The best recommendation for this museum comes from my grandson Jack.  After he & I had spent over an hour on our self-guided tour of the Hall of Flame, I asked him what he wanted to do next.  To my surprise, he headed right back into the museum!  He just hadn’t had enough of the place.

It’s easy to see why he was so fascinated by this top-notch facility.  The Hall of Flame Fire Museum and National Firefighting Hall of Heroes contains over 90 fully-restored pieces from around the world. Starting with displays of horse-drawn pumpers from the 1700’s (some of which are wonderfully ornate), you can wander the different galleries and witness the evolution of fire-fighting equipment.  Your kiddos can even hop aboard a couple of the fire engines, and there is an interactive area where they can slide down the pole and sit in a pint-sized fire truck.

Don’t miss the Wildland Firefighting Gallery, the only one in the US, where you can see a replica lookout station, and pay tribute to the Hotshots and smoke jumpers.  Allow enough time to see it all, at least two hours.  Or,  you might want to consider purchasing one of the several memberships they offer, so that you can come by often. The family membership for $35.00 is a real bargain. The museum relies on donations to maintain this fabulous collection, so be sure to put it on your list of fun family outings.

If You Go:

Hall of Flame Fire Museum

6101 E. Van Buren St.

Phoenix, Az 85008

www.Hallofflame.org

Mon-Sat 9am – 5pm

Sun Noon-4pm

Adults $6.00; Seniors (62+) $5.00; 3-5 years $1.50; 6-17 years $4.00

A rogue is considered one who is separate or outside the rules of society, as a scoundrel or rascal.  It may be used in a romantic context (“a dashing rogue”) to mean a man found attractive because of his adventurous or daring nature. Based on that, I guess I’ve dated a few rogues in my time, and now I’ve driven one, the 2012 Nissan Rogue SL FWD that is.

The Nissan Rogue is a small crossover; and with plenty of competition in its category.  We’re comparing it to the likes of the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, KIA Shortage and a few others. It’s hard to stand out in a crowd when you’re considered just another crossover.  This is where Nissan needed to make the 2012 just a bit different.  So I believe the designers and engineers got together for happy hour one evening and said let’s get the interior looking more European and the outside sharper looking; and Oh, by the way, let’s have it handle like some of the more “high end” models.

With the magic wand of Nissan, the 2012 Rogue SL has stepped it up a bit including a new Special Edition trip package which includes a 360-degree camera view and new wheel designs.  It is still a utility-style passenger and cargo vehicle (cargo area a bit small) but the interior has a higher quality finish on the dash, doors and seat, and the exterior looks a bit classier than others in its category.

The Rogue, with its four-cylinder engine, doesn’t give decent power if you are living in a hilly area or hauling lots of passengers and gear.  The other downside for some would be that the rear seats don’t slide or recline and the curved, yet attractive rear, limits some storage.  A perfect example of that was when I took my 2-yr old grandchild to the mall and packed her large stroller in the cargo area.  Due to the curves, it wasn’t an easy clear shot to get that carriage in.  With that said, the Rogue is more comfortable to be the driver and a passenger.  The driving experience and the ergonomics were very appealing.  I had the navigation system in my tester car and I must say, it was easy to operate and one of the best systems for GPS I’ve operated.

I did test the SV, so in addition to the goodies on the S edition, I experienced l7-inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition/entry, upgraded upholstery, six-way power driver seat, a fold-down front passenger seat and Bluetooth connectivity.  If you wish to add the premium package to this, you can bundle a sunroof, automatic headlights, auto climate control and nav system with 5-inch touchscreen display and the real-time traffic updates.  (I just love that traffic update element). There is even another package with heated seats and a bunch of other cool options.

Now for the parts that make the crossover move so smoothly. I tested the FWD (front-wheel drive) although an all-wheel drive is also an option.  It’s powered by a 2.5 –liter, four –cylinder engine that produces l70 horsepower and l75 pound-feet of torque, put to the ground through a CVT. In an independent test, a front-drive Rogue took just 8.6 seconds to reach 60 mph.  I am told that is quick for a four-cylinder compact crossover.  All I know is I could get where I needed to go and had the ability to cut in front of a few slower drivers. The Rogue comes standard with antilock brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.

