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Floridians love the outdoors, and what's not to like with 246 days of sunshine and some of the best parks and wilderness areas in the country to explore. Grab the whole family, slather on some sunscreen, and discover these three scenic parks with that wow-factor you've been looking for in and around Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway and just a short stroll from local shops is Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Named after the benefactor who bestowed the 180-acre oasis to residents, the park is a welcome respite from city life. Enjoy a picnic, drop your fishing line off the seawall, or rent a canoe and tour the freshwater Long Lake. Discover a variety of native trees and plants as you wander through nature along two short trails. Stop and watch an animal show and learn about local history at the Terramar Visitor Center. Access the beach about one-quarter of a mile away, or bike along the 2.5-mile unpaved trail. Explore the Intercoastal Waterway on a water taxi right from the park, showcasing the area's natural beauty. more Volunteer Park Right near Sawgrass Mall, and easy to get to, you'll find lovely Volunteer Park. Nature lovers report time and again that this park's facilities are wonderfully clean and the expertly maintained grounds are lush and inviting. It's rumored to be one of the best parks in West Plantation. The park features a peaceful raised walking path and a diverse array of friendly visitors, ranging from families to couples with dogs. Check out the year-round farmer's market featuring fresh produce, honey, and more. Mature trees provide tons of shade while you observe a variety of wildlife, from ducks to frogs. There's a large open grassy area for a family game of soccer or kite-flying on a breezy afternoon. If you get the munchies after getting your nature fix, keep a lookout for gourmet food trucks that park in the area. From horseback riding to geocaching, bike riding to fishing, get in touch with nature at Volunteer Park. Richardson Historic Park Take a break from the bustle of Wilton and explore this small gem located near downtown Ft. Lauderdale. Just 5.4 acres, Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve boasts a river, a boardwalk, and boat dock, complete with wildlife observation pier and nature trails. Bordered at the end by the historic Richardson House, the park is often the setting for countryside weddings. A large picnic pavilion behind the house is a great place to spread out a blanket and feast. Later, take a quick, tranquil walk by Middle River, past some of the tallest royal palms in the State, and over the mangrove swamp. Spot hundreds of species of birds, lizards, and squirrels that call the preserve home, and read up on the wildlife with enlightening signs along the way. Florida's natural attractions always charm our visitors. Get in touch with your wild side at one of all of these great Ft. Lauderdale area parks today.

Like most car shoppers, you hear things about this different automakers. There could be some valid information there, but not everything said on the street is true. Kia cars have been showing up on American lots for more than 20 years, and they're distinctly different than the competition. Keep reading to learn three common myths people have about the Kia brand and how we debunked them. Affordable Cars Aren't Innovative Kia is one of the most affordable brands, but it still manages to load its cars with all the latest gadgets. Take a look at the 2018 Niro FE, for example. This stylish crossover touts a 7-inch color touchscreen loaded with Kia's UVO connectivity for only $23,340. Wirelessly charge your phone while it plays your favorite tunes through Kia's Clari-Fi technology, and revel in concert quality sound. All UVO equipped Kia vehicles feature push-button roadside assistance and 911 Connect that calls for emergency services if the airbags deploy. UVO's advanced voice recognition lets you make calls, while curfew, speed, and zone alerts help parents keep track of new drivers. From vehicle diagnostics to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, budget-minded buyers love Kia's innovations. more They Are Unreliable J.D. Power and Associates ranked Kia highest among brands for overall initial quality — three years in a row. Its highest-ranking models in their respective segments for the 2017 model year include the Cadenza family sedan, the compact Forte, the eco-friendly Niro crossover, the versatile Sorento SUV, and the funky fresh Soul. That's six award-winning, reliable Kias, according to the experts over at our trusted source for car ratings. Not that we're counting. Even the brand-new, luxurious and athletic Stinger already boasts an above-average predicted reliability rating. U.S. News and World Reports picked Kia as one of their top 10 most reliable cars in January, and also named the Kia Soul its 2017 best compact car for the money. That sounds pretty reliable to us. If you need more proof, Consumer Reports ranked the 2017 Kia Niro third overall with an average predicted reliability score of 71. They Won't Last Every new Kia — yes, especially those at Gunther Kia's showroom — offer buyers an industry-leading 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. What automaker would extend its protection plan that long if it wasn't confident your new car is going to last? One satisfied Kia owner on CarGurus.com reported his faithful 2007 Kia Sportage racked up 188,640 miles and was still going strong after nine years of service. Other owners declared their Sportage reached over 283,000 miles. Just to be on the safe side, you might want to consider that extended warranty. The keys to your new Kia might take up residence in your pocket until your grandkids are old enough to drive it. Everyone has that friend of a friend that's a car expert. They're always ready to hand out that unsolicited advice about what automaker's badge to park in your garage. Look at the facts and make up your own mind about Kia.

