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Cheesecake comes in an amazing variety of flavors depending on what you use for the crust, the cake, and the toppings. With so many variations it's never quite the same in different places, and in Gastonia, North Carolina, you can find plenty of spots that make their own. But if you want the best cheesecake the city offers, you should check out one of these locations. Webb Custom Kitchen The Webb Custom Kitchen is a new American restaurant with a lovely dining room just off Franklin Boulevard and South Street. Each menu offers a list of culinary experiences made with fresh ingredients and an eye for details, and that includes a list of wines imported from all around the world. After the main course you can choose from a fine list of desserts and nightcaps, and that includes a tall New York-style cheesecake. Webb makes their cheesecake with a particularly smooth cream cheese, and they take their time mixing it to give you the best texture you'll ever have. Old Stone Steakhouse The Old Stone Steakhouse is over in Belmont, just across the street from Stowe Park on South Main Street. Old Stone sits in the old Belmont police department building, and you can still find the Old Belmont Jailhouse just behind the building. It's a surf 'n turf restaurant, so it has a solid list of steak cuts, chicken dinners, and fresh seafood like Atlantic salmon and Maryland-style crab cakes. Their list of desserts is always changing, but there's a good chance you'll find a New York-style cheesecake with a classic Southern topping like pecans and caramel. more Lotus Bar and Eatery You'll find the Lotus Bar and Eatery in the southeast end of town just off Hoffman Road. It's an upscale new American place that takes influences from across the country, plus it has a full sushi bar with plenty of special house rolls and classics like tuna, salmon, and yellowtail. They have a big list of desserts and other after-dinner specials, and that includes a turtle cheesecake. They make it with swirls of salted bourbon caramel, a brown-sugar cream, a spiced-rum caramel sauce, and candied pecans. Sprouts Cafe Sprouts Cafe is a vegan restaurant and bakery. They have a few meat options on their dinner menu, but everything from their bakery contains zero animal products. This includes their berry and key lime cheesecakes, which are both delicious despite using zero cheese. While you're there you should also check out their gluten-free cakes, their coconut cream pie, or get a half-dozen of their vegan chocolate chip muffins. Cheesecake is an absolutely decadent dessert, and that's true whether you get a plain New York-style slice or a Southern-style cheesecake with bourbon caramel swirls and a layer of pecans on top. Between the bakeries and fine restaurants in Gastonia, you'll have plenty of opportunities to find a nice cheesecake when you're in town.     Image via Pixabay.com | CC 0

The Ford Edge is a two-row, midsize crossover, bigger than the EcoSport and Escape but smaller than the Explorer or the Expedition. As such, the Edge offers a nice compromise between the size and capacity of the Explorer and the efficiency and maneuverability of the Escape. Of course, the 2019 also gives you plenty of reasons why you should buy one even if you don't compare it to Ford's other SUVs. Two Strong Engine Options The three regular trims come with a 2.0-liter I-4 engine. Normally that's small for a midsize crossover, but thanks to the EcoBoost turbo design the engine pumps out 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. It can also give you an EPA-estimated 29 mpg on the highway. Then there's the engine on the special ST trim, a 2.7-liter V-6. This engine also comes with an EcoBoost turbocharger, and thanks to that you get up to 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The ST The 2019 Edge ST is the first official SUV trim to come from the Ford Performance Team, and they did more than just drop in a bigger engine. The ST comes with a set of paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, giving you full control over the shifting with a quick move of your hand. You also get a Sport Mode button, and when you press it the Edge will start shifting aggressively, rev matching during shifts, and adjusting its performance based on your driving style. Sport Mode also boosts the engine sound in the cabin. more Ford Co-Pilot360 Ford Co-Pilot360 is a suite of driver assistance features that come standard on every 2019 Ford Edge. It includes automatic high beams that shut off when it senses an approaching car ahead, the Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, and a rearview camera complete with a camera lens washer. You also get the Lane Keeping System that can automatically keep you in the middle of your lane, the Driver Alert that warns you when you start drifting off, and the Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking. Ford SYNC The on-board infotainment system is SYNC, a user-friendly interface that controls the 2019 Edge's audio and climate control systems. On the SEL and above trims, you get an upgrade to SYNC 3, a newer version that adds things like advanced voice recognition, compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, an extra USB port, and an available upgrade with nine premium speakers and a navigation system. With either version you'll get an available Wi-Fi hotspot and a complimentary subscription to SiriusXM Radio. There are more reasons to own a 2019 Ford Edge where these four came from. You can explore more features by checking out Ford's website, or you can see what it's like for yourself by checking in with your local Ford dealership and scheduling a test drive of the newest model. One way or the other, you'll soon discover what makes the 2019 Edge an award-winning SUV.   Image via ford.com

