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Travel
The Most Scenic Road Trips in the United States
The US is a country with everything from rugged coastlines and towering mountains to vast deserts and lush forests. For the travelloversin all of us, there's no way to experience the natural beauty of this great country than jumping in your car and taking to the open highway.Here are some of the most scenic drives that will provide memorable views and excursions.1.California State Route 1 (Pacific Coast Highway)Perhaps this is the world’s most famous road trip. The Pacific Coast Highway runs along the California coast. Starting in Dana Point and finishing in Leggett, it’s a gorgeous ride featuring the Pacific Ocean, dramatic cliffs and lovely seaside towns like Monterey and Santa Barbara.The scenic views include Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and the Malibu beaches. With sunsets over the ocean or whales spotted from the roadside, this drive is a sensory feast.2.Blue Ridge Parkway (From Virginia to North Carolina)This road is regarded as “the favorite drive in America”. It winds its way through Appalachian Mountains, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Carolina with the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. This 469-mile trip is the quintessential rolling hills, bright autumn leaf color and inviting mountain vistas. Along the way, you’ll traverse hiking trails and scenic overlooks, including the truly breathtaking LinnCove Viaduct, where you can admire the area views. The parkway’s slower speed invites visitors to detour and take in nature’s beauty.3.Route 66 (from Illinois to California)Though not necessarily the most picturesque route, Route 66 is an iconic slice of American history and culture. Passing through small towns, deserts and the Cadillac Ranch in Texas and the Grand Canyon in Arizona, this historic highway stretches between Chicago and Santa Monica. Although a lot of original roadways have been replaced by the modern freeways, these roads still offer you the chance to drive across the center of America. Along the neon lights, roadside views and stops, you can start a nostalgic travel.4.Going-to-the-Sun Road (Glacier National Park,Mont.)This road, which is 50 miles long, is considered to be an industry miracle, and it is one of the most beautiful roads in Rocky Mountains. It winds across the Glacier National park, you can see Logan Pass and the Weeping Wall. But the pity is that the road is only open seasonally, generally between late June through October (depending on weather), so plan accordingly to see this breathtaking drive.5.Peninsular Corridor Highway (Florida Keys)The 113 miles of road known as the Overseas Highway, which links mainland Florida to popular vacation destination Key West, while always zips over the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. That route correct 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge, and offers stunning views of both ocean — seawater never freezes — and the Keys’ tropical foliage. On the way, you can pull over to snorkel or fish, or to feast on fresh seafood at waterside restaurants. It concludes at Key West, a lively island town famous for its sunsets and relaxed vibe.6.Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 (Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef)Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 is a drive that desert landscape lovers will not want to miss. This 124-mile drive runs through some of the state’s most breathtaking national parks and monuments, including Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante and Capitol Reef. The drive includes red rock formations, soaring cliffs and wide-angle views that feel almost otherworldly. The Hogback, a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on each side, also delivers thrilling views of the surrounding canyons.All over the United States, scenic drives offer different lenses through which to appreciate this country’s changing landscapes. Whether you’re cruising the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, driving mountain passes or visiting desert wonders, these road trips promise unforgettable memories and spectacular sights. So get your bags, get in the car, and make the journey just as memorable as where you end up. -
Home & Garden
Different Window Blinds for Different Rooms in Your Home
Window blinds are not just the blinds anymore, they are also represents the decoration and atmosphere of your home. They offer you a private, ideal and comfortable space, contribute a lot to your household vibe. Not all blinds, however, are created equal, and your choice of them should vary based on the purpose of the room and common needs for lighting and style. Here is a guide to choosing the right type of window blinds for other rooms in your home.1.Living Room: Style andLight ControlThe living room is the centerpiece of any home as it is where family and guests converge. In this space, you’ll need blinds that marry style with practicality.The key lies in light control, because you may hope your room to be bright at day while cozy at night.Vertical Blinds: These are perfect for large windows and patio doors. They allow you to easily dim light levels, and provide a streamlined, modern look.Roman Shades: If you want an attractive and elegant style, you can opt for roman shades. They come in a variety of fabrics and patterns, so you can coordinate them to your decor.2.Bedroom: Privacy and DarknessAs for the bedroom, enclosure and light control are the top aspects to consider. If you are sensitive to lights, you ought to need the blinds that can prevent the lights and the rays as much as possible, in this way, you can get a comfortable night sleep.Cellular Shades: This is also called honeycomb shades which are good at insulating the lights and keeping your bedroom both cool in summer and warm in winter.They also provide