9 Hot Coffee Drinks to Try This Season

OKEMOS, Mich.,–– The holiday season has arrived. Not only is it time for festive activities, but it's the time of year to indulge in delicious hot drinks. As the weather gets more brisk, you'll want to keep warm, especially if you are spending any amount of time outdoors. Warm up your body and gain some energy with these 9 hot coffee drinks to try this season. Your body will thank you for the added boost.


1. Hot Chocolate Coffee

2. Ultimate S'mores Caramel Mocha

3. Caramel Coffee Indulgence

4. Mocha De-Light

5. Cinnamon Bun Latte

6. French Vanilla Mocha

7. Gingerbread Latte

8. Vanilla Pumpkin Spice Café Con Leche

9. Pumpkin Pie Latte

Nothing beats a hot drink on a cold winter day. Stay warm and full of energy this year with these 9 hot coffee drinks to try this season. Full of rich and sweet flavors, these delicious drinks will be sure to please. Whether you enjoy them as dessert or are in need of a little pick-me-up, you'll be satisfied every sip of the way. Bundle up by the fire and indulge in a sweet treat during the holidays. Are you looking to get into a new vehicle for an affordable price? We've got a huge selection of pre-owned vehicles under $10,000. Find a ride with plenty of cargo space and high MPG to get you around during this holiday season. Make sure to keep an eye out for our holiday deals on our website to help you save even more. Enjoy your hot drink as you take a drive in your new whip!

Located conveniently just outside of Lansing, Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is here to help you with your car buying and servicing needs. Our goal is to create a transparent experience and a comfortable environment for all of our valuable customers. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, reach us at (517) 349-8300, or stop by the dealership at 1748 W. Grand River in Okemos, MI 48864

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The Spirit of the American Family Road Trip Remains Alive

OKEMOS, Mich.,–– Family road trips: an American tradition. As the holiday season begins, family road trips will be at an all-time high, as it's the time of year to visit family and friends. Although road trips are the new family dinner table, parents still get stressed out. A new survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of Chevrolet revealed some interesting points about parents' stress derived from road trips. Through a series of questions, Chevrolet found that the spirit of the American family road trip remains alive.

Surprisingly, kids are not the source of parents' stress on road trips. Increased amounts of traffic stress parents out the most. However, in-vehicle technologies, such as Wi-Fi and USB outlets, could lead to a better road trip experience overall. Good thing Chevy offers a slew of these in-vehicle technologies and safety features that make family road trips more enjoyable, including plenty of storage space, USB outlets, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The following statistics were found from the survey:


Technology

Parents hold in-car Wi-Fi at the top of their wish list for better road trips.

• "56 percent of parents say that having Wi-Fi/internet connectivity would help make their family road trips more enjoyable."

Love for Road Trips

Families do love taking road trips together. It's the time when they can bond together and make special memories while on the road.

• "93 percent of all parents say they like or love taking road trips with their family, including more than half (53 percent) who “love” it. Of those who take road trips, 95 percent like or love them, including 55 percent who say they “love” them."

• "Spending time with family (80 percent) and exploring and stopping at interesting locations and destinations (69 percent) are parents’ top two favorite aspects of family road trips."

• "Traffic and other unexpected delays is by far the most stressful part of the family road trip, according to nearly two in three parents (63%)."

Quick Stats

According to the survey, there is indeed a perfect road trip length.

• "American parents who take road trips believe that the “perfect” family road trip length is typically six hours."

There are plenty of distractions for the kids.

• "Parents who take road trips today bring 6.6 mobile devices, on average, in the vehicle."

SUVs are the vehicle of choice on road trips.

• "Nearly two-thirds of all American parents (63 percent) say they would prefer to take a family road trip in an SUV over any other type of vehicle, with more than two in five (42 percent) preferring a large SUV with three rows."

Kids have a say, too.

• "67 percent of parents who take road trips involve their children in the planning."

