How Do I Get My Car Ready for Summer Travel? 7 Tips to be Ready for Summer Fun.

That’s a great question! Summer is in full swing, but there’s still plenty of time for summer road trips.  Here are 7 tips to make sure your vehicle is ready to go and if we can help you with any or all of these tips, please contact us, we’re here to help make sure your vehicle is ready to get on the road! 

1. Check your tires and tire pressure
   Make sure all four tires have plenty of tread and that there are no bulges, tears, or gouges in the sidewalls.  Always inflate tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. See our video on How to Check Your Tire Pressure for details.
2. Test and listen to your brakes
   If you feel any vibration or hear a grinding sound when applying the brakes, you should take your vehicle in for a brake inspection. Any leaks or mechanical failure in the brakes, including pads, rotors, shoes and drums, should be repaired immediately.
3. Battery Test
   Get your battery tested to make sure it is full and that all connections are tigh
4. Check All Fluids
   Check and top off engine oil and other fluids, including coolant.
5. Windshield Wipers
   Inspect wiper blades and replace if signs of wear.  Make sure windshield washer fluid reservoir is full.
6. Check belts and hoses
   Get a visual check and replace any that are cracked or frayed.  Have a service technician do this if you are not familiar.
7. Check the AC
   Make sure your AC is running cool and change the air filter if needed.  Take a test drive and if there has been a decrease in cooling, take your car to your service center for diagnosis and repairs.

Most of all, take your time and plan your route ahead of time.  Adhering to the posted speed limits and using cruise control will assist with fuel economy.  Lastly, don’t forget the snacks! 
Safe travels!

How can I minimize the costs of driving?

This is a timely question as continued rising fuel prices have people wondering how to reduce the costs of operating a vehicle. With increased spending necessary just to fill the tank, drivers wonder if they should put off spending money on car repairs and maintenance.

The answer to that is “No.” Taking care of your vehicle actually saves you money both on fuel costs as well as long-term expenses. Of course, there are additional things you can do to conserve fuel such as taking it easy on accelerating from a stop and driving at 55MPH on the highway. But, keeping a close eye on maintenance for your vehicle will actually save on fuel costs as well. And it is an investment that can pay off by extending the life of your vehicle.

Whoever thought filling the gas tank would cost $100? With gas prices continuing to rise, we all look for ways to save. While we can’t affect the price at the pump, taking care of your vehicle and ensuring it is operating at optimal efficiency will save you money over time. For more information on how to reduce total costs of operating your car, SUV or truck, both in the short-term and long-term, see our tips on How to Get Better Gas Mileage.

We are here to help you make informed decisions about servicing your vehicle. Visit us in Haverhill or call us at 866-937-8658.

Volvo XC90 has been named a Car of the Decade by experts at Autotrader

The Volvo XC90 has been named a Car of the Decade by experts at Autotrader, the most recognized third-party car listings brand. It is the only luxury SUV to make the independently-chosen list.

According to Autotrader the XC90 that debuted in the 2015 model year is the perfect example of a modern vehicle primed for the future. It has a range of turbocharged, supercharged and electrified four-cylinder engines and offers good efficiency, a modern, minimalist interior, loads of connectivity and safety features, and unique Scandinavian elements like an available wool-blend interior.

• Three-row SUV stands alone as the only luxury SUV on 15-vehicle list
• Win adds to North American Utility of the Year and Motor Trend SUV of the Year awards
• Design, hybrid powertrain were significant factors

“The Volvo XC90 is one of the best cars of the decade because it’s a spectacular luxury SUV that kicked off a long line of fresh new vehicles forever changing the course of the Volvo brand,” said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader. “The XC90 effectively elevates the entire brand to a true luxury position, it’s the full embodiment of all that Volvo can do right. The XC90 is a perfect example of how design restraint actually adds to the allure of a given vehicle. Both inside and out, the Volvo XC90 is tasteful and luxurious. Add to this a suite of advanced driver assist technologies and the Volvo XC90 becomes a compelling plot point in a long running story of Scandinavian style, engineering and fun that has become the Volvo of today and tomorrow.”

