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Jeep recently announced its plans to release an electric Jeep Wrangler in 2020. Here's what we know so far. more It Will Be a Plug-In Hybrid While at the 2017 L.A. Auto Show, Jeep CEO Mike Manley announced at a press conference that Jeep will be releasing a Jeep Wrangler in 2020 that will  have an available plug-in option. While the specifics about the powertrain are still being worked out, it is clear that there will be a hybrid available on Wrangler models in 2020. Manley explained that Jeep is committed to offering a Wrangler that is both environmentally friendly and fun to drive. It's Different than the 2018 Jeep Wrangler This announcement came at the same time as the reveal of the new 2018 Jeep Wrangler. This is the first time in several years that Jeep has redesigned their Wrangler. The 2018 Jeep Wrangler has been released with a hybrid system that includes a 48-volt mild hybrid enhance start-stop system alongside the 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine. Jeep has stated that the 2020 Wrangler will be made with a different hybrid engine that you will fully be able to plug in and charge up. This would be Jeep's first plug-in hybrid they've ever put into production despite showing concept models like this for almost a decade. Jeep Will Look to Chrysler for the Powertrain It is likely that Jeep will use a powertrain similar to the Fiat Chrysler in-house two-motor hybrid system which is currently found in the Chrysler Pacifica hybrid. This is a specially-tuned 3.6-liter V-6 that is paired with a hybrid system. It is mounted transversely and uses front wheel drive. However, this mounting wouldn't work for the Wrangler because this model does not plug in like the 2020 Wrangler. If they plan to use this powertrain while also making it a plug-in hybrid, the engine will have to be longitudinally mounted and they'll have to offer the model in four-wheel-drive. The location of the battery is still being debated. There is a rumor that it could go between the rails, but because the hybrid battery is larger than a conventional model, mounting it there might interfere with the rear drive shaft and change the entire setup of the four-wheel-drive system. There's Still Much Unknown Much of the information that is floating around about the new 2020 Jeep Wrangler hybrid is speculation. Mike Manley gave very little away during the press conference and subsequent interview with Motor Authority. It is still unclear whether this Jeep hybrid will be available nationwide or if it will only be released in certain markets. It is unknown how the four-wheel-drive system will work or where the battery will be placed. While making his announcement, Manley spoke confidently about how Jeep has been planning this for a long time and that this Wrangler is a vehicle made for the future. This is a heavy-duty vehicle that will enhance the driver's experience and comply with a sustainable, environmentally friendly future. Image via Jeep.com

Sometimes you just want to get away for the weekend enjoy some beach time, stay in a swanky hotel, and dine at a new restaurant.  San Diego is an easy two-hour drive south of Alhambra, making it a great place for a weekend getaway. Follow this guide to help plan the perfect escape to San Diego. more Book Your Hotel The first thing you want to do when you are planning a weekend getaway is secure your hotel. There's nothing worse than making plans, dreaming about the perfect room with a view only to check at the last minute and discover all of the best places are booked. For a slice of boutique luxury, the Kimpton Solamar Hotel is a great option. They have spa rooms where you can soak in an oversized tub after a day of exploring the city. The hotel also has a rooftop pool, in-room massages, and bikes that you are free to use to explore San Diego. Plan What You Want to Do There is so much to see and do in San Diego, there's no way you'll be able to fit it all into one weekend. Prioritize the things that you really want to do while you're there so that you can make a mini-itinerary and see as much as possible. If you want to see a lot in a small amount of time, consider driving San Diego's 59-mile Scenic Drive. This road loops its way around all of the major sights and attractions and you can get out and explore the ones that interest you most. You'll pass the downtown area, Harbor and Shelter Islands, Ocean Beach, Mission Bay Aquatic Park, Soledad Mountain, La Jolla Cove Park and Cave, Mission Beach, and the San Diego Zoo. Choose a Few Great Restaurants San Diego is a bustling city with tons of great restaurants. If you're heading to the city on a weekend, you'll want to make reservations before you arrive so that you don't miss out on the best places. Snooze A.M Eatery in Hillcrest is a must for brunch. It's set up like a retro diner, but the food is so much more creative than your average diner. If you're feeling really hungry, go for the Snooze Classic, farm fresh eggs cooked just the way you like topped with your choice of ham, bacon, chorizo, pulled pork, chicken sausage, or soy sausage with hash browns and toast. For great modern