An Indie Top Five That You'll Totally Fall For

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- Fall is such a magical season, a cool interlude, between the sweltering summer and harsh Michigan winter. Innately nostalgic, it haunts us with wonder, engenders the desire for simple comforts, and inspires deep reflection. Nietzsche called it "The season of the soul". At Graff Mt. Pleasant we believe every season and occasion deserves a bomb playlist, so we've gathered a few haunting indie ballads that embody the melancholy energy of the fall. Whether you're chilling by a bonfire or taking a scenic drive, these tracks are sure to set the perfect Autumn mood.

1. SEASONS - FUTURE ISLANDS

Known for their "knotty, poetic lines" Future Islands is one of the lucky few to catapult to the top tier of Indie music. This song is revered as one of their most successful by fans and critics alike for its deep, heart-wrenching vocals, plinky synth lines, and universal lyrics. It's a track about a man with his heart on the line, and cutting your losses and moving on. What could be more fall? The release of one season, the waiting for another to begin. 

2. CINDER AND SMOKE - IRON AND WINE

Iron and Wine is another of the Indie scene's great success stories, with their songs appearing in countless films, TV shows and commercials. Classic and warm, their tracks are full of restrained imagery and offer a bitter, yet longing, perspective on memory, love, and nostalgia. "Cinder and Smoke" describes a conflict between a desire for the way life used to be, and the strange freedom that accompanies loss. With a soft, haunting melody and beautiful lyricism this is a folky track that's the perfect accompaniment to a scenic, Autumn stroll. 

3. ANOTHER STORY - HEAD AND THE HEART

Unlike their Indie contemporaries, Head and the Heart have released a solid folk and Americana  portfolio over the years while receiving much less than their deserved praise in return. "Another Story" was a cathartic project for Head and the Heart as they struggled to come to terms with the events of the Newtown shootings. Melodically stunning, this bitter and brutally honest musing over the unchanging nature of the world is surprisingly up-lifting. 

4. EVERYTHING LOOKS BETTER IN HINDSIGHT - THE WILD REEDS

This virtually unknown trio pumps out some of the most decadent, perfectly-synced harmonies we've ever heard. It's dessert for your ears...seriously. With rare songwriting, comprised of gut-wrenching lyrics, and soft, tinkling melody, their albums are a painfully gorgeous example of the raw talent that exists outside the mainstream music scene. "Everything Looks Better in Hindsight"  is more than just an artsy breakup song, it's a study in the effects of loss, and a careful inquiry into the fragility of memory. This haunting tune is sure to become one of your favorites, it's the perfect accompaniment to a crisp Autumn morning, or a solid choice for your bonfire playlist. 

5. LAUNDRY ROOM - THE AVETT BROTHERS

One of the most well-known and widely appreciated bands in the folk scene, The Avett Brothers have played just about every major music festival, and have a portfolio that includes 12 albums in addition to hundreds of covers. "Laundry Room" contains all the components for an essential Avett Brothers track: stellar lyricism, gorgeous harmonies and a totally kicking, bluegrass breakdown. A time machine back to the enthralling moments of our first love, the verses take us through snapshots of some of the most universally relateable memories: rebelling against our parents to be with someone we loved, and obsessing over the object of our affections. A song with a deep, meditative intro and a jam-worthy conclusion, this is the perfect barn party track. 

Did you like our picks? Let us know what your favorite fall tunes are!

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

5 Fun Activities for a Rainy Day Indoors

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. -- April showers, right? Or in Michigan's case lately, April snow showers. Either way, outdoor activities aren't exactly exciting options during this extra turbulent time of the season, but that doesn't mean there isn't fun to be had right in the comfort of your own home. For kids and adults, here are 5 fun activities for a rainy day indoors.

1. GOOD OL' NETFLIX

It's rainy. It's snowy. It's cold. What a perfect time to forget how dismal it is outside and catch up on your favorite shows inside! Grab some snacks and drinks, plop on the couch, and call upon your good friend Netflix. Rainy days create the perfect atmosphere for a horror flick scare-a-thon, or maybe you'll finally binge every episode of that one series everyone's been borderline spoiling on Facebook. If you have kids, you can never go wrong with Disney, and most of the movies double as a fun sing-a-long!

2. INDOOR EXERCISE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Kids have a ton of energy, and we all know a rainy day doesn't change that at all. Consider some of these fun and active to-dos for your cooped-up kiddos:

• Balloon Ping-Pong: This one doubles as a creative activity. Get a paper plate and tape a popsicle stick to the back, then get some crayons and let your kid customize their ping-pong paddle. Lastly, blow up a balloon and go nuts!