Located just outside of Miami, Fort Lauderdale is a city that has a lot to do. With pristine beaches, proximity to the Everglades, and plenty of rich history, you'll never be bored on a visit here. If you're looking for some fun activities during your time in Fort Lauderdale, consider booking one of these tours for a unique look at the city's offerings. Jungle Queen Riverboats Tour As one of the leading tour companies in Fort Lauderdale, Jungle Queen has plenty of tour options to fill your day. One of the most popular is the Afternoon Tropical Isle Sightseeing Cruise, during which your tour guide will narrate the history and sights beyond the boat. The cruise starts at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center and takes you through Millionaire's Row to catch glimpses of mansions and yachts. You'll eventually make port on a tropical island featuring alligators and other exotic animals. If you get hungry, grab some snacks from the concession stand on the island. These cruises run daily at 1:30 p.m. and return to the dock at 4:30 p.m., making them a great choice for a fun afternoon in the sun. more Ghosts and Gangsters Tour of Ft. Lauderdale Skip the sun and descend into darkness with this spooky tour of the city. It provides you with a darker look at the city's history, taking you through some of the area's most haunted destinations. As you stroll through the city's streets, you'll hear tales of death and mayhem from a certified historical expert. Some of the stories you'll hear include the Cooley Landing Massacre, the shenanigans of Al Capone, and the more modern Cocaine Cowboys. These tours take place on a daily basis at 7 p.m. They start at Briny's Riverfront Pub and last for approximately two hours. Be sure to book in advance — the fee is $25 per person. Bass Fishing on Lake Okeechobee from Ft. Lauderdale Why just sit around on the beach all day when you could be making the biggest catch of your life. Abandon the sand and waves for tamer waters on a bass fishing tour on Lake Okeechobee. Just under an hour and a half away from Fort Lauderdale, Lake Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in the entire state, meaning it has plenty of fish for you to catch. In this tour from Tour Beaver, you'll go on a fish-catching journey with some of Florida's best fishing guides. Choose from a half-day, three-quarters-day, or full-day tour, which are four hours, six hours, and eight hours respectively. Everything you need to score a big fish comes as a part of the tour, such as a boat, guide, fishing fear, and bottled drinks. Tours leave at 6 a.m., 6:30 a.m., and 7 a.m. daily and vary in price depending on the options you select. Sitting on the beach at Fort Lauderdale is a lot of fun, but it certainly isn't an educational experience. Try one of these unique Fort Lauderdale tours to learn more about the area and experience something new.

