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From troll hunting to art museums, county parks and a ring of fire, Wichita offers a wide range of activities for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. The team at Davis-Moore Auto Group certainly has its favorites. We're excited to share just a short list of free or nearly free activities in the Wichita area you can enjoy. more Keeper of the Plains and Ring of Fire Located downtown at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers, the Keeper of the Plains is a Wichita icon. The 44-foot tall steel sculpture stands in front of the Mid-American All Indian Center, where visitors can explore tributes to tribes local to the area while learning more about the statue's sculptor Blackbear Bosin. Visitors can experience the Keeper of the Plains from above the water via sidewalks that allow them to cross the river. Stay after dark and view the Keeper while the "Ring of Fire" illuminates it from manually lit fires surrounding its base. Admission ranges from $3 to $7. Go Troll Hunting Just a short walk from the Plaza that hosts the Keeper of the Plainslurks a hiding troll. This 200-pound bronze troll sculpture designed by sculptor Connie Ernatt is found chained up under a grate behind the Westar Energy building on a sidewalk running along the Arkansas River. Visitors can view the troll either from above while standing on the grill, or from behind via a lower walkway. Wichita Art Museum Kansas's largest art museum, the Wichita Art Museum features more than 7,000 pieces of art in its permanent collection including works from Edward Hopper and Mary Cassatt. They also welcome numerous traveling exhibits throughout the year. Admission is free each Saturday and ranges from $3 to $7 with children under five remaining free other days. Hours include Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Ulrich Museum of Art Found on the campus of Wichita State University, Ulrich Museum of Art features over 6,300 pieces of contemporary and modern art from the 20th and 21st centuries. In addition to the various pieces found inside, guests can also enjoy a 76-piece outdoor collection from Martin H. Bush. Admission is free and hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is closed on Monday. Sedgwich County Park Featuring four lakes perfect for feeding ducks and going fishing, and more than four miles of paved routes for walking, jogging, and biking, Sedgwich County Park is an ideal location for a day with the family. Located west of the zoo between 13th and 21st streets in west Wichita, park activities including tennis, softball, and basketball are available free of charge. Rent equipment for activities such as bocce ball and horseshoes for only $2 an hour. Looking to grill out? Rent one of the grills for only $40 and enjoy one of the many enclosed shelters. Wichita is a friendly community with lots of activities perfect for spending time with family and friends without breaking the bank. Image via Flickr by Robanov83 CC by 2.0

For a day of retail therapy, Wichita has a variety of venues where you can shop till you drop. Once you've filled your shopping bags, it's the perfect time to grab a bite to eat then head out and take advantage of more shopping, services, and scheduled events. more 1. NewMarket Square NewMarket Square is your one-stop shopping destination. There's plenty to do in the open-air marketplace with retail shops, restaurants, and services. Browse for something for yourself or your home, take a break for lunch and go on a cultural journey to try cuisine from around the world, or get a haircut at your favorite salon. Check out their special events with outdoor concerts and movies. 2. Old Town District Located in the heart of downtown Wichita, the Old Town District is a go-to destination for shopping, dining, cultural venues, and nightlife entertainment. Brick-lined streets and vintage 1800s buildings house a variety of businesses from vintage clothing and fine jewelry to assorted dining options. You can also take a stroll through the Old Town farmer's market. 3. Parklane Shopping Center For over 60 years, Parklane Shopping Center is a "go to" destination for shopping, dining, and services. The center offers over 20 stores with a variety of goods from electronics and footwear to furniture and casual attire. Shop, dine, get a massage, or a haircut stop at the credit union or work out at the fitness center. It's all available in one convenient location. 4. Bradley Fair Mall Bradley Fair Mall is an all-in-one shopping destination for quality goods and services, culinary dining experiences, and a variety of entertaining events throughout the year. Enjoy Opera on the Lake and get ready for toe-tapping music with the jazz summer concerts on Thursday in June. The mall is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 5. Towne East Square When you want diversity in your shopping excursions, Towne East Square has plenty to choose from with major retail venues such as JCPenney, H&M, Victoria's Secret, Dillard's, Old Navy, and many more. Add to the shopping a list of restaurants to please the palate from Philly steaks to pizza. Open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. 