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Summer is the season for doing things outdoors. What better way to enjoy the summer than by visiting a local festival. Music, arts, food, and fun await at these festivals in the Madison, Wisconsin, area. Dane County Fair The Dane County Fair will be at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison from July 18 through 21. Special shows like Lady Houdini will amaze fairgoers and you can check in on the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, packed with friendly competition from professional lumberjacks. Both events are free with your fair admission. The fair offers unique daily theme-related activities for the whole family. Youth exhibits in the Exhibition Hall show off the bright young minds of Dane County. The pavilions and arena building are packed with all types of animals. There's even a Kiddie Farm where you can see the cutest baby animals in the county. Nightly concerts will provide great music after the daytime fun is finished. Of course, the fair features a carnival as well, full of rides and games the whole family will enjoy. Check the Dane County Fair website for carnival specials. There are lots of vendors selling handcrafted goods, t-shirts, and so much more. And a fair wouldn't be a fair without those delicious food vendors. There will be barbecue, Asian grills, tacos, funnel cakes, and other fair fare. Admission to the fair is only $8 per person, $3 for ages 6-11, and kids under 6 are free. Parking is free and the gates open at 9:00 a.m. and most everything runs until 11:00 p.m. Art Fair on the Square The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art brings you the 61st annual Art Fair on the Square. Held on the Capitol Square in Madison on July 13 and 14 this year, the outdoor event promises to be better than ever. The Art Fair on the Square is one of the Midwest's most popular events. This highly regarded gathering features over 500 artists displaying their designs. From paintings and sculptures to jewelry and photographs, this event is always a great way to check out what's new in the art world. You can browse the collections for fun or buy something that catches your eye. Take a break and have some food at one of the many outdoor dining venues. The fair also features live entertainment. It is sure to be family-friendly fun for the whole weekend. Yum Yum Fest Dubbed the most delicious day of the summer, Madison's annual food festival is aptly named the Yum Yum Fest. Held every August, the event is a joint effort between the Madison Area Chef's Network and Breese Stevens Field. The goal is to raise money for local charities while showcasing the fine culinary talent that lives in and around Madison. Great music, food tastings from the finest chefs, and more will provide a full day of fun that the whole family can enjoy. Madison has some of the best art, food, and culture in the Midwest. As you plan your summer events, be sure to check out these fine festivals. The fun is there for the enjoying.   “ Ferris Wheel” via Flickr by sarae. Used with permission via CC BY-ND 2.0 / cropped from original

Are you looking for a new vehicle that's not only reliable but also stylish and entertaining? Well, look no further than the 2019 release of the Toyota Corolla. The Toyota name has always been recognized for its long-term reliability and efficiency. In addition to the incredible safety features, the exterior appearance and exciting entertainment options make the new Corolla an enticing option. Stylish and Modern Exterior If you like choices, you'll love the six trim level option on the 2019 Corolla. The base model is represented by the L trim with the LE, LE Eco, XLE, and XSE making up the more feature-rich offerings. All trims have LED headlamps, which are more durable, brighter, and more efficient. The trims create a diverse set of options for bumpers, grilles, and accents. Higher trims add chrome-tipped exhaust and rear spoiler lips. Turn signal indicators in the side mirrors are also included with higher trims. Most trims include the option to add other components to enhance the visual appearance as well. Features such as mud flaps, painted accents, and side moldings are available additions on several trims. Engine and Performance Features Only one engine is available across the six trim levels on the 2019 Corolla. While the selection is nice, sometimes it's best to stick with what works. In this case, the four-cylinder engine provides plenty of power to accelerate to highways speeds and execute passing maneuvers with ease. It produces 132 horsepower and utilizes a variable valve timing system instead of a timing belt. When operating at an optimal 4,400 RPMs, the engine produces 128 pound-feet of torque. When it comes to performance, there isn't much variation either thanks to the single-engine configuration. All trims are equipped with front-wheel drive and there's no all-wheel drive availability. A two-speed CVT transmission is the standard offering, however, some trims include the option to switch between automatic and manual transmissions. The SE trim also has a manual transmission option. Luxurious and Feature-Rich Interior The inside of the Corolla is just as impressive as what's under the hood. Each trim adds a new layer of comfort and luxury. The L trim has a faux-metal console, ambient lighting, and cloth upholstery. The LE and Eco trims add a premium