I just loved the large center console bin, the gigantic glovebox and the under-floor organizer.  I had so many meetings during my test drive week, I was so happy to be able to hide some of my papers and my purse as I went from office to office.

I know the sound of the CVT at full throttle can be a bit annoying, even with the stereo on, or hands free chit chat on Bluetooth… but remember, a Rogue, they say is different and that is true for the 2012 SL.  It is different from the other small crossovers; give it a test yourself at your local Nissan dealer and see why.

Base Price: $21,530 – 22 mph City – 28 mph Highway

For more on the Nissan Rogue go to www.nissanusa.com

As we approach the “car auction” season here in Arizona I can’t help but think of how many of today’s cars will be center stage in 50 years at Barrett Jackson, Russo Steele or RM.  Will I hear the sexy voiced auctioneer announce from the podium… and now ladies and gentlemen one of your favorites; the 2012 Chevy Sonic … let’s start our bidding at …

All kidding aside, who knows what will be a collectors dream in 2062.  It took General Motors just a tad longer than other manufacturers to enter the small-car game.  You might think that is silly since I drove what was considered a small Chevy back in the 80’s, my turquoise blue convertible Cavalier.  Their lineup was a Chevette, Vega, Spectrum Cavalier, Cobalt, Aveo, Metro, Sprint etc. but most of those were not really popular.

Bill and I have driven over one thousand cars between us and as the cars get smaller or larger for whatever the reason, we also find them easier and easier to drive, safe, good looking or funky, full of technology and most of all good on gas or gas/electricity.  The Sonic was one of those cars that surprised us.

There are two engines of interest in the Sonic, and both of them are poached from the Chevy Cruze lineup.  There is a 1.8-liter four, or a turbocharged 1.4-liter four.  Both of these can be equipped with either a manual gearbox or an all-new six-speed automatic.  I will take the automatic but muscle-car Bill insists manual is the way to go.

Standard features are alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and air conditioning as well as 10 airbags for both models. You are looking at $14,995 for the Sedan and $l5,395 for the hatchback.

I took the Sonic on my weekly chores including the supermarket, hiking trail parking lot in the morning; visiting the grandchildren, trip to downtown phoenix for meetings and driving 75 miles to a client out in Mesa, Arizona.  The biggest response I received was in the parking lot where I go hiking.  That made sense, most of the early morning hikers are conscience of the environment, have equipment to haul, are under the age of 40 and like to get 26/35 miles to the gallon.  P.S. I hike because I am too lazy to go to a gym and workout.

The Sonic drove like a charm with strong athletic moves and the feel of a much larger vehicle.  Now here is a cool item, the Hill Hold feature.   ”Hill-hold assist uses a pitch sensor that detects the tilt of the body when the car is stopped on a slope and sends a signal to the stability control system. This triggers the electronically controlled brake hardware to keep the wheels clamped for up to two seconds after the driver releases the brake pedal,” Now if I lived in San Francisco, I would purchase this car in a New York minute.

I don’t know if the Sonic will be a crowd favorite in 50 years at an auction, and  I won’t be there to find out.  What I do know is that you might consider bidding on it at your local dealer right now.

For more on the Chevy Sonic go to http://www.chevrolet.com/sonic-small-cars/

Most of us take our jobs as grandparents quite seriously, and therefore we are constantly striving to find activities that they haven’t experienced before.  Look no further than Tempe Town Lake for some fun and exercise, available every day of the week.  I took advantage of our daughter’s holiday break to head over to the pedal boats on the south shore of Tempe Town Lake.  You need at least two adults, or one adult and one grandchild who is big enough to reach the pedals.  Tempe Town Lake Rentals has both 2 person and 4 person boats available, and they have bimini tops so you won’t be uncomfortable on our really warm days.  If you are not regular bike riders, an hour is probably enough.  You can let the kids sit between you (if they are small enough) and let them steer.  It is loads of fun, especially if you don’t mind going in circles.

