4 Buicks that make us wish we could freeze time

It is a sad but real truth: all good things must come to an end.  While we know that is the case, a stroll down memory lane never hurt anyone!  Here are 4 Buicks from yesteryear in their prime we wish were still in production today:

 Roadmaster

 Reatta

 Skylark

 Century

Preparing for an Auto Show

Auto shows are great events for everyone from the die-hard enthusiast to the merely curious. However, no matter where you are on the car lover scale, it’s important to keep in mind a few tips when you go.

• Since almost no sales happen during an auto show, make sure to pick up business cards along the way! If you see something you’re interested in buying later on down the road, having those cards will really put you ahead of the game.

• Check out the show’s official website before you go. It will give you all kinds of information, from the calendar of events to the floor plan to where your interests are going to be located.

• Be sure to really inspect the cars you truly like! Check out the interior, various features, the engine, and even the trunk! Remember, this could be the car for you, so really get to know it.

Traveling with Pooches

If you’re going on a long car trip this summer and planning on bringing the family Fido, it is necessary that you consider a few things before you go off on your way.

Be mindful of the safety of both you and your dog! Use some sort of restraint system (crates, leashes, harnesses, etc.) to avoid having the dog jump on your lap while you’re driving or distracting you from the road. Be sure that your dog is trained properly for car travel and has had exposure to it before. Also remember to always use a leash when you are removing your dog from the car. This will prevent possible escape or injury.

Be sure to bring an appropriate amount of food and water for your animal, as well. It’s a good idea to keep a little portable water bowl within your pooch’s reach, and food if you feel comfortable. Some dogs get carsick, so again, get to know your dog’s habits!

Your dog might have to use the bathroom more often than you, so be aware of the number of stops you are likely to make. It will shave time off your trip, but it is better for your dog to be able to get out and walk around periodically and you don’t want to have to deal with any accidents!

Summer Road Trip: Top 3 Destinations for the Entire Family

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?” 
― John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America

This year’s dreadfully long winter is finally over and the nice warm weather has made its arrival. It’s that time of year when you start thinking about where to go on your summer getaway. Where are the best places to visit? What family activities would be most memorable? We've come up with a list of three destinations that will not only be memorable but also very affordable. 

Salmon River in Idaho

Image Courtesy of Western River Expeditions

Ever dream of rafting through the beautiful canyons in clear whitewater? If so, this breathtaking destination is sure to surpass all of your wishes and make a memory that will last a lifetime. You won’t regret taking your family to Idaho’s famous Salmon River when you see vast white beaches, feel the warm water on your toes and hike through remarkable wildlife. Salmon River is a vacation spot for everyone to enjoy especially families with children!

Pack up your GMC Acadia or Buick Enclave with all the road trip essentials because this vacation is going to be an incredible adventure. Planning ahead for any rafting or hiking adventure will only ensure that you have the most enjoyable and safest experience. 

Denver, Colorado

When you drive through Colorado’s Mile High City you’ll see that adventure is waiting for you! A good way to start off this trip is to make Elitch Gardens your first unforgettable stop. You’ll find rides for everyone in the family. From thrilling rollercoasters to family rides and rides just for the kiddos; this theme park has everything you need to keep the entire family happy.

Feeling the heat? Swing on by the water park to cool off in Castaway Creek. And when it’s time to settle down and relax, enjoy a free dive-in movie while you’re afloat in the water!  

Thinking about camping out for a few days? Stop on by Denver’s Rocky Mountain National Park that includes hundreds of miles of hiking trails, friendly wildlife and plenty of activities for everyone in the family. Enjoy horseback riding or biking through this scenic park, take a dip in the peaceful lakes and relax by the water’s edge.

If you’re looking for outdoor adventure Denver is the place to go.

Branson, Missouri

Want to stay a little closer to home and skip putting all of those miles on your new truck or SUV? Then Branson, Missouri is the place that has everything to meet your wishes while staying close to your comfort zone. 

Looking for some outdoor adventure on the lake? You can take the whole family boating on Table Rock Lake. If you enjoy water sports, fishing and swimming then this is the perfect destination for you.

Spending the day on Table Rock Lake is the perfect place to make memories and relax. Enjoy the calm, clear water -throw out the anchor and go for a swim or even learn how to ski.

There are over 800 miles of shoreline that are perfect for teaching the kids how to fish. Go ahead; join in their excitement when they reel in their first big-one. After a long day, relax on the lakefront and take in the fresh air while you watch some amazing sunsets. 

If you’re traveling with young ones then you have come to the perfect family-friendly town. Check out Silver Dollar City - you’ll keep them wanting more with the many activities such as amusement rides, craft shops, miniature golf, water parks and plenty more. Branson is known as the “live music show capital.” With over a hundred musical, dancing and comedy shows, you have quite the variety to choose from.

Whether you decide to take an extended road trip up to the canyons or a short drive to the lake, we hope you enjoy this time with your family. It’s time to soak up the rays and make new memories! Bring your new car or used car by Dave Cross Buick GMC and let our service experts get it in top-notch condition before you begin your travels. Visit us at 1101 NW Blue Parkway, Lees Summit, MO 64086 or give us a call at (816) 524-3636.

Sources:

http://www.westernriver.com/trips/salmon-river-canyons/index.php

http://www.denver.org/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g44160-s401/Branson:Missouri:Family.Travel.html

Google Update! Here's everything you need to know about everywhere you want to be!

The newest update for Google Maps just became available and we have to say, we're impressed!  Here are the key improvements you'll notice when you hit the road:

-Never miss another exit. Updates for the app include even more detailed directions, even down to which lane you should be in before your next move.

-Weigh your options.  If you frequently use services like Uber, this update allows you to compare your route with public transportation, walking, biking, etc.

Offline is no longer off-limits!  If you bring up your route ahead of time, you can save the map in an offline version, give it a personalized name, and access it with or without a connection.

-Remember "that one place" you went to "that one time."  Save locations you've visited so you can easily find them the next time you're on the lookout.

Some other key features: Now you can filter your searches by business hours--so you'll be able to view which places are open, and always get there on time.  If you can't get there right now, you can do the next best thing: bring it to life in the palm of your hand with Google Street View.  Check out local public transit options while you're at it. 

Find even more information about the update here.

Here are 3 easy ways not to get a speeding ticket.

1. Have situational awareness.  If traffic begins to slow, don't take it as your cue to weave in and out of lanes like a speed demon.  Chances are, there's a good reason it's coming to a halt.

2. Big Brother is everywhere, and he's waiting for you to slip up.  When you hit the road, do so with the knowledge that you are being watched.  From speed traps to red light cameras to that police car parked at the bottom of the hill, all eyes are on you.  Drive accordingly.
3. Leave the glitz and glamor to the movie stars.  Try not to call any extra attention to yourself.  A bright red Ferrari with a vanity plate and a bunch of bumper stickers is far more likely to get caught speeding than the understated beige minivan next to it.  

 

 

 

IF YOU DO GET PULLED OVER...

The best chance you have at not getting a ticket is to be polite.  Getting pulled over is a stressful event, but it's important not to panic.  As soon as panic sets in, people incriminate themselves inadvertently by volunteering information or becoming argumentative. Remember: police officers mean it when they tell you anything you say can and will be used against you in court!