cloth upholstery and chrome accents. All trims except for the base trim have a leather-wrapped steering wheel. In regards to technology and entertainment, you'll find the 2019 Corolla exceeds your expectations. Even the base trim is loaded with tons of in-demand features. The Entune system allows you to connect your smartphone for media streaming and more. The voice-activated radio system keeps your hands on the wheel while driving. When you do need to interact with the touchscreen LCD display, you'll love how simple and easy the interface is. A Host of Great Safety Features In addition to all the amazing features listed above, the 2019 Corolla has tons of excellent safety features. It's equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, which is their exclusive suite of driver assistance features. Side curtain airbags throughout the cabin keep passengers safe during a collision. If all the great features above seem enticing, you'll want to see the new Corolla for yourself. Check out our online inventory or schedule a test drive at Smart Motors Toyota in Madison, WI today. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

Summer is quickly approaching full-strength and soon you'll be looking for the top ways to beat the heat. Of course, one of the most classic ways to do this is to go for a swim. The Madison area is home to several great swimming holes and locations, and it can be hard to decipher which ones are the most worth your while. If you're wondering where you can go for a swim around Madison, check out these incredible locations below. 1. Amnicon Falls This State Park offers several refreshing waterfalls and plunge pools to swim in. The falls include the Upper Falls, Lower Falls, Now and Then Falls, and Snake Pit Falls. The drop at the Upper Falls location is about 15 feet, and water levels do fluctuate, so care should be taken before leaping in. The park has designated camping areas for outdoor adventurers looking for a place to stay. 2. Eau Claire River The excitement of Amnicon Falls can bring a lot of visitors to the park, making for a noisy, crowded day of swimming. If you're looking for something a bit more secluded, you'll want to give the Eau Claire River a shot. The words eau claire translate from French to clear water, and there's no better way to describe this wonderfully secluded swimming hole. Once you've arrived, you'll be greeted by a relaxing, slow-moving river with sandy beaches and a sandy bottom. It's a real surprise that more people aren't heading down to these refreshing waters. There is no camping or other amenities at this location. 3. Pebble Beach It's hard to leave Lake Michigan out of the equation when it comes to the best area swimming holes. This quiet bay is tough to find, but the reward is worth it. You'll almost always have the area to yourself, and who doesn't want that? If you have a hiking GPS, you can plug in latitude 45.18522 and longitude 87.15166. While it's a longer trek than some of the other swimming spots on our list, the views and seclusion are second to none. 4. Salmo Pond Sitting much closer to home is Salmo Pond. It's an abandoned quarry that has been converted into a sandy beach and sandy bottom body of water. It's also fed by the Black Earth Creek, which is teaming with trout and perfect for fishing. The water is always cool and refreshing, even on the hottest days of the summer. 5. Devil's Lake State Park Sometimes, you just need a quick retreat to beat the heat, which means you won't be taking road trips to the most fabulous spots in the state. In these cases, you'll want to make your way to Devil's Lake State Park. It's a recreational behemoth with two large beaches, excellent fishing opportunities and more. Because of its size and convenience, it is frequently very crowded. Whether you're looking to drive a bit for nature's incredible splendor, or you're looking for a quick and easy way to cool off, you'll wind it all within driving distance of Madison, WI. Check out some of the top spots above for an amazing summer retreat. “ 20140718_Amnicon_Falls_State_Park_0009.jpg”via Flickr by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Used with permission via CC BY-ND 2.0 / cropped from original

There's a lot of buzz circling regarding the release of 2020 vehicles. One particularly bright spot is the 2020 Toyota Highlander. There's been a lot of smoke and mirrors regarding information, however, the picture is becoming clearer. Here is a quick overview of everything we know about the all-new Highlander. Speculation Regarding A Revamp The Highlander has been an excellent full-size SUV. The three rows of seating make it easy and convenient to carry lots of passengers or haul plenty of cargo. An abstract sketch recently released may indicate that the 2020 Highlander is getting a refreshed look for 2020. The marketing department has gone out of its way to give the Highlander an increased presence around where the New York Auto Show will be taking place. That kind of ad spending can only mean one thing. Invasion. Invasion of a whole new look that is. Why It's Time To Upgrade The 2019 Highlander had tons of excellent features, trims, and engine configurations. It has seven unique trim levels and two engine options. Pair that with the wide range of entertainment features incredible safety specifications and you have a very attractive full-size SUV. One reason Toyota may be looking to re-imagine