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With summer heating up in Allentown, locals could really use some options for cooling off on a hot day. If you're hoping to beat the heat this season, here are a few of our favorites places to escape the heat. Public Pools Allentown offers multiple public pools with affordable daily and seasonal admission rates. Access to the Mack, Irving, and Jordan pools is just $6 per day for adults or $50 for a resident season pass. There's also the spray parks located at Old Fairgrounds Park or Bucky Boyle Park, both of which feature motion-activated waterworks that are great for cooling down. Allentown Art Museum The Allentown Art Museum of the Lehigh Valley is not just air conditioned, but it's also family friendly with educational programs, a museum store, and a café. Admission is free all summer long through Labor Day, allowing residents to escape the heat while enjoying world-class exhibitions. Ice Cream World While Allentown has no shortage of frozen treat shops, Ice Cream World is a longtime favorite. Serving up more than 100 flavors of homemade ice cream, plus Italian ice, ice cream cakes, and frozen yogurt, this is one ice cream shop that can't be beat. Plus, they offer extended hours to 11 p.m. all summer. Lost River Caverns If you don't mind the short drive to Hellertown, Lost River Caverns is a must-see. This natural underground limestone caverns stays cool even on the hottest days, making it an ideal spot for a summer walking tour. Have you visited any of these local spots this summer? Which is your favorite? Image via Flickr by purits

The weekend is a great time to get out and take a drive, and there are many beautiful areas near Allentown to drive through. Here are some scenic drives you and your Toyota should take for the day. Delaware River Valley Scenic Byway This drive covers 17 miles through Northampton County. Drive by historic landmarks as well as some of the area's oldest towns. You'll also pass through preserved farmlands with spectacular views. Gettysburg National Military Park Auto Tour This scenic drive takes you through 19 miles of Gettysburg National Military Park. It retraces the battles in chronological order with stops along the way. You can buy audio tapes for more information, or hire a guide to take you through. See statues and monuments throughout, along with original cannons and the National Cemetery. Columbia County Covered Bridges Tour If you have an entire day, this drive runs more than 51 miles, with optional side roads if you want to lengthen your trip. Drive along the old highways, and see the beautiful countryside with its 11 covered bridges. You can even drive out to Ricketts Glen State Park and view some of its more than 20 waterfalls. If you head east of the Forks, you'll get to see the only twin covered bridges in the country. Pennsylvania is a great place for a scenic drive. It has an abundance of beautiful scenery, whether you like to see flat farmlands, mountain views, or historic sites. Image via Flickr by dslrnovice

As the temperature rises outside in the summer, so does the temperature inside your car. There are a few things you can do to keep it cooler while parked this summer, so it is more comfortable when you get in. Park in the Shade If possible, find some shade to park under. Crack the windows a little to let the air flow in and to keep the hot air from getting trapped inside. Use a Sunshade Make a small investment in sunshades for the windows of your car. Put them up to keep the sun's rays out, and your car will feel cooler when you get back in. You can also use cardboard or towels to block the sun. Wet Towels If you have some wet beach towels from your day, use them to cover the seats. They will absorb the heat from the seats and help cool the car. As an added bonus, they will dry out, as well. Open All the Windows If the car is hot when you are getting in, open all the windows and doors. If you have a sunroof, open that up as well to help exchange the air. You can also turn the car on and crank up the air conditioner to get some cooler air into the car before you get in. Follow these tips to keep your car cooler while you are gone and to cool it off relatively quickly when it is time to get back in. Image via Flickr by boxer_bob

