When it comes to fun and excitement for the whole family, Fayetteville, AR, has tons of kid-friendly activities for the entire family to enjoy together. You and your kids can spend time outdoors hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, and camping, and visiting local museums with fascinating exhibits on display.
3 Great Kid-Friendly Activities for Families in Fayetteville, AR
1. Learn More About the State’s History and Culture
Enjoy an educational and fun outing visiting the museums around the city and learning more about Arkansas’s rich history and culture.
University of Arkansas
Take the kids to the University of Arkansas Museum to learn more about the state’s history, archeology, geology, zoology, and ethnography through a vast collection of exhibits.
Arkansas Air and Military Museum
Take a fascinating and unusual peek into aviation history in Arkansas at the Arkansas Air and Military Museum located in a hangar at a former World War II aviation training post. Many of the historic aircraft displayed at the museum can still fly!
Clinton House Museum
Visit the Clinton House Museum, a well-preserved 1931, Tudor-revival style home where President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton were married and lived before becoming president. The museum displays various artifacts and memorabilia from Clinton’s early political career and books by and about the Clintons.
2. Spend the Day Enjoying Outdoors Activities
Explore the outdoors with your kids, hiking, biking, fishing, paddling, playing sports, and having loads of fun together.
North Shore Park
Head out to North Shore Park to play a challenging game of disc golf on the 18-hole course and hike down the nature trails that run along the shore. Canoe and kayak or fish for bass, sunfish, catfish, bluegill, and crappie on the 458-acre Lake Fayetteville.
Veterans Memorial Park
Veterans Memorial Park also stretches out along the shores of Lake Fayetteville and has a marina with a boat dock and a fishing pier. There are horseshoe pits and sand volleyball courts. Explore the scenic natural area on the trails and enjoy a peaceful picnic at one of the scenic picnic spots overlooking the water.
Lake Wedington
The picturesque 102-acre Lake Wedington and the surrounding 434-acre hardwood forest are the ideal destinations for a day of outdoor activities with your family. Pack hiking boots and mountain bikes and explore the beautiful lush green forest on 31-miles of trails that run along the lake, past babbling streams and tumbling waterfalls.
3. Take the Kids on a Camping Adventure
Kids love sitting around campfires at night roasting ‘smores and listening to ghost stories. Best of all, you don’t have to drive far to go on a camping adventure for a night or two.
Lake Wedington Recreation Area
Camp out in the Lake Wedington Recreation Area and enjoy loads of outdoor activities with your kids. The Recreation Area has six beautifully renovated historic cabins and a rustic campground with beautiful RV and tent sites between the trees with drinking water, picnic tables, grills, and campfire rings if you want more of a camping adventure. There are no electricity or sewer hookups, but the campground has restrooms with showers and flush toilets.
Hog Valley RV and Treehouse Resort
Go camping with the kids and the family pets at Hog Valley RV and Treehouse Resort for a traditional family camping experience. Relax around cozy campfires, play basketball, volleyball, badminton, corn hole, and gaga ball. Explore the woods surrounding the campground on the trails and take a refreshing dip in the pool.
Treat your family to an exciting day or even a weekend together they will never forget. Visit Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville today, and our qualified and experienced Volkswagen technicians will ensure that your vehicle is in tip-top condition for an unforgettable family outing.
4 Qualities to Look for in a VW Mechanic
You can’t just choose any random mechanic for your Volkswagen. Your car is like a member of the family, and you should work with someone who’ll treat both you and it with the care and attention you deserve. You’ll find a VW mechanic like this at your Fayetteville, AR VR VW dealer. In fact, you’ll find several. But to bring you extra peace of mind, we’ll outline the qualities you should look for in your mechanic below.
4 Qualities to Look for in a VW Mechanic At Your Fayetteville, AR VW Dealer
1. The Ability to Communicate Well
Some mechanics are great workers, but they seem lackluster when it’s time to communicate with you. That’s not what you want in a mechanic. If you can’t talk through your worries and ask questions, then you’re not going to feel as comfortable as you should. You’ll be stressed before, during, and after your repair. A great mechanic should be able to chip away at your worries and answer any questions you have about your repair.
You deserve to know what’s going on with your Volkswagen, and a great mechanic will tell you in terms you can understand. You may not know all the technical car lingo, and that’s fine. A great communicator knows how to explain things to someone who’s not an expert.
2. The Ability to Solve Problems
Some car issues are straightforward, but sometimes weird issues come up that are confusing for your mechanic. A great mechanic can act as a detective; they’ll listen to you describe your car’s symptoms, determine the different causes, and eliminate what’s improbable. Then they’ll look at what they’re left with to help them figure out what issue or issues you’re having, even if your car is having a strange or unlikely set of problems.
