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If you're in the market for a midsize, three-row SUV, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 offers a spacious, stylish, and refined option. But as well as looking at its practicality and versatility, you also want to know that your family is safe on the road. The CX-9 was previously a Top Safety Pick, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has given it an improved safety rating of Top Safety Pick + making it one of the safest vehicles in its class. Here we take a look at the tests and the CX-9's safety features. IIHS Testing The IIHS test assesses all areas of a vehicle's safety and assigns ratings of good, acceptable, marginal, or poor or, for some tests, superior, advanced, or basic. All of the 2019 CX-9 models achieved the highest rating of “good” for all aspects of crash testing including side and roof strength and the dynamics of the seats and head restraints. Improvements to the headlights earned a “good” rating for the Grand Touring and Signature trim levels which feature curve adaptive LED projector headlights with high beam assist. The available frontal collision prevention system also received the top rating of “superior.” more Passive Safety Features For passenger safety, the CX-9 has driver and front passenger air bags, front side air bags, and side head curtain air bags. All seats have three-point seat belts with pre-tensioners and height adjustment. Front and rear crumple zones absorb the energy of an impact, while the door beams protect the cabin from a side impact. Children are protected by the child safety locks which prevent the risk of your kids opening the doors accidentally and potentially falling out of the car. The lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) system enables the secure and safe installation of child seats. Driver Assistance Features For confident handling, the CX-9 has a vehicle stability control system and traction control, while hill launch assist prevents the car rolling backwards when pulling away on an incline. Assured stopping is aided by the four-wheel anti-lock braking system with front and rear disc brakes, electronic brake assistance, and smart city brake support. Also standard are forward obstruction warning, a blind spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic warning, a tire inflation monitor, and a rear-view camera. In the event of an accident, the infotainment system features E911 automatic emergency notification to ensure that help is on the way. Touring trim adds automatic headlights with auto high beams, rain-sensing wipers, radar cruise control with stop and go, lane departure alert, lane keep assist, advanced automatic emergency brake support with pedestrian detection, and an automatic dimming rear-view mirror. Grand Touring models offer LED front fog lights, traffic sign recognition, a 360-degree surround view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, and a windshield wiper de-icer. Buying a 2019 Mazda CX-9 will give you the confidence that you will be driving one of the safest SUVs on the road. It offers the features to prevent accidents but, if the worst happens, your family will have the best protection. Contact Bommarito Mazda West County to arrange a test drive today. Image via MazdaUsa.com.

If your child has a birthday coming up, you can make it an occasion to remember at some of the awesome party venues in St. Louis, Missouri. Here are four of the locations where you can arrange a very unique party. The National Museum of Transportation Located on Barrett Station Road, The National Museum of Transportation features the Creation Station which is a play area suitable for kids aged one to five. For your party the kids will have exclusive use of the play area for 90 minutes. Included are invitation cards, museum admission, party bags, snack sacks, helium balloons for all the children, and a gift for the birthday child. Your host will organize everything to ensure the party goes smoothly. All you need to bring is the birthday cake, cupcakes, or cookies. Depending on the season and the weather, you can include a train ride for an additional fee. Parties are available on Saturdays and Sundays except throughout the month of December. more ABC Chefs Cooking Academy If your children love to help in the kitchen, why not arrange a kid's cooking party at the ABC Chefs Academy in Chesterfield Towne Center? They'll have a hands-on cooking experience and try out two or three recipes. You can choose from themes such as a pizza party, the candy shop, a PJ breakfast party, or a baking is best party. Your party will include exclusive use of the facility, customized invitations, a special apron for the birthday child, and all utensils and ingredients. Each guest will also get to decorate their own cupcake. Chesterfield Sports Fusion Chesterfield Sports Fusion on Long Road is a 30,000 square foot facility with a whole range of activities. Three birthday party packages are available for kids aged six to 11 years. Parties include invitations, exclusive use of a private room, arcade play money, plates, cups, plastic ware, napkins, and pitchers of soda or water. For the activities, you can choose from dodgeball, laser tag, mini golf, the inflatable obstacle course, rock climbing, and the three-story play structure for younger kids. You can take your own food or you can order from a local pizza parlor at discounted rates. Rock Show Academy Have you got a budding pop or rock star in the making? If so, a CD recording party at the Rock Show Academy on Gravois Road could be perfect. For your 2-hour dance party you'll have a pumping sound system, disco lights, and a party starter and DJ who'll lead all the fun. The birthday child gets to be a pop star for the day and will record a CD of the song of their choice. Each guest will get a copy of the CD to take home. You are welcome to bring your own food or order delivery from a local pizza place. Utensils and napkins will be provided and a refrigerator is available for your use. These locations will give your birthday child an unforgettable experience and memories they can treasure. Image via Pixabay.