A hamburger can be a pretty simple food: all you need is some ground meat, a bun, and a grill. However, you can take hamburgers to the next level by using high-quality meat, adding a nice blend of spices to the mix, topping the patty with a perfect blend of ingredients, and putting it all together on a homemade bun. Finding a burger in Gastonia, North Carolina, is easy, but if you want something better than the usual fast food joint you should head over to one of the local spots on this list. Peace N Hominy Q Peace N Hominy Q is on Catawba Street in Belmont, just a short drive south of Wilkinson Boulevard. It's an old-fashioned Carolina barbecue restaurant that smokes its own meats using a house-made sauce. It's a great place to get pulled pork and beef brisket, but they also offer hand-pattied burgers and hot dogs. You can get yours American style, Carolina style, or with chili and cheese. Their signature burger is the Big Butt Burger, a beef patty topped with pulled pork, bacon, American cheese, onions, and the house-special barbecue sauce. Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes, and Fries Despite the name, you'll find the Hwy 55 in Gastonia in Franklin Square between I-85 and US-74. Hwy 55 is a popular North Carolina franchise diner, and although it's expanding outwards you'll still find most of its locations in the state. At Hwy 55, the burgers are the stars, which is why they make a point of hand-pattying each one and never freezing the meat. They offer options like the Carolina Classic topped with onions, chili, and slaw, or you can have one covered in bacon and pimento cheese. more Grille Works Food and Drink Grille Works is a local spot down on South New Hope Street. They offer a nice blend of American diner food like potato skins, Caesar salad, onion soup, and fish tacos, plus they have some Italian classics like hot subs, pasta, and bruschetta. For burgers they offer both a basic half-pound beef patty and a black-bean veggie patty as a vegan alternative. You can top it however you like, or you can try one of their burger specials like the Southern with chili and slaw, the Smoked with mushrooms and gouda, or the Brunch with fried eggs. Balls Grill and Produce Balls Grill and Produce is a local diner down on South York Road near the edge of town. It's a very old-fashioned place, but you can see from the clean interior that the owners still care about giving their customers the best experience they can. Like the name says, you can buy fresh produce from their store, and they also have a simple menu full of options like hot dogs, salads, and some surprisingly awesome burgers. Gastonia has no shortage of fast-food burger joints, same as any other city. However, if you look hard enough, you'll find some great places to eat burgers that put those fast-food patties to shame. Image by Gerry Dincher via Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original

