4 Interesting and Unusual Places to Visit Near Little Rock, AR

This fall, Little Rock, AR, is brimming with fun activities, and your 2025 Ford Explorer is the ideal buddy for all your adventures. Whether you're taking a scenic drive through parks or packing up for a family outing, the Explorer’s spacious cabin makes it perfect for any fall excursion. Here at Crain Ford of Little Rock, we’ve highlighted the best fall activities you can enjoy with your Ford Explorer. Food Truck Festival Kick off the fall season with the Downtown Little Rock Food Truck Festival on September 22! This annual event is a favorite in the heart of Little Rock, featuring around 80 food trucks offering a variety of delicious eats. Whether you’re a food or just want to be surrounded by good vibes, there will also be live music setting the mood and local businesses showcasing their goods. It's a fun-filled day for the whole family. Stroll through the bustling downtown streets, enjoy tasty food, and support local vendors—this festival is the perfect way to welcome fall! Arkansas State Fair The Arkansas State Fair, running from October 11-20, is a fantastic fall event for family and friends. With fun rides for all ages, delicious food, and various drink options, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're craving classic fair treats or looking to try something new, the fair has it all. The lively atmosphere, thrilling attractions, and endless entertainment make it a perfect way to create unforgettable memories this fall! The 2025 Explorer comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but its available Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive is perfect for use at the fair, effortlessly handling parking spaces in mud and rocks. Parks Exploring parks in Little Rock during the fall offers many outdoor activities and scenic beauty. As the leaves change color and the temperatures change, it's an ideal time to enjoy the city's numerous parks. Whether you’re in the mood for hiking, casting a line in the Arkansas River, or simply taking a stroll, Little Rock’s parks provide a perfect backdrop for fall adventures. With options like Riverfront Park or Two Rivers Park for stunning views and different trails for a scenic walk by the water, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the season’s excitement. Enjoy the fall air as you make the most of these outdoor spaces with the Explorer’s roomy interior. Cargo Space: 85.3 cubic ft. behind first row (85.8 cubic ft. on Explorer Active Model) 46.0 cubic ft. behind second row 16.3 cubic ft. behind third row If you’re looking for breathtaking views that top all of Central Arkansas, head to Pinnacle Mountain. Pinnacle Mountain State Park features over 15 miles of trails. It’s the perfect spot for an adrenaline-fueled adventure with some of the most spectacular scenery. Pumpkin Patches We can’t forget the fall activity staple, pumpkin patches. Visiting pumpkin patches in the fall is a cherished tradition for many people. These patches are more than just a place to find your pumpkins; they often feature a variety of fun activities like hayrides and photo opportunities that capture the spirit of fall. Whether you’re searching for a classic carving pumpkin or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, pumpkin patches like Motley’s Pumpkin Patch provide a delightful way to embrace the season’s charm and create lasting memories. The Ford Co-Pilot360 in the 2025 Explorer keeps you safe at the pumpkin patch with features like Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and Pre-Collision Assist, helping you navigate busy areas and avoid obstacles as you search for the perfect pumpkin Take your 2025 Ford Explorer to your favorite seasonal adventures. The Explorer is ready to accompany you on all your fall outings. At Crain Ford of Little Rock, we’re excited to see how you’ll make the most of this beautiful season with your Explorer! CLICK HERE TO LOOK AT THE 2025 FORD EXPLORER INVENTORY IN LITTLE ROCK, AR

