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2019 will be an exciting year for Ford aficionados. With the return of the Ranger and the releases of the updated Edge and Focus, there is a lot to look forward to. Here's what we know so far about these four 2019 Ford models. 2019 Ford Ranger Drivers have waited seven long years for the return of Ford's midsize pickup truck. Now fully retooled and reimagined, the Ranger will hit the North American market sometime in early 2019. It will feature a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo-four engine and Ford's new 10-speed automatic transmission. It will be available as a super cab or super crew, each with four full-size doors. Inside, the vehicle seats five passengers and has waterproof storage underneath the back seats. Driver-assistive technology features include pre-collision assistance, blind-spot detection with trailer coverage, and lane-keep warning and assist. There are also plenty of options available for off-roading. more 2019 Ford Focus The 2019 Ford Focus has been redesigned with more comfort, connectivity, and driver-assistance technology. It's available as a five-door hatchback, five-door wagon, or four-door sedan. Available trims are the ST, RS, and Titanium trims, each of which offer various levels of options and upgrades. The Focus will come standard with a 1.0-liter EcoBoost I3 gasoline engine with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. A longer wheelbase is said to give the car more interior space, making it more roomy and comfortable for drivers and passengers alike. The Focus will arrive in the U.S. sometime in 2019. 2019 Ford Edge Ford will debut its new CoPilot 360 driver-assistive technology suite in its midsize SUV, the 2019 Ford Edge. The package includes the blind-spot information system (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert, emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam headlights, a rearview camera, and a lane-keeping system. Available upgrades include adaptive cruise control with lane centering or stop-and-go, evasive steering assist, and enhanced active park assist. The Edge will feature a 2.7-liter V6 EcoBoost engine delivering 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. It will come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and sport-tuned suspension for an amazing ride. 2019 Ford Transit Connect The 2019 Transit Connect will be available for either commercial or personal use. With seating for up to five passengers in the short-wheelbase model or up to seven in the long-wheelbase model, there's plenty of room for the whole family. Seating can be configured to accommodate a mix of passengers and cargo as well. Driver-assistive technology on the Transit Connect includes pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection and side-wind stabilization, which helps to keep the vehicle from veering too far over in a sudden gust of wind. Available options include lane-keeping assist and enhanced active park assist. Whether you're in the market for a car, truck, SUV, or van, Ford has some exciting models debuting in 2019. With all-new driver-assistive technologies and fuel-efficient engines, there's plenty to look forward to in the new model year. Be sure to ask your dealer when these vehicles will be available near you. Photo by F. D. Richards | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

Ice cream in the United States is almost as old as the country itself. The first ad for the sweet treat was published in the New York Gazette in 1777 and first President George Washington reportedly spent $200 in ice cream on the summer of 1790. History lessons aside, whether you're a classic vanilla or chocolate fan or into more far-fetched flavors, it's not hard to find a place in San Jose with your very favorite. Take a look at our suggestions of where to find the best ice cream in San Jose. Treat Ice Cream Company If you don't feel like spending too much time deciding what flavor to get, you know you've come to the right place when you enter the Treat Ice Cream Company. Sometimes, less is more. more For chocolate ice cream fans, there are at least five different variations on the menu, but the Brownie a la Mode and the Cookie Mint Krunch are the house's favorites raking in the highest praises from customers. Address: Downtown at 11 South 19th Street Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cre'Me Paris To say that Durian fruit is an acquired taste is an understatement. Unless you've lived in Southeast Asia all your life and are used to it, Durian's smell and flavor are hard to overcome (and forget). However, at Cre'Me Paris they've turned what's probably the world's least favorite fruit into an ice cream flavor. If you're brave enough to try it, dig in. If not, there are plenty of other creamy options to choose from. Address: East San Jose at 2200 Eastridge Loop Hours: Monday through Wednesday and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Willow Glen Creamery Sometimes you don't want complicated flavors. All you want is a giant dose of ice-creamed sweetness. Well, that's exactly what you get at Willow Glen Creamery. This locally owned business blends its own frozen yogurts in the store every day, with locally sourced ingredients. What's customers' favorite frozen yogurt flavor? Surprisingly, vanilla. If you think this is the blandest ice cream flavor of all times, pay a visit to this place and it will change your mind. Address: Willow Glen at 1100 Lincoln Avenue Hours: Sunday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to 10:30 p.m. Sweet Rendezvous Slightly hidden in a little corner, this is the kind of ice cream you'll only find by chance or if you're really looking for it. That's part of the Sweet Rendezvous' charm. Don't overthink what to order, just follow the employee's suggestions. They never get it wrong.  