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A trip to the local museum is an excellent way to spend time with family. If you're like most parents, the thought of touring exhibits filled with priceless artifacts is a little nerve-wracking. So skip the Rembrandt and embrace this list of the five best museums to visit with your family in Durham, North Carolina this summer. The Museum of Life and Science Are you looking for an engaging, kid-friendly museum in Durham? Why not head out to The Museum of Life and Science on 433 W. Murray Ave. This inviting, interactive park sprawls across 84 acres and boasts a two-story science center, a butterfly conservatory, and a dinosaur trail. Meet 60 species of live animals in the outdoor exhibits, just remember to outfit the whole family with proper footwear. Sturdy walking shoes are highly recommended. Purchase tickets for the train near the entrance. It's one of the museum's best attractions. Kidzu Children's Museum This downtown Chapel Hill museum at 201 S. Estes Dr. is inside University Place and offers plenty of hands-on activities and unique events. Discover Kidzu's newest exhibit, The Hive & The Front Yard outdoor learning garden. Study why pollinators, like bees, are essential to the environment. Sign up your kids' ages 3 to 5 and 6 to 11 for Camp Kidzu this summer. Sessions run now through Aug 30, 2019. Marbles Kids Museum Spark your child's imagination at Marbles Kids Museum at 201 East Hargett St. in nearby Raleigh. Explore this downtown museum's variety of hands-on exhibits such as the Art Loft, catch a movie at the IMAX theater or attend a special event. " Canada's Great Bear Rainforest " in 3D is a 43-minute long film dedicated to the animals that live in the wildest places left on earth. Morehead Planetarium and Science Center Re-opening June 18, 2019 after a complete renovation, this downtown Chapel Hill destination at 250 E. Franklin. St. is an extension of the University of North Carolina. Morehead Planetarium features a variety of star-studded shows that showcase the night's sky from black holes to cosmic colors. Duke University's art museum on campus offers family-friendly activities with regular, free family days. Hosted on select Sundays from noon to 4:00 p.m., enjoy live entertainment, create hands-on projects to take home, then explore the museum's exhibitions while you and your family browse the galleries. Head out on Oct. 13 for "Celebrate Art for a New Understanding: Native Voices, 1950s to Now." The kids will love this exploratory day studying the arts and culture of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Watch as Native American guests tell stories, dance, and present live musical performances throughout the building. With the right amount of planning and preparation, children can enjoy a museum visit as much as mom and dad, and they'll definitely learn something new and exciting. What's the best part about spending the day soaking up local culture? That together time, of course. Image via Pixabay

Go anywhere you want with the quiet and comfortable Highlander. This midsize SUV has an elegant, tranquil cabin, and the powerful V-6 engine option has you covered when you plan to tow the boat to the lake. You'll find plenty of exterior upgrades across the lineup for the 2019 model year and an impressive set of standard safety features, making Highlander a road-trip-worthy SUV. Let's explore all the terrific features of the 2019 Toyota Highlander. Robust and Fuel-Efficient Engines The base LE trim features a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and a  six-speed automatic transmission or upgrade with the optional 3.5-liter V-6 that's paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic. The larger engine delivers robust performance, accelerating the Highlander with ease, even with a full load of gear. It can also tow a maximum 5,000 pounds and achieves some terrific estimated highway fuel economy ratings: 27 mpg highway and 21 mpg city. Stylish Cabin Toyota outfitted the new Highlander's cabin with plenty of upmarket materials. Soft-touch surfaces abound, and most variants feature optional leather trim. The range-topping Limited Platinum offers discerning drivers a luxurious quality with heated and ventilated front seats upholstered in perforated leather. A panoramic moonroof gives the Highlander's stylish cabin an open feel, as does the expansive cargo area. Fold down both rear seats and reveal 83.7 cubic feet of cargo room. That's plenty for hauling anything from luggage to camping gear. Stay Connected Toyota offers an appealing number of standard