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! 

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Created with power and technology in mind, the seven-passenger Explorer SUV is ready to take on the road. Whether you are commuting daily with the entire family or opting for long vacations on the road, the 2023 Ford Explorer can take on any adventure. Here’s a quick overview of the 2023 Explorer.

2023 Ford Explorer Basics

Designed with intention, the 2023 Explorer is an SUV that performs at peak with an available towing capacity of 5,600 pounds and three engine options to choose from. Seven drive modes are available, including sport and tow/haul, to help you optimize performance based on the road conditions. Additionally, a 10-speed automatic transmission creates a smooth driving experience, and side-wind stabilization features keep you grounded in windy conditions.

Hybrid Model

Available on the Limited and Platinum models, a 2023 Hybrid model edition brings additional perks to the Explorer. The Hybrid comes with a powerful 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque. Towing up to 5,000 pounds, the Hybrid SUV is ready for road trips when paired with the Trailer Tow Package.

Comfortable Interior Features

The 2023 Explorer is designed to keep seven passengers comfortable with available multi-contour seats for the driver and front passengers. These multi-contour seats include massage features to keep you alert on lengthy road trips.

The cargo room is maximized with available Powerfold third-row seats. An available cargo management system includes extra storage space under the floor and side pockets. Additionally, multi-color ambient lighting sets the interior mood in conjunction with the B&O 12-speaker sound system.

Durable and Bold Exterior

Durability is a must with an SUV as you navigate rough terrain, and the Explorer delivers eight trim models to fit your needs. Adaptive headlights create better reaction times on the road, and a twin-panel moonroof brings the outdoors in for a quick breeze.

The power liftgate helps you load and unload conveniently as you pack for vacations or complete grocery store runs. And optional equipment features like the skybox, frontloader, and MegaWarrior cargo basket help customize the 2023 Explorer to your traveling needs.

Technology Assistance and Connection

Staying connected is easy with the Explorer’s Amazon Alexa features that connect the Ford and Alexa App to your smartphone for voice-activated features. In addition, a wireless charger helps you stay charged and ready with your smartphone on your drives.

Parking is also easier with Active Park Assist 2.0, which guides you into parking spots with your 2023 Explorer. The standard safety features, including post-collision braking, rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera, also create ease with navigation as you park your SUV.

A range of features inside the 2023 Explorer creates a driving experience of ease and convenience. From the various equipment customizations to the technical assistance, the Explore is designed with the driver in mind. Drive down to Crain Ford of Little Rock today to take the Explorer for a test drive and experience the SUV for yourself!

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The 2023 edition of the Ford Mustang Mach-E combines the power, presence, and muscular aesthetic of the classic Ford Mustang with the cutting-edge performance and convenience of an all-electric compact SUV. With up to 480 horsepower and heart-thumping acceleration in a comfortable, spacious, near-silent SUV, you really have to test drive a Mach-E to experience it for yourself. Visit your local Ford dealer to find out more. 

A Closer Look at the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E

Head-Turning Good Looks

The 2023 Mach-E is a gorgeous-looking crossover that really stands out in a crowd of SUVs. The striking Mustang front grill and aggressively curved hood with sleek side and roof contours lend the Mach-E an appearance of pent-up power ready to glide forward at any moment. 

Read the rest of this entry »

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Make way for the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, an all-electric truck with power in spades. The F-150 Lightning has explosive acceleration and incredible battery capacity that ensures you can get where you want to go. This workhorse has impressive horsepower, a tremendous towing capacity, and a luxurious interior. Read on to learn more about the ’23 F-150 Lightning.

All-New

The ’23 F-150 Lightning hits the streets with two electric motors and an incredible all-wheel drive system as its standard. The standard-range battery in this pickup truck produces an impressive 452 horsepower. However, if you upgrade to the extended-range battery, your available horsepower jumps up to 580. This truck can move from 0 to 60 in just 4.0 seconds.

