Cute, smart, perky, and modern are just a few words to describe the 2019 Toyota Yaris. Come see what this affordable car has in store for your next on-the-road adventure.

Exterior (Trims)

The 2019 sedan offers three trims: L, LE, and XLE. The hatchback model offers the L, LE, and SE. The subcompact blends its modern style featuring an expressive front grille with standard smooth lines enhanced by distinctive headlights and a choice of exterior paint colors. A rear spoiler, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, heated side mirrors, and LED highlights are just a few of the features available on select trims.

Performance

The Yaris is an all-in-one package focused on economy, efficiency, affordability, and performance. It’s equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine capable of 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque. The sedan is available with either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission, and the hatchback includes a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual. Sport mode is included on the XLE for added ease and maneuverability in town and on the highway.

Convenience

Whether behind the wheel or riding as a passenger, comfort and convenience is a plus, and the Yaris supplies both. For the driver, there’s a sport steering wheel, sport-designed instrument panel, and reversing camera. Passengers enjoy an easily operated climate control system and infotainment system. Features include a 7-inch semi-touchscreen for music, navigation, satellite radio, voice recognition, and a six-speaker stereo. For storage, the Yaris has ample trunk space of 13.5 cubic feet. The 60/40 split rear seat provides additional cargo space when folded down.

For dependability, performance, safety, and economy, start 2019 with a test drive of a Toyota Yaris.

Bowling is an enjoyable family activity and a fun idea for a date night. Whether you’re a skilled bowler or just like to have a good time with friends, a night of bowling is ideal. Here are three great bowling alleys worth visiting in and around Allentown, Pennsylvania.

  1. Parkway Lanes

You’ll find Parkway Lanes in the heart of Allentown. Here you can bowl any day of the week, and late-night bowling is available on Fridays and Saturdays. The snack bar is loaded with delicious options like wings and mozzarella sticks. If you’re looking to relax a little as well, grab a drink at the outdoor bar.

  1. Haja Rose Bowl

Another great spot for fun is Haja Rose Bowl on 15th Street. Head out on a Sunday evening from 8-11 p.m. for a night of all-you-can bowl. You’ll pay $11.50 per person and bowl as many games as you can handle. Saturday nights offer late-night cosmic bowling. It’s open every day of the week, so you’ll always be able to enjoy some fun.

  1. Jordan Lanes

Located in Whitehall, Jordan Lanes offers bowlers another good option for hitting some pins. With billiards and a lounge also in the building, you’ll be sure to enjoy a full night of activities with friends. Party packages are available for corporate events, birthdays, and big groups. Don’t miss the pro shop for some gear.

Next time you’re looking for a family-friendly activity or an idea for a good time with friends, head to one of these great spots.

Image via Flickr by Sam Howzit

Everyone loves the holidays, especially all that delicious food, but after indulging we need to get back on track. Thankfully, there are some great gyms in the Allentown, Pennsylvania, area with all the equipment and classes you need to shed that holiday weight.

Gold’s Gym

Gold’s Gym is a franchise found throughout the country, but each location is dedicated to serving its members well and helping them meet their fitness goals. Newbies are welcomed with open arms and have a host of resources to get started. If you’re unsure about joining, start with a free gym pass. The staff and trainers will be more than happy to provide support and answer questions.

Group classes are also available to members. Choose between a heart-pumping Zumba class and a kick-butt combat workout. Either way, you’re bound to have a great time and burn some serious calories.

Full Circle Training

At Full Circle Training, you’ll have the option to train with a group or individually with a personal trainer. There are no sign-up or cancellation fees, so you’re free to join without any strings attached. You can choose from an extensive list of membership packages to be sure you get the support and training you want. Most packages are on a month-to-month basis, but some offer a six-month contract for a lower rate. Classes include kickboxing, BARRE, yoga, Zumba, and more.

With such awesome gyms in the area, it’s going to be hard to find an excuse not to lose those holiday pounds. For now, feel free to enjoy some pie.

Image via Flickr by marcoverch

Toyota has been pushing to top itself with its concept cars over the years, and its latest batch of new imagined vehicles show the automaker has no plans of stopping. Check out three of Toyota’s coolest concept cars.

1. Toyota Supra Racing Concept Car

The compact, two-door Supra Racing Concept is the latest incarnation of Toyota’s Supra series sports cars. Its well-designed frontal engine and rear-wheel drive give its lightweight body enough power to be an intense force on the racetrack. Nothing about this vehicle is superfluous — every part of it exists either for performance or safety. The closest most of us will get to driving this car is through the “Gran Turismo Sport” video game, which came out in April 2017.

