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Sometimes when the sun is covered by clouds and the rain starts coming down, we hunker down inside and watch movies and hope for sunny weather soon. However, there are so many great things to see and explore while it rains in New England! Here is a list of 10 great places to visit the next time it rains and you need something to do. Great for the kids and for you!

Connecticut

Mystic Seaport Museum

Be among the first in the world to see a new collection of Viking helmets, weapons, shields, and other artifacts — some dating to the seventh century — on display in the Collins Gallery. The exhibition of Swedish relics makes its international debut on May 19 in Mystic and runs through September 30. If horned helmets don’t pique your interest, check out the museum’s other exhibits, including a collection of ship carvings and figureheads.

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, 860-572-0711, mysticseaport.org

Yale University Art Gallery

The museum holds more than 4,000 pieces, from ancient art to contemporary works. Art buffs will appreciate the work of Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Edgar Degas. And that’s just the permanent collection. Starting June 29, works from Leonardo da Vinci’s early career will be on display. If the rain subsides, take a stroll through a sculpture garden or explore the rooftop terrace. Plus, it’s free and open to the public.

Open Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1111 Chapel Street, New Haven, 203-432-0601, artgallery.yale.edu

RHODE ISLAND

International Tennis Hall of Fame

Are you a tennis fan? If not, a day at the sport’s Hall of Fame, in the Newport Casino — where the first national men’s singles championship was played in 1881 — might convert you. Three galleries serve up history, starting with the sport’s invention in medieval monasteries. Two other galleries are dedicated to Hall of Fame players. Interactive exhibits include a 5-foot touch screen where you can engage in a match of tennis trivia.

Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until 6 p.m. July through Labor Day. 194 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, 401-849-3990, tennisfame.com

Roger Williams Park

Head to the Botanical Center to stroll through New England’s largest public indoor display garden, where more than 150 plant species flourish in five greenhouses. Then explore the park’s Museum of Natural History, which opened in 1896. Fossils, minerals, and rocks are just some of the artifacts here. Or tour the universe at a Planetarium show. Bring an umbrella and wander the 40-acre zoo, too.

Botanical Center open Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Museum of Natural History open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Zoo open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, 401-785-3510, rwpconservancy.org

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Seacoast Science Center

Learn about ocean creatures by exploring the educational exhibits at this center. If you’re brave enough, head over to the touch tanks, where you can hold a starfish or pet a chain catshark. Soak up the story of Tofu, a humpback whale who lived in the Gulf of Maine. The H20 Today exhibit, which opens June 10, details the challenges of global water conservation.

Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 570 Ocean Boulevard, Rye, 603-436-8043, seacoastsciencecenter.org

Hampton Beach Boardwalk

Make it a family game day at the boardwalk, where you can test your skills at an arcade. Funarama is in the strip across from the public restrooms, and Playland Arcade, which boasts a wide selection of pinball machines, is just down the road. Pick up a few “I [heart] New Hampshire” shirts at a gift shop along the way. For those with a sweet tooth, fill up a bag of goodies at a candy store, such as The Candy Corner.

Ocean Boulevard, Hampton, 603-926-8717, hamptonbeach.org

MAINE

Maine Indoor Karting

After one lap around the track in a gas-powered go-kart, you’ll forget about the gloomy weather outside. The 42,000-square-foot facility offers both adult and youth racing, on go-karts that can reach up to 40 miles per hour. The Kids Zone features safer cars that operate at 5 miles per hour. Afterward, enjoy a round of indoor mini golf or some time at the arcade.

Open Wednesday-Thursday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 23 Washington Avenue, Scarborough, 888-246-5278, maineindoorkarting.com

Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine

Trick the kids into learning while they play at this museum, where they can become masters of physics by running balls down ramps they construct themselves, drive a play fire engine and slide down a fire pole, and nurse teddy bears back to health. There’s even a replica lobster boat where kids can pretend to haul in traps from Portland Harbor.

Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 142 Free Street, Portland, 207-828-1234, kitetails.org

With Toyota’s new Entune 3.0 entering into a world with an emphasis on technology, it gives the new Toyota lineup, available at Handy Toyota just 30 minutes from Burlington and Plattsburgh, key characteristics, that allow it to stand out in the automotive crowd. With an influx of technology, Toyota-brand entertainment and connectivity take a leap forward with the debut of Toyota Entune 3.0 at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show. With Improved navigation, connectivity, and entertainment the next-generation Toyota Entune system will be a game changer for new Toyota Models. Here are some of the best features of the new Entune 3.0!

