Hank Graff Chevrolet - Bay City: family fun

Showing posts with label family fun. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

The 2019 Chevy Silverado Makes Daytona 500 History

BAY CITY, Mich. -- For the first time in Daytona 500 history, the race will be paced by a pickup truck, and the winner of this honor is the 2019 Chevy Silverado. The driver? Someone who's used to leading the pack, Dale Earnhardt Jr, a two-time winner winner of the Daytona 500 among other prestigious racing awards.

"I've had a lot of fun and a lot of success at Daytona over the years, and now I can't wait to get out on that track in a Silverado" Said Earnhardt Jr. " "Away from the track, I've driven Chevy trucks all my life, and I'm excited to have this unique experiencing of pacing the race with the Silverado". While Chevrolet has had the honor of pacing the race several times with the Camaro and Corvette models, this is an all-new step, that particularly excites the company, due to their recent successes in creating cutting-edge truck models. Jim Campbell, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet Performance Vehicles and Motorsports said "It'll be exciting to have Dale lead the field to green in the strongest, most advanced Silverado ever...he was the perfect choice to pace the race due to his enthusiasm for the sport and his long history with Chevrolet and long of our trucks.".

The Silverado pace truck will be powered by a production 6.2L V-8 engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering 420 HP and a 460 lb-ft of torque.

Silverado fans! Are you excited to watch this historical race? What do you think of the choice to use a truck as the race pacer? Comment and let us know!

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

Thursday, May 24, 2018

How to Keep Your Kids Entertained on Road Trips

BAY CITY, Mich.,– On road trips, your passengers can make or break your time while you drive. Without proper entertainment to distract everyone, you'll probably hear "are we there yet?" more than once. Plus, distractions from passengers of any age can take your attention away from the road and can increase your chances of getting into an accident. Follow our guide on how to keep your kids entertained on road trips to maximize your peace and quiet and minimize any chances of distraction, giving everyone on the road a much safer experience.

Play Road Games

How to Keep Your Kids Entertained on Road Trips

A great way to get children of any age involved in a fun and distracting activity is by playing the "alphabet game". Using road signs, businesses, and billboards, the goal of the game is to find words that start with every letter of the alphabet, from A to Z in order! You can make it a group effort or divide your vehicle into teams to make it more competitive. If you aren't a fan of the alphabet game, there are plenty of other road trip games you can try, too!

Purchase a Polaroid

For older passengers, a Polaroid camera can be an awesome way to make road trip memories extra special. They're relatively inexpensive and print photos as soon as you take them. Whether your passengers are taking pictures of noteworthy destinations, state signs, or landmarks, this is a great way to help your teens hone their photography skills and make use of their time in the car!

Non-Digital Entertainment

Want your kids to take a break from the screen time? You can keep them entertained with plenty of great non-digital activities to bring their creative minds to life! Coloring books, whether the artists are young or old, are proven to reduce stress and make them that much happier. Other activities, like a good old-fashioned game of Hangman, Mad Libs, or candy necklace making, can keep anyone of any age occupied for long periods of time!

Listen to an Audiobook

By age 3, children are typically old enough to follow a story. Head to the library or bookstore to purchase an audiobook that'll bring a story to life! Whether you're listening to the incredible story of Harry Potter, the classic tale of Charlotte's Web, or something else, you'll be able to find a story for everyone in no time. Plus, you can download audio stories on devices individually if you want to listen to music on your own but want to keep your kids distracted!

Download Entertaining Apps

With hundreds of thousands of apps to choose from, the possibilities are endless for entertainment and fun on the road! You can make a scrapbook with Animoto, play a game of Road Trip Scavenger Hunt, or take on the road with Extreme Road Trip! Whether you're looking for games, fun, or a great way to save your memories, there's something for everyone in the app store. Download plenty of apps on your tablet, phone, or other electronic devices to keep everyone entertained for hours to come.

There are plenty of ways to keep everyone on the road occupied, but having a few backup plans just in case something falls through is the best way to stay prepared! Now that you know how to keep your kids entertained on road trips, you'll have the perfect strategy to minimize distractions and maximize road trip fun. Plus, who knows, you just may join in on the alphabet game or another form of entertainment, too! Before you go on your road trip, don't forget to inspect your vehicle to see if it needs maintenance. If it does, schedule an appointment with us before you go on your trip to avoid any inconveniences! Also, don't forget any important vacation items while you pack this year!

Thursday, November 2, 2017

What to Do With Your Leftover Pumpkins

BAY CITY, Mich. – Halloween is over, and all around the country, families are taking down their decorations and tossing their Jack-o-Lanterns and decorative pumpkins into the trash. Instead of wastefully throwing them away, if you know what to do with your leftover pumpkins, you can make delicious desserts, creative centerpieces, and much more! Read on to discover the amazing things your leftover Jack-o-Lantern can do for you and your home.