Ford has recently brought back the Ranger, a midsize pickup truck, to complement the full-size F-150. This gives Ford truck buyers some extra variety and something to choose if a regular F-150 happens to be a little bigger or a little more pricey than you'd like. Both trucks are good options if you want a tough, dependable pickup truck that can get you and your cargo to your destination, so finding the right truck depends on what you need. Power and Towing Both the 2019 Ranger and 2019 F-150 lead their classes in some categories, but how do they stack up against each other? The Ford F-150 comes with a total of six engine options, including an efficient EcoBoost V-6, a powerful V-8, a diesel engine, and a performance engine for the F-150 Raptor. The Ranger only comes with a single engine, a 2.3-liter I-4, but it's able to get 270 horsepower out of that engine. The F-150 can tow over 11,000 pounds with the diesel and V-8 engines depending on the configuration, and the Ranger tows up to 7,500 pounds. Configurations The 2019 F-150 can come with a one-row Regular Cab, a Super Cab with two rows and half rear doors, and the SuperCrew with two full sets of doors and enough room to comfortably seat adults in the back. The Ranger comes with its own Super Cab and SuperCrew sizes, but the dimensions are smaller to match the smaller truck. The F-150 box can be 5.5, 6.5, or 8 feet in length, and the Ranger offers 5 and 6-foot models. Both trucks can have a 2x4 or 4x4 drivetrain. more Safety Both Ford pickup trucks offer a wide range of safety and driver assistance features, but the Ford Ranger is the only 2019 model to come with Ford Co-Pilot360. Co-Pilot360 is a package that combines several important safety features, including the Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, the Pre Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, automatic high beams, a rearview camera, and the Lane-Keeping System. Ford Co-Pilot360 is available on the base XL trim and standard on the Ranger's other two trims. Off-Road Performance No matter which model you get, both the F-150 and the Ranger are very capable on dirt roads, gravel, and off-road trails. With the Ranger, you can get an off-road package on any 4x4 trim that gives you an off-road suspension, off-road tires, tough skid plates that protect the underbody, the Terrain Management System, and Trail Control. The F-150 can come with off-road features like a locking rear differential, an off-road suspension, and Hill Descent Control, but the best features come on the F-150 Raptor performance trim. When you want a pickup truck that's easier to drive in crowded city streets and doesn't need as much fuel per mile, the Ford Raptor is a good choice. When you need a lot of towing power and off-road capability, you should get the F-150. Stop into Tindol Ford today and compare how each truck rides. Either way, Ford trucks are always among the best on the road.   Image via Ford.com

Charlotte, North Carolina is known as a popular place for food lovers. For those who love sweets or just enjoy the taste of some freshly-baked goods, you can find something to suit your palate at one of the many popular bakeries in the city. Whether you call Charlotte home or find yourself venturing there for a day trip, you can find something you've been craving at one of the Charlotte bakeries listed below. Amélie's French Bakery A popular bakery, for both tourists and locals alike, is Amélie's French Bakery located in Charlotte in the NoDa district, which is one of the city's most popular art destinations. The bakery features tasty baked goods, great coffee, and even an art gallery to enjoy during your visit. The location is open 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The atmosphere is eclectic, yet relaxing, boasting comfortable furniture and unique artwork from some of the areas burgeoning artists. The menu is known for its authentic French pastries, soups, and savory items. The shop is known for locally roasted Magnolia Coffee blends. Two of the most popular menu items include the Cafe Marcotte which is espresso, vanilla bean, simple syrup, salted caramel, and sea salt and the salted caramel brownie. more Bar Cocoa Bar Cocoa is located inside the Rit-z-Carlton in Uptown Charlotte and is known for its upscale and unique offerings as well as its amazing window display that stops passersbys in their tracks. Crystal Broadbent is the head pastry chef and brings a unique flair and decadence to her menu. She starts with classics like banana pudding and brings them up to a level that hits the senses on all levels. You can enjoy your items on the sidewalk terrace or at a cozy inside table. You can even help create your favorite items by joining in one of the bakery classes the kitchen offers. The bakery is a favorite for die-hard chocolate lovers and offers some popular favorites such as red velvet cupcakes, coconut cakes, French macaroons, house-made gelato, and Norman Love Confections. Las Delicias Bakery For dessert lover's who enjoy pastries and bread with an international flair, you'll want to make a stop at Las Delicias Bakery on Central Avenue. Head pastry chef Zhenia Martinez brings the traditional recipes that her mother brought when she came from Chihuahua, Mexico to the citizens and tourists in the Charlotte area. The bakery offers classic bakery items and favorites from many Central and South American countries. The chef's favorite dish, and a hit with all those who stop in is her trenza which is braided bread with raisins and Bavarian cream. Other popular favorites include passion fruit cake and churros. Locals of the area are also known to grab some tamales during their visit which have been ranked the best in the city. Check out one or all of the bakeries listed above on your next visit to the Charlotte area for some desserts and pastries that you will never forget. Whether you are craving the classics, looking for items with a little international flair, or looking for a unique twist on your favorites, you can find something to suit your palate in the city of Charlotte. Image via Pixabay