The Toyota Avalon Hybrid will go about 675 miles on a single tank of gas. Here are some one-tank destinations where you can get there and back from the Allentown area. Philadelphia Philadelphia is only about 70 miles away from Allentown, so you can make it there and back with well under a tank of gas. Spend the day visiting Philly's many historic sites, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. You can stop for lunch and a drink at one of the city's many restaurants before heading home. Brandywine Valley Visit the wineries and beautiful scenery of Brandywine Valley. Take a drive along Route 100 and loop through chateau country, or follow the 12-mile drive from Brandywine to Wilmington, Delaware, and enjoy the scenery along the way. You can also drive by several mansions formerly owned by some of the most extravagant and wealthiest Americans during the 20th century. Pine Creek Gorge A road trip to Pine Creek Gorge is a great way to spend the day. Drive to the gorge and then hike up the trails to see beautiful views. Drive along the gorge's west rim to see birds and other wildlife, or take Route 660 for a 12-mile ride to the east rim. Stop in Wellsboro to see Victorian mansions and streets lined with gas-lit lanterns. No matter which way you go, there are many one-tank road trips you can take in your Toyota Avalon. Stay overnight somewhere, or make the trip in one day. Image via Flickr by AlBargan

Allentown is perfectly positioned for day trips to Philadelphia, Harrisburg, New York, and other East Coast cities. If you're looking for a quick getaway where you can come back home at the end of the day, take a look at these top three day trips to take from Allentown, Pennsylvania. Hershey Park in Hershey, Pennsylvania Whether you have kids or not, Hershey Park is a fun place to go. You can start out with a tour of the Hershey Chocolate Factory and then head next door to the adjacent Hershey amusement park for fun the rest of the day. You'll have plenty of opportunities to eat chocolate, ride on roller coasters, and watch fun entertainment. The best part is that Hershey, Pennsylvania, is only an hour and 15 minutes from Allentown. Carnegie Museums in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Philadelphia is just over an hour away from Allentown. The city has much to offer, but you could spend all day exploring the Carnegie Museums. There are four: the Carnegie Science Center, the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Andy Warhol Museum, and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Take a day trip to Philadelphia to explore each one. Battlefield of Gettysburg in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Two hours away from Allentown is Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. You can drive down for the day and get tickets to tour its historic battlefield. Gettysburg is famous because it was the location of the biggest battle in the American Civil War. More soldiers died in this battle than any other battle. Don't forget to also step inside the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center. Visiting any of these three places will help you have an enjoyable day, as you out explore the areas and participate in the fun attractions and culture. Image provided by Shutterstock

Allentown is perfectly positioned for day trips to Philadelphia, Harrisburg, New York, and other East Coast cities. If you're looking for a quick getaway where you can come back home at the end of the day, take a look at these top three day trips to take from Allentown, Pennsylvania. Hershey Park in Hershey, Pennsylvania Whether you have kids or not, Hershey Park is a fun place to go. You can start out with a tour of the Hershey Chocolate Factory and then head next door to the adjacent Hershey amusement park for fun the rest of the day. You'll have plenty of opportunities to eat chocolate, ride on roller coasters, and watch fun entertainment. The best part is that Hershey, Pennsylvania, is only an hour and 15 minutes from Allentown. Carnegie Museums in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Philadelphia is just over an hour away from Allentown. The city has much to offer, but you could spend all day exploring the Carnegie Museums. There are four: the Carnegie Science Center, the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Andy Warhol Museum, and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Take a day trip to Philadelphia to explore each one. Battlefield of Gettysburg in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Two hours away from Allentown is Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. You can drive down for the day and get tickets to tour its historic battlefield. Gettysburg is famous because it was the location of the biggest battle in the American Civil War. More soldiers died in this battle than any other battle. Don't forget to also step inside the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center. Visiting any of these three places will help you have an enjoyable day, as you out explore the areas and participate in the fun attractions and culture. Image provided by Shutterstock