The ’23 F-150 Lightning has more torque than any F-150 in history. The Lightning delivers an incredible 775 lb-ft of maximum torque. This electric truck is highly capable and reliable.

Range and Battery

The ’23 Lightning has a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery pack protected by a tough exo-structure. This ensures that it is protected from the elements whether you are on or off the road. This impressive battery comes with a standard range of 240 miles. However, you can upgrade to the available extended-range battery that provides an EPA-estimated 320 miles.

The best part about the range in your ’23 Lightning is that it’s intelligent. Your truck monitors your drive as you go and estimates your range based on traffic, road grade, payload, towing wights, weather, and more. Then, as conditions change, your Lightning updates your estimated change to keep you informed.

Work-Space Interior

The spacious cabin of the ’23 F-150 Lightning offers cloud-based connectivity and advanced technological features. Multiple power outlets are spread throughout the cabin to ensure everyone can keep their devices charged. The interior of the ’23 Lightning seats up to five passengers comfortably with easy access storage underneath the rear seat.

The ’23 Lightning features a stowable gear shift that hides away with just the press of a button. This turns your pickup into a functional mobile office with plenty of space for your laptop, notebooks, and more.

Frunk

Ford has removed the traditional gas engine in the F-150 Lightning and given you a mega power frunk. This frunk has four 120-volt outlets and two USB outlets for your convenience. This is excellent for when you are camping and need to power a cooker or blow up your air mattress. This space is perfect for storing your gear while on the go.

If you want an environmentally friendly truck that can pull a maximum of 10,000 lbs, check out the ’23 F-150 Lightning from Ford. Drop by Crain Ford of Little Rock, ask us for more details about this incredible truck, and visit our model showroom today.

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If your car starts sputtering and shaking one day, you might have a faulty ignition coil. The ignition coil in each of the engine’s cylinders generates a high voltage of electricity that allows the spark plugs to keep igniting the fuel. So when an ignition coil fails, the engine struggles to function as usual. Here are five signs that you may need to have at least one ignition coil replaced at your local Ford dealership.

Your Engine Sounds Unhealthy

Ordinarily, the engine of a modern Ford car should have a smooth and healthy sound at all times. If you notice it suddenly starts to sputter, cough, and judder, then a spark plug inside your cylinders is probably misfiring. 

This might be due to a problem with the spark plug itself, or perhaps the airflow into the combustion chambers has been disrupted. But it might also be a failing ignition coil that’s no longer providing sufficient voltage for the spark plug to function properly. 

You’re No Longer Idling Smoothly

Whenever you pause to rest in idle, such as when waiting at an intersection, your engine is put under a little more pressure. But if everything is working well, the engine shouldn’t have any trouble with idling, even for extended periods. 

When an ignition coil is failing, however, at least one combustion chamber will really start to find idling very difficult. This is why you’re most likely to first notice misfiring when you slow down or pause with the engine still on. 

Your Car Suddenly Stalls

When an ignition coil gives out altogether, the spark plug won’t fire at all. In this case, you might find yourself suddenly stalling at inopportune moments. You might also have trouble starting your engine again, especially if more than one ignition coil has failed.

Your Car Starts Backfiring

When a faulty coil causes misfiring, an excess of unburned fuel can build up inside the combustion chamber. This excess fuel may eventually start seeping back into the exhaust system, where it can ignite, causing a loud bang and black smock to emerge from the tailpipe. 

Your Check Engine Light Comes On

Fortunately, modern Ford vehicles are equipped with an impressive array of highly sensitive computerized sensors. These sensors will usually pick up on the problems caused by a faltering ignition coil before you do. You’ll then see the check engine light come alive on your dashboard, prompting you to have a technician take a look.

How Often To Replace Ignition Coils at Your Ford Dealer

High-quality OEM ignition coils in modern Ford cars can last 100,000 miles or more in a well-kept car. But sometimes this lifespan can be diminished by a faulty spark plug or other combustion chamber problems. The excessive heat and dusty environments we sometimes have around Little Rock also tend to take a toll on ignition coils. 