and optional tech features for the Highlander. Keep in touch with the kids in the back without yelling. Toyota's PA system amplifies your voice, so rear-seat passengers can hear you better, especially when they've got the rear-seat entertainment system playing their favorite movie. Highlander comes equipped with five standard USB ports and available integrated navigation when your explorations lead you down the road less traveled. Built for Cruising Shoppers who want to go anywhere will appreciate the new Highlander's smooth feel and comfortable, quiet ride. This Toyota SUV delivers a stable feel, and with the available all-wheel drive, life doesn't end with the pavement. When you want a touch of athleticism, look to the SE trim with its sport-tuned suspension. Advanced Safety Features Toyota furnished the 2019 Highlander with a rearview camera and Toyota Safety Sense P bundle of advanced features, all standard. Get high-tech systems such as automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, and a pre-collision system. There's also pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Why not opt for the entire package and add additional safety features including front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. When properly equipped, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Highlander a perfect, five-star overall rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded this Toyota SUV with its highest honor of top safety pick. If you're shopping for a new 3-row SUV that will take your family anywhere, the Highlander is worth a look. Schedule a test drive at Mark Jacobson Toyota today! Image via DealerOn

There are a plethora of outdoor activities for everyone to choose from in North Carolina this summer. Explore a variety of unique places where the whole family will enjoy the picturesque scenery and a ton of recreational activities. Enjoy this guide of fun things to do with your kids outdoors in Durham this summer. Swim in a 14,000-Acre Lake Don your swimsuits, grab a towel and head to Jordan Lake State Recreation Area just outside of Apex at 280 State Park Rd. Swim, fish, or enjoy a tranquil boat ride. The park is open year-round and offers families 4,558 acres of woodlands along the shores of the lake to pursue a range of outdoor experiences for the whole family. At the park, you'll find picnic areas, both primitive and RV campsites, and seven clean, public beaches. Launch your boat from a number of ramps and cruise the lake. Stroll along 14 miles of hiking trails or take the kids down the Children's Nature Trail that's an easy, brief hike perfect for family outings. Hikers will follow the long boardwalk down to a large pond. Keep your eyes open for bald eagles, ospreys, blue herons, turkeys, and black vultures. Sarah P. Duke Gardens Escape to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens on the historic Duke University Campus in Durham at 420 Anderson St. Discover the meaning of "floral bliss" at this 55-acre botanic gardens founded in 1934. Meander through 5 miles of pathways, through four distinct gardens. Explore the Historic Gardens first, then browse the H.L. Blomquist Garden of Native Plants that covers 6.5 acres of rolling woodland terrain. Finish your family's tour with the W.L. Culberson Asiatic Arboretum that touts 18 acres of plants that are native to Southeast Asia, including irises and ginger lilies, and then visit the Doris Duke Center Gardens. The walk takes 1.5-hours or take the trolley if you have youngsters and grandparents in tow. Go Hiking at Hemlock Bluffs Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve in Cary is the ideal place for a family hike. Trek through cool patches of rare Eastern Hemlock trees at 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd. The park offers access to 3 miles of mulched nature trails that are easy for the kids to traverse. The paths lead to scenic overlooks and provide excellent bird and wildlife spotting opportunities. Before your hike, stop at the Stevens Nature Center. The kids will love the center's interactive and educational nature exhibits. Why not sign up for one of Hemlock Bluff's environmental education programs hosted throughout the year? Designed for all ages, Night Animals, Nature Detectives, and Wild Warriors all top the calendar of fun events this July at the park. Pack up some sunscreen and bug spray, and head into the great outdoors with the family today. Discover a new adventure at one — or all — of these great places for active families this summer. Bond over a campfire or share a stroll through the woods. No matter what you choose, get out there, and make lasting memories. Image via Pixabay

