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Lake Mendota is the largest of the lakes that surround Madison, Wisconsin. Plan the perfect day trip to Lake Mendota with these exciting activities. Watch a Sunset There is a reason that the locals of Madison rave about the Lake Mendota sunsets — it is something to behold! The surrounding area contains many public picnic areas and park benches that are perfect spots from which to watch the sun set. Bring along your camera, because you are going to want to capture the sun just as it sets into the waterline. Also pack your own picnic items, or grab carry out from the nearby Mid Town Pub or The Old Fashioned restaurant. Fishing Lake Mendota is also a popular local fishing spot. Some of the fish you will find in this large lake include crappie, walleye, bass, and bluegill. You can try your skill fishing off one of the public docks, or you can sign up for a fishing charter. Madison Fishing Charters is just one of the charters that will take you to some of the best fishing spots on Lake Mendota. They have available fishing charters for all ages and all skill levels. Also check out Lake Mendota during the winter months for ice fishing. Ensure that you register for a Wisconsin fishing license before fishing in Lake Mendota, as it is required. Boating Sometimes feeling the wind on your face is all the entertainment that you need. Whether you prefer kayaking, canoeing, or sailing along on a sailboat, Lake Mendota has it all. There are many rental places around the lake that offer day and weekly rentals. If you prefer to sit back and let someone else drive the boat, sign up for a boating experience with Betty Lou Cruises. You can also grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink on one of Betty Lou's boat charters. Grab a Bite to Eat Because Lake Mendota attracts many visitors each year, there are many delicious restaurants nearby worth trying. The Boathouse is a waterfront option that serves an American menu of burgers, brats, and craft brews. Check out The Edgewater Hotel for pier-side service. They can deliver your meal right to your boat, or you can tie your boat up at one of the piers and enjoy a waterside patio meal. They serve a menu of upscale sandwiches and burgers. Another great option, also located right on the lake, is The Mariner's Inn. From their spacious patio you can catch the famous sunset on the lake, while enjoying some of the best steak dishes in the entire area. If you need a break from the heat, be sure to check out the indoor dining room which is decorated with unique antiques. The Mariner's Inn also hosts sunset dinner cruises. Whether you have only a few available hours to explore, or you are able to spend all day, Lake Mendota is a great place to visit. You are sure to enjoy the views, entertainment, and the many food options on offer.   “ Sunrise over Lake Medota, Aug 2011” via Flickr by JimAnderson1972. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

How much fuel a car uses is based primarily on the vehicle you use. Fortunately, Toyotas have a great history of low gas mileage. Things can always be improved, though, and there are several ways in which you can reduce your consumption. By reducing the fuel quantity you use, you save a lot of money in the long run and you also contribute to a cleaner, less polluted atmosphere around you. Here are some ways you can significantly reduce your gas consumption. Not rushing when trying to drive somewhere is a good idea for a number of reasons. Not only will you have fewer chances of getting into an accident and be more relaxed at the end of your trip, but also you will have used a lot less fuel. Driving fast, aggressively putting your foot on the gas pedal, and braking at the last moment will significantly increase your fuel usage. On the other hand, being a calm driver, not going over the speed limit, and keeping sudden moves to a minimum will lower your fuel consumption by as much as 40 percent. Also, as any experienced driver will tell you, rushing through city traffic won't get you there much faster. Watch the Car's Weight and Aerodynamics Another factor that has a significant impact on your mpg is getting rid of unnecessary items that increase the car's weight. It's very convenient to leave things like the wrench set or the golf clubs in the trunk, but over a long period of time, they will all make an impact on how much fuel you use. The car's aerodynamics also plays a major role. A cargo rack on your roof greatly increases wind resistance, making it harder for the engine to push the car forward. Open car windows or an open sunroof has the same effect. While having less impact when driving bumper to bumper, it's still a major fuel thief on long drives. Plan Your Drives and Avoid Rush Hour It may sound obvious, but it is surprising how often you take more trips than you should and drive at totally inconvenient hours. There are some things that you cannot avoid, but if you plan ahead of time, you will realize that you can be more efficient with your drives. So, look ahead at the trips you have to take and group them geographically so you have as little distance as possible between them. Whenever possible, avoid the peak hours of mornings and afternoons, those few hours when everybody's either going to work or going home from work. Idling in a traffic jam is not good for your fuel efficiency. Today's cars are getting more and more fuel efficient. Technology has brought us hybrid and electric cars. These vehicles are created with efficiency in mind and do a great job of consuming as little gas as possible. However, that doesn't mean that we shouldn't do our part in burning less fuel and making the world a cleaner place. Image via pixabay by Skitterphoto. Used with permission via CC0 1.0 / cropped from original

