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Every summer, Great Falls spoils its residents and visitors with a great lineup of exciting events and activities — and this blistering hot season is no exception. Check out these four fun-filled events coming up this summer. more Pet and Doll Parade The Pet and Doll Parade is an annual event in which kids dress in costumes and march down Central Avenue with their pets and dolls. Each year, the parade has a different theme — this year, it will be "Beach Party" — and all participants are encouraged to dress to impress, as they will be judged on the originality of their costumes. Participants will be judged in eight divisions — pets, doll, cartoon, circus, occupation, sports, characterization, and frontier — with each division consisting of 6 to 20 categories. The parade will begin in front of the Civic Center on July 26 and is free both to participate in and attend. Montana State Fair Montana State Fair is the largest summer event in Great Falls. This year, it celebrates its 87th anniversary from July 27 to Aug. 4 at the Montana ExpoPark. Fairgoers will have opportunities to enjoy various carnival rides, eat delicious fair food from local vendors, and stroll through exhibit halls. The musical lineup includes Brothers Osborne, Midland, the Temptations, Jeff Foxworthy, and Seether. Free shows will also be held at the 3 Rivers Stage. Lewis and Clark Festival Taking place in Gibson Park, the Lewis and Clark Festival takes you back to Central Montana in 1805, as it recreates the events of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Re-enactors dress in the period attire, as they take part in the adventures of the Corps of Discovery, exhilarating visitors with tales of their lives along the Missouri River. In addition to fine art and satiating food, the festival will feature a bluegrass concert, fun activities for the kids, Native American dancers and drummers, and more. This year, the festival is scheduled from Aug. 24 to Aug. 26. Sun River Valley Excursion This event is organized by the Sun River Valley Historical Society and is created specifically for history buffs and anyone who wants to learn about Montana's beginnings. Sun River Valley Excursion is part of the Lewis and Clark Festival and will explore "the wagon/stagecoach routes through the Sun River Valley and the Birdtail and Mullan Trails." You will tour the Robert Vaughn Ranch in Sun River and small — but historically significant — towns such as Simms, Fort Shaw, and Sun River. Along your route, you will get to see the old stone barn between Vaughn and Sun River and learn about the soldiers who were stationed at Fort Shaw. You will hear stories of the legendary Piegan chief Little Dog, his people, and their battle with the Crow. The tour is scheduled for Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The tickets are $60 per person or $100 per couple and include lunch. If you happen to be in Great Falls this July or August, make sure to attend one or all of these events. And remember, these are just the highlights of what's coming up this summer in Great Falls. Image by Tracy, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

The affordability of the 2018 Nissan Versa is a big drawcard; however, there are many other reasons to consider the Versa for your next vehicle, particularly the fact that there's loads of cargo space and a large cabin with plenty of room for passengers. The 4-door Versa seats five people with no worries about head and leg room, as it is roomy and spacious. The 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive comes standard with all models. This is the perfect vehicle for a first-time buyer. Let's take a look at which Nissan Versa suits your needs best. more Nissan Versa Sedan The Versa sedan, although compact, feels roomy. It takes to the road with ease, handling bumps and corners seamlessly. The sedan is available in four different trims: The Sedan S, Sedan S Plus, Sedan SV, and Sedan SV Special Edition. The Sedan S has a starting MSRP of $12,310 and is equipped with a basic 4-speaker sound system and a Bluetooth hands-free phone system. The 5-speed manual transmission is standard with this base level. The Sedan S Plus has a starting price of $14,450. A rear spoiler, cruise control and an Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) are additional features of this model. However, neither the S nor the S Plus have available extra packages. Starting at $15,940, the Sedan SV includes a remote keyless entry with a remote trunk release, a trip computer displaying outside temperatures and current and average miles per gallon, illuminated USB connection ports, and fold-down rear seats with a 60/40 split. The Sedan SV Special Edition sells for $16,440 and is the top of the line. It comes with Bluetooth streaming audio, 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, fog lights, and a rear-view monitor. Nissan Versa Note (Hatchback) The sporty Versa Note has three different models — the Note S, Note SV, and Note SR — with plenty of cargo space, flared wheel arches, and swept-back headlamps giving it an energetic look. The bottom of the range, the Note S, starts at a mere $15,600. The 109 horsepower, 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine with Xtronic CVT comes standard with a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, an audio system with an auxiliary audio input jack, and air conditioning. At $16,500, the Note SV boasts an audio system with a 5-inch color display, a rearview monitor, power windows and door locks, Siri Eyes Free, and an adjustable floor to hide your goods. Finally, the Note SR, with a starting price of $18,100, comes with machined 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, front fog lights, and a premium sport synthetic-suede seat trim with orange accents and stitching. Both the sedan and the hatchback are fuel-efficient and definitely worth buying; however, your budget, lifestyle, and personal taste will dictate which option suits you best. If you're trying to save money, then the more affordable options of the sedan are a good choice. If you can put in a little extra and need more space, then the hatchback is your car. So, the best thing to do is to join us today at Taylor's AutoMax for a test drive. Image by Karlis Dambrans, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

Montana's natural beauty appeals not only to nature enthusiasts and the outdoorsy population, but also to large film production companies. Every year, producers and their casts travel to Montana to film full movies or television shows or to shoot individual scenes. You might be surprised to learn that many famous movies and TV series were produced in Montana. Here is a little sneak peek at some of them. more Forrest Gump This well-known 1994 romantic drama portrays the life story of Forrest Gump, a kind but slow-witted man from Alabama. Based on the 1986 novel by Winston Groom and directed by Robert Zemeckis, the movie stars Tom Hanks, Gary Sinise, Robin Wright, Sally Field, and Mykelti Williamson. The movie's two famous scenes in which Forrest Gump is running through Montana were filmed in or around Glacier National Park in Northwestern Montana. The first scene, where you can see golden wheat fields for a brief moment, was shot near Cut Bank, Montana. The other scene, picturing snowy mountain peaks in the background as Forrest jogs across a stone bridge, was filmed at the St. Mary Entrance to Glacier National Park. Beethoven 2 "Beethoven 2" is the first sequel of the famous 1992 family film "Beethoven." "Beethoven 2" was produced the following year due to the unexpected popularity and financial success of the original "Beethoven." The movie was directed by Rod Daniel, and it stared Charles Grodin, Debi Mazar, and Bonnie Hunt. Though the Newton family's home was in Pasadena, the scenes in the park were shot at Montana's Glacier National Park. Always A remake of the 1943 romantic drama, "A Guy Named Joe," "Always" is a 1989 romantic comedy-drama directed by Steven Spielberg. It stars Richard Dreyfuss, Holly Hunter, John Goodman, Brad Johnson, and Audrey Hepburn. "Always" is a true Montana film ― not only was it produced in Montana, but also features Montana residents. Its production took place at Kootenai National Forest, Montana. Several scenes were shot in and near Libby, Montana. "Always" recruited about 500 Libby's locals for wild-land firefighter roles. The opening scenes with the plane hovering over the lake were filmed at Bull Lake, Montana. Yellowstone This 10-episode cowboy drama from Paramount Network just aired in June of 2018. It stars Kevin Costner, Wes Bentley, Kelly Reilly, and Lude Grimes. In its production, "Yellowstone" took advantage of everything Montana has to offer ― its natural splendor, impressive estates, and historic sights. The family's ranch pictured in the series is the Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana, the state's historic landmark. The production of court scenes took place in the Old Supreme Court chamber in Montana State Capitol in Helena. Some scenes were shot at the Crow Indian Reservation in Southern Montana, by the Big Hole River between Butte and Melrose, in a small town of Darby, and in the Bitterroot Valley. These movies and TV series are just a few highlights of the numerous productions taking place in the state of Montana year after year. Next time you watch these movies, think about Montana. Image by DRs Kulturarvsprojekt, Licensed via CC BY-SA 2.0

For 2019, the Nissan Altima has been redesigned from the ground up. Engineers have rethought the entire vehicle, from the position and shape of the front grill to the internal function of the engine. The result is a stylish, efficient, powerful, and fun to drive sedan. Here are four of the most exciting features of the all-new Altima. more Variable Compression Engine A world first, the all-new Altima will include a variable compression turbo engine. What is variable compression turbo, you ask? The engine in the 2019 Altima has the ability to alter the compression of the engine instantaneously depending on driver input. Technology allows for a decrease in compression during periods of high turbo boost in order to avoid knock and then an increase in the ratio during low boost situations for better efficiency. This results in a vehicle that achieves 27 percent better fuel economy than past Altimas with Nissan's 3.5-liter V6, all without sacrificing power and torque. Nissan ProPILOT Assist