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Spring is a beautiful time of year in Laurel, Maryland, and with the warm weather comes a variety of exciting events and festivals to enjoy. Whether you're a local or just visiting, these events are sure to make your springtime in Laurel a memorable one. In this blog post, we'll be exploring three of the most popular springtime events in Laurel: The Laurel Main Street Festival, The Laurel Art Guild's Annual Juried Exhibition, and The Garden Festival at Brookside Gardens. more The Laurel Main Street Festival The Laurel Main Street Festival is a beloved annual event that takes place in the heart of downtown Laurel. This year's festival is scheduled for May 14th, 2023, and promises to be a day full of fun, food, and entertainment for the whole family. At the festival, you can expect to find more than 350 vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to delicious food. There will also be live music, dance performances, and other forms of entertainment throughout the day. And for the kids, there will be plenty of games, rides, and activities to keep them entertained. One of the highlights of the festival is the historic Main Street parade, which kicks off the festivities. The parade is a chance to see the community come together and celebrate the rich history and culture of Laurel. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a fun day out, the Laurel Main Street Festival is an event you won't want to miss. The Laurel Art Guild's Annual Juried Exhibition For art enthusiasts, The Laurel Art Guild's Annual Juried Exhibition is a must-see event. This exhibition features the work of local artists and showcases a wide range of mediums and styles. This year's exhibition is scheduled for May 28th and runs through June 25th. At the exhibition, you can expect to see paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other forms of art. You'll have the opportunity to meet the artists and learn more about their inspiration and creative process. And for those who want to take home a piece of art, many of the works on display are available for purchase. One of the highlights of The Laurel Art Guild's Annual Juried Exhibition is the opening reception, which is open to the public and provides a chance to meet the artists and view the artwork. Whether you're an art collector or just appreciate beautiful creations, this exhibition is not to be missed. The Garden Festival at Brookside Gardens For garden enthusiasts, The Garden Festival at Brookside Gardens is a springtime event that can't be missed. This festival celebrates the beauty of nature and offers a wide range of activities and events for all ages. This year's festival is scheduled for May 21st and 22nd. At the festival, you can expect to find gardening workshops, plant sales, and garden tours. There will also be live music, food vendors, and children's activities. And of course, you'll have the opportunity to explore the stunning Brookside Gardens and enjoy the many flowers and plants in bloom. One of the highlights of The Garden Festival at Brookside Gardens is the plant sale, where you can purchase a variety of plants, flowers, and herbs to take home and add to your own garden. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, this festival is sure to inspire and delight. Academy Ford is Your Hometown Ford Dealer Springtime in Laurel, Maryland, is a time of celebration, community, and fun. At Academy Ford, we’re avid supporters of all local events, happenings, and festivals. So, whether you're looking for a fuel-efficient car, a spacious SUV, or a truck big enough to get the job done, you can always find exactly what you’re looking for when you shop for your next Ford at Academy Ford in Laurel. Check us out online to see our incredible inventory of new and pre-owned Ford trucks and SUVs, and see for yourself why Academy Ford is your home for honesty and integrity.

Hey there, car enthusiasts! Are you on the hunt for a new vehicle that combines style, performance, and adventure? Look no further than the new Ford Bronco! The Ford Bronco has been making waves in the automotive world since its reintroduction in 2020. This rugged SUV is designed to take you on thrilling off-road adventures, while also providing a comfortable and enjoyable ride for your daily commute. But don't just take my word for it - the Ford Bronco has already won multiple awards, proving that it's not just a pretty face. Let's take a closer look at some of the accolades this impressive vehicle has received. more Bronco Awards and Accolades First up, the Ford Bronco was named the 2021 MotorTrend SUV of the Year. This award is a big deal in the automotive industry, as it's considered one of the most prestigious honors a vehicle can receive. The MotorTrend judges praised the Bronco's impressive off-road capabilities, as well as its well-designed interior and modern features. The Ford Bronco also took home the 2021 North American SUV of the Year award. This award is particularly noteworthy because it's determined by a panel of automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. The judges were impressed by the Bronco's versatility, noting that it is equally comfortable on both city streets and off-road trails. But the Bronco didn't stop there. It also won the 2021 Four Wheeler SUV of the Year award, which is presented by Four Wheeler magazine. This award is specifically geared towards vehicles that can handle the toughest off-road conditions, and the Bronco certainly fits the bill. Find Your Ford Bronco at Academy Ford Overall, the new Ford Bronco is an impressive vehicle that has rightfully earned its place among the best SUVs on the market today. Whether you're looking for a vehicle to take you on thrilling off-road adventures or simply want a comfortable and stylish ride for your daily commute, you can always find exactly what you’re looking for when you shop for your next Ford at Academy Ford in Laurel. Check us out online to see our incredible inventory of new and pre-owned Ford trucks and SUVs, and see for yourself why Academy Ford is your home for honesty and integrity.

