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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When you’re in Little Rock, AR looking for a great place to go for entertainment, grab your family and friends and hop in your 2002 Ford Escape SUV. You’ll enjoy the Escape’s smooth handling, sharp appearance, and excellent gas mileage as you make your way to one of these four excellent spots. Enjoy an unforgettable concert or cultural event when you’re in town.

The Hall

At 721 West 9th Street in Little Rock sits The Hall, an industrial chic music venue and event space. This energetic spot that seats up to 1300 guests hosts concerts of all genres. Along with regular special events like dance parties and art shows, you’ll find someone playing music there most nights. No matter if you’re there for a solo show or group concert, or to hear original songwriters or cover bands, the great acoustics will have you tapping your toes.

First Security Amphitheater

Located on seven acres on the banks of the beautiful Arkansas River, at 400 President Clinton Avenue in Little Rock, is First Security Amphitheater. You’ll see top acts from around the world at this top-notch outdoor destination. The amphitheater is part of a larger complex, River Market, which houses shops, restaurants, lodging, and a farmer’s market. Plan a visit around one of several festivals held here each year, including the famed Riverfest.

Revolution Music Room

Also in the historic River Market district is the Revolution Room, which holds a wide variety of concerts and cultural events year-round. You’ll find Revolution, locally referred to as the Rev Room, at 300 President Clinton Avenue in Little Rock. This rocking nightlife spot has plenty of restaurants close by so that you can make a night of it. Enjoy live music in an intimate setting. Go early and walk one of the nearby short trails for some gorgeous river views.

Robinson Center

Symphony productions, concerts, comedy artists, and author readings are all on tap at the Robinson Center at 426 W. Markham Street. A lavish $70 million dollar renovation of this circa 1939 facility transformed into one of Little Rock’s crown jewels and ensured that there isn’t a bad seat in the house. World-class acoustics and optics offer an experience like no other. The Center’s convenience to restaurants makes it easy to enjoy dinner and a show. 


Enjoy the show at any one of these four incredible venues! Before or after your event, come by Crain Ford of Little Rock to test drive one of our many in-stock quality new or pre-owned vehicles. You’ll experience our Crain Commitment to offer the unmatched service and low pricing that has set us apart since 1966.

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When you think of American muscle, the first car that comes to mind is the Mustang. Ford has been producing the Mustang for more than 55 years, and it has turned into a sophisticated and mighty steed. You can get the 2023 Ford Mustang in two body styles, a rag-top convertible or a hard-shell coupe. Read on to learn more about this rear-wheel muscle car.

Check It Out

The first engine available in the ’23 Mustang is a 2.3L Ecoboost that delivers 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of maximum torque. You can choose the 2.3L high-performance engine with a larger twin-scroll turbo compressor and get 330 horsepower with 350 lb-ft of max torque. The ’23 Mustang GT boasts an incredible 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 powertrain that produces heart-pumping acceleration with 450 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque.

If you want maximum track prowess, look at the Mustang Mach1. The Mach1 has a 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine tuned and calibrated for optimal performance. The available Mach 1 handling package provides agile handling with the Mach1’s 470 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of maximum torque. This powertrain is paired with a six-speed manual transmission that has rev-matching tech.

Independent Rear Suspension

The ’23 Mustang rides incredibly well with its independent rear suspension that is standard across the lineup. This suspension system allows the Mustang’s rear wheels to move individually. This increases handling and ride quality over bumps, through turns, and down straightaways.

Ride Damping

The ’23 Mustang has an available MagneRide Damping System capable of responding 1,000 times/second with each damper. As a result, you have a smooth and balanced ride that builds your confidence.

Interior Design

The driver-centric cockpit of the ’23 Mustang places all vehicle controls within easy reach of the driver. The available heated and cooled seats keep you comfortable while driving in town or flying down the track. The available heated steering wheel keeps your fingers warm even on the coolest mornings, while the accent-stitched center console provides excellent storage for your small items.

Power-Assisted Steering

The ’23 Mustang has selectable electric power-assisted steering, EPAS. This incredible system provides three power-assist settings to give you the steering control you want and need. These settings are comfort, normal, and sport. The comfort setting is excellent for everyday driving and requires the least amount of steering effort from the driver.

The second setting, normal, is the perfect balance between comfort and sport, providing steering support but allowing you to engage with the drive more. Finally, the last setting is sport, and this is perfect for when you want an engaging drive that makes you feel connected to the road.

If you want the perfect muscle car on and off the track, check out the ’23 Mustang from Ford. Contact us at Crain Ford of Little Rock and ask us how you can pre-order your Mustang today.

