Touring the Winchester Mystery House

Since the introduction of the Explorer in 1991, Ford has been the undisputed heavyweight champion of the SUV world. In 2018, it adds another member to its distinguished lineup with the Ford EcoSport. The smallest of the Ford SUV lineup, this crossover aims to corner the economical, compact market while still delivering space, pep, and unrivaled sportiness. If you're in the market for a versatile new vehicle this year, hop on the inaugural journey of the 2018 Ford EcoSport. Two Engine Options The 2018 Ford EcoSport comes with two engine options that provide some oomph and efficiency. An ambitious 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder is the stock engine. Despite its small size, this engine still delivers 123 horsepower and up to 125 pound-feet of torque. The fully loaded SES trim upgrades to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that churns out 166 horsepower and 149 pound-feet of torque. Both pair with a six-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and quickly for spectacular acceleration. more Awesome Fuel Economy In the world of hybrids and high-efficiency compact vehicles, the EcoSport is a breath of fresh air. While most crossovers don't come near the 30 mpg mark, the EcoSport gets close regardless of which engine you choose. Thanks to an automatic start-stop feature and a displacement that's about the size of a large soda, the 1.0-liter version gets an excellent 29 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg in the city. The SES trim's 2.0-liter four-cylinder provides 29 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city. Entertainment Features Entertainment features come standard on the 2018 Ford EcoSport, a rarity in the entry-level crossover segment. Regardless of which of the four trims you choose, you'll get a 4-inch touch-screen display to navigate the head unit. Ford's Sync infotainment system comes standard, allowing hands-free calling and texting via Bluetooth. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available on upper trims, and you can seamlessly sync your smartphone to the EcoSport's touchscreen, allowing you to sift through navigation, podcasts, music, and more with ease. If the standard entertainment features aren't enough to satisfy your appetite, the EcoSport has numerous upgrade options. The touch-screen display also comes in 6-inch and 8-inch versions with the updated Sync 3 system to boot. Other nice features include two fast-charging USB ports, a 10-speaker premium audio system, two 12-volt outlets, and an available 110-volt outlet. Extra Space The EcoSport is a compact, but that doesn't mean it lacks on the space you need for passengers and cargo. Both the front and rear seats provide ample space for your knees, legs, shoulders, and head, even with a full capacity of five passengers. The rear seats fold flat to give you even more room for cargo, and although the EcoSport lacks a spare, it more than makes up for it with added capacity. If you favor the roominess of an SUV without all the bulk of a full-size option, the 2018 Ford EcoSport is your perfect match. Schedule a test drive to see what makes it the new king of the compact crossover segment. Photo by RL GNZLZ | Licenced with permission under CC by 2.0

Strolling through a used bookstore simply cannot compare to buying books online. If you are one of the few people that still enjoys the smell and feel of used books, make sure you check out these wonderful used bookstores in the Morgan Hill, California, area. Recycle Bookstore Recycle Bookstore has been selling used books since before it was considered a trendy thing to do. They have been a favorite local bookstore in the San Jose and Morgan Hill communities for over 40 years. They have a wide variety of inventory with over 100,000 books in different categories. more You can also trade-in or sell your used books to restock your own collection of books. Make sure you come and visit the resident cats in the bookstore, too: Recycle Bookstore is home to four local cats that will gladly help you choose a new favorite book. Booksmart Booksmart has one goal: to give local Morgan Hill residents a place to learn that is also entertaining. This 5,000 square foot bookstore has been in the Morgan Hill community for over 22 years. In addition to books, they also sell toys, magazines, and games. You can also grab a cup of coffee or snack at the on-site cafe to accompany your book shopping experience. The cafe serves hot dogs, sandwiches, and desserts. Check out one of Booksmart's local events, including an upcoming gallery show reception and a coffee meeting with city council candidates. ThinkerToys Founded in 1969, ThinkerToys has three separate locations in California with one conveniently located right in Morgan Hill. Although this small shop primarily focuses on children's toys and games, they also have a wide selection of children's books. Visiting here is sure to be a fun experience for both children and adults alike. Not sure what to buy? The weekly staff picks are a perfect way to try out a new book or to select the perfect gift for the favorite child in your life. ThinkerToys also regularly gives back to the community through donations to local nonprofits. BookBuyers BookBuyers in downtown Gilroy focuses on trading gently used books. They have recently moved to Gilroy from their previous location in Mountain View. They have a large collection of books, music, DVDs, audiobooks, and even vinyl records. This is a great spot to stop on a rainy day. The bright LED interior lights of the bookshop give you a sense of sunshine. You can also spend some time visiting with the bookstore's cat. The prices are affordable, the staff is helpful, and you just might get lost among the stacks. Keep in mind that the shop is currently a work in progress as new bookcases and shelves are still being built. However, they are open for business and gladly welcome all types of book enthusiasts. There are many used bookstores worth checking out in the Morgan Hill, California, area. Spend an afternoon searching for your next read and getting to know the important bookstores of your community. Photo by Tiomax80 | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

So you have decided to buy a new car, and have done your research on the internet, and found a few models that tick all the boxes. Before you make your final decision, be sure to take each car you're considering for a test drive. Remember that there are certain things that you will only find out once you drive the car. In order to save time, make an appointment for a test drive ahead of time. Car dealers have limited space available, and the specific model you are looking for might not be on the premises or might be parked in the showroom. Also, in order to prevent you from making rash decisions or being cornered by a persistent salesman, line up test drives one after another. This will also make comparisons between the different models easier, as everything will still be fresh in your mind. more Here are a few other things to remember when taking a car for a test drive. The Parked-Car Tests Here are a few things to check before you start the car: Is the front seat easy to access and does it give you adequate support? This might not be so important for short commutes, but during long trips, this could make all the difference. Are the back seats easily accessible, and do they provide ample leg and headroom? If it's a requirement, will you be able to easily fit in a baby seat? Does the cargo area provide the space you need? Do seats fold or move easily? Can you comfortably reach all the controls? How Does the Car Drive? Here are a few things to focus on once you are on the road: How is the visibility? Can you see easily over the steering wheel, and how are those blind spots? How is the suspension? Do you feel the bumps and rough patches on the road, or is it a smooth ride? Does the car lock up or skid when you brake and is the steering responsive? Is the car powerful enough to suit your needs, and how is the acceleration? Test the safety features available in the car, such as hill start assist, or lane-keep assist. Decide on Your Own Route The salesperson might have a normal, easy route that he uses for test drives. Do not agree to this. Ensure that you do the test drive on the terrain and roads that you normally drive to see whether the car is suitable. Do you regularly drive long distances on the highway or often drive on dusty roads or rough terrain? Do you need to park your car in tight spaces, or do you regularly have to start it on an incline? Choose a route that will give you the info you need. After you have taken the car for a test drive, refrain from buying on impulse. Sleep on it. The car will still be available tomorrow! If you are thinking of taking a Ford for a test drive, drop by The Ford Store Morgan Hill. They might just have the car that is perfect for you. Photo by DigitalRalph | Licensed under cc BY 2.0