If you’re in need of an outdoor adventure, look no further than one of the many beautiful state parks in the Richmond, KY, area! From hiking to boating, these three are sure to keep you busy with your family and friends all summer long.
Fort Boonesborough State Park
One of the state’s biggest tourist attractions, Fort Boonesborough State Park is located along the Kentucky River and features more than 100 acres of beautiful green space. There are more than 20 miles of trails and pathways throughout the park, including a two-mile trail that starts at the fort site and heads toward the river.
This path takes hikers through areas with trees and wildlife, including osprey nests. Fort Boonesborough was built by Daniel Boone in 1775 as a fortified settlement for pioneers moving into Kentucky. Today, you can explore the fort site or take part in other activities like fishing or hiking.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Natural Bridge State Resort Park is located in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest, just a few miles from Richmond. The park is home to Natural Bridge, which is one of only three natural rock arches in the world and one of the most popular attractions in Kentucky. In addition to Natural Bridge, there are many other areas to explore within the park, including hiking trails and picnic areas.
The lodge at Natural Bridge State Resort Park features a restaurant and lounge where guests can enjoy meals with an incredible view overlooking Natural Bridge. There are also several cabins available if you’d like to stay overnight at this beautiful state park.
Old Fort Harrod State Park
The oldest state park in Kentucky, Old Fort Harrod State Park, is a great place to take the family to learn about Kentucky’s past. The park has many interesting historical sites and activities to enjoy. There are several trails throughout the park that lead hikers through beautiful forests, along the river, and past old cabins and other historical sites.
The park offers campground facilities for both tents and RVs, cabin rentals, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and much more. The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including Easter egg hunts and Christmas parties for children, as well as outdoor concerts during the summer months.
An adventurer like you needs a car that can handle the busy Richmond roads. Whether you are headed to one of the locations above, taking the kids to school, or even running your weekly errands, you need a car that can withstand. With the lane keep assist of the Honda Accord Sport, you can safely navigate the local Richmond area. Stop by Gates Honda to help you find the perfect car for your lifestyle.
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Does Your Honda Need an Alternator Repair?
The alternator is part of your electrical charging system. Its role is to generate electricity for all of your car’s electrical systems. Like any other mechanical component, the alternator can eventually wear or get damaged. If this happens, you’ll need an alternator repair at your Honda dealer. These are a few of the signs that you may need a repair.
Battery Light Comes On
The battery light is a warning of a problem in the electrical charging system. The alternator, the battery, and other components have sensors attached to them. These sensors monitor their attached component for signs of wear or damage. If a sensor detects a problem, it will inform your computer, and the warning light will come on.
A worn alternator can trigger the light when its electricity production drops below the minimum level. An alternator, on average, produces 14.5 volts. If it’s under a full load, this can drop to 13 volts. If your alternator is worn, this could cause it to drop to 12 volts, and this will cause the light to come on. Our technicians can test your alternator and replace it if it’s worn.
Electrical Problems
Random electrical problems could happen at any time. The majority of the time, an electrical problem occurs and never repeats itself. If, however, you experience frequent electrical issues, this suggests a problem in the electrical system. The main cause of this type of problem is a worn alternator that can’t supply the necessary power to your car’s systems.
As we saw above, a worn alternator will produce less power. Should your alternator’s output drop to its minimum, electrical problems can occur. Your windows, for example, can suddenly jam open, or the radio will switch off without warning. These glitches are caused by your computer shifting electricity between the various components that require it.
Burning Smells
Hot metal or burning plastic smells for your engine can be signs of alternator problems. If your alternator is worn, and can’t produce the electricity that is demanded, it works harder to produce power. The alternator will spin faster than it should to try and provide additional electricity. As it overworks, this will cause it to overheat and generate hot metal smells.
Burning plastic smells are usually caused by burning insulation. The wiring in your engine can fray or break as it gets older. Broken wiring can’t conduct electricity. As electricity flows into the broken wiring, the wires will heat up. If the wiring overheats, it can cause the plastic insulation to burn.
