Blog

With fall just around the corner, it's time to start planning some fun fall activities for you and your family! Apple picking is a great way to spend time outdoors, build memories, and get enough apples to create an unsurmountable number of apple-based baked goods! There are several great apple orchards in the greater Ann Arbor, Michigan, area. Be sure to check out one of these three when you go apple picking with your family! Wasem Fruit Farm Wasem Fruit Farm has a wide range of pick-your-own options throughout the year. Their apple season tends to last from Labor Day weekend through early November. Due to the popularity of the farm, they may run out early or suspend pick-your-own fruit until more ripens, so be sure to check their availability ahead of time. If you make your way to the orchard in the earlier part of the season, you'll likely find pick-your-own pumpkins available as well. They're perfect for decorating and jack-o-lantern carving. more They grow over a dozen varieties of apples, so you're sure to find all of your favorites. Some of their most popular options include Paula Red, Cortland, McIntosh, and Fuji. Don't forget to stop at their farmers' market, which takes place on Saturday throughout the year and also on Wednesday from May through Christmas. You'll find apples, cider, donuts, jams, and plenty of other delicious goods! Wiard's Wiard's has been providing the area with fresh local produce since 1837. Today, they continue to offer great produce as well as a fun way to spend time with your family. This year, a late frost in the spring reduced their apple crop, so they suggest calling ahead to check for pick-your-own availability, which is only offered during the week for the fall of 2020. You also need to buy tickets to their country fair to enter the pick-your-own area of the orchard. The fair features several great fall activities, so it really serves as a nice addition to the experience! It features a playground, hayrides, a corn maze, inflatable attractions, a petting zoo, and more. Spicer Orchards There's no better way to spend a fall weekend than picking apples at Spicer Orchards and checking out their fun fall activities. They have a healthy variety of apple species to pick, including Red Delicious, Empire, McIntosh, and Jonathan. It's always a good idea to call ahead to ensure the pick-your-own varieties you want are available. Similar to Wiard's, you'll find several great family fall activities to participate in here throughout the apple picking season. There are wagon rides to the orchard itself, donuts, a cider playground, train rides, a winery, and more. You'll definitely want to plan on spending a few hours here if you want to enjoy all the fun things you can do at Spicer Orchards! Mix things up a bit this season by checking out one of the apple orchards listed above! Picking your own apples is not only a fun way to spend a day with your friends and family, but also a great way to stock up on apples so you can make all sorts of delicious treats! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

The Ford F-150 has always been one of the most popular pickup trucks on the road and for a good reason. The vehicle is known for its power, performance, and towing capacity, making it the perfect vehicle for both work and play. Want to find out more about one of the most popular vehicles in the Ford lineup? Check out some of the performance features the F-150 has to offer. Six Engine Options You can truly customize the power of your new 2020 Ford F-150 by choosing from one of six engine options. The standard engine option is a 3.5-liter Ecoboost engine, which features twin inter-cooled turbos to deliver power when it is needed. The Ecoboost technology allows the vehicle to have enough power to tackle needed tasks while maximizing fuel efficiency. The base engine can achieve up to 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with an available towing capability if 13,200 pounds. more Other mid-range engine options include a 3.0-liter Power Stroke, turbo diesel engine, which boasts an impressive 250 horsepower, and 440 pound-feet of torque while providing 11,500 pounds towing capability, and a high output, 3.5-liter Ecoboost engine. The latter engine provides more significant power than the others, producing up to 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Those looking for a turbocharged engine can opt for the 2.7-liter turbocharges, Ecoboost, which delivers 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Buyers who want a twin independent variable cam timing engine will have the choice of two options. The first is a 5.0-liter TI-VCT V-8 engine that can output up to 395 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, and the second is the 3.3-liter, TI-VCT, V-6 engine which features 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. 10-Speed Automatic Transmission When opting for the V-8 or diesel engine with the Ford F-150, drivers will enjoy an advanced 10-speed automatic transmission. The 10-speed transmission provides better overall performance than the 6-speed and features an enhanced acceleration when at the low and mid ranges of the power band. The wide-span gear spacing and drag-reduction action provide for smooth shifting and handling on any type of road surface. You can also customize your handling by choosing from one of five drive modes; normal, tow/haul, snow/wet, EcoSelect, and sport. Towing Features The F-150 is equipped with a number of standard and available towing features to help you transport any type of cargo you need for work or for play. Both trailer sway control and roll stability control come standard on the truck, along with a smart trailer tow connector. This feature will notify you of any lighting, battery, or connectivity problems. Aside from the standard feature, there are also a number of optional towing features, including ProTrailer Backup Assist, which helps to synchronize your truck and trailer while backing up. You can synchronize your truck and trailer even further by adding a factory installed brake controller. The optional Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Coverage will provide you with sound and audio alerts when a vehicle is traveling alongside your trailer in your vehicle's blind spot. There is no better way to see how the 2020 Ford F-150 performs than by taking one out for a test drive! Stop by Briarwood Ford today to check one out. Image via ford.com