Chevrolet offers many tech and safety features in its newest models, making the holidays a little less stressful. With in-car Wi-Fi as an option, families are more likely to take a longer road trip and more frequently. The newest safety features available include Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Surround Vision, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and many more. Chevy's goal behind providing these many features is the hope that families will have a better experience in the car and the spirit of the American family road trip will remain alive. Start shopping our Equinox and Traverse inventory to find an SUV that will keep your loved ones comfy, safe, and occupied while on the road this holiday season!

Located conveniently just outside of Lansing, Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is here to help you with your car buying and servicing needs. Our goal is to create a transparent experience and a comfortable environment for all of our valuable customers. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, reach us at (517) 349-8300, or stop by the dealership at 1748 W. Grand River in Okemos, MI 48864

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Travel Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving

OKEMOS, Mich.,–– Traveling during the holidays can be a hassle. Not only is there a lot of traffic, but the risk of getting into an accident is significantly increased. We understand that enjoying a delicious meal with your friends and family is important. That is why we want you to have a safe trip this year. Read our list of travel tips for a safe Thanksgiving!

1. Make sure your vehicle is up to speed: Check up on its routine maintenance by inspecting tire pressure and fluid levels. Schedule an appointment with our service team if your vehicle is in need of a little TLC.

2. Map your route in advance and plan for heavy traffic: Be prepared for busy roads during the holidays. Consider leaving earlier or later to avoid traffic congestion.

3. Keep your valuables in a safe place: Theft can happen at any time. To be proactive, put your valuables in a covered storage area or the trunk of your vehicle.

4. Bring a charger and cell phone with you: This may be a given, but we thought we'd remind you.

5. Set a schedule and stick to it: If you're traveling a long distance, its best to know where you want to make stops along the way. This will keep you on track along your route.

6. Fill up on gas: Don't head out on your trip without a full tank of gas. It's better to be prepared than waiting until the last minute.

7. Keep a close eye on the road: Thanksgiving is right around the time of year when deer and other large animals are all over the road. Pay closer attention than you normally would to lower your risk of a collision.

Avoid the road-trip stress and enjoy your holiday with friends and family by following these travel tips for a safe Thanksgiving. Whether you are just driving down the road or logging multiple hours on your trip, it's best to be prepared for any situation. Your loved ones will be at ease when they see you make it to your destination without any harm or issues along the way. To make driving easier, Chevy offers many safety features in its new vehicles. Check out our Hanksgiving Sale going on now and see how you can save on a new Chevy with the latest advances in technology!

Located conveniently just outside of Lansing, Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is here to help you with your car buying and servicing needs. Our goal is to create a transparent experience and a comfortable environment for all of our valuable customers. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, reach us at (517) 349-8300, or stop by the dealership at 1748 W. Grand River in Okemos, MI 48864

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The Ultimate Thanksgiving Dinner

OKEMOS, Mich.,–– No one ever said Thanksgiving dinner was bad. High expectations are set amongst family and friends for a dinner they've been thinking about for weeks now. Set the tone this year with the ultimate Thanksgiving dinner. With rich, zesty, and bold flavors, these recipes will set you up for success.

Main Dish

Herb and Citrus Butter Roasted Turkey

Side Dishes

Crescent Roll Stuffing

Green Bean Bacon Bundles

Parker House Rolls

Chive and Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Cranberry Sauce

Dessert

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownie Pie

You'll want to savor every bite this year. From the main dish to dessert, these recipes will only make you crave for more. With flavors so delicious, you may be put in a food coma. This holiday will be one to remember with the ultimate Thanksgiving dinner! After you indulge in this appetizing meal, make sure to rest up for all your shopping on Black Friday. To make the holiday season easier, drive home a new vehicle that has enough space for your purchases and will keep you safe on the road. We'll give you an additional $2,500 on top of the value of your trade-in during our Hanksgiving Sale!