Nissan's ProPILOT Assist will be available on the new Altima. ProPilot Assist is a semiautonomous driving mode that is simple to use and helps to eliminate driver fatigue. After getting up to speed, you only need to press the ProPILOT Assist button and then the adaptive cruise control button. Once engaged, the system will keep you in your lane and a safe distance from the cars ahead of you. The system handles many of the small driver inputs that can lead to fatigue after hours of driving. Intelligent All-Wheel Drive Front-wheel drive will be standard on the Altima, but all five trim levels offer the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System. By constantly monitoring road conditions, the system can respond to changes instantaneously, sending power to the wheels with the best traction. The all-wheel drive system makes the Altima an easy choice for those comparing midsized sedans to compact SUVs. Redesigned From the Ground Up The first thing you'll notice about the interior is the new 8.0-inch touch screen that will be standard on all 2019 Altimas. This screen controls an infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Google Assistant and Siri Eyes Free voice-recognition systems. You'll also be getting a standard 8-way power adjustable driver's seat and the option for heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and leather trim. A radical redesign of the exterior makes for a striking first impression. The grill now extends from the top of the lights all the way down to the bottom of the front fascia. The pulled-down hood includes an aggressive crease that is carried all the way through the top of the doors to the rear deck. These design modifications make for a sportier looking Altima. Nissan took the redesign of the new Altima very seriously. To make an efficient sedan that remained fun to drive, they went back to the drawing board and built the first ever variable compression turbo engine. This commitment to innovation has resulted in an exciting and capable car. Are you ready for the new Altima? Image by Farrell Small, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

Lewis and Clark National Forest is a stunning park in the north and central area of Montana. It sits along the upper Missouri River and the nationally acclaimed trout stream, Smith River. It's tucked into the mountains with an elevation that ranges from 4,500 feet to 9,362 feet above sea level. With its location in the mountains, surrounded by forest, and along the river, you can imagine that there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy on your next trip to Lewis and Clark National Forest. more Hiking Lewis and Clark National Forest is packed with trails that take you along tree-lined trails, across bridges, and into open prairie. One of the great things about hiking in Lewis and Clark National Forest is that you can actually follow in the footsteps of the famous adventurers themselves. The landscape is vast and many of the trails take you up in elevation, so be sure to pack plenty of supplies. It's also good to check in with the nearest park station to let them know your plans for the day. The area is home to tons of wildlife, including grizzly bears, gray wolves, and elk, so take precautions and stay on the trails. Fishing There is so much fishing to do at Lewis and Clark National Forest. Depending on what type of fish you want to catch, you can either head over to Smith River or you can get knee deep in some of the calmer areas of the Missouri River. If you want to catch freshwater trout, there's no better place in Montana than the Smith River inside the National Forest. There are 14 boat camps along the river where fishermen can set up for the weekend and store any fish they catch. There are even places where you can cook them after a day on the water. Be sure to book these camps in advance, especially during peak summer season. Bird Watching Lewis and Clark National Forest is home to quite a few types of migrating river birds. Throughout the year you can find different types of waterfowl like wood ducks, sandhill cranes, and trumpeter swans. The park is also home to peregrine falcons and bald eagles. Always ask at the nearest ranger station for recent sightings and to find out the best location for bird watching in a given season. Rafting For those seeking even more heart-pounding adventure, get yourselves on the roiling whitewater of the Missouri River. At different locations throughout the park, you can enter the river with a tour group and experienced whitewater rafting guide and test your steering skills. Depending on your skill level and what the water is like, tours go out daily from late spring to early fall. Always check reviews on any tours you book with to make certain that you are rafting with a safe and reputable company. Whether you're looking for a fun and relaxing day out in nature or you want to get your blood pumping on something more adventurous, there is plenty to keep all levels of outdoor enthusiasts busy at Lewis and Clark National Forest. Image by Forest Service Northern Region, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

