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As the leaves start to change and the weather gets cooler, take a walk outside in one of these parks in or near Allentown to view the beautiful fall foliage. Covered Bridge Park Covered Bridge Park sits between two historic covered bridges in Lehigh County, so there is plenty to see. It sits on 165 acres of land and includes covered pavilions, grassy areas, and picnic tables, so be sure to pack a picnic when you come. Walk along the creek to see the changing leaves in the woods just behind the flowing water. Jordan Park Jordan Park is on Sumner Avenue and Sixth Street in Allentown. It's home to three baseball fields, two basketball courts, and a volleyball court, along with picnic areas and a playground for the kids. It's surrounded by trees and shrubs, many of which have changing leaves during the fall months. Monocacy Park Located about 10 miles from Allentown, Monocacy Park is in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It's open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk and has two pavilions that are surrounded by beautiful scenery. In fact, it's such a pretty park that couples routinely choose it as the spot for their weddings. Walk on the scenic trail that runs alongside Monocacy Creek to get the best views of the fall foliage. When you're on the trail, watch out for bikers and joggers who also use the path. The park also has fishing and picnic areas. These beautiful parks in and around the Allentown area offer great views of natural surroundings and the changing leaves during the fall. Image via Flickr by Carl M

Whether you're driving in the city or you just have a tight budget for your next new car, the Toyota Yaris has the features you want and need. This subcompact car is ideal for just about any driver. It's Easy to Maneuver If you need to fit in a compact parking space or parallel park between a couple of bigger vehicles, the Yaris makes it easy. Designers actually created it to do well on tight streets in international cities, but it works well in NYC, San Francisco, and other busy metropolitan areas in the U.S. It Has Plenty of Tech Every Yaris comes with standard tech features, like a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, an HD radio, and Toyota's Entune digital interface for app integration and other functions. It Comes With a Great Perk The Yaris also includes a nice bonus: 25,000 miles and two years of free scheduled maintenance. Most subcompact sedans don't include anything like this program, and in fact, it's hard to find this type of benefit if you aren't buying a high-end luxury car. It Has Plenty of Legroom You may feel hesitant about buying a subcompact sedan if you have a family that you frequently transport. But the Yaris is surprisingly roomy, especially in the backseat. It also comes standard with safety features like stability and traction control, antilock brakes, active front head restraints, and plenty of airbags, so you can feel comfortable driving your loved ones around in it. The Toyota Yaris is an excellent option in the subcompact sedan segment. Image via Flickr by Jim, the Photographer

The Toyota Prius was one of the first hybrid cars available in the U.S., and many automotive manufacturers have followed suit in creating hybrid options for buyers. But the Prius remains as one of the leaders of the pack. With so many amazing features, it's the perfect car for businesspeople. Plenty of Tech When you're constantly on the go for work, it's crucial that your car has the tech features you need to stay connected. On the 2016 base model, you get Bluetooth connectivity for phones and audio, a six-speaker audio system with a USB port, and voice recognition with Siri Eyes Free connectivity for iPhones. Another cool tech feature that's available on the Prius is Entune, Toyota's infotainment system that includes navigation, HD and satellite radio, apps, and real-time data. Comfortable Interior Another major selling point for businesspeople who are on the road a lot is the comfortable interior of the Prius. The center console between the front seats houses a wireless charging pad, keeping your devices fully charged, and higher-end leatherette materials are available on lower trim levels. It also has a seven-inch touchscreen display that's easy to reach and use. The front seats on the 2016 Prius also sit a bit lower, providing more headroom and legroom. In order to accommodate this change, the rear seat lost about two inches in length, but since most businesspeople don't travel with multiple passengers, this shouldn't be a major problem. Aside from great fuel efficiency, the Toyota Prius has a lot to offer for a businessperson looking for a new ride. Image via Flickr by Janitors

When you're looking for a place to hang out where your furry friend is welcome, pay a visit to one of these perfect spots in the Allentown, Pennsylvania, area. PaintSome Pottery Get in the creative spirit at PaintSome Pottery, a fun studio where you can paint your own pottery. It's also home to a glass-fusing area and canvas studio, so there's something for everyone. Friendly dogs on leashes are welcome, and you can even have your best friend's paw print imprinted on your piece. You can also choose a pet treat canister or food bowl to paint. D&L Trail Head outdoors and get some fresh air on the D&L Trail, part of the 1600 rail-trails operated by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. You can easily access the trail near the south end of the canal in Allentown. Becky's Drive-In If your pup is content to hang out while you and your family catch a flick, stop by Becky's Drive-In. It's about 11 miles north of Allentown in Berlinsville, Pennsylvania. Admission is $9 for adults, $6 for kids ages 3-12, and free for kids age 2 and under. Dogs are welcome as long as they are quiet and stay on their leashes at all times. You can also buy treats, such as burgers, fries, onion rings, pizza, candy, nachos, pretzels, mozzarella sticks, popcorn, and drinks, but keep dogs away from the concession stand. You don't have to leave Fido at home in Allentown since there are a number of attractions that welcome dogs. Image via Flickr by purplepix