Make Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin puree can be used to make pumpkin pie, cakes, smoothies, and tons of other fall goodies! Plus, making your own pumpkin puree can save you the trouble of having to buy all of those extra cans of puree when you're preparing to make pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. Just make sure there is no mold growing in your Jack-o-Lantern before you start cooking!

How to Do It:

Cut your pumpkin down the middle, removing the extra seeds and setting them aside (we'll use them later!)
Next, place your pumpkin slices cut-side down on a cooking sheet.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then bake for 45 minutes.
Remove your pumpkin pieces from the oven and peel off the pumpkin "skin".
Place the leftover pumpkin chunks into a food processor or blender, then blend until thoroughly smooth. Voila! You've made pumpkin puree!

Use Your Pumpkin Puree to Make Pumpkin Butter

Want to put your pumpkin puree to good use right away? With just a few ingredients, you can make a delicious batch of pumpkin butter that packs a festive punch of flavor! You can spread it on toast, add it to ice cream, french toast, and much more!

How to Do It:

Combine 29 oz. pumpkin puree, 3/4 cup apple juice, 2 teaspoons of ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves in a large saucepan, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce its heat, stir occasionally and simmer for 30 minutes.
Transfer to containers and chill in the refrigerator until serving.

Cook Your Leftover Pumpkin Seeds

Remember those pumpkin seeds we set aside earlier? Well, now we're going to turn them into a delicious fall snack! You can cook this tasty treat with cinnamon, salt, butter, or even sugar to add a dash of flavor to this easy-to-make side dish.

How to Do It:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Throw your pumpkin seeds into a bowl with 2 teaspoons of melted butter and your 1 1/2 cups of cinnamon, salt, or sugar.
Spread pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally

Donate Leftover Pumpkins to a Farmer

If you aren't a fan of pumpkin-flavored foods, you can always donate your leftover Jack-o-Lanterns to your local farmers! Animals love the sweet taste of pumpkins and the cows, pigs, and other farm friends will be very thankful for the tasty treat.

How to Do It: Use MLive's Animal Farm Finder to discover local farms in Bay County that would be more than happy to take your leftover pumpkins off your hands!

Turn Your Pumpkin into a Flower Pot

Want to repurpose your Jack-o-Lantern into a festive fall decoration? With just a few quick steps, you can transform your carved pumpkin into a live flower planter! If you plan on displaying your planters outside, however, recommend that you turn them so that your Jack-o-Lantern's spooky face isn't greeting your guests as they enter your home.

How to Do It: After removing the lid of your pumpkin and cleaning out its insides, add a shovel full of dirt into its base. Slide your flower into the pumpkin and fill the remaining empty areas with dirt till it fills your Jack-o-Lantern to the top. Wipe it down and give your plant some water, and voila!

Now that you know what to do with your leftover pumpkins, you can breathe new life into your Jack-o-Lantern with by cooking recipes, making decorations, and charitable donations! Looking for more DIY projects and recipes? Make sure to follow our Pinterest page for all things autumn! Additionally, if you're searching for more fall fun, you can make the most of your time before winter with our Fall Seasonal Guide! Browse through our guide to find recommendations on local cider mills, apple orchards, fall recipes, and so much more. Before you head out to your next great fall adventure, though, make sure your vehicle is able to take on the changing temperatures with our Fall Car Care guide. You won't regret it once the snow starts to fall!

Monday, October 2, 2017

7 Creative Non-Carved Pumpkin Designs

BAY CITY, Mich. – Who says you have to carve pumpkins this Halloween? Give your pumpkins the fun and festive treatment they deserve with these 7 creative non-carved pumpkin designs. Not only will you eliminate the mess of Jack-O-Lantern carving, but your pumpkins will stand out through all of October and won't rot nearly as fast as they normally would! Plus, these pumpkin designs are ideal for crafting with young children so that they can participate without the risk of being around any sharp knives or cutting tools. Give these creative designs a try this Halloween season!

1. Ice Cream Cone Pumpkin

No matter what your favorite flavor of ice cream is, this fun twist on a typical pumpkin is a creative way to show off your artistic ability this year!

Materials Needed: 1-2 small pumpkins, construction paper, craft paint, cardboard, Sharpie

Difficulty: Easy

2. String Art Moon Pumpkin

For a truly authentic Halloween-themed decoration, this string art moon pumpkin is full of the spooky spirit you know and love in October!