Have your ignition coils checked, repaired, or replaced today at Crain Ford of Little Rock. We’re a family-owned dealership with family members working on-site every day, and we believe in treating our customers like family too.

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Are you in the market for a full-size SUV that’s both comfortable and capable? Take a look at the 2023 Ford Expedition. This powerhouse of an SUV offers drivers plenty of impressive features that set it apart from the competition. The 2023 Expedition is one of the most popular SUVs, boasting a spacious interior, advanced technology, and outstanding engine power. 

Striking Exterior Design

The 2023 Expedition’s bold front fascia and elegant grille are just the beginning of this SUV’s stunning design features. The front grille features the twin spar design, which gives it a distinguished look. Plus, it is finished in ebony black paint, adding to the vehicle’s imposing presence. The 18-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with magnetic painted pockets will impress anywhere you go while improving its performance on any terrain.

The LED reflector headlamps add both style and function to the 2023 Expedition. These headlamps provide excellent visibility while also enhancing the vehicle’s exterior design. Moreover, its configurable daytime running lamps allow you to customize the lighting pattern of your vehicle, giving you more control over how your car looks on the road.

Powerful Engine and Performance

The 2023 Expedition comes equipped with a powerful 3.5L EcoBoost engine, which delivers up to 400 horsepower and 480 lb.-ft. of torque, making it an ideal choice for drivers who want a vehicle that can handle any terrain. Paired with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, this SUV offers smooth gear transitions and precise control over your driving experience.

In addition to its impressive powertrain, the 2023 Expedition also boasts a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,000 lbs. Furthermore, it also features auto stop-start technology, which helps to conserve fuel and reduce emissions by automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop. This feature can be especially useful in heavy traffic or during commutes where stops are frequent.

Luxurious Interior  The all-new Expedition accommodates up to five passengers in comfort and style. The tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control ensures that every passenger can customize the temperature settings according to their preference. Also, cargo management will be easier than ever thanks to the cargo management system included as standard equipment on all trims. This system includes an adjustable shelf behind the second-row seats that allows you to create compartments to organize your belongings while traveling.

For those who want a little extra luxury, the panoramic vista roof is available as an option. This feature lets in natural light and offers stunning views of the surroundings. It’s perfect for city dwellers who want a break from skyscrapers or for nature lovers who want to take in scenic landscapes.

Visit Crain Ford of Little Rock to test drive the great 2023 Expedition today!

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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.

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Crain Automotive, RV, Powersports, and Collision Centers would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to all of those impacted by the devastating storms. For years, Arkansans have been here for us, now we would like to be there for you. We have partnered with the American Red Cross to assist in the recovery of our local communities. The Crain Team is dedicated to helping those in our community and across the state. We are Arkansas Driven and community focused.

For those who can donate, you can do so by visiting one of our dealerships and someone from our team of professionals will be able to assist you in helping the people of our community who were impacted by the storms and tornadoes. If you are unable to visit one of our dealerships, don’t worry, you can also go to www.crainteamcares.com to donate.

Crain Automotive Team will donate $100 for each car sold from April 3, 2023, to June 3, 2023. This purchase is not tax deductible. 100% of Customer Donations Crain Automotive Team collects from April 3, 2023, through June 3, 2023, at its retail stores will go to support the American Red Cross response to the Arkansas Tornadoes & Storms in the Spring of 2023. The Crain Automotive team and its customers are helping people affected by tornadoes and storms in Arkansas. This gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from this disaster.

The American Red Cross name and logo are used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion, or political position. The American Red Cross name and logo are registered trademarks owned by the American National Red Cross. For more information, please visit redcross.org.

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Sitting on the banks of the Arkansas River, the city of Little Rock, AR is not only home to numerous famous tourist attractions, but also to plenty of hidden gems that will surprise you and your family. If you are planning a visit to the capital and most populous city of the state and are searching for some less-known tourist attractions, here are three spots you should not miss.