Fall is a great time to enjoy nice weather, spend time with family, and attend some of the many fall festivals in and around Allentown. Many of the fall festivals offer free or inexpensive family entertainment and fun. Here are our three favorite fall festivals scheduled to take place this year. Grim's Fall Festival This festival offers hayrides, a corn maze, and pick-your-own apples, as well as duck races, bounce pillows, and a caterpillar slide. It takes place off Schantz Road in Breinigsville. You pay $15.95 per person for access to all 18 activities. The festival runs weekends in September and October, with special activities planned for Columbus Day. ArtsQuest Oktoberfest at SteelStacks This free German-style Oktoberfest highlights delicious food, beer, and music from Germany. It takes place weekend nights from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 and Oct. 7 through Oct. 9 at the PNC Plaza in Bethlehem. Arrive early to avoid heavy traffic. Boo Fest The Boo Fest takes place annually in October on Union Boulevard in Allentown. In 2016, it's scheduled for 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Oct. 22. It's put together by the Lehigh Valley Business Group. This free event provides a safe environment for special needs children to go trick-or-treating at vendor booths. Since its inception, however, it has grown to benefit all kids. Many different festivals take place within 20 minutes of Allentown, particularly during fall. Check out the listing of festivals and local events. Image via Flickr by nicholaspollock

Labor Day weekend is the last big weekend of summer. Whether you like to spend time outdoors enjoying the last of the warm weather or you like it inside out of the sun, there is plenty to do in Allentown. Golf Golfers can choose from several different courses in the Allentown and Lehigh area. The Lehigh Country Club has an award-winning 18-hole course, and there is also the Allentown Municipal/Benner Fairways Golf Course. Just six miles from the center of Allentown is the Iron Lakes Golf Course. This is a public course and all are welcome. Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom The whole family can enjoy a trip to Dorney Park. This combination amusement park and water park has rides for all ages, live entertainment, and even an animatronic dinosaur display. The kids can control the dinos or pretend they are a paleontologist as they dig for dinosaur bones. Experience the excitement of a thrill ride, or rent a cabana at the water park and relax in the shade. Coca-Cola Park Take in a family friendly baseball game at Coca-Cola Park. This park is the home of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, a Triple-A minor league affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team. It's good baseball the whole family can enjoy. Allentown also offers a variety of shopping choices, and there are museums and local factory tours for those who prefer to spend time indoors. You could also take in a show or even head to Sands Casino. Image via Flickr by shoebappa

If you like to spend your weekends exploring off-road trails, then the Toyota 4Runner is for you. Check out these reasons you should choose the 4Runner. 1. Rugged Frame The 4Runner has a body-on-frame design that has proven to stand up to all kinds of driving. It is one of the only SUVs that is still manufactured this way, and it is designed to tackle tough off-roading obstacles. This body type will help you get up and over all kinds of terrain. 2. TRD Pro Series If you are a serious off-road driver, then you need the TRD Pro Series. This has custom-designed, 2.5-inch Bilstein shocks and aluminum wheels. It also comes with Nitto Terra Grappler tires and a front skid plate made from heavy-duty aluminum to help protect the front of the vehicle. 3. Engine The 4Runner comes standard with a powerful 4.0-liter V6 engine that gets 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine gives you enough power to push up and over any kind of terrain you want to conquer. It also comes with a multiterrain select feature and crawl control to make sure you keep going. The electronic locking rear differential also gives you extra traction so you don't slip and slide. The Toyota 4Runner has a long history of off-roading. The strong body, powerful engine, and large tires are just some of the features that make it a top choice for weekend warriors who want to head off the beaten path. Image via Flickr by mikemiller

It's easy to spend too much time inside watching TV, playing video games, and answering emails. Take a break from the screen to enjoy some time outdoors. It's a cost-effective way to spend time with family and friends, as well as connect with nature. During the spring, summer, and fall, enjoy being active outdoors at these nature parks near Allentown. Bucky Boyle Park Bucky Boyle Park, at 17 Pump Place in Allentown, is a favorite among Allentown families. Kids and adults alike can take to the many sports fields to play football, soccer, and baseball. A pavilion is available to rent for barbecues and special occasions. The well-maintained playground, public restrooms, and spray park are perfect for summer visits. Jordan Park There's so much to do at Jordan Park, located at 201 N 6 th Street Extension in Whitehall. The park has basketball courts, tennis courts, a volleyball court, and handball courts that many sports leagues reserve for scheduled games. Plus, the park has a picnic grove and a swimming pool for hot summer days. Lehigh Canal Park If you're looking for a nice balance of outdoor activities, Lehigh Canal Park, on E Walnut Street in Allentown, is your answer. Here you can hike trails, grill meals, and catch fish. Picnic or cook out under the shade of the pavilions. Allentown has so many great parks and special events. The Parks and Recreation department offers a seasonal PDF guide detailing special events, youth recreation programs, and available parks. Image via Flickr by jlh_lunasea