good light control and privacy.Shutters: Shutters offer great light control and privacy and are a more permanent solution. What makes them easy to clean and maintain for bedrooms.3.Bathroom: Moisture Resilience and PrivacyAnother room where moisture resistance is essential is the bathroom. And you’ll also need blinds that offer maximum privacy while letting at least some natural light through.Vinyl Blinds : Vinyl is a waterproof material, which means that it is ideal for bathrooms. Mold and mildew resistant and easy to clean, it’s a practical option.Cellular Shades: Both types of cellular shades work well in bathrooms as they’re made from moisture resistant material. It gives privacy and diffused light for the room.Shutters (some morepermanent solutions — great forbathrooms): They can be easily wiped clean, help provide excellent privacy and light manipulation.4.Home Office: Function and FormIn a home office you’ll need blinds that keep glare off your computer screen but that look professional and stylish.Venetian Blinds: These have horizontal slats you can adjust, reducing glare but providing direct sunlight. They are made by wooden and aluminum materials, therefore, you can choose either one that matches your office the most.Solar Shades:They are born for insulating the lights and helping you block sunshine. They let you see out but shield your eyes and the furniture from damaging sunlight.Roman Shades: If you want a more polished appearance, roman shades can be an excellent choice. They can filter the lights and rays. And what’s more, they offer all kinds of materials and patterns that can match the atmosphere of your office.Generally speaking, considering the function and the ornaments of your home is the top aspect when choosing window blinds. Functional and stylish blinds that complement your interior bring added comfort and beauty to your rooms. But whether you go for the romance of Roman shades in the living room, the durability of vinyl blinds in the bathroom or faux wood blinds in the kitchen, the right blinds can make your home more functional and more beautiful. -
Finance
Credit Unions Offering the Best 5-Year CD Rates
Certificates of Deposit (CDs) are a popular choice for those saving money. Out of all the different CD terms available, 5-year CDs tend to have some of the highest interest rates, so they are often a good option for investors who are willing to tie up their cash for a longer duration. Banks tend to be the default choice for CDs, but credit unions have come to be a strong alternative, frequently offering competitive rates and member-centric perks. This article explores credit unions that are offering some of the best 5-year CD rates and whether they are the right option for your savings needs.1.Navy Federal Credit UnionNavy Federal Credit Union (NFCU), in fact, is one of the largest credit unions in the USserving military members, veterans and their families. NFCU is a competitive player on CDs as evidenced on its 5-year CD. Currently, the 5-year CDrates with them are frequently among the highest available on the market. Besides competitiverates, NFCU offers flexible terms and the option of a specialty certificate that gives it a one-time rate bump during the term. Membership is limited to military or Department of Defense affiliates, but for thosewho meet that criterion, NFCU is among the very best.2.Alliant Credit UnionAlliant Credit Union is a name that you can trust on this list with their competitive rates and also high-yield CDs. Ally's 5-yearCD is especially attractive for anyone who wants to make the most of their savings. Alliant also has low fees and an easy-to-use online banking platform, making it a great option for tech-savvy consumers. Anyone who joins Foster Care to Success, a nonprofit organization, can become a member for a small donation.3.PenFed Credit UnionAnother one of the best 5-year CDs comes from PenFed Credit Union — short for Pentagon Federal Credit Union. Originally catering to military personnel, PenFed has opened its membership to anyone who joins a qualifying organization or donates a small amount to a partner nonprofit. Consistently competitive with PenFed 5-year CD Rates, they offer a variety of CD Terms for your investment goals. They provide easy access to online tools and resources to help you manage your account and track your savings progress.4.Delta Community Credit UnionGeorgia-based Delta Community Credit Union is one of the Southeast's marqueecredit unions, and it offers some of the best CD rates you can find in the region. One of their most attractive products is the 5-year CD, which frequently offersrates that beat many of the national banks. Membership is available for residents and people who work, worship or go to school within eligible Georgia counties, as well as select employer groups and associations. Delta Community also offers customer service excellence and diverse financial products to meet needs across the spectrum.5.SchoolsFirst Federal Credit UnionSchoolsFirst FCU is one of the largest credit unions for school employees in California and offers some of the best CD rates. Contributing to its popularity is their 5-year CD for members looking for a long-term saving solution. SchoolsFirst also has a broad range of CD terms and an option to ladder CDs, which enables members to stagger when the investments mature for greaterflexibility. Membership is limited to the education field, but it's a great option for those who qualify.In conclusion, individuals looking for the best 5-year CD rates would do well to check out credit unions. Credit unions such as Navy Federal, Alliant, PenFed, Delta Community and SchoolsFirst drive the top tierof competitors with their member-oriented focus, competitive rates, and community-driven values. However, by analyzing your financial targets and comparing the services offered by different credit unions, you can discover a 5-year CD that enables you to grow your savings alongside anestablishment that prioritizes the needs of its customers. If you're saving for something big, an emergency fund, or a retirement fund, then a 5-year CD offered by a credit union may be just the tool you need to reach those goals. -