These are some of the potential signs of a damaged alternator. If you suspect a problem with your alternator, call us at Gates Honda.
No matter where you find yourself, burgers are easily one of the best comfort foods for a long day. If you happen to be traveling through Richmond, KY, you’re in for a treat, however, as they have some of the absolute best burgers you can get your hands on. This list will break down all the spots that you need to try.
1. Winkler’s Stockyard Restaurant
This joint is pretty quaint on the outside, and it might even be hard to spot at first glance, but you’ll be surprised to find that this hole-in-the-wall restaurant is peddling some amazing burgers. You can easily pick up a couple without breaking the bank, plus they have sides like their cheese sticks that are just as cheap.
If that wasn’t enough to draw you in, they specialize in southern cooking, allowing you to order everything from some fresh tenderloin to a rib eye sandwich. There aren’t many burger restaurants where you can pick up some macaroni just like mom used to make, so this is perfect for the days when you find yourself craving some home cooking.
2. Better Burgers
Sometimes restaurants decide to serve burgers that are heartbreakingly small, but you’ll never have to worry about that at Better Burgers. Their burgers are stacked high with their thick and juicy patties before being topped with everything from the classics like tomato and lettuce to some nice caramelized onions.
If you’re wanting to finish your meal with a bang, the peach cobbler is a great way to satiate your sweet tooth. Served with a hefty scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’ll cool you down and fill you up at the same time. When you want just a little more out of your purchases, the gas mileage of the Honda Accord is great for those long trips with friends and family.
3. Jackson’s Restaurant
A good burger needs good toppings, and at Jackson’s Restaurant, you can expect hand-battered onion rings the size of your fist if that suits your fancy. Their fries are also a hit, as they come in a crinkle style and are always freshly cooked with a light hit of salt.
They also don’t skimp out on the bacon here, and you can expect thick slabs of bacon to top your burger. They even have homemade potato chips here in case you find yourself craving a little bit more crunch with your meal.
Burgers can come served in plenty of different forms, so it’s important to know who does it best before you decide to make your purchase. If you’re wanting to try it all, you’ll need something reliable to make the drive. Come visit Gates Honda to find a car that’ll help you cruise the roads comfortably.
When it’s time to purchase a new vehicle, the financial aspect may be one of your top priorities. Fortunately, drivers can explore many auto loan offers, including car financing from a Honda dealer. Let’s explore some benefits of financing your new vehicle purchase at your local dealership.
1. Flexibly Finance Offers
One of the main benefits of financing your car through your dealership is flexibility. Not only will you be able to use finance deals such as trade-in valuation or larger down payments, but you also be able to find loans with better terms.
For example, dealerships can often offer longer terms for auto loans. Having more flexibility from your finance offers gives drivers greater ability to tailor their auto loan to their current budget.
2. Convenient Application Process
Applying for financing at the dealership is also more convenient. When you apply for auto financing at your dealership, the dealership will do the hard work of finding the best loan offer for you. After you submit your application, the dealership will go through several lending offers to identify the auto loan with the best interest rate and terms for your unique financial situation.
The convenience of the application process can also make buying a new car less stressful. Instead of going from bank to bank trying to secure an auto loan, you can rely on the dealership to find the best loan.
3. Lower Interest Rates
The auto loans you can get at a dealership also tend to have lower interest rates. When you get an auto loan from a bank or other financial institution, you are beholden to their APR.
However, loans from a dealership often have lower interest rates because the lenders competing for your loan have more incentive to offer lower interest rates. Having lower interest rates can ultimately make it easier to purchase a new vehicle.
4. Options for Poor Credit
Applying for an auto loan at your local dealership is also a good option for drivers who have poor credit. Whether you’re fresh off bankruptcy, you have other debts to your name, or your credit is in recovery, you can more easily get an auto loan from the dealership. Dealerships can explore other lenders who are willing to work with drivers who have poor credit.