One of the best things about summertime is the ice cream. If you are in the Allentown area and looking for some delicious cold treats, try one of these places. YoFresh Yogurt Cafe YoFresh Yogurt Cafe offers 21 different flavors of frozen yogurt and 105 different toppings, including fresh fruit and sweet additions. It has a variety of yogurt, so you can choose a flavor with no sugar added, a sorbet, or even a yogurt made with only fruit. The concept is self-serve, so you can get just the amount you want and even choose several different flavors before topping it off with your choice of fruits and treats. Ice Cream World This Hamilton Boulevard ice cream shop offers many flavors of homemade ice cream, along with hand-made ice cream cakes. The salted caramel is a huge hit, along with the strawberry shortcake. It also features a Thickshake, which is a thicker version of a regular milkshake. Just choose your favorite flavor of ice cream and have them make it into a shake. Rita's There are several Rita's locations in the Allentown area. It makes Italian ice with real fruit, which is served within 36 hours of being made. There are a number of flavors to choose from, and it also offers cream ice, frozen custard, and sundaes. There are many places in Allentown where you can go to indulge in a cold sweet treat. Try one of these, or explore the area and find your own favorite place. Image via Flickr by joyosity

Taking a road trip is a great way to relax and see other areas of the country. It's cost-effective and gives you a unique flexibility that airlines just can't match. If you're looking for the best Toyota for road trips, check out these top four picks. Toyota Sienna The Toyota Sienna is a minivan with similar mileage to many of Toyota's sedans. This means you don't have to compromise fuel efficiency for extra seating and cargo storage. An optional roof rack nearly doubles your family's capacity to pick up souvenirs and carry luggage. Toyota Highlander When you need more room than a small crossover but less than a full-sized SUV, the Toyota Highlander is a perfect choice. It has better fuel economy than the RAV4 but more storage space. This makes it a well-balanced choice for road trips. Toyota RAV4 The Toyota RAV4 offers a sleek crossover design with optimum fuel efficiency at 30 miles per gallon highway. It offers the best features of a car with a storage capacity similar to an SUV. You can feel comfortable road tripping in the Toyota RAV4. Toyota 4Runner If you want the comfort and style of driving a traditional SUV, the Toyota 4Runner makes for an excellent choice. The spacious third-row seating can transport up to seven passengers. It offers better fuel economy than the Toyota Land Cruiser or the Toyota Sequoia, making it the best choice for road trips. Pennsylvania has many great places to explore, so why wait? From the historic sites in Philadelphia to the Amish stores and restaurants in Lancaster, Pennsylvania is the place for great road trips. Image via Flickr by Doug Kerr

The Toyota Prius c is an ideal car for city driving. This hybrid will get about 50 miles per gallon, and the price is right for almost any budget. Here are some reasons why it's a great ride for Allentown drivers. Compact Size The Prius c's size makes it easy to drive in and around traffic, and parking is a breeze. It is the smallest of the Prius cars and measures 19 inches shorter than the standard model. Fuel Economy This little car gets upwards of 50 mpg combined, meaning you won't need to gas up frequently on your commute. In city driving, you can expect to see 53 mpg, and on the highway you'll get up to 46 mpg. This, combined with the price, makes it one of the most fuel-efficient Toyota models. Technology While the Prius c is the entry-level vehicle in the Prius family, it still has the technology you need to stay connected and hands-free. The 6.1-inch touch-screen display is just the right size, and you can use voice commands to operate your phone. Safety The Prius c comes with the option of Toyota's new Safety Sense system, which features a pre-collision system, lane departure warnings, and automatic high beams to help keep you safe while driving around the city. Toyota designed the smaller Prius c with city driving in mind. You can zip right into tight spaces with an economical car that is also fun to drive. Image via Flickr by suzi54241

Regular, plus, or premium? With three types of gasoline grades available at the pump, how do you know which is best for fueling your Toyota? What's the Difference? Fuel types are given an octane rating that helps drivers judge the fuel's volatility. At 87 octane, regular gas is easier to burn than 92-93 premium, while 89 plus (or "mid-grade") falls in between. Premium fuel is generally reserved for high-performance luxury vehicles with engines designed specifically for a higher octane rating. The Required Octane Rating Depends on the Vehicle Most vehicles are designed to use regular 87 octane fuel. Their powertrains feature inbuilt adjustments geared toward that specific octane rating, which means that using regular gasoline is more efficient. Opting for a higher octane fuel doesn't come with any advantages and doesn't have an extra effect on the engine. Essentially, choosing premium fuel for a Toyota designed to run on regular won't harm the car, but you're just throwing money away. The Bottom Line Since there aren't any advantages to using a higher octane fuel when it isn't needed, be sure to stick to the manufacturer's recommendations for fuel requirements. There has only been one noted instance in which a small turbocharged engine received better fuel economy with premium gas, but this outcome is extremely rare and didn't involve a Toyota model. At the end of the day, Toyota vehicles, unless otherwise stated in the owner's manual, thrive on regular gasoline, so you can keep those extra pennies in your pocket. Image via Flickr by dno1967b