“The XC90 was named 2016 North American Utility of the Year and 2016 Motor Trend SUV of the Year, on top of more than 100 other awards from around the world,” said Anders Gustafsson, Executive Vice President Americas and President and CEO of Volvo Car USA. “For our best-selling vehicle to now be named an Autotrader Car of the Decade is just incredible, not just for us but for all our customers who chose to drive an XC90 instead of so many others on the market.”

“The Volvo XC90 is an amazing vehicle to drive — it’s my personal favorite”, said Gary Jaffarian, President and CEO of Jaffarian Volvo Toyota.

#jaffarianvolvo #haverhill #jaffarian #volvo #sweden #fourgenerations #familyowned #volvoexcellence #xc90 #xc60 #awardwinning #gavinjaffarian #garyjaffarian #askgary #jaffarianvolvotoyota

2020 Car and Driver’s Best: Toyota Supra

Verdict: The resurrected Supra was well worth the wait …  Car and Driver

Great news from Car and Driver Magazine

Toyota revives the legendary Supra name and its brilliant performance to go along with it. Under its shapely hood lies a turbocharged six-cylinder engine that Toyota says makes 335 horsepower, but our testing revealed that number to be fairly conservative. No convertible version has been announced, so the Supra will be offered exclusively as a coupe. Despite sharing numerous parts, Toyota was able to give its version a personality all its own, which helped the Supra a spot on our 2020 10 Best list.

https://www.caranddriver.com/toyota/supra

#jaffariantoyota #haverhill #jaffarian #toyota #camry #fourgenerations #familyowned #toyotavalue #camry #highlander #supra #garyjaffarian #gavinjaffarian #jaffarianexcellence #awardwinning

With Halloween next week, how can I ensure the safety of my kids as they hit the streets to go door-to-door? Of course, they will be accompanied by an adult.

Gary Jaffarian speaks to the importance of driving slowly in neighborhoods on Halloween and shares great tips for a safe and happy Halloween on how to keep your kids safe as they head out for trick or treating hours.

The most important answer to your question is really a message to those who leave work to drive home on Halloween. Please DRIVE SLOWLY in your neighborhood and on all back roads, as children, teens and parents will be out in force going door-to-door. You may be hungry and tired, but nothing is worth the risk of a potential accident or hitting a trick-or-treater. The sun sets about 5:50 p.m. on Halloween, making the trick or treating the Halloween hours include the darkness.

Tips for Drivers:
• Be aware of which night your town is celebrating the holiday (refer to list below) and know that there are many young children out during those hours and drive slowly!
• Be aware that young trick-or-treaters may dart out from between parked cars.
• Never drive while wearing a mask. Your visibility could be obscured.
• No distracted driving! Of course, no looking at the cell phone or other electronic devices—keep your eyes on the road.
• Have a designated driver if you are attending a Halloween party where alcohol is served.

Tips for parents to keep your children safe:
• Wear a costume that makes it easy to walk, see and be seen. Make sure it’s not too long so that your children will not trip. Make sure all masks allow for normal visibility. Black or dark costumes or body suits make it more difficult to be seen. Bright colors are best.
• An adult should always accompany smaller children. It’s best to take them out earlier in the evening.
• Carry a flashlight and make sure that some sort of reflective material or the popular glow light stick are incorporated into all costumes. Your children will be happy to get a glow stick!
• Establish ground rules with children that are too old to be accompanied by an adult, including teens. Such rules could include: what neighborhoods to go to, staying in a group, what time they must come home, and appropriate behavior while trick-or-treating. Be sure they bring a cell phone in case of an emergency. They can use their cell phone light or carry a flashlight or at least a glow stick.
• Always use sidewalks when available. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic.
• Never dart out between parked cars. Always cross at the corners or at crosswalks.
• An outside light on at the front of the house is usually a sign that trick-or-treaters are welcome. Avoid going to houses that are not lit. Never enter any home unless it’s a family member or a friend.
• Allow an adult to inspect all treats prior to eating them. Throw out any treats that appear tampered with. Do not allow homemade treats to be eaten unless you are sure of the source.
• Parents, avoid using your cell phone so you can keep a close watch on the children without any distractions.

