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With spring quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to start planning out some fun-filled, outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. Here are a few ideas to get out of the house and start enjoying the weather again after the long Wichita, Kansas, winter. more 1. Sedgwick County Zoo With over 3,000 animals and 400 species, the Sedgwick zoo offers hours of fun for the whole family. Visitors can check out Michael the lion, Stephanie the elephant, Daisy the ape, and a host of other animals that will amaze, entertain, and educate. The exhibits are specifically designed to be educational so children and adults alike can learn all about the animal's natural behaviors and lifestyle. There are also special events held throughout the year, a gift shop, and food vendors to provide a quick bite to eat. The Sedgwick County Zoo is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For ticket information, you can either visit their website or give them a call at (316) 660-9453. 2. Botanica: The Wichita Gardens Located in Sim Park, the Wichita Gardens is a beautiful display of flora that provides the perfect ambiance for a leisurely stroll. The designers have cultivated themed gardens like the Butterfly Garden, Rose and Wildflower Garden, Shakespeare Garden, and the Sally Stone Sensory Garden that will keep visitors captivated for hours. There are also special children's events throughout the year as well as educational programs. Botanica: The Wichita Gardens is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For tickets and membership information, you can visit their website or give them a call at (316) 264-0448. 3. The Keeper of the Plains Standing at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers, this landmark stands as a tribute to the Native American influence on the area. Originally built in 1974 by renowned Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin, the 44-foot tall Keeper stands proudly with his hands outstretched in supplication to the Great Spirit. With its memorial plaque to the Native tribesmen of the Great Plains, newly renovated walkway, and nightly "Ring of Fire" celebration, The Keeper of the Plains plays host to thousands of visitors yearly. For more information on the Keeper of the Plains, visit their website or give them a call at (316) 350-3340. 4. Old Cowtown Museum This 23-acre, open-air museum is dedicated to the history of Wichita and Sedgwick County, Kansas, during the latter half of the 19th century. Everything and everyone on the premises is dressed up to resemble the period, including costumed museum staff who demonstrate everyday chores and activities like cooking, gardening, and tending to livestock. The mission of the museum is to educate people about what life was like in the area during that time and how the area slowly transformed into what it is today. The Old Cowtown Museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, either visit their website or give them a call at (316) 350-3323. With spring on its way, now is the time to start planning some fun-filled outdoor activities. Make sure to check out these and all the other outdoor activities you can do in Wichita. Image via Flickr by Fireboat895

Stand out from the crowd in your new Chrysler 300. This large sedan is an icon of American ingenuity and offers a user-friendly infotainment system along with an optional best-in-class HEMI engine. With spacious seating and luxurious comfort, you're going to want to drive this year's variant. Discover five of the most appealing features of the 2019 Chrysler 300 that make it a must-see choice for your next new car. more 1. Posh Interior The cabin of the newly released 300 rivals many luxury sedans. Chrysler's designers used premium materials throughout, and it is attractive and stays quiet at high speeds. The 300 seats five passengers, and there is plenty of space for adults to ride in the rear seats. The 300 is large and easy to get in and out of, and even the trunk is enormous. You'll get 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, enough for three bags, a sunshade, a cooler, and a couple of folding chairs. Sounds like a day at Cheney Lake! 2. Intuitive Infotainment System Each new 300 sedan comes loaded with Chrysler's user-friendly Uconnect infotainment system. It includes an 8.4-inch touch screen, six-speaker stereo system with satellite radio, and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. You'll also get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and two USB ports. 