American fare in an upscale setting, go to Juniper and Ivy. The menu changes weekly, so locals flock here for the freshest seafood and farm-to-table meats they offer. They specialize in tapas-style small plates that make sharing their dishes easy. You'll definitely want to try their menu staples like bone marrow tartare and chorizo stuffed squid. There are so many reasons to take a weekend trip to San Diego. Whether you enjoy the beach, experience the big sights like the San Diego Zoo, or want a change of scenery, you'll get it all with a quick trip down the coast. After you explore San Diego once, you'll be making plans to visit again and again. Image “ Shelter Island Sunset” by Chad McDonald, used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Looking for the best Dodge for your next road trip? Whether you're looking for a truck that can tow your boat or tackle any off-road terrain, there's a Dodge to suit your travel style. more Dodge Durango The Dodge Durango is the ultimate road trip vehicle for adventurers. The 2018 Dodge Durango comes with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. This powerful engine allows you to tow up to 6,200 pounds. You can upgrade to the 5.7-liter HEMI engine which allows you to tow up to 7,400 pounds. If you want to tow a trailer or a boat, you may want to consider the third engine option, the 6.4-liter HEMI engine offers a whopping 475 horsepower and enables you to tow up to 8,700 pounds. It's not all about what you can tow on the outside of the Durango. There's also plenty of room on the inside, too. The Durango can seat up to seven people and has more than 50 different seating configurations so that you can carry passengers and all of their cargo wherever your journey takes you. You can fold flat the back rows of seats for a 60/40 configuration and get up to 84.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Dodge Journey The 2018 Dodge Journey is a fantastic road-trip vehicle. The SE trim level has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that comes in both all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive. Both drivetrains have a fantastic road-trip worthy highway range of over 500 miles per tank. The Journey has several great features that make it the perfect vehicle for a family road trip. It's spacious enough to fit seven people along with all of their stuff. The second row of seats also has an integrated booster seat which can also be conveniently folded away when it's not needed. Both the second and third row of seats fold flat to give you 67.6 cubic feet of cargo space. There's also an in-floor cooler in the second row. You'll never have to pull over in the middle of your road trip to grab a cold drink from the trunk again. Dodge Grand Caravan The Dodge Grand Caravan is another excellent road-trip vehicle. Under the hood, you'll find a 3.6-liter Pentastar engine with 283 horsepower. This powerful engine allows you to tow up to 1,500 pounds worth of cargo. It also comes with trailer sway control so that you can always be in control of whatever you're towing. The Grand Caravan has plenty of room to fit up to seven people and tons of hidden storage spaces so that you never have to leave anything behind. The Grand Caravan has tons of great technology to keep you and your passengers happy on a long journey. Stay connected on the road with Web by Mopar. This subscription service allows you to connect to the internet with your smart devices while you're traveling. You can also opt for the available DVD entertainment system which has a screen for the passengers in the backseat to enjoy a few movies. Head to your nearest Dodge dealer to find out which of these awesome dodge models is the right vehicle for your next road trip. Image “ 2014 Dodge Durango R/T” by AlBargan, used under CC BY-ND 2.0

In a city as big as Los Angeles, it can be hard to figure out which restaurants are the best. This is our list of the best burgers in Los Angeles and where to find them. more The Big Mec The Big Mec burger is a thing of beauty and can only be found at Petit Trois. It is a truly indulgent experience that combines the American burger with a French twist. Between the soft bun, you'll find a beef burger, cooked rare unless otherwise requested, topped with American cheese, a bordelaise sauce, foie gras, and a heaping scoop of deliciously caramelized onions. It's an enormous burger that you'll no doubt make a mess of, but it's totally worth it. Just be sure to ask for extra napkins before digging in and don't wear that new white shirt. Petit Trois is located on Highland Avenue in the Hancock Park area of Los Angeles. The Single Burger It may not sound very exciting, but the Single burger from Everson Royce Bar is delightful. The burger is made with four ounces of prime chuck beef topped with Tillamook cheddar on a house-made egg brioche bun and served with a heaping pile of pickles on the side. This offering is simple but totally delicious. Everson Royce Bar doesn't serve much food. Its specialties are the delicious cocktails, beers, and outdoor seating area, but when hunger strikes, you'll be glad you're at one of the best burger spots in town. Everson