Nowadays there's almost no fruit or vegetable that you can't find at your local supermarket. Although getting everything you need all in one place is very convenient, there's nothing like fresh produce that you choose and pick yourself. Luckily, if you live in or around Madison, Wisconsin, there are plenty of great farms where you can do exactly that. So gather your family, and head down to one of these farms. You'll find people with a strong passion for farming, and you'll discover the truth in the old saying, there's no tastier produce than what you pick yourself. Blue Skies Farm Opened by Paul and Louise Maki back in 1991, the Blue Skies Farm has been a wonderful place to pick your fruit and vegetables ever since. Their main crop is fall raspberries, and the season where you can visit them and pick your own fruit lasts from min-August to late-September. They don't only grow raspberries, as they have a wide variety of tomatoes, tropical ginger, and turmeric. Although they are only open to the public for a short time every year, it's well worth the wait. During the rest of the year, their produce can be found at local farmers markets. Creek Bed Country Farmacy About 30 minutes North of Madison, you'll find this lovely farm that's been open to the public since 2012. Their first available produce was 20 acres of corn mazes and a huge pumpkin patch, but they have grown a lot since then. Three acres of strawberries were added in 2014, with sugar snap peas and sunflowers completing a wonderful crop. Their plans for expansion for the immediate future include adding peach and cherry orchards, so odds are this farm will become more and more popular in the years to come. The Berry Farmer A little more than 2 miles West of Baraboo, you'll find this family business that started 20 years ago. Their main crop is strawberries, and there are 10 acres of them to pick, along with some pre-picked ones for those in a hurry. The farm also has blueberries available for picking, as well as more than an acre of peas. They do a great job of keeping their crops as chemical free as possible by picking fruit varieties that are naturally resistant to pests and diseases. They constantly monitor their fields to make sure their crops are kept healthy with as little chemical assistance as possible. Apple Holler If a good apple is what you're after, then this is definitely the place for you. Apple Holler is not only a farm, but also a restaurant, gift shop, bakery, and orchard, so you have all the ingredients for a fun day with your family. Along with more than 30 different types of apples, you can also pick and enjoy a delicious variety of peaches, pears, and pumpkins. No matter what your favorite fruits and vegetables are, there are plenty of places in and around Madison where you can pick them yourself and make a fun day out of it.     “ Fresh berries on a wooden table” via Flickr by Ajithpoison. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

Different types of cars serve different purposes, besides taking you from point A to point B. Some you buy for speed, others for off-road capabilities, some because they're a good fit for your family, and the list could go on. The same goes for trucks. When you are in the market for a truck, you have a pretty good idea of what you need: a powerful machine with lots of space for passengers and cargo. A machine that can take you, your passengers, and everything else on board to your destination as safely and as pleasantly as possible. The 2018 Toyota Tundra will do all of that and more, making your life easier in the process. Space and Comfort The Tundra has excellent cabin space, which means five people can comfortably take a long trip without any inconvenience. Passengers get 62.6 inches of hip room, giving everyone enough space for a comfy ride. The interior is also well isolated, successfully eliminating most outside noise. The back seats can also fold, giving you even more cargo space. Power and Performance Obviously, a truck's main purpose is carrying large loads to their destination, and the 2018 Tundra handles that task admirably. From the base 4.6-liter V-8 to the beastly 5.7-liter, the Toyota engines get the job done. The excellent towing and payload carrying capabilities mean you won't have to take any unnecessary extra trips to finish the job. The top engine can successfully carry 1,730 pounds of cargo while towing an amazing 10,200 pounds. Safety One thing that applies to any vehicle, no matter its purpose, is that it has to have all the necessary systems and technology to provide as safe a ride as possible. Safety has always been one of Toyota's strong points, and that applies to its trucks as well. The 2018 Toyota Tundra benefits from Toyota Safety Sense, a safety package that includes standard emergency