Originally designed for the South American market, the 2018 Nissan Kicks is finally coming stateside. The Kicks is the replacement for the Nissan Juke and is less heavily stylized than its predecessors. Here are four reasons why you should get excited about the 2018 Nissan Kicks' American debut. more Pricing Coming in a size slot below the Nissan Rogue, the Kicks packs a lot of personality in a small frame and a low price point. The Kicks starts out at $17,990 MSRP and the most luxurious model has a starting MSRP of $20,290. Even the base model of the Kicks, the S, has tons of standard features, including a backup camera, Bluetooth hands-free capabilities, a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, automated emergency braking, plus three USB ports. Go up to the next trim, the SV, and enjoy remote start, 17-inch wheels, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic climate control as well as smartphone integration for both Android and iOS users. The SR is the top model and includes a 360-degree camera system, fog lights, LED accent lights, and chrome grille accents. Interior Space The Nissan Kicks will be substantially larger than the Juke. If you like numbers, the Kicks get a 3.5-inch longer wheelbase, 0.6-inch increase in height, and 6.7-inch increase in length. It gets 25 cubic feet of storage, which is plenty for hauling around everything from luggage to baby supplies to gym bags. Driver and passengers have generous headroom thanks to the Kicks' upright stance and there is similarly spacious legroom in both rows. Technology The 2018 Kicks can be equipped with Nissan's incredible Intelligent Mobility Suite, which offers some of the best active safety features on the market. Its intelligent forward collision warning system watches not just the car in front of the Kick, but also the one in front of that. It can slow down preemptively if either vehicle decreases in speed to help avoid collisions. The blind-spot warning system keeps an eye on either lane and alerts drivers via lights if there is a vehicle in the blind spot. If you start to merge while a vehicle is in that blind spot, the Kicks will automatically nudge itself back into the lane. The Kicks' active safety system also has lane intervention, which prevents accidental lane drifting, as well as a backup system that automatically brakes the vehicle if a potential collision is sensed, even if the driver can't see it. Personalization Like the Juke, the Kicks will have plenty of customization options. Choose from all over color or switch it up with a contrasting paint job. You can choose the color of everything from the body to the door handles to the sills to the roof. Color options include Monarch Orange, Cayenne Red, and Fresh Powder. The customization continues onto the inside, with different seat colors and contrasting trim options. The 2018 Nissan Kicks is an exciting new vehicle in the Nissan line up. It looks like it will be a solid replacement of the Juke and will continue to carry on its legacy of unique styling and fun driving. Image by RL GNZLZ, Licensed via CC BY-SA 2.0

Want to take a break, but don't have time to take a full-fledged trip? Check out one of these nearby spots for a mini-vacation that will help you feel refreshed before you head back to work on Monday. more Glacier National Park Only two hours from Great Falls, Glacier National Park is a great spot to get outdoors and enjoy some natural beauty for a quick getaway. The park itself is enormous at over one million acres. It has two mountain ranges, over 130 lakes, and thousands of plants and animals to discover. Pack your tent, your mountain bikes, and your binoculars to enjoy the true experience of the park. There are camping areas available within the park or you can book ahead and stay in one of the on-site cabins. Head off on one of the hiking trails that can take you up above the tree line so that you can get incredible views back over the park. Glacier National Park is also home to the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. It's a 50-mile road through the park that winds along the mountainside. It's one of Montana's top attractions. The park is busiest during the summer, so be sure to plan your trip well in advance so you don't miss out on any of the camping spots. Waterton Lakes National Park Another nearby national park, Waterton Lakes is a wonderful weekend getaway from Great Falls, just be sure to pack your passport. Waterton Lakes National Park is just across the border in Canada. If you don't love camping, this park is a great option. You can stay in a nice hotel in the town of Waterton and then head into the park during the day. Head out onto the lake with a kayak or canoe or go hiking and keep your eyes peeled for grizzly bears and bighorn sheep. For a nice dinner or fancy afternoon tea, head back into town and soak in the views of the surrounding area at the Prince of Wales Hotel. Flathead Lake Flathead Lake, which is about three and a half hours from Great Falls, is the largest natural freshwater lake in the Western United States. It has 185 miles of shoreline; you can go fishing from the shore or you can launch a boat and head out on the water. There are several recreation areas where you can bring a tent or a caravan to camp each night. These recreation areas also have bathrooms, showers, boat launches, swimming areas, and picnic facilities. If you want to access the southern area of the lake, you will need to purchase a tribal recreation permit. The area is home to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation, a beautiful part of the lake area. Great Falls residents are so lucky to have easy access to the stunning natural beauty of central Montana. You are close to the Canadian border, there are mountains, prairies, and wildlife around every corner, and it's all available at an affordable price. Check out one of these fantastic trips the next time you want to take a mini-vacation from Great Falls. Image by diosthenese, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

