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With key safety features including front and rear head and front side airbags for the driver and passenger, as well as 4-Wheel ABS, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, and Brake Assist, it's easy to see why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2018 Kia Sorento a 5-star rating. The new model also received a Superior rating for front crash prevention from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), as well as Good ratings across the board on crash-worthiness. Other safety features of the new Kia include: Electronic Stability Control Child Safety Locks Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors Traction Control But there are few key aspects of the new model that really make it a safe ride, so here's a rundown of the top four essential safety features of the 2018 Sorento. more Active Handling Advanced active safety systems give you enhanced control using Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which offers precise handling, and added brake support from the Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC). These safety features allow the Sorento to constantly track and adapt to current driving conditions, taking the pressure off of you and allowing you to simply enjoy the ride. Advanced Control Control is a major feature of the Sorento, with the ESC keeping you on the right course as the Traction Control System (TCS) ensures you don't experience wheel spin. In addition, the All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) models of the Sorento come with Torque Vectoring Corner Control (TVCC) that gives you enhanced stability and control when cornering. Powerful Braking Another excellent safety feature of the Sorento is the advanced braking system, which provides improved efficiency. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) effortlessly adjusts the braking at both the front and rear, depending on the load in the car. In addition, the Brake Assist System (BAS) is able to sense emergency braking situations, responding by boosting braking pressure whenever it's needed. Meanwhile, the HAC also works to keep your car in place during acceleration from a stopped position on inclines. Passive Systems As well as the active safety features, the Sorento comes with several excellent passive systems that will protect you in the event an accident does occur. The body of the car is crafted from advanced high-strength steel (53 percent), offering maximum protection. Structurally the car has been build using patented construction techniques, as well as industrial-strength adhesives, and a highly-advanced body designed for maximum rigidity. An advanced airbag system includes sensors capable of detecting impact levels while determining if there is a front passenger, to ensure airbag inflation is perfectly managed according to the occupants of the car and severity of the incident. Height-adjustable seat-belt anchors at the front ensure the perfect fit, while pretensioners are able to tighten the seat belts during certain types of collision. Children are equally secure with a Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system, allowing you to safely install child seats. Overall the 2018 Kia Sorento is an excellent choice for safety, with powerful modern features and a keen eye for detail to keep you and your family safe, come what may. Image by DomAlberts, used under CCO 1.0

Everyone needs to escape the city occasionally, walk in the wilds for while, recharge, and get some fresh air and sunshine. There are a surprising number of beautiful trails near Houston providing you with ample opportunities to get back to nature. Here are our picks for the five best hikes in the Houston area. Karankawa And Armand Bayou Martyn Trails One of the best hiking spots in Houston is the Karankawa and Armand Bayou Martyn trails, which boast more than five miles of adventure. Explore all the ecosystems Houston has to offer, from the forest to the prairie and bayou. While you're out there, don't miss the stunning beauty of the prairie's wildflowers. more Bay Area Park At the southeast end of downtown Houston, you will find Bay Area Park, a great spot to get away without going too far. Flagstone trails through the woodland offer beautiful views of the Armand Bayou, while the gazebo and Oasis garden provides the perfect place to sit, relax, read a book, or simply take in the stunning scenery. Turn your visit into a day trip by bringing a picnic to enjoy by the duck pond. Brazos Bend State Park With 4,897-acres of state park just a short drive to the southwest of the city, it's well worth a trip out to Needville. The park is adjacent to Elm Lake as well as 40 Acre Lake, providing both woodland and water to enjoy. It's a great place for a good hike, with a 15.8-mile loop trail. Keep an eye out for the many different species of birds that thrive in the park's wetlands, and enjoy the sounds of nature all around you. The park is also dog-friendly (although your canine companion will need to stay on their leash). Challenger Seven Memorial Park A relatively small but beautiful spot on the southeast edge of town, Challenger Seven Memorial Park was named for the brave astronauts who lost their lives in the Challenger disaster of 1986. It has 326 acres of gorgeous green, including nature trails, and offers one of the best spots for hiking inside the city. Pavilions overlooking the water offer a relaxing spot to sit and enjoy the view or spend time with family and friends. Beautiful, large trees provide plenty of shade for escaping from the heat. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Offering both special events and nine trails that allow you to embark on a self-guided adventure, the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is a great spot. Don't miss the Outer Loop trail offering two miles of beautiful walking and space for peaceful reflection, and the multi-sensory 1/3 mile Palmetto trail which is perfect for kids and a little sightseeing. Observation decks provide great places for watching wildlife, including small mammals, birds, turtles, fish, bullfrogs, and more. With so many beautiful hiking spots in and around Houston, there's no reason you can't spend at least a little time in the great outdoors every day. Image by Free-Photos, used under CCO 1.0