6. Greenwich Place Shopping Center You're in for a treat when visiting Greenwich Place. The 106-acre development is growing with upscale shops such as DSW, Bed Bath & Beyond, Stein Mart, Ross, HomeGoods, and the Wichita Sports Forum in place and more retail shops are on the way. While shopping, take a break for a slice of pizza, succulent wings, or tickle your sweet tooth with your favorite flavor of ice cream. The center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. 7. Westlink Shopping Center For a casual day out-and-about shopping to pick up an item or two and a quick bite to eat, Westlink Shopping Center most likely can fill the bill. The strip mall has specialty stores such as Ace Hardware and the Dollar Store, several restaurants, and a bank. When you're in the mood for a day of exploring, Wichita's shopping centers offer the perfect places to go on an adventure seeking out the latest designs and tracking down the most elusive bargains in town. https://pixabay.com/photos/store-clothing-shop-bouique-984393/ Image via Pixabay by Free-Photos

Jeep has a legendary reputation for making some of the best off-roading vehicles on the planet. From the rough-and-rowdy Wrangler to the adorable Renegade, each model is armed with trail rated features gives you the confidence to take on any terrain. An SUV has to earn this level of respect, and every four-wheel-drive vehicle under this badge has the power to deliver adventure whenever you want it. Here are three of the best features you'll find on 2019 Jeep off-road equipped SUVs. more 1. Take Your Adventure Everywhere Fuel your passion for adventure and take your new Jeep off road. For example, the 2019 Wrangler touts sealed electrical systems, skid plates for added undercarriage protection, and a high air intake to tackle muck that leaves other SUVs stuck tight. Thanks to 75 years of engineering expertise, this bad boy can traverse overflowing creeks and enormous mud puddles with ease. Jeep didn't stop there. The backbone of this rugged brand comes in the form of sophisticated four-wheel drive technology. Find your way through — or around — pretty much anything with off-road differentials, extra-tough body-mounted rocker rails, and Wrangler Rubicon's standard front sway bar disconnect system. 2. Conquer Any Weather When it comes to 4x4s, you have plenty of choices, and none are created equal. Jeeps like the 2019 Wrangler go through some of the toughest tests in the most inhospitable locations, like the bitter cold of Northern Michigan. When you get behind the wheel of your new Jeep, you'll feel confident whether you're creeping a mountainside in rain or shine, snow or sleet. Hop in the cockpit of a 2019 Grand Cherokee. Together you'll tackle anything Mother Nature sends your way with the user-friendly Quadra-Trac or the Quadra-Trac II for added low-range capability. The Quadra-Drive II is the most advanced full-time 4x4 system available on a Jeep. It delivers outstanding performance thanks to the rear electronic limited slip differential that transfers all available torque to the rear wheel that most needs it. 3. Superior Available Systems Crawl the steepest boulders, veer through gaps, and safely navigate fallen trees with Jeep's precision off-roading systems. The exclusive Command-Trac transfer case is beefy enough to attack challenging trails with conviction. Featuring a 4x4 high-range, shift from two-wheel drive to four-wheel high on-the-fly and back again at 55 mph. Get your Rubicon outfitted with the Rock-Trac 4x4 system. Setting the standard of off-road maneuverability and performance, use this system on slippery or loose surfaces like ice, dirt, gravel or snow-covered trails. Its low-gear ratio lets you crawl at a slower speed with more torque at the wheels. Trust this premium Jeep to handle the tightest trail switchbacks and challenging situations like a boss. Say yes to an adrenaline-packed off-road adventure in a new Jeep. Its unstoppable spirit makes every model a top choice for your life's thrilling journeys. Right from the showroom floor, nothing beats the off-road prowess of a Jeep. Find out for yourself at a dealership near you. Image via Flikr by Denise Mayumi CC by 2.0

Living a healthy lifestyle remains an important part of everyday life. To do its part, Wichita is home to a variety of restaurants with menus focused on and supporting healthy dining morning, noon, and night. more 1. Two Olives Bring your appetite to Two Olives and let the creative menu please your palate with a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free selections. Dine inside or enjoy the spring weather on the patio with lunch selections such as healthy soups, salads, sandwiches, falafel tacos, grilled vegetable panini, and Mexi-Cali bowls. For dinner, there are flavorful entrees including rack of lamb, beef tenderloin, and fresh fish. Sunday brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and for delicious libations, happy hour is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Lunch and dinner are served Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 2. Lotus Leaf Cafe An upbeat and welcoming atmosphere combined with friendly service and an impressive healthy menu make Lotus Leaf Cafe a popular destination for a satisfying meal. As noted on their website, they're a "restaurant on a mission" to create a menu of diverse offerings to please the palate of customers wanting fresh, flavorful, and healthy food options. Begin with an appetizer of lightly battered cauliflower topped with spices or an order of house-made chips and crackers served with an almond and pumpkin dip. For dinner, enjoy stuffed crepes or stuffed salmon. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 3. HomeGrown Wichita Start your day with delicious breakfast or brunch selections at HomeGrown Wichita. For a sweet start, enjoy homemade pop-tarts, coffeecake, a stack of gluten-free pancakes, or blueberry streusel. Croissant French toast is a specialty item along with LoLo's granola and yogurt. You can have breakfast any way you like it with selections including rosemary potatoes, cage-free eggs, quinoa bowls, veggie lover scrambles, and Mediterranean omelets. Lunchtime features assorted salads, soups, and sandwiches. Add a favorite juice, espresso, hot tea, or cocktail to highlight your meal. There's also a menu for kids ages 12 and under.  HomeGrown is open Monday through Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 4. Beautiful Day Restaurant Quaint, cozy, and captivating describes the vibe at the Beautiful Day Restaurant where gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are readily available. Select from assorted salads, veggie pita wraps, veggie burgers, potato spinach leek soup, and grilled veggie sandwiches for lunch. For breakfast, you have a choice with items such as vegan breakfast burritos, breakfast bowl, vegan French toast, banana buckwheat pancakes, and porridge. Have it your way at Beautiful Day Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. When you're craving delicious food that's "good for ya", Wichita has plenty of healthy restaurants to choose from with diverse menus offering creative and palate-pleasing selections that give your taste buds a tasty treat. Image via Flickr by wuestenigel CC by 2.0

When it's time for your teen to be out-and-about driving on their own, you want to know the car they're trying is reliable and trustworthy. Consider these cars as your next vehicle for your teen driver. more Factors to Consider for Teen Drivers There are many things to consider when purchasing a new car for your teen. These include safety, size, reliability, fuel, insurance, and repair cost. Keep in mind, the vehicle perfect for one teen may not be perfect for another. Weighing all the factors can ensure you're selecting the right car safety wise and price wise. Car Size The size generally is a compromise between large vehicles and smaller compact cars, meaning a mid-size sedan is a competent choice for three reasons: they're not as large as an SUV, they have more than adequate weight, and they have enough power but not so much as to put your teen in danger of pushing the limits. Small subcompacts are designed with crumple zones to reduce risk in case of a wreck, however, because the car is smaller so are these crumple zones. If there is an accident, the chances of an injury increase. SUVs have a tendency to roll over and may not have the strongest roof, which increases the risk of injury. Traditionally, sports cars are powerful, which means they're fast. Safety Features When it comes to safety, the more features the car is equipped with, the better the support system is for your teen. Systems such as blind spot detection, rear-view cameras, forward-collision warning, and electronic stability control add to the safety level of the car. Some vehicles also have available Teen Driver Technology, which promotes safe driving habits for young drivers. Be sure to check the safety ratings of the cars you're considering with the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) to make sure they make the grade. Budget Beyond the price tag of the vehicle itself, you'll want to consider other factors such as fuel economy and the cost of the insurance premium to cover your teen. Another area to check is the reliability of the car and whether or not it's prone to frequent and potentially costly repairs. Mid-Size Sedans to Consider The 2019 Mazda CX-5 received a superior rating from the IIHS for front crash prevention and six "good" rating for crashworthiness. The Honda Insight received high marks from the NHTSA and the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) with equipment such as automated emergency braking, LED headlamps and tail lamps, and lane keeping assist and did well on crash tests. The Subaru Impreza Limited comes standard with EyeSight driver-assistance features that include lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automated emergency braking. The Toyota Camry runs the gamut of standard equipment that includes automatic high-beam headlights, automated emergency braking, 10 air bags, lane-keeping alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping alerts. The 2019 Malibu has solid suspension and a braking system that promotes easy handling. The mid-size sedan features a wealth of standard safety features, which includes teen driver technology, StabiliTrak, electronic stability control (ESC) with traction control, rear vision camera, rear park assist, daytime running lamps, and multiple airbags. Image via Flickr by RN GNZLZ CC by-SA 2.0

