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Located just a few miles away from some of the largest freshwater reservoirs in the entire state, Junction City, KS is the seat of Geary County and has a population of almost 23,000. For anglers, the city's location makes it a perfect base to check out the best fishing spots in the region. Invite your friends, get your gear ready, and hit the road to these fantastic and nearby fishing destinations. 1. Milford Lake State Park Considered one of the best fishing destinations in all of Kansas, Milford Lake State Park is located just about 10 miles northwest of downtown Junction City. Boasting the largest artificial lake in the state, it covers a surface area of over 33,000 acres and is a popular recreational destination among visitors from all over the region. Some of the fish species that can be found in this artificial reservoir include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, blue catfish, channel catfish, and walleye. Driving from downtown Junction City to Milford Lake State Park takes about 15 minutes by car, following route US-77. This body of water was constructed in the 1950s with the original purpose of providing flood control and water supply to the area. Since then, it has also become a top-rated weekend destination, welcoming thousands of visitors each year with a plethora of activities including not only fishing, but boating, kayaking, picnicking, hiking, biking, and camping. more 2. Tuttle Creek Reservoir Located just a few miles north of the town of Manhattan and about 35 miles from downtown Junction City, Tuttle Creek Reservoir is another great fishing destination that can be reached in about 40 minutes by car. This body of water features a surface area of more than 12,000 acres and a maximum depth of about 50 feet. Bordered by Tuttle Creek State Park, it offers visitors numerous outdoor and water activities including fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and picnicking. Some of the best spots for fishing in Tuttle Creek Reservoir are located along the McIntyre Cove and Carnahan Cove areas, where anglers can easily catch excellent specimens of saugeye, white bass, trout, channel catfish, green sunfish, flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye, largemouth bass, and crappie. While this lake is certainly a popular weekend spot for visitors from the area, it is still a quiet destination where you can enjoy some quality fishing without driving too far from the city center. 3. Marion Reservoir Located 55 miles south of Junction City, Marion Reservoir is a freshwater body boasting a surface area of a little over 6,000 acres. Surrounded by four different parks, it is an excellent destination for numerous sports and outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. For anglers, some of the most commonly found fish species in this reservoir include walleye, crappie, white bass, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and flathead catfish. While on your way to any of these excellent fishing destinations near Junction City, stop by Valor CDJR. We have an extensive inventory of new and used cars, as well as convenient financing plans that adjust to the needs and budget of our individual customers. Image via pexels.com.

Don't be fooled by the compact stature of the 2021 Jeep Cherokee – this is a powerful SUV with exceptional off-roading and towing abilities. Complete with all the latest technology and comfort features that Ford has to offer, this is a vehicle that handles beautifully and is perfect for family adventures and road trips. Keep reading to find out why you should take one of our 2021 Cherokees on a test drive! Not Your Average Compact Crossover Whether you go with the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, or bump up to the 3.2-liter V-6, you will be getting an SUV that delivers a lot of power for its size. With a towing capacity of up to 4,500 lbs, this is a vehicle that can easily pull a boat or trailer with energy to spare. While the Cherokee is a perfectly adept off-roader, it is equally at ease on the highway and when city driving, delivering a comfortable and smooth ride. This is an SUV that handles nicely, with highly responsive steering and braking, and a suspension that allows you to sail comfortably over rough road surfaces. more Pricing on the 2021 Jeep Cherokee The Cherokee is available in five trims: Latitude, Latitude Plus, Latitude Lux, Trailhawk, and Limited. While there are many trims, styling packages, and options to choose from, Jeep has maintained a relatively tight price range of $28,705 to $38,970. Four-wheel drive can be added as a $2,000 option on any trim (although it is standard on the Trailhawk). There are plenty of premium features that come standard, such as roof rails, rain sensing wipers, split folding rear seats, and a terrific infotainment package. However, many buyers find that the small upcharge to a mid-level trim, with the many deluxe features it adds, is more than worth it. Favorite Features There's a lot to love on the Cherokee but we're particularly impressed with Jeep's Uconnect infotainment system that comes standard on all trims. Every car has infotainment technology these days, but Uconnect is considered to be one of the best systems on the market, with its highly intuitive functions and well-organized menus. The standard 7-inch touchscreen works nicely but you can also opt for an 8.4-inch screen. From the Latitude Plus trim upward, you get two extra USB ports located on the back of the center console, which are really nice to have if you've got kids sitting in the back seat. Every Cherokee comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a Wi-Fi hotspot is available as an option. Cargo Capacity Given that this is a compact SUV, the trunk is not as big as what you would find in a Grand Cherokee, however it is so well designed that you will be surprised by how much can be packed in there. The trunk floor is adjustable, allowing you to squeeze in taller items when needed, and there are plenty of extra storage nooks throughout the vehicle for smaller odds and ends. Visit us today at Valor Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Junction City, KS – we have a great selection of new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram's on the lot but they won't be sitting here for long! Image via jeep.com.