Royce Bar is located on East Seventh Street in downtown L.A. The Burger The name doesn't give much away, but The Burger at Cassell's Hamburgers is one of the most famous and most delicious burgers in Los Angeles. This restaurant has become an institution in Los Angeles thanks to owner Al Cassell's management. The burger closed temporarily but was re-opened in 2012, when they resumed cooking up amazing burgers. The Burger at Cassell's is a house-ground premium beef patty topped with lettuce and tomato on a Parker House bun and served with pickles and onions on the side. Adventurous diners can add Swiss or cheddar cheese, grilled onions, or a fried egg, but the original burger has enough juice and flavor to satisfy any burger lover. The Smash Burger For something totally different and totally L.A., go to Electric Owl to try their Smash Burger. This favorite consists of a third of a pound of dried, aged beef topped with white cheddar, grilled shallots, pickles, and horseradish mustard aioli on a parmesan-marmite bun. This burger is salty and slightly sweet with a little bit of spice from the aioli. Electric Owl wants you to enjoy that umami sensation with all of their food, and you certainly get it with this. You won't taste another burger like it. There are so many burger joints in Los Angeles to try. Whether you're looking for a good fast food burger, a nice thick beef patty, or something unlike any burger you've tried before, you'll find it all in the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles.   Image “ Truffle Burger KCI_1426” by kurmanstaff, used under CC BY 2.0

Winter is challenging this year with several major storms hitting the country, but you can still enjoy your weekends. Alhambra has many interesting activities you can do whether you're willing to brave the cold weather or prefer to stay indoors. If you are looking for something fun to do, then here are three winter activities near Alhambra. more Mount Waterman Skiing is a major part of winter in and around Alhambra. One of the first places that people turn to is Mount Waterman, a major ski resort. Mount Waterman has 25 skiing areas with a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs. It is the closest ski lift to the Los Angeles area. If you don't know much about skiing, there are instructors on site that can help you learn for your first run. Mount Waterman has several ski lifts that can get you up the mountain. Since all of the facilities are on the top of the mountain, you can take the scenic ski lift up to the facilities and ride back down just to see the sites if you want. Whispering Pines Cottage Winter can be a great time to go on a romantic couples vacation. If you need to get away for awhile, then you can go stay at the Whispering Pines Cottage. It is a nice little cottage in the mountains that maintains an old-world charm. You can cuddle up by the fire with a glass of wine or just spend some time alone in your room. The cottage is within traveling distance of many of the area's leading attractions in the area. You can also go hiking on the forest trails when the weather is mild. Mountain High Snowboarding Lessons Getting out on the slopes is tricky if you don't have the skills to do it safely. Fortunately, you can go to Mountain High Snowboarding Lessons. Mountain High has a resort where you can take skiing and snowboarding lessons. The resort is always packed, so there are always instructors starting new lessons for beginners. Even if you have some experience, you can take a refresher course or take more advanced lessons to upgrade your skills. If you have kids that want to learn skiing or snowboarding, you can get them lessons there as well. Group lessons are available, and Mountain High has special training areas for kids with man-made snow and terrain. The groups are relatively small, usually capping at eight or ten people based on the needs of the group. Winter can be exhausting if you stay inside the whole time. Even in the cold, there are plenty of things you can do to have fun. If you are planning on visiting snowier areas, you'll need a vehicle that can keep you warm and handle inclement weather. Bravo Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has a lots of new and used vehicles that will help you drive on slippery roads and get home safely. Stop by and take one out for a test drive. Image “ Blue & White” by Ian D. Keating, used under CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from Original

