A great road trip is about more than just fun companions, incredible tunes, and an abundance of snacks. Setting up a great trip is all about what you do before the trip to ensure that when you're on the road, all you have to focus on are the sights and the company. These road trip essentials will help you prepare for a safe and exhilarating journey, and all can be found at your local Mazda dealership! more 1. A Fresh Change of Oil Road trips can be tough on even the best vehicle, and getting your car an oil change is one of the top ways to keep your car in great shape for longer journeys. Each model has its own recommended oil types and service schedule, so check in with your dealership to see what your vehicle needs. Consider changing your oil early for longer trips to help ensure peace of mind on the road and upgrading to a synthetic oil for the most miles between changes. 2. Clean Filters for Easy Running Getting fresh filters may seem like a small change, but just like you, your Mazda needs clean air to run at its best. Ask your maintenance technician if you're due for an air filter change to keep your engine running strong. A cabin air filter change can also help keep the air you breathe clean by filtering out particles, dust, and allergens on your journey. 3. Fresh Wiper Blades Driver visibility is one of the foremost factors in keeping you safe on the road, and whether it's rain, snow, or sleet, inclement weather can be a hazard and reduce your visibility. A fresh set of wiper blades can keep your windshield clear and keep you and your companions safe on the road. 4. Road-Ready Wheels and Tires Making sure your tires are in tip-top shape is crucial when traveling far from home. Our maintenance team can not only inspect your tires to make sure they're road-trip ready, but we can also recommend the right tires for the season. In addition, we'll happily balance and rotate your tires and adjust your alignment as needed to make sure your road miles wear evenly on your tires and suspension. 5. Battery and Brake Checks Whether it's stopping at the hotel at the end of a long day's drive or stopping short for wildlife in the road, your brakes play a crucial role in getting you where you're going. We recommend a full brake inspection before your road trip to make sure you're as safe on your journey as possible. Likewise, having one of our certified technicians check your car battery will help make sure your car starts the first time, every time, when you're away from home. We love our road trips, and we hope that your next one will be a safe, fun, and memorable one. Schedule your pre-trip ride check at Flood Mazda in Wakefield, RI to make sure your ride is road-trip ready! Image via Mazda
Wakefield, Rhode Island, and the surrounding area are packed with exciting and entertaining destinations to visit. Here, we'll list a few of our favorites. Give them a try and let yourself wander in search of more. You never know what you'll find. Sheppard's Place Bed & Breakfast To begin your journey, you'll need to find a place to rest and relax. Head to Sheppard's Place B&B on 172 Boon Street in Narragansett, just around the corner from Wakefield, to get started. This comfortable haven is next-door to a secret garden and a wide range of shops and restaurants. The beach is just a mile away, so you can take a stroll there if you so choose. Each B&B room comes with a queen-size bed, a private bathroom, cable, and Wi-Fi. Your pets are welcome to join you, and breakfasts are free for all visitors. The staff is kind and ready to help you with anything you might need. You'll be as comfortable here as you are in your own home, so book a room today! more Fuel Coffee Bar After you book your room at the B&B, head down to this popular coffee bar for a pick-me-up. Located at 904 Boston Neck Road in Narragansett, this cafe features a menu packed with caffeinated drinks and baked goodies to satisfy the most demanding traveler. Their apple pie muffins are favorites among the locals, and their chocolate scones are loved by children and adults alike. You'll adore this place's positive vibe and friendly atmosphere. Fuel's friendly and accommodating staff is ready and waiting to take your order, so head in when you need a quick pick-me-up. Spain of Narragansett If you seek a truly excellent dining experience in Rhode Island, you'll find it at 1144 Ocean Road in Narragansett. This full-service, gourmet Spanish restaurant has a menu loaded with fresh and delicious Mediterranean meal options. Favorites among their offerings include Spanish Paella, hand-crafted sangria, and their seafood specials that change regularly. Their Steak and Lobster plates are prepared to perfection. Pair your meal with one of the wines from their expansive list, and finish off your meal with a decadent chocolate mousse. You'll be as stuffed as their shrimp by the time you head out! Theatre By the Sea When you've settled in and had your fill of Rhode Island's food and drink offerings, stop by 364 Cards Pond Road in Wakefield to take in some high culture. This theater plays host to a wide variety of concerts and shows year-round, so keep an eye on their calendar to find events that suit your interests. Surrounding this location is a garden that is tended to all year. If you are still, hungry take in a meal at The Bistro by the Sea. Here the food and service are always excellent. The parking is free, and the walk into the venue is short, so book your tickets today. Try out these relaxing, delicious, and cultured locations on your next trip to Rhode Island. We're sure you'll adore them all. Image via Flickr by jscatty | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original
If you're looking for an unforgettable lunch or dinner in the Wakefield area, you have so many fantastic options that it can be difficult to choose. Whatever you're looking for, there's probably a restaurant here that can satisfy and delight. If you need some guidance, here are five of the greatest restaurants in Wakefield, Rhode Island. 1. The Chophouse Grille If you're looking for a great steak, head over to the Chophouse Grille. Enjoy an expertly crafted dinner in their casual yet elegant dining room. Their surf-and-turf-emphasized menu is full of delicious items. Start off with an appetizer of local oysters from their raw bar before moving onto an entree of cedar plank salmon, Cajun mahi-mahi, or one of their fantastic Chophouse cuts. For the best of American cuisine, the Chophouse Grille is unbeatable. more 2. Mews Tavern This restaurant is steeped in local tradition. From its humble beginnings as a small tavern in 1947, it has grown into a local favorite with three bars and a dining room. Mews Tavern has 69 beers on tap for you to explore, as well as an impressive food menu full of bar-style food done exceptionally well. If you're a burger aficionado, this is the place to be. If you want something else, we suggest their delicious buffalo chicken mac and cheese, classic fish and chips, or Southern-style barbecue dishes. 3. Coast Guard House Originally a U.S. Coast Guard station, the building that houses the Coast Guard House restaurant overlooks Narragansett Bay to create a beautiful backdrop for your dining experience. The restaurant itself was established in the 1940s and has earned a reputation of being one of the greatest restaurants in the state. They serve brunch, lunch, and dinner and offer some of the best-tasting seafood you'll ever have. We suggest the Wagyu rib-eye filet, harvested from a local farm, or one of their pasta dishes that will satisfy any fan of Italian food. 4. Manahan's Clam Shack by the Sea If you want to grab a quick lunch that will keep you coming back, head to Manahan's Clam Shack by the Sea. Lightly fried locally caught seafood, clams, oysters, chowder, lobster rolls, crab cakes — Manahan's has everything you'd want from a Rhode Island fast-casual restaurant. Enjoy the delicious food to be had here while enjoying their seaside view. 5. Crazy Burger Cafe & Juice Bar Looking for one of the best burgers in town? Try Crazy Burger Cafe & Juice Bar. They have a huge selection of burgers, including their Freaky Fajita Burger, Quirky Cajun Burger, and Whassupy Burger, made with wasabi and brie cheese. You'll also find plenty of vegetarian and vegan options here, as well as milkshakes, soups, salads, desserts, coffee drinks, breakfast food, and more. Crazy Burger truly has something for everyone. One of the best parts of Wakefield is the delicious food it offers. Whether you're trying to grab a solo lunch or sit down for family dinner, these and the many other great restaurants in town will cover any palate and mood. Image via Flickr by yurilong | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original
