Ford has made a commitment to promoting sustainable practices. In honor of this Commitment Ford has teamed up with SHFT.com a leading sustainability website to create an app that helps be more “Locavore”.  This Locavore movement means that individuals are making a commitment to eating fresh food that is grown locally. Closer food sources mean a number of positive things for not only you but for the environment. First the food is grown closer to the final consumer, meaning less energy is used in the transportation and storing of the product. This will benefit the environment greatly by conserving energy.  With this food being grown closer to you and taking less time to get to your plate it means that the product will be fresher. Ford is hoping this new app will not only help you eat healthier but also inspire more people to be more environmentally friendly. The App currently has over 50,000 “good food” locations including eateries, farmer’s markets and food stores where locally-sourced food options are available. The App also allows you to add custom entries on were too score some great local food into their already expansive database. So check back frequently because the database will be growing rapidly.  Ford hopes that people using that app will not only start shopping at fresh local markets but also while out on the road stop at more healthy location to eat. The App is available on the Apple App Store and on Google Play. You can find both links along with more information on the app and the campaign at SHFT.com.

It may not seem like it, but we are in the midst of spring. Anyone else starting to catch spring fever? That feeling that you just can’t sit still, where you would do anything to escape the real world even if just for a weekend? With that in mind we are here to share with you the USA Today top 5 weekend getaways in Maryland; they are good.  We decided to go a little more in depth with some tips on preparing for the trip today and each upcoming Saturday for a few weeks.  Check back for some more inspiration and tips.

Maryland may be a small state, but it has a lot to offer from beaches and lakes to mountains and big cities. The first stop on USA Today’s list of Maryland weekend getaways is a small town with a big city feel. It’s out on Maryland’s eastern shore and is great for singles, couples or the whole family, Ocean City. Ocean City boasts 10 miles of beaches, deep-sea fishing, nightclubs, parasailing and a boardwalk filled with rides, games, and shopping. While you’re visiting don’t forget to try out some of the deliciously fresh blue crabs at one of the many crab houses in the area.

From Academy Ford Ocean City is a 3 hour drive. That is not too far of a drive to escape from the real world and leave your worries behind, is it? While it isn’t too far of a road trip we do recommend stopping by Academy Ford before you head out of town to make sure you vehicle is ready for the journey. Ask for the Bronze Service starting at only $57.90 plus tax, it is an oil and filter change, tire rotation, as well as a quick basic inspection of your vehicle to make sure it is up to specs. Schedule your appointment here or give us a call today (301)419-2700.  So pack up the Ford and head on out to the coast for the weekend and leave your troubles behind. 

We couldn’t resist sharing our great pride in the Ford Racing accomplishments this weekend.  It was one of NASCAR’s longest days on May 5^th at Talladega Superspeedway, the 2013 Aaron’s 499.  This year it was at truly a David vs. Goliath story Talladega Superspeedway. David Ragan (the literal and metaphorical David in this story) gives Front Row Motorsports their its first NASCAR Sprint Cup victory!  He drove his stock Ford Fusion into 1^st place within the last lap.  This is a huge win for the Front Row Motorsports Racing who is one of the most underfunded teams in NASCAR and was a major underdog in this race. Ford actually swept the top 3 positions including, Ragan’s teammate David Gilliland was also sporting his new 2013 stock Ford Fusion, who took second place. Ragan gave major credit to Gilliland for blocking many opponents and giving him that last push in the final lab that gave him his victory. The expected winner for the 2013 Aaron’s 499 actually took third place in the race, Carl Edwards (Goliath).  He was racing a stock Ford Fusion as well but was just out manned. After the race he stated that he tried to block everyone but both Ragan and Gilliland came out of nowhere and were able to get in front of him. Edwards also expressed that Ragan “did everything right and I still thought he was gonna wreck when he was looking in his mirror and he almost hit the apron and he wiggled coming to the line, so I thought we still might get this thing”. Edwards congratulated Ragan on his flawless victory and looks forward to racing him in the future.

For more information on the 2013 Aaron 499, information on upcoming races or to find more on ford racing check here.

Someone’s vehicle choice is very influential in a customer’s lifestyle and vice versa. Martinez believes finding his customers that perfect vehicle that meets their needs can have a huge impact on someone’s life, which he feels is one of the most rewarding aspects of his new position.  The perfect vehicle, is a vehicle which meets all their needs and necessities.

Martinez is excited about a career here at Academy Ford, where it is a family owned company and has been in business for over 50 years. Martinez loves it when customers come in with questions. Martinez suggests for customers to prepare some questions to ask their product specialist, he feels questions are a good way to get the ball rolling, and helps give him a better idea of what the customer is really looking for in their new vehicle. 

Outside of Academy ford Martinez currently lives and grew up right down the street from the dealership in Hyattsville. While not on the job he loves to play soccer, ride his motorcycle and bike. When it comes to food Martinez is not picky, however one of his favorites is pasta.