You can't beat authentic Mexican cuisine, and if you're in the Dickinson area there are plenty of great spots to find delicious food. From tacos to tostadas and quesadillas to mole, here are our top four places to find great Mexican food in and around Dickinson. Los Balones Mexican Grill A lovely local eatery, Los Balones Mexican Grill is a wonderful place to get a bite of Mexican spice. Offering both eat-in and takeaway food, it's both a convenient way to grab a quick, delicious meal and a good spot for a cozy dinner. With friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere, Los Balones is a wonderful way to get legitimate Mexican food in Dickinson, with little details like homemade flour tortillas completing the experience. While the decor is a little quaint, the food is delicious, made with fresh ingredients and full of flavor; it's highly recommended. more Taqueria Chalupas Another excellent place to find amazing food is Taqueria Chalupas. If you're a fan of a taste of Mexico for breakfast, this is the place for you, with breakfast served all day, every day. The food here is excellent, with homemade tortillas and sauces. The atmosphere at Taqueria is bright, friendly, and down to earth, but it's the real Mexican food that makes it worth the trip. Try the charro beans; they're packed with bacon, big chunks of green pepper, and full of flavor - not to be missed! If they don't strike your fancy, the chalupa is delicious and the tacos are perfect. La Frontera Mexican Restaurant La Frontera is another excellent place. While it may not have the appearance of an upscale restaurant, the rustic charm rather enhances the experience and the food is certainly exceptional. This is Mom & Pop dining at its finest, with the authentic taste of Mexico in every dish. From lunch times specials to staple dishes like chili relleno, mole, and tacos, La Frontera doesn't disappoint. Yet the real value of the place comes in the smaller details, like yummy salsa and bowls of pico de gallo, chilled to perfection. If you're thirsty, grab a horchata, kick back and relax while enjoying some outstanding Mexican treats. Playa Maya Another excellent taste of Mexico is found at Playa Maya, which offers Caribbean-Mexican food similar to that found in Quintana Roo on the Mexican coast. Playa Maya may have fairly standard decor and a simple aesthetic, but like most great Mexican joints the humble appearance masks exceptional cuisine. You'll find the staff friendly and welcoming, and both the owner and manager regularly interacting with customers personally to see how everyone is enjoying the food. Whether you're living in Dickinson or simply passing through, it's well worth stopping at one (or more!) of these great Mexican restaurants and enjoying a big helping of Tex-Mex charm. Image by Daria-Yakovleva, used under CCO 1.0

If you are looking for a hybrid SUV this year, look no further than the 2018 Kia Niro. Voted as Green Car Journal's 2018 Green SUV of the Year, this crossover is versatile, economical, and fun to drive. The features that contributed to the Niro being named Green SUV of the Year include the full parallel hybrid system, the dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the regenerative braking system. When working together, these features provide superior fuel economy for the Niro, which might be the best feature of all. more Full Parallel Hybrid System Using a full parallel hybrid system, the 2018 Niro has a powerful lithium-ion battery and a hybrid optimized engine with a lightweight electric motor. These components work together to create a fuel-efficient vehicle that offers a smooth and reliable ride. The electric motor is energy-dense, offering 1.56 kWh of power when paired with the lithium-ion battery. The gas engine is a four-cylinder and is a 1.6L engine with gasoline-direct injection. The electric motor has 43 horsepower while the gas engine has 104 horsepower. When they are combined, the electric motor and gas engine offer 139 horsepower, so you still get an exciting, sporty feel when driving. Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission The six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) offers both efficiency and fun to drivers of the Niro. With a dual clutch, the transmission has two clutch packs; one for even gears and one for odd ones. With two clutch packs, you get a smooth transition of power between the gears, saving energy in between shifts. With the dual-clutch transmission, you get the fun-to-drive feel of an SUV with the impressive efficiency of a hybrid. Regenerative Braking System In addition to the full parallel hybrid system and dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Niro also has a regenerative braking system that contributes to its fuel efficiency. The regenerative braking system can recharge the lithium-ion battery while you are driving. The way the system works is by taking all the kinetic energy that comes from the vehicle when you use the brakes to slow down and transferring it to the battery. Just by driving you can recharge the battery and give yourself extra mileage to increase the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Superior Fuel Economy The 2018 Kia Niro offers excellent fuel economy as an SUV. With the combination of the full parallel hybrid system, the dual-clutch automatic transmission, and regenerative braking system, the Niro gets an estimated 52 miles per gallon in the city and 49 miles per gallon on the highway. Competing vehicles in the same segment range from 26 to 34 miles per gallon in the city and 28 to 30 miles per gallon on the highway, so there is a significant difference. As the 2018 Green SUV of the Year, the Kia Niro delivers on fuel efficiency while also providing a fun ride to its passengers. If you are looking for an SUV that leaves a smaller environmental footprint, be sure to schedule a test drive at Gay Family Kia today. This photo, “ Da Parigi, ecco Kia Niro, I’utilitaria ecologica per famiglie,” by Automobile Italia used under CC BY 2.0. “Da Parigi, ecco Kia Niro, I’utilitaria ecologica per famiglie” is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Everyone loves a good breakfast, no matter what day of the week it is. Dickinson, Texas, has some great breakfast restaurants that offer a wide variety of options. Whether you want something quick, a weekend brunch, or something a little different, Dickinson has a restaurant for you. more Waffle House For a quick breakfast try Waffle House. It's known for serving "good food fast," and you are sure to find a menu item that you will enjoy. The All-Star Breakfast is the choice for you if you want a big meal. It comes with a waffle, two eggs, grits, toast, and your choice of bacon, sausage, or city ham. Waffle House is also "The World's Leading Server of Real Hash browns." There are eight different toppings that you can add to the hash browns so that you can have them made according to your specific tastes. Toppings include grilled onions, melted cheese, hickory smoked ham, grilled tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, grilled mushrooms, Bert's chili, and sausage gravy. You can choose one topping or multiples. The choice is up to you. Other menu items include waffles, eggs, omelets, and steak and eggs. Marais If you are looking for a brunch place on a Sunday, try Marais. Mainly specializing in seafood, they expand their menu on Sunday to offer breakfast options. They have three different areas of seating which range from casual dining to more formal, depending on what you are looking for. You can also choose to sit in the bar or the restaurant. For brunch, you can select from the brunch menu or the buffet. The menu has a wide variety of eggs Benedict plates to choose from; other menu items include chicken and waffles and a lobster frittata. The brunch buffet has an omelet station, a French toast station, and a selection of other breakfast foods like biscuits and gravy, sausage, and bacon. The hot meats station serves meats such as prime rib and ham. There is also a cold salad station that has options such as Caesar salad, potato salad, and pasta salad. There are also seafood options at the buffet. They have oyster dishes such as raw oysters and oysters Rockefeller. You can also try tuna ceviche and peel-and-eat shrimp. If you are looking for a nice variety of food, be sure to try the buffet. Paradise Grill If you would like a Tex-Mex style breakfast, head to Paradise Grill. They offer Mexican-style food like huevos rancheros which are eggs with a ranchero sauce, and chilaquiles which are scrambled eggs with tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, and melted cheese. They also have a chicken fajita omelet and a few breakfast tacos as well. Whether you are looking for a quick meal from the Waffle House, a Sunday brunch from Marais, or something a little different like a Mexican breakfast from the Paradise Grill, Dickinson has many breakfast selections to suit your taste in food. Be sure to stop by any of these restaurants for a delicious meal. This photo, “ picturesque,” by Phil Denton used under CC BY-SA 2.0. “ picturesque” is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Every year, Kia works hard to provide the best features possible in their vehicles. Here are four of the best technological features that Kia offers in their 2018 lineup. more UVO eServices Kia's UVO system allows its drivers to access everything that they need in their vehicle in one single interface. This interface can be accessed from the vehicle screen, an online portal, or the UVO application. Using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can connect to your phone and access hands-free calling and texting, listen to music, and access your favorite apps. If you need directions you can use the voice-command navigation, or you can contact roadside assistance in an emergency. The UVO system also runs vehicle diagnostics and has Parking Minders which lets you save your parking location on your phone, allowing you to find your vehicle with ease. If you have kids who are driving your vehicle you can use My Car Zone. It allows you to set curfew limits, speed alerts, and a geofence alert which is a perimeter you want your vehicle to stay in. If the driver breaks those limits, you receive notifications on your smartphone alerting you. UVO Eco System The UVO Eco system is available in Kia's EcoDynamic plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles. In addition