Image by Karrie Zhu from Pixabay
In Manchester, IA, we’re huge fans of Chinese food. We’ve chosen some of our favorite Chinese restaurants within easy driving distance that we’d like to tell you about.
Grand China
Grand China is known for its modern interpretations of classic Chinese food. Their subtle changes to age-old recipes have won them numerous fans, some of whom will drive more than an hour just for their food. This family-owned restaurant has been the go-to place for fine Chinese food in Monticello, IA, for many years, and when you try their food, you’ll understand why.
They have a large menu, including pork, beef, chicken, and vegetarian options, and their ample portions mean you’re sure to have leftovers to take home. It’s very difficult to pick a particular favorite dish of ours, as we love the unique tastes they’ve mastered with these recipes. If we had to pick a favorite, it’s probably the Szechwan chicken with steamed rice. Grand China can be found at 116 E 1st Street, Monticello.
Does Your Chevy Need a Transmission Repair?
Your transmission must be in good working condition to ensure the smooth running of your Chevrolet because transmission problems will affect your car’s overall performance. Below are ways to tell when to take your Spark, Malibu, or Traverse to your Chevy dealer for a transmission repair.
Does Your Chevy Need a Transmission Repair From Your Chevy Dealer?
Your Check Engine Light Is Illuminated
A problem with your Chevy’s transmission will trigger your check engine light. Ignoring the warning is asking for trouble because transmission problems worsen quickly, resulting in higher repair costs. Get a diagnostic test at your dealer to determine what is causing the issue and get it fixed as soon as possible.
Read the rest of this entry »
When you consider financing options for a new car purchase, there are many benefits in choosing a plan through your dealership instead of a bank, credit union, or outside lender. Your GMC dealer can provide greater flexibility, convenience, and better rates for car financing.
5 Benefits of Getting Car Financing for Your New GMC, Buick, or Chevy at Your GMC Dealer
1. Extended Loan Terms
While most banks and financial institutions offer car loan terms between 48 and 60 months, you’ll have greater options with a dealership, where a loan term can be extended up to 72 months. You’ll find longer loan term agreements allow for more affordable payments and allow you to buy a more expensive car or a model with more features and accessories.
Read the rest of this entry »
Manchester, IA, is a great small town with plenty of local attractions. If you’re looking for something fun and family-friendly to do, here are four great options within driving distance of Manchester. Whether you want to explore nature, learn about history or have fun, these places will keep you entertained!
Castle Theatre
Castle Theatre, located at 112 Main Street in Manchester, is a renovated 19th-century vaudeville and movie palace that now hosts a variety of live acts. The theatre, which first opened in 1935, has been extensively restored to its original splendor and boasts a stunning art deco interior.
The theatre also has a cutting-edge sound and lighting system, making it one of the most technologically equipped venues in the area. The Castle Theatre hosts live performances of musicals, plays, stand-up comedy, and other genres.
The alternator is a crucial part of your engine. It produces the electrical power for all your GMC systems and maintains your battery at full charge. An alternator will gradually wear out, and you’ll need an alternator repair or replacement at your GMC dealer. We’d like to give you advice on some signs that your alternator could be failing.
3 Signs You Need an Alternator Repair at Your GMC Dealer
Loose or Damaged Connections
The electricity produced by your alternator has to get to the electrical systems that need it. Electricity is transmitted through your car by a vast network of cables and wires. These wires are insulated to protect against electrical shorts and the harsh conditions of your car’s engine. If you start experiencing an electrical problem, there could be faulty wiring or connections.
From colorful foliage to plump pumpkin patches, there’s something special in the air come autumn. Fall in love with these fall activities in the Manchester, IA region.
1. Whitewater Park
If you’re looking for a little adventure, the premier Manchester Whitewater Park is the place to be. While it’s open year-round and 24/7, a kayak or tube ride along the Maquoketa River in the fall–surrounded by the beautiful northern Iowa scenery–is truly a sight to behold. A charming gazebo that provides a bird’s-eye view of the park is the perfect spot to enjoy an autumn picnic.