The Toyota Prius has proven to be one of the best hybrid cars that were made during the last few years. The 2019 model has also surprised many people, as it's equipped with some of Toyota's latest driver assistance technologies that come standard on all trims. If you are looking for a reliable, economic car, the Prius could be your best choice. Here is all you need to know about the 2019 Toyota Prius. Performance The 2019 Toyota Prius is a car that you can count on in the city and in the great outdoors, especially if you opt for any of its all-wheel drive models. Moreover, the Prius has the best fuel consumption ratings among all-wheel drive vehicles, as it can deliver up to 50 miles per gallon combined (city and highway). So, you can visit many of your favorite destinations without having to worry about the amount of fuel left in your tank. The Prius is also fun to drive due to the extra torque from its electric motor. Many people might think that hybrid cars are not so powerful, but that's not the case with the Prius, as it delivers a lot of horsepower and torque compared to many vehicles on the road. All models of the Prius are equipped with a 1.8-liter inline-four gasoline engine and a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor. The gasoline engine delivers 96 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque, and the electric motor delivers 71 horsepower and 120 pound-feet of torque. Thus, the hybrid system net power output of the Prius is 121 horsepower. Safety Features and Driver Assistance Systems The 2019 Toyota Prius comes with many advanced driver assistance systems that come standard on all trims. Such systems include lane departure alert with steering assist, full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. Other available systems include a colored head-up display, adaptive front-lighting, and intelligent parking assist. As for the safety systems, they include a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, an integrated backup camera, eight airbags, and Toyota's star safety system that includes six advanced braking and stability systems. Interior Features The 2019 Toyota Prius has a versatile interior design that will make your life easier. When the rear seats are folded, you can have up to 65.5 cubic feet of cargo space. If that's not enough, there are available cross bars that can carry more of your stuff. Other interior features of the Prius include a wireless smartphone charging system, three USB ports, 10 JBL speakers, and an 11.6-inch, high-resolution touch screen that will provide you with easy access to all the important apps and features. The 2019 Toyota Prius is one of the best cars that Toyota has ever made. In addition to its affordable price and versatile interior, it comes standard with many advanced driver assistance and safety systems that help with making the roads safer for everyone. Choose your favorite Toyota model now at Mark Jacobson Toyota. Image via DealerOn

Next time you're craving Chinese food in Durham, North Carolina, you're in luck. This area is filled with great options for authentic Xiang, Cantonese, and other cuisines. Here are four of the best spots in and around Durham to grab a satisfying Chinese meal. Happy China At Happy China on Durham Chapel Hill Boulevard, you'll find a menu loaded with mouth-watering options and a welcoming atmosphere. Open every day except Tuesdays from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., you can enjoy lunch or dinner for a great price. Start with an appetizer like Crab Rangoon and a refreshing drink. Classic dinner options include Sichuan Chicken or Singapore rice noodles. If you want to try something different, opt for a traditional Chinese dish like the Salt and Pepper Frog Legs, Lamb Tendo Noodle Soup, or the Shredded Pork with Lotus Root. Shanghai Durham On Hillsborough Road, Shanghai Durham is open every day from 11:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. with a break from 2:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. This local favorite offers authentic Cantonese-style food. Appetizers like lettuce wraps or jumbo shrimp will get you started off right. Authentic dishes like Steamed Chinese Broccoli in Oyster Sauce or Salt and Pepper Squid offer visitors the chance to try truly Chinese cuisine. If you have a strong appetite, try the Emperor Combination dish, which comes with battered and deep-fried chicken breast, pork, and large shrimp mixed with red bell peppers and smothered in brown sauce. Another great option