Blog

If you're in the market for a crossover this year, then check out the redesigned Kia Niro. This vehicle offers a stylish interior and exterior, outstanding features, and the power and performance you're looking for in your next vehicle. Find out what makes this reimagined crossover one of the best options out there today. more Engine and Motor When you choose the 2017 Kia Niro you're getting a 1.6-liter I4 16-valve DOHC full parallel hybrid system engine. The engine itself offers 104 horsepower and 109 pound-feet of torque. However, the AC Synchronous Permanent Magnet electric motor offers an additional 43 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. The battery is a 240-volt, 1.56 kWh Lithium Ion Polymer battery. In addition to all of this, you'll get a dual clutch six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic, giving you a fun and comfortable drive every time you get behind the wheel. Exterior The exterior of the Niro is stylish and bold. You'll get a variety of standard exterior features to help improve your drive, as well as the look of the car. For example, the Niro comes standard with a glossy black radiator grille with chrome trim, a rear spoiler, and body-color power exterior mirrors. Additional features and options are available, depending on the trim level you choose. You can get roof rails, a power sunroof, and high-intensity discharge projector beam headlights. Select up to seven exterior paint colors to ensure that you get the perfect vehicle for you and your family. Interior Inside the Niro, you'll find comfortable seating and outstanding tech features. The six-speaker audio system features a 7-inch color touch screen display, and this system supports Android Auto, Apple Carplay, and a large number of apps. Bluetooth Wireless connectivity is standard on all trim levels, and you'll also get steering wheel-mounted controls. Stay comfortable with the dual-zone automatic temperature control and standard four-way adjustable driver's seat. Some trims offer 10-way adjustment on the driver's seat, with two-way lumbar support. Optional interior features include a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and push-button start with smart key and immobilizer. Safety and Security Because you need to be safe on the road, the 2017 Kia Niro offers outstanding safety features. You'll get dual front advanced airbags, traction and stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, hill start assist, and a high line tire-pressure monitoring system as standard features. The vehicle is made with your safety in mind, and includes side-impact door beams and front and rear crumple zones. If you're driving with children in the car, you'll love the rear child safety door locks and the LATCH system for child safety seats. Some optional safety features include rear cross traffic alert and smart cruise control. Whether you need a car for the family or a vehicle that gets you to and from work, the 2017 Kia Niro is a great option. You'll get everything you need and more. With EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 52 miles per gallon in the city and 49 mpg on the highway, you'll quickly fall in love with the Niro. This photo, “ Kia Niro 2016,” by Karlis Dambrans used under CC BY 2.0. “ Kia Niro 2016” is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

The next time you get hungry, consider heading out for some amazing BBQ. Dickinson and the surrounding area offer outstanding BBQ joints to help satisfy your cravings. Whether you're in the mood for a lot of food, or you're hankering for the spiciest BBQ sauce you can find, check out these local spots for a delicious meal. more Dickinson BarBQue & Steakhouse Located at 2111 Fm 517 E in Dickinson, Dickinson BarBQue & Steakhouse is one of the favorites in the area. It is open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Choose from meats such as ham, chicken, pulled pork, brisket, or turkey breast. Steaks range in size from 7 oz. to 24 oz. Don't pass up on the appetizers, with options such as fried pickles, hand-battered onion rings, and gator tators. If you're not exactly in the mood for BBQ, consider the burgers or sandwiches. Red River Bar-B-Que Company Head about four miles outside of Dickinson for Red River Bar-B-Que Company. This restaurant is located at 1911 E. Main St. in League City. Start your meal with bar-b-cue nachos, fried mushrooms, jalapeno shrimp poppers, or smokin' wings. If you're in the mood for a light meal, consider the chopped brisket taco salad or the salad bar. Bar-b-que plates include pork ribs, sausage, brisket, or a meat combo. Don't forget your sides, which include cole slaw, Mom's Potato Salad, macaroni and cheese, and fried okra. There are daily specials, allowing you to try something new every time you visit. Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q At just over five miles from Dickinson, Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q is a great option when you're in the mood for something amazing. Located at 21361 Gulf Fwy in Weber, this restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Come in for breakfast and grab brisket and egg, jalapeno sausage and egg, or bacon and egg breakfast tacos. For lunch and dinner, choose your meat, including options such as pork loin, jalapeno sausage, pulled pork, brisket, and spare ribs. Kat's Barbecue Head to 3805 FM 646 Rd N in Santa Fe for Kat's Barbecue. This is only about six miles from Dickinson and is a local favorite. You can get your meats by the pound, on sandwiches, or on plates. They offer kids' meals, including chopped beef or a grilled cheese sandwich. Try the Kat's Plate, which includes pulled pork, ribs, brisket, sausage, and your choice of three sides. Sides include mac and cheese, BBQ beans, potato salad, mac salad, and coleslaw. Another option for your meal is a baked potato with all the toppings. Finding delicious barbecue isn't difficult when you're in Texas. Head out to some of the best BBQ joints in the area, and find your new favorite today. Whether you're in the mood for classic BBQ or something a little different, you're sure to find something for everyone with the BBQ options around Dickinson. This photo, “ Pulled Pork Sandwich,” by Richard used under CC BY-SA 2.0. “ Pulled Pork Sandwich” is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

The biggest threat to drivers is not obstacles on the road or other drivers, it is distractions. Every driver gets distracted at some point and it is usually by something in the car. Driving takes focus, especially in hazardous conditions. Car manufacturers are introducing new systems to help drivers eliminate distractions and respond to problems faster. However, it is up to each individual driver to avoid their distractions. Failure to do so could result in accidents. That's why, as a driver, it is your responsibility to minimize the distractions in your car. If you are worried about getting distracted while driving, here's how drivers can reduce distractions. more Limit Extra Device Use Cell phones and other devices can be a major distraction for drivers. The easiest way to ensure that they are not a distraction is to make sure that they are not accessible while driving. Put your other devices in places where you cannot reach them easily. This way, your natural instinct will be to focus on driving rather than messing with these devices. Most vehicles now have systems that connect to your phone wirelessly and have controls on the steering wheel. Use the controls that the car has to control your devices when you need to. They make it easier to access your devices without being a major distraction. Rest When You Need To Another major distraction for drivers is being tired to the point where it is difficult to focus. Cars have a naturally calming effect on people. The motion as well as the white noise generated by driving over roads can lull you into a very relaxed mindset. However, being exhausted has the same effect. The two combined make it extremely difficult to drive safely since your sense, reaction times, and mental alertness are all reduced. If you are exhausted and find yourself losing your focus, get off of the road immediately. Losing your focus means that you are not able to react to changing situations, which can be very dangerous. Pull over and rest until you get your focus back before you continue driving. Provide Non-Distracting Activities for Passengers Passengers create distractions that reduce your ability to focus. Make sure that children and other distracting passengers have something to do that will keep them from being distracting while you drive. Some cars come with DVD players, but you can get a portable one for relatively cheap. Passengers can also read a book or play quiet car games to keep themselves occupied. Just make sure that you establish and enforce rules so that they let you stay focused on the road. Driving can be fun and is a necessary part of life in most cases. However, it is important to think ahead and prevent distractions wherever possible. You should do everything that you possibly can to ensure that your next drive will be safe. Also, look into getting a new car with driver assist technologies that can help you avoid distractions while you are on the road. This photo, “ Drive,” by Timo Newton-Syms used under CC BY-SA 2.0. “ Drive” is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Summer is nearly here and that means that every family will be planning their summer vacations. Many of those families will be taking road trips. Road trips are a great way to go on vacation without spending too much on travel expenses. You can see the country first-hand while heading toward a great destination. Texas is full of places to visit that you can easily drive to. The scenery and other destinations along the way make it more fun to drive than to fly. If you are planning a road trip through Texas this summer, here are the three best road trips in Texas. more Alien Watching in Marfa, TX Marfa, TX is the home of some mysterious apparitions at night. They have appeared there, seemingly at random, for over one hundred years. The lights can be seen at night in different colors and movements. Some speculate that they are the result of government experiments, but they have been there since before any government experiments started. Others think that it might be because of alien activity, but there isn't any proof of that either, but scientific research has not shown a reason for the lights. Regardless, you can road trip to Marfa for a few days to see them. They