Sharing close proximity to Baltimore, Laurel, Maryland is home to a number of renowned restaurants, eateries, and cafés in the metropolitan area.  Burger-lovers living in, or visiting Laurel are especially fortunate with a huge selection of delicious burger options. Regardless of your tastebuds, Laurel is full of well-established burger joints, and some hidden gems for finding a phenomenal cheeseburger. Find your perfect burger at Laurel’s best burger restaurants like Mad Cow Grill, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, and Red Hot & Blue. more Mad Cow Grill Just off Highway 1 in the Laurel Shopping Center, the Mad Cow Grill offers burger connoisseurs a loaded menu that’s full of mouth watering burgers, sandwiches, and drinks. For a well-rounded overview of this popular burger joint, try the Family Guy burger. This simple, yet tasty burger comes complete with American cheese, tomato, lettuce, and no frills to get in the way of an extraordinarily delicious cheeseburger. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse Also along Highway 1, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse in Laurel provides an excellent option for juicy and delicious burgers. A family friendly burger joint with a huge selection of local beers, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is well known for their familiar fare and superb burgers like the Bacon-Guacamole Burger, the BJ’s Smokehouse Burger, and the Hickory Brisket and Bacon Burger. Those looking for a more adventurous burger experience should try the Enlightened Barbeque Bison Burger with all-natural ground bison, BJ’s Peppered BBQ sauce, seared Hatch chiles, pico de gallo, and Santa Fe dressing. Red Hot & Blue Highly recognizable for their top-rated BBQ, Red Hot & Blue, located in the ground floor of the Patuxent Place Apartments, also offers a large list of tasty burgers. For those with a “the more, the merrier” burger mindset, try the All In Burger piled high with delicious barbeque, onion strings, cheddar cheese, and Mojo Mild Sauce. For a Spicy kick, opt for the N’Awlins Heat cajun-spiced burger. Local Business in Laurel Academy Ford is a proud supporter of Laurel’s local restaurants and eateries. Whether you’re in the market for a new or quality pre-owned truck or SUV, Academy Ford is your home for outstanding customer service, every time. Call, click, or come by today, and see for yourself why more Ford buyers in Laurel and Baltimore, Maryland shop at Academy Ford. Your home for honesty and integrity.

With plummeting temperatures, hazardous ice, and uncertain weather conditions, the harsh Laurel, Maryland winter can spell havoc for an unprotected vehicle. Whether you’re driving across town, or across the country, there are preemptive steps that need to be taken in order to protect your Ford from these adverse forces. At Academy Ford in Laurel, we're your go-to experts for everything Ford. We’ll help you get ready for wintertime weather with these helpful winter car care tips, from preparing your vehicle's exterior and engine compartment to what to stock in the interior cabin. more The Exterior There’s nothing quite as frustrating as attempting to leave in a hurry, only to find that your vehicle’s handle lock is iced over. Regardless of what you do next, you should never try to thaw a lock with warm water. This could potentially cause extensive damage to your vehicle and allow water to seep into your lock. Instead, opt for a de-icer that can be found at a local auto parts store. Be sure to keep the deicer somewhere other than your vehicle as it will not do you any good if it is locked inside. Under the Hood With the harsh winter rapidly approaching, make sure you have the right engine oil in your vehicle. Oftentimes with lower temperatures, your Ford will require a less viscous oil. Be sure to reference your vehicle’s manual for the correct oil viscosity needed for optimum performance. Additionally, be sure to top off other pertinent fluids such as the engine coolant, windshield wiper fluid, and transmission fluid. The Interior On the inside of your Ford, be sure to carry a well-stocked emergency kit. As wintertime temperatures continue to drop, being stranded on the side of the road can quickly become a potentially dangerous situation. A well-prepared emergency kit should include engine oil, washer fluid, coolant, a radio, flares, blankets, boots, a flashlight, and some booster cables. Your Laurel, MD Ford Dealer Academy Ford in Laurel is your reliable resource for Ford car care tips. If you know of a Ford car care tip that we missed, reach out to us on Facebook. While you’re there, be sure to check out our incredible lineup of new Ford Trucks and SUVs. Click or come by today to see why Academy Ford in Laurel is your home for Honesty and Integrity.

