Blog

The thought leaders at Toyota recognize that greenhouse gases lead to climate change, and exhaust is polluting our air. They're a genuine threat to our happy, healthy lives on planet Earth. Toyota recently released a plan for sustainable energy, and they're entering exciting new territory in the world of auto manufacturing. Keep reading to explore Toyota's innovative ideas for developing an environmentally friendly brand. A Sustainable Future Toyota is engaged in extensive research to advance its approach and help work toward resolving the pressing environmental issues we face today. Through its Global Environmental Challenge 2050, these ideas were unveiled at Toyota's 2015 Thought Leadership Summit in California and recently reconfirmed. Can you believe Toyota introduced the hybrid Prius to America almost 20 years ago? We've all learned a ton since then, and we know traditional fuel reserves won't last forever. Consumers demand strategies to ensure eco-friendly cars lead the way to a greener tomorrow — and Toyota is listening. With modern technology, Toyota is committed to engineering a wide range of eco-friendly cars like the conceptual iQ EV. Environmental Strategies Toyota's plan addresses how this automaker will minimize environmental impact. The company set itself upon six challenging tasks in four areas: carbon, water, materials, and biodiversity. These challenges are designed to push the company far beyond cleaner emissions to embrace the overall goal of net positive change by 2050. Carbon The first order of business for Toyota is climate change. Engineers aspire to completely remove greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 2050. Toyota also pledges to reduce vehicle emissions to an incredible 90 percent from a 2010 baseline within the same timeframe. To achieve this lofty goal, Toyota will build vehicles with alternative powertrains and help expand EV charging infrastructure. Biodiversity Toyota recognizes that not only is air quality important, but the diversity of living organisms and their habitats are also essential to our ecosystem. Toyota's major facilities will recognize the highest standards of conservation, and it promises to spearhead projects that protect threatened and endangered species. Materials Toyota's material strategy focuses on eliminating waste, conserving natural resources, and reducing packaging material 5 percent by 2021. By sharing these tactics with other manufacturers, Toyota hopes to achieve these goals worldwide. Water Just as clean air and a healthy ecosystem are essential to our biodynamic world, so is fresh water. The final part of Toyota's challenge is to reduce water withdrawals by incorporating waterless manufacturing technologies and utilizing only closed-loop systems for a revolutionary 100 percent recycled water system. Looking Ahead to a Green Future Toyota intends to jump right in and promote the widespread accessibility of its eco-friendly cars. Looking ahead to 2050, Toyota has set itself to the challenge of building new cars with zero CO 2 emissions. Today, Toyota wears the green crown when it comes to the illustrious Prius Prime, the most advanced hybrid currently on the market. Don't forget Toyota's full lineup of hybrids including Camry, Highland, RAV4, and Avalon. Toyota's contribution to the environment is clear. As we work toward the realization of a sustainable society, its programs are leading the way.     " Electric Car start ignition button " via Flickr by piviso. Used with permission via CC0 1.0 / cropped from original.