The 2018 Kia Soul is a stylish-yet-practical vehicle that's already brimming with personality and useful features. But you can really enhance your new Soul by choosing the Plus trim and equipping it with the Primo Package. Here are some of its perks. Adaptive Cruise Control You're probably familiar with cruise control, but adaptive cruise control is a relatively new development in the automotive world. This is an advanced technology that uses radar sensors or laser sensors to scan the road in front of you. When there is an obstacle in your path, such as another car driving in front of you, the adaptive cruise control system automatically adjusts your speed so that you don't end up tailgating and risking an accident. In addition to its obvious safety benefits, the adaptive cruise control included in Kia's Primo package is a real money-saver for drivers who tend to speed without realizing it. more Autonomous Emergency Braking Choosing the Primo Package will also reward you with Kia's Autonomous Emergency Braking system. This technology works in tandem with Kia's lane departure warning system, using radar sensors to automatically apply your brakes when detecting an imminent collision. Whether this is the result of inattentive driving or unpredictable road conditions, the Autonomous Emergency Braking system is capable of avoiding collisions and saving lives. This feature is available in more and more cars on the market, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has encouraged automotive manufacturers to include it as a standard feature. In this respect, the 2018 Kia Soul is really leading the way. Creature Comforts While its safety features are the most important parts of the Primo Package, you're also sure to enjoy the conveniences and amenities it introduces. For example, the package includes a panoramic sunroof that allows you to drive with the wind in your hair — without the inconveniences associated with a true convertible. The package also includes heated and ventilated seats, which allow you to drive comfortably in just about any type of weather. Another bonus is the included Kia's Audio Package, which offers Android and Apple connectivity, as well as a dedicated speaker and subwoofer setup. Limited-Time Offer If you like the sound of these perks, act quickly — there are only a limited number of 2018 Kia Soul models produced with the Primo Package. When these models are gone, the Kia Soul Plus will have the Primo Lit Package instead. This package is similar in most respects, but it also adds LED exterior lighting, heated rear seats and steering wheel, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Naturally, these added features come at an additional cost (about $4,500). It's also worth noting that the package is only offered with the Plus trim, so make sure you've picked out the right configuration. The 2018 Kia Soul is a great pick for any number of reasons. But if you shop carefully, you can get a Plus trim variation that's above and beyond the already-impressive base model.

Driving a car comes with inherent hazards, and you should always attempt to drive as safely as possible. Here are some common driving habits that could be putting you at risk. Driving While Tired You probably already know that you should never operate a vehicle while under alcohol or drugs, but what about when you're tired? Lots of morning commuters are running short on sleep, and this can actually have an effect on driving performance. Even the briefest lapse in attention can put you at risk of getting into an accident. You should make sure to get enough sleep before driving and don't be afraid to pull over if you're having trouble concentrating on the road. more Speeding You might be in a rush to get to work in the morning — or to get home in the evening. But it's worth slowing down to keep yourself and others safe on the road. Speeding consists of almost 30 percent of traffic fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Sticking to the speed limit will also help you to save money by getting better gas mileage and avoiding costly speeding tickets. If you're being tailgated by someone else who wants to exceed the speed limit, consider pulling over to let them pass you. Cell Phone Usage Texting and driving is a major problem, as it requires you to look at your cell phone's screen, taking your eye off the road and limiting your ability to react to driving conditions. Passing stricter laws across the country attempt to combat this problem. However, even placing a call on your cell phone is a risk, because you have to look at the screen and dial. Hands-free devices are also imperfect, as a telephone conversation is distracting even when you have both hands on the wheel. While mobile technology has plenty of useful features, like navigation software, it's best to leave your phone in the hands of a passenger or to pull over when you need to consult the screen. Using Your Seat Belt This is a real no-brainer — the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that seat belts can save almost 15,000 lives per year. But there are still millions of Americans who don't use them, whether they're going for a quick jaunt to the local store or a long-haul trip on the highway. This is one of the simplest things you can do to stay safe on the road; it requires virtually no effort and quickly becomes ingrained as a good driving habit. Understand the Right of way You've come to a four-way intersection, and there's another car that arrived at about the same time as you. Do you know which car has the right to go first? Brush up on the rules for these situations, and always be careful and ensure that your roadway is clear before proceeding. Most of us drive on a daily basis and tend to forget about the little habits that make up our everyday driving routines. Being mindful of your actions and avoiding bad habits will help you to stay safe.