3. The Ability to Never Stop Learning
Even the most practiced mechanics come across problems they’ve never repaired before, and some mechanics will shake their heads and tell you they can’t fix them. They may even encourage you to get a costly part replacement or replace your entire vehicle.
A great mechanic, however, will see your problem as a learning opportunity, and they’ll see if there are new machines and techniques available to fix your vehicle. They want to stay on top of the changes in their field. They’ll exhaust all techniques and technology, old and new, before determining if they can fix your problem or not.
4. The Ability To Work Hard
Fixing cars isn’t an easy profession, so you need a mechanic with a strong work ethic to get through the toughest jobs they’re faced with when you’re having issues. They need to go above and beyond to take care of your problems. They’ll also need to have enough work ethic to check for problems your car might have even if your Volkswagen isn’t showing symptoms. A great mechanic cares enough to work hard and get your vehicle back in the best condition.
Do you agree with us about these traits? Come to Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville, and you’ll find that all of our mechanics have the qualities outlined above. We’ll do our best to provide you and your Volkswagen with the best care possible.
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Get to Know the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
Style, versatility, and all of the latest tech come together for you in one total package of an SUV that you’ve just got to check out. Meet the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, a strong contender for the next vehicle of your dreams. This five-seater SUV has a whole lot of impressive features to show off for you, so to get you introduced to everything this vehicle can do, we previewed some of the best features Volkswagen packed into this year’s model.
Get to Know the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
Easy-To-Use Technology
Volkswagen is all about integrating cutting-edge technology into the vehicles they create, and the Tiguan is an excellent example of that commitment to innovation. With the available Fender premium audio system and a three-month Platinum Plan free trial to SiriusXM radio, you’ll have all the entertainment you could ask for on the road ahead. You’ll also enjoy seamless remote features with your vehicle thanks to the convenient Volkswagen Car-Net feature.
Intelligent IQ.DRIVE Cruising
Your long trips from point A to point B are about to get a whole lot simpler thanks to the suite of driver assistance technology incorporated into Volkswagen’s cutting-edge IQ.DRIVE system. You’ll be kept alert to all potential dangers thanks to features such as the active blind spot monitor or rear traffic alert system. During highway driving, lane keep assist, and travel assist keep you exactly where you need to be: centered in your lane in traffic.
Sleek and Smart Design
With all those high-tech features incorporated into the flawless design aesthetic the Tiguan shows you from the moment you see it, Volkswagen proves that beauty and brains can come together in one complete vehicle. The capable and sleek exterior projects a confident image on the road, giving you an attitude that’s ready for anything. Intelligent interior design gives you comfort and cargo capacity all in an inviting atmosphere that will have you looking forward to the ride home.
Statement-Making Performance
Plenty of vehicles will get you where you’re going, but not many will let you have as much fun along the way as the Tiguan will. The 16-valve 2.0-liter 184-horsepower turbocharged engine represents the pinnacle of SUV performance, giving you the speed and maneuverability you crave. The four distinct drive modes included in the 4Motion Active Control system let you adjust your performance with the turn of a dial.
Emphasis on Safety
While the driver assistance technology the Tiguan is equipped with will keep you out of trouble, this vehicle is also well prepared if danger does arise. The rigid safety cage with front and rear crumple zones is designed to minimize the impact anybody on board feels in the event of a collision. There’s also six advanced stability-enhancing systems that help to keep you in full control in situations where you begin to lose traction.
Safe, smart, and stylish; the Tiguan is a triple threat of an SUV. Check out this exciting vehicle for yourself when you come to browse our extensive inventory. Come on down to Crain VW of Fayetteville today!
4 Great State Parks to Visit Near Fayetteville, AR
On days when you just want to get away from it all, where better to go than a state park? These remarkable green spaces offer visitors the chance to enjoy a range of fun outdoor activities, or simply reconnect with nature. Luckily for folks in Fayetteville, AR, there are a range of fantastic state parks within easy driving distance of home.
4 Great State Parks to Visit Near Fayetteville, AR
1. Lake Fort Smith State Park
Sitting on the banks of the glittering Lake Fort Smith, this gorgeous green space offers some of the best scenery in the state. With excellent views of the Boston Mountain Valley, visitors will enjoy stunning Arkansas beauty wherever they go within the park.
There are a variety of hiking trails for visitors to make use of, winding round the water and offering the chance to see some of the many wildlife species that make their home in the area. If you prefer to extend your stay, 30 campsites and 10 rental cabins are available. The park is easily accessible, just a 45-minute drive south of Fayetteville.