Monona Terrace is located along the shores of Lake Monona in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. The convention center has huge, floor-to-ceiling glass windows that face the lake, which means any events that take place have one of the most stunning backdrops in the entire city. As summer begins, you can bet that Monona Terrace is planning some exciting upcoming events to keep you busy. Festival Foods Shake the Lake The Festival Foods Shake the Lake is a party that will take place on June 23 at Monona Terrace. It's the perfect way to start the summer and, weather-permitting will actually be on the rooftop of the convention center. Tickets are on sale now and are $17 until June 22. If you purchase after June 22, the tickets will be $20. There will be music and entertainment by iHeart Radio and local restaurants will set up stalls selling their top menu items alongside craft beer, wine, and soft drinks. Mindful Movement Mindful Movement is an ongoing, bi-weekly yoga event that takes place on the rooftop at Monona Terrace. There's nothing more relaxing than practicing yoga while you face Lake Monona and feel the cool breeze off the water. This stand-up yoga class takes place every Tuesday and Thursday from 12 to 12:45 p.m. The class integrates classic yoga moves with tai chi, stretching, and simple twists, and finishes with helpful meditation techniques. Concerts on the Rooftop This June and July, enjoy weekly concerts on the rooftop of Monona Terrace. The upcoming dates for the concerts are June 28, July 5, July 12, and July 19. Admission to the event is completely free, but you do need to get your tickets reserved in advance. Some of the acts you can expect to see are BritBeat, a Beatles tribute band, The Jimmy's, a Chicago blues band, and Totally Neon, an 80's cover band. The concerts run from 7-9 p.m., but doors and bars open at 5:30, so you can come and enjoy the atmosphere and watch the sunset with your friends before all of the music begins. Unfortunately, if it rains, the concerts will not take place. BrickUnivserse Lego Fan Experience The BrickUniverse Lego Fan Experience is a two-day event that will take place on June 30 and July 1 at the Monona Terrace convention center. The event is open to the public. Tickets are sold on a half-day basis. You can either opt for the morning or afternoon session for each of the days. The morning sessions run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the afternoon sessions run from 2-5 p.m. Half-day tickets cost $15. The event will be fun for both children and adults. There are special guests and character meet and greets, there are Lego zones where you can attempt to build various landmarks. There are also model galleries where you can see what the professionals are capable of building. Whether you're interested in music, food, games, or even yoga and meditation, you'll find something to keep you busy this summer at Monona Terrace.     " Monona Terrace Sign and Walkway " via Flickr by Eric Kilby. Used with permission via CC BY-SA 2.0 / cropped from original

Spacious and gutsy, some groups — like U.S. News and World Report — rank the Avalon number one among large sedans, and with a plethora of positive reviews from professional automotive writers, we agree. Well-equipped with all the latest safety and technology features, Toyota's flagship four-door sedan oozes quality and reliability with a touch of luxury. Read on to discover five reasons why you'll fall in love with the 2018 Toyota Avalon. Premium, Spacious Cabin The Avalon seats five, and its ample interior includes loads of premium touches, such as standard leather upholstery, woodgrain inlays, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat. A spacious back seat is big enough to accommodate large adults comfortably, even on a road trip. While a large, 16-cubic-foot trunk with power lid offers drivers plenty of convenient storage space. Top Safety Specs The Avalon comes standard with Toyota's Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite of advanced features designed to protect your passengers, including 10 airbags, a rearview camera, vehicle and pedestrian detection, forward collision warnings, lane departure alerts, steering assist, and dynamic cruise control. Upper-level trims add blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and rain-sensing windshield wipers to the Avalon's impressive safety package. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) bestowed the 2018 Avalon with their top score of Good in all five of their crash tests and even named the Avalon a 2018 IIHS Top Safety Pick. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Avalon a perfect five-star rating in overall safety. A Robust Engine The 2018 Avalon is competent and smooth, and with Sport Mode engage — it's surprisingly quick off the line. Toyota outfitted this big car with a stock V-6 that puts out a gutsy 268 horsepower that accelerates to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. This engine is paired with an eager six-speed automatic transmission and still earns good fuel economy estimates, too. The new Avalon's EPA rating of 30 mpg highway is among the most environmentally responsible in its class. For such a large car, those are some impressive numbers. Buttery Smooth Suspension The Avalon was designed to cruise the road with its well-tuned, fully independent suspension. The silky smooth, plush ride lacks those awkward body rolls with its stabilizer bar. Stiff, responsive steering makes it easy to zip this big sedan in and out of urban traffic while offering drivers a dynamic experience behind the wheel. Toyota's Entune Technology Toyota's intuitive Entune system incorporates a 7.0-inch touch screen with available navigation. Take advantage of the stock Scout GPS Link app that works with Bluetooth to seamlessly broadcast directions from your smart device. Get real-time traffic and weather reports through Entune, as well as voice command technology. Experience the 2018 Toyota Avalon in five available trim levels from the introductory XLE to the XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Touring, and the top of the lineup: the Limited, at a showroom near you. Enjoy a bit of luxury that's within reach of many drivers, with the 2018 Toyota Avalon from Smart Motors Toyota in Madison, WI.   " AVA_MY19_0016_V001 " used with permission from Toyota.com / cropped from original

Summer in Wisconsin's capital city can really bring the heat, with temperatures regularly reaching the 80s and occasionally climbing into the 90s. Use this short list of water activities in and around Madison to find a way to stay cool this summer. Walter R. Bauman Outdoor Aquatic Center Visit this outdoor water park with your kids in tow for a truly memorable way to beat the heat. Children will be thrilled with the interactive play equipment and sand playground, and there is even a zero-depth pool entrance for the youngest children to ease their way into the water. Adults can test themselves in an eight-lane competition pool or play a game of volleyball on one of two sand courts. The main attraction of the Walter R. Bauman Outdoor Aquatic Center, though, is the two waterslides. Both of the slides are 134 feet long. The park is open from June through August. Madison Log Rolling This is one fun activity you probably haven't tried before. You'll meet up with instructors at local Lake Wingra, where the company places synthetic “logs” in the water. Your challenge is to stand on these logs and roll them, maintaining your precarious balance for as long as possible. You'll almost definitely end up in the water, but that's just part of the fun. This unique sport pays tribute to the lumberjack history of Wisconsin, and it's also become a bona fide athletic event in its own right. Serious competitors now roll logs on ESPN. Bring the whole family for maximum laughs. Stand Up Paddleboarding Hop onto a board and use a paddle to propel yourself through the water when you take part in one of Madison's most popular up-and-coming activities. You can take your first lessons in stand up paddleboarding (or SUP, to those in the know) by booking a private lesson with organizations like Paddleboard Specialists. This is a great way to see if the activity is right for you without investing too much money into your own equipment. If you find out that you do have a knack for SUP, consider joining one of Madison's local SUP yoga or SUP polo groups for an added challenge. Madcity Flyboards Strap on a pair of specialized boots and fly nearly 30 feet into the air above Lake Mendota. The boots are connected to your instructor's personal watercraft by a long hose, and he or she will control the thrust that allows you to shoot straight up into the air as water rockets from your feet. You can even use the thrust to dive several feet under the water — before you know it, you'll be flipping in and out of the water like a dolphin. You'll have to tilt the flyboard with your feet to control your balance and direction, but most people get the hang of it in a few minutes. There are plenty of opportunities to swim or kayak on Madison's lakes, but these specialized water activities in our region offer an even more unique way to stay cool during the upcoming summer.     " Midwest Log-Rolling Championship 06-29-2013 060-1 " via Flickr by Richard Hurd. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

When you're in the market for a reliable, mid-sized SUV with an upscale cabin, excellent gas mileage estimates, and plenty of family-friendly safety features, then the 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid might be the perfect choice for you. Toyota's new hybrid offers drivers everything that matters most in an SUV from comfortable, three-row seating for up to eight passengers to a spacious cargo area, and a long list of convenient, standard features. Let's explore a few things you didn't know about Toyota's new 2018 Highlander Hybrid. Well-Appointed Trims Toyota beats out its automaker rivals as the only crossover hybrid on the lot. After a complete refresh last year, the Highlander's four hybrid trims are just as versatile as you are. The lineup includes the LE, XLE, the Limited, and the Limited Platinum package. The XLE comes equipped with a sunroof, heated, power front