Conquer City Streets and Back Roads in the 2016 Cherokee

If you desire a small SUV that can seamlessly go from the paved highway to a gravel road, it’s time you checked out the 2016 Jeep Cherokee for sale in Plymouth, MI. When you combine its off-roading power with its everyday dependability, and the presence of impressive features inside and out, the Cherokee is sure to be the SUV you’ve been waiting for.

When you want to travel off the beaten path, the 2016 Jeep Cherokee can take you there, and it all starts with its rugged engine options. The first being the 2.4L Tigershark® 4-cylinder powertrain, which not only pumps out 184 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque, but when it’s paired with the 9-speed automatic transmission, you’ll get 31 MPG hwy1 and a 489-mile range2 ­on one tank. For a more powerful drive, the 3.2L Pentastar® V6 produces an impressive 271 horsepower and 239 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s also easy to bring your boat to Lake St. Clair with its 4,500-lb. towing capacity3. Along with engine options, there are also three available 4×4 systems, depending on the sort of trail you intend on tackling. There’s even the Selec-Terrain® traction control system, allowing you to turn the knob and choose from five customizable settings: Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand/Rock, and Mud.

The exterior of the 2016 Jeep Cherokee is not only sleek and striking, but it has its own innovative features so you can make the most out of every adventure. For instance, there are available skid plates4 underneath the Cherokee to protect its underbody for the most treacherous of terrain. The signature LED Daytime Running Lights and halogen projector headlamps ensure that you can see and be seen, while the available fog lamps give you prime visibility during inclement weather. There are even available heated side mirrors so snow and ice don’t hinder your view of vehicles at your side.

On the inside, the 2016 Cherokee is stylish and smartly designed to be your home away from home. For starters, there is truly a spot for all your belongings with its impressive amount of versatility. Up front in the dash is a covered bin to keep your wallet, phone, or sunglasses handy, while the rear seats have a 60/40 split. Keep them up for 24.6 cubic ft. of storage space for groceries from Kroger, or fold them flat for an impressive 54.9 cubic ft. of space. On top of this, the front passenger seat can fold down, and there’s even in-seat storage for even more cargo carrying options. To beat the winter chill, the Cherokee offers a Cold Weather Package, which includes a wiper de-icer, heated front seats, a heated steering-wheel, and remote ignition.

To stay entertained and connected, the Jeep Cherokee comes standard with Bluetooth® technology for hands-free calling and audio streaming, while the Cherokee Trailhawk® boasts hands-free voice control over your Bluetooth®-enabled phone, audio, climate, and navigation settings. The available 8.4-inch Uconnect® touchscreen ups the ante in terms of excitement with HD Radio™, 3D landmarks, iPod® mobile integration, text message reply6, and more. Also on this screen is a display from the available ParkView® Rear Back Up Camera5 to help you become more aware of vehicles and objects behind you as you reverse.

Whether you need an SUV for the daily commute, weekend adventure, or a combination of both, the 2016 Jeep Cherokee is the vehicle you need to do both. See it today when you visit your local Jeep dealer, Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Plymouth, MI or Dick Scott Motor Mall in Fowlerville, MI.

Where’s the cheapest gas in the US? It’s Michigan

MICHIGAN — Of all 50 states, Michigan now has the cheapest gas prices in the entire country, according to data from GasBuddy.com. But it likely won’t last long.

Michigan’s average price for a gallon of gas is $1.802, barely beating out Oklahoma’s $1.804 per gallon.

Nationally, the average is around $2.03 per gallon.

GasBuddy.com analyst Patrick DeHaan said on Twitter it was back on Feb. 26, 2009—more than 2,400 days ago—that gas prices were this low in the state. DeHaan also said it’s likely the lowered prices won’t last more than 24-48 hours.

Why the drop?

DeHaan says it’s likely because of some ‘healthy competition’ as gas stations are continuing to try undercut each other. But he said it won’t stick around.