The Ford Mustang remains an iconic muscle car with the power, performance, and look of a modern performance vehicle. The 2019 Mustang sees just a few changes including the return of the Bullitt and some changes to the available features. Also new for 2019 is a California Special limited edition package for the GT Premium. Here are some reasons why the 2019 Ford Mustang is your dream sports car. The Power The base engine for the Mustang is a 2.3-liter four-cylinder that delivers 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Once you get into the GT models, the Mustang gets a 5.0-liter V-8 that gets 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. For the Bullitt model, Ford tweaks the V-8 to generate 480 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard with an optional 10-speed automatic. The Mustang Models The 2019 Mustang lineup starts with the EcoBoost which has 17-inch wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, and launch control with the manual transmission. The EcoBoost Premium adds 18-inch wheels and some interior upgrades. The GT models come with 18-inch wheels, and the GT Premium adds extra comforts with the EcoBoost Premium. The Bullitt stands out with its Highland Green exterior paint, Bullitt badging, and special wheels. more The Technology A 4.2-inch display screen comes standard in the EcoBoost along with Bluetooth and two USB ports. The EcoBoost Premium upgrades the stereo; adds an 8-inch touch screen; and comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the Sync 3 infotainment system. The GT and GT Premium have similar technology. Safety technology includes a rearview camera on all models, while the GT models add rear parking sensors. Additional safety technology available includes blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Performance Packages The Performance Package for the EcoBoost and the GT comes with larger brakes, 19-inch wheels, summer tires, and a larger radiator. It also adds stiffer front springs, a large rear stabilizer bar, and the option for MagneRide adaptive suspension dampers. The Level 2 Performance Package is an available option for the Mustang coupe with the manual transmission and adds the MagneRide system and wider wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. It also adds a front air splitter and track suspension tuning. The Cabin The Mustang comes in both a coupe and a convertible and seats up to four passengers. Cloth seats come in the lower trims with leather upholstery added starting with the EcoBoost Premium. This model also gets you upgraded cabin trim elements, automatic climate control, and power-adjustable front seats. Additional upgrades for any of the models include a heated steering wheel, navigation, and Recaro front sport seats. The 2019 Ford Mustang is a dream sports car for any driver who loves speed and power. It still has its iconic look but with modern upgrades and new technology. Stop by Tindol Ford in Gastonia, NC today or schedule a test drive to experience the 2019 Ford Mustang first-hand! Image via Tindolford.com

