There’s a lot to be thankful for this holiday season: your friends, family, and yes, your Toyota. You’ll want to spend plenty of time with each of them in the coming months. Luckily, you’ll have plenty of opportunities.
Thanksgiving week officially kicks off the holiday festivities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. From mid-November through Christmas and New Years, there’s a variety of traditions for you to enjoy in the City of Brotherly Love — and we’re not just talking turkey.
At Ardmore Toyota, we’re your resident guide for all things Toyota and all things Philly. So what are our favorite Thanksgiving traditions? You’ll have to read on to find out.
The Top 5 Thanksgiving Traditions in Philadelphia
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
It wouldn’t be winter in the Northeast without a little ice skating. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest brings an Olympic-size skating rink to the Delaware River. But that’s not all. Games, fire pits, and 12 days of Christmas movies await attendees. And since you don’t want to worry about ice outside of Winterfest, it’s a good thing most new Camry models come with standard Toyota Safety Sense™ P.
For a sneak peek of the Blue Cross RiverRink, check out the video below:
Christmas Light Show at Macy’s
It’s never too early to get into the Christmas spirit, especially the day after Thanksgiving. That’s when the Christmas Light Show at Macy’s goes on display. Every two hours, onlookers are treated to a free show of dancing lights in the Grand Court of the Wanamaker building. And in the spacious CH-R, you can bring four friends to watch them with you.
Christmas Village
The Christmas fun doesn’t stop at Macy’s. The Christmas Village market at JFK Plaza starts the day after Thanksgiving and continues through Christmas Eve. Visitors indulge in everything from refreshments to handmade ornaments and apparel. Take the trip in your Corolla, and your fellow merrymakers will thank you for the warm and roomy cabin.
Comcast Holiday Spectacular
Once you’re finished filling up on stuffing and pumpkin pie, you should feast your eyes on the high-resolution LED light show at the Comcast Technology Center. Nothing says holiday cheer like the Comcast Holiday Spectacular. And there’s no better way to spread it than in your efficient Prius.
For a glimpse of what’s in store at the Comcast Holiday Spectacular, watch the video below:
Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
No holiday meal is complete without a trip to the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market. Shop here, and you’ll choose from an assortment of local holiday eats. Thanksgiving generally requires a long grocery list. And that’s no problem for your RAV4. This crossover has room for whatever you want to bring home for the holidays.
Make Traditions You’ll Pass Down in Philadelphia, PA
Follow Ardmore Toyota on Facebook, and keep us in the loop on the memories you make this holiday season. And because the holidays are better in a Toyota, check out our new and used inventory today.
More than 300 guests were in for a treat on Thursday, Oct. 12, when Ardmore Toyota hosted the 9th annual Taste of Ardmore celebration. Organized by the Ardmore Initiative, the Taste of Ardmore showcased a who’s who of premier food and drink on the local scene.
Continue reading to find out who was there.
Bars, Breweries, Eateries, Wineries, & More at Taste of Ardmore
This year’s event featured 25 businesses, with cuisine spanning American, French, Irish, Japanese, and Korean influences. Here’s a short list of some of the restaurants that made appearances:
- Delice Et Chocolat
- Marokko
- SNAP Custom Pizza
- Bam Bam Seoul
- Yi’s Boba
But the fare wasn’t the only thing that had attendees talking. In addition to gourmet eats and live music, visitors also enjoyed craft beverages provided by some of the best bars, breweries, distilleries, and wineries the Ardmore area has to offer, including:
- Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey
- Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant
- John Henry’s Pub
- Tired Hands Brewing Company
- Main Line Wine Events
The event, which took place in Ardmore Toyota’s showroom, was part of the Ardmore Initiative’s ever-expanding effort to build and improve an economically successful district that local businesses, guests, and residents can be proud of.
At Ardmore Toyota, we’re happy to sponsor this event and give local merchants the exposure they deserve. Were you at this year’s Taste of Ardmore? Follow us on Facebook and share your experience. For more information, click here.
Why Toyota Hydrogen Technology is the Future
For more than twenty years, Toyota has been at the forefront of the movement toward cleaner, more efficient vehicles. In fact, just this month Toyota Motor was the only automotive company to be named to Fortune Magazine’s Change the World List for the second time in just three years.