Nearly everyone loves coffee or some type of caffeinated beverage, which is why there are so many coffee places across California. You could visit the ones in your area to see which ones you like the best. However, having so many to choose from makes it difficult to find the best ones. Fortunately, there is an easier way to find the best cup. Read up on our three favorite coffee shops in Orange County, and try visiting one of them. more Portola Coffee Lab There are a lot of factors that go into the best cup of coffee. So, you will want to find a place that has put in the work to figure it all out. Portola Coffee Lab serves some of the best coffee in Orange County, and it puts a unique twist on flavors and forms. Portola goes the extra mile to get the best ingredients from around the world and to find the best ways to prepare it. The staff take their time making the right cup every time which is why the coffee is so good. This company has several locations including Costa Mesa, Tustin, and Santa Ana. Kean Coffee If you know who Martin Diedrich is, you know something special about coffee in Orange County. He is primarily responsible for the coffee boom and for high-level coffee houses. Fortunately, Martin has a new coffee shop called Kean Coffee that follows many of the standards he started. Kean Coffee sources organic and fair trade coffees from around the world, and it goes through an extensive brewing cycle to get the best flavor from each bean. Kean is also a great place to go try seasonal variations from around the world. Rose Park Rose Park is an up and coming brand that started as a bean delivery service that had messengers make deliveries on bikes. Much has changed, and Rose Park now has a brick-and-mortar store where you can get one of the best cold brews on the market. It is especially good on hot days because it can cool you down fast and give you more energy. Rose Park is also known for it exceptional presentation. The lattes served in the store are works of art. Alta Coffee Another great place to try is Alta Coffee in Newport Beach. Alta roasts its own coffee, much like many of the other leading shops. Alta is also well known for its fresh baked goods that pair well with its coffee options. Customers go crazy for the Iced Toffee Latte that features iced coffee, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and toffee bits. If you want something sweet and packed with energy, Alta's Iced Toffee Latte is what you need. Traveling around Orange County to try different coffee shops can be an adventure. With the right vehicle, you could make it a weekly trip. Bravo Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has many of the new vehicles that you can get for 2018 that would be great for weekly road trips. Image “ UltimoCoffee” via Flicker by shinya, used under CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from Original

Flying is the most common method of long-distance travel today. But there's something special about taking a road trip and exploring different parts of the country. You get to see things that you wouldn't otherwise get to experience. The key to a successful road trip is being fully prepared. Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind for your vehicle and yourself during your next road trip Clean First Start the road trip prep by cleaning out the car. While driving on a day-to-day basis, things build up. This ranges from paperwork to clothes, kids, toys, food, and other trash. Taking the time to remove these items makes the road trip more comfortable for everyone during the long stretches of drive time. more Check Your Car and Your Documents Anticipating problems before they happen is a good mindset to have before and during a road trip. Checking your vehicle to make sure that its fluid levels, tires, battery, and other parts are in good shape before leaving is one way to avoid trouble on the road. Don't forget to go through all of your important paperwork either. An expired license, insurance card, or missing policy causes delays and adds unnecessary stress to an otherwise fun trip. Another important document to consider having for your road trip is a roadside service membership card. Joining a roadside service is optional. However, being a member of one connects you to approved towing services to get you back on the road and away from the dangers of breaking down while on the road. Be Flexible Build flexibility into your trip plans. Traveling on the road allows for exploration, however, unexpected roadblocks or detours also come up. By accounting for minor road issues during trip planning, you'll spend more time having fun instead of rushing to get to the next destination because of an unforeseen detour. Practice Self-Care Keeping your car in good condition, having the right documents, and being flexible about travel stops are all good preparation tips. But don't forget about the driver. Factor in enough hours during the drive before leaving to account for sleep. Get at least 7 hours of sleep in the two days leading up to the trip. This builds up reserves of energy. Staying off the road between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. is another way to cut sleepiness because that's when people feel drowsy naturally. Eating healthy and staying hydrated are two other key points of a successful road trip. Purchase healthy snacks like carrots or almonds, and consume them in small quantities to stay energized. Don't forget to drink plenty of water and take note of rest stops along your route for bathroom breaks when necessary. A road trip is an exciting and adventurous prospect for people to undertake. Having a reliable vehicle that is well maintained, clean, and has the right paperwork eliminates many common issues. A prepared driver doesn't hurt either. Hit the open road ready for anything with these preparation tips. Image via Pixabay