How to Apply for Your Auto Loan
It’s easy to apply for an auto loan at your dealership. You will need to bring personal identifying information, bank information, and other documents when you submit your application. From there, the dealership finance department does all the hard work to send inquiries to lenders until they find the best offer for your financial situation.
If you’re ready to buy a car, then you may want to consider applying for an auto loan through your local dealership. This method of financing your new car purchase can save you time and money. Get in touch with the finance department at Gates Honda to learn more about the auto loan application process.
Let’s face it; as much as you would love to spend every hour of every day out turning heads in your sleek and modern 2022 Honda Civic Sport, sometimes you just have to give the car (and yourself) a break and spend the night in. That doesn’t mean that you have to reserve yourself to slaving over the hot stove for dinner, however; there are many restaurants around Richmond, KY that offer delivery. Here are a few of our favorite options for delivery food in the area:
Tsing Tao Restaurant
Offering traditional Chinese cuisine at reasonable prices and specializing in take-out and delivery, Tsing Tao Restaurant is one of the most popular delivery spots in Richmond. Guests love their sweet and sour chicken and pork fried rice, and be sure to accompany whatever entrée you choose with at least one of their delicious egg rolls.
Tsing Tao accepts delivery and take-out orders over the phone, so make sure you grab a take-out menu the next time you’re in the area to make ordering your meal as easy as possible for both you and the restaurant.
Thai Smile
When you’d like to order Asian cuisine but aren’t quite in the mood for Chinese, Thai Smile is a great alternative. A locally owned and operated chain that also has a location in Frankfort, Thai Smiles offer authentic Thai food with fast and friendly service. Some of the most popular dishes include the pad Thai, Bangkok combo, and red curry.
Conveniently, Thai Smile offers online ordering for take-out directly from their website, or you can order for delivery via the DoorDash app.
Tokyo Express Hibachi and Sushi
Yet another option for Asian cuisine in Richmond is Tokyo Express Hibachi and Sushi, which, as the name suggests, is a Japanese restaurant that specializes in sushi, hibachi, and poke bowls. Some of their specialty sushi rolls include the Firecracker Roll, the Pink Lady Roll, and the Tiger Roll. Guests also love their chicken and steak hibachi and crab rangoon.
Tokyo Express Hibachi and Sushi is open daily for dine-in or take-out, and you can order their fresh sushi directly to your door any time with your smartphone via the GrubHub app.
Mad Mushroom
Located adjacent to the campus of Eastern Kentucky University, the Mad Mushroom is one of the few pizza places in Richmond that isn’t part of a large corporate chain. With just five locations in college towns in Kentucky and Indiana, Mad Mushroom is known for serving students made-from-scratch pizzas and sides at affordable prices. Some of their unique pizza offerings are the chicken alfredo, Tripperoni, and Italian sausage mushroom pizzas.
The Mad Mushroom offers delivery ordering directly from their website, making it easy to place your order without having to wait on hold or talk over a loud kitchen in the background.
As you can tell, there are many local establishments and eateries in Richmond from which you can have delicious food of all kinds delivered directly to your door. After you place tonight’s order, make sure that you visit Gates Honda’s website to schedule a routine service appointment so that you can ensure that your vehicle stays in perfect running condition!
They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and for residents in Richmond, KY, this adage could not ring more true. It’s no surprise that a wave of breakfast places have sprung up over the past several years, much to the delight of hungry customers in the area. Here’s a list of our places where you can count on a great breakfast to start your day.
Josie’s
Open from Monday to Saturday, Josie’s is a go-to breakfast spot with an overwhelming number of delicious A.M. dishes to get your morning and early afternoon started right. Ingredients in every menu item are top-shelf and locally sourced, delivering a mouthful of wholesome flavors to satisfy your hunger. We also loved seeing healthy options like egg-white omelets and organic granola on their menu. Early bird gets the worm here so show up early to beat the line of hungry patrons.