Only well-maintained vehicles from the recent model years get the chance to be certified under our Mazda Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Program in Ellisville. Still, each Mazda Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle undergoes an uncompromised 160-point inspection inside out, to ensure they meet the highest standards that the customers deserve. Key Highlights of Mazda Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Your vehicle will come with a history report, Mazda Extended Rigorous 160-point inspection, seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, 24-hour Emergency Roadside Assistance, 12-month/12,000-mile powertrain warranty, 3-Year Auto Check Buyback Protection, 3-Month SiriusXM Trial Subscription, and more. more Free Emergency Roadside Assistance When you buy a Mazda Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle, a free Mazda 24-hour Emergency Roadside Assistance Program awaits you. The program is valid through the seven-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty. Buyers qualify for services that include: Jump starting Changing flat tires Towing to a nearby Mazda dealership Delivering gas Lockout assistance Vehicle Inspection and History Report Every Mazda Certified Pre-Owned model undergoes a 160-point inspection by a factory-trained Mazda technician who will: Check the engine to confirm smooth acceleration. Assess the exterior to ensure the windshield is free of cracks, large chips, and improper repairs. Check the brakes to confirm the operation of the anti-lock braking system on hard stops. Check heating and air conditioning for proper functionality. Assess the interior, ensuring seats and headrests work properly in all positions. Check the transmission for shift quality and shift points. Apart from the 160-point inspection, you also get a full Auto Check vehicle history report of your Mazda Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle, plus a three-year Buyback Protection from Experian. The Auto Check history report contains all the details of your vehicle's past encounters. Vehicle Warranty Coverage and Transfer of Benefits In addition to the 7-year/100,00-Mile Limited Powertrain Warranty, all Mazda Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles come with a 12-Month/12,000-Mile Additional Limited Warranty, which begins when the factory warranty ends, or on the purchase date of the CPO vehicle if it's out of warranty. This warranty has no deductible on covered components, meaning you won't have to pay out of your pocket to repair or replace parts at Mazda dealers. Should you opt to sell your car, the limited warranty coverage is transferable to future owners at no cost, which will ensure your vehicle remains attractive to potential buyers. Also remember that even after your limited warranties have expired, you can still enjoy your driving, thanks to Mazda Extended Confidence. This additional coverage will deal with Genuine Mazda Parts (where available) and is accepted countrywide. Complimentary 3-month SiriusXM There's a 3-month trial subscription to the SiriusXM All Access package for a selected satellite radio-equipped Mazda Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles. Here, you enjoy over 150 channels, which include news, sports, talk, comedy, and commercial-free music. You can also stream online via the free app. Are you a Mazda lover? Take a tour of our inventory for all the Mazda Certified Pre-Owned vehicles on sale. Contact us to make arrangements for your visit, and for any of your maintenance needs, visit our service center.