If, like us, you have little grandsons, they will be thrilled by TTL’s location in the flight pattern of Sky Harbor.  Also, the view under the bridges is quite magical, with the reflection of the water painting ribbons of light on the underside of those beautiful structures.  Last but not least, the Light Rail passes over the bridge at its scheduled intervals, another reason for excitement!  The pedal boats are just one form of watercraft available on TTL.  In addition you can rent motorized Duffy boats (electric boats), kayaks, Hydrobikes(quite a sight), and SUP which stands for Stand Up Paddling boards. I doubt that kiddos under 10 could manage the SUP’s, but they would be entertained watching you try to stay vertical on one.  Just a little hint regarding the aforementioned SUPS; speed is your friend, paddle as fast as you can while you are learning that skill.

Be sure to take advantage of other activities at Tempe Town Lake.  Check their calendar of events often, and don’t miss sampling the fare at Mill Avenue’s many fun eateries.  We chose Bison Witches, which, along with some incredible soups and sandwiches, they also have an amazing view of departures at Sky Harbor Airport. You just can’t beat it, for where else can you find grilled PBJ?

If You Go:

Tempe Town Lake Rentals

72 W. Rio Salado Parkway

Tempe, AZ 85282

P 480.303.9803

M-Th 10-6 : F-Sun 10-7

http://boats4rent.com/tempe-town-lake/

Boat Rentals start at $15. Per hour

GOTG Tips:  Sunscreen and sunglasses – pack light

Where to grab a bite:  Bison Witches, 21 E. 6^th St #146, Tempe, AZ

The original FIAT “Nuova 500” was born in l957 in Corso Dante Italy.  At the time it was boasting a simple Italian design and affordable price.  Not much has changed for 2012…still stylish and affordable with a starting price of only $15,500.

I have chosen to review this vehicle, very much the way the FIAT manufacturers are presenting it to the public and in their showrooms.  Yes, long time, any-brand dealers are adding the FIAT to their present showrooms.  FIAT is a stand-alone brand, much like SCION, and I believe they both are courting a certain demographic.

So here is a list, I mean outstanding features and up-to-the-minute technology that will be of interest to many a social networking, fun loving, and energy conscious buyer.   There are over 500,000 ways to personalize your FIAT.  Would you like to see your car with stripes or roof graphics?  How about a bike rack or Gloss Black wheels?  There are over half a million ways to customize the 500 so you stand out on the road.  If you were lucky, like me, to receive a $250.00 cash allowance card from FIAT in the mail, it is to be applied to any of the hundreds accessories when you buy your car.

Let’s start with the basics of your purchase.  There is the FIAT 500 or 500 Cabrio.  Once you decide hard top or top down you can pick the Pop, Sport or Lounge model.  Once you have decided on that, pick your exterior color (l4 to choose from).  Then your leather interior design seating, maybe cloth and move on to a variety of wheel options.  Hold on to your gelato, because there is more.  There are bike, ski, snowboard and surfboard carriers.  They have Uconnect Web which turns the FIAT into an instant WiFi Hotspot.  There are Katzkin leather seats with embroideries, piping, two-tones, suede and many different colors.

Check out the wheels!  Gloss Black to wheels with painted pockets, they have a variety of custom styles to choose from.  Bodyside moldings are a cool finishing touch for the FIAT buyer and some of the options include the 500 logo, graphic checker designs or even a barcode reminiscent of your local Target merchandise.

The FIAT 500 is not just a pretty face, powering the FIAT is an award winning engine.  The 1.4L, 16v MultiAir engine has electrohydraulic system valves for more dynamic and direct control of air and combustion.  This increased the power by l0% and torque by l5% cylinder-by-cylinder, stroke-by-stroke. Here is the best it delivers 38 hwy mpg!

If you are looking for quality sound the Bose premium system is available with six high performance speakers and a subwoofer.  It uses 50% less energy than Bose systems with comparable quality acoustic performance.