Spending the day with the family is a great way to bond and get away from the daily routine, even if it is only for a few hours. Whether parents are looking for a fun physical activity to get their children some exercise, or are looking to take them somewhere for education and to broaden their horizons: there are plenty of places in Saline, Michigan, that would make the perfect outing! Not sure where to take the kids? Check out some of the best family-friendly activities in and around the Saline area. The Creature Conservancy For kids who love animals or learning more about nature, The Creature Conservancy is a place to put on your to-do list. You never know what you are going to see at The Creature Conservancy. Featured animals are rotated monthly, so go often to learn about all the various species that call the conservancy home. Visitors can watch a presentation about the animal as well as observe them being fed, and will also have the opportunity to touch them. more The Creature Conservancy is a popular attraction, so you will need to purchase tickets in advance to secure your spot. Two animal programs featuring the same animal will be held each day to ensure that all visitors will be able to participate. Mill Pond Park Located on W. Bennet Street, Mill Pond Park is the perfect place to take the family to enjoy some fresh air and physical activity! The park is the largest in the Saline area and occupies just over 54 acres. The park is popular for day trips and is home to many events throughout the year. There are a number of park amenities that can help to keep the children entertained as well as make the day complete. The park includes wooded areas and a boat launch for motorless boating. They also have a pavilion that's accessible, has water and electricity, and can be rented for events or parties. The kids will enjoy the Gaga Ball pit, soccer fields, and play structures. Adults will enjoy the many nature trails, the dog park, and the large picnic area with on-site grills. Your family can spend the day fishing or canoeing in the 20.5-acre pond or along the Saline River. Or you may just want to take a scenic walk along the shoreline and take in some of the local history of the area. Curtiss Park The second-largest park in the area, located on Michigan Drive, is also a popular place for a family outing. Curtiss Park is 50 acres of pathways, nature trails, and a host of amenities. The park is equipped with a baseball field, tennis courts, a playground, and a picnic area. Not only is the park a great place to exercise and observe nature – it’s also one of the most popular fishing spots along the Saline River! Enjoy a day with the kids by taking them to one or all of the family-friendly activities in the Saline area listed above and have a day no one will forget! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

The Ford F-150 has been one of America's top-selling trucks for years now and there’s no doubt as to why. Featuring a whole array of strong powertrains, excellent tow and payload ratings, and a long list of available modern technology features, this truck is difficult to beat. With the Raptor trim comes excellent off-road capability. You can choose from seven trims with the F-150, namely the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, and Raptor. Here's more information on this beloved truck. Configurable and Tough Exterior The 2020 Ford F-150 is super configurable. You can choose from three cab styles: regular, extended, and crew cab, as well as three bed lengths. In addition, the different trim levels offer various levels of convenience and performance. With the base trim comes standard features like daytime running lights, halogen headlights, 17-inch steel wheels, and two front tow hooks. Higher trims add conveniences like a power tailgate, LED fog lights, LED headlights and taillights, 22-inch aluminum wheels, and a moonroof. more When stripped of all features, however, all F-150 trucks boast a body that's constructed from high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy, which provides increased strength without adding weight. With this tough body, the F-150 is able to handle a best-in-class payload and up to 13,200 pounds in towing. Multiple Powertrains You can choose from six powertrains with the F-150. The standard 3.3-liter engine is mated to a six-speed automatic and makes 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Next in line is a 2.7-liter turbo V-6 with an output of 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, followed by a 5.0-liter V-8 that generates 395 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Also available are two iterations of a 3.5-liter turbo V-6 engine: one that produces 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, and another, more powerful version that kicks out 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. You can even opt for an available turbocharged diesel V-6 that provides an output of 250 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. Except for the base 3.3-liter, all engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Excellent Off-Road Chops If you're into off-roading, opt for the Raptor that offers convenient off-road features like Fox monotube shocks, skid plates, off-road tires, hood extractors, two rear tow hooks, an electronic rear differential, and a special four-wheel-drive system. Standard with this trim is a terrain management system that features seven selectable modes: Normal, Sport, Slippery, Tow/Haul, Deep Snow/Sand, Baja, and Rock Crawl. This trim also features Trail Control, an off-road cruise control system. Modern Technology The F-150 is not only about strength and performance: this truck also offers impressive technology features. Although the standard infotainment system is a bit bare-bones, the available Sync 3 infotainment system features all the bells and whistles, including an 8-inch display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. In addition, the F-150 offers standard safety and driver-assist systems like pre-collision assist with emergency braking, automatic high beams, and a rearview camera. Higher trims add many advanced systems, such as lane-keeping, reverse sensing, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring with trailer viewing. The F-150 boasts an attractive combination of power, performance, and comfort. To take one for a spin, drop by Briarwood Ford and allow our friendly team to assist you! Image via ford.com