Automotive
Reasons Why Costco Tires Are Your Optimum Selections
If youare looking for tires, thenCostco Tires is one of the best places for the drivers. Costcotire shopping has become a one-stop shop for quality, value, and customer service; no surprise there. Below area few great reasons you should choose CostcoTires when buying your next set of tires.1.Competitive Pricing and ValueThe lower price is the most outstanding vantage for you to buy Costco Tires, and except for that, Costco Tires are of high quality as well.In addition, Costco frequentlyruns promotional combos, such as deals onsets of four tiresor savings on installation services. These deals are downright attractive to shoppers on a budget, but don’t think it sells you short in quality.2.Premium Tire BrandsIt has cooperative relationships with some famous tire companies, such as Michelin and Goodyear. All these companies are very prestigious in tire making field. Therefore, you can feel easy to buy Costco Tires.3.CompleteInstallation ServicesPurchasingtires fromCostco doesn't only mean tires, you are also getting professional installation services. Eachof Costco's tire centers has qualified technicians on staff who guarantee that your tireswill be installed the right way, safely. Includes tiremounting, balancing and replacement of valve stems.4.Free Lifetime ServicesAnother area where Costco Tires stands out is its lifetime services, which are provided free of charge for thetires you buy there. These services include tire rotations,flat repairs and inflation checks. Well, Costco makes it easyand free, for its members, anyway, to stay on top of tire maintenance to keep your tires going strong (and your gas tank full) for thousands of extra miles.5.Warranty and Road Hazard ProtectionCostco tires warrantyis not lessthan that.And this coverage protects you against sudden damage such as punctures and blowouts, and it can saveyou plenty on repairs or replacements.Thisprotection brings peace of mind as a result, and if you regularly drive in adverse conditions, that peace of mind is priceless.6.Easy forCostco MembersNo one likes going to the store for tires, so for everyone whoalready has Costco membership, the convenience of buying tires at Costco cannot be beaten. Online, in-storeshopping and seamless installation. On top of that, you'll be able to use Costco's other services, like their food court or grocery shopping, during yourtire installation wait time. With a membership-based modelthey guarantee exclusive perks and a person touch.7.Sustainable and Eco-FriendlyAlternativesCostco's tire offerings follow suit, withthe warehouse chain being committed to sustainability. Most of the tires sold at Costco are made to be fuel-efficient, which means your car will get as many miles per gallon as possible,cutting your carbon output. Costco alsoproperly disposes of old tires and recycles them to ensure the least amount of environmental impact.8.Exceptional Customer ServiceCostco Tires are not only good at their qualities, but also excels in customer supports. You will be amazed by its after-sale service. If you have any problems with the Costco Tires that you have bought, just connect the customer support, and they will help you with quick speed and high quality.For anyone in search of quality tires at an excellent price, Costco Tires is the ideal choice. Costco is full of all the premium brands, all the full-service options, as well as freeoil services, and fantastic customer support to keep your vehicle running smooth and safe. So if you find yourself behind the wheel more than you'd like, or you just like a little peace of mind on the road, CostcoTirescan be a trusted partner in crime. So when youneed new tires next, give Costco a try — it's an option that pays off in both value and performance.
Popular Articles
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Travel
Reasons Why Costco Tires Are Your Optimum Selections
If youare looking for tires, thenCostco Tires is one of the best places for the drivers. Costcotire shopping has become a one-stop shop for quality, value, and customer service; no surprise there. Below area few great reasons you should choose CostcoTires when buying your next set of tires.1.Competitive Pricing and ValueThe lower price is the most outstanding vantage for you to buy Costco Tires, and except for that, Costco Tires are of high quality as well.In addition, Costco frequentlyruns promotional combos, such as deals onsets of four tiresor savings on installation services. These deals are downright attractive to shoppers on a budget, but don’t think it sells you short in quality.2.Premium Tire BrandsIt has cooperative relationships with some famous tire companies, such as Michelin and Goodyear. All these companies are very prestigious in tire making field. Therefore, you can feel easy to buy Costco Tires.3.CompleteInstallation ServicesPurchasingtires fromCostco doesn't only mean tires, you are also getting professional installation services. Eachof Costco's tire centers has qualified technicians on staff who guarantee that your tireswill be installed the right way, safely. Includes tiremounting, balancing and replacement of valve stems.4.Free Lifetime ServicesAnother area where Costco Tires stands out is its lifetime services, which are provided free of charge for thetires you buy there. These services include tire rotations,flat repairs and inflation checks. Well, Costco makes it easyand free, for its members, anyway, to stay on top of tire maintenance to keep your tires going strong (and your gas tank full) for thousands of extra miles.5.Warranty and Road Hazard ProtectionCostco tires warrantyis not lessthan that.And