There's nothing quite like the sight and aroma of a stack of fluffy pancakes dripping with butter and syrup to make your mouth water and your stomach growl. When you've got the "hots" for hot cakes, consider the following restaurants. The Original Pancake House Since 1953, customers have been enjoying the delectable pancakes and other breakfast specialties at The Original Pancake House, which opened in Portland, Oregon. In 2007, the Chesterfield, Missouri restaurant opened, and in 2013, Ladue, Missouri also became home to the "original." Both Missouri restaurants are less than 30 minutes from St. Louis and offer an extensive menu of breakfast delights such as the oven-baked Dutch Baby served with fresh lemon, powdered sugar, and whipped butter, or the Dutch Treat pancake filled with bananas and strawberries. The signature oven-baked Apple Pancake prepared with Granny Smith apples and topped with cinnamon glaze is a long-time favorite. The pancake list is extensive with selections such as Georgia pecan, Swedish, San Francisco, bacon, potato, banana, chocolate chip, and many more. Crepes, Belgian waffles, and French toast along with traditional omelets and Eggs Benedict are also served. more Half & Half At Half & Half, customers receive top-notch customer service and treated to a menu featuring made-from-scratch dishes, which includes mouthwatering pancakes served with raspberry jam. You can also request blueberry pancakes topped with maple syrup and blueberry butter. The restaurant serves a diverse menu to please a customer's palate with items such as fried egg sandwiches, salmon hash, sausage biscuits, and brioche French toast. Half & Half is open Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Uncle Bill's Pancake & Dinner House No matter when you're craving pancakes, Uncle Bill's Pancake & Dinner House is open 24 hours a day and ready to serve you a stack of goodness. Choose your favorite or try something new from the list of pancakes such as potato, buckwheat, buttermilk, fruit, and pecan. For a pancake dessert, consider the Chocolate Alaska creation featuring four pancakes topped with ice cream, fudge sauce, and a dollop of whipped topping. The menu also includes waffles and chicken, omelets, egg biscuits, and assorted sandwiches. Chris' Pancake and Dining At Chris' Pancake and Dining, be prepared for a stack of the best pancakes in town. Serving St. Louis customers since 1987, you can dine in confidence knowing satisfying your taste buds is the goal at Chris'. Choose from one, two, or three fluffy pancakes cooked just right and topped with tasty items such as blueberries, strawberries, bananas, craisins, and white chocolate chips. If you want added variety to your morning meal, order a specialty omelet served with hash browns, toast, and a side of pancakes. Other specialty items include breakfast fried rice and biscuits and gravy. Start your day or brighten up the afternoon with a stack of freshly made pancakes. These delicious circles of blended ingredients are original comfort food guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. Image via Flickr by Sean MacEntee | CC BY 2.0.

Choosing your first car is a fun but serious process. Find out why the 2019 CX-3 is a good choice when you're ready to travel the highways and byways in a performance-driven SUV. Exterior (Trims) With a choice of three trims — Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring — and available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the CX-3 is sure to have options to suit your individual needs. The smooth, sleek lines of the CX-3 create a visual statement that emotes sass and class. The SUV is available in a variety of colors highlighted by ample exterior features that provide plenty of conveniences. These include features such as clear-lens halogen headlights with an auto-off feature, daytime running lights, dual exhaust outlets highlighted with a bright finish, "shark fin" roof-mounted antenna, heated side mirrors, 16- or 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, power side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and a rear roofline spoiler. Under the Hood The three trims feature a powerful 2.0-liter DOHC 4-cylinder, 16-valve engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and a SKYACTIV 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 148 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. The addition of VVT can have positive effects such as an improvement to the SUV's performance and fuel economy, which is an EPA-estimated rating of 29 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway. more Interior Features Inside the five-passenger SUV, you'll be treated to quality sport seats with cloth or leather trim, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, a center armrest with storage, a manual six-way driver's seat, and a rear seat center armrest. Technology and entertainment features make drive time fun, convenient, and secure. Drivers can tap into the Multifunction Commander Control system and enjoy features such as steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, a leather-wrapped gear selector and steering wheel, smartphone connectivity, cruise control, push button start, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System, a tilt and telescopic steering column, and a 7-inch color touch screen display. Entertainment features include Mazda Connect Infotainment System, hands-free Bluetooth and audio capability, a USB audio input, an auxiliary audio input jack, six speakers, a 12-volt power outlet, infotainment system voice command, and an AM/FM audio system featuring Automatic Level Control. Safety Features You'll also want a vehicle with a variety of safety features to ensure you, your passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers aren't in harm's way. The CX-3 is equipped with advanced front and side-impact air bags. The SUV is also fitted with side-impact air curtains. The LATCH child safety system is also available featuring upper tethers and lower anchors. The SUV also comes with a rearview camera, Hill Launch Assist, the Blind Spot Monitoring system fitted with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Smart City brake support. For vehicle safety, the CX-3 has an electronic parking brake with Auto-hold and an anti-theft engine immobilizer system. While it may seem overwhelming when choosing your first ride, when you're behind the wheel of a 2019 CX-3, you've made the right choice across the board. From power and performance to comfort and security, this SUV will make your first car experience one to remember. Image via MazdaUsa.com.