When your kids leave the house, you may find there are a lot of changes that happen. In addition to having extra room in your home, you may now also have additional room in your car. If you're looking to switch to a car that has a more appropriate amount of space, check out these vehicles. more Chevrolet Camaro If you're ready for a smaller vehicle than your previous one, the Camaro is a great choice. This coupe has just enough room for you and your spouse, plus some extra luggage for a weekend getaway. You can also use the backseat for when your kids come home to visit for the weekend. The car is small but powerful, with a V-6 engine that has 323 horsepower and can be upgraded to a V-8 engine with 426 horsepower. You'll love cruising around on the freeway in the Camaro. Jeep Wrangler If you want an adventurous vehicle, check out the Jeep Wrangler. This is the perfect time to go exploring now that your kids are out of the house and the Wrangler makes this easy to do. You can get it with either two doors or four doors, as well as four-wheel drive. This means you can go on a variety of terrain without worrying about getting stuck. The Jeep's moderate size also means you'll be able to go places that larger SUVs can't get to. The 3.6-liter engine has 285 horsepower and there are plenty of upgrades you can get. This includes a navigation system, heated seats, a 6.5-inch touch screen, leather upholstery, and automatic climate control. Nissan LEAF Fuel-efficient vehicles have become increasingly popular over the years, but the truth is they aren't best for larger families, as they tend to be small. However, now that your children are out of the house, it's the perfect time to finally switch to a car that's eco-friendly. The Nissan LEAF is an excellent choice when you only have a few people that need to get around.  The vehicle can go over 80 miles on just electric power in addition to a variety of available equipment. This includes a heated steering wheel, a navigation system to guide you to where you need to go, and a unique app that connects your smartphone to the car. MINI Cooper If you're looking for a fun car to drive, you can't beat the MINI Cooper. You can get this in multiple forms, including a convertible, roadster, hatchback, coupe, or Clubman. There's a large area for cargo, which is surprising for a mid-size vehicle. This means you'll have no reason not to randomly pack up and go on the road for a few days to explore. If you've been stuck driving a minivan for years, you'll also love the styling of this car to make you feel more like yourself and less like a parent. You'll love this new chapter in your life, especially with a new vehicle to match it. Whether you get the adventurous Jeep Wrangler or the eco-friendly Nissan LEAF, you'll love exploring life as an empty nester. Image via Flickr by planetc1 CC by SA 2.0

What makes a good road trip-worthy car? Spacious seating, excellent gas mileage, and plenty of room to store your gear — for starters. You'll want an infotainment system to keep passengers entertained, as well as navigation to keep you on the right path. As warmer weather approaches, it's time to start thinking about hitting the highway. We've picked out our four favorite new vehicles that make a great road trip car. Let's have a look. more 2019 Chrysler 300 When it comes to a big, comfortable car, nothing beats the Chrysler 300. With an interior that rivals luxury sedans and a ride that feels like floating, keep sailing down the highway in this palatial car. Its spacious trunk touts 16.3 cubic-feet. That's enough for five pieces of luggage and a cooler for on-the-go snacks. While it won't top the charts for the most fuel-efficient sedan, earning 30 mpg highway, it makes up for it with cruising style. 2019 Mazda CX-9 If your next road trip requires tons of seating capacity, put the three-row Mazda CX-9 on your short list. Among all the crossovers on the lot, it stands out thanks to its powerful acceleration. This SUV touts a premium cabin with added sound-deadening insulation for those long hours on the road. It's an alluring pick for families with its ample supply of entertainment and safety equipment. New for 2019, you'll get your CX-9 with an improved suspension and ride quality, plus available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the Mazda Connect infotainment system. It can even tow up to  3,500 pounds when equipped with the V-6, or opt for some of the best-in-class fuel economy ratings of 28 mpg highway with the CX-9's four-cylinder. 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee While the 2019 Grand Cherokee offers outstanding off-roading chops, it's also perfectly happy cruising down the highway, too. This classic SUV offers plenty of traits that are well suited for road trips, such as an intuitive Uconnect infotainment system, and blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, now standard. It offers a lineup of potent engines, including a thrifty diesel option that earns an impressive 30 mpg highway. Fold down the new Grand Cherokee's rear seats and reveal 68.3 cubic feet of cargo room, and turn up your favorite playlist with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, plus both satellite and HD radio. 2019 Chevrolet Volt The Volt is an obvious choice for our list because of its hybrid technology. This car's range is 53 miles on strictly electricity or 420 miles when fully charged. That means you can go as far as 1,100 miles between fill-ups. The new Volt also comes with an available 7.2-kWh charger for quicker charging times. A top IIHS safety rating of "Superior" on front crash prevention provides added peace of mind, while the new Volt comes loaded with a rearview camera. The road trip is one of life's greatest adventures. Hop behind the wheel of your next brand new car and love the road you're on. Image via Chevrolet.com