“I expect an upward adjustment likely tomorrow as most stations have been selling at a loss,” he told FOX 17. “I’d top off tonight, but wouldn’t get too excited when prices rise, because I’m expecting they’ll stay under $2 more often than over it thru the rest of 2015.”

Both Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties are averaging the cheapest gas prices with an average of $1.60 per gallon.

Missouri has the third cheapest gas in the state with an average price for gallon around $1.817.

Read more at: http://fox17online.com/2015/11/29/wheres-the-cheapest-gas-in-the-us-its-about-to-be-michigan/

Downtown Plymouth Heats Up with 18th Annual Chili Cookoff

Downtown Plymouth could get hot this Sunday with the return of the 18th annual Great Lakes Regional Chili Cookoff.

The event is sanctioned by the International Chili Society (ICS) and will feature a traditional red, green and salsa competition. Winners will advance to the 2014 ICS World Championships. There will also be a people’s choice and best restaurant chili awards.

[Check out the schedule of events here]

Visitors can sample chili from about 40 cooks set up in The Gathering or the 16 participating restaurants in Kellogg Park.

Ken Horn, the founder of the chili cookoff along with his wife Annette, said the event is down on entries from last year, partly because they had to move the date up.

“The World Championship moved back to our date, and we can’t have our event on the same weekend as the World Championships. So we’ve lost some cooks because of that. And some people have told us they have other plans because they thought we were the second weekend.”

The one-day event draws between 10,000 and 20,000 people, Horn said.

“It’s very weather dependent,” he said. “Last year we were down on people. Ticket sales were down by about $20,000. It’s really hard to know because people can show up for the event and never buy a ticket, walk around, see the motorcycles and go to a restaurant.”

All chili proceeds raised from the event will benefit Habitat for Humanity, while proceeds from the motorcycle show will benefit the Penrickton Center for Blind Children.

According to Horn, last year raised about $21,000 for Habitat and $5,000 for Penrickton, which is half of what was raised in 2011.

“That’s how much the crowd matters,” Horn said.

In spite of last year’s outcome and the shortage of entries, Horn is optimistic about this year.

“We’re hoping to sell at least $50,000 tickets for sampling,” he said.

Most of the chili samples produced for the public during the event come from the restaurants participating in the Restaurant Chili Challenge, Horn said.

“The cooks in The Gathering, as hard as they work and as much as they make, can’t satisfy the all the demands for chili that we get,” he said. “Those restaurants will typically produce 30,000 to 40,000 samples. That’s just a tremendous amount, but that’s how we can feed everybody.”

Among this year’s restaurants is Jeff Zak Catering who is cooking for the first time this year.

Zak said he decided to enter, in part, because of his new location in Old Village after relocating from Forest Avenue.

“I just thought, ‘I want to bring the sexy back to Old Village,'” he said joking. “I want to get some action. I feel like everything’s too separate, you know like the art fair and all that stuff. I just thought we’d get a name down there.”

Zak has a secret weapon – a unique chili recipe never before used by him.

“There’s a component that we make all the time, it’s a vegetarian component that people love that we serve for vegetarians,” Zak said. “So that’s going to be the inspiration for the chili.”

Zak said he wasn’t yet sure if he would keep the chili vegetarian or turn it into a white chicken chili.

“You’ll have to come and find out,” he said.

Chili sampling Tickets cost $1 or $20 for 20 tickets with five voting stars to vote your favorite chili and a plastic tray holding up to 12 samples. One 20-ounce sample of chili takes one ticket, while a bowl takes four tickets. Bowls are only available from restaurants.

For more information about Sunday’s event, visit www.greatlakeschili.com

As read on: http://plymouth-mi.patch.com/groups/around-town/p/downtown-plymouth-heats-up-with-18th-annual-chili-cookoff

5 Reasons to Check Out Plymouth Restaurant Week

Ten Plymouth restaurants will offer three-course lunch and dinner menus priced at $15, $25, or $35 per person.