is the Hawaiian Szechuan Delight dish. This meal features shrimp, chicken, and beef, which is stir-fried with broccoli, snow peas, onions, carrots, yellow squash, baby corn, and cauliflower. Finish off your meal with some fried banana roll for dessert. Dragon Inn The Dragon Inn is open every day except Sundays and serves both lunch and dinner. Found in the Willowdale shopping center, this is an easy spot to stop for dinner after running errands. Menu items like jellyfish in garlic sauce and beef tripe in chili oil keep things very authentic. Dishes like Chinese Kung Pao Chicken and Moo Shu Pork are also available if you want to stick with something more common in American Chinese cuisine. Red Lotus Red Lotus Chinese Restaurant in Chapel Hill on South Elliot Road is family owned and has been serving the area since 2006. They are open throughout the week and offer several gluten-free menu items. Whether you're gluten-free or not, you'll love the Indian Yellow Curry dish that comes with your choice of chicken or shrimp, onions, carrots, green beans, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots all covered with a yummy yellow curry sauce. Other dishes worth a try include the Dan Dan Noodles and the Royal Hawaiian, which features crab meat, lobster tail, and shrimp. If you're looking for a great spot for a date night or just want to grab some yummy Chinese takeout stop by one of these spots around Durham. No matter which one you choose, they are all sure to please. Image via Pixabay

As Toyota's crossover SUV, the 2019 RAV4 is delivering on all fronts. Drivers will enjoy space, convenience, efficiency, and more when they get behind the wheel. Here are some of the most notable features of this year's model. Space and Versatility Whether you're helping a friend move, driving the kids to sports practice, or heading out for a weekend getaway, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is ready to handle it all. An available hands-free power liftgate makes loading and unloading a cinch. With the RAV4 smart key on your pocket or purse, you can simply wave your foot in front of the rear sensor and the hatch will open automatically. With the rear seats folded down, the RAV4 opens up 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Thanks to the 60/40 split, flat-folding rear seat you'll have plenty of versatility when needing space for both cargo and passengers together. When all of the seats are up, this crossover can seat five people comfortably and still offer 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the rear. Top-Notch Tech Thanks to Toyota's Entune 3.0 infotainment system, you'll have access to your favorite apps, music, and more on an 8-inch touch screen. Answer phone calls and text messages hands-free when you use the Bluetooth connectivity functions with your smartphone. With five different USB ports available throughout the cabin and the option for a wireless charging pad, you and your passengers are sure to stay connected and powered up even during long road trips. The 2019 RAV4 comes standard with a 12V/120W power outlet in the rear cargo area so you can power up even while out enjoying some adventure. Opt for the additional rear outlet offering 120V/100W power and you'll have even more capability. Opt for the premium JBL sound system with Clari-Fi technology for ideal sound quality for your favorite tunes. Impressive Power A Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission offers up to 203 horsepower, which is some serious power for a crossover SUV. Choose between ECO, Normal, and Sport mode to get your ideal driving experience every time you're on the go. Opt for the Adventure grade trim option and you'll get a whopping 3,500 pounds of towing capability. When you choose the available Multi-Terrain Select AWD system, you enjoy ideal handling even in less-than-ideal driving conditions. Various handling modes include Normal, Mud/Sand, Rock/Dirt, and Snow. Comfortable Interior Enjoy every drive thanks to a cabin that is designed to welcome drivers and passengers alike. Both front seats are available with heating and ventilation and the rear seats even offer a heating feature. The dual-zone climate control system includes rear vents so that backseat passengers can enjoy a comfortable climate as well. Simply set the system to your desired temperature for each zone, and it will do the rest. At Mark Jacobson Toyota, you'll find a great selection of new Toyota vehicles, including a wide offering of 2019 RAV4 models. Stop in today for a test drive and see if this crossover is the right fit for your lifestyle.