Regardless of where you are in Laurel, you’re never too far from a tasty slice. Whether you’re looking for crispy crusts, savory sauces, or a great selection of cheesy choices, Laurel, Maryland is home to some of the most popular pizza places in the area. From Blaze Pizza, to D’Angelo’s Pizza and Subs, to Ledo Pizza, you can find the perfect pie for your palate and any of these Laurel, Maryland pizza landmarks. more Blaze Pizza Just off Baltimore Avenue, Blaze Pizza is a great place to find a mouth-watering slice of pizza in an upscale, trendy atmosphere. Aside from their stylish interior, Blaze Pizza is well-known around Laurel for its delicious pies like the Red Vine, Art Lover, or the Green Stripe. Whether it's in-store, curbside, or delivery, you can find the perfect pizza at Blaze Pizza. D’Angelo’s Pizzas and Subs An established local favorite for over a decade, D’Angelo’s Pizza and Subs is a must-try for pizza lovers everywhere. Acclaimed for their modern take on classic pies, this is the place to go if you’re craving a down-home, traditional slice of pizza. For a hometown favorite try the classic Cheese Pizza, Philly Steak Pizza, or one of their locally-celebrated pastas. Ledo Pizza With several locations throughout Maryland and the Northeast, Ledo Pizza offers a consistently tasty piece of pizza no matter where you are in the region. Their lengthy list of pizza pies, pastas, salads, and more means everyone can find a familiar flavor. While you’re there, try their craft pies like the Enchilada Pizza, Fiesta Supreme Pizza, or Pork Trio Pizza. Academy Ford is Your Hometown Dealer Academy Ford in Laurel is proud to support all local restaurants, eateries, and dining experiences. If you noticed a must-try pizza place that we left off the list, let us know on Facebook. While you’re there check out our incredible lineup of new and quality pre-owned, cars, trucks, and SUVs. Call, click, or come see us today to see why Academy Ford is Laurel, Maryland’s home for Honesty and Integrity.

From F-150 to Super Duty, Ford is the name that more Americans trust when it comes to a truck that’s big enough to get the job done. Completely redesigned for 2023, Ford has just announced the new and exciting features of the all-new 2023 Ford Super Duty Series. At Academy Ford in Laurel, you can find a quality lineup of the most popular Fords available. Whether you’re on the road, or on the job site, discover the powerful capabilities, leading-edge technology, and integrated connectivity of the brand new 2023 Ford Super Duty. more Capabilities Just announced for 2023, the Ford Super Duty trucks will be available with more engine options than any other truck in its class. The standard engine is complete with a 6.8-liter V8 that targets low-end torque for managing steep hill grades as well as merging onto highways. New for 2023, Ford is now offering a powerful 6.7 liter power stroke V8 with turbo, making the Super Duty one of the most capable trucks on the road. Technology Another attractive upgrade to the 2023 Super Duty lineup is the advanced technology. Embedded with 5G service, the new Super Dutys can calculate navigation, download music, and keep you in the know better than any Super Duty in the past. Additionally, with the use of Ford Pro, there is an option for a WIFI hot-spot capable of handling up to 10 devices. Connectivity While the new 2023 Super Duty series may look rough and rugged, the interior connectivity is certainly ahead of its time. With a standard 8-inch screen, and 12-inch screen available on higher trim levels, you can stay connected from anywhere. The 2023 Ford Super Duty series will also come standard with 4 USB charging ports, a flip up table in the center console, and Max Recline Seats that fold nearly flat. Academy Ford is Your Super Duty Headquarters For truck buyers in the Baltimore and Laurel area, Academy Ford is your go-to Ford dealership for a great selection of new 2023 Ford Super Dutys. Visit us online to view our quality lineup of new and pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs. Call, click, or come by today at Academy Ford, Laurel’s Home for Honesty and Integrity.