Become a tourist in your hometown and enjoy a day at neighborhood museums. There are over 33 museums in Wichita, Kansas, and each one promises an unforgettable cultural experience. Visitors can look forward to exciting exhibits, docent-led tours, tasty lunches, and a wide range of activities. We've narrowed them all down to just a few of the must-see stops on a Wichita museum stroll. more The Museums on the River The scenic Arkansas River is the heart of Wichita, and if you follow the river's path, you'll encounter several entities including the Wichita Art Museum, Mid-America All-Indian Center, the Old Cowtown Museum, plus other terrific destinations. Home to a marvelous collection of American art, the Wichita Art Museum now features a new Art Garden that encircles the museum with plant-lined pathways. Current exhibits include an in-depth look at modern Kansas farms through the images of photographers Larry Schwarm and Bryon Darby. Museum admission is always free on Saturdays, and be sure to visit the Muse Cafe for lunch. The mission of the Mid-America All-Indian Center is to preserve the heritage of the American Indian and to educate the public about our country's native people. With a museum, a gallery of nations, and a gift shop, you'll explore exhibit halls filled with traditional artifacts and contemporary artwork, experience a powwow, then shop for authentic clothing, jewelry, and gifts. Wild West buffs will love the Old Cowtown living history museum. Experience the history of Wichita when it was a frontier cattle town in the late 1800s. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the blacksmith's shop, gather on Main Street and watch the daily gunfight, or sample a bottle of sarsaparilla in the saloon. Great Plains Transportation Museum Wichita's transportation museum dedicates its halls to preserving the unique history of railroading and its role in settling the Great Plains. The iron horse made it easier to move people and supplies west and helped shape Kansas into the state we love today. On display, you'll encounter a collection of railroading equipment, various artifacts, and memorabilia. See real Santa Fe steam locomotives outside or discover the collections featuring railroad prints, signs, lanterns, and tools. Browse the gift shop for railroad paraphernalia, clothes, books and videos, and toys. You can even stand near the front door and watch modern trains roll by. Kansas Aviation Museum Wichita offers more than just railroading. Aviation enthusiasts must make the Kansas Aviation Museum a top destination. A hidden gem located just east of downtown, walk the city's original municipal airport, where famous aviators such as Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh once strolled. Learn all about Wichita's rich history of aviation and why it's considered the Air Capital of the World. Hop aboard a flying simulator in our Boeing Learning Center, learn the four forces of flight, and discover antique aircraft both inside the museum and outside on the ramp. With so many choices, what's stopping you from taking a Wichita museum stroll today? The hard part is deciding which one to visit first. Image via Flickr by Ty Nigh CC by 2.0

America is a nation filled with pet lovers, and dogs top the charts. Man's best friend has come a long way from his pack days with designer apparel and gourmet dinners made from the choicest ingredients. They're also tagging along with us more and more often. From the grocery store to the office, our precious pooches are on the go. Whether your dog is lonely at home or you want to show off his latest bling, here are a few dog-friendly businesses in Wichita, Kansas where you both are welcome. more Fetch Bistro Since 2016, Fetch Bistro owners the Buss family have been catering to canines with their doggie-themed decor and outdoor play area. The first of its kind in Wichita, not only are dogs allowed inside, they even have their own section on the menu. Featured pup-friendly dishes include the Ham Barker Helper. Humans are invited to pick from delicious homestyle recipes such as the Crabby Benny on the weekend Chowhound breakfast menu. It's a succulent piece of crab perched on a bed of poached eggs, served on a toasted English muffin and topped with Hollandaise sauce. For lunch, order up one of their hearty half-pound burgers made from fresh, quality ingredients. This cafe is located in the Siena Plaza Shopping Center and is the perfect place to celebrate the joy of pets. Fetch is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday until midnight, and on weekends, they're open early for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Pottery Barn Perhaps the most surprising business on our pooch-friendly business list is the upscale furniture chain Pottery Barn. With a friendly staff handing out doggie treats, bring Fido next time you're in the market for bed and bath items. Located at 2040 N. Rock Rd, Wichita's Pottery Barn is the first of its kind in the