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There’s nothing like finding a cool, shady spot next to the water in the middle of a hot summer day. Here in Maryland, we’re fortunate enough to have several options in close proximity, and we at Academy Ford just happen to have the skinny on the best places for a dip. Ready to take the plunge? Read on to find out about our favorite spots around Laurel for a good swim! more Greenbrier State Park Just a short drive up I-70 outside Boonsboro sits our first pick, Greenbrier State Park. Home to the clearest lake in Maryland, Greenbrier is an ideal destination for the whole family, and an easy drive in a new Ford from Academy. There’s a wide, sandy beach with plenty of space to soak up some sun, and a large swimming area with cool, clear water, perfect for a hot summer’s day. Make sure and arrive early as the park gates close when it reaches capacity, and Greenbrier is a popular spot! Kilgore Falls at Rocks State Park Second on our list is the majestic Kilgore Falls, inside Rocks State Park outside Jarrettsville. This pristine swimming hole features a large waterfall fed by Falling Branch creek, perfect for a cold shower when the temperatures climb. The park also features miles of hiking trails, so arrive early to beat the crowds, hike for a few hours, then finish your day with an ice cold dip in the swimming hole and a refreshing shower from the waterfall above. We can’t think of a better way to spend a summer afternoon. Cunningham Falls State Park Just outside Thurmont sits our third pick, Cunningham Falls State Park, home to the largest waterfall in Maryland. This is another destination with all the fun family activities you would expect from a state park: fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping, just to name a few. The park features a lovingly prepared white sand beach and plenty of room to spread out and relax. The waterfall is just a short hike down one of the many trails, and well worth a look. The park is just as beautiful in fall or winter, so plan a visit anytime. Did we miss your favorite spot? Tell us about it on Facebook! No matter where your summer takes you, get there in comfort, safety, and style with a new Ford from Academy Ford in Laurel. Whether you’re looking to spice up your commute with a new Mustang or get the family to your favorite swimming hole in an Expedition, you can expect Honesty and Integrity when you shop at Academy Ford.

Here at Academy Ford, we’re lucky to be situated on Route 1 in the center of Laurel as it means we’re easy to find and are visible to new and prospective customers, but our location comes with other perks as well: we’re front and center for Laurel’s best restaurant destinations! We’ve been a part of the community for sixty years, giving us plenty of time to sample the fare at the multitude of fine dining establishments in the Laurel area, and we’ve got the skinny on the best bites. Looking for somewhere to stop with the family on your way to Academy Ford? Read on to find out where. more Mid Atlantic Seafood First on our list is a Laurel staple: Mid Atlantic Seafood. Just down the road from Academy Ford at 13718 Baltimore Ave, this spot serves local seafood of all kinds along with a surprising array of dishes ranging from Lo Mein to BBQ. No matter what you’re craving, chances are you can find something to satisfy it at Mid Atlantic. There’s a large selection of salads, sandwiches, specialties like chicken gizzards of chitterlings, baked, fried, or BBQ chicken and chicken wings, even meatloaf and salisbury steak, but we go to Mid Atlantic for their mega fresh seafood: over a dozen different types of fish, crab legs, oysters, scallops, jumbo shrimp, crab, even fried bone fish like Croaker and Black Bass. Choose from almost three dozen side dishes and an even larger number of desserts to complete your lunch. Mid Atlantic is a must-see for anyone visiting Laurel. Mango’s Grill Restaurant Just down the road at Route 1 and Cherry Lane sits our next top pick: Mango’s Grill Restaurant. Specializing in south of the border fare, this lunchtime hotspot has been serving up great food and great service since 2004. As well as providing the standards you’d expect like tacos, enchiladas, and burritos, Mango’s has their lunch game on lock with several lunch specials like soft tacos, chicken fajitas al carbon, and a chimichanga. If your midday appetite is on the large side, try one of their specialty platters like the Patron Platter, the Tacos de Pescado, or for the very brave, the Super Mango Platter. They also have a large selection of grilled plates and a few south American dishes like Lomo Saltado. For dessert, don’t miss the Xango Banana. Trust us on this, you’ll love it! Negril Jamaican Eatery Last but not least: Negril Jamaican Eatery in the Laurel Shopping Center on Route 1. If you’ve never tried Jamaican food before, do yourself a favor and stop by Negril next time you’re in the area. Founded in 1979, this family-owned restaurant is one of four in the D.C./Baltimore region serving up delicious Jamaican food in a casual setting. You’ll find staples like Jerk Chicken, Oxtail stew, and Curried Goat, along with a great selection of seafood, desserts, and our personal favorite to-go treat: patties. Jamaican patties are pastry crust pockets stuffed with your preferred filling such as seasoned ground beef, jerk chicken, or shrimp. They are fantastic if you need a quick bite on the go. Don’t miss out on the homemade fruit punch, sorrel, and lemonade! Choose Academy Ford for Your Next Vehicle Make sure and visit one of these local businesses next time you’re in the Academy Ford neighborhood. And as always, if you’re looking for your next Ford in Laurel, make Academy Ford your first pick. Since 1962, we’ve been serving Laurel residents with honesty and integrity, and we’d love to do the same for you and your family.

Spring is here, and with it, the promise of warmer weather and a great time to spend on the open road with the windows rolled down. You can take a new Ford from Academy Ford anywhere, and we’ve got a list of some great places to consider visiting this spring. You’ll find great deals on an Explorer, Escape, or Bronco Sport to get the family there in style this spring. more Dutch Wonderland About two hours north, in Lancaster, is one of the best theme parks in Pennsylvania. Dutch Wonderland is a great place to take the kids and spend the day. No better time than spring to cruise around the park and visit the over 35 rides, attractions, and shows. There’s something for the entire family there, with coasters like Merlin’s Mayhem, attractions like the Wonder House, and Exploration Island for all the dino fans. Mount Vernon Looking for something more educational and historic? One hour south you’ll find the home of America’s first president, Mount Vernon. The large estate contains the original house, museum, and more. Learn not only about Washington’s past but life in the 18th Century in general. There are regular special events, including Animal Family Day, which is sure to be a hit with the kids. You’ll enjoy hours of activities in the nice spring weather before heading home. Maymont Hop in your new Ford and head south to Richmond and visit Maymont. There are 100 acres to explore and no better time to do it than in the pleasant spring weather. Maymont is a little bit historical center and a little bit zoo, with native wildlife habitats, huge gardens, an arboretum, and The Robins Nature Center. You can spend hours just walking around the grounds and checking out the expansive habitats. Be sure to check out the waterfall before packing up for the drive home. Brandywine Zoo A short trip north to Wilmington will bring you to the Brandywine Zoo. The zoo features animals from all over the world, including endangered species. Always popular, be sure to check out Sherman and Mohu, the zoo’s adorable red pandas. If they aren’t cute enough for you, the zoo also has a capybara named Candace. The zoo has regular events, so check out the calendar to enjoy one of the Little Nature Explorers or Club Zoo sessions. What’s your favorite road trip destination from Laurel? Let us know on Facebook! Academy Ford is your source in Prince George's, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, and Howard Counties for new Ford vehicles and pre-owned vehicles. We accept trades and can custom order your next Ford! We are committed to honesty and integrity with our customers, visit us today to experience the Academy Ford difference.