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There’s just something about a fresh, real Christmas tree that we love. The smell, the ambiance, and supporting a local business are just a few of the benefits of cutting your own Christmas tree. But where can you find a real tree to cut in the Bay Area? Here are some of our top picks that include some family fun to make a day out of your Christmas tree cutting. Most tree farms in the Bay Area open the day after Thanksgiving, and getting there early will give you the best pick of a tree that your family will love. Best of all, there are several farms on this list that will get you out of the city and into nature while providing family-friendly fun and food. more Castro Valley Christmas Trees Located just north of Castro Valley, this locally-owned Bay Area tree farm has a wide variety of tree species. Take in the beautiful views of the East Bay Hills as you put in some muscle with the provided saw and twine. Rancho Siempre Verde Your favorite Bay Area pumpkin patch is a U-Cut Christmas tree farm, too! Visit Rancho Siempre Verde for a full day of fun with tractor rides, ocean-view swings, and more. You can even make your own matching wreath for a festive craft. Santa’s Tree Farm and Village This Half Moon Bay tree farm is fun for the whole family. Nearly 500 acres of trees await, along with train rides, a gift shop, and fun with Mrs. Claus. Not up for cutting your own tree? Pre-cut trees and wreaths are also available. Four Winds Christmas Tree Farm Choose from a wide variety of trees - some up to 16 feet tall! - in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Visit during the weekend for treats like hot apple cider and candy canes by the fire. Get there early to beat the crowds! Silveyville Christmas Tree Farm Another great way to spend a full day with the family is at Silveyville Christmas Tree Farm, a family-owned business near Dixon. Visit the animal farm, take a seat by the firepit, take a ride on Santa’s sleigh before choosing your perfect tree. Do you have a favorite tree farm that’s not listed here? Let us know to share the Christmas joy with our Bay Area neighbors! If you need a vehicle that can transport your new tree, check out the selection at your nearest Carnamic.

Whether you’re visiting the Bay Area for the holidays or planning your own holiday staycation, you have tons of options. In fact, it can almost be overwhelming. Planning your holidays in the Bay Area can be less stressful when you have one or two places in mind, and we’ve rounded up some of our top picks for where to spend your holiday in the Bay Area this year. more Fairmont Hotel If you’re looking for a magical winter wonderland, it doesn’t get better than the Fairmont Hotel. Holiday Tea, a 2-story gingerbread house, and specially-decorated suites await at this beautiful San Francisco hotel. There’s a holiday cocktail list and champagne bar for the grownups, too. Don’t forget about the gourmet Christmas buffet! Westin St. Francis Stay at the iconic Westin at Union Square for holiday fun in the heart of the Bay Area. It’s centrally located with easy access to public transportation, plus it has its own holiday perks like a recently-unveiled sugar castle and tickets to a special Christmas brunch. Palace Hotel Visit the historic Palace Hotel for a luxurious holiday getaway. Located on Market Street, you can just as easily check out some of the nearby attractions as well as stay in for ice skating, breathtaking decor, and Santa Tea. Fisherman’s Wharf It may seem unconventional at first, but there are several well-known and boutique hotels in Fisherman’s Wharf that would make an amazing holiday retreat. Stay at the Argonaut Hotel for a one-of-a-kind experience in a great location, or opt for a budget-friendly stay and splurge on a seafood dinner. Meritage Resort & Spa Would you rather spend your holidays in Napa? The Meritage Resort & Spa has everything you’re looking for. There’s no shortage of special holiday-themed dinners including one for the wine lovers, and the ice skating rink offers up great views of the Napa Valley. We hope you enjoy your holiday season in the Bay Area! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the team at Carnamic.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, Christmas is almost here! There’s something magical about twinkling bulbs lighting up the city, and the Bay Area offers up some of the best light shows you can see. Whether you want to stay in your own neighborhood or check out some iconic sights, there’s no shortage of light shows to choose from in December 2023. more Let’s Glow SF Want to see the biggest light projection show in the country? Then you can’t miss Let’s Glow SF 2023, which runs December 1-10th. Themed drinks and treats from local vendors are available for purchase, but this show is free to attend. Fantasy of Lights 2023 Walk or drive through the Fantasy of Lights at Santa Clara Parks. Pre-paid admission is required, but you can check out over 50 lights displays during the 25th anniversary of the show. Fairmont Gingerbread House Who wouldn’t want to live inside a giant gingerbread house? Now you can visit a scaled-up real gingerbread house decorated with lights and candy. This life-sized attraction is here until January 1. Happier Holidays at Pier 39 Check out lights along the waterfront at Pier 39’s nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Watch as the 60-foot live tree comes to life every 30 minutes while you take in everything the pier has to offer. You can head to Pier 39 from now until January 7th, 2024. Holidays at Filoli See this historic house in a different light- literally! Holidays at Filoli offers a winter garden tour full of light sculptures and includes photos with Santa and other holiday fun. Winter Wander-land at Union Square For a mix of the old and the new, visit Union Square for their full-on holiday celebration. Lights, life-sized ornaments, and much more await at the iconic Union Square. Kids and adults alike will love the 83-foot tree decorated with over 43,000 lights! Which lights shows will you be attending? If you need a new ride to visit one, you can find the perfect vehicle for you and your family at Carnamic!