Plymouth has a well-deserved reputation as a dining destination.

Beginning Friday, visitors have the chance to sample what Plymouth has to offer during the second annual Plymouth Restaurant Week. The even twill run through Oct. 5.

Priced at $15, $25, or $35 per person, 10 local restaurants will offer three-course lunch and dinner menus.

Participating restaurants include: 
Compari’s on the Park
E.G. Nick’s
Fiamma Grille
Ironwood Grill
Nico and Vali
Panache
Penn Grill
The Sardine Room
Sean O’Callaghan’s
Zin Wine Bar Restaurant

For more information, visit plymouthrestaurantweek.com.

As read on: http://plymouth-mi.patch.com/groups/5-things/p/5-reasons-to-check-out-plymouth-restaurant-week

Sunday, October 6th is our Annual Chili Cook-off & Charity Ride!

Join us for this years Ride to benefit the
Penrickton Center for Blind Children
Sunday, October 6th, 2013!

*Registration begins at 8:30am
*Ride will Depart from Dick Scott’s Classic Motorcycles
at 10am SHARP
*Arrive in Downtown Plymouth to enjoy the Great Lakes Regional Chili Cook-off and Bike Show around 11:15am!

We will have a Police Escort and
VIP Parking when we arrive at the event!

*$10.00 Per Rider

(Includes Police Escort and VIP Parking)

  Meet at Dick Scott’s Classic Motorcycles
36534 Plymouth Rd, Livonia, MI 48150 before 10am
RSVP by calling 877-388-9508

REMINDER TONIGHT, Tuesday September 17th is the Downtonw Plymouth Restaruant Crawl!

Here are 5 Things to Know About the PENN-TASTE-TIC Restaurant Crawl!

What’s better than eating out in downtown Plymouth? How about eating out at multiple restaurants at once?

The 8th Annual PENN-TASTE-TIC, Downtown Plymouth Restaurant Crawl will return in a few weeks.

Here are five things to know about the event:
1. Date, time
The annual PENN-TASTE-TIC Restaurant Crawl will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 5–8 p.m.

2. 15 restaurants will participate
Participating this year are :

Candy Trail
Cozy Café
Cupcake Station
E.G. Nicks
Greek Islands
Ironwood Grill
Jay’s Stuffed Burgers
Kilwin’s
Nico & Vali
Panache 447
Sardine Room
Sweet Afton Tea Room
Thai Café
Yogurt Palooza
Zin Wine Bar & Restaurant

3. Portion of proceeds go to Friends of the Penn
All proceeds from the event will go to benefit the Friends of the Penn and the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce.

4.  Vote for your favorite
Attendees will get a chance to vote for their favorite taste and restaurant!

5. Tickets are still available
Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available at the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce, located at 850 W. Ann Arbor Trail, and Sun & Snow, located at 388 S. Main St., in downtown Plymouth. Tickets cost $20 for adults, and $15 for children 10 and under.

As read on: http://plymouth-mi.patch.com/groups/5-things/p/5-things-to-know-about-the-penntastetic-restaurant-crawl

Plymouth Historical Museum Gearing Up for Annual Craft Bazaar

The museum is now accepting applications for its annual juried Craft Bazaar, which will be held Dec. 7.
Looking for unique holiday presents for family and friends? How about hand-made crafts?

The Plymouth Historical Museum will host its 8th Annual Juried Craft Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Applications are now being accepted. Applicants need to submit three to four photos of craft items for judges to determine participants as there is a limit of crafters to five per category. Table rentals are $30 each, and most are 8 feet wide, although there are some space variations available. Space is tight, so venders will need to limit their display area to the size of the table or an equivalent space.

Linda Trewin of Livonia has been participating in the bazaar as a crafter for all eight years.

“I do it for the museum,” she said.

Trewin’s table will consist of knitted scarves, dish cloths and necklaces, beaded bracelets and a variety of custom earrings.