state and welcomes well-behaved, leashed dogs and purse pups. Why not let your four-legged pal pick out a beautifully crafted wooden stand for his bowls or an exceptionally soft and cozy Shearling bed to lounge on? You'll find a delightful selection of luxury pet products at Pottery Barn. Wine Dive Looking for a rustic, yet upscale restaurant with a dog-friendly patio, and an extensive wine list? Wine and dine with man's best friend at the Wine Dive. They offer more than 350 bottles and 40 vintages by the glass to select from, plus innovative small plates like the smoked trout deviled eggs, and entrees such as the wild boar Bolognese. How about an organic chocolate torte for dessert? Find the Wine Dive nestled in historic College Hill at 4714 E. Douglas Ave. They're open for lunch, Sunday brunch, and dinner nightly. Visit Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday until midnight, and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. From upscale retail to a trendy wine bar, Wichita's business scene is going to the dogs. Just remember to keep him leashed and under your constant supervision for a safe and happy outing. Image via Flickr by Johan Larsson

2019 Chevy Silverado For many years, the Chevrolet Silverado has been one of General Motor's bestselling vehicles, and for good reason. This legendary full-size pickup truck has won the hearts of buyers and auto experts with its excellent performance, utility, reliability, and value for the money. For 2019, the Silverado receives significant modifications to stay ahead of its competitors, including a larger and lighter body, improved road manners, new safety features, and the addition of two new models. Find out why the 2019 Chevy Silverado is worth your consideration. Outstanding Versatility Whether you're planning to use your new pickup truck for daily commuting or hauling passengers or heavy loads, you can get the job done with the 2019 Chevy Silverado. The Silverado is one of the most customizable trucks on the market. It comes in a wide range of trim levels and configurations to suit different purposes and budgets. more The 2019 Chevy Silverado lineup includes the basic Work Truck, the moderately well-equipped Custom and LT, the off-road-ready Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss, the performance-focused RST with sport and off-road packages, and the upscale LTZ and High Country. Each trim comes with its own unique styling and set of features. There are also three body styles and three bed lengths for you to choose from. With so many options, you can create a Silverado that perfectly meets your needs. Impressive Performance Another appealing aspect of the 2019 Chevy Silverado is its great engine lineup. It offers five engine options: the base 4.2-liter V-6 with 285 horsepower, a new 2.7-liter turbo-four with 310 horsepower, a 5.3-liter V-8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-liter V-8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel. The standard and turbo-four engines provide enough power for most driving situations. If you need to do a lot of hauling or towing, opt for one of the V-8s. With its tough construction and potent powertrains, the Silverado delivers a maximum hauling capacity of almost 3,000 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of more than 12,000 pounds. In addition, the Chevy Silverado handles surprisingly well for a vehicle of its size and weight. Changes to its suspension make its already smooth ride even smoother, while the weight reduction helps improve control. The truck rides comfortably even over rough surfaces, and its well-weighted and direct steering enables it to perform well on highways and twisty roads. Good Fuel Economy Despite its potent engines, the 2019 Chevy Silverado is more frugal than many of its rivals. Models with a V-6 engine get 16/21 mpg (city/highway) with two-wheel drive and 16/20 mpg with four-wheel drive. The smaller V-8 engine is rated at 17/23 mpg, while the larger V-8 delivers 16/20 mpg. The most fuel-efficient engine is the turbo-four, which earns 20/23 mpg with two-wheel drive and 19/22 mpg with four-wheel drive. Following the major refresh, the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado has become a well-rounded pickup truck with no significant flaws. If you want to know if this truck can meet your expectations, stop by for a test drive. Image via Flickr by truckhardware

Wichita offers residents and visitors more than 220 sunny days each year. It's the perfect setting for an outdoor adventure filled with animals of every species, from guinea pigs to tigers. Get in touch with your wild side at these must-see places for animal lovers in Wichita, Kansas. Sedgwick County Zoo The first stop on our safari around Wichita is the Sedgwick Zoo. The seventh-largest zoo in the country and the top outdoor family tourist attraction in Kansas lets you come face to face with 3,000 animals from all around the world. more Take a zoocation right here in the city and get to know the wildest animals, grouped geographically, from Asia to Africa. Then walk through the enormous aviary and catch the afternoon bird feedings daily at 1:15 p.m. Meet resident gorillas and elephants, visit with bison and bears, see flocks of colorful birds, and watch the antics of playful penguins. There are endangered