There’s no better way to end the summer than with one last hurrah in the great outdoors, and thanks to Volkswagen, I got the chance to explore and adventure with VW’s family of SUVs in Russian River. While most people may think of VW as a brand filled with small cars, they’ve transformed themselves into a full-line manufacturer. In celebration of the VW full SUV lineup, several journalists and influencers spent a few days at Autocamp and beyond learning and exploring this full line in the great outdoors.

Nestled in the heart of Sonoma in Northern California, I experienced the family of VW SUV’s including the Tiguan, Taos, Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and all-electric ID.4. Each vehicle offered a unique flare inspiring a different scenic adventure throughout Sonoma County.

The start of my first adventure began with a session of outdoor yoga within the Grove at the Autocamp campgrounds. Throughout the yoga session, I was reminded to focus on breathing, stillness and create mindfulness each day. Afterward, we transitioned from yoga into the tranquility of a sound bath for the senses. It only makes sense that this experience paralleled the same emotions felt while within the all-electric VW ID.4.

The Volkswagen ID.4 is VW’s first all-electric SVU and upon entering the ID.4, you immediately notice how eerily quiet the cabin and electric motor truly is. And there’s no better sound experience on wheels than the ID.4’s 7-speaker Harmon Kardon system. It only makes sense that I enjoyed my very own carpool karaoke session while driving through the winding roads towards Sonoma Coast. Upon arrival to the famed Goat Rock Beach, I got the chance to take on the fog-induced views and snapped a few epic photos that looked like they came straight out of a professional car magazine.

Must Read: The 2021 VW ID.4 Is What EV SUV Dreams Are Made Of #HybridSummer

The second part of my adventure ushered me down the winding roads of the Bohemian Highway. It’s a scenic 10-mile stretch through the redwood forest, charming towns, and several organic wineries. Bohemian Highway is home to a unique and soulful community of artists and nature lovers. Here you’ll find organic farms and wineries, specialty nurseries, and innovative restaurants and shops. It’s also a gateway for superb outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, zip-lining, and more. The Atlas Cross Sport was the perfect SUV to whisk me through the hidden gems of Sonoma County.

The Atlas Cross Sport is a sportier and stealthier version of its predecessor – the VW Atlas. While the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport looks large and in charge, it’s a seven-seater that drives and handles like a sturdy coop. I loved the sloping design of the Atlas Cross Sport, it gives you the best of both worlds with plenty of storage and seating capabilities all without lacking the sleek design and performance you want.

After getting behind the wheel of each VW SUV, I’ve learned that while they vary in size, tech, and performance, they’re an SUV for everyone. You could be fresh out of college, starting your career, growing your family, or empty-nesters downsizing and there’s a VW SUV to fit every season of your life. This by far was one of the best driving experiences I’ve been a part of and I look forward to getting behind the wheel of more VWs soon. For more information visit vw.com.

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The Autocamp Glamping experience may just be the best glamping experience available today. Gone are the days of survival mode, pitching a tent and sparking a campfire from scratch just to enjoy the great outdoors. With the Autocamp experience, it’s as easy as selecting your luxury tent, airstream, or happier camper with all the modern amenities you need without sacrificing space or indulgence. With locations across the country, this particular Autocamp experience came complimentary of a Volkswagen drive at Autocamp (Russian River) in Northern California. Located and tucked just five minutes away from downtown Guerneville this campsite offers modern luxury in the heart of mother nature.

Once inside, you’d be surprised at just how spacious the interior looks and feels. From the keyless entryway which lands you right in the middle of the airstream living/common area to the spa-inspired bathroom, it all feels way more luxurious than you’d expect. With plenty of hidden drawers/cabinets disguising major appliances like the microwave and refrigerator to the wall-mounted flat-screen television, you get all the major comforts of home while out in the great outdoors.

Inside of a timeless 31-foot Airstream you’ll find a bright and airy sitting room and fully-functional kitchenette, all outfitted for your comfort. In the bedroom, a queen bed with high-thread count linens is tucked under a panoramic window. A private modern bathroom offers a walk-in rain shower and spacious vanity area. Outside, relax with a glass of wine on your patio, which includes a firepit and dining area.