With miles of sandy beaches, a vibrant cultural center, and close proximity to natural attractions like the Everglades, Fort Lauderdale is a fantastic destination. Foodies will be particularly excited to learn about the city's toothsome riverfront restaurants. Briny Irish Pub Visit the riverfront in downtown Fort Lauderdale to get some of the best Irish food in town. Staples of the menu include classic dishes like shepherd's pie, beer-battered fish and chips, beef stew, and corned beef and cabbage. The restaurant also takes advantage of its location to provide some of the freshest seafood you will find. You can order crab cakes, clam strips, scallops, mussels, or the catch of the day. Naturally, a meal at Briny's wouldn't be complete without an Irish beer. Sip on one of several on-tap selections while enjoying a live band at this memorable restaurant and pub. more Pirate Republic Seafood and Grill Seafood is the name of the game at this enchanting riverside restaurant. A multitude of pirate flags, lending character to every meal decorates the elegant open-air dining room. The menu itself is one of the more unique and adventurous in the Fort Lauderdale area. Must-try dishes include grilled octopus served with fingerling potatoes, paprika, and green onions, as well as fish ceviche marinated in lime juice and seasoned with onions, cilantro, habanero peppers, and serrano peppers. Pirate Republic also specializes in clams, offering them with flavors like spicy chorizo, coconut curry, or a creamy dijon sauce. The DownTowner Stop by The DownTowner if you are in the mood for some classic American food prepared by a restaurant that really knows what it's doing. The DownTowner has been a staple of the Fort Lauderdale scene since the 1920s, and the modern incarnation of the restaurant specializes in serving light dishes bursting with flavor. Hand-crafted burgers, spicy grilled tacos, and homemade clam chowders are always great choices. The restaurant's seafood menu is another highlight, with choices like grilled salmon, fresh cod fillet, and blackened red snapper. You can also quench your thirst with one of more than 20 craft beers, not to mention an extensive cocktail list. Sushi Song If you are in the mood for the freshest seafood in the city, you can't beat Sushi Song. This is one of the area's best sushi bars, renowned for its house special rolls. These include the Hamachi Jalapeno (yellowtail with avocado, cucumber, cilantro, and jalapeno) and the Japanese Bagel (salmon, cream cheese, scallions, and sesame seeds). Choose from a wide menu of sushi and sashimi selections, and the restaurant's website even facilitates online orders. One of our favorite things about Sushi Song is that it's open late — you can get sushi as late as 4 a.m. on any night of the week. Visitors to the Fort Lauderdale area will quickly discover what its residents have known all along: namely, that it's one of the most scenic parts of the country with some of the best restaurants, to boot.

Experience Fort Lauderdale's vibrant cultural scene with an exploration of the city's world-class museums, historical sites, and heritage venues. From a cruise on a famous river to a stroll in a tranquil garden filled with history, check out these four area museums, and get ready for an educational and happening summer. African-American Cultural Center Visit Fort Lauderdale's African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, a 60,000 square foot building featuring literary collections of African-American authors. Permanent exhibits feature artifacts from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas, as well as a 5,000-square-foot art gallery. A unique children's library and auditorium provide opportunities to exchange ideas. The center offers classes in technology and education and has displayed almost 40 major exhibits to over 895,000 guests. A thriving part of the community, the library, and cultural center promotes an appreciation of people with an African heritage. more Bonnet House and Gardens Take a trip down memory lane and explore 20th-century southern living with a tour of the charming 1920s Bonnet House estate — the historic home of Chicago-born artist Frederic Clay Bartlett. Dedicated to Mr. Bartlett's prolific and prosperous career, the house museum showcases his easel art, murals, and faux paintings, and still delights visitors today. In addition to Mr. Bartlett's magical works of art, the Bonnet House's garden is an example of a rare, South Florida barrier island habitat. More than 35 acres of a varied ecosystem — from the beach to a freshwater slough, mangrove wetlands, and a maritime forest — offers guests an opportunity to experience tropical tranquility and one of Fort Lauderdale's finest orchid collections. Antique Car Museum Founded by Arthur O. Stone, the 18,000-square-foot Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum ensures the preservation of history with its reproduction of a 1920s Packard Motor Car Company showroom. The exhibit showcases a collection of 22 pre-war Packard cars from the 1900s to the 1940s. All the Packard automobiles on display are in working order, and this great American automotive history is home to thousands of pieces of memorabilia. The museum also features a building and gallery dedicated to former President Franklin D. Roosevelt. New River Historic Boat Tour Every Saturday morning you can set sail on a two-hour historic riverfront cruise and museum tour. The first part of the voyage starts at the iconic Bryan Homes dock and features a fully narrated 60-minute boat tour along the New River. Like the Venice of America, New River was the first “roadway” and the easiest way for pioneers to travel the area. Following the New River ferry cruise, guests will come ashore and finish the tour at historic New River Inn, now Fort Lauderdale's Historic Museum, and an 1899 replica schoolhouse guided by a volunteer in period dress. Don't forget to explore the reportedly haunted 1907 King-Cromartie House where you might spot the translucent apparition of Louise, once the lady of the house. Make your summer in Fort Lauderdale memorable with a glimpse into yesteryear at each of our four favorite museums. Find your inspiration with an exploration of art, culture, and the beauty of the South.