And forget popular flavors. Everyone's favorite thing about this place? The free teaser scoop of any other flavor you want to try beyond the ones you just ordered. Address: Blossom Valley at 668 Blossom Hill Road Hours: Every day from noon to 9 p.m. Ice cream at these spots in San Jose is so delicious that it'll be hard to choose just one spot...or just one flavor! Photo by Maria Eklind | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

Ella Fitzgerald sang, "Summertime, and the livin' is easy," and there isn't a better time in the year to wind down and enjoy some cool events in the city. Whether you're on vacation or are getting ready for the weekend, here are five summer events where you can soak in the sun and relax. Music in the Park No matter how big or small the bands are on stage, the Music in the Park summer festival is all about good music and good fun. There are plenty of food and drink options available at the venue, so all you need to bring along is your good mood. For extra comfort, blankets and low-back chairs are allowed in the area. more The event happens every year from June to August at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets start at $15. San Jose Jazz Summer Fest Jazz takes over the city for three days in August with famous and up-and-coming artists performing on 12 different stages. Plaza de Cesar Chavez has been the festival's central venue since its inception in 1990. Despite its growth, the atmosphere is still very much like those early days in San Jose, where you can listen to live performances of jazz, fusion, and funk. Tickets are available as single entries, starting at $15, or as 3-Day Passes, starting at $50. The event kicks off on Friday, Aug. 10, at 5:30 p.m. and continues through the weekend, with stages opening at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Sunset Thursdays Who says summer fun only happens on weekends or on vacation? Every Thursday evening, from June to August, San Jose locals gather at Plaza de Cesar Chavez from 5 to 9 p.m. to enjoy live music, play lawn games, and taste the best dishes of the food trucks available that day. This event is open to the public and free to enter. Follow the organizer's Facebook page for up-to-date information on live acts, food trucks, and upcoming events. July Passport Celebration Day For wine enthusiasts, Passport Celebration Day is the one event in the year they most look forward to. These special Passport holders can visit over 50 participating wineries throughout the year, during opening hours. But, on specific dates, four times a year, wineries are open for tastings and other experiences all day long. The passport costs $65, and the July event falls on the 21st, beginning at noon. It takes place at participating Santa Cruz Mountain Wineries. Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic Tennis fans flock to attend this week-long women's professional tournament, the first sports event of the U.S. Open Series. Martina Navratilova, Monica Seles, and Williams sisters Venus and Serena are some of the names on the list of former champions of this nearly-50-year-old tournament. From July 30 to Aug. 5, all tennis roads lead to San Jose State University. Ticket prices vary according to location. Finals Weekend ticket packages start at $300. Weeklong Championship Series ticket packages start at $850. Individual tickets start at $31. Each day begins at a different time, so be sure to check the schedule to arrive on time. Throughout the summer, there are all kinds of events for all tastes and budgets. The one thing they all have in common? They are all meant for you to have fun. Photo by Toolstotal | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

The 2018 Ford Escape is redesigned for improved productivity and comfort. Drivers also now have the option to choose between four different trim levels. These are your 2018 Ford Escape buying options. S Trim Model The 2018 S Trim model is available in a four-door front-wheel drive system. It features a 2.5-liter I-4 engine with 168 horsepower. It comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels. There are an available eight exterior color choices to choose from including blue metallic, cinnamon glaze metallic, ingot silver metallic, lightning blue metallic, shadow black, oxford white, magnetic metallic, and white gold metallic. more Just because the S Trim level is the standard Escape model does not mean that you have to go without convenient technology luxuries such as the rearview camera and roll stability control system. The interior of the S model includes cloth bucket seats, a six-way manual driver seat, and single-zone climate control. Safety features include interior airbags, the belt-minder feature, and an advanced brake assist. SE Trim Model The 2018 Ford Escape SE