Car manufacturers are adding the latest and greatest in safety and driver assistance technology that help drivers stay safer on the road. If you’re looking for a new car for yourself or your family, you’re probably looking at the list of safety features and wondering which are must-haves. It’s well-known that a vehicle should have a well-constructed body with crumple zones and airbags, but what about other features? These are some of the most-requested features here at Carnamic, and we think you’ll love them in your next vehicle, too. more Most Wanted Safety Features Rear Cross Traffic Alert We’ve all found ourselves in the same situation: in a cramped parking lot sandwiched between two tall vehicles, unable to see if another shopper or driver is about to cross behind. Rear cross traffic alert applies to vehicles crossing your path when your vehicle is in reverse, and some vehicles can warn you of pedestrians or other objects. Adaptive Cruise Control Stop-and-go traffic is far less stressful with adaptive cruise control, a feature that automatically accelerates or applies brakes to keep you a consistent distance from the vehicle in front of you. It also comes in handy during long drives on the highway, allowing you to focus on the road instead of maintaining a safe distance. Blind Spot Monitor Traveling in multiple lanes of traffic can be hard to manage, but with blind spot monitoring and warning, you can keep track of surrounding vehicles’ positions. Most vehicles have a light indicator on the side mirror to let you know when a vehicle is in your blind spot so you can safely change lanes once it’s passed. Cameras and Monitors Whether it’s a rear back-up camera or 360° monitor, a second set of eyes is always helpful. For example, Hyundai’s SmartSense gives a birds-eye view of your vehicle, and Mitsubishi’s Multi-View Camera System has several wide-angle views of your vehicle’s exterior surroundings. Automatic Emergency Braking You can’t always predict what surrounding vehicles are going to do. With Automatic Emergency Braking, you can avoid a collision with help from your vehicle. It can detect a sudden stop or other object ahead and apply the brakes for you. Shop New Vehicles at Carnamic Are you ready for a new vehicle with the latest safety features? Visit your nearest Carnamic location today! We have both new and pre-owned vehicles with all the features you’re looking for.

Choosing the right vehicle can feel daunting. You want one that checks all the boxes: affordable, comfortable, versatile, and roomy enough to fit all your needs. That can be especially challenging in the Bay Area where long commutes, hilly terrain, and difficult parking are the norm. But finding the right vehicle while living in the Bay Area isn't impossible - just follow Carnamic's guide! more Best Vehicles for a Long Commute There are two things to look out for in a vehicle when you have a long commute: reliability and fuel economy. The last thing you want is to break down or run out of fuel in the middle of rush hour - especially on a hot day. When it comes to reliability, Kia ranks high among automakers, and a bonus customer favorites like the Sorento come in hybrid versions for a boost in fuel savings. You can also go fully electric with options like the Nissan Ariya for a 304-mile range with zero fuel and zero emissions. Best Vehicles for City Driving Maybe fuel economy isn't as much of a concern as navigating narrow streets and tight corners. In that case, a more compact vehicle might be a better choice. You can still go for a hybrid or electric vehicle with the Nissan Leaf, or stick with the wallet-friendly Mitsubishi Mirage with its 15.1-foot turning radius. Parking will be much easier, and so will hitting the hills with features like Hill Start Assist. If budget is a concern, you'll find that these compact options fit the bill, or you can go with a used or certified pre-owned vehicle for more savings. Best Vehicles for Families The life of a family in the Bay Area is undeniably busy. It can get downright hectic sometimes, and having a vehicle that can adapt while holding all your kids, their friends, and their gear is a necessity. Look for three rows of seating that can easily fold down to give you access to cargo space or seating, like the Mitsubishi Outlander. Two rows of seating might also be plenty, in which case you might like the Hyundai Santa Fe's power liftgate and infotainment system. Shop New Vehicles in the Bay Area at Carnamic When it comes to finding your ideal vehicle for your Bay Area lifestyle, you have lots of options. No vehicle is one size fits all, but you can find the right one for you at Carnamic. We have several locations across the Bay Area with a helpful team that can help you find just what you're looking for. Contact us today to get started!