Every city has a history filled with facts and figures; what they also have in common are bits and pieces of interesting information. St. Louis has its own story to tell. Find out about some of the fun facts that tell the tale. Wainwright Building As skyscrapers go, there are more than a few towering buildings around the world that stand tall into the sky; many competing with the clouds. In St. Louis, there's a 10-story high-rise called the Wainwright Building. Designed in 1891 by architects Sullivan and Adler, this National Historic Landmark has the distinction of being one of the first high-rise buildings in the world. You can visit the Wainwright Building in downtown St. Louis. Grant's Farm Since 1852, Anheuser Busch has made its home in St. Louis. One of the most popular attractions of the major brewing company through the years has been its stable of Clydesdales. The horses are housed nearby at historic Grant's Farm, named after Ulysses S. Grant, who originally owned the property. more Peanut Butter Peanut butter has a very long history that begins with ancient Aztec and Incas who turned the crunchy peanut into a palatable paste. Fast forward to 1903 when Dr. Ambrose Straub of St. Louis, developed and patented a machine that turned peanuts into today's version of peanut butter. Waffle Ice Cream Cones A year after Italo Marchiony was awarded a patent for producing the first ice cream cone, in 1904 at the St. Louis World's Fair, the waffle cone came into creation by Ernest A. Hamwi. The invention wasn't planned. During the fair, an ice cream vendor whose booth was next to Hamwi who was selling pastries, ran out of cups to serve fairgoers fresh ice cream. Seeing the dilemma, Hamwi rolled up one of the waffle pastries he was baking to form a cone, also referred to at that time as a cornucopia. The vendor took it, filled it with ice cream, and the rest is history. In 1906, Stephen Sullivan of Missouri became one of the first independent entrepreneurs serving ice cream in creative cones at Missouri events. While Sullivan was busy serving cones, Hamwi started the Cornucopia Waffle Company and later the Missouri Cone Company. The Naming of St. Louis Before becoming the busy metropolis it is today, St. Louis was a fur-trading village founded by Frenchmen Pierre Laclede and Auguste Chouteau. When choosing a name for the village, Laclede chose St. Louis in honor of French King Louis IX, an acknowledged Anglican patron saint. Brown Shoe Company Back in the day, shoes men's and women's shoes weren't always discernible from one another and they weren't created for the difference between the right and left foot. In 1878, George Warren Brown changed the "sole" of the industry when he formed the Brown Shoe Company with the focus on designing shoes for men and women and creating them to fit properly for each foot. In 1913, the company made it to the New York Stock Exchange. In 2015, the company changed its name to Caleres, which means "passionate to glow." Take a trip through time and uncover the many interesting fun facts that will have you coming back to discover more. Image via Flickr by Akihito Fujii | CC BY-SA 2.0.

There are many kinds of drivers out there. Some are conservative and reserved, while others like to push it to the limit. Most fall somewhere in between this broad spectrum and drive safely while only taking necessary risks. Having a vehicle that fits your driving style can enhance your overall driving experience. Here are three types of drivers who will enjoy getting behind the wheel of the 2019 Mazda CX-9. Stylish Dads Just because you have children doesn't mean you have to give up your personal sense of style. While you probably shouldn't be looking at two-seater sports cars when you have two or three kids, you can find practical options that are still plenty cool. The 2019 Mazda CX-9, for instance, offers space for seven and has received awards for its safety features. Although these are important factors, the CX-9 has plenty of fun features to consider, as well. The CX-9's driving experience is exhilarating because of its turbocharged engine. When you press the accelerator, the car responds rapidly. The handling is tight and remains stable throughout acceleration, even on winding mountain roads. The body style is sleek and modern, and the cabin design incorporates premium materials. It has all the tech bells and whistles you would expect, such as smartphone integration, voice recognition, a backup camera, and plenty of USB ports. This vehicle can help a dad hold onto his youth and his kids at the same time. more Road-Trippers If weekend getaways get you going, let this SUV be your launchpad. Each road trip comes with new experiences, so a versatile vehicle is a must. The CX-9 can be converted into a variety of spacial arrangements. In fact, with all the rear seats folded down, you can fit 23 carry-on suitcases back there. Use all that space to haul camping equipment, ski gear, or any other luggage and supplies you might need to travel with. No road trip is complete without the perfect playlist to set the mood. A booming stereo must have smartphone integration to stream everyone's favorite tunes. The CX-9 not only has smartphone integration but easy-to-use software, as well. Passengers can take turns playing their favorite mixes. The Hands-Off Driver Technology has exploded and is becoming an increasingly prominent feature in the automotive world. Whether a car has up-to-date tech features can be a deal-breaker for many drivers. Most have welcomed technology into their vehicles and are hopelessly addicted to it. The CX-9 offers all the necessary tech to keep even the most avid hands-off drivers happy. The SUV's signature model boasts an 8-inch touch screen with voice recognition capabilities and smartphone integration. It also has onboard internet apps such as Pandora, a 360-degree-view camera system, digital gauges, and powered folding mirrors. The 2019 Mazda CX-9 has many nice features that make it unique and fun to drive. Whether you are a dad with style, a road-tripping adventurer, or a hands-off techie driver, this midsize SUV will not disappoint. Image via MazdaUsa.com.