OK facebookers and tweeters.. FIAT has a BLUE&ME (Hands free communication) system with iPod, USB and MP3 interface.  No need to take your hands off the wheel or let your eyes leave the road.

It gets better.  FIAT has introduced eco:Drive – the industry-leading interactive tool that records the way you drive and then shows you what effect your habits make on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.  Visit –  fiat.com/ecodrive/usa to learn more.

For me, it was a small car with lots of cool features.  I’ve driven over 500 cars in ten years and reviewed them based on my lifestyle and environment. I can say the FIAT stood out as far as being solid and how safe I felt inside it.  The diversity and the personalization of this vehicle is what would draw me to it but that would have been 35 years ago.  I would say a great car for the active single or couple.  I put the grandbaby in her car seat in the back and she fit fine, but I don’t think this is a family car.

For more go to www.fiat.com

Powered by a standard 4.4 liter 32 valve 440 horsepower TwinPower Turbo V8 the 650i is mated to a very nifty 8-speed automatic transmission that’s quick and very responsive to the throttle. Some of the handling technologies that allow maximum performance include Driving Dynamics Control, Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Traction Control. Another safety option included on the test car was the $2000.00 Active Roll Stabilization.

This car isn’t inexpensive, and I’ll talk about that later, but it is without a doubt one of the crème de la crème of luxury coupes on the market today. The lines are striking as the 2012 iteration was redesigned and made use of lots of aluminum for more strength and lower weight. The Coupe and convertible are both wider and longer than their predecessors highlighted by a long sweeping hood with short overhang and the wonderful aggressive stance BMW is known for.

Making it look even better the M Sport package on my test car brings extra zing to the 6-Series making it more masculine with a front air dam, side skirts and rear apron that include M specific design cues along with chrome tailpipes and exclusive light alloy 20 inch wheels.

Inside the 650i I was pleased to see that the interior has been redesigned with more driver focus with the center console components angled slightly towards the driver. It’s plush and exudes luxury and comfort and once you slide behind the wheel onto the Nappa Leather, 20-way power Multi-Contour seats you know you’re in something special. Wrap your hands around the leather-wrapped steering wheel and tell the car where you want to go with the voice activated NavSysem and the 10.2 inch display lays out the route for you. Some other features that stand out include Surround View Cameras, Parking Assist, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Speed limit information, Lane Departure Warning System and Lane Change Warning System to name a few.

But this car is all about driving and I have to say driving it was a blast. It’s quick and feels agile and as you accelerate you hear the powerful V8 blipping through 8 gears as the big coupe reaches speed quickly. You can enhance your driving experience by choosing your preferred handling package from one of four settings that adjusts the acceleration progression, engine responses along with power steering characteristics. The choices are Comfort, Normal, Sport and my favorite, Sport+ which offers stellar acceleration and handling.

It had been a long time since I’d been behind the wheel of a 6-Series and while I really enjoyed the previous iterations, this new model definitely takes it to another level. Like I said earlier, it isn’t inexpensive as the test car bases at just over $83,000 and came with some $20,000 worth of options including the $3700,00 Driver Assistance Package with Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, Side and top View Cameras, Parking Assistant and Heads-up Display. The $4400.00 Sport Package, $1300.00 Performance Tires on 20” Wheels. Another option was the $1800.00 Premium Sounds System and the $3700.00 Bang and Olufsen Sound System and iPod and USB Adapter. All the options and destination charges brought the final price to $103,025.00 so clearly the 650i is not for the faint of heart nor Joe average buyer; that said, if it’s in your ball park, the 650i Coupe is one fantastic piece of machinery and is a very fun car to drive, so if you haven’t been in one in a while, I strongly suggest you get to your local BMW dealer and check it out. It could easily end up being your Ultimate Driving Machine.

By: Melanie Droz

As soon as my husband and I had our first child (Slim, our English Bulldog), we were certain we needed to buy a seat cover for the truck! However, it was not until the birth of our second child (4-month-old Berrett) that we actually got one from Canine Covers.