Scout GPS and Dynamic Navigation Systems

Here to help you when traveling down the road less traveled, is Toyota’s new navigation system. Toyota’s Entune 3.0 will add Scout GPS link with full moving maps, simply connect to Scout GPS with your smartphone and turn-by-turn directions will appear on your Toyota Entune touchscreen display! With the new Dynamic navigation bringing updates to maps and navigation in real-time in order to ensure accurate information at all times.

On-Board WI-FI

You heard right! Toyota’s new Entune 3.0 brings onboard wifi to the table, allowing for an instant upgrade in connectivity. Data Communications Modules will be available for select models and through a partnership with Verizon will add access to Wifi for up to five devices!

Safety Connect and App Suite Connect

To help you stay safe behind the wheel of your new Toyota from Handy Toyota in Saint Albans Vermont, Toyota’s new Entune 3.0 provides important new safety features. Your new Toyota will provide an instant notification when you are involved in an accident, providing a direct line to emergency services. Another advantage is Toyota’s new App Suit Connect, bringing access to your favorite smartphone apps, easily accessible on your multimedia touchscreen display.

Remote Connect and Service Connect

To further your connectivity, Remote Connect will keep you connected to the cloud through an Entune mobile app that will allow you to start your car, lock the doors and set driving parameters from your smartphone on higher trim level Toyota vehicles. For the Drivers that may neglect basic maintenance, you will find that Toyota Entune 3.0 Service Connect is an asset! Providing maintenance reminders and access to Vehicle Health Reports online and on your smartphone.

We all have to jump-start a vehicle occasionally. Whether you’re the one receiving the jump or if you’re helping out a fellow motorist, it’s important to know how to do this. However, it can get confusing when you’re working with a hybrid vehicle, whether you’re the owner or not. Interested in learning how to jump-start a hybrid like the Toyota Prius? Take a look below for our simple, step-by-step instructions!

How to Jump-Start the Toyota Prius

Even though the 2017 Toyota Prius comes with an impressive hybrid drive system, we think that you’ll find what is going on under the hood to be quite familiar, especially when it comes to its battery. The Prius, like any other vehicle, still uses a 12-volt battery for the same stuff it’s used for in a non-hybrid car. Below we’ve listed out some steps for jump-starting the Prius.

Step 1: Open the hood and remove the engine cover by pulling both ends vertically.

Step 2: Clamp the positive cable (red) to the positive battery terminal that is receiving the jump and then to the positive terminal on the other vehicle.

Step 3: Connect the negative clamp (black) to the negative terminal on the vehicle giving the jump

Step 4: Connect the second negative clamp to a solid, non-moving and unpainted metallic point that is kept away from the battery.

Step 5: Start the vehicle giving the jump and let it run for about five minutes.

Step 6: Try to start the hybrid or Prius that is getting the jump. If successful, remove the jumper cables in the reverse order that they were attached in.

Step 7: If it starts, be sure to drive around for 10-15 minutes to recharge your battery. If it won’t start, it’s time to get your Prius looked at by a professional, like the service technicians at Handy Toyota.

100th Anniversary Celebration & Auction
November 3, 2018
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT

The City of St. Albans celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the St. Albans Cooperative Creamery with a festive auction and reception.
The Auction Block boasts unique artworks in two mediums:
1. Winning entries from the Mayor’s Photo Competition.
2. A limited number of vintage Milk Cans, repurposed into collector’s items by our community’s talented local artists. Mayor Tim Smith and City Business Development Director Marty Manahan will serve as auctioneers for the event. A cash bar and hors-d’oeuvres will be available. This event is free and open to the community. Proceeds will benefit several Franklin County community groups.

Unplugged Evening with Jamie Lee Thurston
November 2, 2018
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT

Event Description:
Join us in The Room at 14th Star for a special one night only acoustic performance from country music star Jamie Lee Thurston.

Doors open at 6 — JLT’s performance begins at 7.

Proceeds from this event will benefit Veterans Count Vermont, an organization that raises money for programs, run by the Easter Seals, that benefit our current and past members of the armed forces, with all of the money raised in Vermont remaining in Vermont.

About Jamie Lee Thurston
A New England native, Jamie Lee first took the stage when he was three years old with his father, who was a popular bandleader and frontman for musical groups in Vermont.

As an independent artist, Jamie Lee continues to play with Country greats, has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, and has seven albums to his credit. His new single, “Givin’ Up Breathin’,” is earning critical praise and listener requests on the radio.