Sitting down for a good cup of coffee and a tasty snack in a quality coffee shop can only make your day better! In and around Saline, Michigan, are a few lovely coffee shops that you simply have to try! Carrigan Cafe Carrigan Cafe is a small, intimate coffee shop in Saline where you can find a delicious sandwich and a good cup of coffee, accompanied by friendly service. This pleasant venue, with its exposed brick walls, houseplants, and polished wood floors, makes for a homey and welcoming setting where you relax with friends or family. While waiting for your food, try to finish a puzzle or get competitive over one of their board games! more At this shop, they try to source all ingredients locally, except for their organic, fair-trade coffee, which comes all the way from Plymouth. On the small menu are a few breakfast options, such as the quiche of the day and oatmeal with cranberries and pecans. Apart from the soup of the day, the only other menu items are specialty sandwiches; however, they are all delicious! A favorite among locals is the Baja Club, served with French bread, turkey, bacon, and pepper. On the drink menu are hot and iced coffee drinks, a long list of tea options, and specialty espresso drinks. Brewed Awakenings Brewed Awakenings is a locally-owned and run coffee shop that has been serving excellent coffee and tasty, homemade food in Saline since 2011. The place has a cozy feel and features a romantic, old-fashioned interior. Against the one wall leans an antique piano, while a fireplace surrounded by coffee chairs offers a lovely corner where you can sit down with a book or chat with friends. They pride themselves at this coffee shop in using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, and all meats, cheeses, and veggies are hand-picked. On the menu are a selection of breakfast options, made-to-order sandwiches, house-made soups, salads, and baked goods. Delicious options include the Daybreak Panini with egg, bacon, tomato, guacamole, and cream cheese on Italian bread, and the Rustic Italian with ham, salami, provolone cheese, pepper, red onions, and lettuce on ciabatta bread. They also offer freshly baked, crustless quiches every day. Zingerman's Coffee Company Zingerman's Coffee Company, which is located a short drive out of Saline in Ann Arbor, is a trendy coffee shop with a hip, lively vibe. The industrial-like venue features multi-colored booths and a large, busy coffee counter that's overlooked by a Big Brew Board from where you can pick your coffee roast and method. Apart from delicious, house-roasted brews, this place also offers unique, gourmet sandwiches and delectable sweet treats. For something a bit different, try the Bulgarian, which is Sesame Semolina bread with cream cheese, topped with a Bulgarian spread made from roasted peppers, eggplant, and tomato paste. If you're in the mood for something sweet, go for the Sweet Treat, which is a raspberry puree and almond butter served on Country Wheat bread. Lighten up your day by visiting these lovely coffee shops in and near Saline where you'll receive good coffee, a tasty meal, and friendly service! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