Thanks to an abundance of exciting features and updated designs, the 2019 Toyota Highlander is something you can get pumped about. From a new grille design to an impressively spacious interior, this SUV is sure to impress. Here's some of what you can expect when you get behind the wheel of a 2019 Highlander. A Welcoming Interior This SUV's cabin is loaded with commute and family-friendly features. An available 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system offers full connectivity, an integrated navigation system, and Sirius XM Radio. All of your favorite apps are accessible through Toyota's Entune Multimedia Bundle. Keep up with your phone calls, text messages, and more without taking your hands off of the wheel. Five USB ports are located throughout the cabin so everyone can stay connected. If you plan to take the family on weekend adventures in the 2019 Highlander, be sure to opt for the rear-seat entertainment system. The back-seat passengers can enjoy Blu-ray entertainment on a 9-inch screen with two sets of wireless headphones. Tons of Space Whether you're transporting passengers or cargo, you'll have the space you need. With all of the rear seats folded flat, the 2019 Highlander offers up to 83.7 cubic feet of space for hauling cargo. The second and third-row seats both split to fold so you can have different variations of seating and cargo space. If you want to bring friends and family along for the trip, keep all of the seats folded up for room for eight passengers. Even then, you'll still enjoy 13.8 cubic feet of space behind the third row. Power to Get You Where You Want to Go The base trims come with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that creates 185 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque offering 1,500 pounds of towing capability. For even more kick, choose one of the higher trim levels, which come equipped with a V-6 engine that offers 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque for 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. An available all-wheel-drive system with torque control gives engine power exactly where it's needed for ideal handling and grip in any situation. Safety Features Thanks to a passive safety system, you'll have total peace of mind even in the event of an accident. With a strong steel frame and eight airbags positioned throughout the cabin, everyone will remain well protected. Several active safety features included with Toyota's Safety Sense P package will help you avoid collisions altogether. An automatic cruise control system will keep your Highlander at a safe following distance from other vehicles. A pre-collision warning system and lane departure alerts will also help you practice safer driving. Opt for additional available features like a blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross traffic alerts for even more support. Automatic high beams come standard on higher trim levels for clear views at night without endangering other drivers. At Mark Jacobson Toyota, you'll find a great selection of new Toyota vehicles. Get behind the wheel of a 2019 Toyota Highlander and take it for a test drive.

Whether you're visiting Durham, North Carolina, or you're a resident of the area, you'll enjoy some great options for fresh donuts and a hot cup of coffee. All within 15 minutes of Downtown Durham, these four spots all worth a visit or two. You might even find your new favorite breakfast place. Rise Rise Southern Biscuits and Righteous Chicken have a Downtown Durham and Southpointe location, which are both open every day from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. This is a great spot to enjoy a full breakfast or lunch, or to stop by for a quick donut and coffee. Rise opened in 2012 and has been expanding ever since, thanks to its popularity. Try their Creme Brulee or Maple Bacon donuts or stick with the Classic Glazed; you can't go wrong. Don't miss out on a great cup of coffee while you're there. Rise proudly serves locally roasted coffee from Counter Culture Coffee. If you have room for more, check out their full menu of Southern classics like buttermilk fried chicken and biscuits and gravy. After a meal at Rise, you're sure to leave satisfied. Early Bird Donuts Open from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday and 7 a.m. until noon on Sundays, Early Bird Donuts gives visitors the chance to grab some early morning treats for themselves or to take to the office. Here you'll find donuts made fresh from scratch, hearty biscuits, and breakfast sandwiches. Donut options range from specialty to tried and true. Grab a dozen so you can try