For over 800 feet, you can take advantage of a wet and wild ride with several drops. Soak in the red and golden leaves that paint the landscape while you take the paved trail to begin your exciting journey all over again. You can have an equally good time on land with the Chevy Tahoe Z71. Packed with features like all-terrain tires, air ride adaptive suspension, and ground clearance to spare, this SUV’s made for off-roading glory.
Does Your Car Need a Brake Repair?
When you get behind the wheel, it’s important to know that you can control your speed. The braking system has numerous parts, and heat, pressure, wear, and the elements all take their toll on these components. As your GMC dealer, we can help when you need a brake repair. These are a few of the signs your brakes need some work.
Signs You Need a Brake Repair at Your GMC Dealer
Your Brakes Screech
Screeching noises from the brakes are a warning. They warn that your brake pads have worn thin and need to be replaced. The brake pads fit into the brake calipers. The calipers are positioned above each of the wheel rotors, and their job is to stop your car. When you hit the brakes, pressurized brake fluid forces the calipers against the rotors. This action generates the friction that stops your wheels.
The friction material on the pads slowly wears down. When the material reaches the point that it needs replacement, a metal spike buried in the pad will become visible. This spike will scrape against the wheel rotor, and produce a high-pitched screeching sound. When you hear this noise, it’s time to come and see us for replacement pads.
©kerdkanno via Canva.com
We love our small town here in Manchester, IA. When we want good ice cream, there are a few places within driving distance that are a lot of fun to visit. We recommend any of these spots if you’re new to the area or just passing through.
Scoop There It Is
At 39561 State Hwy 410, in Strawberry Point, Scoop There It Is is a really popular local spot for dessert treats and a fine view. Their service is perfect, and they have the most delicious flavors of a high-quality hard scoop. They also offer dairy-free Italian ice for those who need to avoid milk products. You’ll find them open from 11 am until 8 pm most of the week, though they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
They do sundaes, shakes, dessert nachos and tacos, banana splits, pop cups for your furry friend, malts, and their own homemade waffle cones. If there’s something that you want that’s not on the menu, just ask. We recommend you try their blueberry cheesecake flavor, and the kids will love their dessert tacos, guaranteed. Just be aware that there’s almost always a line when you get here. That’s because it’s delicious.
Trim Levels of the 2022 GMC Acadia
The new 2022 GMC Acadia has arrived at Bob Stephen Motors, boasting enhanced performance and a range of features. For 2022, GMC has decided to eliminate the previous year’s entry-level SL trim, leaving the 2022 Acadia with a range of 4 trim options. In this quick overview, we’ll explore each of the 2022 Acadia’s trim options to help you choose your ideal Acadia model.
1. SLE
Now that the SL trim has been removed from the Acadia lineup, the SLE trim now stands as the 2022 Acadia’s entry-level model. The SLE trim features a 228-horsepower 2-liter 4-cylinder engine — a significant improvement over the previous year’s 193-horsepower engine. The SLE trim also offers a range of standard infotainment and driver assistance features. The infotainment system centers around an 8-inch touchscreen, features a 6-speaker audio system, and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Read the rest of this entry »
Looking for a great cup of joe in Manchester, IA? You won’t have trouble finding one. We work hard and play harder in our little city, and it’s the rocket fuel served at the awesome local coffee shops that keeps us going, but you might just struggle to pick your favorite. Fortunately, the 2022 Chevrolet Trax LT comes with not one, not two, not four, but SIX cup holders, so you can sample them all in one go and still have space for more!
1. Aunt Emmy’s Cafe
First up is our personal favorite: Aunt Emmy’s. Whether you’re a fan of the simple, freshly-brewed filter coffee (80-cent refills? Yes, please!), or you prefer something a little more extravagant (we recommend the Turtle Mocha, made with dark chocolate and caramel–yum!), Aunt Emmy makes a mean cuppa that’ll keep you coming back for more.
With a list of flavored syrups as long as your arm–from butter pecan to creme brulee–to jazz up your cup, you’ll never run out of mouth-watering flavors to enjoy. And please–please–try the cupcakes; Aunt Emmy’s is famous for them!