You've probably noticed how enjoyable it feels to spend time outdoors, reveling in nature and green growing things, like the miracle of a single bloom bathed in sunlight. Time slows down when you spend a moment in the fresh air. Relax and unwind when you discover these four gorgeous gardens to visit in Fort Lauderdale. Flamingo Gardens Create lasting memories for the whole family at Flamingo Gardens, featuring a 60-acre tropical paradise complete with a wildlife sanctuary and the Wray home museum. Delight in 3,000 species of exotic tropical and rare native plants, including some of the tallest trees in Florida that live in the Flamingo Garden's arboretum. A dedicated, seasonal area stocked with a variety of flowers attracts many types of charming butterflies and whimsical hummingbirds. The sanctuary shelters Florida's most extensive group of non-releasable native wildlife such as alligators, bears, panthers, eagles, and other varieties of birds. End your tour at the 1930s Wray Home, the oldest original residence west of University Drive, and get a glimpse of life in the south during the Great Depression. more Bonnet House Gardens The historic home of renowned artist Frederic Clay Bartlett, Bonnet House Gardens offers a breathtaking view into one of Florida's unique ecosystems. This native barrier island habitat features five distinct environments from beach and dunes to freshwater moving sloughs. The home site includes mangrove wetlands and a maritime forest. The unique desert garden that graces the grounds is home to a variety of arid plants and a hibiscus garden, while the main courtyard is lush with tropical vegetation. The estate's orchid display house showcases Mrs. Bartlett's love of this exotic bloom. The gardens offer a haven for migratory birds, and manatees occasionally seek refuge in the home's boathouse canal. Butterfly World Located just 28 minutes north of Fort Lauderdale, transport your family to a magical world filled with colorful butterflies. These gentle creatures come in an immense variety of species, sizes, patterns, and shapes. The inviting atrium houses thousands of live butterflies for up-close encounters every time you visit. Acres and acres of flying delights await you at Butterfly World, from exotic butterflies to amazing birds, anticipate up to three hours to take in the whole experience — but feel free to stay all day. Tradewinds Park offers a nice playground for the kids right next door, and don't forget to stop at the gift shop for nature-related souvenirs. Miami Beach Botanical Garden Take a drive down I-95 to the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, just 43 minutes south of Fort Lauderdale. A relatively small garden, it's free to enter and very family-friendly. Short trails that wind through the park are perfect for little feet, and it takes just 30 minutes to see most everything. Miami Beach Botanical Garden offers a wondrous collection of foliage in an uncommonly tranquil setting, perfect to sit and relax or read a book. Take advantage of the self-guided audio tour from your smartphone to get the full experience of this captivating garden. Explore the natural beauty of Fort Lauderdale when you visit one of our four favorite gorgeous gardens.

