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.

Who Do You Drive For? Chevy Joins The Fight Against Breast Cancer

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- Chevrolet, it's more than a brand, more than a manufacturer. For over 100 years Chevy has built a legacy of beneficence, from disaster relief to veteran's programs and youth sports sponsorships.  This October, they join the fight against breast cancer for the eighth year in a row, taking a stance of solidarity to survivors and those undergoing treatment all over the world. 

In hopes of raising 400,000 for the American Cancer Society, Chevrolet has promised a $5 donation for every post that contains the #IDriveFor hashtag on Twitter and Instagram until their goal is reached. The hashtag has already gained huge momentum in social media trends, with hundreds of posts featuring survivor stories, photos of loved ones who lost the battle with cancer, and PINK EVERYTHING. Join Chevy in making strides in the fight to end breast cancer everywhere by sharing your story, post a picture, and tell us who you drive for. 

The #IDriveFor hashtag is not the only initiative that Chevrolet is taking to spread awareness this October.  Numerous displays, events, and activities are scheduled to take place all month long and Chevy invites you to participate, one way to do so is to register for a making strides event near you, to find a walk in your area, click here: https://bit.ly/2qxH5ic

Employees of Chevy and brands underneath their banner are joining in the campaign as well. With walks scheduled to occur throughout the month of October in most major cities. Detroit will wave it's pink flag on October 13th this year at Hart Plaza, near the GM Renaissance Center. A celebration for survivors and caregivers, live music and speeches have been scheduled, along with a rolling start walk, and various activity areas. Chevrolet will also donate $350 dollars for each caution lap completed by the Team Chevy-commissioned pink Chevrolet Camaro SS pace car at the Monster Energy NASCAR cup series races.

Chances are, you or someone you know has been affected by breast cancer. Join the movement, spread awareness! Share your story, using the #IDriveFor hashtag on Twitter and/or Instagram. Connect, show solidarity and share your inspiring story today!

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.

6 Tips for Safe Halloween Driving

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – On October 31st, parents, children, ghosts, ghouls, and goblins will all make their way to the streets to take part in the annual tradition of trick-or-treating. However, due to the busy atmosphere and large crowds of people walking around at night, Halloween is also one of the most dangerous times of the year. According to Safe Kids USA, children are twice as likely to be involved in vehicle-related accidents on Halloween than they would any other day of the year. Make the road safer for trick-or-treaters this year with these 6 tips for safe Halloween driving.

1. Check Your Oil and Coolant

Your vehicle's oil and coolant help to regulate the temperature of your engine, preventing it from overheating as you drive. Without proper oil levels, your engine's components will rub against one another, creating friction, producing heat and causing damage to important parts of your engine. Additionally, a low coolant level can cause heat to produce at a much faster rate, which can quickly create problems within your engine and its components. An overheating engine can cause a vehicle to break down and increase the chances of traffic buildups and accidents on the road. Keep an eye on your fluid levels to increase your safety on the road!

Our Recommendation: You should have your oil changed every 3,000-5,000 miles, or whenever your vehicle owner's manual tells you to do so, and have your coolant checked and changed every 30,000 miles. If you aren't sure how to check your oil or coolant, our guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions and indicators to determine whether or not you need your oil or coolant changed!

2. Test Your Headlights and Taillights

If you're planning on driving at night, one of the most important components to check before you hit the road are your headlights and taillights. Your headlights will help you spot pedestrians and hazards on the road as you drive, keeping both you and other trick-or-treaters safe this Halloween. Your taillights serve a similar purpose, as they help to notify pedestrians and other drivers behind you when you are preparing to stop or take a turn. Making sure your headlights and taillights are in working condition can make a huge difference this Halloween season.

Our Recommendation: Bring a friend along for this one! When the sun goes down, have them stand in front of your parked vehicle as you turn it on, engaging the headlights. Next, turn on your left turn signal, then your right turn signal. After that, make your buddy stand behind the vehicle and repeat the process. If they notice any dim or dark headlights or taillights, wait until the morning and then bring it into our Service Center. We'll make sure your lights are in proper working condition before Halloween begins!