If you're shopping for a sports car with a sleek design and modern interior, check out what the 2020 Ford Mustang has to offer! With a wide assortment of amenities, there's no way to get bored on the road when you're behind the wheel of the latest Mustang! Read on to learn more about the unique features of this vehicle. Trim Levels and Exterior Details The 2020 Ford Mustang comes in a wide variety of trim levels, including the EcoBoost Fastback, EcoBoost Premium, GT Fastback, GT Premium, and the BULLITT. The Mustang also comes in three convertible trims: the EcoBoost Convertible, EcoBoost Premium Convertible, and GT Premium Convertible. more While they look similar, each trim has subtle exterior differences. The EcoBoost Premium features LED fog lamps and pony projection lights, which are omitted from the base-level EcoBoost. In addition, the EcoBoost Premium trim has a blade decklid spoiler, whereas the GT trims have raised blade decklid spoilers. Power and Performance The EcoBoost models feature a 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine that generates 310 horsepower. This engine pairs with a six-speed manual transmission, though you also have the option of a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. The GT trims feature a 5.0-liter eight-cylinder engine that generates 460 horsepower and is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The higher-tier BULLITT has the same pairing, though its engine produces 480 horsepower. Entertainment and Connectivity Every Mustang comes with several features to keep you and your passengers entertained on the road. The EcoBoost and GT base models feature the voice-controlled SYNC system, a six-speaker sound system, and an AM/FM stereo. In contrast, the EcoBoost Premium, GT Premium, and BULLITT trims take it a step further with a nine-speaker audio system. All trims come standard with FordPass Connect, which is a smartphone application that works as a modem. It provides you with a Wi-Fi hotspot and lets your vehicle connect to the internet to receive live traffic updates. Interior Comfort and Space The cabin features many modern amenities and plenty of space for you and your passengers to ride comfortably. All trims feature bucket front seats. The EcoBoost Premium features a six-way power driver seat, leather upholstery, and cooled passenger and driver seats. The BULLITT even comes standard with a heated steering wheel. When it comes to cargo, the Mustang gives you 13.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity when all the seats are in place, though the convertible models get 11.4 cubic feet of space. Safety Features All Ford Mustang trim levels come with several features to give you added confidence on the road ahead. All trims come with the Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology, which includes a variety of features like AdvanceTrac with electronic stability control and an SOS post-crash alert system. You can even add on the available Ford Safe and Smart Package, which comes with great features to keep you and your passengers safe on the road, including a lane-keeping system and pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking. If you're ready to get behind the wheel of the 2020 Ford Mustang, stop by Briarwood Ford today for a test drive - we're happy to help you find the vehicle of your dreams! Image via ford.com

If you want to bite into a juicy burger, drive into Saline and the surrounding cities. This area of Michigan is a great place to gather with a few friends over a hearty meal. Read on to learn where to find the best burger in and around Saline. Dan's Downtown Tavern When you're craving a traditional American meal, stop by Dan's Downtown Tavern. This bar and grill offers a selection of burgers and draft beers. Notable burger options include the "All-American Burger," the "Good Ole Mushroom Swiss," the "Elvis Burger," and the "Peanut Butter Burger." The latter is a half-pound burger topped with peanut butter, cheddar cheese, and bacon. If you want an Italian touch, opt for the "Pizza Burger," which features pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and pizza sauce. more Dan's Downtown Tavern is located at 103 East Michigan Ave. in Saline. It's open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Casey's Tavern Casey's Tavern offers a variety of burgers, including beef, turkey, and black bean burgers. Each burger comes with a side of fries, a pickle, and your choice of toppings. Apart from burgers, you can also opt for a hot dog, sandwich, soup, or salad. Some of these options include black bean chili, Greek salad, roasted salmon salad, and tuna fish sandwich. Wash it all down with your choice of draft or bottled beer. Find Casey's Tavern at 304 Depot St. in Ann Arbor, just 10 minutes outside of Saline. It's open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Frita Batidos Experience Cuban culture with a trip to Frita Batidos. This restaurant offers traditional Cuban burgers that feature spicy chorizo and a soft egg bun. You can customize your burger by getting a single or double patty and choosing from chorizo, chicken, black bean, beef, or fish. If you have room for dessert, try a warm churro that features nutmeg and tangy orange zest. You can also order one of its tropical milkshakes, known as batidos. Some flavor options include coconut cream and hibiscus. Frita Batidos also has an alcohol menu that features specialty drinks and beer. Find Frita Batidos at 117 West Washington St. in Ann Arbor. It's open every day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Salt Springs Brewery Salt Springs Brewery offers a variety of dishes with fresh and local ingredients. Opt for a juicy burger, a leafy salad, or a dinner plate such as its chargrilled sirloin steak or eggplant puttanesca. When it comes to burgers, this brewery doesn't disappoint. It offers several options, including its mushroom and Gruyere burger, a blackened blue burger, and the "Salt Springs and Beyond" burger. The brewery also offers both vegan and vegetarian food options. Stop by the brewery at 117 South Ann Arbor St. in Saline.   No matter which restaurant you choose, you're in for a great dining experience. Check websites to see what services are currently available before heading out, then get ready to enjoy these burger spots today! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