Located conveniently just outside of Lansing, Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is here to help you with your car buying and servicing needs. Our goal is to create a transparent experience and a comfortable environment for all of our valuable customers. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, reach us at (517) 349-8300, or stop by the dealership at 1748 W. Grand River in Okemos, MI 48864

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Survive Black Friday in a New Chevy

OKEMOS, Mich.,–– Black Friday is always a crazy time of year, but the incredible deals are hard to pass up. Other than the patience to wait in the long lines before the stores open, you'll need a vehicle that has plenty of cargo space, fuel efficiency, seating, and some technology features make your post-Thanksgiving spree go off without a hitch. So this year, survive Black Friday in a New Chevy. These vehicles are the ideal choices for whatever your shopping needs are for Black Friday and the rest of the holiday season.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse

With seating up to 8 for all your friends and family to come along for the shopping, the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is the perfect vehicle for Black Friday. No other mid-size SUV will be able to store as much loot with the Travesre's best-in-class max cargo space. Also, in the likely event that you're carrying a bunch of bags or boxes while leaving the store, you can open the trunk available hands-free gesture liftgate. To top it all off, with all the frenzied driving going on during Black Friday, you'll feel secure knowing the Traverse's 14 available advanced safety features are keeping you safe and sound.

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

With Best-In-Class available V8  horsepower and fuel economy, the new 2018 Chevy Silverado has all of the capability you'll need to get around on Black Friday, making stops at all of the stores on your list. It also has a 2,250lbs. maximum payload for hauling all of your purchases including large items and appliances. Plus, you're not likely to get cut off trying to get into a parking space in this imposing truck.

2018 Chevrolet Cruze

No vehicle will help you get to each and every store on your list in one tank of gas with more style than the 2018 Chevy Cruze. The Cruze gets an amazing 29 city/40 hwy mpg and up to 52 hwy mpg with the available turbo-diesel engine. If you get the Cruze Hatchback you can also make use of 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space when the second row of seats is folded down. Thanks to its standard turbo engine, this affordable vehicle has all the quickness and agility to navigate the crowds this Black Friday.

If you're looking for a new Chevy to survive Black Friday in, or have your eye on a vehicle that would perfect as a gift for yourself or a loved this holiday season, shop our inventory online. During our "Hanksgiving" Sale, you can get an additional $2,500 on the value of your trade-in to make a new Silverado, Traverse, or Cruze even more affordable. So there's no better time than now to get into a new 2018 Chevy vehicle! As winter approaches, we also recommend completing our Fall Car Care maintenance routine to get your car, truck, or SUV ready for the freezing temperatures that can wreak havoc on your internal components.

Located conveniently just outside of Lansing, Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is here to help you with your car buying and servicing needs. Our goal is to create a transparent experience and a comfortable environment for all of our valuable customers. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, reach us at (517) 349-8300, or stop by the dealership at 1748 W. Grand River in Okemos, MI 48864

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8 Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Go With Your Turkey

OKEMOS, Mich. –– While knowing how to cook a turkey the right way is vital to preparing an enjoyable Thanksgiving meal, there's always room for more on a plate. For a little inspiration on what to cook up, check out these eight Thanksgiving side dishes to go with your turkey we came across on Pinterest and use them to enhance your holiday meal!

8 Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Go With Your Turkey

Sweet Potato Casserole

Balsamic Brown Sugar Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Honey Maple Roasted Carrots

Honey Roasted Butternut Squash With Cranberries and Feta

Cranberry Fluff

Cheesy Pull-Apart Rolls

Crockpot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Two-Cheese and Rosemary Mashed Potato Casserole

Maybe you're traveling for Thanksgiving this year and just need to make one of these side dishes to bring along. If so, make sure you check out our Thanksgiving travel tips here. At our used car dealership near Mason, MI, our technicians can make sure your vehicle is ready to go with an oil change or any other auto service it may need taken care of.

Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos help you. Call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

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How to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey the Right Way

OKEMOS, Mich. –– Preparing a well-cooked turkey for Thanksgiving is no easy task, considering how quickly it can dry out or how easy it is to undercook it. Before you stuff your bird and stick it in the oven this November, follow our tips on how to cook a Thanksgiving turkey the right way.

1. Choose the right size turkey.

Choosing the right size turkey depends on how large of group you're planning to serve this Thanksgiving. In general, a 20-pound turkey will feed a large group, but the best way to estimate the right size bird is to assume each guest will consume about 1 1/2 pounds of turkey, including bones and giblets.