breaking, making it the first U.S. pickup to feature that as a standard. The Tundra also features trailer sway warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. The premium package adds features such as blind spot monitoring, parking assistance, or rear cross traffic alert. Tech and Connectivity Once the basics are covered, like safety, power, or space, it doesn't hurt for a truck to have some modern tech features, and the 2018 Tundra certainly fits the bill. A 7-inch touchscreen is connected to Toyota's Entune system, providing you with important information about traffic, weather, and much more. USB and Bluetooth connectivity are also available, while the premium package also features navigation and an excellent JBL sound system. When it comes to vehicles that can make your life easier, you probably won't find any that are better than the 2018 Toyota Tundra. The excellent build quality, along with features such as plenty of space for passengers and cargo, powerful engines that get the job done, modern safety features and excellent connectivity options, all make the Tundra a great partner to have in your daily routine.     “ Silver Tundra” via Flickr by truckhardware. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

Donuts have a huge place in American tradition and popular culture. Although nowadays more and more people are careful about their diet, the world would be a sadder place if we didn't have our guilty pleasures. Luckily for people in or around Madison, Wisconsin, they have some amazing donut shops to choose from to satisfy their sugary needs. From chocolate glazed to vanilla, caramel or fruit flavors, you're sure to find exactly what you like, and you can be sure they're every little bit as delicious as they look. Greenbush Bakery Founded more than two decades ago by Madison locals Barb and Marv Miller, Greenbush Bakery prides itself on being the only certified kosher bakery in the entire area. Their delicious donuts, made entirely with fresh ingredients, are a hit among locals. They are so popular that supermarkets all over Wisconsin buy them wholesale so they can sell them throughout the state. Although they have grown over the years, Greenbush Bakery never forgot the quality that all small businesses must have if they wish to succeed: hard work, good ethics, and a full dedication to customer service. They also haven't forgotten their debt to the community around them, so they do their best to support local charities. Lane's Bakery Also a family business, this local bakery was founded back in 1954. Now run by the family's third generation, they have never lost sight of their original values. First and foremost, they always only use natural ingredients, so you can be sure that processed ingredients will never take the place of real eggs and butter, at least not in this place. The best proof that Lane's Bakery makes incredible donuts is the fact that they have regular customers that have been coming for years. Most of them are on a first name basis with the owners, and they all have their favorite flavors. So if you're looking for that authentic small town local store feel in the era of supermarket chains, this place will make you feel right at home. The People's Bakery If you want amazing donuts but also a full meal, this will be the perfect place for you. Initially, it was a donut-only place, appropriately named Go Nuts for Donuts. Then, around the turn of the millennium, a change in management took place. The new owners kept the bakery's tradition of making incredibly tasty and fresh donuts but added a twist. Now, it is also an award-winning Mediterranean and Lebanese restaurant, getting top prizes year after year for its gyros and falafels. So, if you're up for a mix of traditional donuts and exotic food, this place will definitely not disappoint you, and the atmosphere will make you feel right at home. They also cater for parties and events. A fresh and tasty donut has the power to brighten someone's mood and give them the energy to navigate through the day. Luckily for the residents of Madison, a great donut is never far away. Image via Flickr by Mark Bonica /Under use by CC BY 2.0

Looking for a vehicle that balances power and efficiency is a daunting task, but Toyota has you covered. The 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid brings it all to the table, from performance to technology, to safety and much more. Here's everything you need to know. Powerful Performance The standard Camry Hybrid Dynamic Force Engine runs on a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that pumps out 203 horsepower. When teamed up with an electric motor and a smooth CVT transmission, this team maintains a fuel efficiency of 51 miles per gallon in town and 53 miles per gallon on the highway. The Hybrid Synergy Drive relies on a reliable hybrid battery that has been continuously refined for over 11 years. With the 2018 Camry Hybrid, that battery has been moved to create more space in the trunk, and it's had some weight shaved off to improve the vehicle's fuel efficiency. In addition to the Camry's powerful and efficient engine, the independent MacPherson front strut suspension and double-wishbone style multi-link rear suspension work together to deliver a drive that actively responds to the road, generating