seats upholstered in leather, second-row sunshades, 120-volt power outlet and flip-up rear windows, an adjustable, power liftgate, satellite and HD radio, and a navigation system. When you want a little more for the kiddos, the Limited is just the right size for most families and comes well-equipped with an optional rear-seat entertainment system. The second-row captain's chairs are perfect for teens; plus, you'll appreciate the handy rear cargo cover and snazzy 19-inch wheels. At the top of Toyota's hybrid trims is the Limited Platinum package with a glorious panoramic sunroof, automatic windshield wipers, and a heated steering wheel with heated rear seats. Acceleration and Power Every Highlander Hybrid comes standard with a powertrain that combines a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with three electric motors, and a continuously variable automatic transmission. This eco-friendly family-hauler offers a surprising 280 hybrid system net horsepower, while still earning the celebrated super ultra low emissions vehicle (SULEV) badge. SULEVs like the Highland Hybrid run 90-percent cleaner than your average SUV. Of course, fuel economy is where the hybrid SUV really shines. Toyota's fuel-sipping crossover gets up to 30 mpg city, compared to its cousin, the gas-only Highlander's 21. Unlike many hybrids, the Highlander offers strong acceleration from a stop and while at cruising speeds, and smoothly transitions between electric and gas power sources.  All-wheel drive comes standard with the hybrid, which is another nice perk. Advanced Driver Assist Features Drive confidently with the latest in advanced driver accident-avoidance tools from Toyota Safety Sense P — the pre-collision system. This suite of innovative new technology offers families the added peace of mind with standard features, such as a bird's eye camera, brake assist, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warnings, and lane keeping assist, to name a few. As reported by U.S. World News, the new Highlander Hybrid also earned the coveted Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash test rating of good and an overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a base sticker price of $36,670, while the loaded Highlander Hybrid Limited tops out with a retail price starting at $45,160. Test drive your favorite trim today at Smart Motors Toyota. ' Image ' used with permission via Toyota.com / cropped from original

Ah, the allure of fine dining, where you're served grandiose dishes by tuxedoed waitstaff on white tablecloths, with a wine list any sommelier would be proud of. Who doesn't love to indulge the palate with bite-sized morsels of exotic cuisine artfully arranged by a first-rate chef? Whether it's a special occasion or a romantic meal for two, splurge on dinner at these top four upscale restaurants in Madison. Samba Brazilian Grill Samba's is an upscale Brazilian eatery with a twist, where authentic Brazilian cowboys called gauchos slice churrasco-style meat right at your table. Sample the highly acclaimed sugar-and-cinnamon pineapple skewers, then visit the capacious salad and appetizer bar with more than 30 delectable items. Have a Caipirinha or Mojito while you wait for the first course of house-made salads, roasted vegetables, and artisan cheeses. Using a pillar with red and green lights, signal the gauchos that you're ready to start on the next course — rodizio meat. Located at 240 W. Gilman St., Samba's Grill is open Monday through Saturday from 5–10 p.m. and Sunday from 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Tornado Steak House Experience your premier downtown steakhouse, Tornado's at 116 S. Hamilton St., where white-linen dining meets a timeless supper-club vibe. Try one of Tornado's award-winning house specialties, including the locally sourced, grass-fed steaks such as the peppercorn encrusted Filet au Poivre or a naturally raised, pan-fried breaded rabbit. Tornado serves their dinner menu from 5–10 p.m., and their late night menu until 1 a.m. in the Corral Room bar. A Pig in a Fur Coat You're in for a sumptuous treat when you dine at A Pig in a Fur Coat on 940 Williamson St. Start your meal with a delicious appetizer, such as duck fat fries, then move on to a small plate of lamb carpaccio with Parmigiano. If you're hungry for more, venture on to a large plate instead, featuring a wagyu ribeye with bone marrow. Cleanse your palate with a sugary treat from their trendy dessert menu. Our favorite is the chocolate and orange Sicilian sfingi. A Pig focuses on communal seating, which offers unique appeal, and likely means you'll sit with new friends at a shared table. They're open Monday through Thursday from 4–10 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m., and closed Sundays. L'Etoile Restaurant A phenomenal experience awaits you at L'Etoile Restaurant on 1 S. Pinckney St. with Owner/Chef Tory Miller, winner of the Iron Chef Showdown this January. L'Etoile offers an elegant atmosphere that's perfect for a romantic rendezvous. Pamper yourself with the seven-course Chef's tasting menu, including excellent farm to table choices such as veal sweetbreads, aged lamb, and Alaskan halibut in a bacon broth. Chef Miller is serious about his cheeses, and sources only the fresh chèvres, and cave-aged cheeses from artisan cheesemakers. L'Etoile Restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 5:30–9 p.m., and Saturday from 5–10 p.m., but closed on Sundays. No matter what you're celebrating, splurge on dinner at these top three upscale Madison, WI restaurants, sure to please even the most finicky gourmand. " Samba Grill Brazilian Churrascaria Food Sampling " via Flickr by Prayitno. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