We get it, life can be stressful. So, if you're looking for relaxing activities close to Little Rock, AR, we've got your back. There are plenty of cool stops around where you can take some time to relax and breathe without having to worry about a stressful plane ride or long road trip! Copper Well Retreat If you're looking to relax, you don't need to travel any further than 12418 Cantell Rd. Featuring spa services for the mind, body, skin, spirit, and sole, Copper Well Retreat has everything you could want for a day of relaxation and pampering from head to toe. Plus, their yoga and gatherings mean you can calm your mind while still exercising your body if you so desire. Greers Ferry Lake Do you enjoy relaxing on the water? Do you own your own boat? Then it's worth the drive to visit Greers Ferry Lake, located at 700 Heber Springs Road North. Tow in your favorite fishing boat with your powerful Ford F-150 and get on the water in no time. There are also several great restaurants close to the lake, along with several lakeside resorts and camping spots. Whether you want to come here for the day or spend the weekend, the lake is a great recharge spot. Bathhouse Row Inside Hot Springs National Park, you can find eight bathhouses available for a day of pampering. Most of these bathhouses have been in operation since the early 1900s and feature a lot of history. You can find this one-of-a-kind landmark at 101 Reserve St. If hiking is more your style, there are also plenty of trail spaces surrounding bathhouse row. There is also Whittington Park, where you can stroll through the park or pack a picnic for a scenic lunch. The Old Mill When you arrive at the Old Mill at 3800 Lakeshore Drive, you may find yourself thinking it looks familiar, and if you've ever watched Gone With the Wind, it is. It's featured in the opening scene of the iconic movie. Of course, that's not the main reason you should take a drive there. The mill and the attached T.R. Pugh Memorial Park are great places to unwind for an afternoon. There are plenty of ducks to feed, beautiful sculptures to look over, and strategic footbridges and seating for you to sit and relax a spell while you watch the water. There you have it, plenty of relaxing and calm activities within driving distance of Little Rock. If you're still looking for a comfy vehicle to relax in once you're home again, be sure to cruise into Crain Ford of Little Rock, where we can get you in the comfortable and relaxing ride you've been searching for!

Warmer weather and long days can only mean one thing: spring has arrived. Anyone who has lived in the Natural State knows that the change of seasons brings with it unique experiences that you can enjoy only for a few months. So, if you're looking for fun spring activities you can drive to from Little Rock, AR, here are three of our favorite destinations. 1. Spring Walks at Petit Jean State Park Celebrate spring with a wildflower walk through Petit Jean State Park, located at 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road in Morrilton. Led by Arkansas State Park Interpreters, these easy walks are perfect for nature enthusiasts of all ages. From trees and wildflowers to butterflies and songbirds, a trip to Petit Jean State Park is a great way reconnect with nature after a long winter indoors. After you finish your spring walk, be sure to visit the focal point of the park, the historic Mather Lodge. In addition to the scenic views of Cedar Creek Canyon, Mather Lodge has 24 guest rooms, a restaurant, meeting rooms, and a gift shop. 2. Strawberries at Holland Bottom Farm Spring is strawberry season in Central Arkansas, and you don't want to miss it. Strawberries typically ripen in April with the warm weather and finish by early June. You can find strawberries at farmer's markets across Little Rock, but going directly to the source in Cabot is worth the trip. Holland Bottom Farm, located at 1255 Bill Foster Memorial Highway in Cabot, is one of the best places to go for just-picked strawberries. Family-owned and operated for more than 30 years, everything at Holland Bottom Farm is picked fresh daily. Since they often sell out before the end of the day, call ahead before you and your friends hit the road in your Ford Escape. 3. Strawberry Shortcake from Bulldog Restaurant During strawberry season, people travel from all over to Bulldog Restaurant for its famous strawberry shortcake. Located at 3614 AR-367 in Bald Knob, Bulldog Restaurant has been serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, 363 days a year (they're closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) for nearly 40 years. Bulldog's strawberry shortcake, which is known to have eager diners waiting in lines out the door, is a local legend. Lyda Miller, the grandmother of Bulldog's founder (Bob), used to sell shortbread out of her home—until she could no longer keep up with demand. In the 1990s, Lyda's daughter (Lucille) adapted the recipe, so it could be made in her son's restaurant: and the rest is history. With the extra daylight hours, you will still have time to stop by Crain Ford of Little Rock on your way home. Whether you want to check out the latest Ford F-150 or learn about special offers and deals, our team can help you find a new vehicle that can take you on all your exciting trips this spring. Image via Pixabay.