a smooth ride and responsive handling. Innovative Technology Hybrid performance isn't the end of the Camry's innovative technology. Start by immersing yourself in the luxurious environment by personalizing the Entune 3.0 display with your favorite color, which will project in the vehicle's ambient lighting. Using the same Entune 3.0, 8-inch display and the available Head-Up Display, the Hybrid Energy Monitor illustrates how power is routed to the wheels and how wasted energy is recycled to charge the battery. The 2018 Camry Hybrid lets you drive your way. Pick 'Sport' mode for a quicker acceleration and improved throttle response, or switch to ECO mode to adjust throttle for maximized efficiency. Or use EV mode to switch into electric driving that cuts motor emissions and reduces noise. Stay connected with Wi-Fi Connect powered by Verizon, which is a system unique to Toyota that can support up to five devices within the vehicle. Through an app on your smartphone, you can also use Remote Connect to hunt down your Camry in a parking lot or monitor guest drivers, like that teen who's behind the wheel for the second or third time. Comprehensive Safety Features Toyota proves that it puts its drivers first by including a comprehensive safety package called Toyota Safety Sense, which comes standard on all Camry Hybrid vehicles. Safety Sense includes a Pre-Collision System that utilizes both camera and radar to cue audio and visual warnings. If you don't react quickly enough, the system will apply brake pressure to guarantee your safety. Another system called Dynamic Radar Cruise Control brings safety to the convenience of cruise control by maintaining a set speed and simultaneously keeping you at a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. In addition to the Safety Sense package, the Camry Hybrid also includes Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, 10 standard airbags, and much more. Whatever you're looking for in a new vehicle, the 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid has it all. Don't believe us? Come down to Smart Toyota and take a test drive for yourself.   “ Image” used with permission via Toyota.com / cropped from original

Madison, Wisconsin, is perhaps best known for its university, college football, and politics, but it's also one of the top places in the state to find one-of-a-kind boutique shops. Many of these shops are lumped together throughout the city, making it easy to visit several stores in just one journey. Whether you're searching for places to find furniture, knickknacks, decor, clothes, or a hidden gem, you're sure to find it at one of these places in Madison. West Towne Mall Although brick-and-mortar stores and malls have been on the decline for years, the West Towne Mall proves that the business model isn't done yet, especially with respect to boutique shopping. With over 70 stores under one roof, this mall has plenty of options to find high-end goods including Coach, Express, Eddie Bauer, Nordstrom, and Yankee Candle Company. If you're feeling famished, West Towne has a typical mall food court, but if you're feeling a bit classier, you might want to hightail it over to the Cheesecake Factory. State Street Connecting the Wisconsin State Capitol with the University of Wisconsin, State Street is the city's thriving pedestrian mall that's home to nightlife, restaurants, and many of the most popular local retail stores. Dozens of these stores have been part of the fabric of the neighborhood for decades, while several other places have popped in over the last five to 10 years. What separates State Street from some of the other malls and options in town is that most businesses are locally owned, giving them an inventory and customer service experience unlike any other. If you don't find the mall a fun shopping opportunity, State Street is probably more your style, and there's a place for everyone. For high-end men's fashion, stroll into Jazzman, where knowledgeable staff will get you dressed to the nines. The culinary person in your life will love the strange, yet helpful kitchen doohickeys at Tellus Mater, while Sacred Feather provides a hat for every taste and occasion. Regardless of your particular needs or style, chances are State Street will have something you'll love. Hilldale Shopping Center Located on the western edge of Madison, Hilldale Shopping Center is a shopping mall and lifestyle center combined into one. Macy's, Target, an AMC Theater, and Metcalfe's Market are the anchor stores of this shopping center, which features over 50 specialty and boutique stores in total. If you're in need of some clothing, Hilldale has popular brands including L.L. Bean, the North Face, Anthropologie, Lululemon, and Kate Spade New York. An Apple store is onsite to help you troubleshoot any iPhone problems or pick up the latest gadget, while the locally owned Jim's Coins and Precious Metals provides excellent gift opportunities or that one-of-a-kind item. In between, you'll find services such as a florist, market, tailor, barber, and even a dentist, making Hilldale almost like a small self-contained city. From top national stores to eclectic, locally owned joints, Madison has a boutique shopping option that's sure to satisfy your urge for a bit of retail therapy.     “ Shopping” via Flickr by Roderick Eime. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