3. Its V-8 Is Great Under the hood of the new 300 resides a powerful 292-horsepower V-6. It earns 19 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with the stock six, perfectly respectable for a car this big. While it offers plenty of giddy-up to navigate your daily grind, the 363-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 delivers even more pep. If you're looking to punch through traffic and get up the on-ramp in record time, go for peak performance with the V-8. 4. Safety Features The 300 comes standard with a rearview camera and a slew of available driver assistance features. There's blind spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and rear cross traffic alert. Additional features include forward collision and lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist. 5. Expansive Choice of Trim Levels The 2019 Chrysler 300 is available in five trim levels. The first four trims come equipped with the V-6 engine and available all-wheel drive. The top ranging Chrysler 300C is ready to hit the road with its powerful V-8, but you won't find all-wheel-drive on this trim. It's available with rear-wheel drive only. For the best value, look to the Touring L and mid-range 300S trims. The Touring L offers the most tech, with a lower sticker price then the rest of the lineup. The 300S is the only other trim where you can get the V-8 engine, and it comes standard with remote start. The 2019 Chrysler 300 is a terrific choice for buyers in the market for a premium, large sedan with a roomy cabin and potent, available V-8 powertrain. It's worth a test drive so you can see how well it stacks up against competitors. Take it for a spin at your local showroom today. Image via Chrysler.com

Whether you're too tired to get a meal on the table or you're looking for something chef-inspired for dinner tonight, we've got you covered. From a cozy, cigar-friendly wine bar to classic Americana barbeque, Wichita boasts a hopping culinary scene. Savor the best of local flavor at these top dinner hot spots in Wichita. more Fredos A wine bar and tapas-style restaurant in Wichita's Old Town district, Fredos is the first of its kind in the area. Everything on the menu is designed to be shared, like the stuffed Campari tomatoes or the seared octopus. Served in bite-sized portions, order several plates for a variety of flavors and sample wine by the bottle or decanted and poured by the glass. Well-stocked with reds, whites, and sparkling wines, pick your favorite vintage, try a local craft beer, or have the bartender mix you a cocktail. Whatever beverage you select it's the perfect complement to a relaxing, after-work dinner celebration. Why not try a lush, medium-bodied, house-served cigar such as the Montecristo White Series Churchill before you go? Bite Me BBQ When your tummy is rumbling for some authentic smokehouse meat smothered in a chef-made sauce, then Bite Me BBQ is your prime destination. Serving up mouthwatering vittles on a sandwich or a plate, order something straight off the menu or try a nightly dinner special. How about the New England Squealer? It's a sandwich loaded with smoked ham and a hot link, topped with melty, smoked provolone cheese. If that won't satisfy your hearty appetite, then go for the spare ribs. Slow cooked for 16 hours, you'll get three of the biggest, fall-off-the-bone, tender ribs you've ever had. Check out their signature line of cocktails with your barbeque, including the Bite Me Blood Mary. Dine in or take out, but whatever you do, don't wear white. Located at 132 St. Francis N., Bite Me BBQ is open every day but Sunday. Siena Tuscan Steakhouse Showcasing the cuisine of Tuscany, Siena Steakhouse offers an extensive menu prepared by Chef Rathbun, a native Wichitan, and an unforgettable dining experience. This chic eatery's vibrant atmosphere and urban style is the essence of sophistication. With the ambiance of its patio seating and live music, Siena is just the scene for your next hot date. Start your meal with burrata, featuring black mission figs and Marcona almonds glazed with aged balsamic on a housemade cracker. For dinner, start with the steak menu, of course, featuring a 12-ounce prime Kansas City strip or venture out of the box and sample the Maple Leaf Farms duck confit ravioli with butternut squash puree. Don't forget to browse the floor-to-ceiling wine display featuring one of Wichita's most impressive collections. Located in the trendy Ambassador Hotel at 104 S. Broadway Street, Siena Tuscan Steakhouse earned Trip Advisor's 2018 Certificate of Excellence award. Whether you're embarking on a night on the town or you want to enjoy a world-class wine with your meal, Wichita has it all. Which one of these must-try dining hot spots are you going to hit first? Image via Flickr by jeffreyw