I guess we had both gotten used to the inconvenience of dog hair on our clothes, in our mouths and up our noses. I always travelled with a lint roller in my purse. But, I was not going to let this impair my newborn! I was determined to provide him with the dog hair-free ride that was so unfamiliar to me.

Once the Canine Cover arrived from auto anything www.autoanything.com it was so easy to install in to our Ford F-150 truck. The straps easily hook around the rear headrests and it is simple to loop the seatbelts through. I know this because I still sit in the backseat with the baby. You could say I’m a bit of a neurotic mom.  It was also easy to loop the base to the carseat through the cover. I know this because I watched my husband do it.

Once in, the Canine Cover works wonders. It’s comfortable for me, Slim and Berrett! It has the extra padding on the seatbase that provides some cushion for me. Whether we’re driving the boys to the dog park down the street or taking them on a longer trip to San Diego, the covers protect the seating surface and floors from unwanted dog hair. Despite Slim’s small stature, he has a lot of hair to shed.

The seat covers also come with durable water-repellent finish. This is helpful when Slim has accidents and even when Berrett spits up his food. No matter what the liquid, it comes out easily!

Since the Canine Cover is so easy to install, it is also easy to take out and launder or shake off from time to time. We also wipe it off periodically with a wet washcloth. Looks good as new!

Canine Covers has a lot more than just a seat cover to offer. They have custom rear seat protectors in over 500 patterns, semi-custom bucket seat protectors for front seats, custom cargo area travel liner, econo-plus rear seat protectors, travel buckle-up seatbelt for dogs, back seat dog bed, door shield, rear seat hammock and even an ultimate dog bed or sofa saver.

No matter what your needs, Canine Covers will protect your vehicle and your home from unwanted dog hair.

For pricing and more details go to www.autoanything.com search for Canine Covers for Pets. Enter your vehicle make and model and your semi-custom seat covers will fit live a glove.

World Travel With Your Pets

More luxury hotels than ever are giving the royal treatment to their guests and pets. But which lines are the four-legged-friendliest? Read on to find out about the top pet-friendly hotel chains in the world.

Westin Hotels

Plush robes, massages, luxurious beds, customized meals: It all sounds like the pampering a human would receive at a Westin hotel. While that may be the case, these also are some of the luxuries your pet can expect on a stay at one of the chain’s international luxury hotels. The concierge will even help you find the best pet-friendly activities in the area.

For more information, visit: www.westin.com

Photo credit: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, AZ

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

All of the hotels in this spectacular chain (from India to Australia) accept pets under 15 pounds, while some provide everything from special beds to supervised walks in nearby parks. Most even have on-call veterinarian services, healthy biscuits and dog bowls. But the pièce de résistance? Some of the chains have pet-specific in-room spa services.

For more information, visit: www.fourseasons.com

Loews Hotels and Resorts

This stunning chain of hotels loves animals so much, they’ve created a “Loews Loves Pets” program in which your VIP (Very Important Pet) will be waited on “hand and paw.” From gourmet room service to special bedding and pet activities, they have everything on hand to make you and your pet feel at home. What’s more: Your manager or concierge can give you a list of pet-friendly restaurants and attractions near your hotel.

For more information, visit: www.loewshotels.com

Starwood Hotels

With a specialty loyalty program for pets (Love That Dog), you can be sure your pet will receive top-paw treatment at Starwood Hotels. The chain has thought of everything, from designer toys and collars to special food and water bowls, so you won’t have to lift a finger for your furry friend. There are even customized 10-layer duvet beds for your dog to sleep on.

For more information, visit: www.starwoodhotels.com

W Hotels

Whether you’re staying for work or for play, you won’t have to lift a finger to pamper your pooch if you stay in this chain. From check-in (where your pet will receive a treat, toy and pet bag), to your room (where you’ll find a pet bed with a special treat), to specialized concierge services (an on-call veterinarian, a groomer and pet birthday cakes), W Hotels will have your pooch pampered in no time.

For more information, visit: www.whotels.com

Photo credit: W Scottsdale Hotel & Residence, Scottsdale, AZ, showcasing Buster Bentley, a wire-hair fox terrier, photographed by Meghan Bowman.