Do you love your Nissan Titan? Then you'll fall head over heels for the latest 2018 Titan XD model. There are a few upgrades and new features that make it the best model to date. more A New Trim Level For something completely different, the 2018 Titan XD now has a Midnight Edition package. The Midnight Edition package is available on diesel SV and SL Crew Cab 4x4 models. It offers drivers exclusive Midnight Edition 20-inch alloys, body color front grille and bumpers, black trimmed headlights, black fog lights, black side mirrors and door handles, and black step rails. All of the details are finished with Midnight Edition badges both inside and outside of the vehicle. Power Under the Hood The 2018 Titan XD comes standard with a 5.6-liter V-8 engine that offers you a whopping 390 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque. You can also upgrade to the 5-liter Cummins diesel engine that gives you a slightly lower 310 horsepower, but a fantastic torque of 555 pound-feet. Cab and Towing Capacity The new 2018 Titan XD has a huge weight capacity. Depending on which cab size you choose, you can carry up to 2,000 pounds with the crew cab. Opt for the Titan XD Single Cab 4x2 with the Cummins diesel engine, you can carry a cab weight of 2,910. If that's not enough for the job or adventure you're headed to, you can also tow an extraordinary amount of weight for a mid-sized pickup. If you grab the Titan XD King Cab with the Cummins V-8 diesel engine, you can tow an additional 12,510 pounds. Spacious and Stylish Interior The new 2018 Titan XD is slightly longer and wider than its predecessors, giving you more space than ever before inside the cab. It comfortably seats up to five adults with plenty of leg room in both the front and back seats. The latest Titan XD also offers tons of fantastic new luxury add-ons like wood-toned accents on the instrument panel and double-stitched leather appointments. Opt for the Titan Reserve package for even more interior style. It gives you luxury leather seats with a reserve logo, dark chrome interior accents, and premium wood trim. A Smart Truck Bed The new Titan XD also offers an available smart truck bed. It's the best option for those that need a truck to offer even more options while out on a worksite. The truck bed has a built-in toolbox along the side of the bed. The toolbox is removable if you need to clean it or want to swap it out for larger toolboxes. It also comes with an LED in-bed light that lines the side. It saves space and still allows you to access the truck bed when the sun has long gone down. This is not just a great option for workmen, but also for those that want to take their Titan XD out on a camping adventure. There are a lot of reasons to upgrade to the newest 2018 Nissan Titan XD. Head to Taylor's AutoMax to learn more and to find out how you can drive away with a new Titan today. Image by Truck Hardware, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

Located in central Montana, Great Falls is one of the largest cities in the state. While there's plenty to do within the city limits, the city's location makes it an ideal place for exploration. Whether you want to see the vast outdoor beauty of Montana, go for a hike, or snap a few pictures, Great Falls is the perfect base camp for your next road trip. more Glacier National Park Two hours south of Great Falls lies the majestic Glacier National Park. Featuring landscapes that look like something out of a movie, the park has the highest concentration of glaciers in the contiguous 48 states, providing epic backdrops for photos or a picnic. Grinnell Glacier, Hidden Lake, Iceberg Lake, Virginia Falls, and St. Mary's Falls are the most-visited attractions in the park, although over 700 miles of hiking trails give you ample opportunity to find a gem of your own. Keep a look out for elks, foxes, mountain goats, mountain lions, and grizzly bears along your journey to round out this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Helena Take the 90-mile trip on Interstate 15 South, and you'll end up in Montana's capital city of Helena. Founded as a base camp during the Montana gold rush of the 1860s, Helena was one of the world's wealthiest cities and home to over 50 millionaires at its height. While the gold was all but gone by the 1880s, many residents remained in Helena because of its picturesque settings and short but warm summers. Today, Helena is the center of government in Montana and an awesome place to visit. Take a tour of the capitol building, explore the Victorian-era architecture, enjoy a craft brew, or attend a