the Highlander is the rise of competition. Several new full-size SUVs have hit the road since the last Highlander redesign. The Atlas by Volkswagen and Ascent by Suburu have disrupted the market quite a bit. Hyundai and Kia also have new third row SUVs and Ford just released a redesigned Explorer. There's too much going on in the three tow SUV world to not make a move. Everything We Know About the 2020 Toyota Highlander Now that we've looked at why it's time for a new Highlander, it's time to unveil everything we know about the all-new 2020 Toyota Highlander. At the end of April, Toyota officially pulled back the curtain on what the new Highlander will bring to the table and the changes are modern, drastic, and far-reaching. The Front of the new Highlander features a sleek and modern honeycomb grille design with thin headlights. The model shown included fog lamps, but we don't know if they'll be available on all trims, or just higher levels. Chrome accents complete the front of the SUV. Along the side, a chiseled body helps bring the Highlander to a more modern point from a design perspective. The rear profile reveals an upper spoiler lip and a smooth overall design. There aren't any hard edges, but the new Highlander doesn't appear to be too soft either. The framework is moving to Toyota's new global system, as many expected it to. Black bodyside cladding and a silver or chrome rock guard help keep the salt and gravel away from vehicles' most vulnerable areas and mechanical components. The 2019 Highlander had 19-inch wheels across the board, while the new release has options for both 18 and 20-inch varieties. At least one engine configuration will offer up 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. It will be able to tow up to 5,000 pounds. There's a lot to be excited about in regards to the 2020 Highlander. Connect with Smart Motors Toyota in Madison, WI. for more updates and information regarding its model year release. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

Summers in Wisconsin can come and go quickly. It's important to make sure you squeeze the maximum amount of fun out of every opportunity you get. This July, there are dozens of events you can attend to help you achieve your wildest summertime dreams. If you're unsure of just how much is going on in Madison this year, here's a quick guide. 1. Fourth of July Celebration and Festival You can't have a list of the best Fourth of July events without throwing an Independence Day event near the top of the list. Kick off your July with a fun-filled community festival and a fireworks show in the evening. The Monona Community Festival celebrates everything that makes summer a special time of the year. Events and attractions at the festival include arts and crafts tents, carnival games, food and beer tents, live entertainment, and a fireworks display. Those brave enough can enter the wife carrying tournament. There's no better way to start your July then heading over to the Monona Community Festival. 2. Wisconsin Wild Things Camp Those with little ones between the grades of one and three can spend July 8 through 12th at this exciting day camp. If your kids love the outdoors, the Wisconsin Wild Things camp is the perfect experience. Each day they'll explore all kinds of area wildlife from furry critters to tiny insects. This day camp will give them an outlet to explore and give you a little bit of R&R for the week. 3. Concerts at McKee Every third Monday of the month in June through August, you can catch a free concert held at McKee Farms Park. Grab a spot and enjoy exciting live music and munch on your favorite entrees from several local food carts. Slide Food Cart and Taqueria MariMar are both wildly popular options. The picnic begins at five p.m. and music beginning at six. Headliners will hit the stage an hour later at seven p.m.. Admission is free so it's a great way to enjoy all the community has to offer and spend some time in the more tolerable summer evening weather. 4. Two Awesome Art Fairs, One Awesome Day There are two art fairs held in mid-July. If you have the time, try to hit it both the Art Fair on the Square and the Art Fair off the Square (yes, those are the names!). The Art Fair off the Square is held on Martin Luther King Boulevard and features collections from over 140 local artists, designers, craft makers and more. There will be opportunities to purchase food as well. This event is held on July 13th and 14th. The Art Fair on the Square is held on Capitol Square on July 14 and 15th. Madison offers dozens upon dozens of exciting events in July. Some of them are recurring weekly events while others you only have one chance to catch. No matter what you decide to attend this summer, make sure you're getting all the fun and excitement you deserve.   “ Fireworks” via Flickr by bayasaa. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