1. ESSE Purse Museum

Established in 2013 and dedicated to showcasing the history of women’s handbags, the ESSE Purse Museum is certainly not among the most popular attractions in the city. Nonetheless, this complex is a fun and interesting place to visit whether you are exploring Little Rock on your own, with your family, or with a group of friends. Located at 1510 Main Street in the city’s downtown area, this museum can be reached on foot from most other local attractions.

The ESSE Purse Museum’s permanent exhibition showcases different types of handbags owned by women throughout the decades of the 20th century. Each section is accompanied by a series of informative panels that describe the ways in which the economic, social, and political circumstances of each decade shaped the style and function of the purses. This museum is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

2. Riverfront Park

Featuring a pedestrian walk, picnic areas, and fantastic views of the Arkansas River, Little Rock’s Riverfront Park is a fantastic place to relax after a day of exploring the city’s main tourist attractions. Spanning the length of eleven blocks, this public recreation area covers more than 30 acres and is packed with monuments, sculptures, and recreational facilities.

If you ever wondered where the city’s name originated, you will find your answer at “la petite roche” in Riverfront Park, which is the only section remaining of the original rocky outcropping after which French explorer Jean Baptiste Bénard de la Harpe named the city. Other attractions you will find at this park include five bridges, beautiful gardens, and a nature trail.

3. Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum

Featuring a series of naval artifacts, including the USS Razorback submarine and numerous war ships, the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum is a local landmark you should check out if you want to learn more about the maritime and military history of the United States. Located at 120 Riverfront Park Drive, this museum is open to the public every day between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm.

Are you searching for a powerful, versatile, and spacious truck to explore Arkansas and go on unforgettable road trips? We’ve got your back! Pick up the phone and give us a call at Crain Ford of Little Rock. One of our agents will be happy to tell you all about our models and financing options.

Image via Pixabay.

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The 2023 model of the Ford Bronco Sport effortlessly bridges the gap between urban exploration and off-roading capabilities, allowing you to switch contexts from week to weekend in no time at all. Keep reading to learn more about the Bronco Sport and what Ford’s new additions for this year have been.

Get to Know the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2023 Bronco Sport comes in six trim levels, two of which are new additions this year, and all of which come standard with 4×4 capabilities, a high-performance suspension system, and a propriety offroading mode with preset settings for specific terrain. A 1.5L three-cylinder engine at 181 horsepower is standard but can be upgraded to a 2L four-cylinder engine at 245 horsepower for added power.

Comfort on the Go

Beyond what’s under the hood, the Bronco Sport is designed to make life easier on the go. The interior is comfortable and spacious, with 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk that can be expanded to 65.2 cubic feet if the rear seats are folded down. Additionally, the trunk can be upgraded with an optional slide-out table that can be used to eat, work or play on, and roof racks and additional interior storage options mean you can take your life with you on the road.

Standard Safety Features

All trim levels of the Bronco Sport come standard with Ford’s safety features, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert to reduce the risk of a collision. Lane departure and lane-keeping assist features are also standard, and an optional adaptive cruise control feature is available, which can help make long road trips just a little bit easier.

What’s New in the 2023 Bronco Sport 

For the 2023 model year, Ford has added two new trim levels to the Bronco Sport: the Heritage and the Heritage Limited. Both bring back the classic two-color paint scheme and the unique vintage Ford branding on the front grille. Only 1966 models of the Limited Heritage trim level were made, a reference to the original year of the Bronco’s introduction, which adds trim-specific red accent stitching, white door inserts, and 29-inch offroading tires.

The Heritage trim is comparable to the Big Bend trim level and comes with the 1.5L inline three-cylinder engine and AWD. The Heritage Limited, in comparison, is built on the Badlands trim and is more focused on offroading, offering a 2L inline four-cylinder engine, two additional off-roading modes, and a lockable center clutch.

Interested in taking a 2023 Bronco Sport out for a test drive, or want more information on the differences between the trim levels? Get in touch with the team at Crain Ford of Little Rock today, and we’ll be happy to set up an appointment to answer any questions you may have.

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