Each city and town have various set hours and days to trick-or-treat as follows:
• Haverhill—Saturday, October 28 from 5-7 p.m. to celebrate the holiday, which will eliminate the commuters on the road.
• Andover— Tuesday, October 31 from 5-7 p.m.
• No. Andover— Tuesday, October 31 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Lawrence—Tuesday, October 31 from 5-7 p.m.
• Salem, NH— Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m.
• Plaistow, NH— Tuesday, October 31 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Newton, NH— Tuesday, October 31 from 5-8 p.m.
• Amesbury— Tuesday, October 31 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Boxford— Tuesday, October 31 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Danvers— Tuesday, October 31 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Georgetown— Tuesday, October 31 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Newburyport– Tuesday, October 31 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Downtown Newburyport trick or treat at shops—Friday, October 27th from 4-5 p.m.
• Peabody— Tuesday, October 31 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Rowley— Tuesday, October 31 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Salem, MA— Tuesday, October 31 from 5-8 p.m. (if you dare! It’s the #1 most popular Halloween destination in the country!)
• Salisbury— Tuesday, October 31 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Check with your local paper, police or town hall for your town’s hours, if it’s not listed above.

Have a Happy Halloween from all of us at Jaffarian Volvo Toyota—and most of all drive safely, be safe and have fun!

 

 

 

Gary Jaffarian

How can I get my teen driver to understand the importance of safety, like not texting or getting in a car with anyone who text or drinks and drives?

During this week of National Teen Driver Safety Week, Gary Jaffarian shares important information for parents of teenagers.

First, some important and scary facts to know and share with your teenager:
• Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens (15 to 18 years old) in the United States – ahead of all other types of injury, disease, or violence.
• There were 1,972 teen drivers involved in fatal motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2015; and an estimated 99,000 teen passenger vehicle drivers were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the U.S.

National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 15-21 and this week provides an opportunity for all of us as parents to talk with their teenagers about the important rules to follow to be safe when behind the wheel of a passenger car, truck, or SUV. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) identifies the 5 greatest dangers for teens as the following: (note there is little to no difference as the dangers for adults so we can all benefit from this week!):
1. alcohol
2. inconsistent use or no use of seat belts
3. distracted driving mostly from cell phone use or driving drowsy
4. speeding
5. number of passengers. The higher the number of passengers in a teen’s vehicle, the higher the number of accidents.

Teens buckle up less frequently than adults do. In 2013, over half of teens (ages 15-19) killed in crashes were NOT wearing a seat belt. It’s also impacting their younger passengers: when teens aren’t wearing their seat belts, 90 percent of their young passengers (ages 13-19) who die in crashes also aren’t restrained. Teens need to know that wearing a seat belt can make the difference between life and death.

For teens, driving means freedom and independence. They feel they’ve grown up. But even the brightest, most conscientious teens find themselves in danger on the road simply because they lack experience behind the wheel.

In Massachusetts and N.H. you can be pulled over for texting and driving and both states do not allow teens to drive with a cell phone in their hands. There is a penalty for first timers.

Not only for the sake of insurance costs, it is important for your teen to have both classroom and on-the-road driving instruction. Even if you think your teens aren’t listening, they usually do. Set the rules before they hit the road and be firm. Consider consequences as a way to reinforce the importance of following the law (seat belts) and making good decisions (e.g., not speeding and not driving impaired).

1. No Drinking and Driving — Talk about the fact that it’s illegal to drink before you’re 21—and that mixing alcohol and driving, or driving under the influence of any drug, is unacceptable at any age. Almost one out of five teen drivers (20%) involved in fatal crashes had been drinking.