When you’re in a pinch, the quickness, and convenience of local Laurel, Maryland drive-thrus just can not be beaten. Whether you’re looking for a quick sip of some delicious coffee, a lunch that gets you through the afternoon, or a tasty dinner when the last thing you want to do is cook when you get home, Laurel and the surrounding area have a great selection of drive-thrus that are sure to satisfy your quick and easy craving. At Academy Ford, we’ll help you get where you’re going in a new Ford. Whether you’re looking for a fuel-efficient sedan, an SUV that’s big enough for the whole family, or a powerful truck that goes as well as it tows, Academy Ford in Laurel is your home for a quality selection of new and pre-owned vehicles. more Love Life Cafe Get your fast coffee fix when you stop by the Love Life Cafe. Just off Highway 1, Love Life Cafe has a great selection of boutique coffee and espresso drinks including iced coffees, lattes, macchiatos, and more! Need a bite to eat as well? Love Life Cafe is fully stocked with pastries, toasts, and fruit bowls like the delicious Acai Bowl. Start your morning off on the right foot when you stop by the Love Life Cafe in Laurel. T.K.K. Fried Chicken T.K.K. Fried Chicken is the perfect example that fast food can also be fresh. Conveniently located on Baltimore Avenue, T.K.K. is the perfect lunch spot when you need something that is both fast and filling. This Taiwanese take on fried chicken includes delicious meals like the Kwa Kwa Bao Chicken Combo, unique flavor options like original, crispy, and spicy crispy, and even more traditional chicken dinners like the Crispy Chicken Sandwich. Pollo Campero This Latin-American cuisine is a quick and convenient staple in Laurel, Maryland. Located on Highway 1, Pollo Campero is a go-to spot for fast and friendly service with a fun atmosphere. Need food for the whole familia? Pick up one of our several family meals and make dinner time a fiesta. Local Flavors, Local Fords Academy Ford in Laurel is a proud supporter of all our community restaurants, drive-thrus, and eateries. If we’re missing one of your favorite spots for a quick bite, let us know on Facebook. While you’re online, check out our quality lineup of new, certified, and pre-owned Ford trucks and SUVs. Call, click, or come by today at Academy Ford, Laurel’s Home for Honesty and Integrity.

As the warmer months come to a close, the cooler, more manageable temperatures make the autumn season the perfect time to get out and enjoy all of the events that the city of Laurel has to offer. Fall evenings spent around the bonfire, on a hayride, and other harvest season activities pose the perfect opportunity to create lasting lifetime memories with those you love. Whether it’s the Harvest Moon Hayride, the Take-Away Treat Spooktacular, or finishing off the dog days of summer with a refreshing dip for your pup at Doggie Dip Day, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for with these Fall events in Laurel. more Harvest Moon Hayride A fun time for all ages, the Harvest Moon Hayride event is set for Friday, November 4th, starting at 6 p.m. and lasting until 9 p.m. Hayriders can expect a scenic, somewhat spooky stroll along the Patuxent River. Drinks, snacks, and other goodies will be available, including a roaring bonfire and live entertainment. Pre-registered groups of 10 will receive a discount, so gather up your spooky crew and get on the Harvest Moon Hayride. Take-Away Treat Spooktacular Grab your best costume, don’t forget the goodie bag, and get on down to the Robert J. DiPietro Community Center Friday, October 28th for the 2022 Take-Away Treat Spooktacular! A must-go destination for the kids, the community center will be decked-out with Halloween decor and enough candy for the whole county. Sponsored by the Laurel Lions Club, the Take-Away Treat Spooktacular offers a fun and family-oriented event for anyone. Doggie Dip Day Maybe you and your four-legged friends aren’t ready for the summer to end. That’s ok, just be sure to bring your pup by the Greenwood Pool on Saturday, September 10th for Doggie Dip Day! You and your canine can say goodbye to summer with a relaxing day at the pool. Admission will be $5.00, but those with existing memberships to the Dr. Bruce Morely Dog Park can enjoy free admission to the event. Your Laurel Community Ford Dealer At Academy Ford, we’re proud to support the happenings and events in our local community. We’re not just another dealer, we’re your friends and neighbors, and we’re here to help with any of your auto needs. Whether you’re looking for a new or pre-owned car, truck, or SUV, Academy Ford is the dealer you can rely on for honesty and integrity.

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.