Fall is just around the corner in St. Louis, Missouri. If you haven't blocked out your calendar with dozens of fun events and activities and are looking for something to do, you don't need to worry. There are tons of activities to keep you busy, and we've compiled a list of the top ways to enjoy the fall this year. Visit A Local Farm There are plenty of local farms around St. Louis that will be ripe with fall fun. The town of Belleville, Illinois, lies just 30 minutes east of St. Louis. There, you'll find Braeutigam Orchards, which offers apple picking, hay rides, delicious cider donuts and more. If you're a baker, you'll love the selection of fall apple varietals, such as Jonathan, Golden Delicious, Fuji, and Gold Rush. Pin Oak Farms is a bit further away at close to an hour out, however, the destination is worth the journey from St. Louis, Missouri. The farm includes free admission, free parking, and free hayrides to the pumpkin patch, which is plenty of fun even if you aren't buying a pumpkin. During fall, the grounds are littered with fun activities for the whole family, including a kid corral, corn maze, straw bale maze, farm animals, and more. more Check Out the Missouri Botanical Garden With the season comes, it brings amazing foliage that's bursting with exciting, vibrant colors. One great way to see fall's most iconic traits is to head over to the Missouri Botanical Garden. The grounds span 79 acres where you can find some peace by Japanese style waterfalls or check out the massive domed greenhouse. Forest Park and Citygarden are two other options to spend some time outdoors and take in some beautiful foliage. If the stars align, you'll find yourself at the botanical garden during the first weekend in October. If you do, you'll find yourself in what's called the Best of Missouri Market. On this weekend, the gardens are transformed into a massive market featuring incredible products that were either grown or made in Missouri. The exciting experience paired with great foliage makes it a can't miss opportunity. Attend the Shrewsbury Fall Festival Another way to enjoy the season around St. Louis, Missouri is to check out the many festivals that take place during the fall. One of the more popular festivals takes place about 20 minutes to the southwest in Shrewsbury, Missouri. This event is fun for everyone whether you have kids or are just going with some friends. The festival takes place on October 5th and runs from 2 p.m. - 9 p.m. Different activities will be operating throughout the day, so be sure to check the schedule to better plan your day. Some of the activities include inflatable structures, a craft beer tent, games, hayrides, live music, and even a petting zoo. There are countless opportunities for fall fun in St. Louis, Missouri. Head out to one of these few activities and you're guaranteed to create lasting memories with your friends and loved ones. Image via Flickr by JazzChick | CC BY-SA 2.0.