Today's families are busier than ever. Each member is caught up with individual activities from work meetings to soccer practice, making together time even more important than ever. Make a few happy memories today at these indoor family fun centers in Wichita, Kansas. more The Alley The Alley is your one-stop-shop for a variety of entertainment possibilities from bowling and go-karts to the arcade. Now introducing Escapology, the latest attraction at The Alley. It delivers an exciting one-hour adventure that the kids will retell for years to come. Do you have what it takes to save the crew or is a murder mystery more your family's thing? Either way, you'll have to work together to solve the riddle. Check out Hologate. It's a virtual reality world where you can experience a snowball fight aboard a hovercraft with the game Cold Clash. SIMURAI is a team shooter game that will challenge your skills against robots and the powerful Dragon-Boss, while you and the older kids can save the world from the undead with Zombyte. Work up an appetite on the lanes, then head over to the onsite restaurant: AJ's Sports Grill. Even your ravenous kids will be satisfied with the Superdome. It's a gigantic 29-inch pizza topped any way you like it. Located at 11413 E. 13th St. North, The Alley is open every day to accommodate your family's demanding calendar. Join the club and get exclusive access to member events and budget-friendly special offers. Bliss Climbing and Fitness One of Wichita's best rock climbing gyms, Bliss is a family-owned, full-service bouldering complex. Bring all the kids along to Bliss. It's a welcoming retreat for climbers of all experience levels. Whether it's your family's first time on the wall or you guys are hardcore climbers looking for an alternative workout, Bliss Fitness has something for everyone. Challenge your body and mind with this fun physical activity while you build strength and flexibility. Bliss has programs for every member of the family, with youth rock climbing classes that might lead to a terrific new hobby. Adults will appreciate the wall's total body workout with programs for Mom and Dad. Ditch the boring gym routine and tone up at Bliss. With a supportive environment and experienced coaching staff, Bliss offers indoor fun for the whole family. Setters regularly develop fantastic new routes, so head over to 11114 E. 28th St. North and see what's new. Bliss is open daily for your convenience. Laser Quest What do you get when you combine hide-and-seek with the classic game of tag, in a high-tech backdrop? It's Laser Quest! Discover a series of multi-level arenas shrouded in fog, with heart-pumping music filling the hall. You never know who's waiting around the corner. Embark on an outstanding entertainment experience at Laser Quest on 2120 N. Woodlawn, except Monday when they're closed. Grab the kids and head out for a fun family adventure right here in Wichita. What's stopping you from enjoying one of these three exciting venues today? Image via Flickr by battlecreekcvb

With its premium cabin and lineup of dynamic engines, the 2019 Dodge Challenger sets the bar for American-made muscle cars. It touts class-leading rear seat and trunk space, plus an outstanding infotainment system. Let's discover everything you're going to love about the distinctive 2019 Dodge Challenger. more Pick Your Trim Pick your new Challenger from one of six available trim levels, including SXT, GT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, Hellcat, and Hellcat Redeye. This model year, the top-of-the-line Redeye makes its debut, while the discontinued SRT Demon heads back to the underworld. Dodge's emphasis with the Challenger's design leans heavy on the performance side, as demonstrated by the unique components you'll find in each variant. The base trim is now available with all-wheel drive, while the Redeye touts a near-800-horsepower engine under its hood. The mid-level R/T Scat Pack offers a beefy 485-horsepower engine and interior upgrades that compare to the top trims. Potent Engine Lineup If you enjoy talking specs, few muscle cars can compete with Challenger's lineup of five powerful engines. The entry-level SXT comes with a stock 305-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic. If you're craving the throaty power of a V-8, you're in luck. Dodge offers four Hemi engines, including the R/T's 375-horsepower V-8 with a six-speed manual gearbox or the R/T Scat Pack's 485 horses that pairs well with the optional eight-speed automatic. For 2019, the SRT Hellcat gets a boost with its own supercharged Hemi V-8 that's now rated at 717 horsepower. Pair it up with either the stock six-speed manual or opt for the available automatic. The Hellcat Redeye borrows the Demon's ferocious, re-tuned V-8 and delivers 797 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque. With a reported top