3. Practice Street Safety

Street safety might seem like a no-brainer if you've been driving for a long time, but people can be very unpredictable on Halloween. Groups will frequently jaywalk or cross the street at the last second at busy intersections. While this may be frustrating as a driver, practicing defensive driving during the holiday season can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a Halloween nightmare.

Our Recommendation: Pay very close attention to speed limits, crosswalks, and other street signs that can indicate whether or not you will need to stop. If you see pedestrians attempting to cross the road, give them the right of way and allow them to proceed. Additionally, if you approach a yellow light, do not try to make the light and cross the intersection! This is an extremely unsafe driving habit and can lead to dangerous consequences. Refer to these Halloween driving safety tips to keep your trick-or-treaters and passengers safe this year.

4. Fill Your Tires

Driving with low air in your tires can affect your vehicle in a variety of ways. You'll experience poor gas mileage, have difficulty braking, and may even encounter damage to your axles or wheels themselves. Keeping your tires properly inflated can help you avoid accidents, costly repairs, and will greatly improve your fuel economy.

Our Recommendation: First, check the amount of PSI or pressure your vehicle owner's manual says your tires should be at. Next, purchase a tire gauge to help you determine your tires' PSI. Finally, head to a nearby gas station or tire inflation center and find the nearest air pump. Unscrew the small cap on your hubcap and insert the air pump, pressing down on the lever to engage the air. Alternate filling your tires with pressure and checking your tires' pressure on the gauge to determine when they are at their appropriate level. Lastly, once you've successfully filled all your tires to their proper PSI, screw the caps back on your tires.

5. Use Your Vehicle's Advanced Safety Features

Do you own a new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac vehicle? Good news! It's probably equipped with a suite of advanced safety features! From the optional Adaptive Cruise Control to the standard Rear Vision Camera, you can make the road a much safer place with your vehicle's safety features.

Our Recommendation: If you own or are interested in buying or leasing a new vehicle, explore some of the advanced safety features that come standard or optional on most GM vehicles, then let us know if you want to schedule a test drive to see how this technology works in person!

6. Have Your Vehicle Inspected

The best way to ensure that your vehicle is run effectively on the road this Halloween is to have it inspected. Our ASE Certified service team members can help with oil changes, coolant flushes, tire changes, headlight replacements, and much more. You can schedule a check-up to have your vehicle's important components inspected to make sure that it is safe to drive.

Our Recommendation: The best way to keep your vehicle in great shape is by staying up to date on its routine maintenance. It's an important part of vehicle ownership that can often be overlooked, but proper care and effort will ensure that your car, truck, crossover, or SUV lasts a very long time.

It is always better to be safe than sorry, especially on a busy and crowded day like Halloween. Make the streets a less dangerous place this October 31st with these 6 tips for safe Halloween driving. As we mentioned earlier, one of the best ways to protect yourself on the road is to take advantage of the advanced safety features available on GM vehicles. Also, let us know if you have any questions or would like to try these safety features for yourself by scheduling a free 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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How to Plan the Perfect Halloween Party

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – Are you hosting a get-together with friends or family this Halloween? If you want to really wow your guests this year, read on to discover how to plan the perfect Halloween party. You'll be able to create the spookiest surprise of October in no time! If you're on the hunt for go-to inspiration, follow our Pinterest page for everything Halloween and more!

Step 1: The Decorations

The first, and potentially most important step, is to plan out your decorations. Whether you're going for a truly spooky look or more of a family-friendly style, you'll want to make sure all of your decorations throughout your home match and fit the theme! Use a few of these tips to save yourself trouble while decorating:

• Decide on a Theme: What kind of get-together are you hosting? Harry Potter? Something spookier? Whatever you're doing, your theme will play a huge part in your decorations!
• Set the Scene: Keep in mind who's attending your Halloween party. If it's all adults, you can up the scare factor, but if you're hosting families, make sure it's not too scary!
• DIY: One of the most fun and creative ways to spruce up your home for Halloween is with DIY decorations. Create these fun and festive DIY decorations to save time and money this year. You can even get your kids to help you make them!
• Don't Forget the Front Porch: Give your guests a frightful introduction to your party by decorating your front porch and doorway. They'll be impressed from the moment they set foot in your driveway!