A grove of native Redwood trees with outdoor lounge spaces and plenty of firepits welcome you to the clubhouse. From there, you’re ushered to your Signature Airstream or Luxury tent accommodations. Upon arrival, I loved how each airstream suite came with its private fire pit and outdoor lounge area for personal enjoyment.

Autocamp doesn’t just provide an outdoor oasis, but they also host a variety of experiences and things to do on the campgrounds and throughout Sonoma County. During my visit, I participated in an engaging outdoor yoga session, followed by a full therapeutic sound bath experience. There’s plenty to do within a 15-mile radius of the campgrounds including visiting organic farms, wineries, restaurants, shops, and outdoor excursions like kayaking, zip-lining, and more.

While I’ve had my share of glamping under the stars in the past, I can say that nothing has quite compared to the Autocamp experience and I can’t wait to visit additional Autocamp locations in Cape Cod and Joshua Tree soon. For more information and additional locations visit Autocamp.com.

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The LEAF has been one of the best-selling electric vehicles for the last 10 years, delivering style, 100% EV performance, and the technology necessary for our modern-day lifestyle. Stacked with a full-color 8-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, the LEAF’s sleek modern design was made with the driver in mind.  One of standout features is the streamlined and sporty silhouette which breaks the mold of what a standard EV should look like.

Upon first glance, looks can be deceiving.  Nissan’s bold V-Motion grille with blue 3D mesh lets you know that this is an electric vehicle just in case the stylish coat of Sunset Drift ChromaFlair lead you to believe otherwise.  (I mean seriously, this flair of orange really made me feel like I was ready to star in the next Fast N Furious – Tokoyo Drift, not review a highly capable, industry-leading EV.)

While the majority of EVs focus their energy on the battery and performance, I was pleasantly suprised by the touches of detail, cabin space and cargo space inside.  The light blue suede accents and blue stiching was a subtle reminder that this is no doubt an electric vehicle. Of course you wound’t expect to fit a ton of family, groceries and sporting equipment within the LEAF at once, but with smart manuvering of the folding rear seats, you’d be suprised at just how much you could fit inside.

The Nissan LEAF offers two major technologies that are developed to make the EV driving experience easier. ProPILOT Assist feature is a hands-on driver-assist system that combines Nissan’s Intelligent Cruise Control and steering assist technologies that will bring the LEF to a full stop and can resume speed in heavy traffic situations.  While the e-Pedal allows the driver to start, accelerate, decelerate and come to a full stop using only the accelerator pedal.

One of the biggest challenges I had during my test drive was getting used to the e-Pedal.  It’s one of those features that I’m sure could be a game-changer if it’s the only car you’re driving, but if you happen to drive an EV one day, then a gas vehicle the next it could be challenging to get used to.

The Nissan LEAF SL Plus has an EPA range of up to 215 and is fast charging going from 0 to 80% in just about 45 minutes using the quick charge port.  Every 2021 Nissan LEAF is offered with a limited lithium-ion battery warranty covering the battery pack for eight years or 100,000 basically ensuring that your battery capacity level is intact and will keep you powered up and ready to go no matter what.

With several 2021 Nissan LEAF trim lines available, the base model LEAF S to the LEAF SL Plus you’re looking at a range of $31,000 – $44,000.  For more information visit NissanUSA.com/LEAF

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You can easily identify iconic superheroes by their unique and well-defined appearance. It could be a brightly clad cape, mesmerizing mask, or well-structured headpiece.  During a recent influencer drive in the heart of wine country, Infiniti welcomed a handful of writers, bloggers, and auto enthusiasts to experience the all-new 2022 Infiniti QX60 donning an exquisite array of handmade hats by Nicholson Hat Company.  I’m not saying that I’m a superhero, but as a black woman, I like to think that we’re the closest thing to a modern-day superhero that there is.

The chic hats were just an intro to the full stylish experience ushered in by the Infiniti QX60 Sensory model.  With an itinerary filled with only the best immersive experiences Napa Valley has to offer, I couldn’t wait to explore the winding roads leading me from the scenic McEvoy Ranch down to the picturesque Goat Rock beach.