A great sports bar has an attentive staff, multiple televisions, and a bartender who knows how to use the remote. Whether you're looking for a place to watch the Dodgers play, see some college football action, or root for the Lakers, Los Angeles has a sports bar for you. Here are three of the best. more 2nd Floor Gastropub & Sportsbar The 2nd Floor Gastropub & Sportsbar in Koreatown is known for friendly service and great food. It has a lot of seating, and multiple TVs line the walls. Customers come here to watch MMA in addition to the most common sports. Because 2nd Floor is also a gastropub, you'll find things like kimchee pasta along with traditional favorites like wings in a large and diverse menu. It's a place to come not only for the game, but also for dinner too. Overall, the atmosphere is great. Parking is an issue though, so be sure to plan accordingly. The Parlor The Parlor sports bar solves one major city issue right off the bat. It has valet parking for $10, making finding a spot much less of a challenge. It's a good place to come and watch games with friends. The Parlor has multiple televisions and has drinks designed to serve small groups. One such item is the Tower, which is a device that serves multiple people beer at one time. The bar offers special event nights, game-time action, and a trivia night during the week. You'll find staples like pizza served here, as well as other dishes like a breakfast croissant. The atmosphere is fun and friendly. It serves an official viewing place for fans of Michigan in Los Angeles. 33 Taps 33 Taps in Silver Lake has televisions circling the space, making it the perfect game-watching spot with plenty of seating. It gets slightly loud during Sunday games, but the food is good. Dishes served here include favorites such as bacon cheddar fries, Fried buffalo cauliflower, and a blackened chicken sandwich. On the weekends, 33 Taps is open for brunch. Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., they offer unlimited mimosas or Bloody Marys for just $10. They also offer a happy hour, and their specialty, as the name implies, is beer. 33 Taps has mainstream beers and some local ones. A few craft beers appear on the menu as well. The bar is in a shopping center with limited but dedicated parking. A security guard is outside to make sure patrons park in the dedicated slots with street parking also available. Overall the atmosphere is lively, service is good, and patrons receive a free dessert for checking-in on social media. Finding a good sports bar to watch the game is important. The best sports bars in Los Angeles are a combination of television, great food, a variety of beers and other beverages to finish off the experience. Visit them for a night out, an event, or a good brunch with your friends.   Image “ Pool Tables” via Flickr by Sam Howzit, used under CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from Original

Since the Jeep Grand Cherokee's launch in 1993, Jeep has refined its ability to merge the function of their SUVs with a sense of style and comfort not often found in the class. The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee may represent the culmination of that design philosophy, as it features unsurpassed luxury without compromising on the vehicle's ability to function as an off-road sport utility vehicle. The features outlined here demonstrate exactly what Jeep has achieved with the latest Grand Cherokee. more Customer Choice As part of its mission to expand the extravagance experienced by customers when driving in a Grand Cherokee, Jeep now offers eleven trim levels for the 2018 version of its luxury SUV. Customers can choose from a range of options, from the base model (MSRP of $30,595) and to the fully-featured Trackhawk (MSRP of $85,900). Drivers will also enjoy the comfort of a leather and wood interior, the sensory experience of a 19-speaker audio system, and the choice between eight different color possibilities. Part of the Jeep luxury experience is choice, and potential Grand Cherokee owners have plenty of options. Engine and Power There are a few V8 engine choices for the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. One is a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 engine, which delivers up to 707 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. Another choice is a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, which is a lighter engine that nonetheless provides 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Drivers will be able to tap into these engines with the finely-tuned eight-speed automatic transmission, making the Grand Cherokee accessible and satisfying to operate. Of course, a standard V6 engine is also available. Performance The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee has achieved the rare distinction of being the fastest SUV in production, as it is capable of reaching 60 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds. Conversely, the Grand Cherokee can decelerate from 60 miles per hour to a dead stop with only 114 feet of required stopping distance. The crossover can also reach a top speed of 180 miles per hour. While you're unlikely