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Conveniently located right in the center of the state, the city of Little Rock, AR is a perfect base to explore the many wonders of the region and take your loved ones on memorable weekend getaways in your 2023 Ford Explorer Limited. If you are searching for the best destinations to discover, we are sure you will love these three nearby spots.

1. Hot Springs

Nestled in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains and known for its naturally heated springs, the city of Hot Springs is a wonderful place to visit if you want to spend a couple of days relaxing and taking a break from the routine. Located about 55 miles southwest of the Little Rock city center, Hot Springs is one of the most popular weekend escapes among locals.

Right north of the downtown area, the Hot Springs National Park is the city’s main attraction, drawing more than one and a half million visitors every year. Established in the 1830s and designated a national park in 1920, this place features the largest collection of public bathhouses in North America, along with an extensive network of nature trails and camping areas.

2. White River National Wildlife Refuge

Providing habitat to large populations of mallard ducks, Canada geese, bald eagles, and black bears, White River National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for wildlife watchers and another fantastic spot where you can spend a weekend enjoying nature with your family. Covering an area of more than 160,000 acres, this place was established in the 1930s and has been a popular local landmark since then.

Driving from the Little Rock city center to the main entrance of White River National Wildlife Refuge takes about one hour and 40 minutes via route US-165. This nature reserve features more than 350 manmade and natural lakes, along with large swathes of grassland and forestland. Some of the activities you can take part in while exploring this place include wildlife photography, camping, fishing, selective hunting, boating, and hiking.

3. Memphis

Famous for its music scene and often referred to as the birthplace of rock and roll, the city of Memphis is one of the largest urban areas in the Southeast and a place full of local landmarks. Located about 135 miles east of Little Rock, Memphis can be reached in about two hours by car via route I-40. Popular attractions in the city include the National Civil Rights Museum, the Memphis Rock n’ Roll Museum, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Are you thinking of buying a new or used vehicle to get behind the wheel and explore these destinations? Call us today at Crain Ford of Little Rock, and we’ll tell you all about our latest deals.

Image via Pixabay.

Tags: Travel
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There’s no question that staying safe on the road is the top priority for any driver, and modern safety features have made driving safer than ever before. Leading the way in striving to make the road a safer place is Ford. To give you an idea of the comprehensive protection you’ll get when you choose a vehicle from your Ford dealer, here are some of the safety technologies Ford equips their vehicles with.

1. Blind-Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert

One of the most common dangerous situations that can occur while driving is a vehicle riding behind you in the blind spot on either side of your vehicle where you are unable to see them. Ford’s blind spot information system helps you feel more certain when merging or changing lanes. Cameras and sensors monitor the blind spots you can’t see, giving you an alert when there’s an obstacle in your path.

2. Lane-Keeping System

Using cameras and sensors like the blind-spot information system utilizes, your Ford can also help to keep your vehicle centered in your lane. When you inadvertently drift to the boundaries of your intended lane in traffic, this system gives you a heads-up to let you know to guide yourself back to where you need to be. You’ll even see a warning if this system has been triggered frequently in your drive, letting you know it’s time to take a break.

3. Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control

Highway driving can become dangerous if you’re following other vehicles too closely, but the intelligent adaptive cruise control system can help mitigate that danger. Improving upon the cruise control feature you may already be familiar with, this system is able to monitor the speed and distance of other vehicles on the road with you. It uses that information to adjust your cruise control speed to maintain a safe separation from other drivers.

4. Active Park Assist

Although it may seem safe due to the slow speeds vehicles tend to be traveling at, a significant portion of accidents occur in parking lots or when parallel parking. Ford’s Active Park Assist system can help take the danger out of this potentially hazardous situation by automating the process. With just the press of a button while you’re near a parking spot, this system will automatically navigate your vehicle into the spot.

5. Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking

While the systems above help to avoid an accident, Ford’s safety technologies are also there for you in the worst-case scenario of a collision. The pre-collision assist system will alert you if you’re coming up too quickly on an obstacle, ideally giving you time to take corrective action and avoid an impact. However, if a collision is unavoidable, the automatic emergency brake system kicks in to reduce the force of the impact, mitigating the chance of injury.

Learn more about the ways your Ford can help make your drive safer when you talk to our experienced team of experts. Visit us at Crain Ford of Little Rock today!

Image via Ford.

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The 2023 Ford Maverick has three trims and a variety of features that are appealing to drivers and passengers alike. if you’re looking for a mixture of power and comfort wrapped up in a stylish exterior, then it’s definitely worth taking a closer look at the Maverick.