2. Buckle Up — The vehicle should not move until everyone is buckled up—front seat or back, on every trip, every time. In 2015, 58 percent of the 531 passengers who died in passenger vehicles driven by teen drivers were not wearing seat belts. When the teen driver was unbuckled, 84 percent of those passengers were also unbuckled.
3. No Distractions – Driving is the first and only task when behind the wheel. That means no phones or texting while driving, and not doing anything else—like eating and drinking or fixing hair and makeup—when you should be 100 percent focused on driving. About 10 percent of all teen drivers involved in fatal crashes were distracted at the time of the crash.
4. No Speeding — Speeding is a critical issue for all drivers, especially for teens who lack the experience to react to changing circumstances around their cars. More speed means less time to react. About one-third of all fatal teen-driver crashes involved speeding. Make sure that your teen knows that the rule is to obey the posted speed limit at all times.
5. Passengers — Passengers increase a teen’s risk for a fatal crash. That’s because other passengers can distract an inexperienced teen driver. States including Mass. and N.H. have regulations for junior drivers’ passengers as noted below restricting the number of passengers.

Massachusetts Teen Driving Requirements for a Junior Operator License (ages 16 ½-18) help parents insure safe driving:
• Teens must have had a learner’s permit for a minimum of 6 months.
• Teens must pass a behind-the-wheel road test and complete a State of Massachusetts approved driver education program with 12 hours on the road behind the wheel training; 6 hours in the car observing other student drivers; and 2 hours of parent or legal guardian attendance during driver education.
• Complete a minimum of 40 hours supervised on the road driving or 30 hours on the road supervised driving if they have completed a driver skills development program.
• May not drive with passengers under the age of 18 that are not immediate family members for the first 6 months unless they are accompanied by licensed driver that is a minimum of 21 years of age with a minimum of 1 year of driving experience. The adult license holder must occupy the front passenger seat next to the Junior Operator.
• Teens may not drive between the hours of 12:30 AM to 5:00 AM unless they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

New Hampshire considers a junior operator until age 18 with the following restrictions and by law cannot operate a vehicle:
1. between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.
2. with more than one passenger less than 25 years of age who is not a member of the driver’s family unless accompanied by a licensed, responsible adult who is at least 25 years of age during the first six (6) months holding the license.
3. with more passengers than seat belts or safety restraints in the vehicle.

These laws help minimize teen accidents. Toyota has a TeenDrive 365 website for parents where you can pledge to be the kind of driver you want your teens to be. They believe teens follow in their parents’ footsteps…if you talk on the phone while driving, they will want to as well, despite the fact it is legal for adults. AAA also has teen driver safety information on their website.

Some parents try leaving “love notes” in their teens backpack or lunch to remind them to drive carefully or not ride with a teen who may be texting. Nothing may work better than knowing you have motivation to come home safely to your family. Let your young driver know that obeying the rules of the road is a prerequisite for the privilege of driving. This is the one time when you need to be both firm and loving and let your teens know there is no room for a margin of error when it comes to driving. Good luck having that important conversation—and not just this week, but on an ongoing basis.

All of us at Jaffarian Volvo Toyota want your teens to be safe on the road.

 

 

 

Gary Jaffarian

How do I check the air in my tires? How do I know the correct tire pressure? I’m not sure how to use those air pumps at gas stations.

Gary Jaffarian explains how to check your tire pressure. Read this blog to learn how to use a gauge or fill the tires at the gas station and where to check how much air you need in your tires in summer vs. winter. Better still —- he can tell you where to get them checked and filled for free!

This is a great question especially this time of year when the temperature is changing and tire pressure is affected. Some of you may be seeing an indicator on your dashboard. How do I check the air in my tires? How do I know the correct tire pressure? I’m not sure how to use those air pumps at gas stations.

Some of you may be seeing an indicator on your dashboard indicating tire pressure is low: a symbol that looks like an exclamation mark inside brackets or parentheses (pictured here).  It is important to address low tire pressure as it affects gas mileage and will cause uneven wear and other conditions. If tire pressure is too low, then too much of the tire’s surface area touches the ground, which increases friction between the road and the tire. As a result, not only will your tires wear prematurely, but they also could overheat. Overheating can lead to tread separation — which could cause a serious accident.