Hybrid, PHEV, EV - there are a lot of new terms in the auto industry, and all point toward electrification. Most of us are used to driving a gas-powered combustion engine, leaving a lot of questions about new electric technologies. As more Carnamic customers transition to hybrid and electric vehicles and start the car shopping process, many of them ask us: what's the difference between a hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle? We're here to answer all your questions and help you find the best fuel-saving vehicle in the Bay Area. more Hybrid vs. Plug-In Hybrid There are several similarities and differences between a hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicle. What you choose is up to you and your lifestyle. Do you like the idea of electric-only driving or would you prefer the convenience of a hybrid powertrain that doesn't require charging? Both are great options, so let's go over the basics of what makes a hybrid different from a plug-in. Hybrid A hybrid electric vehicle uses an electric motor as well as a gasoline engine to boost efficiency and fuel economy while maintaining the convenience of a regular car. A battery pack supplies power to the single or dual electric motors, allowing the vehicle to rely on both power sources. Regenerative braking sends power to the battery, charging it up as you drive for seriously impressive MPG. Some examples include the Kia Sorento Hybrid and the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. Plug-In Hybrid Plug-in hybrids have all the same components of a hybrid electric vehicle with a few major differences. A PHEV charges like an electric vehicle - that is, with a charging cable in a wall outlet. PHEVs have the ability to travel on electric-only power for a range of around 30 miles on average, allowing for emissions-free driving for a short commute or trip to the grocery store. You can charge a PHEV at home or at a public charging station, although they also utilize regenerative braking for a small surge of power. Examples of PHEVs include the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Hyundai Tucson PHEV. Which one is right for you? Are you unsure of whether you should choose a hybrid or plug-in hybrid? Don't worry - Carnamic is here to help! Visit one of our Bay Area locations for a test drive and to learn more about how each electrified vehicle works.

Drivers across the Bay Area are looking for new ways to keep their vehicle more secure. One way to do that is with the CARNAMIC CONNECT app. When you purchase a new or used vehicle from Carnamic, you have the opportunity to add our app-based monitoring service that adds security and peace of mind to your investment. With vehicle thefts and break-ins on the rise, there's no better way to secure your vehicle and keep it safe. more What's included with CARNAMIC CONNECT? With the CARNAMIC CONNECT app, you have access to a suite of safety and security features that allow you to monitor your car, truck, or SUV from anywhere. It's more than that, though; discover everything that CARNAMIC CONNECT has to offer! Alerts, Notifications, and Vehicle Information Do you want to make sure your teen driver is using your vehicle safely? Need to keep track of when your next service should be complete? The CARNAMIC CONNECT app can send you notifications and alerts can do all that and more! Boundary alerts, trip history, driving behavior alerts, and on-demand location can help teach a new driver responsible driving by allowing you to keep track of things like a geofence or excess speeds. Receive alerts for a low battery, recall notices, potential impact, and the date of your next service to keep your vehicle running smoothly and avoid repairs. Theft and Security Features Vehicle thefts have increased dramatically over the last few years, costing over $6 billion annually. Protect your vehicle with location services and theft recovery by letting our team handle a stolen vehicle for you. Stress less as we take over the process to recover your stolen vehicle, and if that's not possible, you'll receive up to a $10,000 reimbursement. Protect Your Vehicle with CARNAMIC CONNECT Do you want to know more how about how CARNAMIC CONNECT can work for you? Contact the Carnamic team today to learn more!