It’s no secret that the Prius, Toyota’s best-selling hybrid car, has dramatically changed the world on its way to landing Toyota on the 2015 version of this list. But the reason for this year’s distinction boils down to one word: Hydrogen.
With its eyes toward a more sustainable, zero-emissions future, Toyota is making the world a better place — one vehicle at a time. Here’s how they’re doing it.
How Hydrogen Puts the ‘H’ in High-Performing
Hydrogen fuel-cell technology has been used to power generators, space crafts, forklifts, and submarines. So why not cars?
Good question. Hydrogen is a highly abundant resource and can be harnessed for cars in three ways: steam reforming, gasification, and electrolysis. But what makes Hydrogen a superior fuel source?
Better range
Hydrogen fuel cells allow for more miles from a single charge than gas and electric vehicles.
Faster charge
Vehicles powered by Hydrogen refuel more quickly than their electric counterparts.
Better for the environment
Unlike gas, Hydrogen is carbon-free and more eco-friendly.
Make a Big Difference Today in Ardmore, PA
At Ardmore Toyota, we’re excited to be part of such a forward-thinking brand. If being innovative is just as important to you, feel free to browse our inventory of available hybrid vehicles. Want to stay posted on the future? Follow us on Facebook for updates on Toyota’s first-ever Hydrogen-powered car, the Mirai.
The 2017 Corolla and the 2017 Corolla iM are both excellent vehicles that offer good gas mileage, a reliable driving experience, and a range of safety features. Struggling to pick between the two? Or wondering what exactly the differences are? Here’s a list of the differences and similarities between these two vehicles.
2017 Corolla
The Corolla is a compact car that comes in seven models. The lowest MSRP is for the Corolla L at $18,500. The highest is for the XSE, with an MSRP starting at $22,680. All are available in one trim except for the Corolla SE, which has two variations (the 1.8L 4-Cylinder 6-Speed Manual and the 1.8L4-Cylinder CVT). With so many models, there’s plenty of customization to consider. The Corolla iM only has one model and two trims, so there are fewer options. A 7-inch touch screen display and Standard Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) come standard with all 2107 Corollas.
TSS-P includes Toyota’s Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Standard Automatic High Beams, and Standard Dynamic Cruise Control. The Pre-Collision System will adjust the speed of the car, applying the brakes automatically if necessary, to help drivers avoid collisions with obstacles. The Standard Dynamic Radar Cruise Control automatically maintains safe distances between cars, accelerating and decelerating as needed. The Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist will provide an audible and visual cue if the vehicle begins to drift from a lane, with the automated steering kicking in to re-center the car if the driver doesn’t respond.
The standard Corolla has an estimated gas mileage of 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Read the rest of this entry »
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) gives awards for fourteen Toyota and Lexus vehicles, with twelve receiving the highest possible award, the TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+). Out of all manufacturers, Toyota sweeps the competition with the most possible rewards from the IIHS.
Qualifications for TSP+ include:
- A vehicle earning good ratings in five IIHS crash-worthiness tests: small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints
- An advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention
- An acceptable or good headlight rating
Toyota’s premium midsize sedan, the Toyota Avalon, was recognized previously by the IIHS as a TOP SAFETY PICK winner, but now is considered a TSP+ winner. The promotion for the Avalon is due to an improvement made after March 2017 in the aim of the headlights on the vehicles.
“At Toyota, we’re committed to developing safe and reliable vehicles,” said Jeff Makarewicz, Toyota’s North American Vehicle, Quality & Safety Engineering group vice president. “The Toyota Avalon’s latest achievement is a great example of how we continually evaluate new criteria and find ways to enhance our customers’ driving experience.” Read the rest of this entry »
What You’ll Get With the 2018 Tundra
The Toyota Tundra has come a long way since it first rolled off the production line in 2000. Features change every year, and the Tundra has continued to improve in terms of safety and functionality. So, what can you expect from a new 2018 Tundra? Here are the truck’s most impressive features as well as some new and improved capabilities compared to the 2017 model.