With its retro styling and modern handling, the Ford Mustang has withstood the test of time. The 2020 models play off the success Ford found with the 2005 models, but maintains a vibe reminiscent of the 1960s with a roofline and rear side windows influenced by this era. As a performance car, the 2020 Mustang provides you with an agile ride behind its powerful engine options. Trim Levels The 2020 Ford Mustang has five trims available: EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, GT Premium, and Bullitt. Coupes are available with all trim levels, and convertibles are found with all trims except for the GT and Bullitt. The base trim includes 17-inch wheels, while the EcoBoost Premium and GT trims add 18-inch wheels. The High-Performance Package features 19-inch wheels and summer tires, as well as a rear spoiler and track-oriented suspension. more Engine You have four powerful engine options with the 2020 Mustang. The base, 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, puts out 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. There's a 2.3-liter High-Performance Package that makes 330 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. The upgraded 5.0-liter V-8 engine found standard in the GT trim produces 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. The Bullitt trim includes a V-8 engine that produces 480 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. The Mustang comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but a 10-speed automatic transmission is available. Performance With the base engine, coupe body style, and manual transmission, you'll get an estimated 21 miles per gallon in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. If you have the automatic transmission, mpg increases by one on the highway. Convertibles get 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with either transmission. Mustangs with the High-Performance Package get 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission and 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for the automatic version. The engine found with the GT gets 16 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway for the coupes, while convertibles get 15 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, which is the same fuel economy found with the Bullitt. Interior The base EcoBoost trim comes standard with cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a six-speaker audio system, and the voice-controlled SYNC 3 infotainment system on a 4.2-inch touch screen display. It also includes FordPass Connect, which lets you start the vehicle remotely, connect via a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and check on your vehicle via an app. The EcoBoost Premium trim adds leather upholstery, six-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, the upgraded SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch display, and heated and ventilated front seats. Safety Features The 2020 Mustang comes standard with a rearview camera and Ford's MyKey system, which allows you to add audio and speed limits for secondary drivers. There are several optional safety features available including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning. The vehicle earned a perfect five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. When you’re ready to feel the power for yourself, schedule an appointment with Briarwood Ford for a test drive! We’re ready and waiting for you! Image via ford.com

Having a dead battery can seem like the worst thing of the day, but there's no need to feel discouraged. Follow these simple steps, and you'll be back on the road in no time. Gather your supplies: - a set of jumper cables - another vehicle, a charged battery or portable power unit - safety equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses more 1) Identify the positive terminal on both batteries, marked with red. 2) In the vehicle with the dead battery, identify an unpainted metal surface that is not next to the battery. 3) Connect a positive (red) jumper cable clamp to the positive (red) post of the dead battery. 4) Connect the other positive (red) jumper cable clamp to the good battery’s positive (red) post. WARNING: Do NOT allow the positive and negative jumper cable clamps to touch once connected to a battery. This will generate sparks. 5) Connect the black (negative) clamp on that same end of the jumper cable to the negative (black) post of the good battery. 6) IMPORTANT: Connect the other negative (black) clamp to the unpainted metal surface under the hood of the car with the dead battery. DO NOT connect to the negative post of the dead battery – this could cause an explosion. 7) Start the good vehicle, allow it to run for about 5 minutes with the jumper cables connected. Attempt to start the disabled vehicle; if the engine won’t turn over, try repositioning the negative (black) jumper cable connected to the unpainted metal surface. Ensure the surface is clean so as to allow for a good connection. If the engine doesn’t turn over after a couple more minutes, try to race the good vehicle’s engine a little so the alternator delivers more amperage. 8) Once the dead vehicle has started, remove the jumper cables in the reverse order they were connected. Allow the vehicle to run for at least 10 minutes before turning off, to recharge the battery. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

If you're looking for a souped-up SUV, look no further than the Ford Edge ST. The first-ever SUV designed by the Ford performance team, the Edge ST offers the thrilling performance that you want and need, as well as a wide range of other enticing features. Keep reading to learn more about the 2019 Ford Edge ST and find out why it's the perfect choice for your next vehicle! more Turbocharged Engine Performance The only reason that many drivers will need to encourage them to invest in the Edge ST can be found under the hood of this one-of-a-kind SUV. Hop behind the wheel of this exciting model, and you'll feel the power of a turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine that puts out 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. With this much engine power, you may feel like you're driving around town in a sports car instead of a crossover SUV. There's even an available sport mode for an extra performance boost whenever you need it! Take on the Toughest Roads The engine power of the 2019 Ford Edge ST makes it the perfect vehicle for hitting the highway, but this model is also capable of tackling rough terrain when necessary. The intelligent all-wheel-drive system with all-wheel-drive disconnect helps to maintain your traction and stability whenever you encounter a rough road, making this the perfect SUV for adventurous drivers everywhere. If you want to hit the road in a powerful, exciting SUV, the 2019 Ford Edge ST is a great choice! Schedule a test drive today to experience this vehicle for yourself! Image via ford.com