OBC Kitchen
OBC (Old Bourbon County) Kitchen is a favorite among Richmond residents for its first-class meals and service. It’s owned by the Bluegrass Hospitality Group which has made a name for itself by opening other award-winning restaurants such as Malone’s, Aqua Sushi, and others. But OBC proudly stands on its own two feet with incredible flavor combinations in dishes like their shrimp and grits and crab cake benedict. The restaurant’s signature dish Bacon in a Glass is also a huge hit.
Carson’s
You’ll be hard-pressed to single out a dish on Carson’s menu as “your favorite” simply because everything they make is incredibly delish. Located in downtown Lexington, Carson’s has become a go-to for hungry patrons who appreciate a great breakfast meal at a great price. We recommend their Sweet Chicken and Waffles dish which could easily feed two people but tastes so good you won’t want to share it. Be sure to bring an appetite because Carson’s isn’t shy on flavor and portions.
Winchells Restaurant
This iconic restaurant opened its doors over 25 years ago and has been owned and operated by the same family since day one. The ingredients are fresh and locally sourced with flavor combinations that can only be described as exquisite – even for breakfast! Our go-home favorite was the Sausage Pepper Jack Omelet with Blue & White Pancakes. Believe us when we tell you, few places on the planet do breakfast like Winchells.
Ramsey’s Diner
Another staple for breakfast lovers near Kentucky, Ramsey’s Diner has been a local hit for over three decades and has even earned the title of “Best Restaurant Under $10!” by a local newspaper several years in a row. Fresh ingredients and a lot of TLC in the cooking process equals mouthwatering dishes with heaving portion sizes. Eggs, sausages, bacon, hash browns, and more! You’ll find it here at Ramsey’s Diner.
Visit one or visit them all, but just be sure to check them out in the comfort and dependability of a high-quality Honda vehicle. Stop by Gates Honda today for all of your automotive needs!
The Honda Odyssey is back for another model year with configurable second-row seats, modern safety and technology features, and a robust V-6 engine that makes it enjoyable to drive. The spacious cargo area behind the third row is perfect for packing your gear for a family road trip. This family-friendly minivan offers generous passenger space for all passengers, including those in the third row. Get ready because it’s time to take your next family road trip in the 2022 Honda Odyssey.
Bold Styling
The 2022 Honda Odyssey is available in five trims, LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, to match your wants and needs in a minivan. Depending on trim level, you get LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, heated outside mirrors, and a remote engine start. A sound-reducing windshield, sunroof, and power liftgate are also available features on the Odyssey. You can also upgrade to 19-inch wheels, automatic wipers, power-folding and auto-dimming side mirrors, sound-reducing side and rear window glass, and a hands-free liftgate. The Odyssey offers a sleek design that’s sure to turn heads as you roll down the road on your family road trip.
Comfortable Interior
Inside the 2022 Honda Odyssey, you’ll find features designed to make the ride comfortable without sacrificing style. You get push-button ignition, automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, and a seven-speaker audio system standard on the LX.
Moving up trim levels adds an 8-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and leather upholstery. Second-row and third-row USB ports are available, along with an integrated navigation system, in-headphone cabin intercom system, and Wi-Fi hot spot. There’s even a rear-seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-ray player, and wireless headphones to keep your passengers entertained on road trips. For the ultimate in luxury, go for the heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, wireless charging pad, 11-speaker premium audio system, and an intercom system known as CabinTalk.
Safety Features
You’ll be carrying your most precious cargo on your road trip, and Honda understands that safety is paramount when purchasing a new vehicle. That’s why the 2022 Odyssey is packed with a plethora of safety and driver-assistance features. You get forward-collision mitigation on all trims to warn of an impending collision and apply the brakes if needed. Another standard feature is lane-departure mitigation, which warns you of a lane departure without a turn signal and can automatically steer to maintain lane position. Adaptive cruise control and a rear-seat reminder system are also standard on all trims.