Jamie Lee’s other passion is helping America’s veterans and using his music help raise awareness and money for veterans with PTS and TBI through organizations like Veterans Count.

Learn more about Jamie Lee at: www.jamieleethurston.com

Benefit Concert for Missisquoi River Basin Association

November 7, 2018
5:30 PM – 9:00 PM EST

Live music from Rusty Bucked and the Schroons. Games, light appetizers, a free flight of delicious brews and complimentary MRBA pint glass. All proceeds benefit improving waterways and water quality in and around the Missisquoi River and Lake Champlain.

More info at: https://www.facebook.com/events/274573116502110/

It’s time to end the annual debate about whether to install winter/snow tires on your car. If you live in an area where snow is a constant throughout winter, having dedicated winter/snow tires can improve your safety, according to a number of studies and surveys.

More than half of Canadian drivers install winter/snow tires on their cars, and they see a real benefit. There are fewer winter-related accidents, injuries, and deaths when cars are required to be fitted with winter/snow tires, a Quebec-based study found.

And the most recent survey report from the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada suggests that two-thirds of Canadian drivers are using winter/snow tires (which are required in some provinces).

In the U.S., the use of winter/snow tires is much lower among snow-belt drivers. Just two in five American motorists use winter/snow tires, according to a new survey commissioned by Michelin

.

The Michelin survey, which focused on the U.S., also found:

• 67 percent of respondents thought they didn’t need winter tires because they had all-season tires. Consumer Reports’ testing clearly shows that most winter/snow tires have better snow traction than the average all-season tires. As their name suggests, winter/snow tires are specially made to handle the cold, slippery challenges that winter can bring.

• 53 percent thought winter/snow tires weren’t needed if they had an all-wheel-drive vehicle. But Consumer Reports subscribers consider winter/snow tires to be beneficial whether they have a two-wheel-drive or an all-wheel-drive car or SUV, according to a recent CR tire survey.

• Michelin found that three out of four drivers are nervous about driving in snow. Younger drivers are more concerned than older drivers, perhaps due to inexperience.

• The survey showed that a vast majority of drivers avoid, limit, or change plans because they don’t want to drive in wintry weather. Drivers are worried about the “other guy” on the road, losing control, or getting stuck. Ultimately, staying off the road is the best way to improve safety in foul weather.

• Most drivers using winter/snow tires are more confident in driving in snow and less concerned about other drivers and the loss of traction.

If you don’t need to drive in wintry weather and can wait until the roads are cleared, then driving on all-season tires might be all you need. If you’ll be driving in snow, the answer is clear: Put winter/snow tires on your car now.

Remember to look for manufacturer rebates when you shop for tires. Don’t wait to buy, because tire supplies can dwindle as the snow really starts to fall.

For the 2018 Toyota Sienna, Toyota has fitted a new nose that gives the Sienna a more aggressive and sporty appearance. The Sienna’s 266-hp V-6 engine and 6-speed transmission were also updated for 2018. With a new 296-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic. The combination helped raise the front-wheel-drive Sienna’s fuel economy by 1 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway, to 19/27 mpg, while the all-wheel-drive model saw increases of 2 mpg city and 1 mpg highway, to 18/24 mpg. With 30 more horsepower than the previous year and two more gears, the Sienna’s acceleration and responsiveness unsurprisingly improved as well.

Another great change for the 2018 Sienna was the addition of new safety and technology features or Toyota Saftey Sense. Every Sienna now comes standard with automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a lane-departure warning system that can automatically steer the van back into its lane, and automatic high-beam headlights. In addition, Toyota has equipped all 2018 Siennas with Toyota’s latest Entune 3.0 multimedia interface and Toyota’s App Suite Connect, which offers an app-based navigation system.

Available as a 7- or 8-seater, the Sienna is among the biggest in its class with more than 164 cubic feet of room for passengers. With all the seats removed, the Sienna offers a best in class cargo capacity! With features like rear climate control, and an available 16″ screen for streaming movies your rear passengers will be entertained for the ride. The Sienna is also the only van on sale in the USA with full-time AWD, making it the right choice for driving in harsh New England conditions.

For more information on the 2018 Toyota Sienna visit Handy Toyota in Saint Albans Vermont.

