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You've seen the badge on the back of Jeeps everywhere, but what does it mean for a Jeep to be Trail Rated? That silver emblem guarantees that a Jeep vehicle can conquer dangerous terrains. Here's what makes a Jeep Trail Rated. What Does It Mean for a Jeep to Be Trail Rated? When Trail Rated Jeeps were first introduced in 2004, they changed the way consumers bought vehicles. Now drivers could own a vehicle that was built for both the road and off-road adventures. The Trail Rated badge has become a trusted indicator of a vehicle's durability and adaptability to any circumstance. In order for a Jeep to become Trail Rated, the Jeep must pass strict specifications regarding vehicle traction, maneuverability, ground clearance, water fording, and off-road articulation. Those specifications allow a Jeep to overcome bad weather, challenging terrain, and other obstacles without hindering the driving experience. The current Jeeps to have passed these tests are the Wrangler, Compass, Renegade, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. more What Earns a Jeep its Trail Rating? In order to become a Trail Rated vehicle, a Jeep must meet certain standards in a variety of tests. Many of these tests take place in the icy, rocky terrain of Northern Michigan while others require the Jeep to traverse the boulders of the Rubicon trail. While on these trails, a Jeep's performance is tested on the following areas. Water Fording You wouldn't dare take most vehicles through a body of water that would reach up past the chassis, but a Trail Rated Jeep is designed to take on such an environment. When a Jeep enters a high level of water, it seals off electrical connections and body openings. Air intakes are also positioned higher up on a Trail Rated Jeep to avoid being flooded. Maneuverability When driving off-road or in dangerous road conditions, every movement of the tires matters. Jeep takes this into account when their vehicles become Trail Rated. Your Jeep must be able to respond quickly enough to avoid obstacles without losing traction. That means these Jeeps have precise steering and wheelbases optimized for handling narrow trails and dangerous situations without putting you in danger. Articulation Whether on the road or off, a Trail Rated Jeep must be able to remain stable. When a Jeep is articulate, that means the vehicle has a flexible suspension that can handle potholes and sharp dips in the road or trail. It also means that a Jeep can remain stable when one or more tires are hanging in the air. Ground Clearance While out on the trail, the last thing you need is for a log or rock to damage the under-body of your vehicle. Fortunately, a Trail Rated Jeep provides the ground clearance necessary to avoid such obstacles. Following the tests that allow a Jeep to become Trail Rated, these vehicles are guaranteed to be fun, flexible, and fortified. They're designed to keep you safe without sacrificing performance. To see for yourself what a Trail Rated Jeep can do, come visit us at Ourisman CDJR. Image via Flickr by Larry Lamsa / under use by CC BY 2.0

The food scene in Old Town Alexandria is consistently praised by magazines and websites as one of the best in the Washington D.C. area. Only minutes from downtown D.C., Old Town Alexandria offers top-class dining options to suit every taste. Blackwall Hitch For a taste of the nearby Chesapeake Bay, head to Blackwall Hitch on Cameron Street. They focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients to create their menu each week. Start your meal with their exquisite Maryland crab soup or try their freshly shucked oysters. They also have fire-roasted flatbread that pairs perfectly with their crab dip or baked Brie. Blackwall Hitch isn't just focused on locally sourced food, the drinks menu is also packed with regional wines, beers, and spirits. Choose from their signature cocktail menu for something unique like Salted Melontini made with Deep Eddy Vodka, Watermelon Pucker, fresh basil, lime and orange juices, and simple syrup. more It's a great place for an after-work drink or a nice date night. It's not too stuffy, but it's also not an ultra-casual dining option. Mains cost $20-30 with the catch of the day and seafood-heavy dishes leaning on the more expensive end of the spectrum. During the week they're open from 11 a.m. until midnight. On Fridays and Saturdays, they're open until 2 a.m., and on Sundays, they close at 10 p.m. Brabo Brabo is the place to be if you want to experience European fine-dining in Old Town Alexandria. The restaurant is located on King Street and also offers a more casual dining option next door at their Tasting Room. But it's at the Brasserie where you'll find a blend of French cooking styles and local Virginia ingredients. Start with a Charcuterie board of international cheeses, pate, and chorizo, along with locally made bread and condiments. The roasted pork chop and braised pork belly is one of the most popular dishes on the menu if you don't want to choose from their extensive steak menu. There are also weekly plates which are chosen by the chef and use ingredients that are in peak season. Main dishes cost $25-40. If you have a starter, a main, and a drink or two, you're looking at spending about $80 per person for a meal packed with flavor and style. Brabo is open daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. during the week. They stay open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and are open for brunch on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Bastille Bastille is another fantastic restaurant in Old Town Alexandria. Head here for lunch or dinner to enjoy classic French dishes such as escargot or steak with a bearnaise sauce. They also offer a set menu for dinner during the week, which is great value at $39 for three courses or $49 for four courses. This doesn't include a drink. Bastille is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday. On Sundays they are open for brunch from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., then they reopen from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. They are closed on Mondays. Next time you're in Old Town Alexandria, try out one of these top restaurants. Image via Flickr by Ron Cogswell / under use by CC BY 2.0