gives drivers two powertrain choices. You can opt for the standard front-wheel drive 1.5-liter I-4 system with 179 horsepower or the 4x4 1.5-liter I-4 engine that also produces 179 horsepower. The SE model comes with 17-inch sparkle wheels and upgraded fog lamps. Both trim levels have an available 10 exterior colors to choose from with an added white platinum and ruby red metallic tinted colors. An optional upgrade on the SE model is the partially covered leather seats with dual-zone climate control. Additional SE model upgrades include the voice-activated SiriusXM system and Sync 3 Connect. Safety features include the addition of the safety canopy system and the SOS post-crash alert system. SEL Trim Model The 2018 SEL Escape trim model includes the same engine and exterior color options as the S trim model. The SEL has larger 18-inch bright aluminum wheels. It also comes standard with the Sync 3 system that improves convenience, safety, and navigation with voice-activated commands. The SEL also features a few exciting upgraded safety features. The reverse sensing system alerts you to potential obstacles with an audio alert. The intelligent four-wheel drive system and adaptive cruise control further improve safety on all road conditions. The interior is more modern with leather bucket seats and a 10-way power adjustable driver seat. Titanium Trim Model The 2018 Titanium Trim model is the fully-loaded version of the Escape. It has two drive options including a front-wheel drive system with a 2.0-liter engine that produces 245 horsepower or a 4x4 EcoBoost engine option. There are an available nine exterior color options to choose from. The Titanium also includes an upgraded 10-speaker sound system and an 8-inch touch-screen driver infotainment system. The seats are fully leather with memory power settings. There is also a remote start system, smart charging feature, and voice-activated navigation. Safety features include the LATCH system, belt-minder, and the safety canopy system. There are many options available to customize the 2018 Escape to best fit your driving needs. Come by The Ford Store Morgan Hill to see the current inventory of 2018 Ford Escapes. Photo by The National Roads and Motorists' Association | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

About 25 years ago, antiquing was all the rage. Flea markets, hole-in-the-wall antique stores, and estate sales filled with young adults looking to fill their home with rare items were quite the norm. Then came the mass-production phase ushered in by Target, IKEA, and other brands. Affordable furniture became the new trend, but ultimately the short lifespan of cheaper materials brought about a newfangled interest in antiques. Fortunately, San Jose has one of the best antiquing scenes in the country thanks to the famed Antiques Row and other stores. Here are a few places in which you can find a one-of-a-kind item. Briarwood Antiques & Collectibles Located on Antiques Row at 1885 W. San Carlos St., Briarwood Antiques & Collectibles is one of the oldest antique stores in San Jose. An old bakery houses this antique store, adding to its charm and providing an excellent backdrop for your shopping excursion. more Over 30 dealers exhibit an array of items such as apparel, jewelry, furniture, antique signs, and more at Briarwood. The large variety of dealers ensures that you will be provided with different and new merchandise every time you visit the store. There's a reason this antique mall was voted as one of the 10 best places to shop in San Jose. Briarwood Antiques & Collectibles is open from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Colony Antiques Located two doors down from Briarwood at 1881 W. San Carlos St., Colony Antiq ues is the largest antique store in San Jose, offering an assortment of furniture, art, clothes, and vintage toys. The store has 50 dealers and covers over 9,000 square feet — you could easily take days to peruse its contents. What makes Colony Antiques even more impressive, is the range of styles you can find in its stores. Boasting everything from European furniture to Asian pottery to ephemera from yesteryear, there's something for everyone's style. Colony Antiques is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Whatnots & Doodads Not sure what you're looking for? Head on over to the aptly named Whatnots & Doodads. Voted the best antique store in San Jose in 2012, this collective of 23 dealers is always stocking that unique piece for your home or an excellent gift for a loved one. What separates them from the pack is the dealer wish list. If you can't find an item here, their dealers will put it on their watch list. When they find it, they'll contact you and arrange a purchase and pickup. There's no easier way to find something you've wanted for your home. Whatnots & Doodads is located at 1330 Lincoln Ave. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. The store is closed on Mondays. From fancy chandeliers to beautiful oak armoires, San Jose's antique markets have everything you could ever want. All you need to do is exercise a bit of perseverance in your search, and you'll end up with decor that's the envy of all your friends. Photo by docoverachiever | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