minor league baseball game on your visit. Whatever your tastes or interests, you'll find it in this surprisingly awesome city. Mount Wright Head 90 miles west of Great Falls on U.S. Route 89 to arrive at Mount Wright, one of the tallest hikeable mountains in the state. Standing at 8,875 feet, Mount Wright offers sweeping views of Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness — a view that few visitors ever see. You'll want to get in shape before tackling this hike as it ascends over 3,500 feet to the summit and covers 7 miles round-trip. However, it is one of the only mountains with a clearly marked trail, giving you an easier path to the top than other unmarked paths. Go on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy the views with a few of the resident mountain goats. Missoula A three-hour trip west on Montana Route 200 puts you in Missoula, one of the state's largest and most intriguing cities. Home to the University of Montana, a preserved fort, art galleries, music venues, restaurants, and nightlife, Missoula is the most entertaining city in the state. Keep an eye for some of the city's annual events such as the Big Sky Film Festival or the oddly named Maggotfest, which is a famous 36-team rugby tournament. Wherever you decide to go on your next road trip, Great Falls is an awesome place to start your journey.   Image via diosthenese, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

The Volkswagen Atlas is an all-new model for Volkswagen for 2018 that fits in between the Tiguan and the Touareg. It is a three-row SUV with an exceptional amount of passenger space and a sleek interior design. In addition to the seating, here are some reasons to love the family-friendly 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. more The Variety With five different trim levels, there is an Atlas for every family. These start with the S which has cloth seats, a bench seat in the middle row, and dual-zone climate control. The SE adds rear sunshades, a push-button start, a power liftgate, and the option for captain's chairs in the second row. The SEL comes with a panoramic sunroof, black 20-inch wheels, and it adds the R-Line package. There is also the SEL Premium trim which adds some exclusive equipment. This includes the Digital Cockpit, leather seats, and LED taillights. The Power The base engine in the Atlas is a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. There is also a 3.6-liter V-6 that generates 276 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque that is an available option on all the trims except the SEL Premium where it comes standard. Front wheel drive comes standard, and models with the V-6 have the option for all-wheel drive. The Performance The fuel-efficient Atlas is a great vehicle to pile the family in and head out on a road trip. You can get up to 26 mpg on the highway with the four-cylinder engine and up to 25 mpg on the highway with the V-6 with front-wheel drive. If you need to tow a boat or camper for your trip, the Atlas will handle up to 5,000 pounds, and this SUV has four different driving modes that include Normal, Eco, Sport, and a customizable setting. Choose Sport to make this SUV come to life with a quicker throttle response and more responsive steering. The Technology The base S trim comes with a 6.5-inch touch screen and infotainment system that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has Bluetooth connectivity. The SE adds a larger 8-inch touch screen display while the SEL Premium's Digital Cockpit features a display screen instead of the gauge cluster and a video screen that can display information such as driver preference settings, fuel economy statistics, and contact and call history information. Safety Features All the trims come standard with a rearview camera, and if you bump up to the SE, it adds a blind-spot monitoring system. The SE w/technology also has lane keep assist, forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The SEL adds a park distance control system and the SEL Premium comes with a parking assist system. The 2018 Atlas is a welcome addition to the Volkswagen lineup. It has an elegant look both inside and out, and it comes with the technology the kids want no matter how long or short the ride will be. It also has the latest safety features so you can feel confident that your family is safe. Image via RL GNZLZ, Licensed via CC BY-SA 2.0

Nestled on the banks of the Missouri River in the heart of Montana, Great Falls is a stellar place for nightlife, outdoor adventure, and an authentic Montana experience. Solo travelers and families will find plenty to do among an array of options for adults and kids of all ages. If you're searching for something the kids will love, check out these fun and entertaining activities. more Montana State Fair Each year in late July and early August, the Montana ExpoPark in Great Falls plays host to the Montana State Fair. In 2018, the fair celebrates its 87th anniversary with plenty of activities, rides, food, and fun for the kids. The Big Sky Pro Rodeo takes place over the final four nights of the state fair, offering four themed nights including patriot night, family night, tough-enough-to-wear-pink night, and Pepsi night. Your children will enjoy dozens of rides including a small roller coaster, a 70-foot Ferris wheel, and other thrills which spin, twist, and rock you through the air. Ice cream, funnel cakes, pizza, tacos, gyros, and other delicious foods await, but you might want to indulge until after the rides. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for youths (6-17), $5 for seniors (60+), and free for children 5 and under. Electric City Water Park Open from early June through Labor Day, Electric City Water Park is a stellar way to cool off all summer long. Surf the Flow Rider, float the lazy river, or dart down the 20-foot-tall, 160-foot-long Power Tower slides for a fun way to beat the heat. Electric City is also home to Montana's largest child's water play structure, providing endless fun for the entire family. Take breaks at the shady, tree-lined park within the complex or grab something at the concessions stand, veg out, and catch some rays. Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for children 17 and under. Children's Museum of Montana Enjoy a day of educational, interactive fun at the Children's Museum of Montana. Specializing in hands-on activities in the fields of math, science, and culture, the museum is perfect for children from 1 to 10. Exhibits include a life-sized Maiasura dinosaur, a pirate ship you can climb aboard, a fossil-digging area, and a life-size fuselage from a plane. The museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Tickets are $7. Oddfellows Park Situated along the banks of the Missouri River, Oddfellows Park is a local favorite, giving you kid-friendly options on both land and water. To get some exercise, head down to the water's edge to rent canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards. There are also several places to cast a line for catch and release, provided you obtain a Montana fishing license. If it's too cold for the water, head for the playground, complete with a giant sea turtle and a serpent. With so many kid-friendly attractions and choices throughout Great Falls, you're sure to have a memorable experience with the children. The hardest part may just be getting them to agree on the same thing. "Montana State Fair" by Tracy, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

The 2018 Nissan Maxima is a sleek vehicle on the outside, and on the inside, it comes with some of the latest and most innovative technology. A ride in the Maxima is not only comfortable, passengers can stay connected, stay safe, and be ready for anything that might happen on the road. Here are some of the most innovative features on the 2018 Nissan Maxima. more NissanConnect Services The NissanConnect Services is an available option depending on the trim in the Maxima. This system uses SiriusXM and offers several different plans with different levels of service and connectivity. Use NissanConnect for Emergency Preparedness and get automatic collision notification, emergency calling, and roadside assistance. There is also remote access, so you can lock and unlock the doors using your smartphone, and even use your phone to start the car remotely. The remote services package also includes a parked car finder. NissanConnect Alerts Stay informed even when you are not in the vehicle with the NissanConnect Alerts system. You can set speed thresholds for teen drivers and get alerts if they go over the limit you set, or get geographical alerts. This will send you an alert if the vehicle travels 2 miles beyond the set parameters. Want to make sure the kids come home when they are supposed to? Set their curfew time right in the Maxima through NissanConnect and they will get a reminder 20 minutes before they need to get home. There are no excuses for being late when they have the latest technology from Nissan. Nissan Intelligent Mobility Nissan Intelligent Mobility provides the extra assistance you need to stay safer on the road. This technology helps you to see what's going on around you, keeps you connected, and it will take any necessary actions to help keep you from getting into an accident. The systems include automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, and intelligent forward collision warning. There is an intelligent around view monitor that uses four different cameras to give you a complete 360-degree top-down view around your Maxima. A selectable split-screen view provides close-up views of the front, the rear, and curbs, and there are even alerts to let you know if objects are in your way. SiriusXM Travel Link Plan your day, or just plan your lunch with SiriusXM Travel Link. This system provides all types of information from the weather to traffic, and the latest sports scores. You can find out what movies are in nearby theaters, or get the lasted stock information without having to leave your car. The advanced technology Nissan uses for the 8-inch touch screen makes it easy to use and similar to your smartphone, so you can pinch, zoom, or swipe in any direction and get to the information you want in no time. The 2018 Nissan Maxima comes with some of the latest and most innovative technology to help make your ride comfortable and safe. Stay safely connected to your friends and family while on the road  and stay informed. Image by CONCAVO WHEELS, Licensed via CC BY 2.0