Crossovers have become the rage on American roadways over the past decade, resulting in an influx of new offerings from several automakers. The latest entry from Toyota is the C-HR, a fun-to-drive crossover that's sure to resonate with younger drivers. However, no buyer can turn their back on the 2018 Toyota Camry, which has been one of the most popular and reliable cars on the road for over 35 years. While both have their perks, choosing between the C-HR and the Camry may just boil down to your own personal tastes. Here's a look at what each has to offer. Size One of the definitive factors between the C-HR and the Camry is size. Whether you're using these vehicles as a family hauler or for cargo room can make an impact on which one you buy. Both can seat up to five passengers, but the Camry actually takes the edge in comfort with more legroom, hip room, and shoulder room than the C-HR. However, the 2018 Toyota C-HR has an edge on cargo space. Behind the rear seat, it can accommodate up to 19.1 cubic feet, whereas the Camry only has a trunk of 13 cubic feet. For more room, fold down the C-HR's rear seats to unveil a whopping 36.4 cubic feet of space. If cargo space is high on your priority list, the C-HR's room and cargo configurations make it a winner. Engine Power When you want to burst off the line and feed your insatiable need for speed, the 2018 Toyota Camry is your best bet. With new Dynamic Force technology, the sedan gets improved horsepower and torque on both its four-cylinder and V-6 engines. The standard 2.5-liter inline-four offers 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, while the available 3.5-liter V-6 churns out an impressive 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. With the larger V-6, the Camry touts a 0 to 60 of just 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 136 mph. The Toyota C-HR doesn't offer as much pace, but it's no slouch. Beneath the hood is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that's good for 144 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. This equates to a top speed of 115 mph and a 0-60 of 11 seconds. When you want that extra pep, the C-HR is just a step behind the 2018 Camry. Fuel Economy Fuel economy is a top priority for many drivers, and with either the Camry or the C-HR, you won't have to go to the pump as often as some of the other options on the market. Regardless of trim, the C-HR boasts 31 mpg on the highway, 27 mpg in the city, and 29 mpg combined. The four-cylinder Camry offers up to 41 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city when equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V-6 variant provides 32 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city, although the uptick in power is worth it for some drivers. Both the C-HR and the Camry offer a nice selection of options and amenities that other vehicles can't replicate, yet choosing between the two isn't an easy task. The best part is that no matter which one you choose, you'll have a vehicle that does everything you want and more.   " Toyota C-HR Hybrid (5) " via Flickr by hero4262321. Used with permission via Public Domain Mark 1.0 / cropped from original

With warmer temperatures, seemingly limitless hours of sunshine, and a bit of planning, a summer road trip is one of the most exciting adventures you'll ever take. However, you can't have the best journey possible without a worthy ally: your vehicle. Fortunately, Toyota has several vehicles that are ideal for a summer excursion. If you're in the market for a new vehicle or you want to upgrade before you hit the open road, check out these Toyota models. Prius Prime Debuting in 2017, the Prius Prime is Toyota's first plug-in hybrid. Like the original Prius, the Prime has a fastback rear hatch that allows for instant access to the rear, making it easy to pack the vehicle for your trip. The cabin comfortably seats up to five passengers with exceptional headroom, legroom, and hiproom, providing a journey free from cramps and fatigue. Perhaps the best benefit of the Prius Prime is that it can run solely off electric power for short distances. Using a regular household plug, you can charge the Prime in just five hours and 40 minutes. At a charging station with 240-volt power, this time shortens to two hours and 10 minutes. This enables you to go up to 25 miles on a charge, which is a nice boon in cities. Aside from electric power, the Prius Prime gets an astounding 54 mpg, putting it in the upper echelon of hybrid vehicles. 