2. FT-4X

The four-door, four-wheel-drive Toyota FT-4X shows us the crossover of the future. Its angled design matches its functionality. Inside, the back seats fold flat and the floor can slide out for an impressive amount of cargo space. The rear door can swing open on a side-hinge or raise like a liftgate. This crossover speaks of an exciting future for Toyota city and highway vehicles. Everything about this car drips cool.

3. 2019 Toyota Supra Xfinity Series Race Car

The sleek, streamlined 2019 Supra Xfinity Series Race Car is an insanely capable machine meant for the racetrack. It can reach speeds over 200 mph using its 700-horsepower engine. This Toyota Supra breathes fire on racetracks and will be difficult to top when it starts hitting the track for the Xfinity Series’ 2019 calendar.

Keep an eye out for more Toyota concept car updates as the company’s engineers keep dreaming.

Image via Flickr by nan palmero

Toyota’s Safety Sense is a technological system created to help drivers maintain the highest levels of driving safety. The system uses cameras and radar to assist the driver in myriad situations. Here are three of the best features included with Safety Sense.

1. Pre-Collision System With Pedestrian Detection

This system saves lives. A Toyota vehicle with Safety Sense scans the road ahead of it using radar or laser to see if there are any pedestrians or vehicles in its path. From there, it alerts the driver with audio and visual cues to slow down or stop, and if you apply the brakes, the system will help you using brake assist.

2. Lane-Departure Alert

Distractions happen. When they do, lane-departure alert will let you know if you’re moving from your current lane unintentionally. A camera tracks where your vehicle is in relation to its current lane and alerts you. If your Toyota has steering assist, the vehicle may make slight adjustments to your steering to keep in its current lane.

3. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

Using a grille-mounted radar and a camera, your Toyota will adjust your speed as it senses the car ahead of you change speed. The Toyota, in order to maintain a preset distance from the next vehicle, constantly reads the area before you to decide whether it needs to apply the brakes, or return to the set cruise-control speed.

Toyota’s system is the next logical step in improving the safety of our streets. A little assistance offers support to avoid the stress of accidents and collisions for new and experienced drivers.

Image via Flickr by DVS1mn

Black Friday is a holiday tradition for many. It not only signifies the beginning of the holiday shopping season but it also offers an opportunity to complete your holiday shopping at a discounted price. Check out the best Black Friday-worthy spots in the Allentown, Pennsylvania, area.

The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley

The Promenade Shops in Valley, Pennsylvania, is a great one-stop location for Black Friday shopping. With stores like Carter’s, Clarks, and Old Navy, you are sure to find everything you need. You can also grab a bite to eat at one of the on-site restaurants including Red Robin or Bar Louie. Many of the Black Friday sales extend into the weekend. Visit the Promenade Shops on Nov. 24 for the annual holiday tree lighting celebration.

Lehigh Valley Mall

The Lehigh Valley Mall showcases an inventory of premier shopping destinations. Visiting this mall is a great opportunity to save money on more expensive brands. Enjoy well-known shops including Coach, Guitar Center, and Kay Jewelers, many of which are likely to have great Black Friday deals. You can fuel up after a day spent shopping at Darley’s Cafe or the Bonefish Grill. The Lehigh Valley Mall also often hosts store specific discounts on their website. Make sure you check the site for any additional sales before Black Friday shopping.

It is never too early to begin preparing your Black Friday plans. Both of these Allentown shopping malls are a great place to join in on the Black Friday shopping fun.

Image via Flickr by www.metaphoricalplatypus.com

Allentown, Pennsylvania, has a lot to offer in terms of restaurants, including five-star culinary destinations. These are a couple of the best high-end restaurants worth trying in the area.

Grille 3501

Grille 3501 is a fine dining restaurant located in the west end of Allentown. Although upscale, the restaurant gives off a casual and welcoming environment. They perfectly blend French, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisine for a menu that is entirely unique. Try the tuna tartar as an appetizer and then order from one of the delectable entree dishes such as the filet mignon or the grilled king salmon.

Grille 3501 also caters to gluten-free dietary needs with an entire menu free of gluten. Reservations are recommended as Grille 3501 can get pretty busy. Request a patio table for beautiful outdoor views of the city.