Toyota started the year off right with the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, where they unveiled their new line of off-road trucks. Once you see what all of these additions bring to the table, you'll be setting aside the funds for a brand-new truck. Here's everything you need to know about Toyota's brand-new off-road trucks. Tacoma TRD Pro The Tacoma TRD Pro can tear up any road with its top-of-the-line additions. Toyota put a 278-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine under the hood that's capable of powering the truck up virtually any grade. To give the engine the care it needs while preserving the rest of the vehicle, drivers will be able to add an available Desert Air Intake system that moves the engine air intake away from the wheel well — an area that normally gets clogged with dust and dirt during adventures. Toyota has also upgraded the Tacoma's performance with Fox shocks that have 46-millimeter pistons, as well as 2.5-inch rear shocks. To protect the vehicle, the TRD Pro also has an extra inch of front lift and a large front anti-roll bar. Tundra TRD Pro In addition to the 46 millimeter Fox shocks, the Tundra TRD Pro brings even more to the table. The Tundra's suspension gains an extra 2 inches of lift, as opposed to the Tacoma's 1 inch. Toyota also improved wheel travel by adding an inch and a half in the front and 2 inches in the rear. With the Tundra TRD Pro, nothing will keep you from fun, not even the darkness. This full-size pickup uses Rigid Industries LED fog lights and headlights that will light up the night. To enjoy the outdoors even more, drivers will be able to add an available moonroof. And to top it all off, the Tundra also features 18-inch aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires. 4Runner TRD Pro The 4Runner brings more comfort, luxury, and space to the off-road game. In addition to a front spring improved with an extra inch of lift and wheel travel, this off-road SUV protects its upgrades with dust boots around the shocks, a TRD roost shield guarding the inverted rear shocks, and a skid plate in the front that covers the suspension. For extra cargo capacity, the 2019 4Runner also adds a brand-new roof rack. Every good adventure needs your favorite music. Since Toyota understands this about their drivers, they included the Entune Premium infotainment system that will allow drivers to connect straight to their smartphone applications. The 4Runner TRD Pro, in addition to the Tundra and Tacoma TRD Pro models, comes equipped with Toyota's Star Safety System. That system includes features that will protect its drivers, such as stability and traction control, smart stop technology, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and much more. The 4Runner, Tundra, and Tacoma TRD Pro models all work to craft the greatest adventures for off-road drivers. Toyota has provided more than a vehicle; they've provided a fresh, unique experience. Keep it here on Smart Toyota for more on the release of these 2019 models. ' Image ' used with permission from Toyota / cropped from original

In the age of laptops, tablets, video games, and instant gratification, it's hard to find ways to entertain children outside of the electronic world. Fortunately, Madison, Wisconsin, has plenty of places for a hands-on experience that doesn't leave your kids parked in front of a screen. From museums to sports and everything in between, Madison has some excellent destinations for an interactive day with your children. Madison Children's Museum Nothing stirs up excitement with your little ones like a trip to the Madison Children's Museum. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., the museum has nine permanent exhibits as well as a rotation of traveling exhibits that give your child plenty of options to indulge their favorite hobbies and interests. The Bakke Art Studio offers children paints, paper, and all the other tools needed to create their own masterpiece. The Log Cabin, another fun choice, provides children a glimpse into the history of Wisconsin with hands-on activities. In the authentic 1838 cabin, kids can churn butter, harvest vegetables, write with quill pens, play checkers, or even try a two-man saw. The activities are truly limitless when it comes to the Madison Children's Museum. Admission is $7.95 for adults and children and $6.95 for seniors. Henry Vilas Zoo With over 750,000 visitors a year, Henry Vilas Zoo is one of the hottest attractions in Madison. The best part about the zoo is that parking and admission are both free. The zoo