4Runner If you're a true adventurer, you won't find a better vehicle than the 2018 Toyota 4Runner. The four-wheel drive version of the 4Runner is expertly designed to go anywhere you want to go, regardless of terrain. The key to the 4Runner's off-road prowess is a 4.0-liter V-6 engine that churns out a whopping 270 horsepower and up to 278 pound-feet of torque. Paired with the intuitive four-wheel drive system, it can tear up the pavement or the gravel without much difficulty. When you're looking to get off the grid completely, the TRD Pro takes your trip to another level. Featuring high-performance shocks, a sports-tuned suspension, a higher clearance, and quarter-inch-thick aluminum skid plates, the 4Runner TRD Pro is the wildest of the wild. 86 While fuel efficiency and off-road capabilities are spectacular amenities for any road trip, a sports car might be the best and most stylish way to enjoy your excursion. That's why you need the 2018 Toyota 86. The heart and soul of the 86 is a 2.0-liter flat-four engine that provides up to 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque with an automatic transmission, but that's not the best way to enjoy the trip. Opt for the manual transmission to get 205 horsepower and a driving experience that's far more enjoyable. During the journey, you'll love the 7-inch, high-definition touch screen which puts you within a touch of navigation, apps, and your favorite tunes. When you put down the windows, crank the music, and take a hold of the 86, you'll wonder why you considered any other road trip vehicle. From a super-efficient hybrid vehicle to a go-anywhere SUV to a sports car, Toyota has just the vehicle you need to turn your summer adventure into one you'll never forget, and you can find these at Smart Motors Toyota in Madison, WI. " Prius Prime " via Flickr by chumlee10. Used with permission via CC BY-SA 2.0 / cropped from original

Located in the heart of the state capital, the University of Wisconsin (UW) is the state's largest university, home to nearly 44,000 students. While football and basketball games are certainly the biggest draws during the year, summer offers a number of events that are open to both students and the public. If you're searching for something exciting to do on your next trip to Madison, make sure to put these UW events and activities on your radar. Little Shop of Horrors From July 12 through July 29, see the university's best and brightest musical theater stars in " Little Shop of Horrors." This comedy-sci-fi-horror-musical classic features the story of a struggling plant store employee who finds that one of the plants in the store can talk and think, albeit with a taste for humans. Sponsored by the Department of Theatre and Drama, this musical is one you shouldn't miss. The show takes place at the Mitchell Theatre on the campus of UW. Tickets are $40 for the opening night gala on July 13, but admission on other dates is $30 for adults (19 to 61), $25 for seniors (62+), $20 for UW students, $15 for children (5 to 18), and free for children under 5. Show times vary by day. Print in Protest From now until Sept. 16, the Chazen Museum of art on the campus of UW invites you to explore the printmaking history of the university at Print in Protest. During the 1960s and 1970s, this department of the university printed many intriguing posters that protested poverty, war, and other social issues. At this event, you can see the finest examples of art and anti-government propaganda from the time. Admission is free, and you can find the prints on the second-floor hallway or the Object Study Room of the Chazen Building. Terrace After Dark From May through September each year, the UW Student Union invites both students, their guests, and Wisconsin Union members to enjoy the Terrace After Dark event. (If you want to become a member, it's easy). Over the course of 20 weeks, Terrace After Dark offers free movies and concerts, including upcoming new bands and new releases. There are also special nights that include DJs, open mic nights, talent shows, and more. Instead of dropping $30 for a show or $10 at a movie, hop over here to get it all for free. YALI Tuesdays On July 10, 17, and 24, join some of the Mandela Washington fellows at UW for discussions about global health at YALI Tuesdays. Standing for Young African Leaders, this group addresses health concerns domestically, as well as in Africa. Each of these sessions outlines topics such as universal health care in Nigeria, malaria, and health care equality in the United States. These fellows hope to earn an education in the United States and apply their skills back home, giving them a unique insight into the global health care crisis. With art, music, culture, and entertainment, the events coming up at UW are sure to please. All you need to do is find your way over to the campus.   " University of Wisconsin-Madison " via Flickr by Phil Roeder. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

Don't be afraid to live outside the lines. Toyota's distinctive, precision-cut Coupe High Rider is a fresh spin on your classic subcompact SUV. Designed for passionate drivers like you, discover your rebellious spirit in the first-ever C-HR.  Explore these six stand-out features of the uniquely expressive 2018 Toyota C-HR. Signature Diamond Interior The C-HR's futuristic styling and intuitive interior space features piano-black glossy finishes and sports fabric-trimmed front bucket seats with well-made, supportive bolsters. A six- or eight-way adjustable driver's seat, leather-trimmed steering wheel, satin plated shift knob, standard dual-zone climate control, and available heated seats add a surprisingly luxurious feel to the C-HR. Explore the high-resolution seven inch centrally-mounted touch screen display with voice recognition, HD radio with a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth wireless technology, and a 4.2 inch multi-information driver's display. Delight in the C-HR's auto-dimming rearview mirror, power heated