2. Prepare your turkey so it's safe to consume.

Properly cooking a turkey requires preparation. You should thaw your turkey in the refrigerator to prevent the growth of bacteria. Place the bird breast-side-up on a rimmed baking sheet in your fridge, and give 24 hours of thawing time for every four pounds of turkey. After your turkey thaws, remove the giblets and save them for gravy stock. Rinse the turkey under cool water and dry it completely.

3. Stuff your turkey with caution.

If you plan on stuffing your turkey, make sure you do so just before you place the turkey in the oven. This prevents bacteria from having the time it needs to grow, whereas if you stuff your turkey ahead of time, bacteria has plenty of time to grow. Use 10 cups of stuffing for a 12–15-pound turkey, and 12 cups of stuffing for a 15–20-pound turkey.

4. Use a stainless steel roasting pan to cook your turkey.

Using a stainless steel roasting pan will ensure heat is distributed evenly to your turkey as it cooks. Set the turkey on a rack in a shallow stainless steel roasting pan. After the first hour of cooking, regularly baste the turkey in the juices that collect in the pan to keep the turkey moist and help it brown evenly. Roast your turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

5. Let your turkey sit after it cooks.

Letting your turkey sit for 15–20 minutes after it cooks allows it to absorb the juices you basted it in, as well as the juices in the pan. This will help your turkey stay moist and finish do a little extra cooking on the inside before you cut into it.

If you're hosting Thanksgiving this November, make sure your know how to cook a Thanksgiving turkey the right way using our tips for reference. On the other hand, if you're traveling somewhere else, check out our Thanksgiving travel tips here. Make sure your vehicle is ready to hit the road and oil change or any auto service it may need from our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos. Call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

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7 Facts You Never Knew About Thanksgiving Day

OKEMOS, Mich. –– It's easy to overlook the many histories and mythologies that have developed and compiled over the years behind annual American holidays like Thanksgiving. But this sort of knowledge provides plenty of fodder for conversation, unbeknownst to you and millions of other Americans who gather for turkey each year.

This November, instead of keeping conversation to a minimum and asking your family member to pass the gravy, sit down at the table and bestow your Turkey Day wisdom upon all who will listen to these seven facts they never knew about Thanksgiving Day.

1. TV dinners have origins in Thanksgiving.

Believe it or not, you can thank––or blame––Thanksgiving for TV dinners. Okay, really you can thank Swanson, a food delivery company most popular in the mid-20th century. After Thanksgiving Day in 1953, Swanson found itself overstocked with 260 tons of frozen turkey that hadn't been sold. The company's brilliant solution was to pack portions of turkey, potatoes, peas, and cornbread into an aluminum tray that could be kept in a freezer and heated up when ready to be consumed.

2. The Detroit Lions initiated Thanksgiving Day football.

Way back in 1934, the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears played the first Thanksgiving Day football game in the history of the professional sport. Although the Lions went into the game with a 10–1 record, the Bears were 11–0 and maintained their streak after beating the Lions 19–16. The game was broadcasted by radio, and the first televised Thanksgiving Day game didn't occur until 1956 when the Lions lost 24–20 to the Green Bay Packers.

3. For the last time, turkey doesn't make you sleepy.

We don't want to cause any debates or bad blood between family members at the table this Thanksgiving, but it's time to stop perpetuating this turkey tale every November. Many assume the tryptophan in turkey makes you sleepy, hence that deep sleep your uncle falls into after overindulging on every Turkey Day. However, the truth is your potatoes are what make you sleepy, as well as any other dishes packed with carbohydrates. The tryptophan in turkey is so minimal you would have to eat much more than you're capable of before it ever made you pass out.

4. Humans and pumpkins are related, sort of.

This one might make your family members roll their eyes, or ask each other if you need to see a psychiatrist, but it's true. Humans and pumpkins share DNA sequences that are 75% identical to each other. Of course, that's quite a distance in terms of double-helixes, so be thankful this Thanksgiving that you're a guy or a gal, and not a gourd.

5. Turkeys can weigh as much as large dogs.

Although it's unusual for turkeys to weigh more than 11–24 pounds, there are rare cases where these birds may look large enough to gobble you up on Thanksgiving. Just to give you an idea, the largest turkey ever served on Thanksgiving weighed 86 pounds. With a bird that size, we're guessing Swanson could have packed more than a few extra TV dinners.