It is important to address low tire pressure as it affects gas mileage and will cause uneven wear and other conditions. If tire pressure is too low, then too much of the tire’s surface area touches the ground, which increases friction between the road and the tire. As a result, not only will your tires wear prematurely, but they also could overheat. Overheating can lead to tread separation — which could cause a serious accident.

One option is to buy a tire pressure gauge. This is a handy gadget that will tell you the tire pressure in each tire.

The second option is to use air pumps at a local gas station. Some stations have attendants that will assist you while others charge (usually quarters).

Before you use a tire pressure gauge or go to a gas station, you should confirm what your recommended tire pressure is. To find that information, open the driver’s side door and look at the information on the label in the door jam.

How to use the gas station air pumps:
1. Remove the cap or stems from the tire valve on the tire(s) you want to check, one at a time.
2. Use your tire gauge to check the air pressure in the tire.
3. Use the air hose to add air in short bursts.
4. Keep checking the pressure until you get it right.

If you’re not sure how to use a tire pressure gauge, place the pressure gauge on the valve stem and press down hard enough so the hiss sound disappears and your gauge provides a reading. With a standard gauge, the air pressure will push a small bar out from the bottom of the gauge.

If you would like to have your tires checked and filled by a professional or certified technician, make sure to stop at a dealership like Jaffarian Volvo Toyota. We will be happy to check it for you Monday through Saturday. We’re just two minutes off Route 495, Exit 49 (River St. exit) at 600 River St. in Haverhill. It is a good idea to have your vehicle serviced as the weather changes and get your tires and your brakes checked. Drive safely.

 

 

 

Gary Jaffarian

How do I best prepare my vehicle for fall?

There are two important parts of your vehicle to check as leaves fall and temperatures drop. Gary Jaffarian prepares you for fall driving including trips to fairs, local events and leaf peeping.

Fall appears to be here and there are two important parts of your vehicle to make sure are ready for the colder temperatures: In last week’s Ask Gary Blog we wrote about the importance of ensuring your brakes are in good working order to prevent hydroplaning. If you missed that blog, I suggest you check it out, as the fall can be tricky for driving on wet leaves. You can learn more about brakes on our web site.

The second key part of your vehicle to check out now is your tires. Now is the time to check for wear and tear so you are safe and confident that your tires are in good shape for fall and winter driving. So how do you know if you need new tires?

 

1. Watch our Jaffarian video on our You Tube Channel to help you with an easy tip to check your tire treads.

2. Are you hearing a thumping noise as you drive?
Often that sound indicates an uneven wear and the tires may need to be replaced.

3. If you are unsure, bring your vehicle to a reputable service department to have them checked. At Jaffarian, we assess all critical elements of your vehicle as part of our complementary services to provide you a report of the status of your tires. Ask for that information so you can make an informed decision as to whether or not you need to replace tires. Remember, it is recommended you replace two tires together in the rear according to Popular Mechanics, rear tires provide stability, and without stability, steering or braking on a wet or even damp surface might cause a spin, unless your mechanic recommends changing a front and rear on the same side due to uneven wear. They may also rotate the tires or suggest an alignment. Tires are so important — but they are often taken for granted or misunderstood for their importance as part of the vehicle’s safety system.

If you need tires, how do you make an informed decision of the best tire for your vehicle and where you go to buy the tires?

First, it’s very important that you “compare apples to apples.” This is more than comparing only the brand name. It is important you compare the actual same tire. Some places offer a brand name tire but the actual model is of lesser quality. Do your homework before you make a decision. Remember, your safety and the safety of others is literally riding on your tires!

Some of you may have seen the news story of tire warehouses selling tires that had old expiration dates. Not all tires are created equal. It is truly a product where you get what you pay for. If you are unsure, check your owner’s manual and speak to a service advisor whom you trust.