“It’s at a good time – it’s the beginning of December,” she said. “I got into crafts when I was going to college and working more than 40 hours a week because I couldn’t come down at night. I’ve been knitting and crocheting for 10 to 12 years. I’m not an expert at it like some of my friends are that can make baby clothes. But I can knit necklaces and dish cloths. They really like the cotton dish cloths that I make because they’re so versatile.”

The Museum is offering free admission that day for both Museum patrons and Craft Bazaar shoppers.

For more information, visit http://www.plymouthhistory.org.

As read on: http://plymouth-mi.patch.com/groups/around-town/p/plymouth-historical-museum-gearing-up-for-annual-craft-bazaar?ncid=newsltuspatc00000001&newsRef=true

Everything You Need to Know About the Plymouth Community Fall Festival

Friday, Sept. 6

12-11 p.m.:  Festival open

Craft Show on Union Street, between Ann Arbor Trail and Roe Street from 12 p.m. to dusk
Carnival opens at 3 p.m.
Bingo Night under The Gathering from 6-10 p.m. Sponsored by Plymouth-Canton Music Boosters. $25 Game Package gets players two of every game and two of every jackpot played all night. Individual game cards can be purchased all night for $1 each.
Plymouth Taste Fest, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Station 885 in Old Village. Sponsored by the Plymouth Canton Civitans, Station 885 and U.S. Foods. Participating restaurants include BahamaBreeze, Buffalo Wild Wings of Canton, Claddagh Pub, Cupcake Station, Elite Catering, Grand Traverse Pie Company, and La Bistecca Italian Grille to name a few. Tickets are $15

Kellogg Park Entertainment
6:30-7:30 p.m.: Steve Taylor
8-10:30 p.m.: Air Margaritaville

Saturday, Sept. 7

7 a.m. to 11 p.m.:  Festival open

Annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast in The Gathering from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Cost is $7 at the door, children 5 and under are free.
Craft Show on Union Street, 9 a.m. to dusk
Carnival rides open at 11 a.m.
Antique and Classic Car Show (Registration at the show: One Day: $20, Two Days: $25. Cash only)
7th Annual AM Rotary All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner in the tent behind E.G. Nicks from 4 to 8 p.m. Rain or shine. Tickets cost $9 for adults, kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Dinner includes mostaccioli pasta with a choice of authentic Italian meat or marinara sauce, a tossed salad with Italian dressing, garlic bread, a chocolate chip cookie, a 16 oz bottle of spring water and all you can drink coffee, decaf or tea.

Kellogg Park Entertainment

9-10:30 a.m.: Optimist Pet Show
11 a.m.-12 p.m.: Polish National Alliance Centennial Dancers
12-1 p.m.: Plymouth Fife and Drum Corp
1-2 p.m.: Leader Dogs
2-3 p.m.: Dance Beat
2-3 p.m.: Forever After Productions
3:30-4:30 p.m.: Chiefettes, Saberettes and Rockets Pompon
6:30-8:30 p.m.: Royal Blackbirds
9-10:30 p.m. Howling Diablos

Sunday, Sept. 8

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.:  Festival open

Antique and Classic Car Show
Craft Show on Union Street, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Carnival rides open at 11 a.m.
Rotary Club of Plymouth P.M. Annual Chicken BBQ in Kellogg Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or until sold out. Convenient take-out location at West Middle School. Tickets are $12 and the meal includes 1/2 chicken, corn on the cob, roll with butter, can of pop and a cookie. Rotary ticke booths will be located at the corners of Ann Arbor Trail and Main Street and Penniman Avenue and Main Street.