orangutans and tigers and cuddly guinea pigs and rabbits to meet, and all exhibits are designed to maximize the animals' natural habitats. Many enclosures are designed to invite visitors inside so you can walk among the residents. Tanganyika Wildlife Park When you want a wildly different hands-on experience, head over to the Tanganyika Wildlife Park. At this park, visitors are encouraged to feed the animals, from ringtail lemurs to a rare Indian rhino named Stacks. Tanganyika offers more opportunities for close encounters than almost every other animal experience park. Pet a kangaroo while he basks in the sun or feed a cupful of nectar to a colorful flock of lories. Swim with African penguins, then meet a lovable, slow-moving sloth. This is one wildlife park where you're guaranteed to meet many new friends and experience something entirely new every time you come out. Conservation is at the heart of Tanganyika Wildlife Park's mission, and with every visit, you become a champion for these rare animals. With the recent birth of a female pygmy hippo to parents Posie and Pluto, Tanganyika celebrates its 40th successful breeding program of endangered creatures. The park opens for the year on March 17. Great Plains Nature Center Have you ever wanted to learn more about the wildlife native to Kansas' vast prairies? Then the Great Plains Nature Center is the destination for you. Start your visit in the centerpiece of the nature center: The Koch Habitat Hall. The hall features 3,500 square feet of displays, including The Prairie, in all its original glory. Beautiful murals painted by John Lencicki and Kent Pendleton line the walls, while at the far end, you'll find the Bob Gress Wildlife Observatory. Have a seat in the observatory and discover picturesque views of the wetlands around Chisholm Creek. Spot birds as they collect around the feeders and see butterflies flutter over varieties of blooming flora, all while you experience the wild beauty of the country's heartland. Grab your little monkeys and head out for a wild adventure today. Pick one or all of these must-see places for animal lovers in Wichita. Image via Flickr by P_Linehan

Few vehicles in the subcompact SUV segment can match the 2019 Mazda CX-3 in terms of performance. This crossover provides arguably the sportiest driving experience in the class, as well as exceptional ride comfort with its refined handling and well-designed upscale cabin. Discover why you should take the 2019 Mazda CX-3 out for a spin. Lively Engine The new Mazda CX-3 is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 148 horsepower, a slight increase from the previous model year. Mated to a slick six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift and sport modes, this engine enables the SUV to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a little over eight seconds. It's powerful enough for almost any kind of driving task, from cruising around town to overtaking on the highway. It also delivers better fuel economy than most of its rivals, giving you 29/34 mpg (city/highway) with front-wheel drive and 27/32 mpg with all-wheel drive. more Dynamic Handling The most impressive aspect of the 2019 Mazda CX-3 is its fantastic handling. This crossover shows minimal body roll when zipping along curvy roads or around turns, thanks to its responsive steering, strong brakes, and torque-control system that varies torque to the front wheels when cornering. Despite its sportiness, it offers a cushioned ride even over rough surfaces. For 2019, it receives additional insulation to reduce vibrations and outside noises. Overall, the CX-3 drives more like a sedan than an SUV. Comfortable and Refined Cabin The 2019 Mazda CX-3's cabin looks and feels nicer than that of most other subcompact crossovers. It's modern, upscale, and replete with high-quality materials. Its front seats are roomy enough to accommodate even tall adults and provide more than adequate side bolstering to keep you and your front passenger in place when cornering. The base CX-3 model comes standard with cloth upholstery, push-start button, remote keyless entry, 7-inch infotainment system, Pandora, Bluetooth, a USB port, and a six-speaker sound system. For a more comfortable and entertaining ride, you can move up to a higher trim level or pay extra to get available features such as synthetic or real leather upholstery, power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, moonroof, HD radio, satellite radio, navigation, and a seven-speaker Bose audio system. Extensive List of Safety Features While it offers a thrilling driving experience, the new Mazda CX-3 does not compromise on safety. The crossover received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Its standard safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, low-speed emergency braking, rearview camera, and rear cross-traffic warning. If you want to further reduce your risk of accidents, you can opt for available features such as full-speed forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and traffic-sign recognition. The 2019 Mazda CX-3 comes in three trim levels to suit the needs of different buyers: the base Sport, the Touring trim, and the range-topping Grand Touring. If you want to experience the exciting performance of this SUV, stop by for a test drive. Image via Davis-Moore.com