are a great night-time vacation activity to get into. Plus, Marfa is near Big Bend National Park, which is a great daytime activity. Lake Austin Spa Resort in Austin, TX If you want to road trip to a major city in Texas but still be able to relax, try Austin. It's a great place to experience the excitement of the big city, but also be able to find a place to relax. The Lake Austin Spa Resort offers a variety of relaxing activities for the whole family that will help you unwind. The Spa offers all of the usual spa amenities like massages and relaxing activities. You can take a quiet tube ride through the lake to get some sun and relaxation. You can also get the Best Facial Ever, which is said to take 10 years off of your face. There are other relaxing outdoor and city places nearby if you want a longer and more varied vacation. Austin is a great destination for vacationers. Sports Arenas in Arlington, TX If you are into professional sports, then Arlington is the place for you to road trip to. Arlington has several sports venues and teams. Basketball season is winding down, but baseball season is starting up. There are a scheduled 30 games for the Texas Rangers in a short period of time, ensuring that you can get all of the sports action that you want. Plan your road trip appropriately and you can catch several different games during your stay. Road tripping is a great way to travel if you have the appropriate plans and vehicle. Plan ahead to make sure that you have everything that you need to travel safely and comfortable. Visit your local Kia as well to get your car tuned up before you leave. If your car can't make the trip safely, any Kia dealer can help you find one that can do the job. This photo, “ Roadtrip,” by einalem used under CC BY-SA 2.0. “ Roadtrip” is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Buying a car can be stressful, especially if it is your first car. There are a lot of different factors to consider when buying your first car. If you are like most other people, then you are looking for a way to make sure that you get a good deal. There are several key things that you can do to make the experience better and relieve some of your stress. If you are looking to buy your first car, here is a guide to buying your first car. more Research First Before you buy a car, you need to do your research first. The best way to make sure that you get a good deal is to know what is available. Model designs and prices vary widely between manufacturers. So, the best thing that you could do is to look at the basic models that each company has to offer. Look at the pricing and financing options available. Before you determine how much you should pay, you need to know how you can pay it and how dealers can help with that. The most important thing that you can look for in your research is the comparable features and prices of past year models. Knowing that information will allow you to judge if you want to buy new or used. You can save significantly by buying a used car with similar features. Decide What You Want/Need The next step is to figure out what you want and need your car to do. Before you spend any money on a car, you need to be sure that it can meet your needs. Once you have determined what your car needs to do, look for additional features that you want. This includes colors, interior features, performance abilities, and external designs. A big part of getting a good deal is getting a car that you enjoy driving every day. Start Shopping Around When you've done all of the research, it's time to start shopping around. Look at multiple dealers before deciding on a final choice. You'll want to see what is available before making a decision and you are likely to find a more competitive price if you try multiple locations. Don't forget to look at the used cars that are available as well. You'd be surprised at the value that you can find in used cars. Negotiate There are few purchases that you can still negotiate. Car sales are one of them. You may be able to negotiate down the price of the car that you want by a few hundred or thousands of dollars. This is where the research at the beginning becomes important since you'll have a better idea of what the car is worth. Car buying can be stressful, but following this process will help you come out with a good deal. Just keep your expectations in check. If you're buying a used car for $6,000, you likely won't be able to negotiate it down by a few thousand dollars. However, you may be able to get rid of the dealer fee, which will save you a few hundred dollars. This photo, “ 100_0248,” by Daniel Oines used under CC BY 2.0. “ 100_0248” is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