The 2019 Sienna has the graceful design elements of a Toyota coupled with the family-friendly charisma of a minivan. From the tried-and-true powertrain to the flexible seating arrangements, you'd be hard-pressed to find a model more fitting for a road trip. Here's what makes the all-new Toyota Sienna a top choice for families. Exceptional Performance The Sienna runs with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup, along with a towing prep package, provides just enough oomph for you to haul up to 3,500 pounds. The minivan also gets a respectable highway output. In fact, it earns up to 24 mpg in all-wheel drive and 27 mpg in front-wheel drive. It does so while producing an ultra-low amount of carbon dioxide emissions, which helps you raise your eco-friendly footprint. Cozy Cabin Feel The Toyota Sienna is offered in several attractive trims. The base L and top Limited seat up to seven across three spacious rows. The LE, SE, and XLE, on the other hand, can fit between seven and eight passengers comfortably via a pair of removable captain's chairs in the second row. The LE and XLE also feature an available Auto Access Seat for a distinct versatile finish. It power rotates up to 90 degrees and ensures a smooth and effortless transfer for those who need a little extra help getting in and out. You won't feel cramped in the slightest, no matter which Sienna you choose. Each trim offers more than 60 inches of shoulder room from front to back, plus an additional 150 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats. Toss in an adjustable third row and you'll never have to sacrifice passenger comfort for a place to put your luggage. Convenient Accessories The 2019 Sienna comes with a generous supply of functional features. The dual sliding rear doors with available jam protection are equal parts practical and protective, whereas the tilt and telescopic steering column make it easy to adjust the wheel to your ideal height. What about the temperature settings? You can fine-tune these yourself across all three rows thanks to tri-zone climate control and rear HVAC ducts. You can also take advantage of optional doodads such as black roof rails for a secure cargo haul or a power moonroof with slide and tilt capabilities. Or consider splurging on a decked-out multimedia bundle. This includes everything from a 7-inch Entune touch display with smartphone streaming to a Blu-ray entertainment system with 16.4-inch dual monitors and wireless headphones. Five-Star Safety The 2019 Toyota Sienna brings you the best safety features available for a family minivan. Side-curtain airbags ensure full rollover protection across all three rows. The rear child seat anchors are also great for keeping the kids strapped in so they don't shift around during the trip. You'll find advanced features such as pre-collision monitoring and lane departure alert up for grabs. Both come standard as part of the Toyota Safety Sense package. If you're on the search for a family minivan, put your faith in the 2019 Toyota Sienna. From head to toe, this vehicle has all the makings of a trustworthy companion. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

We know that Madison always gets compared to Milwaukee, but there's no need for that! Both cities are great in their own right, and you won't struggle to create memorable experiences in each one. Today, we're going to talk about the fun experiences Madison has to offer. 1. Explore a Museum Although Madison isn't huge, it's stuffed full of great museums. Whatever your interests, you'll be able to find one that will satisfy your cultural craving. The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA) is a visitor favorite. The sculpture garden on the roof can't be missed, and they frequently host a variety of events that are open to the public. If you've experienced enough art recently, you may want to try out the Wisconsin Historical Museum or the Geology Museum. The National Mustard Museum is a particularly fun choice. 2. Watch the Badgers If you live in Madison, you know that the UW-Madison Badgers are a big deal and that their games can often turn into an event for the entire day. If braving the crowds to attend the game isn't for you, you may be interested in watching from a bar with other fans. Regent Street is home to many bars that air the Badgers' games, and fans say that the atmosphere can sometimes be even more fun than actually going in person. 3. Attend a Food Festival Madison is well known for its love of food and drink so, of course, it hosts a bunch of festivals that are dedicated to filling people's stomachs. Bratfest, which takes place Memorial Day weekend, can always be counted on to have excellent entertainment and, like you would expect, to sell a ton of brats. If you love beer, Great Taste of the Midwest is the festival for you. Although it's difficult to get tickets, the large selection of craft beers is worth the effort if you do. Another option is Yum Yum Fest, which appeals to upscale foodies and raises money for charity each year. 4. Support the Performing Arts Madison has a robust performing arts community. The Overture Center for the arts hosts 10 different companies alone, and that's not all Madison has to offer. Nationally touring comedians frequent the Comedy on State club, and when famous comedians aren't available, open mic nights on Wednesdays are a fun way to spend an evening. Alternately, if you're not in the mood for jokes, Wednesday evenings during the summers are when the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra plays concerts on Capitol Square. Attendees are invited to bring picnic blankets and relax while listening to the soothing sounds of a stunning orchestra. This list is just a taste of what Madison has to offer. State Street, the Capitol, and The Majestic Theater are other fabulous options that are worth exploring. Don't miss your chance to see as much of the city as possible. However you spend your time in Madison, you're sure to get a unique experience that you won't soon forget. Street Food Festival via Flickr by StateofIsrael. Used with permission via CC BY-SA 2.0 / cropped from original