The Fusion and Taurus are two of the most popular Ford cars on the road today. Which Ford sedan is a better buying option? This guide will help you evaluate the best car choice for your driving needs. Interior A comfortable and functional interior is important to most drivers. The 2018 Ford Fusion comes with a leather interior and a driver-inspired cockpit. The Ford Taurus also has a leather interior but with the addition of SHO seating and trims. Both cars are fairly roomy for a sedan, but the Fusion has approximately 16 cubic feet of interior cargo space, whereas the Taurus comes with a bit more at 20.1 cubic feet. more Exterior The biggest differences between the 2018 Fusion and Taurus would fall into the exterior design category. Although at first glance it might be difficult to distinguish one from the other, you can notice a significant difference once you get closer. The Ford Taurus, for example, has a longer body style and is approximately one foot longer in length than the Fusion. The Taurus has a cleaner and more sleek exterior design, while the Fusion features sharper angles and aerodynamic-inspired lines. The Taurus also has the exclusive SHO grille which sets it apart from the Fusion. Finally, the Fusion has an available power moonroof upgrade. Performance The 2018 Ford Fusion comes standard with a 2.7-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine that produces 325 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The 2018 Ford Taurus features a standard 3.5-liter VCT engine with 288 horsepower with 254 pound-feet of torque. Both cars come standard with an all-wheel-drive system that is ideal for handling all road conditions. The standard model Taurus produces an added element of power and control. Technology Both the Fusion and Taurus are Ford vehicles, meaning technology properties are going to be somewhat similar. Both vehicle choices have the availability of the Sync 3 system, which gives you hands-free access to phone calls, text messages, and turn-by-turn navigation. Both cars also have FordPass, a mobile experience for locating parking, locking and unlocking your car remotely, and comparing fuel prices. One significant difference, however, is that the 2018 Ford Fusion is available in a hybrid model. The 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid uses advanced smart gauges and an EcoGuide to optimize the efficiency of the drive by providing improvement tips. It also features an all-electric drive mode, leading to better fuel efficiency in the Fusion. Safety Because both vehicles are Ford made, we can also expect the included safety features to be similar. Both cars come with optional adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, cross traffic monitor alert, and a large selection of additional safety features. Both Ford options are considered to be a safe choice. You cannot really say that one or the other is better. Each car has its own set of advantages and appeals to a different driver. Come by The Ford Store Morgan Hill to see the current inventory of the 2018 Ford Fusion and Ford Taurus. Photo by The Webhamster |Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

San Jose is a hilly city in Northern California. It is often known for its warm weather and consistent sunshine. You might be surprised to learn that some of your favorite TV shows and movies were set right in San Jose. Flubber We all remember Robin Williams and his comedic scientific role in "Flubber." The 1997 movie was a remake of "The Absent-Minded Professor" from 1961. Williams lived in nearby San Francisco, which could have influenced the film's location. There are actually a few different scenes in "Flubber" that are shot in actual San Jose locations. more The "Flubber" main characters live in a house in the Rose Garden district of San Jose. Some home scenes are also shot on University Avenue nearby the house. Many of the academic movie scenes are also shot right in a classroom at San Jose State University. Silicon Valley Silicon Valley is often known as the technology hub of Northern California. It has produced some of the leading technology designers and companies of today. It is no surprise then, that many of today's tech-based movies and TV shows, including "Silicon Valley" are also filmed here. "Silicon Valley" follows the life of a computer programmer that wants to reinvent the internet. Other scenes in "Silicon Valley" are filmed throughout the Bay area, including in Los Angeles and Palo Alto. Additional tech shows filmed in the San Jose Silicon Valley area include "Betas," "MythBusters," "The Social Network," and "Steve Jobs." Beverly Hills Cop III It does not matter that it took it until the third installment of "Beverly Hills Cop" to film in San Jose, many locals were excited at the additional filming location. This 1994 movie featured Eddie Murphy on an action-packed experience as a Beverly Hills Cop. One particular scene in the movie portrays him dangerously hanging from a large Ferris wheel called the Spider. The actual Ferris wheel filmed was called The Triple Wheel and was a part of Paramount's Great America Park. Although you can no longer ride The Triple Wheel, you can still see it in "Beverly Hills Cop III." Winchester You might not yet recognize this movie name because it was just released this year. Much of the filming of the thrilling horror movie "Winchester" took place right in San Jose. The