What the Tundra Offers
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size, half-ton pickup. The 2017 edition comes in Double Cab, Regular Cab, and CrewMax styles, and the horsepower for these builds ranges from 310 to 381. The towing capacity ranges from 6,400 to 10,500 pounds.
The new Tundras will come standard with a 5.7L V-8 engine (an estimated 381 horsepower). These trucks will also undergo some aesthetic and technological changes, including a redesigned grille and headlamps as well as a hood scoop. Finally, Toyota will introduce a new trim – the TRD Sport – when the 2018 Tundra is available later this year. Read the rest of this entry »
Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (TMNA) is now calling Plano, Texas home after the opening of its new North American Headquarters earlier this month. The company announced its “One Toyota” initiative three years ago, stating that Toyota intended to create a more efficient operation in North America.
The new corporate campus is on 100 acres with over seven buildings and costs about $1 billion to build. Toyota has moved thousands of employees and their families to North Texas from places like California and Kentucky, with hundreds moving to the area every week.
“The opening of our new headquarters in Plano is an extraordinary next step in Toyota’s 60-year journey in the United States,” said Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota in North America. “With team members from four different companies together in one campus location, we believe this will inspire great collaboration, innovation, and faster decision making as we turn to and lead the futures of mobility, all with an eye on our customers.”
Along with the current employees who chose to relocate to Texas, the company stated that the new campus will also be hiring more than 1,000 new people to the team. The company is putting a focus on pulling from the North Texas market due to the mix of local talent.
Toyota is also putting a heavy focus on the environment and striving for sustainability with its new office by:
- Creating an exterior landscape that reflects the native habitat
- Installing more than 20,000 solar panels
- Purchasing all electricity not generated by the solar panels by wind
- Putting in an irrigation rainwater harvesting system
The ultimate goal for the campus is to achieve LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, as well as create an environment that is sustainable for the earth and the people who work there on a daily basis.
Image via Pixabay
5 Spots to Visit in Philadelphia’s Historic District
If you’re searching for the perfect summer activity for you and your family in Philadelphia, head off to its beautiful Historic District. Rich in history and culture, its attractions offer the perfect combination of summer fun and education. Visit these five popular attractions in the Independence National Historic Park in Philadelphia.
1. Tour Independence Hall
Independence Hall is the site of the signing and the adoption of both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. It’s also the site in 1915 where former President William Taft announced the formation of the League to Enforce Peace, which was a forerunner of the League of Nations. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission is free, but tickets are required to enter. Guided tours are available to enrich your knowledge about this important American landmark. Read the rest of this entry »
6 Best Fall Festivals Around Philadelphia, PA
Looking for something to do with the family during the autumn season? Philadelphia and its surrounding areas have many fall harvests and festivals. Enjoy these six fall festivals for days of nature and fun.
Enjoy a hayride, pick your own pumpkins, watch the pig races, and try to find your way out of the corn maze at the annual Fallfest at Freddy Hill Farms. Get fresh on-site milk, milkshakes, ice cream, and ice cream cakes at Freddy’s Dairy Store. Choose your favorite flavor; there’s a wide selection of them, ranging from cookies ‘n cream to eggnog! Pet the animals at the animal zoo, and get some exercise at the batting cages and miniature golf courses.
Fox Chase Farm Applefest
This historic farm, established by the Wistar family, is now an educational farm that serves to educate the community about farming. Paint pumpkins, make apple butter, enjoy hayrides and games, and try some cider pressing. Buy fresh pumpkins, apples, apple cider, and apple butter to take home with you. Read the rest of this entry »
The Ardmore Initiative Recognized at PDC Gala
Over the weekend, the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) announced its best performing Main Street Programs of 2016 at the PDC gala dinner in Harrisburg. The National Main Street program has been going on for more than 30 years and has helped rehabilitate more than 246,000 buildings, generated almost $60 billion in new investments, and created more than 500,000 new jobs.
The PDC’s award recognizes programs that have demonstrated an “across the board” ability to generate new jobs, new businesses, public and private investment and volunteer hours. The Ardmore Initiative was recognized as the third best performing Main Street program in PA! Check out the full press release below, along with other nine programs recognized! Read the rest of this entry »
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