to have the occasion to drive at these speeds yourself, it's comforting to know that you have the power under the hood to outclass any competitor. Off-road Capability The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee simply wouldn't be a Jeep if it weren't rated for off-road performance. Accordingly, the new Grand Cherokee uses performance-tuned software to allow drivers to access five dynamic driving modes: Auto, Sport, Track, Snow and Tow, and a custom setting. Add in a generous towing capacity (7,200 pounds), and it's easy to see that the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee is just as functional as it is luxurious. These are just a few of the features that make the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee stand out even among the manufacturer's well-regarded array of off-road models. If you're in the market for the perfect combination of indulgent luxury and rough-and-tumble performance, the Grand Cherokee may be the choice for you.   Image “ Jeep Grand Cherokee” by Petr Magera, used under CC BY 2.0

When it comes to choosing a new car, there are many factors you should take into consideration: make and model, factory options, and price. Another factor that can come into play is whether you are purchasing or leasing a vehicle. Both options have their advantages. Here, we discuss some of the important decisions you'll have to make when you're choosing between the two. more Leasing Is Convenient Leasing a new car means that you'll only have the vehicle in your possession for a specified amount of time (usually about three or four years). When your lease ends, all you need to do is return the vehicle to the dealership, at which point, you will have the opportunity to begin a new lease with a brand new vehicle. This fact represents a significant convenience, as it removes the hassle of trying to sell your old car. Leasing also guarantees that you'll always be driving a relatively new model, which appeals to many customers who are afraid of breaking down. Leasing Is Cheaper Leasing a car is a popular option for drivers who feel that purchasing a new vehicle isn't economically feasible. For one thing, monthly lease payments are typically less than monthly car loan payments. Moreover, most leases include a full warranty. This means that you will generally not be responsible for repair and maintenance costs. And if you do happen to get into an accident, you'll still have your regular automotive insurance to cover the costs. For these reasons, leasing a new vehicle may be a cost-effective choice for drivers who can't afford to buy a new vehicle outright. Buying Gets You Unlimited Mileage While leasing a car might be a cheaper option, that isn't always the case. For example, you may want to consider the distance of your daily commute. Most leases only cover you for 10,000 to 15,000 miles per year. If you regularly exceed this limit, you may end up paying an additional fee in addition to your standard lease charges when you return the car. If you've purchased your vehicle instead, you can drive your car as often and as far as you like. Buying Your Leased Vehicle While it's clear that both leasing and buying offer their own advantages, it may be possible to strike a middle ground by purchasing your vehicle after the expiration of the lease. This makes the most financial sense if you have not adhered to the terms of the lease (i.e., if you have exceeded the mileage restrictions or failed to maintain the vehicle). In these circumstances, returning the car to the dealer will probably incur additional charges. Opting to purchase the vehicle instead may be a cost-effective way to avoid these fees while keeping a good car. When it comes to choosing between purchasing and leasing a new vehicle, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. You should consider your own unique circumstances and determine which approach makes the most sense for your lifestyle and your wallet.   Image “ Row of Cars at a Car Dealership” by everycar_listed_photos, used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Located less than an hour outside of Orange County, Bravo Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Alhambra is conveniently situated among a wide array of holiday shopping options. And while Orange County might be more well-known for its picturesque beaches and resort attractions like Disneyland, its holiday shopping options are no disappointment. We've highlighted a few of our favorite local events and shops to help you get prepared for the coming season. more Sawdust Winter Fantasy The Sawdust Art and Craft Festival is a nonprofit group with a mission centered on public education and the promotion of local artists. They host a number of events throughout the year, but the most exciting may be the annual Winter Fantasy festival in Laguna Beach. Attendees will enjoy shopping for ceramics, clothing, glassware, jewelry, paintings, photography prints, sculptures, woodworking, and more. The vendors' booths are decorated for the festive season, and the entire atmosphere is one of holiday cheer. The 2017 Winter Fantasy runs on weekends from November 18 through December 