First of all, to state the obvious, the QX60 is beyond gorgeous on the outside, but the moment you sit inside – next-level luxury. The premium all-new Autograph grade quilted leather seats are not only climate-controlled to heat or cool by pulling air away – but they’re also equipped to massage all the stress of the day away.

Some of my favorite features of the QX60 Sensory include the massaging seats followed by, surprisingly, the Smart Rear View Mirror.  It projects a clear image of what’s behind the QX60 on a sharp 9.6-inch display in case there’s too much inside obstructing the view.

Speaking of inside, it’s hard to believe just how massive this three-row SUV really is.  During a stop at the aesthetically dynamic Donum Estate – a place where art literally lives among the vineyards, I had to check out the comfort of the second-row captain seats for myself. And while the idea of perfection is subjective, I have to say, the spacious and luxurious cabin breathes perfection from the inside out.

As an avid driver that adores the escapism that a great sound system and scenic drive provides, I would be remiss if I didn’t touch on the amazing 17-speaker Bose Performance Series audio that made for a plethora of epic karaoke moments. The Infiniti InTouch 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, including wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a charging mat keeps the party going no matter how long the drive.

Get behind the wheel with me inside the all-new 2022 Infiniti QX60 here:

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For more on the 2021 BMW 330e visit BMWusa.com

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All About Technology

As someone that loves technology, I believe when driving it’s important to have smart tech that enhances the driving experience, not distracts from it. The Cadillac Escalade has an industry-first display, delivering displays that rival 4k televisions. It’s essentially a cockpit filled with tech. The infotainment system includes a total of three screens: a 16.9” touchscreen, 14.2” instrument cluster, and a 7.2” additional screen. All are crisp, easy to navigate, and responsive. Using Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto is easy, accessible, and customizes the driving experience based on your preference.

Super Cruise is a game-changer for long trips on the road. It’s a hands-free driving experience that uses a medley of cameras, sensors, and more that allows you to relax a little more on the road. Using adaptive cruise control and monitors on select highways and roads, the Super Cruise feature allows drivers to drive hands-free.

The all-new Augmented Reality-enabled navigation uses live street views with directional overlays to enhance driving direction while the Surround Vision feature employs four exterior cameras providing a bird’s eye view of everything around the vehicle. This Escalade even has Night Vision that uses infrared technology to enhance the detection of pedestrians and large animals.

You can’t leave the passengers out of the tech-infused driving experience either. The new rear-seat entertainment features including a 12.6 touch display with navigation offering limitless entertainment options of gaming, music, and movies. It even allows back seat drivers the option to suggest destinations via the navigation screen directly to the front navigation screen for the driver to accept or decline.

Luxury Factor

Cadillac is synonymous with luxury, and with the finest details like soft-touch leather, premium wood, and stylish suede trims, you immediately recognize the opulence that is the Cadillac Escalade. There’s no question that once you’re inside the driver’s seat, you’re entering a crème’de la’crème experience. The AKG Studio Reference sound system offers a whopping 36 speakers, including two within the driver headrest. It’s an audiophiles’ dream offering a spatial audio experience that puts you directly in the center of it all.

Style And Substance

If you’re looking to do a lot of traveling and care about fuel efficiency, you’d want to take a look at the Cadillac Escalade since it gets 21 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway, unheard of for a vehicle in this class.

Filled with plenty of technology and style within a massive frame, this Cadillac Escalade isn’t for everyone. The 2021 Cadillac Escalade Platinum with Super Cruise is ideal for anyone that loves a spacious, tech-filled, elite driving experience with deep pockets that can handle the hefty price tag of $113,065. For more details visit Cadillac.com

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Dripping in a fiery Runway Red exterior color, the Kia Niro is smaller than most electric and hybrid SUVs, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up in personality and performance.  Discover how the 2020 Kia Niro PHEV EX Premium could be just the SUV you need to cross into the hybrid lifestyle below.