speed of 203 mph, it hits the quarter-mile mark in 10.8 seconds. How's that for a scorecard? Exceptionally Large Interior Another detail that sets Challenger apart from other muscle cars is its roomy, comfortable interior. The trunk is enormous at 16.2 cubic feet, and the rear seats are unusually spacious. Unlike its rivals, Challenger offers a legitimate three-passenger back seat and an astounding three full sets of child car seat anchors. The Challenger's front seats deliver supreme, all-day comfort and provide exceptional visibility, making it a great road-tripper, too. State-of-the-Art Technology Systems Have a seat in the cockpit of the new Challenger and discover how retro touches blend nicely with the modern, high-tech infotainment system. Mounted in a vintage-styled dash, the highly acclaimed Uconnect touchscreen is straightforward to use and interfaces easily with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Driver-Assisted Safety Challenger comes standard with a rearview camera, and each trim level offers the same optional safety features. Upgrade with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The 2019 Dodge Challenger is an excellent choice for drivers who love a classic muscle car that's practical enough for the daily grind. Test drive your favorite engine — we mean trim — at a showroom near you. Image via Dodge.com

2019 Dodge Ram 1500 Are you shopping for a top-ranking pickup that touts solid performance and a quality interior? Look no further than the completely redesigned 2019 Ram 1500. With a premium quality ride and more towing and hauling prowess than most competitors, the new 1500 is dominating the full-size truck market. No other truck compares with its luxurious cabin and spacious, comfortable seats. Do you want more? Get more with the 2019 Ram 1500. Outperforms Rivals The Ram 1500 comes stock with a 305-horsepower V-6 under the hood or opt for the 395-horsepower V-8. Both engines are paired up with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. Upgrade either engine with an available mild hybrid system that boosts torque and efficiency. more The upcoming 1500 can push and pull more than most rivals with a 20-percent jump in maximum capacity. When equipped with the V-8, this pickup can carry 2,300 pounds and tow 12,750. The powertrain never feels strained, and it delivers plenty of stopping power, even when hitched to a heavy trailer. Top-Notch Cabin The 1500's premium cabin ranks tops among this new truck's best traits. Quality materials line the interior, with the highest trim levels tipping the scales toward luxury status. There's plenty of space for the biggest guy on the crew to lounge comfortably, and it's well-insulated from road noise. A Cushioned Ride The newest 1500 has probably the best ride quality of any full-size truck on the lot. It's smooth sailing and feels stable under a variety of conditions from winding roads to rough pavement. Not much poses a problem when you're behind the wheel of this 1500, especially the off-road equipped Rebel trim. User-Friendly Infotainment System Ram's infotainment system is excellent. The new 1500 now offers an available 12-inch touch screen and wireless device charging. The controls are within easy reach, and the display features crisp graphics. Uconnect's menus are easy to navigate, and there are plenty of physical controls if you prefer those as well. There are a slew of standard features such as push-button start, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and three USB ports. Opt for available features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation or satellite radio and a Harman Kardon audio system. Plenty of Assistance Technology Get your 2019 Ram truck with a host of new driver assistance features that run the gamut from a surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring to rear cross-traffic alert. You also get forward collision and lane departure warnings, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and a parking assistant. Which Trim Is Right for Me? The upcoming 1500 is available from your choice of six distinctive trim levels including the introductory Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, Laramie Longhorn, and Limited. The Laramie is a terrific all-around best value choice, while the Laramie Longhorn offers an impressive group of advanced safety equipment. It's hard not to love the 2019 Ram 1500. This year's redesign simply made a great truck even better. See why this Ram finishes near the top of our must-test-drive list at a showroom near you. Check out our inventory of the 2019 Ram 1500 for sale in Wichita. Image via Flickr by steffenz