Step 2: The Food

Next, you'll want to prepare a few spooky snacks for your guests. While candy will certainly be on the menu in October, you'll want to make sure everyone is full and ready to take on the streets with snacks, entree dishes, and other tasty treats. Try these recipes to ease the stress of cooking this Halloween:

• Appetizers: Try a few of these Halloween appetizer recipes, like ghost bananas and Venus fly-trap apples to give your guests a spooky start to their holiday festivities at your party!
• Entree Dishes: Fill the stomachs of your partygoers with hot dog "fingers", "rat" spaghetti, or even spooky pizzas for a delicious burst of energy before trick-or-treating!
• Refreshments: For family-friendly refreshments, try making some spooky grave milkshakes, magic potion punch, or ogre eyes hot cocoa!
• Desserts: Kick up the fear factor with sweet treats like the ghostly s'more dip, Dracula dentures, or the creepily cute Jack-o-Lantern bowls!

Step 3: The Entertainment

No Halloween party is complete without some good old-fashioned fun and games! Bring some amazing and unique entertainment to life this year with music, games, contests, and more! You'll definitely want to give all of these suggestions a try at your next Halloween get-together:

• Host a Costume Contest: Make everyone dress their best for your party and put together a "panel" of judges to pick the best costume. The winner gets a prize!
• Pick a Great Halloween Playlist: You can't beat the music of Halloween. Create a Halloween playlist with everything from Monster Mash, to Thriller, and Ghostbusters this year!
• Plan Fun and Games: Plan a scavenger hunt, bob for apples, read fortunes, and paint faces for fun from dusk till dawn!
• Arts and Crafts: Hosting a party with younger guests? Set aside an arts and crafts table with a few projects and supplies that they can take home when the night has ended.

Now that you know how to plan the perfect Halloween party, your next event is sure to leave every one of your guests spooked and satisfied with their celebration. If you need help planning your next event, check out our Pinterest page for decorations, recipes, entertainment, and more year-round fun! Additionally, did you know that the changing weather of the fall can affect important components in your vehicle? Consult our Fall Car Care guide to learn about what components can be affected and how you can make sure they're ready to take on the colder weather. If you notice anything that may require attention, contact us and schedule a checkup right away! You'll be thankful you did once the snow starts to fall!

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

8 Healthy Alternatives to Halloween Candy

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – Who says you have to load up on sugar this Halloween? While candy is definitely one of the best parts of trick-or-treating, too much of it can make you feel sick. Avoid overdoing it on the sugary sweets this year with these 8 healthy alternatives to Halloween candy. They taste just as good as candy and are twice as spooky!

1. Jack-o-Lantern Oranges

Carve your ordinary oranges into cute Jack-O-Lanterns and fill them with fruit for a creative and healthy snack! These fun and tasty treats are perfect for Halloween parties and get-togethers!

Ingredients: Oranges, strawberries, bananas

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes per "Jack-o-Lantern"

2. Tangerine Pumpkins & Banana Ghosts

With a little bit of creativity (and imagination), you can turn an ordinary party platter into a haunted pumpkin patch by transforming your fruits into tangerine pumpkins and banana ghosts!

Ingredients: Bananas, tangerines, celery, and chocolate chips

Prep Time: <5 minutes per "ghost" or "pumpkin"

3. Spiders on a Log

You've heard of "ants on a log", now meet its creepy counterpart! This easy and fun recipe only takes a few minutes and is a great way to spook your arachnophobic family and friends.

Ingredients: Celery, peanut butter, chocolate chips, dark chocolate

Prep Time: <5 minutes per "log"

4. Apple Peanut Butter Teeth

Take a bite of apple peanut butter teeth for a mouth full of flavor! If you really want to spook your friends and family, pair your apple peanut butter teeth with a pair of monster eyes for added effect!

Ingredients: Apple slices, peanut butter, mini marshmallows

Prep Time: <5 minutes per "mouth"

5. Candy Corn Popsicle

Haters of candy corn, don't worry: these popsicles don't taste like normal candy corn! Instead, these tasty treats are a combination of coconut, pineapple, and mango juice for tropical goodness.

Ingredients: Cream of coconut, coconut water, pineapple juice, mango juice, red food coloring

Prep Time: 20 minutes to create, 6 hours to freeze

6. Cracker Spiders

Want a classic and easy crowd-pleasing snack for your Halloween party? Cracker spiders only take a few minutes to make and you can substitute the cream cheese for peanut butter for an even healthier treat!