With such confident looks, it's no wonder the 2020 Toyota GR Supra continues to make headlines ahead of its fifth-generation run. After a 21-year hiatus, the two-door coupe returns to the stage with plenty of sporty panache and unwavering fortitude. Here's a look at the all-new Toyota GR Supra and how it effectively blends beauty and power into one exceptional package. Inspiration From the Past The first Supra appeared more than 40 years ago. Known as the A40, this model along with the 1980s-inspired A60, served as starting points for the next level of Supra blueprints. In fact, the 2020 edition features a turbocharged engine, an element first introduced in the third-gen A70. Meanwhile, a rear spoiler with protruding wing carries over from the fourth-gen A80. The GR Supra also builds on styling cues found on the Toyota FT-1 Concept Car, the most notable being a double-bubble roof line. A Fearless Facade The 2020 GR Supra comes in three dapper trims: the 3.0, 3.0 Premium, and Launch Edition. The third in line is limited to 1,500 models and offers exclusive matte-black wheels and red mirror caps. It's also available in three exclusive dual-tone paints, including Absolute Zero White, Nocturnal Black, and Renaissance Red 2.0. Eight additional shades, including Downshift Blue and Nitro Yellow, are expected to drop this fall. Chief Supra engineer Tetsuya Tada also had a good idea of which elements would make his latest creation shine. Aside from the bold color choices, you'll notice innovative features such as a wide front grille with triple-niche design and flowing hood with dual air ducts. The front also straps in a pair of slender, jewel-like LED headlights, while the rear opts for a flared spoiler and sharp overhangs. Rounding out this unique ensemble is a fluid fastback roof and signature two-door setup. Spunky Engine Specs The GR Supra runs with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and a twin-scroll turbocharger. Combined with an automatic transmission, this coupe earns 335 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. It also reaches a top speed of 155 mph with an acceleration rate of 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Want a throttle uplift? Sport-Mode comes standard to give you more of an energetic feel right from the get-go. The engineering team also placed the engine further back and in a lower position than before. What this does is bring the weight distribution to a balanced 50/50 percentage. Toss in an adaptive suspension and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, and you have the right equipment to easily dominate alternating terrain. A Modern Interior Finish Inside the 2020 Toyota GR Supra is a lavish setup with all the bells and whistles. A three-spoke steering wheel offers convenient audio and phone controls, while a gorgeous pair of Alcantara seats let you find the ideal fit for your frame via power-adjustable settings. And resting at the center of it all? An iDrive infotainment system with 6.5- or 8.8-inch touch screen. The 3.0 Premium further slips in leather-trimmed seats, while the Launch Edition adds a unique number badge and the signature of Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda. An alluring design. A dedicated powertrain. You won't find one without the other in the all-new 2020 Toyota GR Supra. If you want to find more updates or get notified when they become available, contact your friends at Smart Motors Toyota and let the pros keep you informed. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

You see food trucks on the streets wherever you go, but for some reason, maybe you've never tried them, even though they smell amazing. With the large number of food truck options in Madison, it's easy to be overwhelmed by where you should start. Don't worry because we've got you covered. Below is a list of food trucks you can't miss. 1. The Rodeo Wagon The Rodeo Wagon is the only rodeo-themed food truck in Madison, and it's a delight to eat their food. It began as a single cart in 2016 on Capital Square and has since grown into a fully-developed catering service. The menu has a little bit of everything, even though they specialize in southern food. Recently, their chefs studied in New Orleans to add new meals to their selection. The Trio Jambalaya, one of their most sought-after dishes, combines their custom seasoning with "hearty andouille sausage, ham, veggies and a trio of peppers over rice, topped with a whole crawfish." 2. Pickle Jar If you eat at the Pickle Jar, you're in for a treat. All American food makes up the majority of the menu, and if you run into them in the morning, they even have breakfast options. The Pickle Jar prides itself on using locally sourced, sustainable ingredients and making their food from scratch. Their lunch time offering of BBQ meals will have your mouth salivating before you're even able to make a decision about which one you want to eat. If you've never tried the Pickle Jar before, order the Bama Brisket to take your taste buds to new heights. 