If you would like to work with Martinez to find your perfect vehicle call him at (301)419-2700 or email him at sales@academyfordsales.com with his name in the subject line.

Introducing the NEW 2014 Fiesta ST:

 The introduction of the NEW ST is probably the most exciting and anticipated aspect of the 2014 Fiesta line up!

Check out it’s Performance:

Don’t be fooled by the sleek and stylish exterior of the new 2014 Fiesta ST, for it packs a punch. With a 1.6L Ti-EcoBoost 1-4 engine and a Gasoline direct-injection it’s a perfect combination for outstanding performance.  

• 197 horsepower
•  214 lb.-ft. of torque
• The new upgraded sport-tuned suspension along with the 17 inch wheels offers a lot of grip to the road and can handle being chucked in and out of corners.
• The turbo-boost forces much more air into the engines cylinders bringing you both an impressive fuel economy and greater power.
• The overboost feature is a “must have” if you’re looking for prolong peaks of torque as you climb the RPM’s

The ST’s Sporty and Muscular Exterior:

• Ford has modeled the new Fiesta ST after the styling of the Fiesta World Rally Championship competition car.
• The very distinct grille stands out with its honeycomb mesh pattern and a Colorado Red ST badge in the corner.
• The High-mounted rear spoiler and dual chrome exhaust tips complete the Hatchback body style
•  The whole chassis is rounded off with beautiful 17-inch aluminum wheels which again mirror  those of the Fiesta World Rally Championship competition car

 Available Exterior colors:

Interior:

• The Cockpit is centered on the driver and all controls and storage are within easy reach.
• The gearshift is wrapped in leather with a satin chrome accent.
• Heated mirrors and heated front sport bucket seats are available on the ST Recaro.
• The steering wheel is fully covered in leather with the ST badge displayed toward the bottom.   

For more info on the 2014 Fiesta ST check out, http://www.ford.com/cars/fiesta/

If you like the smell of burnt rubber and Mustangs then grab that special someone and head on down to the Maryland International Raceway (MIR). The National Mustang Racers Association (NMRA) is hosting a major racing competition. If this does not seem to be your style or maybe you’re looking for a more laid back, sit back and enjoy the ball game feel try looking here. Consider this your fair warning: MIR will be the most exciting and loudest place in Maryland this weekend!

The word is quickly spreading and this weekend’s event is promised to be bigger than last years. There are been a lot of chat and build up to this event as we draw closer. Some major racers are stating that MIR’s facility is among the best in the U.S. and the racing surface is perfect for setting national records. This news has every one thrilled at their chance to break some national records.

Then there is the trash talk between local and national racers, which is also heating up. The local racers have proclaimed that they have the advantage over the “out-of-townies” and they are ready to prove it this weekend.  However, the action on the raceway is not the only thing that you and your sweetie can enjoy.    In addition to all of the action that will take place on the quarter-mile, the NMRA also has the awesome All-Ford Car Show, which features over fifty different awards that are presented each day of the show. So if you’re into admiring beauty close-up or love the rush from a good race, this is the place for you this weekend. For all race information check out the events main web-page here.  If you go tell us all about it in the comments section below.  Have a great weekend!

OSV entrance, MD District

It’s Friday and it’s springtime and you need some inspiration for your date night.  Well we are here to save the day.  This week we have decided to take it up a notch and get spontaneous and exciting.  If you are not feeling too creative check out our other date night posts here, in case you missed them.  How about a road trip? Head out on the open road to the nearbyish Assateague Island National Park. The Assateague Island National Park located by Ocean City, Maryland is a great place to get to know your vehicle and your sweetie.  You two can cruise up and down the beach and take in all the beautiful scenery and wild life at the Assateague Island National Seashore.  The Over-Sand Vehicle (OSV) zone at Assateague Island National Seashore contains miles of unspoiled beaches managed by the National Park Service to accommodate OSV enthusiasts and other beach goers.

However, use this date with caution because is not a cheap date. This is a true love-I want to impress him/her kind of date. Prices can range from $70-$130 depending on the amount of quality time you’re looking to spend together.  There is even a section on the beach were you and your OSV can pull off and camp for the night. To view all requirements and regulations please check out the parks website here.

But, before you hit the highway make sure you pack some essentials:

- A shovel with a blade at least 6″ square and at least 18″ long.
– A vehicle jack sufficient to lift one wheel clear of the sand.
– A jack support that is at least 12″x12″ of non-bending steel, 5/8″ plywood or 1½” hardwood.
– A tire gauge with a minimum reading of 15 pounds or less.
– A tow rope or tow strap, chain or cable with a minimum pulling strength of 6,000 pounds and at least 10 feet long.

Has anyone else noticed how gas prices have been even less predictable than usual this year? Well I have and so has TIME magazine see here.  

Hi my name is Jon and I am new to Academy Ford and I am a huge gas shopper. Even when I have a full tank I constantly find myself looking out the window at gas prices as I drive by them. As the week drags on and my needle gets closer to E, I take even more drastic measures to ensure that I pay the cheapest gas price in town.