Toyota is a leader in fuel-efficient vehicles. The automaker offers various hybrid vehicles that get superior gas mileage. If you want a green vehicle, Toyota is a great place to start. Take a look at these three most fuel-efficient Toyota vehicles. Toyota Prius Starting MSRP: $24,200 MPG: 51 City/48 Highway The Toyota Prius is the car that got consumers excited about hybrids. It's a midsize vehicle with plenty of room for both passengers and cargo. The Prius's look is more aerodynamic than other vehicles, but it still has a style of its own. It is the most fuel-efficient vehicle that Toyota offers. Camry Hybrid Starting MSRP: $26, 790 MPG: 39 City/43 Highway The Toyota Camry has been the most popular and best-selling car in the United States for more than 10 years. It has seating for five and a fuel economy that is perfect for commuters. Consumers love the roomy interior that comes with this small car. It's a great all-around car if you don't know what to get. Avalon Hybrid Starting MSRP: $36,650 MPG: 40 City/39 Highway The Avalon is more expensive than other Toyotas in its size class, but that's due to the luxury, comfort, and technology that are built into this ride. It is spacious on the inside with extra legroom in the back seat. The Avalon comes with a backup camera, touch screen, HD predictive traffic, and tons of other technology. These are the top Toyota vehicles based on fuel economy. However, you can get almost any Toyota in a hybrid model, including trucks. Ask Bennet Toyota to help you out. Image provided by Shutterstock

Toyota is a leader in fuel-efficient vehicles. The automaker offers various hybrid vehicles that get superior gas mileage. If you want a green vehicle, Toyota is a great place to start. Take a look at these three most fuel-efficient Toyota vehicles. Toyota Prius Starting MSRP: $24,200 MPG: 51 City/48 Highway The Toyota Prius is the car that got consumers excited about hybrids. It's a midsize vehicle with plenty of room for both passengers and cargo. The Prius's look is more aerodynamic than other vehicles, but it still has a style of its own. It is the most fuel-efficient vehicle that Toyota offers. Camry Hybrid Starting MSRP: $26, 790 MPG: 39 City/43 Highway The Toyota Camry has been the most popular and best-selling car in the United States for more than 10 years. It has seating for five and a fuel economy that is perfect for commuters. Consumers love the roomy interior that comes with this small car. It's a great all-around car if you don't know what to get. Avalon Hybrid Starting MSRP: $36,650 MPG: 40 City/39 Highway The Avalon is more expensive than other Toyotas in its size class, but that's due to the luxury, comfort, and technology that are built into this ride. It is spacious on the inside with extra legroom in the back seat. The Avalon comes with a backup camera, touch screen, HD predictive traffic, and tons of other technology. These are the top Toyota vehicles based on fuel economy. However, you can get almost any Toyota in a hybrid model, including trucks. Ask Bennet Toyota to help you out. Image provided by Shutterstock

Pennsylvania has a special place in the history of the United States and the Civil Rights Movement. There are many historical attractions, but the real gems are the extraordinary ones. Here are four unusual attractions to put on your list. Centralia A fire has been burning in Centralia, Pennsylvania, since 1962. When you visit the city, you'll find smoke coming out of splintered roads, as well as abandoned homes and buildings the fire severely damaged. The city has less than ten inhabitants — people who refused to evacuate. It's an unusual sight to see, but people flock there year after year. Gettysburg One of the most popular attractions in Pennsylvania is also one of the most unusual. More soldiers were killed in the Battle of Gettysburg than any other battle during the American Civil War. You can visit the site of this historic battlefield and explore the eerie history. There's not much to do, but thousands of people still visit every year. Mutter Museum This medical museum in Pennsylvania displays some pretty bizarre things. There is everything, from preserved body parts and tumors to a collection of human skulls and scary medical equipment. The Mutter Museum also has wax models of deformities that will blow your mind. Eastern State Penitentiary You can tour the abandoned Eastern State Penitentiary in Pennsylvania to contemplate the thousands of criminals that lived behind these walls. Many claim that ghosts haunt the prison, and it definitely gives off an eerie vibe. It's an unusual attraction and one of the oldest modern prisons in the United States. This is just a small list of unusual attractions in Pennsylvania. You can also check out Ringing Rocks Park, Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike, and the Museum of Mourning Art. Image provided by Shutterstock