Available features include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and front and rear parking sensors to alert you to obstacles. A rear-cabin camera monitoring system called CabinWatch displays the rear seating area on the touch screen so you can keep an eye on everyone.
Before you head out on your next road trip adventure, stop by your local Honda dealer to check out the 2022 Odyssey. A team member would be happy to answer any questions you may have or get you set up for a test drive. Wherever the road trip takes you, enjoy the ride in the 2022 Odyssey.
Image courtesy of Honda
More and more drivers are looking for a hybrid to give them a more eco-friendly way of getting around. If you’re looking for a standout option in this class of vehicles, look no further than what the 2022 Honda Insight has to offer you. There are plenty of quality features included in this impressive hybrid, as you’ll see from the five highlights that we listed for you.
1. Swoon-Worthy Style
Who says you can’t drive a hybrid and look good doing it? You’ll do both when you’re behind the wheel of the Insight, showing off an elegant style with sweeping lines that make it impossible not to admire. The sculpted, refined aesthetic is further accentuated by two sets of headlights along with daytime running lights on the front end, further enhancing the unique character that Honda achieved with this vehicle’s design.
2. Spacious, Elegant Cabin
There’s space to fit up to five inside the Insight with room to spare, letting you transport your whole crew with the ease that hybrid efficiency allows. Beauty and function are balanced in equal measure, with perforated soft-touch leather all throughout the interior to lend everything a classy and comfortable look and feel. You’ll also have a wealth of data available to you at a glance thanks to the thoughtful layout of the driver information center.
3. Efficiency and Excitement
The advanced hybrid powertrain that powers the Insight gives you incredible fuel efficiency without compromising on letting you enjoy some excitement in every drive. Maxing out at 55 miles per gallon during city driving, trips to the gas station will become a rare occurrence when you choose this vehicle. The 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine has horsepower and torque in spades to give you stunning performance on every ride.
4. Difference-Making Technology
The hybrid engineering of the Insight is on the cutting-edge, and so is all of the technology you’ll have at your disposal when you’re sitting in the driver’s seat. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both integrated into the control console you’ll have at your fingertips, giving you seamless connectivity with a compatible smartphone. There’s also an available wi-fi hotspot feature that lets you bring an internet connection everywhere the road might take you.
5. Safety Comes Standard
With the Honda Sensing suite of safety features on your side for every journey you embark on in the Insight, you’ll have a level of confidence you never experienced before. The collision mitigation braking system that comes standard with your vehicle will complement your safe driving habits to help keep you and your passengers out of harm’s way. When this system detects that an accident is imminent, automatic brake pressure can step in to help you.
Driving a hybrid that brings style, efficiency, and excitement to the table will give you everything that you’re looking for in your next vehicle. We’ll tell you all about what the Insight has to offer when you visit our dealership. Stop in at Gates Honda today!
Image courtesy of Honda
Take on Adventure in a 2021 Honda Ridgeline
When you’re ready to tackle challenging back roads, tow a boat to the lake, or zip up to the mountains for a ski trip, consider the exciting 2021 Honda Ridgeline midsize adventure truck. For 2021, Honda has redesigned this pickup truck with exterior touches such as dual exhaust ports.
Rugged Looks
Just looking at the front of the 2021 Honda Ridgeline makes you want to go on an adventure. Choose from four trims, the Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and the Black Edition to find your perfect Honda Ridgeline. You’ll notice that the front of this truck has a square nose, upright grille, and large LED headlights that sit between the crossbar over the grille.
Foglights are integrated into the dropped fascia, adding to the rugged look of the Ridgeline. The Black Edition trim has black exterior trim and 18-inch black alloy wheels. Or you could make your 2021 Ridgeline stand out by choosing the new Radiant Red Metallic color.