to everything that comes with the UVO eServices, you can see your battery's charging status, schedule charging times, and find nearby charging stations from your UVO app or online portal. There are also remote options that allow you to lock and unlock your doors, start your vehicle, and set the climate controls so you always have the perfect temperature when you get into your car. In addition, you can use the Find My Car feature that not only locates your vehicle but also gives you directions to it. Idle Stop and Go Technology Kia's Idle Stop and Go technology helps vehicles reduce their emissions on the road. Every time your vehicle comes to a complete stop the engine turns off. When you take your foot off the brake, it turns back on. An additional bonus of the Idle Stop and Go technology is that by reducing the use of the engine you are also reducing the wear and tear on your vehicle. Advanced Airbags In Kia's new lineup of vehicles, they have focused on their airbags. You can find dual front airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags, and side-curtain airbags. The side-curtain airbags are in both the front- and second-row seating positions. Monitoring all the airbags is an advanced sensor system that keeps track of the presence of passengers and seatbelt use. If you are in a crash, the sensor system monitors the severity of impact and controls the airbag inflation when possible. Kia has many useful technological features in their vehicles. UVO eServices, UVO Eco system, Idle Stop and Go technology, and advanced airbags are just four of many features that work to make Kia vehicles more eco-friendly, safe, and accessible. Be sure to check out the selection of new 2018 Kia vehicles today. This photo, “ 2016 Kia Sorento SXL AWD – UVO services & apps,” by Michael Sheehan used under CC BY-SA 2.0. “ 2016 Kia Sorento SXL AWD – UVO services & apps” is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Dickinson, Texas, known as the "best-kept secret on the Gulf Coast," offers gorgeous parks, beaches, and outdoor recreational spaces, a variety of events and activities year round, and easy access to Houston and Galveston. more Are you traveling to the area in the next few months? Check out the top four free or almost-free activities for a fun-filled family-friendly afternoon. Gather Fruits and Vegetables at Fruits ‘n Such Orchard A small family-owned, pick-your-own farm, Fruits ‘n Such lets families explore the farm while they learn where the products come from. Fruits 'n Such Orchard offers a great variety of seasonal produce as well as seeds, flowers, and eggs for sale. Bring the family for a day of picking fruit and veggies and interacting with farm animals. Be sure to check out their Facebook page before you go to see if they're open. When: May and June; times vary depending on the weather Where: 6903 Avenue U, Dickinson Prices: Admission is free, you only pay for the produce you pick Tour the Grounds of the Dickinson Historic Railroad Center Located along some of the oldest railroad tracks connecting Dickinson with Houston and Galveston, Dickinson Historic Railroad Center consists of several historic buildings and some beautifully maintained grounds. On-site are the Dickinson Railroad and League City Railroad Depots and the Historic Railroad Museum containing displays, artifacts and objects, devices, and equipment from the 1800s and later. When: Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.; closed on Sunday Where: 218 FM 517 West, Dickinson Price: $2.50 per person Enjoy Outdoor and Water Sports at Dickinson Bayou If you're the athletic type or an outdoor enthusiast, Dickinson Bayou has you covered. The Bayou provides opportunities for families to fish, boat, swim, canoe, or waterski. For those who prefer to stay on dry land, there are campsites as well as hiking and biking trails. With the endless options Dickinson Bayou offers, your family can have a memorable, active, and engaging afternoon under the shining sun. When: The Bayou is open year round Where: Along the Bayou, Dickinson Price: Free Participate in Family Story Time at Dickinson Public Library Dickinson Public Library is open six days a week and offers a variety of adult, teen, and children's programming to pique the interest of all your family members. Family Story Time is one of those programs. Geared towards families with children in grade school, the event is a great opportunity for families to enjoy a story, arts and crafts, and some snacks. When: Every Second Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Where: 4411 Highway 3, Dickinson Price: Free Dickinson's waterfront location and recreational spaces allow it to offer something for everyone, regardless of the season or reason. If you are looking for a new or used car to get you around town, Gay Family Kia has you covered with a variety of new, used, and certified pre-owned Kia vehicles. This photo, “ Great Egret in Dickinson Bayou Headwaters,” by BFS Man used under CC BY-SA 2.0. “ Great Egret in Dickinson Bayou Headwaters” is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