movie is claimed to be inspired by true events and involves the mysterious events at a local haunted house. The haunted house is a prison for ghosts seeking revenge on the Winchesters. Not only does the haunted house reside in San Jose, California, but you can also book a tour. Sarah Winchester is a real person and the house is a real place. You can tour the 110 rooms of the large mansion, which includes mysterious items like a window on the floor, doors that open into nothing, and the number 13 randomly scattered around the house. You do not have to head to Los Angeles to see the film sight of some of your favorite movies and TV shows. Many of them were filmed right here in the city of San Jose, California. Photo by the_tahoe_guy | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Constructed over nearly 40 years, the Winchester Mystery House is one of the most intriguing architectural masterpieces in the country, yet its story doesn't end there. When the owner Sarah Winchester began a never-ending project to expand the home, stories of her obsession became rampant, leading to talk of ghosts and a prolonged public curiosity with the building. Today, the historic home is open to the public, giving you a chance to see the bizarre structure in person. Here's a guide to help you on your visit. The Background Located at 525 South Winchester Blvd. in San Jose, the Winchester Mystery House was the creation of Sarah Winchester. As the heiress to the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, Winchester moved to San Jose from Connecticut shortly after the death of her husband and child to build a new home. Legend has it that a medium channeling Sarah's late husband told Sarah to build a home to ward off evil spirits who died at the hands of Winchester rifles. more Construction began in 1884 and, by some accounts, didn't stop for the next 38 years. In total, the mansion has 160 rooms, 10,000 windows, 2,000 doors, two basements, and tons of architectural oddities. Strange Additions While parts of the home appear normal, other areas of the mansion are strange. To some historians, these places were built to ward off paranormal activity or hide Sarah from spirits. Some of the strange additions to the home include a door that opens to a 15-foot drop into the yard, a door with an 8-foot drop into a kitchen sink, a cabinet that goes through 30 rooms of the house, Tiffany-style windows that don't get any sunlight, 47 fireplaces with just 17 chimneys, and several secret passages. The number 13 and spiderweb-influenced architecture occur throughout the home as well and are said to have been some of Sarah's preoccupations to keep away spirits. In Film In 2017, the filming of the movie "Winchester" starring Helen Mirren began in the Winchester Mystery House. Mirren plays Sarah Winchester, and the film depicts her life spent in efforts to escape the spirits of people who died at the hands of a Winchester gun. This loosely autobiographical film received mixed reviews, but the mansion as a backdrop provides a stunning visual spectacle. The Tour If you want to visit the mansion and get the most out of your trip, choose from one of four tour options. The basic mansion tour takes you through 110 of the home's 160 rooms, including the seance room, Sarah's bedroom, the $25,000 room, and more. Starting at $20, this ticket also offers admission to the gardens and two on-site museums. The Explore More Tour provides access to some areas of the home never before seen by the public. The Halloween Candlelight Tour and the Friday the 13th Flashlight Tour are also excellent options for a bit of a thrill as you explore the home at night. For an unforgettable visit to one of the country's most interesting, elaborate, beautiful, and yet strange homes, make sure to schedule a visit to the Winchester Mystery House. Photo by mindgrow | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

When a massive truck just isn't big enough for your taste, take a look at the 2018 Ford F-450 Super Duty. This behemoth pickup is a towing beast, mobile office, and family hauler all in one. Perfect for the job site, tailgating, and family gatherings, the F-450 is in a class all its own. Here are just a few reasons to become an F-450 owner. Unbeatable Power The gargantuan 2018 Ford F-450 Super Duty is impressive in stature, so it's no surprise that it comes with an equally as impressive engine. Beneath the sheet metal of the beast lurks the legendary 6.7-liter, Power Stroke V-8 diesel engine. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the F-450 supplies a whopping 440 horsepower and up to 925 pound-feet of torque. That's good enough for a 0-60 time of just 8.0 seconds, a top speed of 88 mph, and a best-in-class 32,500-pound towing capacity. more Enhanced Safety Many pickups lack modern safety features, relying on their size to mitigate the damage of an accident. Unfortunately, this isn't always enough to protect you from accidents or injury. To set the bar a bit higher for the class, the F-450 offers a comprehensive set of standard safety features including multiple airbags, a safety canopy system, child tethers, a trailer brake controller, and a post-crash alert system. It's also the first super-duty truck to offer driver-assist safety features. With the available adaptive cruise control, the F-450 automatically