Ingredients: Ritz crackers, pretzel sticks, raisins, cream cheese or peanut butter

Prep Time: <5 minutes per "spider"

7. Monster Fruit Salad

This monster of a side dish is an awesomely creative way to get your kids to eat their fruits! If you don't feel like using cucumbers for the "eyes", you can give your monster a new look with limes, instead!

Ingredients: Watermelon, strawberries, pineapples, cucumbers, blueberries

Prep Time: 40-45 minutes

8. Veggie Skeleton

If your kids have a bone to pick with veggies, give them a reason to enjoy them by transforming your boring veggies into a spooky skeleton! You can even have them make their own skeleton so they can play with their food and eat it, too!

Ingredients: Lettuce, cucumbers, mushrooms, red peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, ranch dressing, olives

Prep Time: 20-25 minutes

Enjoy the fun of Halloween without any of the sugary sickness with these 8 healthy alternatives to Halloween candy. Once you give these scary good recipes a try, you'll never want to eat your greens the same way again! If you're on the hunt for more recipes, costume ideas, and all things Halloween, make sure to follow our Pinterest page! We regularly update our boards with holiday inspiration so you can find seasonal fun year-round! While you're getting supplies for your healthy recipes, make sure your vehicle is ready to take on the cold weather with our Fall Car Care guide. If you find anything that may require attention, contact us and schedule an appointment for service right away!

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

The Scariest Haunted Houses Near Mt. Pleasant

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – Trying to hunt down some Halloween-themed terror this October? Experience all the frightful festivities of the season at the scariest haunted houses near Mt. Pleasant. We warn you, though– embarking on these terrifying trips will fill your heart with fear! If you're feeling brave, visit any of these haunted houses for a truly bone-chilling experience.

Terror on 27

Located in Ashley, MI, this haunted property is said to be home to the graves of over 100 workers that helped to build the US-127 highway...but some of the workers still inhabit the house. Visit Terror on 27, if you dare!

Travel Time from Mt. Pleasant: 30 minutes

Scare Level: 4/5

Hinterland Haunted Attraction

Experience gut-wrenching horror, heart-pounding suspense, and more at the Hinterland Haunted Attraction, located in Ashley, MI. Think you're up to the task? Visit the Hinterland Haunted Attraction to find out for yourself.

Travel Time from Mt. Pleasant: 40 minutes

Scare Level: 4/5

Midland Code Breakers

Put your minds and bodies to the test at the Zombie Escape attraction at Midland Code Breakers! Do you have what it takes to make it through the zombie-infested challenges that lie ahead?

Travel Time from Mt. Pleasant: 35 minutes

Scare Level: 2/5

Night Stalkers Haunted House

Located in a massive 5 story, 60,000 square foot building, Night Stalkers will bring your darkest fears to life in Mid Michigan's largest haunted house. Try your best to escape the terrors that await you at Night Stalkers in Saginaw!

Travel Time from Mt. Pleasant: 1 hour

Scare Level: 5/5

The Edson Incident

For a truly terrifying experience, the Edson Incident, located in Bay City, offers 5 levels of exploration on a Vietnam-era US Navy Destroyer. Will you survive the twists and turns of the USS Edson? Find out for yourself this Halloween!

Travel Time from Mt. Pleasant: 1 hour

Scare Level: 4/5

Trail of Terror

Known throughout Mid Michigan as the most intense haunted trail of its kind, the Trail of Terror in Williamston will give you and your group a truly terrifying experience as you make your way through its horrors!

Travel Time from Mt. Pleasant: 1 hour 15 minutes

Scare Level: 3/5

If you're looking for a good scare this Halloween season, look no further than the scariest haunted houses near Mt. Pleasant. You'll discover the true meaning of terror after setting foot in one of these supremely spooky locations! Before you head out to any of these haunted houses, make sure your vehicle is ready to take on the changing seasons with our Fall Car Care guide. If you find anything that may require attention, bring your vehicle in for service and we'll get it looked at and repaired right away! If you're on the hunt for Halloween inspiration for your cooking, costumes, and decorations, follow our Pinterest page for updates on all things Halloween!

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