Regardless of the repair, having the right parts for the job is crucial to preserving the longevity of your vehicle. It’s no secret that better-quality parts produce the best results, and Academy Ford is proud to offer the highest-rated parts and accessories like OEM Ford parts, Motorcraft parts, and now Omnicraft parts. From routine oil changes to mechanical repair, Academy Ford is your one-stop shop for all of your parts and accessories needs for over 90% of vehicles on the road today. more OEM Parts There’s just no replacement for the real thing. Ford’s OEM parts are specifically crafted to fit snugly in place in all Ford vehicles. Backed by the Ford Motor Company, Ford OEM parts are engineered with the expertise that only a manufacturer with 100 years of experience can produce. Motorcraft Parts Motorcraft parts are the only non-OEM parts that are recommended for Ford vehicles. Motorcraft’s competitively-priced parts ensure a perfect fit on every Ford, and are even backed with a 2-year, unlimited-mile warranty that includes labor. Omnicraft Parts Academy Ford even offers parts for all non-Ford/Lincoln vehicles. Also backed by Ford Motor Company, Omnicraft is our go-to parts company when it comes to delivering Ford quality parts for nearly every make of vehicle on the road. Accessories Academy Ford is also your go-to Ford dealer for all aftermarket accessories. Accessories offer Ford drivers the chance to personalize their vehicles to fit their individual needs. Just like our parts, Ford accessories are made from only top-quality materials to deliver a reliable and dependable drive, every time. Parts Specials What’s better than buying top-quality parts? Getting a great deal. At Academy Ford, not only do we have a wide inventory, but we also offer regular parts & accessories specials. Be sure to check the website to take advantage of specials on commonly used products like oil filters, headlights, brake fluid and so much more. Academy Ford is your Laurel, MD Ford Parts Headquarters! When it comes to your vehicle, you need the parts and accessories to keep it in great shape for miles down the road. Academy is proud to offer not only the best parts, but also a great selection for all of your Ford and non-Ford Vehicles. For more information, or to check out our specials, visit us online. The Service Department is open Monday through Friday 7:30 AM - 6 PM, and Saturdays 8 AM - 4 PM. When you need genuine OEM parts built to Ford's exacting standards, you can expect honesty and integrity at Academy Ford in Laurel.

The Lightning is here! The all-new, fully-electric Ford F-150 has started shipping to new owners, and we at Academy Ford are thrilled to be able to share it with our customers. This vehicle has been a long time coming, and it promises to be a completely different experience from the internal combustion powered variant. What makes the F-150 Lightning so special? We’re glad you asked! Read on to find out why we’re excited about this new truck. more What is the F-150 Lightning? The Ford F-150 has been king of the pickup truck hill for over 45 years. That’s no secret, and it’s no accident. The combination of utility, comfort, affordability, versatility, and style makes the F-150 the truck for all seasons. With so many variants and options available, the F-150 can cover all the bases. The Lighting is different. This is the first full battery electric F-150, powered by a large battery pack built into the truck’s floor. This battery not only powers the truck, it acts as a structural member, adding strength to the F-150’s already rigid steel chassis. The F-150 Lightning has two electric motors, one in the front and one in the rear, giving it all-time four wheel drive. These motors are small, no bigger than a watermelon, but they pack a mighty punch. This is the fastest factory-built F-150 ever made. How fast? According to Ford, a Lightning with the Extended Range battery pack can hit 0-60 in just over four seconds. That’s supercar territory, from a quad-cab pickup! F-150 Lightning Features and Specs The Lightning is currently available in one body style, a SuperCrew four door with a 5.5 foot bed, but other variants are planned in the future. There are four trim levels: Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum, with the list of standard features increasing as you move up to the Platinum. The three lower trims all come equipped with a Standard Range battery giving an EPA estimated range of 230 miles, while the Platinum comes standard with the Extended Range battery, giving an EPA estimated range of 300 miles. Both battery packs offer peak torque of over 700 lb/ft! The F-150 Lightning may be electrically powered, but it’s still an F-150, and it needs to perform like one. Ford has built this truck to work as hard as its gas-powered brother. The Lightning can haul over 2,000 lbs in the bed and tow up to 10,000 lbs when properly equipped, and due to its on-demand torque at all four wheels, the off-road performance is outstanding. But the magic of the F-150 Lightning isn’t its performance, it’s the unique features that come with it. The Lightning is a rolling power station. The interior and exterior are dotted with 120v electrical outlets, allowing you to run or charge devices from the vehicle’s main battery pack. Properly equipped, the F-150 can charge other electric vehicles from its onboard battery, and can even power your house during an outage. The Lightning has no engine under the hood, and that space has been expanded to form a “frunk” with enough space for two golf bags. No more groceries rolling around in the bed! Order your F-150 Lightning Today! If you’d like more information or to start your Custom Order for a Lightning, come visit the friendly folks at Academy Ford in Laurel. We’ll help you find the right Lightning for your needs, whether you’re shopping with the family or headed to the jobsite. When you want honesty and integrity, choose 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.