2. Withrow Springs State Park
One of the smaller parks in the area, Withrow Springs still has plenty to offer. Spreading over nearly 800 acres of pristine Arkansas woodland, it’s riddled with hiking trails and campgrounds, perfect for a spot of outdoor adventure.
Withrow Springs State Park is also equipped with sports facilities, including tennis courts and a baseball diamond. It’s also a good venue for nature enthusiasts, as the park is home to the rare Ozark trillium. You’ll find this pleasant outdoor space in Huntsville, AR, just over half an hour’s drive from town.
3. Roaring River State Park
Why confine yourself within state borders? There are a range of great parks just over the border in Missouri. One of the best is Roaring River State Park, located just over an hour’s drive north of Fayetteville.
Centered around its namesake river, the park is the perfect spot for fishing enthusiasts. Prime trout fishing can be found on these waters, running fresh and clear from the Boston Mountains. Hiking, camping, and birdwatching are all popular, while there are also a variety of historic sites to see in the area, including several buildings built in the 1930s.
4. Devil’s Den State Park
With its waterfalls, lakeside views, pleasant trails, Devil’s Den has a peaceful atmosphere that doesn’t fit its name! This park is a hiker’s dream, offering miles of trails suitable for all abilities, and points of high elevation, where the scenery spreads out before your eyes like a beautiful picture.
You’ll find Devil’s Den State Park near West Fork, around 40 minutes south of town. Be sure to pick up a map from the visitor center on your arrival.
Inspired to visit one of these amazing parks? You’ll need a quality vehicle to get around all these places and enjoy exploring more of Arkansas’s great outdoors. Come on down to Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville today for all your automotive needs!
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3 Tips for Getting a Quality VW Repair
Keeping your VW in optimal condition has many advantages. Not only does it allow you to remain safe on the road, but it also prevents you from breaking down and improves the resale value of your vehicle. In Fayetteville, AR, you have a brand-name dealership that can offer you the best-quality VW repair out there. Let’s have a look at some tips on how you can get great service in the local area.
3 Tips for Getting a Quality VW Repair in Fayetteville, AR
1. Use Your VW Dealer
All our employees here at Crain Volkswagen work with this brand every day, and they have been trained specifically to repair and service these kinds of cars. As a result, they will be able to diagnose your car’s issue very quickly, and they can fix it competently. This mix of rapid service and high quality is why our customers keep coming back whenever they need to have their car looked at by a professional.
2. Insist on Genuine Spare Parts
There are a number of different sources for spare parts, and some mechanics will offer you salvage components that come from other vehicles or off-brand products that weren’t produced by VW. In most cases, you should only work with technicians who will fit genuine, brand-name spare parts in your car, as they are likely to function much better. What’s more, such items won’t put your warranty at risk because they were designed for your car.
In fact, our work and your new parts generally come with their own warranty, so you can be sure that your money is well spent. Should there be another issue within the warranty period, we will be happy to repair your vehicle for free.
3. Go to the Dealer as Soon as the Issue Occurs
Fayetteville, AR is a great place to live! With its excellent facilities, thriving businesses, and friendly folks, there’s so much to love about this city. It’s also a center of Arkansas culture, featuring some of the best museums in the state. Take a look around and you’re sure to find something to appeal to your interests!
4 of the Best Museums to Visit Near Fayetteville, AR
1. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
If you’re a fan of the finer things in life, look no further than the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. One of the premier art museums in the South, it features a wide range of artwork from across the nation and spans a variety of styles and historical eras.
The museum is completely free for visitors of all ages, although you may need to pay for parking. Opening hours are from 11 am to 9 pm Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and from 10 am to 6 pm Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
2. Reilly P. McCarren Railroad Museum
This small, pleasant transport museum is a real hit with local railroad fans. The Reilly P. McCarren Railroad Museum was set up to preserve the history of local railroads and features a variety of historic paraphernalia for visitors to browse.
The museum is located in Springdale, just a short drive from downtown Fayetteville. It’s open every weekday, from 8 am to 5 pm and admission is free.
3. Scott Family Amazeum
If you’re looking for a museum that’s sure to entertain and educate the whole family, the Scott Family Amazeum is the place to be. This fun, interactive children’s museum is designed to get kids learning through play with the aid of a variety of play and exploration areas.
There is a theater, mock-up cave, art studio, laboratories, market, playground, and much more. Admission costs just $10 for adults and children, and the museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and from 1-5 pm on Sunday. It’s located immediately next to Crystal Bridges.