National Pet Month is quickly approaching, and pet owners around the country are looking for the best ways to celebrate with their pets. There are plenty of great ways to celebrate with your pet. What matters most is that you're together. Stores, restaurants, and cities around the country are planning events. Take advantage of these opportunities to have fun in new and exciting ways with your pet this May. If you are looking for a new way to celebrate National Pet Month, here are three ways to celebrate National Pet Month. more Dinner Out With Your Pet Like any other celebration, going out to dinner is a great way to celebrate. There are a lot of pet-friendly restaurants around the country. Take your pet there to get something special. Just make sure that whatever you two end up eating is appropriate for your pet's species. It's easy to find a place where you can have dinner under the stars with your best friend. Look for places with plenty of outdoor seating and encourage people to bring their pets. You could also bring a pet-friendly cupcake for your pet to mark the occasion. Going Shopping Another way to celebrate National Pet Month is to go shopping with your pet and splurge on something to make your pet more comfortable at home. Many pet stores will have sales for the month that you can take advantage of to get fun stuff for your pet. If you've been waiting to replace your dog's bed, try to find one the is more of an upgrade than a replacement. If your pet has everything that he/she needs, try finding treats that your pet will like. It's okay to spoil your pet more during National Pet Month. Just do so responsibly so that you don't make your pet sick. Getting Caught Up on Pet Care Needs While it is fun to spoil your pet and go fun places, you also need to make sure that your pet is caught up on his or her health needs. Pets need vaccinations and medical checkups to ensure that they will stay healthy for a long time. National Pet Month was started to promote better pet care. Celebrate the month by ensuring that your pet has his or her medical needs met. Veterinary services should be at a slight discount during the month. So, take advantage of sales and other opportunities to ensure that your pet stays as healthy as possible. There are plenty of ways to celebrate National Pet Month with your pet. While it can be fun to celebrate, make sure that you do so responsibly. Make sure that our pet has his or her health needs met first. Also, make sure that you have the appropriate tags or other credentials if you are going to take your pet out. There will be plenty of opportunities to celebrate throughout the month. Take advantage of these opportunities to have a great time with your pet for years to come. This photo, “ Is there a problem officer?” by James Havard used under CC BY 2.0. “ Is there a problem officer?” is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Although many owners don't realize it, the timing belt is one of a Kia's most important parts. Without the timing belt, your engine's cylinders won't be able to intake or exhaust properly, causing big problems for your car's performance and possibly lead to expensive repairs. Like many parts of your engine,  a timing belt can experience many problems. When you understand common timing belt problems, you'll be more aware of the issues that mean your car needs to be checked out by an expert Kia technician. more Excessive Tooth Wear Yes, your timing belt has teeth. These are what allow this all-important piece to rotate the camshafts and crankshafts so that your car's engine runs properly. Without teeth, the timing belt wouldn't be able to turn. One of the most common timing belt problems is premature wear on the teeth. Generally, this is caused when a belt has been installed at the wrong tension or the pulleys are worn. To correct tooth wear, your Kia technician can reinstall the belt at the right tension level or can replace worn any pulleys. Listen for a Noisy Belt As with most parts of your engine, the timing belt should run quietly without you noticing it. However, if you notice a noisy timing belt, it can signal a serious issue that calls for help from an expert technician. Noisy timing belts can have several causes, including low or high tension, a misaligned belt, or damage to your vehicle's pulley flanges. Cracking Belt A timing belt should be one solid piece. Otherwise, it wouldn't be able to function properly. Unfortunately, there are certain issues that can lower the integrity of a timing belt and cause cracking. If your car's timing belt cracks too extensively, it can lead to problems throughout the engine. When a Kia technician inspects a timing belt, he or she will check for issues such as improper temperature or a worn-out back idler. To correct the issue, your technician will either install a new back idler or fix whatever issue is causing the incorrect temperatures. Tearing Tearing is one of the most serious problems your timing belt can experience. This is also known as tension failure. If tension failure occurs on the road, it can lead to a very damaging situation very easily. After failure has occurred, a technician will need to completely replace the timing belt and then identify the cause of the failure to prevent it from happening again. Too much tension at installation, crimped belts, and a missing cover can all cause tension failure. Crimped belts are usually caused by not following proper handling instructions for your specific vehicle. If an outside object has infiltrated your drive, this can also lead to tension failure. It's important to address common timing belt problems as soon as they occur so that you can prevent excessive wear and tear on your vehicle's engine. This will ensure that your car will give you worry-free travel for thousands of miles into the future. This photo, “ Timing belt,” by Windell Oskay used under