Like most new Kia owners, you want to take great care of your car. Do you wonder how often it needs servicing? Do you know what systems require regular maintenance? Some of your Kia's vital components need replacing based on mileage, while other parts are replaceable after a specific amount of time. Read on to learn how often your car requires routine maintenance to keep your Kia purring along. Tire Maintenance Check your tire's air pressure once a month. It helps you get better gas mileage, and can save you money in the long run. Make sure you have a tire air pressure gauge. They're an inexpensive tool you can pick up at a convenience store, and it quickly stores in your glove box. Have your Kia's tires rotated and balanced, and your alignment checked every six months or 6,000 to 8,000 miles to make sure your tires are wearing evenly. Tires are expensive to replace, and when they receive regular service, they last much longer. more Engine Oil Changes Most drivers know all about oil — the lifeblood of every automobile's engine. Oil lubricates your engine's pistons and keeps them from overheating. Over time, this heat will break down oil's lubricating properties, making it less effective at protecting your Kia engine's moving parts. So how often should you change your oil? That depends on factors such as the way you drive, and where you live. Here in Florida, where temperatures can reach over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, some mechanics recommend you change your oil every 3,000 miles. However, most people find that an oil change every 5,000 miles is fine. Check Your Fluids Above and beyond your Kia's engine oil, your vehicle requires a variety of fluids to run smoothly, such as antifreeze, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. With some fluids, you can see directly into the tank, so it's easy to determine when to refill it. Otherwise, most fluids have gauges or dipsticks so you can check current levels. Don't be afraid to get under the hood and see where your fluids are twice a year or at every oil change. If you're running low, add more, and never ignore a leak. Maintenance Reminders Until your Kia reaches 36,000 miles, it should require very little maintenance to keep it heading down the highway. Anticipate a couple of oil changes and a tire rotation. As you start to accrue the miles, more frequent scheduled maintenance is necessary. Your new Kia is outfitted with a maintenance reminder system. This system monitors a number of vehicle operating conditions and alerts the driver when it's time to bring your car in for service. However, if you notice your Kia isn't running its tip-top best, go ahead and bring it in regardless of your scheduled maintenance alerts. When in doubt, read up on your Kia in the factory owner's manual. This handy guide will have all your routine maintenance needs and when to do them. Your Fort Lauderdale dealership, where you purchased your new Kia, has a service department staffed with maintenance experts, so take advantage of dealer-recommended services today.

If you've been waiting for the perfect opportunity to upgrade your Optima, now is the time. Kia loaded up our favorite sedan with lots of improvements for the 2018 model year such as a sporty new S trim. You'll find excellent performance, a roomy cabin, a lengthy list of standard features, and a slew of technology at every trim level. Let's delve into our top six reasons to upgrade your Kia Optima this year. Introducing the New S Trim The new S trim adds a level of sportiness at a lower price, starting at $23,600. The new Optima S offers drivers a snazzy front bumper and rear spoiler, with larger 17-inch alloy wheels, and more. A 10-way power-adjustable leather-trimmed driver's seat, and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob add a touch of indulgence to the 2018 Optima S. It's Turbocharged Who would have called Kia's flagship mid-sized sedan a sports car? But the SX model with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is a confident competitor. Paired with a quick-shifting six-speed automatic gearbox, the SX puts out 245 horsepower. The Optima SX is agile, with responsive steering and a firm, sport-tuned suspension, plus a huge 18-inch tire package starting at $30,600. more It Comes in a Hybrid Introducing the new Optima Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid sedans. These new extensions of Optima's lineup combine an electric motor and a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gas engine for remarkable mileage: 103 miles per gallon (mpg). Optima's hybrid plug-in's sleek style delivers fuel-efficient technology with an available all-electric mode. These two new Optimas prove that you don't need to compromise to be environmentally conscious. Loaded With User-Friendly Technology — Standard The upgraded Optima now offers a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that Kia packed with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius satellite radio, and Bluetooth. Kia improved upon the already impressive advance UVO system with smartphone integration in every trim. Luxurious tidbits such as navigation and a larger touch-screen display are also available. Safety Features The new Optima comes with more standard safety features than ever before, such as blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking assist. Reserved for the Optima's top trims is optional driver-assist technology including emergency braking, collision and lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a 360-degree camera. If outstanding safety ratings were reason enough to upgrade your car this year, know that the 2018 Optima earned a perfect five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It also received the highest score of "Good" in five crash tests administered by The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety — and a Top Safety Pick+. Driver Modes The Optima features Kia's three innovative driver modes. These “modes” offer a flexible system that switches between Normal, Sport, and Eco settings. Finding a comfortable balance of everything that affects the feel of your drive — from the powertrain, steering, and suspension — are all centrally controlled according to your preferences. The new Optima's starting price is below the class average, and you get standout amenities and top-notch safety features with the 2018 Kia Optima. Isn't it time you test drove your new Optima?