At Jaffarian, we have a large tire department and are here to help you make an informed decision to get you the tires that are best for your vehicle, your driving needs and your budget. For Scion and Toyota owners, now is the time to buy as we are offering buy 3 tires and get the 4th tire for only a $1! For your peace of mind and safety, have your tires checked. Make an appointment or come by the Jaffarian Service Department. And be sure to check out our online coupon specials including brakes, an alignment, fall services and the Toyota tire special of buy 3 tires, and get the 4th for $1 at Jaffarian!

We are committed to protecting your wallet and your safety. Enjoy fall driving!

 

 

 

Gary Jaffarian

Leaves are falling. What tips do you have for driving safely in the fall?

Gary Jaffarian shares to important tips to avoid a common fall driving hazard — hydroplaning on wet leaves.

Fall is officially here and while the temperatures have not felt like it, we are starting to see the leaves fall. Leaves can be a driving hazard. Even dry leaves can present a challenge because they can hide potholes, curbs and street markings and even present a fire hazard should leaves gather inside a hot muffler or tailpipe.

With Fall here, be sure your vehicle’s brakes and tires are in good condition. This time of year the roads can be slick from a combination of rain and leaves. Hydroplaning is a real risk this time of year. Hydroplaning is a build-up of water between your tires and the road resulting in a loss of traction, steering and brake control. Even a single layer of wet leaves can make braking, steering and stopping difficult. This is particularly dangerous at intersections and even worse at downhill stop signs. Be especially careful when driving on a leaf-strewn highway ramp, on back roads or other areas where you may be traveling north to view the foliage.

Gary Jaffarian’s 10 tips to avoid hydroplaning:
1. Slow down on slick roads. Roads that are covered in leaves may also be slick.
2. Avoid driving through standing water.
3. Keep your tires properly inflated.
4. Rotate and replace tires when necessary.
5. Avoid driving in outer lanes where water tends to accumulate. Middle lanes may be safer.
6. Try to drive in the tire tracks left by the cars in front of you, like you would during a snow storm.
7. Turn off cruise control.
8. Drive in a lower gear. Many of the new vehicles we sell have automatic traction control. Be sure it is turned on.
9. Avoid hard braking.
10. Try not to make sharp or quick turns.

When was the last time you had your tires and brakes checked? At Jaffarian Volvo Toyota, we will routinely check them and provide you a report on these and other diagnostics for your peace of mind. Check out our online specials to protect your wallet and bring in your vehicle to be checked by our certified mechanics at Jaffarian Volvo Toyota Service Departments. We do your homework for you so check out our “Dare to Compare” online and in our Jaffarian Toyota Service Department. We are committed to saving you time and money while sharing tips to keep you safe. Have a question for me, please submit it!

Happy Autumn! Drive Safely.

 

 

 

 

Gary Jaffarian

Where can we go as a family to enjoy the fall season? Viewing foliage isn’t enough to keep young children happy!

Gary Jaffarian has lots of ideas to share for family fun. They are either close to home or throughout New England where the adults can also enjoy seeing the fall foliage.

There is certainly a lot to do this time of year within a short distance or a for a weekend trip in New England. I’m a big fan of all New England states and how much we can do and see within this scenic region. We are fortunate to live in a part of the country rich in mountains, lakes, ocean, and among the best fall foliage in the world. I generally suggest places to see some great fall foliage, but this fall I will suggest fun family activities, as you requested.

We’ll focus on short-distance trips within the state and then some highlights from the other N.E. states.

MASSACHUSETTS:
Amesbury Fair & Country Music Festival at Landry Stadium (12 S. Hunt Road), this weekend Sept. 22-24, including the Charlie Daniels Band! Check out their website for detail at www.AmesburyMusicFest.com.

Wachusett Mountain Kidsfest in Princeton is also this weekend, Sept. 23-24 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with unusual highlights such as a reptile show, a maximum velocity bike show, flying high frisbee dogs, a ski ramp for skateboarding, a ropes gym, baby animal petting zoo, crafts and some music shows. There’s something for everyone in the family at this one!