CC BY 2.0. “ Timing belt” is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Houston is a town that never stops moving. This vibrant city has plenty of opportunities for fun and excitement, whether you're a long-time resident, a newcomer, or are just passing through. However, because there's such a wide variety of recreational opportunities in Houston, it can be hard to know which events are right for you. If you want to make sure that you have a great time in Houston this April, make plans to attend some of the city's upcoming events. more Brian Robison Reel 'Em In Foundation Fishing Tournament There's almost nothing more relaxing than spending a day fishing, and if you're an angling enthusiast, then a perfect event in Houston is the annual Brian Robison Reel 'Em In Foundation Fishing Tournament on April 1. Although it's a newer event, only in its second year of existence, the tournament is a great opportunity for fun. After the fishing tournament, which will feature Robison, who is a Minnesota Vikings defensive end, and other NFL players, there will be a silent auction and a VIP dinner, making the tournament an all-day event that you'll want to attend every single year. Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair Great food and drink is a long-standing tradition in Houston, and if you want to sample some of the area's finest cuisine and learn about its culinary roots, visit the 14th Annual Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair. Taking place over four days — April 6-9 — this beloved event provides some great chances to enjoy mouth-watering food and drink. At The Grand Tasting, you can sample food from some of the world's top chefs, and the Sip & Stroll allows you to experience delicious food with a drink in your hand. If you love food and live in Houston, the Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair is the perfect event for you. 94.5 FM Buzzfest If you're someone who loves great music, then you're probably always on the hunt for a music festival. Fortunately, if you are in the Houston area on April 15th, you can attend the latest edition of the 94.5 FM Buzzfest. Hosted by a local Houston radio station, this annual concert features some of the best alternative music of today and yesteryear. By attending Buzzfest, you'll be able to enjoy some great music and may even make some new friends. Tickets may sell out quickly, so make sure to get yours as soon as possible. Texas Rockin' Seafood Festival It's been said that everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes its seafood. If you're the type of person who loves seafood and great music, then the perfect event in Houston this April is the annual Texas Rockin' Seafood Festival. Scheduled for the weekend of April 21st, the Rockin' Seafood Festival will feature local vendors selling some of the most delicious seafood you've ever had, including crawfish, shrimp, and crab. There will also be several excellent bands to add to the fun and excitement.   Spend some time at one of these April events in Houston, and you're guaranteed to have a fun time that you'll want to recreate year after year. This photo, “ Houston,” by Katie Haugland Bowen used under CC BY 2.0. “ Houston” is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

The key to finding the right car for you is to select a vehicle that has been customized to fit your exact needs and tastes. While some vehicles only offer you limited options for customization, the exciting 2017 Kia Sportage can be tailored to fit you like a glove. more By choosing the Kia Sportage, you'll be able to fully customize your vehicle so that you get the precise level of utility and enjoyment that you deserve. However, before you can get your ideal vehicle, you should learn about the wide variety of creative ways you can customize your 2017 Kia Sportage, Picking the Right Trim Virtually every high-quality vehicle will come with multiple trims, and the enticing Kia Sportage is no different. When you choose the Sportage as your next compact SUV, you'll be able to select from three trim levels: the LX, the EX, and the SX Turbo. All three trims can be upgraded with all-wheel drive, and come with several features. The SX Turbo trim, for example, offers a turbocharged 240-horsepower engine, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system. The EX trim is centered around comfort features like leather seat trims and automatic climate control. The LX trim provides 17-inch alloy wheels and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Packages Increase Utility Another way you can customize your 2017 Kia Sportage to your style is by choosing from several available packages. Both the LX and EX trims have multiple package options that will add amazing features to this quality vehicle. With the LX trim, you can choose the Popular Package, which includes features like roof rails and heated front seats. To that, you can add the Cool & Connected Package, which features an auto-defog system and UVO eServices. The EX trim also has two available packages: the Premium Package and the Technology Package. The Premium Package provides several luxury and advanced safety features, while the Technology Package includes voice control and premium audio. Accessorize Your Sportage If you want to