The Chrysler Pacifica has long been held up as the standard of family minivans — and for good reasons, too. With a slew of amenities and available features, from budget-friendly hybrid technology to its spacious interior, the new Pacifica is the perfect choice for large families on the lookout for the best vehicle. Let's delve into the details of the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica, the most awarded minivan three years running. Available Trim Levels You're the smartest neighbor on the block, and what you park in your driveway is proof. Consumers Digest and Consumer Guide both named the outgoing model year a best buy, and we think the 2019 model will result in more of the same accolades for this industry-leading minivan. more The Pacifica is available in seven well-appointed trims, for maximum customizability, comfort, and convenience. Pick from the L, LX, Touring Plus, Touring L, Touring L Plus, Hybrid Touring Plus, and the top-of-the-line Limited. Hybrid Technology Chrysler takes the minivan another giant leap into the future with its Hybrid Touring Plus package of technology. The first minivan of its kind, Chrysler's hybrid delivers money-saving fuel efficiency. It offers an outstanding 32-mile pure electric range and an efficiency rating of 82 MPGe. With a total range of 520 miles, the Pacifica will take your family into the next generation. Spacious, Well-Appointed Interior The new Pacifica's interior design has your large family in mind. Chrysler loaded its flagship minivan with all the kid- and parent-friendly features you could ask for. Discover power-sliding doors, stow-and-go seats, a power liftgate, plus seating for eight passengers with 243 possible seating configurations. Slide the front seats forward for quick access to the in-floor bins, and take advantage of an overall cargo area featuring 140.5 cubic feet for luggage, trips to the big box stores, or for that birthday bike. Horsepower to Keep Up With Life Your family's life is often on the go, and you need a vehicle that keeps up. Chrysler understands the demands you put on your daily commuter, which is why they installed a potent, 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine under the hood of every Pacifica. This powerhouse delivers 287 horses and 262 pound-feet of torque for an impressive best-in-class towing capability of 3,600 pounds, while still earning 28 mpg highway. Safety First There's nothing more important than your family's safety on the open road. Opt for the available Advanced SafetyTec suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision and lane-departure warnings, brake and lane-keep assist, parallel parking assistant, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and automatic headlamps. Equipped with this advanced safety technology, it's easy to see why the Chrysler Pacifica was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2019. When equipped with the optional SafetyTec package, it earned a superior rating for crash avoidance and mitigation. Have you been shopping for the best family vehicle? Discover all the different ways the 2019 Pacifica outshines the competition at a Chrysler dealership near you. Check out our inventory of the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica for sale in Wichita. Image via Davis-MooreCDJRF.com

When you're on the lookout for somewhere in Wichita, Kansas to spend a nice day with the kids, we have some suggestions. Enjoy the best family day filled with adventures at one of these fun and educational places. Museum of World Treasures What do you call a fascinating venue filled with ancient treasures from around the world? The Museum of World Treasures, of course. Touting a diverse collection of unique objects from military history to dinosaur bones and Egyptian mummies, the museum offers a glimpse into ancient civilizations long turned to dust. more Join museum staff on the first Thursday of the month from 5 to 7 p.m. for family night. For just $5, everyone 5 and older gets to meet a variety of dinosaurs, including Ivan, a 38-foot skeletal model of a Tyrannosaurus rex. Fun activities and projects add even more delight to the experience. Located at the Wichita Public Schools, the mission of the Museum of World Treasures is to inspire, entertain, and educate visitors. It's truly a wonderful way to spend the day with family, and it's open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Botanica — Community Gardens of Wichita Open year-round, Botanica — Community Gardens of Wichita is a terrific way to get the whole family outdoors. A center for horticulture, it now encompasses 30 separate gardens over 17 lush acres. Each unique area offers sculptures, streams, fountains, and waterfalls, in addition to more than 4,000 plant species that change over the seasons. There's also a library, as well as