Off-Road Capable
Under the hood of all trims is a 3.5-liter direct-injected VTEC V-6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This mighty engine pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission. You can take the 2021 Ridgeline over a variety of terrain with its innovative iVTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. This system sends most of the torque needed for traction or pulling power to the rear wheels. It’s easy to switch driving modes with the Ridgeline’s Intelligent Traction Management system that includes snow, sand, and mud modes. When properly equipped, the Honda Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Flexible Storage System
One of the features that make the 2021 Ridgeline unique is its flexible storage system. All trims come with a dual-action tailgate, lockable in-bed trunk, and lay-flat truck bed that provides versatile and flexible ways to store and carry adventure toys such as kayaks or paddleboards.
Modern Interior
With two rows of seats, up to five people fit inside the 2021 Ridgeline. Cloth seats come standard on the base trim and you get leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel on the three upper trims.
Innovative Technology
Honda’s infotainment system features an 8-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. From the touch screen, you can control the truck bed audio system where you can listen to music from the rear of the truck. All trims come with automatic tri-zone climate control, and the three upper trims get a sunroof and power-sliding rear window. Move up to the RTL-E and Black Edition trims to get a wireless charging pad, navigation, and an eight-speaker premium audio system that’s available on the two lower trims.
Honda Sensing Driver-Assist Features
You’ll have peace of mind driving the 2021 Honda Ridgeline. All trims come equipped with Honda Sensing technology which includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and traffic sign recognition. In addition, the Ridgeline has a forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking and automatic high-beam headlights.
Stop by Gates Honda, your local Honda dealership today to learn more about the 2021 Ridgeline and take one for a test drive in Richmond, KY.
3 of the Best Fishing Spots Near Richmond, KY
Located in the eastern part of the state and about 100 miles from Louisville, the city of Richmond, KY is close to numerous lakes and artificial reservoirs where local anglers can spend some quality time with friends and catch some great specimens of the local species. If you are looking for the best fishing spots in the area, these are some nearby destinations you should definitely check out. Pack your gear, grab some snacks, and hit the road!
1. Cave Run Lake
Covering a little over 8,000 acres of territory, Cave Run Lake is an artificial reservoir built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1965 and 1973. Home to healthy populations of crappie, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, muskellunge, and white bass, this lake offers plenty of opportunities for local anglers and visitors from all over the state. Fed primarily by the Licking River, Cave Run Lake is also a popular spot for water activities including swimming, boating, canoeing, and kayaking.
Some of the best fishing areas along the shores of Cave Run Lake are located within the premises of Daniel Boone National Forest. Getting here from downtown Richmond takes about an hour and a half by car, driving 75 miles northeast along route I-64. Although Cave Run Lake is a popular day trip destination, visitors can also stay overnight at the fully equipped campsites and RV parking spots of the national forest.
2. Lake Cumberland
Located about 85 miles southwest of downtown Richmond, Lake Cumberland is also an excellent spot for anglers of all experience levels. Covering an area of over 65,000 acres, this artificial reservoir was constructed primarily for flood control and hydroelectric power production. Since it opened its doors to the public for recreational purposes, it has become a major tourist attraction in the region, welcoming visitors from all over Kentucky and Tennessee.
Getting from Richmond to the designated fishing areas along the shores of Lake Cumberland takes about an hour and 40 minutes by car, driving along route I-75. Some of the fish species you can find in the lake include striped bass, rainbow trout, sauger, brown trout, walleye, and lake trout. Besides fishing, Lake Cumberland and the surrounding areas also provide excellent opportunities for boating, picnicking, hiking, birdwatching, wildlife photography, and camping.
3. Laurel River Lake
Covering a surface area of 5,600 acres, Laurel River Lake is another artificial reservoir built in the late 1970s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Home to large populations of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, white crappie, black crappie, and rainbow trout, this lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for visitors from all over Kentucky and neighboring states. Driving here from Richmond takes about an hour and 15 minutes, heading south along route I-75.
Are you ready for your next fishing adventure? Before you check out these fantastic spots, stop by Gates Honda! Our team of expert and friendly sales agents will help you find a vehicle that suits your needs, as well as a flexible and convenient financing plan.
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