Materials Needed: Black Craft Pumpkin, acrylic craft paint, glue sticks, light effects floss

Difficulty: Easy

3. Chalk Paint Pumpkin

Not everything has to be painted the old-fashioned way! This cool and creative pumpkin design is brought to life with chalk paint to create a fun and eye-catching look.

Materials Needed: Decor paint, decor blossom stencil, decor brush, clear wax

Difficulty: Medium

4. Candy Corn Pumpkin

If you're a fan of candy corn, you'll definitely want to make these cute and fun pumpkins! They only take a few minutes and will perfectly compliment the rest of your Halloween decorations!

Materials Needed: Pumpkins, tape, white spray paint, yellow spray paint

Difficulty: Easy

5. Galaxy Jack-O-Lantern

Want to craft a truly out-of-this-world decoration? This galaxy-patterned Jack-O-Lantern is sure to impress your friends, family, and trick-or-treaters this October with its stellar design!

Materials Needed: Black pumpkin (painted or fake), multicolored craft paint, Christmas lights, power drill with various sized bits

Difficulty: Hard

6. Spiderweb Pumpkin

Going for a spooky look this year? Spiderweb pumpkins are creative, fun, and only take a few minutes to craft!

Materials Needed: Patterning tape, pumpkin, foam pouncer, craft paint

Difficulty: Medium

7. Chevron Pumpkin

Want to make an easy and enjoyable pumpkin design? Make everyone's favorite Halloween decoration stand out with a stylish chevron pattern!

Materials Needed: Tape, spray paint

Difficulty: Easy

Avoid the potential of rotten pumpkins before Halloween actually rolls around this year with these 7 creative non-carved pumpkin designs! You'll have the most unique pumpkins on the block that will be sure to impress trick-or-treaters! While you're out and about getting supplies for your pumpkin crafting, use our Fall Car Care guide to check up on your vehicle's important components. You'll be thankful you did when the snow starts to fall! If you have a busy day ahead of you but need your vehicle serviced, use our Graff Xpress Service to get your vehicle taken care of right away! If you have any questions or would like to learn more about your vehicle's important components, check up on our Service FAQ for more information!

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

The Best Hayrides and Pumpkin Patches Near Bay City

BAY CITY, Mich. – Autumn isn't complete without some good old-fashioned fall fun! Check a few items off your fall bucket list by visiting the best hayrides and pumpkin patches near Bay City this year! Bring the whole family along to pick fresh pumpkins for the Halloween season, and top the day off with a fun-filled scenic hayride for an unforgettable fall experience. Plus, a lot of farms and pumpkin patches have corn mazes, inflatable obstacle courses, and other exciting activities! Read on to discover what each of these fall destinations has to offer this season!

Johnson's Giant Pumpkins

The Best Hayrides and Pumpkin Patches Near Bay City

You can always find something going on at Johnson's Giant Pumpkins from classic car shows to exotic animal petting zoos. Check up on their events calendar to see what's going on for the month, then explore the pumpkin patch to find your next Jack-o-Lantern! If you're feeling hungry after a long day of activities, you can top off the day with a hand-dipped caramel apple or snack on their wide variety of concessions!

Tiny Apple Store

Want to enjoy the fun of the fall without having to deal with a long drive? The Tiny Apple Store, located in Bay City, is chock full of seasonal goodies! Choose from 147 different flavors of ice cream, take a bite of a warm doughnut, and enjoy the changing colors of the autumn on a hayride! Their Facebook page is regularly updated with events, specials, and more! You won't want to miss out on any of the surprises they have in store this season!

Grandma's Pumpkin Patch

Head out to Midland, Michigan this year for a fun pumpkin patch experience! At Grandma's Pumpkin Patch, you can pick your own pumpkin and enjoy an entire day full of events this fall. Every year, a different corn maze pattern is chosen to challenge newcomers. Think you're up for the challenge? Head down to Grandma's Pumpkin Patch, pick out a pumpkin, and enter the corn maze!

Leaman's Green Applebarn

Voted Mid-Michigan's Best Apple Orchard, Leaman's Green Applebarn is sure to impress you and your whole family with fall fun and plenty of activities! Admission to the Applebarn gets you access to a scavenger hunt, playground, putt putt golf, and a free hayride! Plus, if you're feeling hungry, you can stop by the market to snack on some freshly baked goods. Try Leaman's famous apple cider slushie when you visit - you won't regret it!