different flavors. Some of the local favorites are the Salted Caramel donut and the classic vanilla glazed donut. You can even choose your own donut filling and they'll fill it for you on the spot! Other options include apple fritters and chocolate iced long johns. Enjoy a hot cup of JOE Van Gogh drip coffee with your sweet treat. Carolina Glazed Donuts At Carolina Glazed Donuts on South Miami Boulevard, you can stop in for donuts and other fresh baked goods throughout the day, every day of the week. They open as early as 6 a.m. and don't close until 7:30 p.m. most days, giving you plenty of time to come by and have a treat. Grab some filling options like a bear claw or eclair, or keep it small and simple with a bundle of donut holes. Baker's Dozen Donuts Baker's Dozen Donuts is a family-owned donut shop in the Oak Grove part of Durham. This shop has been serving the community with warm, fresh donuts for many years. Here, you'll find a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere with a huge selection of flavors and types. Try a Cinnamon Crumb Cake donut or an apple-loaded apple fritter for a little crunch. You can stop in any day of the week from 5:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. What better way to start your morning than with a sweet treat from one of these local donut shops and a cup of Joe? Be sure to try them all and discover your favorite! Image via Pixabay

The 2019 Toyota Camry is a high-performance midsize car that offers a lot of features and accessories that earned it high marks with the U.S. News and World Report. Check out some of the features that make the Camry one of the top contenders among its class. Performance The 2019 Camry offers a couple of different engine options for its different trim levels. The L, LE, and SE trim levels use a 2.5-liter, dual overhead cam, 16-valve, inline four-cylinder engine capable of 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The XSE and XLE trims have a 3.5-liter, dual overhead cam, 24-valve, V-6 engine that generates 301 horsepower with 267 pound-feet of torque. Both engines come with a hybrid option for increased output and added fuel economy. The Camry is a front-wheel-drive vehicle that has an eight-speed automatic transmission that is electronically controlled with a sequential shift mode. The suspension uses an independent MacPherson strut configuration in the front, and a multilink setup in the rear gives it excellent control through tight turns as well as a smooth ride over bumpy roads. As far as gas mileage goes, the Camry rates high in its class and is rated at 22-29 miles per gallon in the city and 32-41 miles on the highway depending on the engine and driving style. Exterior There is a sporty elegance to the Camry's look that comes from an elongated front end and low profile design. The Camry comes in 10 different colors ranging from vibrant reds and blues to matte earth tones. There are a lot of different accessories and accents for the exterior, including LED lights, a sporty grille design, heated mirrors, a power sunroof, High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass, and dual exhaust with chrome tips. Interior The interior of the Camry is quite spacious and passengers will have no problem stretching out their legs or avoid hitting their head on the ceiling. Even the backseat is roomy and can comfortably fit three adult passengers. The seats are leather-trimmed fabric on the lower trims with an upgradable option to full leather on the upper trims. Air conditioning comes standard on the Camry and can be upgraded to dual-zone climate control for the front driver and passenger seats. The Camry uses Toyota's Entune infotainment system that features a full-color touch screen that varies between 6 and 8 inches depending on the trim. There are a number of entertainment apps available through the Entune system, such as Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, Android Auto, and Pandora. There is also navigational software available through SiriusXM Traffic that utilizes GPS to track the car's current location as well as plan trips. Security functions can also be accessed through the infotainment system as well as checking up on the Camry's various systems. With its combination of power, performance, and comfort, the Camry is a great choice for anyone looking for their next midsize car. For more information on what the different trim levels have to offer, check out the models that are currently available at Mark Jacobson Toyota.

Take a look at our guide to jump-starting your Toyota and if you have any questions about the process, contact Mark Jacobson Toyota!