The Kia Rio is both affordable and stylish. This subcompact car has been redesigned for 2018 to reflect a sleeker, edgier design philosophy than previous models. The 2018 Kia Rio also comes in three different trims, offering a variety of aesthetic and convenience-oriented improvements. Here's how they stack up. LX The first configuration of the 2018 Kia Rio is the LX model. Starting at an MSRP of $13,900, the LX is powered by a 1.6-liter engine that produces up to 130 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. Unique to the LX trim, you can choose between a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission comes with Sportmatic technology, which allows for manual shifting. The LX trim also comes with solar control glass, variable intermittent windshield wipers, heated rear glass, halogen headlights, and automatic light control. Inside this base model, you'll discover a five-inch touchscreen and a USB/auxiliary input jack. more S Consider the second trim of the 2018 Kia Rio if you're looking for some extra design flair, especially in the vehicle's interior. The S configuration arrives at a starting MSRP of $16,100. The version of the new Rio uses the same engine as the LX model, but it's mated exclusively to the six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic mode. The exterior of this trim has been upgraded to include body-color door handles and body-color heated mirrors, but it's the interior that really makes it stand out. The S trim comes standard with a rear camera, which makes parking and backing up both easier and safer. EX Although the final trim of the 2018 Kia Rio packs the same engine under its hood, the EX model differentiates itself from previous configurations in several important ways. The dashboard touchscreen has been upgraded to a seven-inch model, which is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay software. You'll also have access to advanced safety technology in the EX trim, as it incorporates an autonomous emergency braking system to help you avoid getting into an accident. There is also a display on the dashboard for the vehicle's forward collision warning system. The EX trim is available at a starting MSRP of $18,400. EX Launch Edition The EX Launch Edition is not a separate trim, but rather a premium package applied to the EX configuration. This package is available for an additional $500 on top of the EX's MSRP. This package introduces a red trim to the partial leather interior. The Launch Edition package also includes horizontal lines running along the dashboard as well as a bi-level tray that's perfect for holding your mobile phone. This special package is limited to 1,000 units, so act fast if this clean, elegant design feature catches your eye.

Fort Lauderdale's food scene is almost as hot as it is on the beaches, with new restaurants opening constantly. Check out a few of these hot new restaurants for a great dining experience. Milk Money Bar & Kitchen Milk Money Bar & Kitchen, located at 815 NE 13th St., is open every day from 7 a.m. until 12 a.m., except Friday and Saturday, when it stays open until 2 a.m. Milk Money opened up at the end of January 2018 and offers a delicious variety of food and cocktails. They have happy hour meal specials on Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., brunch on weekends from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m., and dinner from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. every day. Milk Money is known for their bar bites, which you can snack on while enjoying one of their numerous specialty cocktails. Try the Impossible Lollipop, a creative snack made by frying a burger on a stick, or the vegan cauliflower wings coated with a Buffalo sauce. more 17th Street Thai Sushi 17th Street Thai Sushi, opened in mid-January, is located at 1515 SE 17th St. and operates every day from 12 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. 17st Thai Sushi is perfect for a romantic date night since the restaurant is designed with cozy private booths in a dimly lit room. They specialize in Thai food and sushi, which is a wonderful combination. You can start your dinner with an appetizer from the sushi bar or the kitchen, then follow up with a classic Thai noodle dish like pad thai. You can be creative and design your own meal by choosing the ingredients and specifying whether you want it to be stir-fried or made into a curry. 17th Street Thai Sushi also has a large selection of specialty sushi rolls. Zampini's Bottega Zampini's Bottega is one of the newer restaurants in Fort Lauderdale that opened at the end of February. It is located at 510 SE 5th Ave. and is open from 8:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Zampini's is mainly an Italian market where you can enjoy wine and charcuterie while purchasing your Italian favorites. Try a bruschetta or build your own charcuterie board while sipping on the wine. Don't leave the market without a pint of gelato for dessert. KOUSINE Peruvian Kitchen KOUSINE, located at 841 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., just opened in February. Their hours are from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily. At KOUSINE you'll be able to dine on delectable Peruvian cuisine in a white-tablecloth environment. Just about all of the dishes contain seafood, which is as fresh as possible, so be sure to try one of their traditional ceviche meals. If you aren't in the mood for seafood, KOUSINE also serves a couple of pork and beef dishes, like barbecue pork or a beef hamburger. When you're in Fort Lauderdale you will have an endless list of open restaurants to choose from. Why not check out one of these hot new places that are trying to leave their mark on the area?