Berry Creek Farms

Looking for a local, relaxing farm atmosphere? Berry Creek Farms in Bay City is a quaint getaway from the hustle and bustle of the normal world. Every fall, you and your family can board the Berry Creek Express Train for a fun-filled hayride to the haunted corn maze! If you're feeling especially bold, you can even explore the haunted greenhouse for a spooky experience you won't soon forget. Want to pick pumpkins? Make sure to call in advance to see if they're in stock, then head over to Berry Creek Farms to pick your next Jack-O-Lantern out for Halloween!

Fill your fall season with family fun this autumn! Visit the best hayrides and pumpkin patches near Bay City to enjoy the best the Bay Area has to offer. While you're out and about picking pumpkins and taking in the beautiful autumn weather on a hayride, prepare your vehicle for the changing temperatures by keeping up on your Fall Car Care. Do you know how to change your oil and check your tires' tread? If not, take a look at our Routine Maintenance FAQ to learn how to maintain important parts of your vehicle and how to spot damages to those components.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

5 Fun Fall Activities For the Whole Family

BAY CITY, Mich. –– Apple cider, pumpkin patches, hayrides, bonfires, and caramel apples. What do these things all have in common? They're some of the best parts about the fall season! With the temperatures dropping and the colors changing, we've put together the 5 fun fall activities for the whole family you won't want to miss this season. From cider mills to caramel apples, make unforgettable memories with your family this fall!

Try the Gourmet Apple Cart

5 Fun Fall Activities For the Whole Family

For a limited time in Bay City, the City market will host the Gourmet Apple Cart on Tuesdays and Thursdays this fall! The Gourmet Apple Cart, started in Flint, is renowned for their wide variety of unique candied apple flavors. People from around the Mitten gather to enjoy pistachio, Twix, and even s'more candied apples at the Flint Farmer's Market. The Gourmet Apple Cart is only in Bay City for a limited time, so get your hands on a Gourmet Apple from the City Market before it's too late!

Head Out to Uncle John's Cider Mill

Grab a doughnut, sip on a glass of cider, and enjoy a full cider mill experience at Uncle John's this year! During the fall season, you can purchase wristband packages that give you and your family full access to wagon rides, corn mazes, and much more! You can fire fruit from the Apple Cannon, catch a hayride, and play in the Kid's Corral this fall season. The best part is, Uncle John's is open 7 days a week from 9-8! Check up on their events calendar for detailed lists of seasonal specials and events that occur every week.

Explore a Haunted Shipwreck

During the fall season, the USS Edson becomes a haunted house! Michigan Haunted Houses calls the "Edson Incident" a not-so-scary haunted house, but visitors have to be at least 10 and up in order to enter. Explore five levels of terror in an abandoned Vietnam-era US Navy Destroyer, encountering scarier creatures as you make your way through the USS Edson. Find out for yourself what the Edson Incident has in store for you by exploring the haunted shipwreck this fall!

Pick a Pumpkin at Warmbier Farms

Fall fun isn't complete without pumpkin picking! At Warmbier Farms, you can find pumpkins of any shape, size, and color in a huge, 12,000 square foot showroom! You can find flowers, statues, boutique jewelry, seasonal decor, and much more as well in their walk-in store in Auburn, Michigan. Warmbier's Fall Festivals in September and October feature discounts on mums, pumpkins, corn, and other fall produce. Stop by this fall season to find the perfect pumpkin to carve up this Halloween!

Try a Doughnut from Cops & Doughnuts

Every fall, the Cops and Doughnuts "precinct" in Bay City offers seasonal treats and delights for all of their customers to enjoy. Grab a cup of warm cider, give their "chief cake doughnut" a try, and stop by their Bay City precinct to check out their wide selection of doughnuts, cookies, breads, and cakes! Open 7 days a week from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the Sutherland Precinct of Cops and Doughnuts in Bay City!

This fall, discover the best Bay City has to offer with these 5 fun fall activities for the whole family! If you are interested in applying for an auto loan, fill out our credit application form to get pre-approved. We are here to help you obtain the best interest rate you can on an auto loan! Worried about the price of a vehicle? You may be eligible to receive an exclusive discount! Take a look at our GM Discount Programs to find out if you qualify, and make sure to contact us if you have any questions!

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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Friday, August 4, 2017

Family-Friendly Labor Day Activities

BAY CITY, Mich.,– Before we know it, Labor Day will be here! This is the last chance to enjoy some fun before the school year begins again. Prepare for this great holiday by planning some family-friendly Labor Day activities. Enjoy your time off work with your friends and family with different activities ranging from boat tours to baseball games. You can make this year's Labor Day weekend a fun-filled extravaganza with these affordable events that'll be sure to entertain everyone!