slows when it gets too close to cars in front and returns to full cruise control speed when you pass them. The collision warning with brake support applies the brakes when you're late to respond, preventing potential accidents. More Room With its mammoth interior, the Ford F-450 Super Duty accommodates more passengers and cargo than its competition. Four doors make it easy for you to accommodate up to six passengers, and each will enjoy best-in-class headroom of 40.8 inches and legroom of 43.9 inches. Three cab choices — Regular, Super, and Crew — provide even more storage capacity, ranging from 11.6 inches to 52.1 inches depending on your selection. Luxurious Interior Amenities Although the F-450 is a true workhorse, the interior of the truck is nothing short of spectacular. Luxurious features include two-tone leather seating, a suede headliner, dual-zone automatic climate control, wood-grain accents, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. If you're a tech guru, you'll love the updated features available on the F-450. Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system gives you instant access to apps and other features. Other highlights are SiriusXM satellite radio, a Sony premium audio system with 10 speakers and a subwoofer, navigation, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can hook your phone into the car's head unit for instant access to communication, entertainment, maps, and everything else that you love on your phone. From a construction site to urban landscapes and everywhere in between, the Ford F-450 Super Duty is the truck that belongs in your driveway. Photo by JeepersMedia | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Looking to enjoy a nice day on the water? Luckily, Morgan Hill is close to numerous beaches along the California coast. Next time you're craving the sun on your face and the sand between your toes head to one of the following beaches just under an hour's drive from downtown. Seacliff State Beac Seacliff State Beach is just 54 minutes from Morgan Hill via CA-152 W, making it the perfect destination for a day trip. Here, you'll find plenty of attractions, including picnic areas, bike trails, windsurfing, geocaching, and more. The beach, however, is best known for more its long fishing pier as well as the remains of the SS Palo Alto. Unfortunately, part of the pier and ship are currently undergoing renovations to make them safe for the public, so you'll have to admire their decaying beauty from afar. Admission to the park is $10 per vehicle per day, but seniors can get in for $9. Dogs are also welcome, but they must be on a leash that's shorter than 6 feet. If you'd like to spend the night, Seacliff also offers a beachfront campground for RVs that provides 26 full hookup and 37 non-hookup sites. Manresa State Beach You certainly won't burn up a tank of gas heading to Manresa State Beach, as it is just 51 minutes away via CA-152 W. When you arrive, you'll want to take in the sweeping vistas of the sea and bluff-backed sand. You'll also enjoy gazing at the Santa Cruz Mountains to the northwest and the lush trees in the southwest on the Monterey Peninsula. Many families flock here to camp at one of the 60 walk-in tent sites, fish for California halibut and striped bass, or spend the day picnicking at many of the tables along the bluff. Kids can join the Junior Lifeguard program to test their skills, learn more about aquatic safety, and brush up on key environmental awareness issues. As with Seacliff, there is a $10 vehicle fee, and dogs are also permitted. Sunset State Beach Is CA-152 W too jammed with traffic? Escape the hustle and bustle and head on US-101 S to reach Sunset State Beach in just 52 minutes, as it's further south than the other options. This beach is known for the peaceful pines that surround the sand, creating a pristine and idyllic atmosphere that's perfect for a mid-day picnic. You might also enjoy tackling the numerous hiking trails; fishing for surfperch, striped bass, or sardines. You might also like camping in one of the 90 family sites, which accommodate RVs up to 31 feet long, or you can set up your tent. The admission fee is $10 per vehicle, and dogs can walk the beach as long as they are leashed. It's great that Morgan Hill is so close to the coast, as it gives both residents and visitors a chance to relax by the sea. Whether you're planning a day trip, weekend getaway, or two-week family vacation, these beaches are all prime options. Photo by fogcat5 | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