17, and the 2018 event is expected to follow a similar schedule. Old World Christmas Market Located in Huntington Beach, the Old World Christmas Market emphasizes a German perspective on the season. The Old World organization is known for its popular German restaurant and Oktoberfest celebration, but its annual Christmas Market event is no less remarkable. The event features German food, arts and crafts, handmade gifts, and a stunning selection of Christmas cookies. Children will enjoy taking photos with Santa, and the whole family will appreciate the schedule of live music. The Old World organization also puts on a Christmas and Nativity Play in mid-December, a collaboration between several local churches. Winter Market This holiday shopping event takes place in downtown Fullerton every year in early December. In addition to browsing plenty of vendors to select the perfect Christmas gift, visitors will also enjoy a beer and wine garden and a number of unique food booths. Face painting and photos with Santa are available for younger attendees, and donations are taken for the “Spark of Love” toy drive, which is organized by Fullerton's firefighters. The Fullerton Winter Market is a great option if you're looking for holiday entertainment and shopping in a convenient location. Anaheim Town Square If you're on the lookout for a more conventional holiday shopping experience, you'll find all of the familiar major retailers at the Anaheim Town Square. The shopping center runs a number of sales throughout the winter season, so you won't have any trouble finding the hottest gifts at a reasonable price. The Anaheim Town Square also features a few specialty stores. By visiting some of these boutique shops, you'll expand your shopping options beyond the usual big box stores. These events and markets provide a stress-free alternative to holiday shopping at the crowded local mall. Orange County has a lot to offer during the winter season, and these selections are a great way to start taking advantage of the best local options.   Image “ West Side Market” by EDrost88, used under CC BY 2.0

While most of us have fond memories of driving our parents' cars for the first time, things can look a bit different from the other side of the fence. Many parents find themselves experiencing apprehension as their teenage son or daughter obtains their permit or driver's license. With a few simple tips, you can ensure that your teenage driver does his or her best to stay safe. more Don't Text and Drive Teenagers are especially plugged-in to social media and texting, which means that your average teenager is very likely always using a mobile phone. Attempting to use a cell phone while driving contributes to approximately 1.6 million car accidents per year. Therefore, this is one of the single most important points that you should convey to your teenager. Certain cell phone applications are capable of locking the phone while traveling in a car, but since these can be circumvented, your best bet is to communicate openly with your teen to establish trust on this issue. Educate them fully on the issue, and suggest that they watch videos of texting accident survivors talking about their ordeal. Observe Posted Speed Limits While it may be tempting to drive with the flow of traffic, it's unlikely that a police officer will accept this excuse if your son or daughter happens to be pulled over for speeding. Therefore, we recommend instructing your teenager to always obey the posted speed limits. Driving at a lower speed usually correlates with a higher degree of safety, and it also prevents young drivers from accumulating a criminal record or incurring points on their licenses. They'll also have more time to react if the car in front of them slows or a deer jumps out in front of them. Avoid Driving with Friends It's only natural for teenagers to want to drive with their friends as soon as they obtain their licenses. However, a car packed full of adolescents is likely to cause a significant distraction for an inexperienced driver. Therefore, it's a good idea to limit the number of friends with whom your teenager is allowed to drive. Additionally, some of your teenager's friends are likely to be more trustworthy drivers than others, so you should also keep an eye on who they choose to ride with. Select a Safer Vehicle If you are purchasing a new (or used) vehicle for your teenager's first car, consider basing your decision on that vehicle's safety ratings. Crash test results and modern safety features are especially critical. Of course, many parents will simply have to allow their teens to drive the family car. In these cases, parents should place extra emphasis on the importance of driving safely in the first place. While these tips apply to every driver on the road, they are especially important for teenagers to understand. Raising a safe and responsible driver will benefit not only your own family's safety, but also the safety of everyone on the road. At Bravo Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, we would be happy to help you pick out the perfect starter car for your new driver. Image “ April10 033” by Lord Jim, used under CC BY 2.0