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler is the perfect vehicle for anyone with an adventurer's spirit. Ready and able to tackle nearly any off-road condition, the Wrangler makes every drive an experience. Here are a few reasons why we think the Jeep Wrangler may be our favorite vehicle in the Jeep lineup. 1. Off-Roading Machine We would be doing this incredible vehicle a disservice if we didn't discuss its off-roading capabilities first. Every single 2021 Wrangler trim has been awarded the Trail Rated Badge for ground clearance, water fording, articulation, maneuverability, and traction. In addition, the underside of the Wrangler is outfitted with steel skid plates that protect the inner workings of your Jeep from jagged rocks. With three 4X4 systems to choose from, you can find a Wrangler that suits your ideal outdoor experience perfectly. The essential Command-Trac 4X4 System is best for your typical off-road adventure. However, if you're concerned about rough weather, you'll want to break out the available Selec-Trac system. Finally, if you're up for some genuine rock-crawling moments, you'll need the optional Roc-Trac system to get you to the top of the mountain. more 2. The Best Sound System Around We love the optional Alpine Premium Audio System. When you add this great sound system, you'll be able to experience outstanding sound quality on all your drives. The system provides nine speakers, an all-weather subwoofer, and a 552-watt amplifier. So start creating your playlists now because you won't want to turn this system off. 3. Smartphone Friendly If you decide to add the Uconnect Service to your Jeep, you'll be able to control your Wrangler through a smartphone app remotely. This app allows you to check your vehicle's vital signs, start or stop the engine, adjust your temperature controls, lock and unlock the doors, and even blast the horn. There is also a Vehicle Health Report that is sent to your phone monthly. If you hate dealing with navigation issues, you'll love this next feature of the Uconnect Service. The Send & Go feature allows you to locate a destination on your phone and then send it directly to your Wrangler's command center. This feature makes for effortless navigation, with no maps or frustrating connectivity issues to worry about. 4. Dual Temperature Controls No matter where your journey takes you, you won't have to suffer in uncomfortable temperatures if you're driving a 2021 Wrangler. The available Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control System allows you to have custom temperature conditions for both the driver and front-seat passenger. If you often find yourself freezing out your co-pilot or vice versa, this upgrade will be worth every penny. You can also add a heating function to the front seats and opt for a heated steering wheel if you want to make your Wrangler ride genuinely luxurious. Don't wait another moment to take this off-roading legend for a test drive. Stop by Valor Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today and take a 2021 Wrangler for a spin! Image via jeep.com.

Junction City, KS is a small city in Geary County with a population of just over 20,000. This “river city” gets its name from its location as it's nestled where the Smoky Hill and Republican rivers meet. With chilly winters and hot summers, there are a wide variety of activities to do here to match the season. Of course, any time of year is a great time to catch a show. Here are some of the best music venues around. 1. Rosebuds Rosebuds is the quintessential neighborhood dive bar, and we say that endearingly. It's in a cool historic building that produces some great acoustics for live music. It's a warm and friendly environment and attracts a laid-back crowd that enjoys kicking back and checking out the local talent. Rosebuds also makes their own specialty cocktails that are quite tasty and rotate through the seasons. If you drink, please remember not to drive. more 2. Auntie Mae's Parlor This dark and alluring parlor-style pub has everything you want at your local pub. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and knows their way around a cocktail menu. They have daily specials and some homemade specials for you to enjoy. In the basement they have live bands come in to rock the house from time to time. Auntie Mae's has a mellow and relaxed atmosphere and a loyal following where people come to share stories with friends. 3. Mokas South This quaint little bakery and coffee house moonlights as an entertainment venue and has live music every weekend with no cover charge. They have an array of specialty coffee drinks, both hot and cold, and serve delicious food from morning until night. Mokas also has some unique custom cocktails made in-house like the hibiscus ginger margaritas, jalapeno margaritas, and chocolate martinis. If you choose alcohol over coffee, drink responsibly and be sure to have a designated driver. 4. Stiefel Theatre This funky theatre in the small town of Salina is the perfect place to soak up some culture with live music, comedy shows, and classic films. The sound is great, and the intimate environment makes it hard not to find a good seat. The most coveted seats are the ones in the front row of the balcony, so keep that in mind when reserving your spot. They book some great shows here that keep folks coming back. 5. The Columbian Theatre This historic theatre is over 120 years old and has been hosting music, plays, art exhibits and more for decades. It's a beautiful and spacious theatre with wonderful acoustics that travel to every corner of the venue. If you're ever in the area, don't miss your chance to experience this quaint little piece of history. The Columbian even books weddings and has everything you need for your special day. When you're not listening to music at a live show, try listening to it in a new car. Head down to Valor CDJR and check out our great selection of a wide variety of new and used vehicles. Image via pexels.com.