the Beverly R. Blue Teaching Garden dedicated to raising awareness. The Downing Children's Garden opened in 2011 and offers more than an acre of child-themed activities. The jewel of the children's garden, a beautiful carousel donated by Joyland Amusement Park, is a must-ride. Enter monster woods if you dare, explore the tree house and pond, and then have a seat in the enchanted glen for story time. Sedgwick County Zoo What family doesn't love a wild adventure at the zoo? Sedgwick County Zoo is home to 400 species of animals and 3,000 individuals grouped geographically based on their natural habitats, from Asia to Africa, from elephants to tigers. Learn more about the apes that reside at the zoo with a keeper chat at 3:30 p.m. every day or get eye to eye with a giraffe and feed him some veggies. Embark on a behind-the-scenes encounter your little ones will never forget, such as at the Cessna Penguin Cove. Get inside the enclosure and venture out into the habitat to meet the animals. Recognized for its successful breeding program of rare and endangered species, Sedgwick County Zoo recently announced the birth of orangutan Lily, who was delivered via C-section on Sep. 7. Grab the kids and enjoy the best family day in Wichita. With a visit to the Museum of World Treasures, botanical gardens, and zoo, it's sure to be an exciting excursion for all your family members. Image via Flickr by CrankyPK

Dodge makes America's fastest three-row SUV, and it's called the Durango. Loaded with some of the industry's most advanced features, enjoy an intuitive infotainment system and a lineup of powerful engine options. Let's discover the master of muscle, the 2019 Dodge Durango. Choose Your Trim Level Dodge offers the upcoming Durango midsize SUV in five trim levels: the base SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T, and the top trim, SRT. Seat five, six, or seven people depending on how you arrange the seating, in both two- and three-row configurations. more The base Durango is a great value, with plenty of high-tech features, while safety-conscious shoppers should check out the GT. Driving enthusiasts who love a big V-8 will appreciate the R/T trim, while all-wheel drive comes standard on the SRT. Potent Powertrain Dodge offers the Durango with three strong powertrain options, starting with the stock 3.6-liter V-6, which produces 260 pound-feet of torque and 295 horsepower. Upgrade to the 360 horsepower, 5.7-liter V-8 or move to the head of the lineup with the beefy 6.4-liter V-8 under the hood. This engine delivers 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque when paired with the stock eight-speed automatic gearbox. The V-8s offer better acceleration than the six-cylinder, while the SRT's big-block ranks among the most powerful engines in this class. No matter which engine you choose, the Durango will tackle your daily driving, with enough grunt to leave the competition behind. Technology to Spare Dodge's Uconnect infotainment system features a straightforward layout and large touchscreen buttons within the 7-inch display. You'll get all the connectivity you demand from this master of muscle, including two USB ports, voice controls, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Music lovers will appreciate the standard six-speaker stereo system or an upgrade to the nine-speaker Alpine deck with satellite radio. There's also a state-of-the-art 19-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system with a rear-seat Blu-ray/DVD entertainment package. High-Performance SUV When properly equipped, the upcoming Durango can tow a class-leading 8,700 pounds. It delivers a smooth, comfortable ride, even over the bumpiest roads. If you need even more performance, fold down both rows of seats and Durango opens up with a maximum cargo space of 85.1 cubic feet. The fold-flat front passenger seat allows you to stow away longer items, while the wide cargo area easily accommodates bulky items. Designed for Comfort Durango's nicely textured cabin is lined with soft-touch materials or you can upgrade the interior design with luxurious leather upholstery. For unparalleled comfort on those chilly mornings, opt for the heated front and second-row seats and a heated steering wheel. Driver-Assistance Features Practice safety first with Durango's standard rearview camera. Upgrade with a slew of available safety amenities, such as parking sensors, or move up to Dodge's safety package featuring cross-traffic alerts, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitors, forward-collision warning, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking. Test drive the master of muscle at a Dodge showroom today. Discover why the 2019 Durango is more than just a brawny engine. View our inventory of the 2019 Dodge Durango for sale in Wichita. Image via Davis-Moorecdjrf.com