4. Arkansas Country Doctor Museum
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Arkansas was a very different place from the state it is today. Many of its inhabitants lived in isolated farmsteads with minimal access to the amenities of civilization. The Arkansas Country Doctor museum documents the lives and work of medical professionals who ventured far and wide across the state to offer care to those who needed it.
Housed in a building that was once home to various country doctors, as well as serving as the clinic for Lincoln, AR, the museum features exhibits, archives, and artifacts shedding a light on this fascinating aspect of local history. The museum is located on North Starr Avenue in Lincoln and is open from 1-4 pm Wednesday through Saturday.
To get around all these amazing museums and discover more great attractions in the area, you’ll need a safe and reliable way to get around. Come on down to Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville today for an amazing deal on a new or used vehicle to suit your needs.
If you want to keep your car in perfect condition, it makes sense to keep up with your VW service schedule. This involves getting checks, diagnostics, inspections, and other auto services like oil and filter changes on a regular basis to keep all of the key components and systems running smoothly. This guide will go over some of the best benefits of getting regular routine service for your vehicle in Fayetteville, AR.
4 Benefits of Keeping Up With Your VW Service Schedule in Fayetteville, AR
1. Keeping You Safe
One of the best benefits of keeping up with your service schedule is that it can help you enjoy a safer and more pleasant ride. If you fail to get certain services, like tire checks or oil changes, your car’s performance can start to suffer and worrying problems may appear.
These problems could seem quite minor at first but could become really serious over time, leading to issues like spongy brakes or random stalls that could put you in danger. However, regular servicing will help you avoid these kinds of dangerous situations to keep yourself and your passengers safe.
2. Identifying and Fixing Problems
One of the main aims of many auto services like brake system checks and multi-point inspections is to identify issues with your car that you might not have noticed. Many issues can go undetected over time, like fluid leaks or contaminated engine oil.
By placing your car in the hands of trusted mechanics, you can learn all about these problems and get them fixed right away before they develop into bigger issues. This can help you enjoy a much better driving experience each day.
3. Saving Time and Money
How? Well, by paying for services, you can prevent big problems and avoid major repair bills. It’s much cheaper to get an oil change, for example, than have to cover the costs of an expensive engine repair or replacement parts if you leave bad oil in the engine for too long.
4. Peace of Mind
By getting servicing and having all of your car’s parts and systems checked and fine-tuned regularly, you’ll be able to drive around with more confidence, knowing that your car has been properly cared for by trusted professionals.
As you can see, routine VW servicing offers a lot of advantages. Not only can it help you enjoy a safer, smoother ride, but it can also save you money and help you avoid all sorts of technical and mechanical issues, too. Visit Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville for all your auto servicing needs.
Wedding venues are essential to the success of your wedding ceremony. Choosing a location allows a couple to be creative in their expression of love. Whether you desire a fairytale experience or an intimate gathering, a good venue will solidify your bond as a married couple. The following are some unique wedding locations in and around Fayetteville, AR.
Favorite Wedding Locations in and Around Fayetteville, AR
Sassafras Springs Vineyard
The Sassafras Spring Vineyard, located minutes from Fayetteville, specifically Springdale in Arkansas, is a winery wedding venue with four beautiful spots that can accommodate a thousand guests in total. You can have your wedding at the charming chapel ruins and your reception at the rustic stables or the veranda, which has stunning views of the vineyard.
When you choose Sassafras Springs Vineyard as your wedding venue, you will be covered for additional services such as cleanup, event rentals, a bridal suite, and liability insurance.
The Ballroom at I Street
The Ballroom at I Street is a lush wedding venue with an early 19th-century colonial architectural flair that lends it a polished and classic feel. This location is ideal for a couple looking for an intimate but classy gathering, as it features a sophisticated bridal and groom suite laced with intriguing décor that serves as a backdrop for photoshoots.
Since the premise allows for outside catering, you can either customize your food or hire a catering service that fits your budget.
Arkansas Air and Military Museum
The Arkansas Air and Military Museum in Fayetteville is an ideal wedding venue for those who value history and wish to honor any military personnel in their lives. The venue has a depth of history that distinguishes it from other wedding venues; it also allows a couple, complete creative freedom to use the resources available to create an outstandingly themed background.
While the venue will handle cleanup, you are free to hire a catering service of your choice.
Stone Chapel at Matt Lane Farm
Stone Chapel at Matt Lane Farm is a wedding venue with beautiful spaces for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. The chapel has a distinct feel with a modern touch, as illustrated by the antique entrance doors and a house system, while outdoor activities occur at the pavilion and garden area.