If you're ready to celebrate Independence Day with a bang, you're not alone! We can't wait for all the 4th of July activities going on in the Bay Area, and lucky for us, it's just around the corner. With the 4th just a few days away, we at Carnamic wanted to share some events and activities we're most looking forward to. Come celebrate with us as we mark another year of U.S. independence here in the Bay Area! Best of all, most of these events are free to attend and enjoy. more Parades What's more classic than a 4th of July parade? No matter where you're spending the day in the Bay Area, there's sure to be parades, car shows, and fun near you. There's the Half Moon Bay Ol' Fashioned 4th of July Parade starting at 3pm, Concord's 10am parade taking place after a 5K, and Danville's parade that is celebrating our educators this year. The little ones will especially enjoy the Healdsburg 4th of July Kids Parade and Duck Dash! If you'd prefer some grown-up fun, head over to Sonoma for the Old Fashioned 4th of July Parade followed by some wine tasting. Fireworks Ending your day with a firework's display couldn't get much better. Take in the scenic views of the city at Treasure Island, end your long day of celebrating at Pier 39, or relax on the grass at Crissy Field. The Shoreline Amphitheater offers a unique experience with all-day events ending in a show. Just be sure to score your spot early to get the best views! Concerts and Events Spend your day taking in the sights and sounds with all the fun concerts happening around the Bay Area on the 4th. Head to Meek Mansion for a tour, crafts, and live music. Hop on board the USS Hornet, stop at the Marin County Fair, or take a break at the San Francisco Fourth of July Pub Crawl and Hot Dog Eating Contest. Every event has something different to offer, so why not stop by all of them? If you can't decide what to do, don't worry - many events are all-in-one! You can't go wrong enjoying the beautiful weather, delicious food, and amazing activities across the Bay Area.

You've had your eye on that new car for a while now, and you're ready to take steps to make it yours. It has all the newest technology, most advanced safety features, and enough room to haul the kids and cargo. But now you're faced with a decision: should you lease or finance the vehicle? Both have their advantages. If you like the thought of swapping vehicles often for the newest models, then leasing might be the right choice for you. How does a car lease work? Follow Carnamic's car leasing guide to learn more! more Car Leasing 101 A car lease is an agreement between us, the dealership, and you, the lessee. You pay an agreed monthly payment in order to drive the vehicle - almost like a rental agreement. Instead of paying toward ownership of the vehicle, you're essentially paying toward the estimated depreciation. So what's the advantage of leasing? When you choose to lease, you don't need to worry about a loan. A lease has a set term (usually between 2-5 years) which means that you drive your vehicle of choice for that amount of time. Once the term is up, you have the option to trade in for a brand new vehicle. That gives you access to all the latest and greatest developments and allows you to try out a vehicle that might not otherwise be in your budget. However, leases will have other terms and conditions, like mileage limits or fees for excessive wear and tear. What happens when a lease is over? Once your lease term comes to an end, you have a few options. Return your vehicle to us, trade it in for a new one, or purchase your lease. If you choose to return your lease, you'll bring your vehicle back to Carnamic. We'll perform an inspection and you can simply walk away. Of course, you can also choose to trade in your lease for a brand new vehicle. If you fall in love with your leased vehicle, you have the option to purchase or finance the remaining value. What you choose is up to you! Find New Vehicles Today at Carnamic Learn more about our leasing options at Carnamic! We can find the right lease terms for you, then help you choose your favorite vehicle off of one of our lots. If you decide that leasing isn't right for you, you can also explore our financing options. Visit a Bay Area Carnamic location today to get started.

Moving, downsizing, trading up - there are plenty of reasons you might want to sell your current car, truck, or SUV. Whatever your reason, we make selling your car in the Bay Area simple! At Carnamic, we're the Bay Area's source for new and used vehicles, but that's not all we do. In order to sell used vehicles at the best prices, we need a pre-used inventory, and that's where you come in. more What's my car worth? Whether you want to simply sell or trade in for a new model, your first question might be: what's my car worth? Knowing your car's value is helpful if you're looking to budget for a big purchase or put it towards a new vehicle. If you want an estimate for your car's value, our website is a great place to start. Fill out this form with details about your car's make, model, year, and condition. Then, we'll assess its value and offer an estimate. It's as easy as that! Our simple pricing takes all the guesswork out of finding out your car's value so you can sell with confidence. Sell or Trade Not sure if you want to sell or make a trade? No problem! Once you have an estimate for your car's value, you can browse our new and used inventory to find a vehicle that catches your eye. We're also just as happy to purchase your car and send you on your way. If you do find a new car you like, though, we're here to help you find financing and lease options that cover the remaining value after your trade-in. When you're ready to start, just visit one of our many conveniently located Bay Area locations to start your sale or trade. Carnamic is your one-stop shop for all your car selling needs. Sell Your Car at Carnamic So, are you ready to sell? Contact the Carnamic team today for personalized service and assistance with your sale or trade. Our team is ready to help and answer any of your questions about car selling or trade-in process. We look forward to buying your car!