As the biggest city in the state, there's no shortage of fun things to do in Wichita, Kansas. There are also plenty of opportunities to stay active no matter the season. Here are just a few of our favorites in the area. The Prairie Sunset Trail There are plenty of places to run in Wichita, whether you prefer paved pathways or trail running. One of the best in the area is the Prairie Sunset Trail in the western part of the city. There you'll find 15 miles of crushed limestone pathway, which strikes a fine balance between harder pavement and softer earth. more The trail is maintained by different nonprofit groups and city cooperatives, and it's also meant for walkers and cyclists to enjoy. You might even encounter a group of horseback riders on a particularly fine day. For the most part, though, this is not one of Wichita's busier trails, meaning you should enjoy solitude if you decide on a winter run. The Wichita Riverside Tennis Center Grab your racket and hit the tennis court; the Wichita Riverside Tennis Center is a great place to practice a sport that exercises your whole body. If you're an experienced player, you might consider entering one of the center's league competitions. There are brackets for men, women, and co-ed competitors. If you're just starting out, book an inexpensive group lesson with a qualified instructor. Tennis classes are available for both children and adults. You can even opt for a private lesson if your game would benefit from a bit of individual attention. Classes are scheduled through the end of 2018 and can be booked online. CrossFit Wichita Join a local gym if you don't already belong to one. There are plenty of options to choose from in Wichita, and they all offer a great way to stay active even when the weather becomes unpleasant. One of our favorites is CrossFit Wichita. CrossFit is a type of fitness routine that emphasizes high-intensity interval training in a variety of different exercises. An entry-level membership with the program means you'll commit to six weeks of beginner CrossFit, after which you can renew your membership on a monthly basis. You'll work closely with qualified trainers to determine and meet your own personal fitness goals. Opti-Life Another great option if you're seeking a gym environment is Opti-Life, a 34,000-square-foot facility tailored to your health and fitness needs. The highlight of your membership here is access to all Group X classes, which includes things like Les Mills programming, group cycling, weight training, interval training, and much more. However, Opti-Life is about much more than just building up a sweat. It's also a place for you to take care of your mind at the attached Rejuvenation Spa. This 2,000-square-foot space offers massages, facials, and other body treatments to ease your aches and pains after a tough workout. No matter the weather, there's no excuse to remain sedentary in a city as vibrant and active as Wichita, Kansas. Check out any of these suggestions for a guaranteed great time. Image via Flickr by Travis Issacs

Winter is upon us, and that means it's time to enjoy some of the best indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities Kansas has to offer. We've put together this short list of some of our favorite winter getaways to help you get started this holiday season. 1. Visit Lawrence Check out this town in northeastern Kansas on Dec. 1 and 2 this year to participate in its annual Winter Wonder Weekend. There are several events scheduled for 2018, including a Festival of Trees at Liberty Hall, a Gala Auction Party, an old-fashioned Christmas buffet dinner, and a gingerbread festival. more Naturally, the star of the show is the 26th Annual Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade. You'll get to see authentic horse-drawn carriages decked out in full holiday regalia and pulled by some of the most beautiful horses in the state. There are also lots of shopping and dining opportunities in the area. Best of all, Lawrence is just a little over two hours from Wichita, making it an easy trip. 2. Journey to Manhattan Also about two hours from Wichita is the city of Manhattan, Kansas. This is a great place to be during the winter season. The nearby Konza Prairie and Flint Hills offer spectacular landscapes; rolling, pastoral farmland blanketed in fresh snow greets the eye everywhere you turn. You can also check out the Flint Hills Discovery Center to learn about this environment. We recommend seeking solace from the cold with a warm cup of coffee at the nearby Radina's Coffeehouse and Roastery. Alternatively, if you'd rather be out and about, try ice skating at Wefald Center in City Park. 3. Stay at the Great Wolf Lodge Stay at this posh lodge right in Kansas City, Kansas, which is about two hours and 45 minutes from Wichita. The tastefully decorated rooms make for a great retreat from harsh winter weather. You can check out any number of nearby attractions while you're here, but you might not want to leave the premises when you see the amazing Christmas decorations. There are fully lit Christmas trees right in the lobby, and snowflakes hang from the ceiling and sparkle in the warm glow of the fireplace. Best of all, the Great Wolf Lodge has an expansive indoor water park that will make you forget all about the cold weather. 