I know a lot of people have smart phones and use a great app, GasBuddy, which allows you to search for the cheapest gas prices in your area for free. The app works as a community driven board where users report gas prices that others can view. As you report more gas prices you are awarded points that go toward prizes that GasBuddy gives away. This is a great tool and can save you a bundle.  More info here.

However, GasBuddy is not always up to date. I recently used the app and noticed that I had seen a station that was 7 cents lower than what the app had suggested. So how do you guarantee that you will get the cheapest price? Follow the below 4 steps and you will be good to go.

STEP 1: Constantly keep an eye on gas prices.

Maybe keep a list in your vehicle or make a mental note of where you noticed the cheapest gas price during the week.  Since I live and work in the Laurel area, I can vouch for the Freestate located down the street having  the cheapest gas price most often. Now I know what you are all thinking. Freestate!? Don’t you have to pay cash?

STEP 2: Have Cash in hand.  

Yes, you do have to pay in cash at Free State. However, if you’re saving a few cents per gallon and your tank is empty we are talking about a few dollars of savings over all. If you’re doing this every week the savings can really add up and over time. It is definitely worth it to stop by the bank before you hit up the gas station to grab some cash out of the ATM.  Actually, in order to get most of the cheaper prices on gas you will have to pay in cash at most stations. So, if a bargain is something you’re looking for it’s a good idea to come up with a way to get cash on your fill up day.

STEP 3: Get their Digits.

I have found that once I have located some of the usual cheaper gas stations in the area that it helps to have their phone numbers. Go ahead and save them into your mobile phone, calling the gas station and asking what their current gas price will allow you to know instantly what their price is and will give you a great base price to compare with other gas prices.

STEP 4: Fill Up.

My last tip is once you find a great price buy and buy a lot. Fill up your car, your parent’s car, your friend’s car, relatives and maybe even storage containers.

It’s the beginning of the week and the weather is beautiful outside. As we get closer to summer, the days will get longer and the nights warmer. Don’t you and that special someone want get out of the house and enjoy these gorgeous spring nights? 

While we know that it’s tempting to fall into the weekly routine of getting home from work, making dinner, and hanging out on the the couch, we urge you to get off the couch and get under the lights, the ballpark lights.   There aren’t too many stunning spring nights so take advantage of them!

This upcoming week the Baltimore Orioles take on the Toronto Blue Jays in what is guaranteed to be an electrifying game! We all know that the game basically guaranteed to be a good time, but what you might not know is that a lot of the fun happens before the game. Why not grab your favorite ice cold beverage, some finger foods and your honey and head on down for a little pre-game celebration? Gates usually open about two hours prior to the start of the game. So pack up your ride and head on down for some pre-game festivities!  We suggest packing up lots of cold drinks, snacks and if you are committed enough a small tailgate grill and something delicious to enjoy the next two hours with that him/her that you are crazy about! You will be overwhelmed by the refreshing and familiar smells of the ballpark as you listen to the batting practice take place in the park. Tickets for the game range depending on your seat and I assume your commitment to the relationship. For ticket prices and any other questions check out the Baltimore Orioles home page here.

Off-roading is a great way to take advantage of nice weather and experience the great outdoors.

The Department of Natural Resources defines an off-road vehicle (ORV) as “…a motorized vehicle designed for or capable of cross-country travel on land, water, snow, ice, marsh, swampland or other natural terrain. Off-road vehicles include a four-wheel drive or low pressure tire vehicle; an automobile; a truck; a motorcycle and related two-wheel vehicles; an amphibious machine; a ground effect or air cushion vehicle; a snowmobile; and a golf cart.”

Most of the great off-roading areas in the western United States, but there are still some good places to go in the Northeast.  The two places you can go off-roading in Maryland are Savage River State Forest and Potomac-Garrett State Forest.  If your vehicle is registered with the MVA and you have a valid Maryland hunting or fishing license, there is no need for you to purchase an off-road vehicle permit for use of DNR public lands.  Check out http://dnr.maryland.gov for more information about off-roading in Maryland.

Here is a list of 15 other places in the country where you can go on an off-roading adventure:

1. Adena, Ohio (Rumble on the Ridge)
2. Harlan County, Kentucky (Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Park)
3. Oliver Springs, Tennessee (Coal Creek OHV Area)
4. Attica, Indiana (Badlands Off-Road Park)
5. West Virginia (Hatfield & McCoy Trails)
6. Northern end of the Outer Banks in North Carolina
7. Redington Pass, Arizona
8. Rausch Creek Off Road Park, Pennsylvania
9. Silver Lake Dunes, MI
10. California City, Kern, California
11. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Georgia
12. Engineer Pass, Colorado
13. Rubicon Trail, California
14. Moab, Utah
15. Barstow and Plaster City, California

Have you ever been off-roading?  Do you want to visit any of the places on the list?  Let us know in the comments section below!

Sources: here, here, and here