Kellogg Park Entertainment

11 a.m.-12 p.m.: Midwest Tae Kwan Do
1-2 p.m.: Synergy Dance Academy
2-3 p.m.: O’Hare School of Dance
4-6 p.m.: Serious Jack

2013 Booths
Food Booths

Changing Choices Foundation – Hamburgers, Grilled Vegetables
Living Word Church – Old Fashioned Lemonade
Plymouth Canton Civitans –  Candy & Photo Buttons/Magnets
Polish National Alliance Dancers – Kielbasa, Pierogis & Stuffed Cabbage
Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps –  Roasted Almonds

Community Booths

Huron Township Rotary – Motorcycle Raffle
Living Word Church – Children’s Activities
Our Lady of Good Counsel – Water and Information
Plymouth Lions Club – Informational Leader Dogs
Community Foundation of Plymouth – Information
Trailwood Garden Club – Plant Exchange
Vietnam Veterans – Dog Tags and Military Patches

Business Sponsored Booths

Greko Printing
Chiropractic Anywhere

For more information, visit http://www.plymouthfallfestival.com.

5 Things to Know About the PENN-TASTE-TIC Restaurant Crawl

What’s better than eating out in downtown Plymouth? How about eating out at multiple restaurants at once?

The 8th Annual PENN-TASTE-TIC, Downtown Plymouth Restaurant Crawl will return in a few weeks.

Here are five things to know about the event:
1. Date, time
The annual PENN-TASTE-TIC Restaurant Crawl will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 5–8 p.m.

2. 15 restaurants will participate

Participating this year are :

Candy Trail
Cozy Café
Cupcake Station
E.G. Nicks
Greek Islands
Ironwood Grill
Jay’s Stuffed Burgers
Kilwin’s
Nico & Vali
Panache 447
Sardine Room
Sweet Afton Tea Room
Thai Café
Yogurt Palooza
Zin Wine Bar & Restaurant

3. Portion of proceeds go to Friends of the Penn

All proceeds from the event will go to benefit the Friends of the Penn and the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce.

4.  Vote for your favorite

Attendees will get a chance to vote for their favorite taste and restaurant!

5. Tickets are still available

Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available at the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce, located at 850 W. Ann Arbor Trail, and Sun & Snow, located at 388 S. Main St., in downtown Plymouth. Tickets cost $20 for adults, and $15 for children 10 and under.

As read on: http://plymouth-mi.patch.com/groups/5-things/p/5-things-to-know-about-the-penntastetic-restaurant-crawl?a_dgi=aolshare_email

Do you know all your Local Library has to offer?

Libraries are often overlooked as places that can provide free or low-cost entertainment in the community. Here are 5 things you may, or may not, know about the Plymouth and Canton Libraries:

1. Need to brush up on basic computer skills or prepare for college entrance exams? Curious about digital photography or need to learn Powerpoint? Take a computer class. Both Plymouth and Canton libraries offer a wide variety of computer education classes.

2. You can use your library card to print a pass, at your home or at the library, to one of 60 participating museums across the state. The passes will give you either complimentary or reduced admission. Popular museums include Cranbrook Art Museum, the Holocaust Memorial Center and the Detroit Institute of Arts. These passes are available on the Plymouth District Library’s Michigan Activity Passes page

3. Don’t want to spend $10 going to a movie or a few dollars renting from Redbox? Check out the movie selection at the Plymouth and Canton libraries. You might be surprised to see many new releases and classic favorites.

4. Did you know that you can now rent e-books for your Kindle, Nook, iPad or tablet through the library? Both the Plymouth and Canton libraries have extensive e-book catalogs. You can search book titles and more on their websites.

5. Whether you want to join a book club, build Lego fortresses or learn to make bleach or Tye-dye shirts – the library has a class for you. Both libraries have calendars full of events for all ages. Check out what they have to offer and join in the fun.

The Plymouth District Library is open Monday – Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m; Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12-5 p.m. The calendar of events can be found here. The Canton Public Library is open Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12-6 p.m. The calendar of events can be found here.

As read on: http://plymouth-mi.patch.com/groups/5-things/p/i-can-do-what-at-my-local-library_4cbad421?ncid=newsltuspatc00000001&evar4=picks-3-post&newsRef=true