Topsfield Fair runs from Sept. 29-Oct. 9 this year. If you haven’t taken the family yet, then go this year! America’s oldest agricultural fair has turned into days of fun for the whole family. This year’s shows include The Village People, Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits, and Grammy-nominated singer Cassadee Pope, among other big shows. There is a Demolition Derby, Monster Truck Show, Moto Maniacs (motorcycle daredevils), a rodeo, the famous Flying Wallendas on their high-wire show and some Disney-themed shows, food, rides, livestock, nature exhibits and a coloring contest.

Newburyport Fall Harvest Festival—Enjoy Downtown Newburyport for a scarecrow contest in Market Square, along with food, crafts, and morning entertainment for children. Of course, there’s all the great shops and restaurants, too. It’s held on Columbus Day Weekend—Sun. and Mon. October 8-9 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Mann Orchards Corn Maze in Methuen is sponsoring a corn maze at their Riverside Farm location at 445 Merrimack Street now through Oct. 31 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily except Monday. They also have hayrides, a petting zoo, a spider web climber, and a giant sandbox, checkers and chess games. There is pumpkin bowling, a giant coloring mural, mini hay maze for younger children and of course wonderful treats from the Mann Bakery and Orchard including, cider and apple cider donuts, corn dogs, chicken tenders, and even fried oreos! If you just want to buy some fresh apples, backed goods, or cider, visit their orchard at 27 Pleasant Valley across from The Loop.,

Kimball Farms Corn Maze on 780 E. Broadway, Haverhill. This great local find has been a working family farm since 1820. From now through Oct. 31, they have a corn maze, hay rides, pony rides, a giant slide and pumpkin painting. They also have llamas and farm animals. It is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

NEW HAMPSHIRE:
N.H. Pumpkin Festival is held on Oct. 13 from 4-8 p.m. and Oct. 14 from 12-8 p.m. in Laconia. This festival features 20,000+ jack-o-lanterns, rides, 50+ food and craft vendors, children’s games, a 200-foot zip line and climbing wall. Pets on leashes are welcome. It’s held at Opechee Park at Pleasant and New Salem Streets in Laconia.

Deerfield Fair (34 Stage Road, Deerfield, NH) This is a big one from September 28-October 1 and is New England’s oldest family fair. There is loads of entertainment, animals, agricultural exhibits and family fun. Parking and entertainment are free and it is held at the Deerfield Fairgrounds. There is a demolition derby with tractor pulling, stables. The Flying Wallendas will also be at this fair. Every day has a different schedule, so check out their website.

RHODE ISLAND:
Roger Williams Park & Zoo Jack O’Lantern Spectacular (1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence) from Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. to Nov. 5 at 10:30 p.m. There are more than 5,000 carved pumpkins which are lit at night. This is a big family favorite during the day with rides and a zoo and this spectacular exhibit at night.

VERMONT:
Vermont Pumpkin Shuckin’ Festival at the Stoweflake Mountain Resort, 1746 Mountain Road in scenic Stowe on Sunday, Sept. 24 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. There is a pumpkin shuckin’ competition, music, chili cook-off and many children’s activities.

MAINE:
Fryeburg Fair (1154 Main St., Fryeburg) from Oct. 1-Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. There are farm animals, rides, food and draft horses and exhibition halls, similar to the larger Topsfield Fair. (No dogs allowed.)

Please note that most events with animals do not allow dogs. Most events have per person charges, so check out the websites above for each event. Before you go make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey. If you haven’t had your oil changed according to your manufacturer’s recommendation, or if you’re hearing noises that sound like something may be off, visit Jaffarian Volvo Toyota Service Department on Monday through Saturday for your convenience. You can call 888-718-4749 for an appointment or book on line 24/7. Know before you go, that all is well with your vehicle!

Enjoy your fall trips and send us a photo for our Jaffarian Facebook page if you go to one of these events, or send us a photo of your vehicle at another destination where you go to enjoy some family fun or foliage.

 

 

 

Gary Jaffarian