Lake Champlain

Extending for 120 miles between Vermont and New York, with its northern tip in Canada, Lake Champlain lies mostly in Vermont and draws visitors for its recreation, wildlife, and historical attractions. Its watershed covers more than 8,000 square miles. Much of its 587 miles of shoreline are undeveloped; a haven for wildlife; and a playground for canoeists, kayakers, and sailors. On the Vermont side, 318 species of birds depend on Lake Champlain, and 81 species of fish swim in its waters. According to Samuel de Champlain, for whom the lake is named, a 20-foot serpent-like creature also swims in the lake. His was the first, but certainly not the last reported sighting of what is now known as “Champy.” You might catch sight of it from one of the several lake cruises, or even from one of the three ferries that cross to the New York side from Charlotte, Burlington, and Grand Isle.

Stowe

With a covered bridge, white-spired church, weathered barns, and ski trails down the mountainside, Stowe is everybody’s image of Vermont. At the foot of Mt. Mansfield and in the heart of the state’s snow belt, it’s also the town that most personifies the glory days of Vermont’s early ski industry, a heritage that’s explored here in the Vermont Ski Museum. Although avid skiers had climbed the mountain long before that, and a rope tow was installed in 1937, things really took off in 1940 when the first chairlift was opened.

It’s not allabout skiing; you’ll find shops and boutiques, art galleries, dining, and lodging of all sorts. Exhibits of works by Vermont-based artists are shown in the Helen Day Art Center. You can rent bicycles to ride, or you can walk or skate along the 5.3-mile Stowe Recreation Path, a paved multi-use route through meadows and woods alongside the river, with beautiful views of Mt. Mansfield. Stowe Mountain Resort is still one of New England’s premier ski destinations, and the gondola that carries skiers in the winter takes sightseers to the summit for more views in the summer and fall.

Ben & Jerry’s

Unquestionably Vermont’s most popular tourist attraction for children, Ben & Jerry’s factory tour is a favorite experience for adults, too. On the 30-minute guided tour of the factory, you’ll watch workers as they make and package ice cream, while a guide explains the process. On days when the factory is not operating, you’ll still see inside it, but a movie will show it in action. Of course a sample of the day’s flavor is included, and you can sample more flavors before choosing your favorite at their scoop shop. The gift shop sells B&J goods, and you can take ice cream with you in insulated carriers. Be sure to visit the Flavor Graveyard to mourn the loss of their “dearly de-pinted” flavors and to smile at the past tongue-in-cheek names.

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum

Overlooking Basin Harbor in Vergennes, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum explores all things nautical on the lake throughout its history. Its 15,000 artifacts range from archaeological finds and photographs to antique boats and full-scale replicas of historic vessels. Displays illustrate explorations of shipwrecks and include articles recovered from the lake. The boathouse features a collection of small boats from the past 150 years, many of which were recovered from Champlain’s waters, including a 16-foot rowboat from the mid-1800s and a 1929 wooden speedboat. A replica 18th-century blacksmith shop illustrates maritime ironwork. During special events, the museum hosts re-enactments of the lives of French, English, and Native Americans who traded and lived around the lake. You can rent sailboats, row boats, canoes, and kayaks here to explore the lake on your own.

Hildene

Robert Todd Lincoln, son of the president, visited Manchester with his mother shortly before his father’s assassination. After he had become president of Pullman Company, in the early 20th century, he returned to build the Georgian Revival Hildene as his country estate. Hildene represents a fine example of homes built as retreats for the families of wealthy magnates and is furnished with a number of pieces from Mrs. Lincoln’s family. Personal belongings of President Lincoln include his famous stovepipe hat. Other highlights are the thousand-pipe 1908 Aeolian organ, in working condition, and the elegant dining room furnished in Queen Anne style. The home remained in the Lincoln family until 1975, thus preserving the original furnishings and memorabilia. The formal gardens on the terrace overlooking the broad valley have been restored from records of original plantings.

Bennington Battle Monument and Museum

The 306-foot-high obelisk visible for miles around commemorates the 1777 battle fought about five miles west of Bennington, which turned the tide against the British by splitting British General John Burgoyne’s forces in half, making the final American victory possible. You can bypass the monument’s 412 steps by taking an elevator to the top for views.

The nearby Bennington Museum is best known for its extensive collection of works by primitive folk artist Grandma Moses, along with her schoolhouse painting studio. The museum is also especially strong in its collections of Bennington pottery, furniture, toys, American glassware, and Victorian quilts. You’ll also find fine art and artifacts from the colonial and Civil War periods.