Henry’s Salt of the Sea

Check out Henry’s Salt of the Sea for a French-inspired seafood menu. The seafood is fresh, the staff is accommodating, and the dining room is beautiful and relaxing. Make sure you try one of their signature dishes including the lobster Francaise or the stuffed mushrooms with crab meat. The menu is also inclusive with salad bar, potato side, and a vegetable included with all entrees.

Finish off your meal with a bowl of sherbet or a cup of signature coffee. Stop by Henry’s Monday through Thursday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. for dining room specials.

Whether you are looking for a great date night spot or just a night out on the town, each of these five-star dining destinations in Allentown is perfect for your next meal.

Image via Flickr by ginnerobot

The best coffee shops are comfortable, friendly, and serve a great cup of coffee. Check out a few of the best coffee shops in the Allentown, Pennsylvania, area.

The Joint Coffee Co.

The Joint Coffee Co. does one thing, and they do it well. They specialize in coffee and serve a farm-to-cup coffee that is fresh and made with high-quality ingredients. The service is also really friendly so if you need a coffee recommendation, feel free to ask the barista. You can also purchase the Joint Coffee Co. coffee beans online.

The Wise Bean

The Wise Bean offers delicious coffee and a cozy environment. Bring your laptop or a good book and plan on spending a couple of hours here. If the weather is warm, the patio seating is wonderful. Visitors with milk allergies can swap out traditional milk for almond milk in each of their specialty coffee drinks. Fuel up on one of their freshly baked treats including the muffins or bread.

Allegro Coffee

Allegro Coffee aims to make every coffee drinking experience an exceptional one, from the first sip to the last drop in the cup. They have steadily grown to include eight locations, with one right in Allentown. The coffee bar is open daily and serves the famous Allegro Coffee brand blended into specialty coffee drinks. If you can’t get enough of the brand, you can purchase Allegro beans online.

Stop in for a cup of coffee at a few of Allentown’s best coffee shops. These shops offer the best-tasting coffees, along with a comfortable coffee-drinking environment.

Image via Flickr by Carly & Art

There is nothing like good diner food. These are the places where you can go almost any time of day and get food that tastes like home. In Allentown, Pennsylvania, there are several diners to choose from, each offering their own version of diner food. Here are some of the best ones worth a visit.

Billy’s Downtown Diner

Billy’s Downtown Diner takes diner food and elevates it. The dining area has a modern feel and offers some great views of downtown Allentown. The breakfast menu includes several bennies such as California Benedict and zip city Benedict, or you can get the Cabo Wabo omelet. If you prefer lunch, there is a wonderful house melt sandwich with turkey on sourdough and melted American cheese or a Cubano with pulled pork and Cuban spices on garlic bread.

Nick’s Diner

Nick’s Diner on Tilghman Street offers friendly, fast service, delicious food, and an old-fashioned diner feel. The breakfast is always good, and this place has some of the best burgers in town. The farmer’s omelet is a good choice and comes loaded with meat and cheese, and the fried chicken is one of the local favorites.

Golden Gate Diner

Try Golden Gate Diner for breakfast any time of day or night. This 24-hour diner has a nostalgic feel and serves up all your favorites including great burgers, chicken Parmesan, and steak and eggs. The servers are always friendly, and it feels almost like home.

Try one of these Allentown diners for a home-cooked meal any time of day.

Image via Flickr by LWYang

The Toyota Sienna is the minivan that families love. It comes well equipped with features for both kids and adults, and the spacious interior provides plenty of room. Check out these features that make the 2019 Toyota Sienna perfect for your family.

The Technology

With five USB ports, the Sienna’s cabin has plenty of places for the kids to plug in their devices, and there are also three 12-volt power outlets if they need to keep extra devices charged. Toyota’s Entune 3.0 infotainment system comes standard, and both Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa also come in all the models.

The Safety

All Sienna models come standard with Toyota’s Safety Sense P suite of advanced safety systems. This includes adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a pre-collision system with both pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking. It also comes with lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, a road sign assist system, and lane tracing assist.

The Power

The Sienna has a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission works with the engine to help provide a smooth and comfortable ride. This is the only minivan to offer the option for all-wheel drive making in an excellent choice for families who live in areas with snowy winters.

The 2019 Toyota Sienna is the perfect minivan for families both large and small. There is room for the kids, their friends, and all the gear the goes with them, and everyone can ride in comfort and style.