6. Americans consume around 690 million pounds of turkey on Thanksgiving.

A number that substantial makes you wonder how turkeys haven't gone extinct, or it makes you realize how many of these snooded birds exist. To put it into perspective, 690 million pounds is equal to the weight of Singapore's population, or 57,500 African bush elephants, or about 172,500 new Chevy cars. You get the point, it's a lot of turkey.

7. The first Thanksgiving Day feast extended three days.

In today's busy world, we only make time to sit down for turkey a few hours once a year. But when the pilgrims sailed over from Europe to North America, they made sure to drag out out their festivities over the course of three days. During that time, the settlers took time to savor their food, play games, dance, and shoot guns in celebration of their safe arrival.

This year, stuff the turkey and then stuff your family members' minds with these seven facts they never knew about Thanksgiving Day. At the end of the holiday they'll drive home astonished with new knowledge about one of their favorite American holidays. But before you or your guests head home from your Turkey Day destination, make sure you check out our Thanksgiving travel tips to help you avoid traffic here.

Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is committed to providing you with integrity and convenience, all close to home. Let the friendly team of Chevy professionals at our Delta Charter Township area Chevrolet dealer help you. Call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

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Thanksgiving Travel Tips to Help You Avoid Holiday Backups

OKEMOS, Mich. –– Like the other 46 million Americans that AAA estimates make Thanksgiving travel plans each year, you’re probably planning on driving towards your Turkey Day destination sometime around that Thursday.

But with millions of other drivers hitting the road across the country, it should be expected for you to run into a number of delays caused by traffic congestion. If you’re uninterested in freeway stagnation and more focused on turkey, follow these Thanksgiving travel tips to help you avoid holiday backups. Google spent two years analyzing Thanksgiving weekend traffic conditions to provide us with this information, so you can rest assured their travel insights are accurate as they get.

Avoid driving on Wednesday.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving might seem like the ideal day to make the drive for Thursday’s turkey, but that’s also why it’s the absolute worst day to travel. Like you, other families assume Wednesday is a great travel day because they can work a half-day then head for their Thanksgiving destinations, usually in the timeframe of 3–5 p.m. It’s a logical idea, but it also results in massive freeway congestion and gridlock.

Travel on Thanksgiving Day.

Traveling on Thanksgiving Day might sound like a hassle––of course you’d rather be watching football and relaxing in a recliner––but it’s likely you’ll have a more peaceful drive on Turkey Day than any other day. Most people will have already made the arduous journey for turkey on Wednesday, leaving the freeways and roads practically empty for you to cruise on without any setbacks.

Head for home on Sunday, not Saturday.

You could drive home on Friday, but it’s likely you’re planning on relaxing after a Thursday of too much food. However, it’s not recommended that you plan to head home on Saturday. According to Google, traffic is 40% worse than any other day on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This leaves you with one last option: head home on Sunday. Have another helping of pumpkin pie and relax while you watch college football on Saturday.

Just by following these Thanksgiving travel tips to avoid holiday backups you can make your trip a whole lot better. But you should also take a look at some of the other factors that influence the quality of your trip. Use these additional tips to make your trip as comfortable as it can be:

• Have an idea of what the weather will be like while you’re making your Thanksgiving trip. Knowing what road conditions could be like will give you an idea of how to drive, where congestion might occur, and what a safe route might be.
• Figure out your travel route beforehand so you’re aware of areas where construction is taking place or where roads could be closed. This way you won’t be surprised if something comes up and you’re forced to reroute without foreknowledge.
• Have emergency contact information for a roadside assistance service ready. You’ll be ready to call if anything detrimental happens to your vehicle on your trip.
• Is your vehicle ready to drive a long distance for Thanksgiving? Follow our seasonal driving tips here, or visit our Chevrolet dealership near Mason, MI for any auto service your vehicle could be due for.

We love making sure our customers have great driving experiences, even if it's just by sharing a few insights with you to make sure your Thanksgiving travels are safe and easy. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos help you with any other auto needs you might have. Call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just a few minutes from Mason!

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