, making bold statements in look, power, and performance. Perhaps most impressive is how the new hybrid has improved mileage significantly. Here's a look at what's new and improved on one of the most popular SUVs on the market. Style and Comfort The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid will come in four trim levels: LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum. The differences in the exterior from the previous year are subtle, but a close inspection reveals a sleeker, trimmer design. The result is a sportier, more sophisticated shape. The 2020 is also 2.36 inches longer, allowing for more cargo space and legroom for the third-row passengers. The 2020 Highlander Hybrid is now on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform as well, allowing greater safety, capability, and comfort. This platform also road noise and, combined with new soundproofing materials, makes for an exceptionally quiet ride. The cabin is functional yet luxurious, sporting softer materials and sleeker interior design. Ambient LED lighting and perforated leather upholstery options are available on the Limited and Platinum models. The LE comes standard with second-row captain's chairs, but the bench seat configuration is available to gain the extra seat. Cargo space has improved by over two cubic feet when all three rows are in use. That means you can haul everyone and everything you need. No more sacrificing one for the other. The Highlander comes standard with an 8-inch touch-screen interface with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Waze navigation, and a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot. The Platinum trim upgrades to a 12.3-inch touch screen with Dynamic Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio surround sound system. Performance The 2020 Highlander Hybrid comes standard with a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that works in conjunction with the two electric motors mounted under the third-row seating. Testing results are not published yet, but Toyota claims the miles per gallon could be as high as 34 while still putting out 240 horsepower. The new Highlander comes standard with all-wheel drive, but a front-wheel-drive configuration is available for the first time this year. It also has four drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV. Use the Eco mode for better fuel efficiency, Sport mode for acceleration, and EV mode for short distance, electric-only driving. Safety The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes standard with Toyota's suite of safety features. Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, pedestrian detection, automatic braking, and forward collision warning are some of the safety features that have received upgrades from the 2019 model. Two new additions are Lane Tracing Assist and Road Sign Assist. The Limited and Platinum trims come standard with the new Rear Cross Traffic Braking system and Rear Cross Traffic Alert system. Platinum models also come standard with a 360-degree camera giving you a bird's-eye view of your vehicle. The 360-degree camera is available on the Limited trim but not on the LE and XLE trims. There's a lot to like about the new 2020 Highlander Hybrid. If you want to learn more, schedule a test drive at Smart Motors Toyota today. Image used with permission form toyota.com / cropped from original

The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra's Concerts on the Square Series is an outdoor music series held every summer on the lawn of the Capital Square. Located at the King Street Corner of Capital Square, the series is a summer classic. Admission is free and there is plenty of food, music, and fun for everyone. You can reserve a spot with your blanket beginning at 3:00 p.m. for the 7:00 p.m. show start. The concerts take place every Wednesday throughout the summer. Here's a look at this summer's lineup. East Meets West On June 26 the series kicks off with East Meets West, a mash-up featuring WCO's Young Artist winner Sakurako Erikson on the piano. Enjoy Albeniz, Ravel's "Valses Nobles et Sentimentales," Tchaikovsky, and Prokofiev's "Piano Concerto" performed by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. Finlandia On July 10 the Orchestra will pair with Madison resident and accordion virtuoso Sergei Belkin. They will perform a mix of forgotten works and popular favorites featuring selections by Dvorak, Giazunov, Khachaturian's "Sabre Dance," Piazzolla's "Oblivion," and closing the show with "Finlandia" by Sibellius. If you happen to miss the show, Sergei Belkin will be performing again that Friday, July 12 at Paquette Park in Portage. You can contact the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra for ticket information. Film Night July 17 is Film Night featuring Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra's Concertmaster Suzanne Beia on the violin. Move to the music from your favorite movies like John Williams' "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Schindler's List," "Magnificent Seven," Hess's "Ladies in Lavender," and more. Abbey Road Take a stroll down memory lane on July 24 with the return of guest artist Jeans 'n Classics. The event features works from the Beatles' Abbey Road album celebrating its 50th anniversary. Jeans 'n Classics is known nationwide for their faithful interpretation of classic works from all walks of musical life. This night you'll hear classic Beatles tunes "Penny Lane," "Hey Jude," and "Day Tripper" to name a few. Rockin' Rachmaninov The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra wraps up the summer concert series with Rockin' Rachmaninov. Rachmaninov's classic "Piano Concerto No. 2" will be performed by world-renowned Russian piano virtuoso Ilya Yakushev. Mozart's "Magic Flute Overture" and Stravinsky's "Firebird Suite" are featured along with "Cornish Rhapsody" by Hubert Bath. If you are a music lover, you won't want to miss these shows. If you have never seen a performance of a classic by a professional orchestra, this is the series to get you hooked. Pick one or pick them all, they are free to enjoy. Come celebrate the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra's 36th season of Concerts on the Square and enjoy the best music in Wisconsin. Image via pixabay by Russell_Yan. Used with permission via Pixabay License / cropped from original

Like Optimus Prime was to the Transformers, the 2020 Prius Prime is the leader of its kind. The new Prius Prime now comes in three trim levels: LE, XLE, and Limited, more closely aligning with other vehicles in the Toyota fleet. The new Prius Prime goes on sale the summer of 2019 and there are some great upgrades to one of the most popular hybrid vehicles on the market. Power The 2020 Prius Prime isn't making any major changes to its powertrain. This year's model is similar to its predecessor with its electric motor powered by an 8.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack pairing with the 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder motor. This configuration produces a combined output of 121 horsepower. While only moderately improving horsepower, the 2020 Prius Prime greatly improves efficiency. Landing ratings of 53 miles per gallon city, 55 miles per gallon highway, and 54 miles per gallon combined, the new Prius Prime will go the distance. It even has a 25-mile range for electric-only operation. Technology The new Prius Prime now comes with Apple CarPlay, a feature many felt was long overdue. No more paying extra for plug-ins. The Prius Prime also comes with Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio standard. The 11.6-inch multi-media display is loaded with intuitive design features that make it feel like your smartphone, but it's the size of your computer. Toyota's Smart Key System is available on all three doors. Qi compatible smartphone charging is available along with front and rear 12-volt outlets and USB ports. Interior One of the biggest upgrades to the 2020 Prius Prime is the addition of a rear bench seat which will now allow Prime owners to carry four passengers. The old captain's chair style bucket seats with drink holders and a center console configuration offered superior room for two rear passengers but there was no way a third adult would fit comfortably. You can still get the captain's chair rear seat, but it's good to know you can upgrade for that fifth person. More upgrades include black interior accents replacing the old white accents, which adds to the premium look. SofTex trimmed seats and armrests, a new extended sun visor, and relocated seat heater buttons for better front-seat passenger convenience are among other tweaks Toyota has made to the interior. Safety The 2020 Prius Prime comes with Toyota's suite of safety features including Pre-collision warning with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Intelligent Parking Assist, Vehicle Proximity Notification System, Hill Start Assist Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems. It also includes a safety connection suite including Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Locator, Roadside Assistance, and Automatic Collision Notification systems. There are so many great features on the 2020 Prius Prime. Come out to Smart Motors Toyota and test drive one today and see for yourself what the new Prius Prime is all about.   “ Prius Prime” via Flickr by chumlee 10. Used with permission via CC BY-SA 2.0 / cropped from original