3. Toast Toast may have a simple name, but don't let that fool you. Paninis are the specialty of this husband-and-wife run food truck, and they are delicious. You may be thinking that paninis aren't enough to build a brand, but you are mistaken. What most people view as a quick and easy sandwich to make, Toast turns into art. The couple has won multiple first place ribbons for their savory paninis, and if that wasn't enough, they're also committed to excellent customer service. You can find Toast near the UW Madison campus. 4. Frannie's Franks You've not had a hotdog until you've eaten one of Frannie's Franks. With a variety of options to put into a bun, Frannie's should always be first on the list when you want some comfort food.  With brats, polish dogs, and huge array of sandwiches, there's something for everyone at Frannie's. After you've chosen your perfect meal, like the Turkey Brat with ketchup, mustard, and onions, you'll be sure to leave with a smile. Food trucks are becoming as common to see as buses around Madison, and we're loving it. The added options they provide are a welcome change from traditional restaurants, and they're perfect for people who need a quick bite on the go. In addition to grabbing some delectable meals, patronizing the food trucks is also a great way to support local businesses, so find one of these trucks today! A01_3939 via Flickr by Nao Okawa. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

When you're thinking about getting a new SUV from Toyota, you have several great options to choose from, including the Highlander and Sequoia. The 2019 Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV with plenty of good looks, and the 2019 Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV that comes with all the features you need. Learn more about these two vehicles so you can decide which one is right for you. Exterior Style On the outside, both the Highlander and Sequoia have excellent style and features. The Highlander comes standard with automatic headlights, daytime running lights, LED taillights, heated and power-adjustable side mirrors with built-in turn signal lights, and privacy glass on the rear windows. Choose the Sequoia and you'll enjoy standard features that include heated and power-adjustable side mirrors, a power tilt and slide moonroof, and LED headlights, taillights, fog lamps, and daytime running lights. Spacious Interior Inside both SUVs, you'll find plenty of room to comfortably fit the entire family. The Highlander and Sequoia both come standard with seating for up to eight people. The Highlander also offers optional seating for seven. Additionally, the Sequoia comes standard with other impressive features that help make the drive more comfortable, including automatic three-zone climate control, easy-clean fabric seats, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. Advanced Technology The Toyota Highlander and Sequoia each offer different multimedia systems to help keep everyone entertained on the road. Both vehicles come standard with an infotainment system that includes a 6.1-inch touch-screen display, iPod connectivity, and hands-free calling, phone book access, and music streaming using Siri Eyes Free and Bluetooth. The Highlander also has an available infotainment system with an 8-inch touch-screen display. Additionally, a rear seat entertainment system that includes a 9-inch display, wireless remote, and two wireless headphones is an optional feature on the upper Highlander trim levels and a standard feature on the top-of-the-line Sequoia Limited trim. Power and Performance When you're ready to hit the road, the Highlander and Sequoia offer all the power and performance you need. The Highlander comes standard with a 2.7-liter engine that produces 185 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It's also available with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque or with a hybrid engine. Every Sequoia model comes with a 5.7-liter V-8 engine that offers 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Safety Features When you're searching for an SUV that comes with some of the latest safety features, you'll love what you find inside the 2019 Toyota Highlander and Sequoia. Both vehicles come standard with a rearview camera and Toyota Safety Sense, which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams. Additionally, the Sequoia comes standard with a blind spot monitor with lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, and front and rear parking assist sonar. Now that you know more about the similarities and differences between the 2019 Toyota Highlander and 2019 Toyota Sequoia, when you come in to see us at Smart Motors Toyota you'll have an easier time deciding which SUV is right for you.   “ Image” used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