The Ford Ranger is back, and it is better than ever. The latest generation of the Ranger is a vehicle that drivers can take to work and take on a weekend adventure, but still fit in their garage. The truck has the same T6 platform as the global Ranger, which has been popular overseas since 2012, and it comes with all your favorite Ford technology and convenience features. Meet the 2019 Ford Ranger. Exterior Style The 2019 Ranger comes in either a SuperCrew or a SuperCab body style and in three different trim levels. The XL starts with 16-inch wheels and a manual-locking tailgate. The XLT steps things up with 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, and an upgraded look for the front grille. This model also adds a more remote tailgate locking and unlocking system. The Lariat is the top-level trim and comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights, and LED headlights. It also adds an LED cargo lamp. Engine and Performance The Ranger comes with Ford's 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost turbo engine that generates 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain gets the Ranger up to highway speed quickly while the 10-speed automatic transmission shifts with precision and easily finds the right gear no matter what type of driving you're doing. It can tow up to 7,500 pounds when equipped, and the SuperCrew can handle up to a 1,860 payload. You can expect to get about 21 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive. Technology The base XL has a 3.5-inch center display screen, a USB port, and an auxiliary jack. Stepping up to the XLT will get you a 4.2-inch center screen, Ford Sync, and a 4G Wi-Fi hot spot. The Lariat has the best technology with its 8-inch touch screen and Sync 3 infotainment system, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Most of the tech in the Lariat is available as options in the lower-end models, and the Lariat offers the option to add an upgraded Bang & Olufsen stereo and a navigation system. Safety Features Standard safety features in the Ranger include a rearview camera, automatic headlights, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The XLT adds automatic high beams and the Co-Pilot360 system with lane keeping assist and a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. Both the Lariat and the XLT offer the option to add adaptive cruise control. Off-Road Capabilities The FX4 Off-Road package comes with off-road tires, upgraded suspension tuning, and upgraded shocks if you want to take the Ranger over rough terrain. The package also adds front tow hooks, an electronic-locking rear axle, skid plates, and Ford's new Trail Control low-speed crawl control system. The 2019 Ford Ranger is an exciting new version of the old favorite. It offers a smooth ride, the latest technology, good fuel economy, and off-road capabilities for those weekend adventures. Image via Ford.com

Tindol ROUSH Performance is honored to once again be named the #1 ROUSH Dealership in the World by ROUSH Performance. The ROUSH Cup Presentation was held at the dealership in Gastonia, NC on March 5th, with Jack Roush Jr awarding the trophy to Lyle Sturgis and the TRP Team. This award is a true testament to our passion for all things ROUSH and our commitment to our huge community of ROUSHKATEERS! Thank you to all of our customers and ROUSH enthusiasts for attending the event.

Freezing for a great cause! Team Tindol was happy to have been a part of such an awesome event, the 2019 YMCA Pledge 2 Plunge. The Gaston County community stepped up and had 64 plungers take part in this event and over 300 people come out to support the event. At the end of the day the Warlick Family YMCA raised over $58,000. These dollars will allow the Y to: - Provide a safe place for parents to send their children to attend our afterschool program - Provide an amazing experience for children to attend summer day camp - Teach life saving water skills to children through our swim initiative - Provide a 12 week support program to cancer survivors

Girl Scout Troop 20927 visited Tindol to earn their Car Care Badge. Their Leaders are Becky Lipka (36 years as a GS Leader) and Tina Anderson (20+ years as a leader). Toni Biddix, Shawn Pearson, Lisa Fischer, Karen Upton, Michelle Hovis and Chad Owen all shared the many aspects of a car dealership with them and taught them about safety, maintenance, safe driving, what to do in an emergency and how to drive for a greener world. Thank you all for visiting and for letting Tindol share the love for what we do with the girls!