Where better to celebrate Dad than the Bay Area? Father's Day is fast approaching (June 18th), and now is a good time to think about what to do for Dad's big day. Since some dads can be hard to shop for, we've put together these fun experiences you can gift to your favorite father. After all, time spent together might be the best gift of all! more Five Things to Do on Father's Day in the Bay Area, CA Why not enjoy the beautiful June weather at your dad's favorite game? The Oakland A's are playing the Padres in a four-game series from the 19th-22nd, so don't forget to wish him a Happy Father's Day before you attend. If soccer is more his thing, he might enjoy seeing the hometown San Jose Earthquakes take on the Portland Timbers at PayPal Park on the 17th. Another great way to get outside is to take Dad to the North Beach Festival on June 17th and 18th. Enjoy one of San Francisco's largest street fairs with food, music, and more! There will be over 100 vendors attending, so let him pick out something you know he'll love. There are two live music festivals that we're sure Dad will love to attend on Father's Day Weekend. There's the Father's Day Bluegrass Festival that takes place all weekend at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Or, head to Healdsburg for the 25th Anniversary Healdsburg Jazz Festival with Grammy Award-winning artists and local favorites. For the car guy in your life, there's the Father's Day Car Show at Blackhawk Museum. Check out everything from classic cars to hot rods while enjoying live music. If you're closer to Antioch, you might enjoy the car show at Willow Park Mercantile. Bonus - you'll be right by plenty of great brunch spots like the Solid Rock Cafe Antioch, Smith's Landing Seafood Grill, and Monica's Riverview! Get active with the whole family and enjoy the zoo in a totally unique way. The Father's Day BikeAbout at the San Francisco Zoo is a great way to see the animals from a new perspective while you learn about conservation and animal families. Get there early for a free continental breakfast! Celebrate Dad with a New Car Give your dad the ultimate gift on Father's Day 2023 - a new car, truck, or SUV from Carnamic! Visit us any day of the week to help Dad find his next new ride. Contact us today to learn more!

We love living in the Bay Area. The sun, the warm weather - what isn't there to love? Unfortunately, our favorite things about living here can be what causes the most damage to our vehicles. Sun and heat are incredibly hard on both the interior and exterior of vehicles. Even the engine can take an extra beating from the heat. So, what can you do to protect your new vehicle from sun damage? Follow these simple tips to protect your car from Carnamic. more Tips to Protect Your New Vehicle from the Sun Since we're exposed to the sun's rays year-round, it's especially important to take extra steps to stop the threat of damage. Although all Carnamic vehicles come with Paint and Fabric Protection, is that really enough? While the Zurich Shield might help save you from spills or tree sap, you might want another layer of protection from the sun and heat. Park in the Shade It makes sense that avoiding the sun altogether will provide the most protection from the sun's rays. Even though it's not always easy finding an open parking spot in the shade, always take one when you can - even if it's a bit of a walk from your destination. Cover Your Seats and Windows The last thing you want is for your luxurious leather seats to get dry and cracked. That's where seat covers can help. They can protect your skin from hot seats as well as keep your leather or fabric seating from deteriorating and becoming damaged. While you're add it, consider a folding window cover to keep the sun out when you can't find shade. Wash and Dry Keeping your vehicle's exterior clean can feel like a pointless task, but it's one that does more than keep your vehicle looking great. Washing and drying often will remove the dust and debris from your vehicle. Finish with a fresh wax to protect the paint from harmful UV rays. Routine Maintenance Every driver dreads a breakdown, and your car can overheat more easily without proper maintenance. Be sure to regularly change your oil and flush fluids. A maintenance plan or extended warranty can make your job easier! Find Your New Car at Carnamic If you're ready for a new car, truck, or SUV, stop by one of Carnamic's many Bay Area locations! We can give you more tips on maintaining your vehicle, recommend protection plans, and help you keep your new car looking its best.