• Dance Party: Throw on some of your kids' favorite music and have a dance party. Mix it up: When the music stops, everyone has to freeze in place until it starts again. Or add a "follow the leader" aspect, switching up dance moves as you make your way around the house.

• Indoor Hopscotch: No really, just hear us out. Get some painter's tape and create a hopscotch grid on your kitchen or dining room floor. The good thing about painter's tape is it'll come off easily when you're done and it won't ruin your floor.

• Hallway Bowling: Fill up some of the plastic bottles from your recycle bin with water, set them up at the end of the hallway, and have at it with any ball you have.

3. HAVE A HOME SPA DAY

Turn a gloomy day into a relaxing one by just pampering yourself. Light some candles, burn some incense, draw yourself a hot bubble bath and kick back with your favorite music, a good book, or both. Be sure to add an exfoliating face mask to your experience, as those are super nice and relaxing as well.

4. GAMES THAT DON'T NEED ELECTRICITY

The downside of technology as a source of entertainment is if a storm knocks the power out, there goes your fun, and wireless devices only last so much longer before they must be charged. In the event of such an occurrence, here some fun games you can play on a rainy day indoors that don't require electricity.

• Pictionary: Draw a thing! Guess the thing!

• Shadow Puppet Theater: Prop up a flashlight to shine on a blank wall. Brainstorm a story and use your hands to make it come to life!

• Board Games: The classic activity that never fails.

• Improvised Poetry: One person says a line of poetry, and the next person must make up their own line that rhymes with it, and so on.

5. PLAN A VACATION

Why not beat the rainy day blues by planning a vacation? For real this time! Make a list of places you'd like to visit or ask your kids where they'd like to go. Research transportation, look at pictures read about fun stuff to do while you're there. And, while you're at it, schedule a service appointment with us to make sure your vehicle is at its best for this awesome road trip in the works.

Those are just 5 activities we recommend to spend a rainy day indoors. What do you like to do when the weather has you stuck inside? We at Graff Mt. Pleasant want to know! Your garage counts as "indoors" as well, why not also use the rainy day to rundown your Spring Car Care checklist? If you're thinking about getting an entirely new ride, take a look at what we have in stock and schedule a test drive!

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

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2018 Chevrolet Traverse - A Fresh Take On Mid-Size SUVs

MT. PLEASANT, Mich.,––If you didn't make it to the North American International Auto Show last month, we've got something exciting to show you. The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse has been revealed and is a fresh take on mid-size SUVs. The bold new body and refined styling are unexpectedly very different from the latest Traverse model. Not to mention, Chevrolet is out to break boundaries in interior space and thoughtful design. Let's take a look at the 2018 Traverse.

If you like the new look of the Chevrolet Traverse in the photo above, you'll be happy to know the release date isn't really far away. The 2018 model is set to hit dealerships this coming fall. This game-changer is noticeably more boxy and athletic than its predecessor, with a hint of Tahoe and Suburban design. On the exterior you'll see stylish chrome accents, LED lighting, and available D-Optic headlamps.

You'll get a larger range of options with two new trim levels. The new RS trim level is made for those looking for a more sporty performer, while the High Country trim level is made for those looking for a more luxurious vehicle. The RS trim will feature 'blacked-out' features and a turbocharged engine, and the High Country will feature twin-clutch AWD, advanced technology, and premium Suede and Leather materials on the interior.

Speaking of the interior, the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse has big goals of being, well, the biggest. The new model Traverse is going to offer 98.5 Cu. Ft. of space which should offer the best-in-class passenger volume and cargo room. You and your passengers, up to 8 people total, will enjoy better storage options throughout the vehicle with larger bins, pockets, and the Smart Slide second row seating.

Advanced technology and safety features will take the stage in the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Surround Vision, Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Forward Braking, and Rear Seta Reminder are just a few features you'll find in the new Chevy Traverse.

The new 3.6L V-6 engine and 9-speed transmission are proposed to offer about 10% more horsepower than the 2017 Traverse, plus more confidence in towing. A FWD model has been estimated to received 25 mpg highway. There's so much to look forward to!

The fresh 2018 Chevrolet Traverse mid-size SUV is again set to hit dealerships this fall, so stay tuned to our blog for upcoming news in the meantime. If you just can't wait to check out the Chevrolet Traverse, you can get a taste by taking a test drive of the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. We'd be more than happy to give you a tour of Chevrolet's SUV lineup.

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, and YouTube