We would like to introduce you to something special — UVO. UVO is Kia's infotainment center, and we think it's extra special. Every driver has their own personality, and so does every Kia. That's why Kia was smart enough to create different UVO suites, including eServices, eco, and luxe. Each suite was designed with its own unique set of services and features. more While all UVO-equipped vehicles include some standard features, both eco and luxe include additional features that further enhance the driver experience. Gay Family Kia is excited about UVO, and we're confident you will be too. Here are four reasons UVO is the best infotainment system available. Roadside Assistance All three UVO systems provide emergency roadside assistance 24/7. You'll never have to fret about being stuck out on the road again. If you happen to get a flat tire, or run out of gas, all you have to do is press a button and help will be on the way. An UVO representative will already know which vehicle you're driving and your exact GPS location. They will then verify the details with you and ask how they can help. They are your guardian angel on the road, and will make you feel safe. Apple and Android Compatibility Kia has partnered with both Apple and Android to utilize Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as part of the UVO system. Using these features, UVO lets you tune in and use your favorite smartphone features and apps, like Google, Pandora, and Yelp. Diagnostics Is your car acting up? Are you concerned that something might be wrong with it? With UVO the doctor is always in. Diagnostics provide instant current information on the state of your car's main operations. You don't have to wait to receive a monthly report like some of the other manufacturer's systems. The information is always available so you are aware of any required maintenance or repairs. What's more, with a simple push of a button on your smartphone app, you can schedule an appointment with your favorite Kia dealership. My Car Zone Do you have a teenage driver in your household? With UVO, you can set up Curfew Limit Alerts. In the event that your automobile is being driven past a pre-determined time, Curfew Alert will send you a notification via your smartphone, so you can call your teen and remind them to come home. You can also set up speed alerts, which are designed to keep you informed, give you peace of mind, and keep your loved ones safe. If you have a teenage driver, you'll probably also really appreciate the Geofence Alert, which allows you to set up geographic boundaries for your Kia. UVO has so many incredible features that's it's hard to list them all here. We recommend you come into the dealership so we can show you firsthand all the cool things it does. Whatever your needs are, from streaming your favorite music, to finding your next appointment, to teaching your teenager to drive responsibly, UVO can help. This photo, " 2017 Kia Niro: A New Hybrid Hero,” by Automotive Rhythms used under CC BY-NC-ND 2.o. " 2017 Kia Niro: A New Hybrid Hero " is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.o by Gay Family Kia.

It seems like everyone is trying to reduce their carbon footprint. Greenhouse gases are melting the polar ice caps and punching a hole in our planet's ozone, and we're all trying to do our part to stop it. That's why an eco-friendly Kia makes sense. It will not only save you a tremendous amount of money on gas, but it's good for the environment too. We at Gay Family Kia care about our customers as much as we care about the planet. So here are four good questions to ask when trying to choose an eco-friendly Kia. more What's the Difference Between an Electric Vehicle and a Hybrid? An electric vehicle is 100 percent electric and doesn't require any gas. You just charge it and go, but if you don't charge it, you can't go anywhere. With a hybrid electric vehicle, there is no plug. Both the gas engine and electric motor work together to provide more efficient power. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle operates on both gas and electricity. You have the option of using either one as its source of power. Which Model Is Right for Me? The first thing to ask yourself is if you think you'll ever go on long road trips. If so, you should think about going with a hybrid model, because there might not be charging stations available in some areas along the way. The United States now has over 16,000 public electric car charging stations, but still many of them are concentrated in urban areas. The Kia Soul EV has ample cargo space, so it is a good choice for those who are sports minded. The Optima Hybrid is the most popular for good reason — it has stylish lines and outstanding features, like push-button start and surround sound, that make it a dream to drive. The Niro is fun to drive, has a lot of cargo space, and is good for those with an active lifestyle. Will I Get an Income Tax Credit? You should check with your accountant or CPA to be sure, but most all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars purchased after 2010 are generally eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500. You should also check with local agencies to see if you qualify for other benefits and incentives, like free parking or free charging. Some cities even allow single-occupant HOV lane access for hybrids or electric vehicles. Where Can I Get One? We're glad you asked, because that's why we're here. We are happy to show you all the different models and help you determine which one is right for you and your family. As you can see, there's a lot to consider and we know it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, but we can help simplify it all for you. The lower emissions and savings in gas are just the beginning. Once you drive one of these fine vehicles, you'll fall in love with the style and smooth ride. Soon you might even have one of your own. This photo, " 2017 Kia Niro: A New Hybrid Hero,” by Automotive Rhythms used under CC BY-NC-ND 2.o. " 2017 Kia Niro: A New Hybrid Hero " is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.o by Gay Family Kia.