When the weather warms up and winter gives way to spring, it's time to get outside and start enjoying the pleasant temperatures. Fortunately, you'll find several places around Madison, Wisconsin, where you can appreciate the great outdoors. When you're ready to get back outside, make plans to check out one of these can't-miss Madison parks. Olin Park Located on the shores of Lake Monona, Olin Park offers an excellent variety of activities for everyone to enjoy. If you're looking to play some sports, the park has a baseball diamond and soccer field. You can take a stroll on the walking paths, go for a jog on the trail, ride your bike around the park, or let the kids burn some energy at the park's playground. Or, if you're interested in doing nothing at all, you can simply relax on the beach. The park also offers one of the best views of downtown Madison. Owen Conservation Park Owen Conservation Park is a 96-acre park that's perched on a hilltop overlooking Madison's west side. It was once the farm of University of Wisconsin professor Edward T. Owen. However, today oak savannas and prairies have started to reclaim the land. As you head out on the 3 miles of trails in the park, you'll enjoy an ever-changing landscape of shaded forests and open fields filled with wildflowers. You can even stop by the park's ponds to see what type of wildlife you can spot. Westmorland Park Westmorland Park is a neighborhood park with several interesting activities to enjoy. You can play a game at the tennis courts, basketball court, volleyball court, or softball field. Kids love the large playground in the park, and the rock garden is a fun place to take a stroll. The reservable shelter has a working fireplace that brings some rustic charm to any get-together. In the winter, strap on your ice skates and take a spin around the rink. Governor Nelson State Park The 422-acre Governor Nelson State Park sits on the shores of Lake Mendota. On most days, you can enjoy a unique view of the Wisconsin State Capitol from the park. Popular activities available include swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking. If you travel further into the park, you'll also find more than 8 miles of hiking trails. You can even view some Native American effigy mounds when you head out on the Woodland Trail. Lake Kegonsa State Park Perhaps one of the area's best-kept secrets is Lake Kegonsa State Park. This 342-acre park is situated on Lake Kegonsa and offers swimming, fishing, boating, seasonal camping, hiking, and cross-country skiing. The park also offers sand volleyball courts and horseshoe pits, and you can rent volleyballs and horseshoes at the park office. The playground is always a popular spot with the kids, and the beach is the perfect place to relax in the sun or build a sand castle. No matter what type of outdoor activity you enjoy, you're sure to find it when you check out these parks around Madison this spring.   “ A sunny day in Madison” via Flickr by vlachmore. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

When you're thinking about getting a new vehicle that's great for the entire family, consider the 2019 Toyota Sienna. With good looks on the outside and plenty of great features inside, it's easy to see why the Sienna is the perfect option for every family. Bold Exterior The outside of the 2019 Toyota Sienna features a bold and modern look that everyone in the family will enjoy. For convenience, the Sienna comes standard with automatic headlights, power-adjustable side mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer. To add a little extra style to the vehicle, it also comes standard with privacy glass on the rear windows, a rear spoiler with LED taillights, and a roof-mounted shark-fin antenna. Space for Everyone When it comes time to load up the family in your 2019 Sienna, you'll have room for everyone with seating for up to eight people. The versatile interior of the Sienna also makes it easy to carry a combination of large cargo and people. The Split & Stow third-row seat lets you fold half of the seat into the storage area to give you a flat space for cargo while leaving the other half up for a passenger. Plus, thanks to the 40/20/40 split-folding second-row seat, you can create the perfect combination of passenger and cargo space. Great Technology The Toyota Sienna comes with plenty of excellent technology that everyone will enjoy. The Entune 3.0 infotainment system comes standard with a 7-inch touch-screen display, Apple CarPlay, Siri Eyes Free, and Bluetooth wireless technology for voice recognition controls, music streaming, and hands-free calling. Plus, the available dual-view rear seat entertainment system will keep backseat passengers happy with its 16.4-inch display, remote, two wireless headphones, and SD card and HDMI inputs. Excellent Safety Features Since you'll be driving your family in the 2019 Sienna, safety is a top concern. That's why you'll be pleased to know the Sienna comes with plenty of outstanding safety features. In fact, every Sienna comes standard with a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system, and Toyota Safety Sense, which includes dynamic radar cruise control, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and lane departure alert with steering assist. The Sienna also comes available with front and rear parking assist sonar and a blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert. Plenty of Power When you're ready to take the family out on a road trip, you know the Toyota Sienna has the power you need to get you to your destination. Every Sienna comes with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that works with an eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission to generate 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Since you never know what type of weather conditions you'll face when you're on the road, the Sienna is also available with all-wheel drive. Whether you're interested in a rear seat entertainment system for the kids or plenty of exciting power for yourself, you'll discover several great features on the 2019 Toyota Sienna that make it the ideal family vehicle for you. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original