Parents, it's okay to own a vehicle you don't have to share with your children. Are you looking for a car that is all yours? Meet the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata. This sleek and powerful car turns heads, whether you are in the city or enjoying the open highway. Performance The MX-5 houses a powerful SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter, DOHC 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing. The block creates 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque for a smooth ride. The car redlines at 7,500 rpm. When you go to fill the gas engine, it is recommended you use premium unleaded 91 octane fuel. The gas mileage depends on the type of six-speed transmission in the car. If you choose the manual transmission, it gets 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Automatic cars get 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Beyond the engine, the Miata's design focuses on performance. The body is lighter and more aerodynamic, having dropped a half-inch from older models. Even the window glass is lighter.  The lightweight and rigid SKYACTIV-Chassis helps the car take curves of all types with ease. more Style The sleek lines of the Miata turn heads while you are on the road. Inspired by the roadster, a soft-top allows you to drop the roof and soak in the sun without little voices in your ears. The soft top comes in the classic black or add a bit of your style and get the available brown color. When you drop the top, the roadster turns into a heart-pounding convertible. If the weather changes, the assist spring helps close the top in a hurry. In the back, the car has heritage lights which pay homage to the roadster of the past. The lights are smaller to add a modern touch to the classic design. In the front, headlights are body shaped with a slight overhang. Safety The available adaptive front-lighting system gives you a chance to see around corners before you approach them. As you turn the wheel the lights turn up to 15 degrees to let you know what is ahead of you. Another essential safety feature of the lights is high beam control. The system automatically switches to low beams, so you do not blind other drivers. Once you pass them, the high beams turn back on. The available blind-spot monitoring system with the rear traffic alert warns you if there are people or other hazards in the road. The lane departure warning alerts you if the car drifts from your lane so you can readjust your position. Are you ready to explore the 2019 MX-5 Mazda Miata in person? There are three trims available for you to enjoy. Leave the kids at home as you test drive the Sport, Club, or Grand Touring Mazda MX-5 Miata. Stop by Bommarito Mazda West County today. Our staff looks forward to answering your questions and getting you in your dream car. Image via MazdaUSA.com.

Whether you're a St. Louis local or an out-of-town visitor, finding funs things to do with the kids can be difficult. The following six activities have been recommended by parents. If you want to have a memorable day in St. Louis, choose one of these activities and take lots of pictures. St. Louis Science Center The St. Louis Science Center is very well designed and conscious of young learners. The science center is always free, which is a plus when doing things as a family. You can find interactive family games and explore a variety of exhibits. There's so much to explore that you'll have to come back another day to experience it all. The Magic House The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum, is a fantastic place for children set their imaginations free. The Children's Museum has several work areas for kids to play in and hundreds of exhibit to explore. Be sure to plan for a whole-day adventure at the Magic House because your little one is going to love it there. more St. Louis Zoo The St. Louis Zoo is highly recommended by parents. This zoo is free to the public, though there are specific activities in the zoo that do cost money. Since it's free, the zoo is usually busy. You may want to plan to come back an additional day to explore all the exhibits. Two recommended zoo attractions that you'll want to pay for are the Zooline Railroad that circles the whole zoo and the 4-D movie experience. Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum The Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum is a great way to inspire learning about history and engineering in your little ones. There are several hands-on, educational displays for your kids. The museum is self-guided, but you can request a guided tour in advance if you plan to come with 10 or more people. Plan for about an hour or so to explore this enormous collection of telephones. Grant's Farm If you or your kids love farm animals, Grant's Farm is the place to go. You'll get a 15-minute tram tour of the farm and the opportunity to explore exhibits and feed the animals. You do have to pay for parking and feeding the animals, but it's not every day that you get to feed a baby goat with a bottle. Your little ones will love the opportunity to interact with the animals. Missouri Botanical Gardens The Missouri Botanical Gardens is a must-see if you want to experience walking among carefully maintained plants and flowers. But there's more to enjoy than the plants. The Missouri Botanical Gardens has a children's garden for your little ones to explore and learn about nature through hands-on activities. There are even festivals and other events in the gardens. Walking through everything can take several hours, so consider planning specific areas to visit. St. Louis is full of family-friendly places to explore and things to do. You can't go wrong spending the day at the Magic House or exploring nature at its finest at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. Image via Flickr by ChrisYunker | CC BY 2.0.