More and more people are calling themselves a foodie. That's because eating tasty and well prepared dishes has become America's favorite pastime. If good food is your favorite hobby, then Houston is the city for you. There always seems to be some sort of amazing food event just around the corner. We at Gay Family Kia enjoy good food as much as anybody. So, tantalize your taste buds and loosen your belt, because these are three awesome Houston food events to check out in the spring. more The Texas Taco, Tequila, and Margarita Festival Texans really know how to celebrate Cinco De Mayo in style. Join your neighbors and visitors from around the world at the Texas Taco, Tequila, and Margarita Festival on Cinco de Mayo. Held at Preservation Park in Spring, Texas, this annual event is always a blast! Boasting some of the most delicious tacos, tequila, and margaritas from all around the great state of Texas, there's always plenty to eat and drink. Enjoy live performances by talented artists such as Gio Chamba, Latin Paradise, and your favorite Mariachi Bands. Kids of all ages enjoy the carnival rides, retail vendors, and extraordinary people watching that this festival always offers. The hours are from noon on May 5 through midnight May 6 at Preservation Park. 6th Annual Houston Barbecue Festival On April 15 at the Humble Civic Center Arena, you can enjoy Houston's best barbecue restaurants all in one place at one time, for one price. The festival celebrates and honors Houston fascination with barbecue and all the people who cook it up. All of the contributing BBQ joints provide a sample serving — which is about two ounces — of their tasty barbecue to customers that visit their booth at the event. Popular barbecue places that will be participating again this year include Fainmous BBQ, Feges BBQ, Gatlin's BBQ, and Blake's BBQ, to name just a few. The Brisket House and CorkScrew BBQ are also always a crowd favorite. So arrive early before they run out of your favorite dishes. A wide array of craft and national beers will also be available for purchase at the bar. Houston Mac N Cheese Festival If your favorite comfort food is homemade mac and cheese, then this is your type of festival. Houston's most trendy restaurants will serve up mouthwatering samples of their creative version of your favorite creamy meal, along with unique signature cocktails, live performances, artisan vendors, and other fun activities. Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 7, and get your mac and cheese fix on Silver Street in downtown Houston. There is nothing like a great food event to bring out the foodie in you. Before long you'll find yourself critiquing the ingredients and making notes of decadent favorites. Bring your friends, family, good walking shoes, your camera, and most of all, your appetite. These events are world renowned for great food, great times, and great people. Don't miss out on the opportunity to enjoy Houston's best food at these three fun spring events. This photo, “ Summer barbecue,” by PIVISO used under CC Public Domain Dedication. “ Summer barbecue” is licensed under CC Public Domain Dedication by Gay Family Kia.