Style

The Kia Niro has a refreshed exterior design with updated front and rear styling.  The Kia Niro’s charcoal-colored interior is sleek with ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless charging. The rear seats come equipped with plenty of room, storage, and utility space.  Not suited for transportation of a large family but with seating for five, you’ll find enough space and storage that you would expect out of a small SUV. The interior design is functional when it comes to the buttons, switches, and infotainment system. The multimedia system is user-friendly with easy-to-find (and use) controls within arms reach, making it easy to use without taking your eyes off the road.

Connectivity

With the Kia Niro, you’re in control the moment you set foot inside the driver’s seat.  An available 7-inch LCD cluster puts digital driver information at a glance. Other available comforts include a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.  The standard 8.0-inch touch screen display and the available 10.25-inch touch-screen display with split-screen capability allow access to standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and available features like the Voice-Command Navigation System. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep you connected on the go, complemented by an available wireless phone charger, USB ports, and Bluetooth support for multiple simultaneous connections.

Hybrid Highlights

Kia’s Full Parallel Hybrid System combines a hybrid-optimized 1.6-liter engine with an efficient electric motor and a powerful lithium-ion polymer battery, delivering an EPA-Estimated 46 MPG combined and 105 MPGe. Niro Plug-In Hybrid gives you the option to go all-electric using a high-density, lithium-ion polymer battery with an EPA-estimated all-electric range up to 26 miles. Regenerative Self Charging captures the energy produced while you slow down and uses it to recharge the lithium-ion drive battery. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid offers an EPA-estimated 26 miles of electric range with a fully charged battery. When the battery runs out of juice, the Niro Plug-In Hybrid can continue using its gasoline engine. As with all plug-in hybrids, the more you can recharge Niro typically using a 120-volt household outlet or a 240-volt charging port the less gasoline you’ll use.

Overall, the Kia Niro PHEV EX Premium is a fun, entry hybrid that’s great to drive, efficient, and packed with tech, comfort, and convenience.  While this premium review model starts at $38,085, you can easily get inside of a lesser trim model for less than $25,000.  For more information visit Kia.com.

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In case you didn’t know, June is celebrated nationally as Black Music Month. It’s a month where we celebrate the importance and impact of black music and culture.  And while Juneteenth has been federally declared as a national holiday, there’s no reason why we can’t celebrate Juneteenth alongside Black Music Month — ALL MONTH LONG.

In celebration of everything Black Music, I had the privilege to connect with Nissan as the presenting sponsor for the National Museum of African American Music’s Celebration of Legends Benefit Concert. Featuring musical honorees Chaka Khan, Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson and performances by Anthony Hamilton, Avery Sunshine, Raheem DeVaughn, Syleena Johnson, and Tweet. Check out the concert experience below.

“Nissan is committed to supporting our Middle Tennessee community in meaningful ways,” says Allyson Witherspoon, vice president, and chief marketing officer at Nissan U.S. “NMAAM represents what meaningful change can look like. Through their mission, their programming, and their dedication to giving back to Nashville, they are a showcase for how the arts can spur positive change. We’re honored to be partnering with NMAAM and look forward to making Black Music Month a success.”

In addition to the benefit concert, I had the exciting opportunity to explore The National Museum of African American Music.  It is the only museum in the world dedicated solely to preserving African American music traditions and celebrating the central role African Americans have played in shaping American music.  Located in Downtown Nashville, the 56,000-square-foot museum is one of a kind, dedicated to preserving and celebrating more than 50 music genres and styles that were created, influenced, or inspired by African Americans, including spirituals, blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, and hip hop.

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Style

Say hello to luxury with a crisp all-white leather interior and opulent glass shifter.  While an all-white interior and blingy stick shift may not be advantageous for most (especially if you’re transporting kids) – but if you’re looking for an elevated interior that stands out, this is for you.  This model came with the M Sport Package with bi-colored alloy wheels, an enhanced 8 speed M Sport automatic transmission, a SensaTec digital dashboard, M Sport blue-painted brake calipers, Shadowline exterior trim, an aerodynamic kit, roof rails in high gloss Shadowline paint, and run-flat tires.