Brattleboro Farmers Market

In a region known for its small farms and agriculture, Brattleboro’s is the poster child of farmers markets. More than a place to buy fresh-picked vegetables and fruit from small independent local farmers, it is a social event, a meeting place, a Saturday lunch stop, and part of the weekend routine for southern Vermonters. You’ll find old favorite vegetables and all the trendy new varieties, along with flowers, artisanal breads, farm cheeses, handmade soap, local honey, maple syrup, pottery, jewelry, smart scarves, and French pastries. Plan to be there around lunch time when there will nearly always be live music, and maybe Morris dancers on the shaded lawn. Some vendors sell prepared foods to eat at picnic tables under the trees. You may find savory stews from Mali, Thai noodles, Lebanese dolmas, even Breton crepes. In the winter, the market moves indoors to a Main Street location.

Employee Spotlight
Mason Maltais
Finance Manager

Mason has been working at Handy Toyota for 4 months. He is originally from Massachusetts, he moved to Vermont in 2007 and has lived here for 11 years. He has worked in the business sector for around a decade. Mason is married with one son and another on the way. They also have 3 dogs in their family. He is very involved in his local schooling system and his son’s education. A few of his goals are to pay off his debt, raise good kids, and eventually retire with his wife to Italy. Mason lives in North Hero on the lake. He has been searching for a dealer that he could envision retiring at, he believes Handy Toyota is that place.

Mason loves spending time with his family, fishing, and making his house a home. Some of his favorites include “The First Law” by Joe Abercrombie, favorite T.V. show is Altered Carbon, and favorite movie is V For Vendetta. Mason owns a Camry SE and a Limited Tundra 5.7L. If he could have any vehicle for off-roading he would choose a Toyota Hilux Diesel, or a TRD Pro 4Runner. On the opposite hand, he would want a Toyota Supra for a weekend car.

2018 Toyota Tundra TRD Sport Specs and Features

For the 2018 model year, Toyota has added a new Tundra TRD Sport to the lineup. The TRD Sport is part of an overall refresh for the 2018 Tundra. The TRD Sport offers active families an extra dose of sportier styling and performance for added fun and excitement on their next journey. Take a look at the 2018 Toyota Tundra TRD Sport’s design elements, performance specs and more all right here.  

Engine Specs and Exterior Features

The new Tundra TRD Sport is available on 4×4 and 4×2 grades in CrewMax and Double Cab configurations and powered by the proven 381-horsepower 5.7-liter I-Force V8 engine. Driving performance is enhanced with TRD Sport Tuned Bilstein Shocks and TRDS front and rear anti-sway bars. Exterior features of the TRD Sport include:

Color-keyed mirrors, front and rear bumpers 

Color-keyed hood scoop 

20-inch alloy silver sport wheels 

LED headlights with smoked chrome bezel 

Daytime Running Lights 

LED Fog Lights 

Mesh grille with body color surround 

TRD Sport bedside graphic

Exterior Color Options

The 2018 Tundra TRD Sport will be available in Super White, Magnetic Gray, Midnight Black Pearl, Blazing Blue Pearl and Barcelona Red Metallic. The exterior styling is complemented with interior features that include a TRD shift knob and TRD Sport floor mats.

Safety Features

Safety will be enhanced on all Tundra models with the addition of Toyota Safety Sense as standard equipment for all 2018 models. This multi-feature advanced active safety suite bundles a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, Auto High Beams and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Drivers can view the status of Toyota Safety Sense through an upgraded Multi-Information Display.

VT Craft Beer Half Marathon

September 29, 2018

The Vermont Craft Beer Half Marathon is timed race through historic St. Albans, VT and the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail followed by a Harvest Festival & Craft Beer Tasting featuring farmers market vendors, food trucks, live music and Vermont craft breweries.

The race starts at 9:00 on Main Street in St. Albans, VT in the middle of Taylor Park. Please come early, as all runners must check in prior to the run.

Featuring Craft Beverages From:
14th Star Brewing Company
Mill River Brewing BBQ & Smokehouse
Magic Hat Brewing Company
Zero Gravity Craft Brewery
Trout River Brewing Company
Citizen Cider
and Groennfell Meadery

Featured Food Vendors:
The Traveling Canteen
Taco Truck All Stars
The Skinny Pancake Burlington
SAM’s Maple Sorbet

10th Annual Blue Jean Ball

October 27, 2018

Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT

Halloween Activity at St. Albans Free Library  1-3pm
Downtown Merchants Trick or Treating
Activities in Taylor Park
Haunted Museum at the St. Albans Museum
Trunk or Treat at Area Churches

Kid’s Glow Run