There's a lot of competition surrounding full-size pickups, so it's mightily impressive that the Ram 1500 stands out from the crowd. Truck-lovers everywhere consider the 2021 Ram 1500 to be one of the best trucks on the market, and for good reason. It has several features that make it more impressive than many other trucks in its class. 1. Amazing Handling The Ram 1500 has impeccable handling. It feels nothing like a large pickup truck when you're behind the wheel. Instead, you feel like you're driving a much lighter truck. Its driving dynamics are ultra-sharp, and it's more agile than you'd expect, too. You can easily get around tight corners and navigate crowded roads. The ride comfort is also worth mentioning. The wheels soak up the road's imperfections, and you feel like you're on a silky-smooth road even if you're on a torn-up path. This is excellent for people who dislike the feeling of harsh roads, and it's beneficial for passengers who suffer from travel sickness. more 2. RamBox Cargo Management System The RamBox Cargo Management System is exclusive to the Ram 1500, so it helps the truck stand out. This feature helps you with transporting items, and it helps you keep valuable cargo safe. There are lockable bins in the truck bed that are large enough to fit most tools and similar items. You can keep your cargo safe from thieves, and you can separate different types of cargo from each other. The bins are insulated, so you can use them to store ice and food, too. They keep everything nice and cool. This is perfect for tailgating. We feel that this feature is truly a head-turner, as we've never seen anything like it in competitor models. 3. Lots of Safety Features Available The Ram 1500 now has pedestrian detection, which is fantastic if you live in a crowded area. Sometimes it feels like pedestrians can come out of nowhere, so the detection will be helpful for most drivers. The rearview mirror's new digital upgrade is one of the best safety features available in any truck. This lets you monitor the area behind you via a live, real-time video feed on your rearview mirror. The rearview camera reduces the number of blind spots that you're dealing with. 4. Head-Up Display Your dashboard and infotainment system both contain important information, but it's not always safe to look at the screens. Roads get busy, so you need to keep your eyes front and center. The Head-Up display can help with this. The display projects important vehicle information right onto your windshield. You can keep your eyes on the road, but you can still monitor your vehicle's stats. The display doesn't obscure your view of the road by any means, so you get the best of both worlds. This will add some safety to your journeys, and it's more convenient than looking back and forth between the road, the screens, and your mirrors. Are you interested in the RAM 1500? Come and test drive one at Valor CDJR. We're sure you'll have a great time. Image via ramtrucks.com.

Going out for ice cream and frozen treats is a treasured pastime in Junction City, KS, and no matter your preferences you can find something to suit your palate. Here are six of the best spots in and near Junction City where you can find the tastiest frozen desserts: 1. Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers Perfect for both a treat and a full meal, Freddy's is where you want to go on a Friday night if you have a sweet tooth. The frozen custard desserts come in a range of flavors, and they can be put in a cone, shake, dish, sundae, or Oreo sandwich for easy eating. You can even buy pint and quart tubs to take home with you. more 2. Pineapple Whip Kansas With ever-changing flavor options, you won't ever get bored with the treats from the Pineapple Whip Kansas food truck. Operating from May to September, customers can buy the unique pineapple whip treat in cups, cones, and pints. Flavors include grape, orange, lemon berry, and strawberry and kiwi. 3. Pandora Rolled Located just 30 minutes northeast of Junction City, Pandora Rolled offers a superb treat if you're spending the day in Manhattan. There are over 20 flavors to choose from, and many sweet toppings such as chocolate sauce, strawberries, fruity pebbles, boba pearls, and sticky rice. Getting to watch them make it right in front of you is very entertaining. You can also buy Boba tea and color change tea if you want to try something different. 4. Hildebrand Farms Dairy A perfect way to end a visit to Hildebrand Farms Dairy is to visit the Farm Store and taste the homemade soft-serve made with milk from their very own cows. The company prides itself on only using milk, cane sugar, and natural flavors to make its product so its pure and as close to nature as you can get. Coming in both chocolate and vanilla natural flavors, you can buy half-gallon bottles of its mix if you want to try making it at home. 5. Kansas Coffee The 20-minute drive down to Chapman will be well worth it when you taste the desserts from Kansas Coffee. You can choose one of the classic flavors available, or one of the treasured favorites such as butter pecan, PB and fudge, or mocha almond fudge. The desserts come in a waffle, cake, or sugar cone, or a bowl. You can also choose to double up on toppings. Milkshakes, smoothies, cheesecakes, frappes, and sandwiches are available as well. 6. Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt Located in Manhattan, just a short drive from Junction City, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt is perfect for the health-conscious and not so health-conscious. Every flavor is available from Banana to Peppermint Pattie, so you won't have any trouble finding something to suit you. Froyo cakes can be purchased for takeaway, and catering for large gatherings can be arranged. No matter the place you choose, enjoy your treat, and while you're out getting your sugar fix, drop into Valor CDJR to test drive the latest vehicles. Image via pexels.com.