Must Read:  The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Is What EV SUV Dreams Are Made Of #HybridSummer

Connectivity

Intuitive technology is a game-changer! With so many voice-activated controls or touch options available, the xDrive45e ups the ante with motion controls that make the driving experience simple and easy.  Want to change the radio station? You can point your thumb left or right without even taking your eyes off the road.  Need to turn the radio down while searching for the right address on the street? (Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. LOL) Simply rotate your finger in a circular motion, like you’re waving a magic wand *and poof* instant volume control.

There are plenty of other BMW ConnectedDrive services available and features including range and charging status display, charging station search, charging timer and cabin preconditioning, street parking information, hazard preview, and concierge services. The Intelligent Personal Assistant voice control offers natural speech input for various functions, including navigation.

Hybrid Highlights

BMW’s partnership with EVgo gives you access to more than 35,000 Level 2 chargers nationwide through your BMW Charging app. And with the BMW TwinPower Turbo engine, you can be assured that your plug-in hybrid has the range to get you where you want to go. Catch a charge at any power outlet with the Occasional Use Cable, included as standard with every BMW plug-in hybrid.

With 30 miles of all-electric range  – the longest available on any BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle –, you have all you need for shorter trips and commutes.  There are six drive modes to choose from, ranging from super-efficient to performance-above-all. Electric mode is for pure EV driving and only available when there’s a charge in the battery. Eco Pro maximizes efficiency, while Hybrid blends gasoline and electric power for the easiest everyday driving. Sport shifts everything to full throttle and propels the X5 xDrive45e to dash to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds.

With standard xDrive, BMW’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system, the plug-in hybrid shifts power between its wheels – so you can drive confidently under any condition. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention just how fun it is to drive too! It can cruise any road condition smooth like butter and provide the seamless boost of accelerated speed when and where you need it.  As a current luxury hybrid owner (Porsche Panamera e-hybrid), I find absolute joy in driving something that looks good and performs even better.  Overall, if you’re looking for an electric plug-in SUV that can do it all, look no further than the BMW X5 xDrive45e!  For more information visit BMWusa.com

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While I love to spend my time Zillow surfing for 7-bedroom palatial homes that I can’t afford (like this HGTV gem), in reality I’d love to move into a place with a few extra amenities to suit my current lifestyle.  As a pet parent, I really wish I lived close to a walkable dog park.  While my present neighborhood is pretty pet-friendly and we’re able to walk around blocks, I’d prefer to enjoy more sociable experiences allowing my dog to enjoy other four-legged friends.

With many entrepreneurs and employees facing a successful remote working experience during the pandemic, it’s caused a huge surge of people moving and the dream of working/living just about anywhere is now a reality.  This is known as the Great Reshuffling and it’s here and won’t be settling down anytime soon.

According to Zillow and Rover.com, some of the top-emerging dog friendly cities include:

Denver, CO

Orlando, FL

Anaheim, CA

Charlotte, NC

Birmingham, AL

While pets and plants are huge factors when considering your next home, so is the geographic location. The housing market is so hot right now, there are buyers offering up to double the asking price in cities like Fort Lee, New Jersey and even an instance where a buyer offered to purchase a seller’s home and a new home for the seller themselves in Austin, Texas! Maybe you’re looking to move into more of a suburban oasis?  Cities like Phoenix, Arizona and Nashville, Tennessee could be on your list.  But one of the hottest markets that you never saw coming? Boise, Idaho.

Check out how one of the hottest markets in the country is making an impact and more  from CBS Sunday Morning below:

As someone who has a healthy obsession with real estate, I have used Zillow to research everything from homes seen on HGTV to my very own home’s Zestimate.  During a recent virtual #ZillowGameNight, a few media friends from all over the country enjoyed a fun night of snacks, treats and trivia for Zillow game night themed prizes. During the night of fun, I learned so much about Zillow and how its equipped to help you no matter if you’re looking to buy or sell a home.

For example, did you know upon request you can get a Zillow Offer based on comparable sales, market trends and in-house evaluation of your home?  They even have an affordability calculator that helps you see just how much monthly rent (or mortgage) you can actually afford. While there’s no signs that the real estate market will be cooling off anytime soon, now may just be the best time to get familiar with the Zillow app, download it via iTunes or Google Play.  It could help save you big money today or help you find your next forever home tomorrow.

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