this coverage protects you against sudden damage such as punctures and blowouts, and it can saveyou plenty on repairs or replacements.Thisprotection brings peace of mind as a result, and if you regularly drive in adverse conditions, that peace of mind is priceless.6.Easy forCostco MembersNo one likes going to the store for tires, so for everyone whoalready has Costco membership, the convenience of buying tires at Costco cannot be beaten. Online, in-storeshopping and seamless installation. On top of that, you'll be able to use Costco's other services, like their food court or grocery shopping, during yourtire installation wait time. With a membership-based modelthey guarantee exclusive perks and a person touch.7.Sustainable and Eco-FriendlyAlternativesCostco's tire offerings follow suit, withthe warehouse chain being committed to sustainability. Most of the tires sold at Costco are made to be fuel-efficient, which means your car will get as many miles per gallon as possible,cutting your carbon output. Costco alsoproperly disposes of old tires and recycles them to ensure the least amount of environmental impact.8.Exceptional Customer ServiceCostco Tires are not only good at their qualities, but also excels in customer supports. You will be amazed by its after-sale service. If you have any problems with the Costco Tires that you have bought, just connect the customer support, and they will help you with quick speed and high quality.For anyone in search of quality tires at an excellent price, Costco Tires is the ideal choice. Costco is full of all the premium brands, all the full-service options, as well as freeoil services, and fantastic customer support to keep your vehicle running smooth and safe. So if you find yourself behind the wheel more than you'd like, or you just like a little peace of mind on the road, CostcoTirescan be a trusted partner in crime. So when youneed new tires next, give Costco a try — it's an option that pays off in both value and performance. -
Travel
Things to Pay Attention to When Buying a Used Pickup Truck
Used pickup trucks are what most of us will be looking at, it provides uswith a good alternative, a tough, flexible and impressive value for money. But buying a used pickup truck is not an easy process, and traps are everywhere. Hereare key things to keep in mind when shopping for a used full-size pickup truck.1.Set a BudgetStart your search with a budget in mind. If you buy a car, include the cost of purchase, taxes, registrationfees, insurance, potential repairs, etc. Oravoiding overspending by sticking to a budget tohelp you narrow down your options.2.Check Vehicle HistoryWhen purchasing a used pickup truck, a vehicle historyreport is needed. Services such as Carfax or AutoCheck can offer information about accidents, title status, mileage and maintenance history. Stay away from trucks with severe accident histories, flood damage or salvage titles; they can create major repair problems later.3.Inspect MileageMileage is not the only measure of a truck’s condition, but it’s a keyone. Low miles typically mean less wear, but high mileage isn't necessarily a dealbreaker if the truck was well maintained. Considermileage balanced with overall condition.4.Do a Walk Around of the Outside and InsideExamine the truck’s exterior for any rust, dents, scratchesor evidence of repainting, which could suggest previous harm. Inspect the bed for damage, since this is a major part of a pickup truck. Step inside and check for worn seats, cracked dashboards or inoperative controls. A clean interior is often indicative of how well the previous owner took care of the car.5.Test Drive the TruckDefinitely take a test driveto get a feel for how the truck drives.Pay attention to how to starts, accelerates and stops. Above all, you need to pay attention to the abnormal noise, such as rattling or grinding, which means the problems. What’s more, you also need to check the transmission, suspension and four-wheel drive areas.6.Check the Engine andUnderbodyOpen the hood and check the engine for leaks, corrosion orfraying belts. Check the oil and coolant levels and look for signsof bad maintenance. If you can, get under it to look for any rust, damage or worn out parts like shocks and suspension parts that a mechanic can check.7.Confirm Towingand Payload SpecsIf you have a plan to use the truck for hauling goods, one thing must do is to check its towing and payload abilities. Do remember to check whether this truck can burden the weight you want it to tow or not. If you really care the towing ability, make sure it includes a working hitch and wiring harness.8.Review Maintenance RecordsRequest maintenance documentation to ensure the truck was serviced regularly.A well-maintained truck includes routine oil change, tire rotations, etc. Not keeping records might mean neglect and could lead to issues down the road.9.Negotiate the PriceThere is usually room to negotiate onused pickup trucks. If you do decide to negotiate, use your research on the truck’s market value, condition and any needed repairs to agree on a fair price. Beready to walk away if the seller won’t agree to your offer.10.Get aPre-Purchase InspectionEven if the truck looks great, it’s worth it to hire a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. An expert can spot problems that might behidden, and will not show up in an informal inspection or drive.11.Check OwnershipCostsLastly, you should think about the overallownership costs of the car. Research its fuel economy, insurance rates, parts availability.Do remember that some models are cheaper but more expensive to maintain at the same time. Therefore, you need to consider these aspects.By referring all these aspects, you can find a suitable used pickup truck of high quality to meet your standards. Make the time, do the research, be bold enough to ask questions. A great used pickup truck can provide lots of reliability and fun foryears to come.