Date night doesn't mean you have to spend a lot of money. You can put a lot of thought into an evening with your partner or significant other and make it special without dipping too far into your wallet. Here are some inexpensive date night ideas near Charlotte. Visit Local Wineries There are six different wineries within an hour's drive of Uptown Charlotte. Most of the tours and tastings are under $10 and even include a complimentary glass. Your date night can turn into a daytime date and include a scenic drive to one of the wineries. The list includes Cauble Creek Vineyard in Salisbury, the Childress Vineyards in Lexington, and the Douglas Vineyard in Kannapolis. Childress and Douglas more both offer wine slushies for a refreshing treat on a warm day, and you can find out about events on their websites. Check Out Local Comedians at Comedy Zone Comedy Zone is the local comedy club where you can see some of the up-and-coming local comedians on open mic night. Tickets are just $10 if you buy them in advance, and open mic is usually on Tuesday. The club also has a full lineup of events that you can check out on the website, with the price range of tickets listed right on the event page. Coming up this spring, you can see John Caparulo, Funny on the Fly, and JJ Williamson. Go For A Hike If you both like the outdoors, take your date on a hike. Just 40 minutes outside of Charlotte, Crowders Mountain has over 20 miles of hiking trails. The trails range from easy to strenuous so you can choose how hard you want to work. If you're up for a challenge, the Backside Trail is less than a mile, but it ends with 337 steps to get to the summit. The Pinnacle Trail is less of a challenge, but it still has a large boulder to get around and a steep switchback. Explore Local Art Museums Admission is free at The Mint Museum on Wednesdays from 5-9 p.m. You can stroll through one of the largest art collections in the area for your date night. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art has Bechtler By Night on the third Friday of every month when they offer free admission from 5-9 p.m. Explore the four floors of the museum to see the over 1,400 pieces of modern art. End the night at one of the city's local food joints for burgers and comfort food. Places such as Mr. K's, Zack's Hamburgers, and Brook's Sandwich House all offer options for just a few dollars. You can also stop for ice cream, and each enjoy a small cone or sweet treat. The options for an inexpensive date night are unlimited. The Charlotte area has so many unique attractions and sights to see that you don't have to pay for. Just take the time to make a plan, and you'll both have a great time. Image via Flickr by James Willamor /Under use by CC BY-SA 2.0

It seems like new sandwich shops are constantly popping up around North Carolina. With everyone claiming they have the best sandwich, it can be overwhelming to pick just one. Check out a few of the top-rated sandwiches in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area. French Onion Grilled Cheese at Papi Queso You might have seen the Papi Queso black food truck driving around downtown Charlotte. Papi Queso has also been seen on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" and has made a name for itself with their mouthwatering, delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. Notable sandwiches on the menu include the smoked chicken and the mushroom gruyere, but the French onion grilled cheese is a must-try. This sandwich comes topped with wine-braised onions, poblanos, and gooey, melted American and Provolone cheeses. Make sure you wash down your sandwich with either the root beer or cream soda drinks. more Ding Dong at Pinky's Westside Grill Pinky's Westside Grill is known for pushing the limit and testing out food combinations you could have never imagined on your own. You can order a burger or chicken sandwich Ding Dong style, which consists of crunchy peanut butter, sriracha sauce, and honey-cilantro slaw. Order your sandwich with a side of southern slaw or fried squash. If you are still hungry, make sure you try one of the unique hot dog creations. Pinky's also has a full bar menu and a fun and comfortable dining room, making it a great place to check out. Chicken Salad Sandwich at Rooster's Rooster's has a large sandwich menu, each item made with high-quality, fresh ingredients. But, if you are going to try just one item, make sure it is the chicken salad sandwich. The chicken salad sandwich at Rooster's is unlike any other chicken salad sandwich you have ever had before. This sandwich is homemade daily, complete with fresh ingredients and served on warm rye bread with red tomatoes and leafy lettuce. The Olympian at The Common Market The Common Market has evolved from a local convenience store to a popular sandwich shop in Midtown Charlotte. Just one of the must-try sandwiches on the menu is the Olympian. This large sandwich is topped with fresh turkey, feta cheese, red onion, green pepper, olive tapenade, tomato, and lettuce. The Olympian pairs perfectly with one of the available fresh salads or hot soups. In addition to sandwiches, the Common Market also has hot coffee, live music, and craft beer. The Chicken and Egg Sandwich at the Local Loaf Although a breakfast sandwich, the chicken and egg sandwich at the Local Loaf is delicious any time of day. The sandwich which comes with a poached egg, hand-breaded chicken tenders, and a homemade chipotle cheer wine sauce is was ultimately led to the Local Loaf's popularity. They also serve drip and cold-brew coffee and locally sourced snacks. Check out a few of the best sandwiches that Charlotte, North Carolina, has to offer. Each one is sure to fill your craving for a fresh, unique, and fulfilling lunch option. Image via Flickr by Felipe Valduga / Under use by CC BY 2.0