customize your Sportage without spending extra money for advanced trims and packages, one of your best options is to purchase accessories. There are several interesting accessories available for the 2017 Kia Sportage, including those that will increase the utility level and longevity of your vehicle. For instance, if you plan to haul a great deal of cargo in your Sportage, you can choose a cargo net, cargo cover, or cargo tray. On the other hand, if you would like improved electronics, you can equip your Sportage with an auto dimming mirror, a Garmin GPS system, or a remote start. Selecting a Paint Job One of the keys to customizing your car is to pick a paint scheme that matches your taste. Picking a bold color is a great way to customize your Sportage. Fortunately, no matter what trim you choose, the Kia Sportage can be had in multiple colors. You'll have seven attractive colors to choose from, including Pacific Blue and Hyper Red. Build your 2017 Kia Sportage to your exact specifications and get a vehicle that exceeds your expectations. This photo, “ Kia Sportage LX 2.0 2017,” by RL GNZLZ used under CC BY-SA 2.0. “ Kia Sportage LX 2.0 2017” is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Connecting with people who share the same interests as you can be difficult in a large state like Texas. While many people attempt to network on the internet, one of the best ways to meet people with your same goals and interests is by attending conventions. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to be on the cutting edge of business and technology, or a fan of comic books, games, or sports, Texas offers several exciting conventions that you need to know about. more By attending upcoming conventions around Texas, you'll be able to make new friends and increase your networking capacity. El Paso Comic Con No one does conventions quite like comic book enthusiasts, and if you're interested in attending a comic book convention in Texas, you should consider taking part in the El Paso Comic Con. This year's convention takes place April 21-23 and offers you a great opportunity to meet fellow Texas comic book fans and the creators of some of your favorite books. If you want to attend the El Paso Comic Con, you'll need to buy either a $55 weekend pass or a $120 VIP pass, which gives you premium access to the weekend's most exciting exhibits. Featured at this year's Comic Con will be such guests as former "X-Men" writer Chris Claremont, WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, and actors Alan Tudyk and Nicholas Brendon. South by Southwest 2017 Perhaps the world's most well-known convention is back this year and is better than ever: South by Southwest (SXSW). Unlike other conventions, SXSW is comprised of different festivals that feature influencers in both the arts and business. As in years past, SXSW 2017 will feature an Interactive Festival for networking opportunities, as well as festivals focused on music, movies, and comedy. A few of this year's most exciting sessions include conversations with popular figures like Nick Offerman, Rachael Ray, Buzz Aldrin, and U.S. Sen. Corey Booker. SXSW 2017 takes place March 10-19. If you're interested in being part of this year's convention, you need to buy a pass. You can buy an individual pass for whichever festival you most want to attend, or a $1,550 Platinum Pass for access to the entire convention. Fan Expo Dallas If you're like many people, then you have a wide range of interests, which means that you'll want to visit a convention that has options for all of your favorite things. For a convention with a variety of exhibits and personalities, you should consider attending Fan Expo Dallas. Scheduled March 31-April 2, Fan Expo is a convention designed for fans of comics, science fiction, horror, video games, and anime. Truly, this convention has something for everybody. Notable figures at this year's Fan Expo include Stan Lee, Tim Curry, Adam West, and Mark Hamill. Tickets for Fan Expo Dallas are available now, and cost $89 for an individual three-day pass. You can also purchase a premium pass for $129 for access to all events and guests. Attend one of these exciting upcoming conventions around Texas and make memories that will last forever. This photo, “ All Texas,” by Kevin Dooley used under CC BY 2.0. “ All Texas” is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

If you're planning to visit Houston, a walking tour is a great way to see the many attractions that this large metropolis offers. Whether you're a foodie, a history buff, or a huge fan of NASA (or all of the above!), Houston has something just for you. more Underground Tunnel Tour Did you know that Houston has seven miles of pedestrian tunnels 20 feet below the downtown core? This underground tunnel network not only connects 80 different buildings but also has its own collection of shops and restaurants. If you've never seen an underground city before, you'll want to check this out. You can grab a map and go on a self-guided tour or have a local show you around. Houston Historical Tours offers three guided underground tunnel outings. You'll visit historic buildings such as the JPMorgan Chase Tower and the Wells Fargo Plaza. Depending on the tour, you may also see Pennzoil Place, the award-winning skyscraper designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee. Walking Food Tours As the largest city in Texas, Houston has so many fine restaurants that you may as well let a local show you the hottest spots to eat. The Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau offers three different walking food tours that each explore a specific neighborhood: Downtown, Montrose, and The Heights. For each three-hour tour, your guide will take you to various restaurants and explain the area's history and culture. The food may include Italian, Modern American, Tex-Mex, Progressive French, Spanish, and Classic Southern cuisine. Foodies will appreciate this relaxed excursion that combines culture with dining recommendations. Downtown Walking Tour We would be remiss if we didn't include the classic downtown — above ground, this time — walking tour. If you're a fan of history and architecture, you won't want to skip this attraction. Many buildings from the 1800s and early 1900s are still standing, including the 1847 Kellum-Noble plantation-style house, which is the oldest surviving building constructed in Houston. You may also see the 1870 home of the civil rights leader Jack Yates. Additionally, you'll pass through one of the many parks in Houston, such as Sam Houston Park or Buffalo Bayou Park. For your lunch break, you may stop to eat at the Hard Rock Cafe or at one of the restaurants in Market Square Park, depending which tour you sign up for. Space Center Houston Don't worry, we haven't forgotten about NASA! There are more than 400 things to see at Space Center Houston, most of which you won't find anywhere else in the country. If you opt for a self-guided tour, make sure to stop by the Starship Gallery to touch a real moon rock. To go behind the scenes of the NASA Johnson Space Center, sign up for the NASA Tram Tour. For a VIP experience, you can sign up for the Level 9 Tour. It includes a free lunch at the Johnson Space Center and exclusive access to buildings not available to regular visitors. How cool is that? Houston is a large city with many interesting attractions. Plan ahead of time and choose a walking tour so you can get the most out of your visit! This photo, “ Space suits at Space Center Houston,” by Heather Cowper used under CC BY 2.0. “ Space suits at Space Center Houston” is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Kia vehicles are reliable and fun to drive, which is why the brand is gaining popularity in the U.S. To make the driving experience even better, drivers can customize their vehicles with Kia accessories. Here are six of the most useful ones. more Cargo Liners, Nets, and Trays A cargo liner is a simple way to protect the cargo area's carpet from dirt and stains. This is perfect if you tend to pack your Kia with gardening supplies, sports equipment, or other messy items. The waterproof cargo tray — which is custom fit to your vehicle — offers protection from heavy spills and wet items. Is the back always packed with groceries and stuff for the kids? The cargo net helps to keep everything secure. Touch-Up Paint Pen When you finish shopping and return to your vehicle in the parking lot, you don't want to find scratch marks on the doors. Unfortunately, these things happen. That's why the Kia touch-up paint pens are so helpful. Each dual-tipped pen has clear coating and a paint color that matches your vehicle perfectly, making it easy to cover scratches and keep your vehicle looking new. All-Weather Floor Mats If you live in a region that gets snowy or rainy periods, you'll want the Kia all-weather mats to protect the carpet from salt stains and water stains. These waterproof mats have deep grooves that trap water, road salt, dirt, and sand. Most importantly, they prevent water from seeping through the floor and damaging the undercarriage. This investment will help prolong the life of your vehicle. Spare Tire Hardware Kit Many drivers keep a spare tire in the vehicle, which is great. But do you also carry the tools you need? If not, the Spare Tire Hardware Kit is a good investment. It has everything you need to change a damaged tire, so there's no need for you to raid your household toolbox. If you're lucky, you'll never need to use it, but having it on hand will give you peace of mind. UV Sunshade Drivers who park outside often will benefit from using the Kia UV Sunshade. Excess sun exposure eventually fades your vehicle's upholstery, lowering its resale value as well as its coolness factor. To prevent this, cover the windshield with the sunshade while you're at work or at home. It will also help to keep the inside of your vehicle cool. Roof Rack Cross Bars and Attachments Whether you have a spacious Kia crossover vehicle or a sweet little sedan, you can bring what you need wherever you go. All you need is the basic roof rack cross bars, and it becomes easy to attach items to your vehicle. There are specific roof attachments that allow you to roof-mount your kayak, ski or snowboard, or mountain bike. The roof cargo basket attachment makes it easier to pack extra luggage for those longer trips. Students can also use it to transport items from home to campus. Kia makes award-winning vehicles that drivers love. Make the most of your Kia and try personalizing it with one of these useful accessories.