Pennsylvania has a special place in the history of the United States and the Civil Rights Movement. There are many historical attractions, but the real gems are the extraordinary ones. Here are four unusual attractions to put on your list. Centralia A fire has been burning in Centralia, Pennsylvania, since 1962. When you visit the city, you'll find smoke coming out of splintered roads, as well as abandoned homes and buildings the fire severely damaged. The city has less than ten inhabitants — people who refused to evacuate. It's an unusual sight to see, but people flock there year after year. Gettysburg One of the most popular attractions in Pennsylvania is also one of the most unusual. More soldiers were killed in the Battle of Gettysburg than any other battle during the American Civil War. You can visit the site of this historic battlefield and explore the eerie history. There's not much to do, but thousands of people still visit every year. Mutter Museum This medical museum in Pennsylvania displays some pretty bizarre things. There is everything, from preserved body parts and tumors to a collection of human skulls and scary medical equipment. The Mutter Museum also has wax models of deformities that will blow your mind. Eastern State Penitentiary You can tour the abandoned Eastern State Penitentiary in Pennsylvania to contemplate the thousands of criminals that lived behind these walls. Many claim that ghosts haunt the prison, and it definitely gives off an eerie vibe. It's an unusual attraction and one of the oldest modern prisons in the United States. This is just a small list of unusual attractions in Pennsylvania. You can also check out Ringing Rocks Park, Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike, and the Museum of Mourning Art. Image provided by Shutterstock

When you take your Toyota to a mechanic, you should feel confident your vehicle is getting the care it needs. Here are three questions you should ask your Toyota mechanic to confirm your vehicle is in the right hands. 1. What's Included With the Service? Whether you've brought your vehicle in for routine maintenance or for a repair, you should ask your mechanic to be specific about what he or she is going to do for your vehicle. Will they check the fluids? The brake pads? At Bennett Toyota, our award-winning service technicians will fully explain the services planned for your vehicle and answer any questions you may have. 2. Can I Have a Written Estimate? When you take your Toyota in for repairs, the mechanic should provide you with a written estimate before beginning to work on your vehicle. Be sure to leave your contact information so that the mechanic can reach you to authorize any changes to your original estimate. Sometimes a small problem can turn into a big one, and the final repair cost shouldn't be a surprise. 3. What Are the Alternatives? If you're faced with a choice, ask about several different solutions. There may be more than one way to help your Toyota run smoothly and reliably, and the more choices you have, the better. At Bennett Toyota, all our mechanics undergo regular training to keep up-to-date with the latest solutions and technologies. Don't be afraid to ask questions when you take your Toyota to a mechanic. You should feel good about the quality of service you receive and the care the mechanic gives your vehicle. Image provided by Shutterstock

When you take your Toyota to a mechanic, you should feel confident your vehicle is getting the care it needs. Here are three questions you should ask your Toyota mechanic to confirm your vehicle is in the right hands. 1. What's Included With the Service? Whether you've brought your vehicle in for routine maintenance or for a repair, you should ask your mechanic to be specific about what he or she is going to do for your vehicle. Will they check the fluids? The brake pads? At Bennett Toyota, our award-winning service technicians will fully explain the services planned for your vehicle and answer any questions you may have. 2. Can I Have a Written Estimate? When you take your Toyota in for repairs, the mechanic should provide you with a written estimate before beginning to work on your vehicle. Be sure to leave your contact information so that the mechanic can reach you to authorize any changes to your original estimate. Sometimes a small problem can turn into a big one, and the final repair cost shouldn't be a surprise. 3. What Are the Alternatives? If you're faced with a choice, ask about several different solutions. There may be more than one way to help your Toyota run smoothly and reliably, and the more choices you have, the better. At Bennett Toyota, all our mechanics undergo regular training to keep up-to-date with the latest solutions and technologies. Don't be afraid to ask questions when you take your Toyota to a mechanic. You should feel good about the quality of service you receive and the care the mechanic gives your vehicle. Image provided by Shutterstock