itself is separated into 10 different sections that provide a subsection of animals from countries and ecosystems across the globe. The 28-acre zoo has exhibits such as the Arctic Passage, the Tropical Rainforest Aviary, the North American Prairie, and more. The children's zoo also gives guests a chance to pet animals or ride the famous carousel for just $2. It's a great place to spend a day out on the town without breaking the bank. Wisconsin State Capitol Heading to the center of government may not seem like a fun trip for kids. However, when you discover the amount of things to do at the Wisconsin State Capitol, you'll find that your children might actually enjoy the journey. If you're into the trip but having trouble selling it to your kids, just tell them about the badger statue. Legend has it that if you rub the nose of the badger statue, you'll have good luck. If you have older kids, a tour of the building is well worth the effort. For groups of less than 10, no reservation is necessary. The building is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. From the seat of the Wisconsin government to educational experiences with zoology and science, Madison has a little bit of everything to keep your children interested for a few hours, a day, or even a weekend. You may even find a new favorite place they'll want to come back to again and again.     " Gerbil Wheel " via Flickr by jchapiewsky. Used with permission via CC BY-SA 2.0 / cropped from original

As a fun and practical vehicle, the 2018 Toyota Yaris stands out in the competitive compact car market. For over a decade, the Yaris has provided drivers with unequivocal efficiency, features, and other amenities that make it a surefire winner. And, with five available trims, you can pick the one that suits you to a T. If you're still up in arms about which Yaris to buy, here's a look at which models have the features you want. 3-Door L For an entry-level vehicle, you can't get much better than the 2018 Toyota Yaris 3-Door L. A reliable workhorse, the 3-Door L doesn't do anything extraordinary, but it's an excellent car to get you where you need to go. Under the hood, the L gets a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that pairs with a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to drive the front wheel. This gives it a little kick with 106 horsepower, but the 36 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg in the city is one of the foremost reasons the Yaris L should make its way on to your shortlist. 3-Door LE Take everything you love about the Yaris 3-Door L, add some amazing features, and voila: You get the 3-Door LE. Built as a compact coupe, the Yaris 3-Door LE offers extras such as 15-inch alloy wheels, power outside mirrors, cruise control, and remote keyless entry. For a vehicle of its size, it has offerings you just won't find with any of its competitors. 5-Door L If you want more room, the Yaris 5-Door L is the answer. With extended room in the rear, this model holds five passengers far more comfortably than its three-door siblings. With 15.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat, the Yaris also has enough space to fit all of your stuff, even if you have a packed house. 5-Door LE The Yaris 3-Door LE is a fine compact car. However, if you want to get more interior space without giving up the features you love, opt for the 5-Door LE. It has everything the 3-Door LE has, yet it also tacks on some chrome accents for enhanced aesthetics, an engine immobilizer, and rear child-safety locks. For growing families or those who love to entertain, the added room and amenities are well worth the added expenditure. 5-Door SE For the utmost luxury, there's no better choice than the Yaris 5-Door SE. This fully loaded variant of the Yaris has every option you could want and then some. The differences start on the outside with the addition of LED lighting, fog lights, a rear spoiler, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Other features include navigation along with a leather-trimmed sport steering wheel with mounted audio controls. There's just no other vehicle like it on the market. The best part about buying any of these trims is that you really can't go wrong. Each one offers a diverse array of features, and when you add it all up, no other compact can match the awesomeness of the 2018 Toyota Yaris.   ' Image ' used with permission via Toyota.com