Ford has redesigned the Fusion for the 2018 model year. Families gravitate to this midsize sedan for its ability to haul multiple people around. In addition to being practical, the 2018 Ford Fusion comes in five different trims with multiple package options to make it your own. Here's why the Ford Fusion is an upscale family vehicle. A Smooth and Powerful Ride One of the key things to note about the 2018 Ford Fusion is that it is enjoyable to drive. The brakes respond well when engaged and the transmission switches smoothly between the six speeds. more There's also the power aspect of the car. Fusion's engine type depends on the trim level chosen. However, the higher trims have powerful engines like the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine in the Sport trim. It produces 325 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. This power means going from zero to 60 in under 5.5 seconds. All-wheel drive is also part of the Sport trim, a rarity for other vehicles in the same class. Comfort Having a comfortable ride is a significant consideration when purchasing a family sedan. Ford kept this in mind across all trims. Cloth seating is standard in the base model with enough padding underneath. The balance of comfort and support is welcome where the leather options are slightly stiffer. With family in the car, it feels solid driving on the road beneath. The feeling is less when driving solo but it's still a pleasurable experience nevertheless. The cabin is quiet overall. Only small amounts of wind or road work noise filter in, making it that much easier for kids to sleep during a drive. Interior and Storage In addition to a comfortable and quiet cabin, the Fusion's interior has a good layout and is spacious. The driver's position is adjustable, it's easy to get in and out of the car, and the Fusion's front seats easily accommodate tall people. There's also plenty of storage in the center console with a storage bin under the center armrest, another bin forward of the shifter knob, and a larger bin under the center stack as well as the glove box and door-panel bins. The trunk is also spacious, easily fitting a compact stroller and other large items, with rear split seats for larger items. Technology and Safety Features An interesting thing to note about the 2018 Ford Fusion is that the automaker opted to use a shift knob instead of a regular shifter. The vehicle uses SYNC 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and an easy-to-use touchscreen with large graphics and supplemental buttons and knobs underneath on the Sport trim. SYNC is standard on base trims. The vehicle comes with a rearview camera, individual tire pressure monitoring system, electronic stability control, and a LATCH system for car seats with other safety technology options available on other trims. The Ford Fusion is a vehicle that families will love to ride in, with plenty of options and trim levels to make it an upscale choice. Check out our available inventory and schedule a test drive to experience the 2018 Ford Fusion for yourself. Photo by RL GNZLZ | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

In the beautiful suburb of San Jose, California, sits an iconic landmark that, until recently, has been well-known mostly to local residents. With the upcoming release of the movie inspired by this breathtaking mansion, however, the Winchester House has become famous all over the world. What is it about this house that has everybody so suddenly intrigued? Here are four interesting facts about the Winchester Mystery House. The House Is Named After Its Original Owner A common misconception about the Winchester Mystery House is that it derives its name from the city of Winchester in England. In fact, many people believe that's where the house is located. You may be surprised, then, to discover that the house is actually located on the West Coast of the United States. The mansion was named for its original mistress, Sarah Winchester, who purchased the property when it was nothing more than an unassuming farmhouse. more The House Was Under Construction for Nearly 40 Years When Sarah Winchester bought the original property, she immediately began construction to make it the mansion that exists today. Sarah was so obsessed with the construction of the house that a team of workers worked in rotating shifts nonstop. The house was under construction day and night, seven days a week, for 38 years. Construction would have likely continued indefinitely, had Sarah not passed away in 1922. Accounts of Sarah's death claim that construction stopped so abruptly, there are still half-hammered nails sticking out of walls all over the house. Nobody quite understands why Sarah was so obsessed with the mansion's construction, but many believe she was building out of fear because a psychic medium said her family's money was built on innocent blood. The house wasn't just for Sarah. It was for the souls of the innocents who lost their lives so the Winchesters could build their fortunes. The Entire House Is Designed to Be Confusing The entire mansion is filled with secret doors and passageways. Even those that weren't intentionally hidden are a confusing maze that weaves all over the interior of the home. Sarah was the architect and designer, with no master building plans ever being found, which has led to the belief that Sarah had no specific design in mind for the house. It is believed that the secretive and unusual design was meant to confuse the ghosts Sarah believed lived in the house with her to give her some respite from their constant torment. New secrets are constantly being discovered and it's entirely possible that the house may never be fully understood. The Winchester Mystery House is a conundrum that has stumped paranormal investigators for years. Sarah Winchester is the only one who really understood everything about the house. Since she's no longer around to question, the best that can be done is to rely on the accounts and records that are available for review. For more information, consider visiting the house yourself. Photo by HarshLight | Licensed under cc by 2.0