September 2nd - Saturdays on the Saginaw River Tour

Head out on the Saginaw River on Saturday for a two hour cruise aboard the Princess Wenonah or Islander! Enjoy an educational tour with a history lesson while you enjoy some snacks aboard a historical riverboat in Bay City. You'll learn all about Bay City and its origins while you explore the Saginaw River, spotting local wildlife along the way. Plus, if you miss the tour Labor Day weekend, you'll still have a chance to catch it again throughout fall!

September 2nd - Enjoy a Great Lakes Loons Game

Looking for an inexpensive, fun, and entertaining getaway? Take the family out to a Great Lakes Loons game for a fun day at the ballpark! The Loons will be taking on the Lake County Captains this September, and the Dow Diamond is sure to be full of excitement for everyone. Tickets are available now, so make sure to get yours today before it's too late. The game starts at 7:05 pm.

September 3rd - The Art of the Brick

The Midland Center of the Arts will be celebrating the Art of the Brick on its final day on Sunday, September 3rd. These unique art exhibits, created entirely with Lego bricks, contain over 85 exhibits of famous artwork, locations, and more. Plus, your ticket admission comes with admission to the Hall of Ideas and Spark!Lab for additional hands-on fun! Enjoy these exclusive exhibits while they last!

August 31st - The Last Whistle Celebration

The Saginaw Art Museum will be honoring renowned artist Ken Newman with a permanent addition to their exhibits. Newman's sculpture, The Last Whistle, honors Bay County's blue collar workers and their dedication to their community. The Saginaw Chamber of Commerce will be consummating this sculpture with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a picnic after. Take a look at the art exhibit, enjoy the newly dedicated sculpture, and make your trip to Saginaw a fun one!

August 31st - September 4th - Catch a Movie at the Theater

Head on down to the Bay City Goodrich Theater for a fun filled movie night! From family friendly flicks to date night must-sees, the theater is full of great showings throughout the months of August and September! Plus, Labor Day discounts will come in handy with finding an affordable movie for the whole family to enjoy on the weekend. Take a look at show times and dates to find the perfect film for the extended weekend!

The Bay County area is full of fun on Labor Day weekend! Whether your family prefers baseball games, art exhibits, or even movies, there's something for everyone this holiday season. Our list of family-friendly Labor Day activities is just a start, but there's plenty of fun to be had for the full extended weekend, no matter what you do. Before you head out for the long holiday, take advantage of our $18.95+tax oil change special to get some routine maintenance done at an inexpensive rate! If you need new tires, brakes, or other service, utilize some of our coupons so you'll save even more before Labor Day comes!

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

5 Fun and Easy Upcycling Projects

BAY CITY, Mich.–– Did you know that you can repurpose the old stuff that's cluttering up your garage and storage spaces into fresh, new projects? "Upcycling" is a brand new trend that breathes new life into your old stuff that may not be useful to you anymore. Check out a few of these 5 fun and easy upcycling projects to make the most of things you would otherwise throw out! You can help the planet and your wallet with these easy-to-follow instructions!

1. Turn An Old Sandbox Into a Kid's Garden

Teach your children the basics of gardening with this fresh and creative take on sandboxes! When they outgrow the sandbox phase, you can repurpose it into a new garden to educate your children and give them their own chance to grow something of their own! It only takes a few steps and they can help, too!

2. Turn a Colander into a Flower Basket

With a few simple steps, you can turn that old colander of yours into a brand new hanging flower basket for the patio! Upcycle your old kitchen accesories for a unique take on a flower basket that will be sure to impress everyone!

3. Turn Old Jars into New Canisters

What do you do with the jar when you finish a container of jelly, salsa, or sauce? You upcycle them, of course! Using a few easy-to-find supplies, you can turn these old jars into brand new jar canisters that you can keep for a long time! Not only do they look great, but they help you save money on containers and make your kitchen look modern and sleek!

4. Turn Dollar Store Frames into Hurricane Lanterns

If you want to redecorate your house but you're on a budget, try making these beautiful hurricane lanterns for only $5! Using dollar store picture frames, you can turn an otherwise plain item into a gorgeous decoration. The project will only take up to 30 minutes of your time, so you can create a lot of these very quickly to breathe some life into your house!

5. Turn Your Tin Cans Into Retro Lights

Want to give your home an old school twist? Try giving your tin cans a second chance by upcycling them into retro lights! It only takes a few minutes and the lights work surprisingly well. They can work in almost every corner of your house, so give this handy trick a shot today!

Upcycling is the best way to save money and redecorate your house this summer. With quick and simple solutions to expensive problems, we hope that these 5 fun and easy upcycling projects will keep you and the whole family entertained for the summer! If you're looking to save some more money with routine maintenance, we have a page of coupons that are available at your disposal! Enjoy every second of this summer with upcycling!