The chapel offers a variety of customized wedding packages that exclude other essential services such as cleanup and valet parking. The location is also pet-friendly and wheelchair-accessible.
Whitney Mountain Lodge
Whitney Mountain Lodge, located in Garfield, Arkansas, is a countryside setting with spectacular views of Beaver Lake and the surrounding Ozark Mountains. The venue is an ideal getaway wedding destination; the couple can exchange vows on expansive two-level decks and share their first dance on a lake view room’s balcony.
Their wedding packages include honeymoon suites for newlyweds as well as other customized offers to meet your specific needs and desires.
A good location can only solidify a couple’s connection and imprint long-lasting memories. However, you must first ensure that you have the wheels to move around. Contact us at Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville to hire a car and possibly buy a new or pre-owned wedding gift vehicle for your spouse.
When you get your new vehicle at the Volkswagen dealership in Fayetteville, AR, you’ll most likely also be looking for some car financing. Almost everyone will be well served by going through the dealership because you’re guaranteed a great deal, it’s easy to find the relevant information, and help is always available. Let’s examine the biggest benefits of using your local dealer’s financing options.
3 Big Benefits of Getting Car Financing at Your Fayetteville, AR Volkswagen Dealership
1. You’re Guaranteed a Great Deal
To make sure we can help you, gather all the relevant information, such as your salary, your credit score, and your personal information before starting your application process. Then, you can either apply online or you can visit us in person to speak to a professional. The latter option might be better if your situation is unusual or if you’ve had issues with credit in the past.
2. You Can Find All the Information You Need
By playing around with the different variables such as loan term, deposit, and interest rate, you can get a better idea of how much you’ll have to pay for your vehicle each month. You’ll notice that you can drastically reduce the total amount you pay by either shortening the term of your loan or putting up a higher deposit. If you don’t currently have any savings to spare, you can always sell your old car and use the profit as your down payment.
3. Help Is Always Available
Getting a great financing deal is easy, as long as you make use of what your local dealership has to offer. They can provide you with an advantageous interest rate, plenty of easily accessible information, and in-person help. Call or email us now at Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville to speak to a member of the team and start your VW-buying journey.
Surrounded by the Ozark Mountains and serving as the seat of Washington County, the city of Fayetteville, AR, is the second-largest urban area in the state. Dating back to the 1800s, this city was named after General Lafayette, a French aristocrat and military officer who fought for the independence of the colonies during the American Revolutionary War. These are some of the landmarks you should not miss during your visit to the city.
The Top 3 Local Landmarks for Visitors to Fayetteville, AR
1. Fayetteville Downtown Square & Gardens
Located right in the heart of the city center, Fayetteville Downtown Square and Gardens is one of the main tourist attractions for visitors, and a popular gathering spot for locals. This small but beautiful square boasts several local shops, restaurants, historical buildings, and a well-maintained flower garden. Considered the main public square in the city, this place regularly hosts public art installations as well as a lively Farmer’s Market that attracts over 60 vendors selling locally grown goods.
Thanks to its location right in the center of the city, getting to Fayetteville Downtown Square & Gardens is easy regardless of which part of Fayetteville you are staying in. During the holiday season, the amazing Lights of the Ozarks display covers the entire square from 5 pm to 1 am, along with stands selling hot cocoa and local winter treats. While you explore the area, make sure to also go for a walk around the charming nearby streets.
2. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
Featuring 12 themed gardens and a beautiful butterfly house, the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is one of the main attractions for visitors to Fayetteville. Open Friday to Wednesday between 9 am and 5 pm, this 40-acre garden opened its doors to the public in 2007 and regularly hosts local events from public and private organizations. If you are looking for a spot to get away from the bustle of the city, this is an attraction you should not miss.
Located in the northern outskirts of the city, the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks can be reached in about 15 minutes from the Fayetteville downtown area. Tickets are sold at the main entrance and cost $10 for adults aged 13 and over, and $5 for children aged 4 – 12. BGO Members and children under 3 years old can access this botanical garden for free. Before you head out, make sure to check the garden’s official website for programs and events.
3. Clinton House Museum
The first home of Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham is now a historic house museum showcasing memorabilia of the Clinton election campaign that led to his election as President of the United States in 1992. The property, built in 1931, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010 and has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city of Fayetteville for those interested in the life of the Clinton family.
Whether you prefer to visit historic sites or nature reserves, these are some great spots you should include in your tour of the city. While you are in the area, stop by Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville and check out the new and used vehicles we have available for you.
Image via Pixabay.com by Dar1930