Durham, North Carolina, is a diverse community with cultural roots that make it a great place to eat all kinds of different food. Check out these great restaurants offering diverse fare and amazing ambiance. Vin Rouge This French bistro takes customers on a virtual trip to southern France the minute they step through the door. They are one of Durham's most critically acclaimed restaurants receiving awards as well as having a guaranteed seat on best of lists from the local and national press. Inside, guests will find an elegant dining room replete with crystal glassware, fine china, and chandeliers, which combine with other elements to create the perfect ambiance for that special occasion. They offer service for intimate dinners for two, large group dinners, and will even host private parties. Guests have the choice of either dining indoors or out in their beautifully decorated courtyard garden. The menu can be best described as provincially French. Executive Chef Matt Kelly is constantly wowing guests with signature dishes as well as the standard fare of French cooking. Vin Rouge is open Thursday through Sunday for dinner service in addition to a brunch service on Sunday. Reservations can be made through their website or by giving them a call at 919-416-0466. Harvest 18 This American-style restaurant first opened its doors in 2014, and since that time has been offering chef-driven meals with over 80 percent of their ingredients locally sourced. They bill themselves as a unique neighborhood eatery and guests will feel at home with a relaxed atmosphere that betrays the 3,000 square feet of dining space. A full, oak decorated bar sits off to the side offering guests the opportunity to sip on a drink while waiting for their table or to enjoy a nightcap before catching a ride home. The bar includes a craft beer list from local breweries Fullsteam and Lonerider, along with a large list of wines and spirits. Harvest 18 accommodates guests every day of the week from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. For more information and to make reservations, they can be reached at 919-316-1818. The Refectory Cafe Priding itself on being the first green restaurant established in the Durham area, The Refectory Cafe offers healthy, locally sourced cuisine that caters to vegans, vegetarians, omnivores, and anyone else who likes to have a delicious meal that won't double their cholesterol count. In service of this goal, The Refectory has won an impressive 23 different culinary and environmental awards since they opened their doors in 2005. The Refectory has breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch menus offering a diverse number of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Some of the highlights of their expansive offerings include fresh garden salads, saffron seafood risotto, farm fresh quiche, and mouthwatering burgers. The Refectory Cafe is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., as well as having limited weekend hours. For more information, give them a call at 919-908-6798. As you can see, there are some great choices in restaurants to choose from in Durham that offer all sorts of food. The next time you're heading out for dinner, give one of these establishments a shot. Image via Pixabay

The 2019 Tacoma delivers some of the best off-roading chops in the compact truck segment. Add in the high payload capacity and a class-leading 4.5 out of five predicted reliability rating from J.D. Power, and the Tacoma tops our pick for one of the best values on the lot. Is the 2019 Toyota Tacoma right for you? Yes, it is. Let's discover why. Built for Adventure If you plan to take your Tacoma on a trek in the wilderness, make sure you check out the TDR Off-Road trim. It provides a slew of adventuring gear such as skid plates, all-terrain tires mounted on alloy wheels, plus up to 9.4 inches of ground clearance. For the new model year, the Tacoma TRD Pro trim gets treated with even more backcountry features such as crawl control — thanks to the Tacoma's multi-terrain select system, active traction control, and an electronic locking rear differential. This truck is built to tackle the toughest terrain with an adventure-tuned suspension and Bilstein shock absorbers. Towing and Hauling Capabilities When it comes to towing toys and hauling payload, the 2019 Tacoma has you covered. It can carry a class-leading 1,620 pounds and pull a boat or trailer up to 6,800 pounds. Opt for the available 3.5-liter V6 under the hood of your new Tacoma if you plan to do a ton of towing. It produces 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. That's enough to get the job done with ease. Depending on which cab you pick, either the four passenger Access or the double cab that seats five, the Tacoma provides a 5- or 6-foot-1-inch bed. Toyota offers a variety of equipment available at each trim level including a locking, removable tailgate and tie-down cleats, while the inner bed wall is lined with a plastic composite to protect the finish. Nimble Handling The Tacoma touts a firm suspension and a smooth ride on or off the pavement. It's the ideal pick for weekend warriors that need a commuting vehicle during the week, and a rock crawling beast Friday through Sunday. Its responsive drivetrain stays composed on winding roads and delivers plenty of traction at highway speeds. Advanced Tech Interface The Tacoma comes standard with Toyota's intuitive Entune technology. This infotainment system features a 6.1- or optional 7-inch touch screen, Siri Eyes Free, three USB ports, and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Get Scout GPS Link, wireless device charging, and a JBL sound system with both HD and satellite radio. The Tacoma is the only compact truck on the lot to offer a built-in GoPro mount. Use this system with your camera and record all your on- and off-road adventures. Toyota also outfitted every new Tacoma with its suite of active safety tech standard. It includes all the bells and whistles like forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and available rear cross-traffic alert. If you're on the lookout for a small truck with exceptional off-road abilities, the 2019 Tacoma is a great choice. Head over to Mark Jacobson Toyota for a test drive today. Image via Mark Jacobson Toyota