4. Seek Respite at the Cedar Crest Lodge Book a room at the Cedar Crest Lodge and enjoy a view of rural Pleasanton, Kansas, which is just under three hours from Wichita. Spring for the Country Meadow room if you want the utmost in luxury. This suite features a king-size bed, refrigerator, DVD player, and two-person corner soaking tub. If you're staying during a particularly cold winter, you'll really appreciate the heated floors and towel warmer. No matter which room you choose, this charming bed and breakfast lodge is a great place to enjoy the views of more than 100 acres of walking trails, trees, and ponds. Whether you're looking for an open-ended destination that will allow you to shop, dine, and have fun at your leisure or an all-inclusive lodge experience, there are plenty of great choices in the state of Kansas. Any of these four winter getaways will make this a season to remember. Image via Flickr by thigpen.robert

As the Dodge Durango passes its 20th anniversary of production, this impressive SUV is better than ever before. We've taken a close look at what the newest version of the vehicle has to offer, and we think you'll be excited about what we've found. Seven Different Trims You're spoiled with choice when it comes to the 2019 Dodge Durango. There are seven different trims, starting with the entry-level SXT. As you move up the list of available configurations, though, you'll notice an escalating set of features sure to impress even the most wary buyer. more Take advantage of perks like bright roof side rails, an eight-way driver's seat, shark fin antenna, power-operated liftgate, and platinum chrome aluminum wheels. If you opt for the premium SRT model, you'll even have performance-tuned all-wheel drive. Cost varies significantly with each trim, so there's a version of the new Durango for just about everyone. Dynamic Performance Enjoy class-defining performance when you get behind the wheel of the 2019 Dodge Durango. Depending on which trim of the SUV choose, you'll be able to tow anywhere from 6,200 pounds to 8,700 pounds, which represents the best in the class. There's also a dynamic element to the SUV's performance thanks to the mechanics of the vehicle's axles. When you accelerate, the weight shifts to the drive axle to improve traction; otherwise, the front-engine and rear-drive axle distribute the vehicle's weight at an almost-perfect 50/50 ratio. Plus, with two available all-wheel-drive systems, the 2019 Durango lets you tackle any terrain. Three Capable Engines Access the power of three available engines, depending on the trim you choose. The first is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-8 engine that delivers up to 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Second is a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine that generates 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. This engine also uses Variable Valve Timing (VVT) technology to operate efficiently, saving you on fuel costs. The third engine is a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine that produces an incredible 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This engine comes standard on the SRT all-wheel-drive trim and allows the SUV to attain its remarkable towing capacity. Driving Experience Smart buyers should always remember to check out the interior of their next vehicle. You'll be in the SUV's cabin every day, depending on your routine, and you wouldn't want to end up in a vehicle that's uncomfortable. Fortunately, that won't be a concern with the 2019 Dodge Durango. Reviewers have praised the quiet, comfortable cabin and firm seating of the SUV. Ride quality is also smooth and pleasant with the tactile heaviness of a larger truck. Additionally, with plenty of cargo space and leg room for passengers, you won't have to listen to any complaints from family members on a long-haul road trip. The 2019 Dodge Durango represents the pinnacle of this model's design. If you like the sound of this modern SUV, visit our website to check our current inventory and schedule a test drive. Image via davis-moorecdjrf.com