1. The Comfortable, Spacious Interior

Many competitor trucks are a little cramped. You’ll find no such issue with the Maverick. Even five tall, broad people can fit comfortably in the Maverick and stay feeling great for the duration of a long trip.

2. The Impressive Hybrid Powertrain

A 2.5-liter full hybrid powertrain is standard in the Maverick. This truck’s standard engine is the only one on the market that can deliver 500 miles of driving range on a single 13.8-gallon tank of gas. A 2-liter Ecoboost engine is also available.

3. The Top-Notch Sound System

The 2023 Maverick is equipped with a Bang & Olufsen six-speaker sound system. You can also upgrade to an eight-speaker system if you’re a big fan of music. The speakers are perfect for blasting your favorite tunes throughout the cabin. Play music straight from your phone or tablet by connecting your device to the Sync 3 infotainment systems via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

4. The Feature-Packed Infotainment System

The infotainment system can do a lot more than connect to your phone to play music. Some of its best features include:

• Sirius XM Traffic and Travelling
• Pinched to zoom touchscreen
• Navigation
• Hands-free calling
• Alexa
• Wi-Fi

You can stay connected and entertained on every journey. And if you get lost, the navigation feature can tell you exactly where you are and get you back on track in no time.

5. The Off-Road Packages

Those of you who love adventuring will be pleased with the variety of off-road packages available for the Maverick. The Tremor Off-Road Package gives you an off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and steel skid plates. If you want to make your vehicle’s appearance bolder, then the Tremor Off-Road Plus Package can do that for you.

Want a little more off-road capability? Consider the FX4 package, which gives you hill descent control, front tow hooks, five drive modes, and many more features for making your off-road adventures better than ever.

6. Multi-Position Tailgate

The multi-position tailgate makes it easier than ever to load and unload your cargo. You can fold the tailgate flat for easy loading, lock it at half closed if you need a little extra room for transporting longer cargo, or use it in its normal position.

Come to Crain Ford of Little Rock to examine the Maverick in person and take it out for a test drive. We’re sure you’ll be very pleased with this feature-rich pickup.

Image via Ford.

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There are some great sports teams to watch within driving distance of Little Rock, AR. If you’re a sports fan, we recommend jumping in your Ford and heading toward one of the following stadiums.

1. War Memorial: Little Rock Rangers

This arena is one of the largest and most well-known in Arkansas. It’s home to the Little Rock Rangers soccer team, which plays in the USL League.

The University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University teams occasionally play college football games here too. The official capacity stands at 54,120. You’ll find it at 1 Stadium Drive.

2. Dickey-Stephens Park: Arkansas Travelers

If you’re a baseball fan in Little Rock, it’s a short drive to watch Minor League Baseball team Arkansas Travelers play its home games.

The Arkansas Razorbacks college baseball team plays here too. Its official capacity is 7,300, including 5,800 fixed seats. There is plenty of parking in and around the venue at 400 W Broadway St, North Little Rock.

3. Coleman Sports and Recreation Complex: Little Rock Trojans

Coleman Sports and Recreation Complex has been the home arena for The University of Arkansas’ soccer and athletics teams since 2012. All of its sports teams are known as the Little Rock Trojans.

If you’re interested in supporting these up-and-coming college athletes, the facility seats around 300 people, and there are 130 spaces in the parking lot. Navigate to 5732 Asher Avenue to find it.

4. Gary Hogan Field: Little Rock Trojans

The Little Rock Trojans team has played college baseball at this venue for many decades. Gary Hogan was a successful coach of this team in the 1980s and 1990s. The team’s home ground was renamed after him shortly after he left his post.

It has received a number of renovations since then and is now a home ground that the team can be very proud of. It’s on 2400 Harrison Street.

5. Verizon Wireless Field: Little Rock Tigers

Are you a fan of watching high school football? If so, it’s worth knowing that the Little Rock Central Tigers team plays their home games at the Verizon Wireless Field. This is also sometimes known as the Quigley-Cox Arena, the Earl Quigley Arena, or its original name Kavanaugh Field.

Earl Quigley was a successful sports coach between 1914 and 1946. This fabulous home field matches his great achievements. Its address is 1500 S Park St.

A brand new Ford Maverick is large enough to comfortably transport you and your whole family to watch a thrilling sports game. Drop by Crain Ford of Little Rock for a closer look at this pick-up truck and our entire range of new and used Ford vehicles.

Image via Pixabay.

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