If you're like the millions of "pet parents" around the country, you take your dog with you everywhere you go. Running errands? Here comes Fido. Heading to a bar? Bring Spot along. However, letting your dog off the leash simply can't happen at these places in Madison. On top of that, if you don't have a yard to let your dog run amok, it can keep him or her from, well, being a dog. But fear not. Madison has eight off-leash and 26 on-leash dog parks that are perfect for your canine friend and the rest of your family. Before You Go Before you head to one of Madison's dog parks, be aware that you need certain permits. Every pet parent with a dog 5 months or older must have their animal licensed. A license for spayed or neutered dogs is $15 and $20 for unspayed and unneutered canines. You must also hold an annual or daily dog park permit to use dog parks in Madison. The annual pass is available on December 1 for $35 for adults and $17 for seniors. Daily passes are $5. Brittingham Park Located on the shores of Lake Monona near downtown Madison, Brittingham Park is one of the most scenic parks in the city. Open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., it's an excellent place to take your dog for a jog while watching the sunrise, sunset, or the rowing teams that practice at the lake. If you want to take your dog off the leash, the park has a fenced-in area at the corner of John Nolen Drive and Broom Street. Free dog bags are also available from a dispenser. Odana School Park Southwest of downtown Madison is Odana School Park, a 6-acre park that's perfect for a game of fetch or roughhousing with your pet. The off-leash area is near the intersection of Segoe Road and Whitney Way, should you want to let your dog run off some energy. If you bring the family, your kids can also play a game of hoops on the full basketball court or practice their shooting skills at the soccer field. Sycamore Park Sycamore Park is a prime example of urban renewal and one of the best-rated dog parks in the city. Once a landfill, the 70-acre park was rehabbed to include trails, volleyball courts, soccer fields, and playgrounds. You're free to take your dog around on a leash through the park's longer loop or squeeze in a walk on the shorter trail. Many locals say that this is the top park in the city to meet other pet parents, making it a quintessential stop if you're new to the area. The east side of the park also has a massive off-leash area for your mutt to meet some friends as well, and there are shelters if the weather should turn without notice. With 34 dog-friendly parks across the city, it's no surprise that Madison is one of the top 10 cities in the country for accessible, clean dog parks. Not only can you let your dog get some exercise, but your family can bond and enjoy the outdoors together.   ' Roxy At the Dog Park ' via Flickr by MSVG. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

Traveling long distances often requires a vehicle that can handle different situations effectively. You can take your family on some fun and exciting adventures if your car can get you there without problems. The Toyota Highlander is designed to get you to where you want to go comfortably and efficiently, which will make you want to travel further and more often. If the Highlander appeals to you, then the only question left is, “how far will you go with the 2018 Toyota Highlander?” To the Beach Spring is here and summer is not far off, which means it will only keep getting hotter. A trip to the beach is a great way to spend the hottest summer days. In a Toyota Highlander, you could make the trip to the beach with your kids and their friends since the Highlander can fit up to eight people. If you are into surfing or water sports, the Highland can be equipped with roof rails so that you can carry paddleboards or surfboards on top. If you end up driving in the sand, the Highlander can handle that too with its improved reaction controls. Camping Deep in the Woods It is also the time of year for camping, and the Highlander can help with that too. You'll need to take a lot of equipment with you on a camping trip, especially with your whole family. The Toyota Highlander has a variable seating system that lets you fold individual seats to customize your trunk space. With up to 84 cubic feet of storage, you can fit all of the supplies that you need. The Toyota Highlander is also capable of driving in many off-road situations. Dirt or uneven pavement are not a problem since the Highlander gives you better control over your power outputs and traction. That means that you can travel to your favorite spot deep in the woods without having to get out and hike the whole way from the nearest parking spot. Road Tripping Sometimes, not having a destination in mind can be the most exciting trip that you can take. Every summer, people hop into their cars and hit the road with the only plan being to drive until they find someplace new. You can do that in the Toyota Highlander and get very far, especially if you take advantage of the hybrid version. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid combines an unusual inline 4-cylinder engine with three electric motors to provide more horsepower and to be able to run in an all-electric mode. It has an estimated efficiency of 30 mpg (city) and 28 mpg (highway) making it the most efficient version of the Highlander that you can get. You can go far and do a lot of different things in a Toyota Highlander. With summer on the way, it is time to start planning your vacation. Part of those plans should be to figure out how you will get where you are going and making sure that your car can handle the trip. You can switch to a new Toyota Highlander today to make your summer trips more comfortable and enjoyable than last years. Plus, you'll get all of the benefits all year long. Image used with permission via Toyota.com