Another Mazda model to recently receive a diesel option is the Mazda CX-5. This diesel-powered SUV found success, so it's no surprise that the Mazda 6 sedan will be getting the upgrade. The information out now suggests the Mazda 6 Skyactiv-D will use the very same diesel engine found in the CX-5. Given the fact that the engine is capable of making the CX-5 SUV move along responsively, the Mazda 6 running with the same engine should make it a seriously fun drive. The Skyactiv-D engine harnesses not one but two turbochargers for an output of 168 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque on just four cylinders. Interior Accommodations on the 2020 Mazda 6 Skyactiv-D Having an engine that creates and exciting drive means nothing if the interior is bland and uncomfortable. From everything we know, this won't be the case. Instead, we expect the 2020 Mazda 6 Skyactiv-D to be comfortable and luxurious. Currently, we expect the diesel engine configuration will be limited to the signature trim which is equipped with Nappa leather and Sen wood accents. more Understanding Skyactiv-D Technology There's a lot of technology and engineering behind Skyactiv-D technology. The engine is truly magnificent from an engineering perspective. It's one of the most efficient engines available today with up to 20 percent better efficiency than similar engines. It adhesives this without the need for a nitrous oxide after-treatment system. The high compression ratios on standard diesel engines can ignite the fuel before an optimal mix is achieved, creating more soot. The Skyactiv-D engine operates at a much lower compression ratio when compared to other diesel engines. This change allows for a proper fuel-air mix to be achieved, removing nitrous oxide and soot from the equation. The lowered compression ratio also comes with the benefit of options for the engineers. For example, the cylinder block could now be constructed from aluminum, reducing the weight by 55 pounds. The two turbochargers work to transition from high to low speeds quickly and smoothly. The pound-feet of torque also ramps up to a maximum efficiency of 5,200 RPMs. The Skyactiv-D engine also has better cold start success thanks to small improvements such as variable valve lift which redirect hot exhaust to help warm the engine faster. The 2020 Mazda 6 gets an exciting new twist with the availability of a Skyactiv diesel engine. In addition to the extra power, it delivers efficiency beyond compare. Stay tuned for future updates regarding the 2020 Mazda 6 and don't forget to check out our online inventory. Image via MazdaUSA.com.

The next time you're in St. Louis, enjoy the great sports and entertainment during a sports-themed night out. Here are some great sport hot spots where you can go out with the gang or hang out at a game. Ballpark Village Ballpark Village is a large stadium where they host sports games. But they also host great events at Ballpark Village, like social events, company parties, VIP get-togethers, and more. There are a total of seven venues in the center, a huge LED TV screen, five concert stages, and 125 different beers to choose from. Ballpark Village is located at 601 Clark Ave. in St. Louis. Busch Stadium The Cardinals opened up Busch Stadium in 2006, and thankfully, the ballpark has space for 46,000 seats. Designed in a retro-baseball field style, it's a great place to catch a game in St. Louis. Enjoy food and drink from the on-site vendors, such as Margarita Bar or Terrace Grill. Come early before a game and catch a Busch Stadium tour, so you can visit all the cool spots in the stadium, like the Redbird Club, the Broadcast Booth, the Cardinals Club, and the Cardinals Dugout. The tours are available all year and provide an intimate look into the lives of the team players. You can also hang out at the Radio Broadcast Booth, check out the World Series trophies, and get a discount at the official team store. more The Post Sports Bar & Grill If you're more interested in spending the night out with friends talking about sports than going to a live game, then the Post Sports Bar & Grill is a great place for you. Here, you'll find the perfect bar food as well as games to play and enjoy. Events at The Post include Postapalooza 2019 and MLA Kicks at the Post. Enjoy amazing happy hour times, like Progressive Happy Hour, in which beers start at just a buck and go up by fifty cents every hour. Likewise, check out Johnny's Favorite Deal for daily specials priced at $5.99. And keep your eyes peeled for their famed games giveaway when they give out Cardinals tickets and tickets to other games. The Post Sports Bar & Grill is located at 7372 Manchester and 763 Old Ballas. OB Clark's OB Clark's is another great place for a night out for sports fans. In fact, there are some former athletes who purportedly frequent the bar as well. It is located at 1921 S. Brentwood. The Sports Page Bar and Grill The Sports Page Bar and Grill is a great place to catch up on the local sports and get together. Chesterfield fans tend to gather in this bar. Come enjoy the happy hour, which runs until 7 p.m. It is located at 13431 Olive. Whether you'd like the evening out to watch a live game or simply to hang out with friends, there are many places in St. Louis where you can enjoy the sports you love. Check out these hangouts and have fun! Image via Flickr by Herkie | CC BY-SA 2.0.