It may have been Taco Bell that made America's “Fourth Meal” popular, but they aren't the only ones in town that cater to the late night munchies. It doesn't matter if you're pulling an all nighter to study for a big exam, working the night shift at your new job, or are out painting the town with your friends, when you get the craving for a late night meal these places answer the call. more From carb-loaded juicy burgers, to delicious south-of-the-border style tacos, there's plenty of tasty bites at these local restaurants. Gay Family Kia reminds you to always have a designated driver when you're out having a good time. These are three drive-thrus for a late night snack in Houston. Whataburger Whataburger is a local icon for good reason. Their portions are generous and their staff is friendly, but more than anything, it's just a great joint for finger lickin' yummy food. We like their honey butter chicken biscuit, which is loaded with tangy chicken. The avocado bacon burger is also another favorite. It's served on Texas toast instead of the usual hamburger bun. If you really want to know what Whataburger is all about, order the A1 Thick and Hearty Burger. It's a perfect example of a good American hamburger at its finest. Whataburger has a lot of great locations scattered all around Houston, so there is sure to be one in your neighborhood. Taco Palenque Serving an incredible 10 million tacos per year, Taco Palenque has been delighting late night customers for decades. Their recipe for success is simple — good food, good service, and good value. Don Pancho, originally from Sinaloa, Mexico, founded El Pollo Loco in the early 1980s. It was so successful that he opened another restaurant, Taco Palenque, in Laredo, Texas. Known for serving unique dishes in a comfortable setting, Taco Palenque serves a lot more than just tacos. Try their to-die-for breakfast burritos, which are sure to set things in motion for a beautiful day. Also, try an award-winning parrillada to curb your late night Mexican food craving. From fajitas to Al Pastor, they're loaded with savory meat and fresh grilled veggies, that will make your taste buds sing. There are a number of Taco Palenque locations scattered throughout Houston, so you're bound to find one somewhere close to you. Be forewarned though, the place is addicting. Poppa Burger If you want a consistently good burger that's available 24/7, Poppa Burger is for you. Known for great burgers and crispy fries, you can't go wrong with a late night drive-thru at Poppa Burger, where you can get a full meal for under $6. Enjoy the outside seating and take your time savoring the tasty bites. They even have a burglar bar, left over from days gone by, where you can customize your burger just the way you want it. It's nostalgic but trendy, and always delicious. Late night drive thrus just feel special somehow. Maybe it's the excitement of a night out on the town, or just a quick break from your studies, but when the craving hits, these three places are open and ready. This photo, " I Love Whataburger,” by Robert Young used under CC BY-NC 2.o. " I Love Whataburger " is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

The 2018 Stinger is the current-year model of Kia's high-performance vehicle. Taking the production quality of a Kia vehicle and adding a commanding engine means there's plenty to love about this car. Take a closer look at the power, interior features, exterior specs, and other things that make the Stinger a phenomenal luxury vehicle. more Record-Setting Acceleration and Power The Stinger is wonderfully powerful and has topped the 0-60 time of many other models in its class. The Stinger gets up to 60 in 4.7 seconds, which beats the BMW 440i Gran Coupe, Porsche Panamera RWD, BMW 640i Gran Coupe, and Audi A5 Sportback. The Kia Stinger achieves this while delivering up to 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. A Choice of Two Turbocharged Engines Drivers can build a Stinger with one of two engine options: a twin scroll turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a twin turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0-liter gets 255 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and the 3.3-liter gets 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. A Choice of Five Trims The 2018 Stinger is highly customizable for drivers who want to build one of these vehicles from the ground up. This starts with one of five trims: 2.0L, Premium, GT, GT1, and GT2. The 2.0-liter engine is exclusive to the 2.0L and the Premium. The other trims get the 3.3-liter V-6. The GT2 comes standard with a limited-slip differential — optional on the GT — and all vehicles can add an all-wheel drive transfer control case and dynamic torque vectoring control. In addition, drivers can purchase an optional package when building their new Stingers. The Kia Drive Wise Package, for instance, adds several advanced safety technologies, such as forward collision avoidance and lane keep assist, as well as convenience features like rain sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers. An Incredible Exterior One of the first things you'll notice about the new Stinger is its incredible exterior. It has a sleek frame, with the GT, GT1, and GT2 distinguishable by the GT front grille, hood trim, rear bumper, black chrome exterior accents, and body color door handles. The GT2 also gets an exclusive smart power trunk, and the Premium, GT1, and GT2 get a sunroof with a power sunshade. The Stinger is also technically a hatchback, which adds to the unique look of the vehicle. A Plethora of Safety Features Drivers of the 2018 Stinger will enjoy incredible peace of mind behind the wheel. In addition to a comprehensive airbag system, all Stingers have cornering brake control, electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Advanced technologies such as forward collision avoidance assist, a forward collision warning system, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, driver attention warning, and high beam assist are available through an optional package. The 2018 Kia Stinger is an eye-catching vehicle, but there's lots more to love other than its looks. With a starting MSRP of just $31,900, this powerful car is an affordable option for many drivers. Check one out in person to see how excellent this luxury vehicle is on the road. This photo, " Kia Stinger, eccola berlina coreana con una spruzzata di GT," by automobileitalia, used under CC BY 2.o. "Kia Stinger, eccola berlina coreana con una spruzzata di GT" is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.