side mirrors, and the welcome dual-zone automatic climate control on Wisconsin's freezing winter mornings. Not-So Compact Storage The C-HR's rear hatch opens to reveal 36.4 cubic feet of cargo room with a standard 60/40 split fold-flat second-row back seat. That's more than most small SUVs in its class, and because of its wide opening, the space is easy to load up. Find even more storage room under the cargo floor and throughout the cabin to conveniently stash small items. Edgy Design Arrive in style on Vortex style 18-inch sport alloy wheels and take center stage with available puddle lights. Aerodynamic rear lower diffuser, rear fins, and lip spoiler complement the C-HR's ultra-modern design, while its low stance makes a powerfully striking profile. Lively Powerhouse Press your foot on the gas and you're treated to 144 horsepower from the lively Dynamic Force 2 liter naturally aspirated, inline four-cylinder engine. Take control with the C-HR's sequential shiftmatic mode that dares you to manually shift through seven virtual gears, while still earning impressive fuel economy ratings of 31 mpg highway. Suspension Comfortable handling provided by a responsive and agile MacPherson, sport-tuned suspension lets you zip around turns like a pro. Add double-wishbone style multi-link rear suspension that utilizes hydraulic shock absorbers with SACHS dampers — a Toyota first, and you'll notice the tight steering offered by the new C-HR. Toyota Safety Sense P The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration bestowed the new CH-R with its best five-star overall rating, and with Toyota's innovative safety package, most of its rivals can't match it. The C-HR offers standard technology including a pre-collision system and pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, hill start assist control, and dynamic radar cruise control. Move up to the Premium trim for even more safety technology including blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. From Toyota's tradition of exceptional predicted reliability ratings to a generous list of safety features, discover the 2018 Toyota C-HR, starting at $22,500 for the XLE trim or upgrade to the XLE Premium with a base sticker of $24,350. Either way, schedule a test drive the new C-HR at Smart Motors Toyota before this hot new crossover is all gone.     “ Image” used with permission via Toyota.com / cropped from original

Looking to get your blood pumping this weekend in Madison? Check out some of these adrenaline-filled activities. Zip Lining Over Wisconsin Dells Want to get up above the treeline and see how beautiful the lush valleys of Wisconsin Dells really are? Consider taking a Chimney Rock Park Zip Line tour. Wisconsin Dells is a short drive from downtown Madison, but far enough away that you feel like you're out in the wilderness. The tour takes you on 18 different zip lines. You'll be able to see up to 100 miles away on a clear summer's day. You should have a moderate level of fitness as you'll be hiking for 25 minutes before you get to the zip line course. Once you're on the course, you'll be required to do a little bit of uphill climbing and will need to be able to get onto the platforms easily. Log Rolling Test your balance at Madison Log Rolling. During the summer months, head down to Lake Wingra and join one of the many log rolling classes offered throughout the day. It's a great activity for kids as well as adults who want to do something unique to get fit and get your heart rate up. They also offer something for those that are even more confident with their balancing skills, boom running. The logs are chained to one another and you have to attempt to run across all of them as they balance on the water. The fastest person across the logs without falling into the lake is the winner. Skydiving There's nothing that'll get your blood pumping more than strapping yourself to a stranger and jumping out of an airplane. The Wisconsin Skydiving Center has an office in Madison where you can dive over the stunning lakes that surround Madison. If you love it that much, you can sign up with the skydiving center to take lessons and become a certified skydiver yourself. They offer lessons that are certified by the United States Parachute Association. The lessons will help you get your skydiving license in as few as 25 jumps. Scuba Diving Think you can't go scuba diving in land-locked Madison? Think again! There are several options available depending on your skill level and what you want to see. Head to Madison Scuba Center to learn how to dive or to head out into the nearby lakes. They are the only scuba center in all of Wisconsin that offers both SSI and PADI dive certifications. For a truly heart-pumping experience, check out one of the night dives at different sites around the city's dive sites. Nearby Pearl Lake is one of the best dive sites in the city where you can swim through different shipwrecks and it has spectacular visibility. Whether you want to find an adrenaline activity that you can do with the whole family like zip lining or log rolling, or you want to do something solo like jump out of a plane, there are plenty of activities to get your heart racing in the Madison area.     “ skydive” via Flickr by joebaz. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original