Blog

For most Memphis locals, a strict quarantine means no planes, no beaches and no overseas vacations, but that doesn’t mean there’s no fun to be had. We’ve listed a few safe and fairly secluded weekend trips from Memphis, Tennessee, for those really feeling the cabin fever. When you need to get out of the house (and even the most germophobic person needs to occasionally), staying within the comfort of a gorgeous Ford is a great way to stretch your legs without worrying. These quarantine-inspired day trips from Memphis, TN, are just enough vacation to get you out of the house without severely increasing your risk of exposure. more Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park (17 miles) This massive state park contains swamps, bluffs and a massive bottomland of champion trees and endangered plants. If you count river beaches, it’s the closest beach to Memphis! There are camping areas and hiking spots along the park, and it’s only a 20-minute drive away. Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge (28 miles) About 40 minutes from downtown Memphis is a national wildlife refuge in the state of Arkansas. This land has stayed open to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s open for hiking, birding, hunting and fishing. Village Creek State Park (50 miles) With forested hills, a golf course, 33 miles of trails, museums, outdoor theaters and a segment of the Trail of Tears, this historic Arkansas state park has reopened, though there are some physical limitations in place for visitors. The Ghost River (55 miles) Drive out to LaGrange, TN, and find one of the best places in the area for paddling. It’s pretty easy to social distance while you’re canoeing, and this spooky, magical place sports options for paddlers of all skill levels. Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge (56 miles) About an hour away from Memphis is a massive wild swampland great for hunting, fishing and birding. For those looking to really get in touch with nature, this wild area is the place. Mississippi River State Park (62 miles) Those looking for a safe weekend getaway from Memphis may enjoy this newer state park, which prides itself on family-friendly experiences like camping, hiking and kayaking. Holly Springs National Forest (75 miles) One of the most important wildlife landmarks in Mississippi, the HSNF contains more than 150,000 acres. It’s famous for wild magnolia trees and incredible fall foliage. The Chewalla Lake Recreational Area hosts RVs and campers, while the Puskus Lake Regional Area is a great place for cars and tents. Chickasaw State Park (80 miles) With easy hiking trails and bike-friendly routes, this park also sports Lake Placid, where you can rent pedal boats. It’s also a great place to rent a Chickasaw State Park cabin for a weekend getaway. Tennessee Safari Park (80 miles) Finding vacation ideas that are safe is hard, but this is an actual drive-through safari that allows you to remain in the safety of your vehicle. This drive-through safari sports everything from bison to zebras to giraffes to ostriches. Be sure to check their Facebook page before you go, however, as the safari can be impacted by weather. Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park (100 miles) For those looking for something more eye-opening, historical and educational, the famous Pinson Mounds are not very far away. These prehistoric earthen enclosures were built around 1 to 500 AD by Native Americans, with one built as high as 72 feet. There are 17 mounds in total, and they’ve been studied by enthusiastic archaeologists, some of whom believe that the mounds were built to align with the stars. Heber Springs Dam Site Recreation Area (133 miles) Out of the weekend getaways three hours from Memphis, this dam site is pretty nice! At Greers Ferry Dam, there’s a peaceful campground at the base of the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas. There are more than 200 campgrounds and a marina. More Daytrip Options for After Quarantine As more places reopen and the pandemic restrictions relax once again, more trips and weekend getaways in public areas will be feasible. Here are a few options to consider once social distancing is less of a concern: Oxford, MS (86 miles): Home of William Faulkner, this college town is a great visit for the literary minded. Elvis’s Birthplace in Tupelo, MS (115 miles): Diehard Elvis Presley fans frequently find themselves visiting his birthplace. Tuscumbia, AL (149 miles): The “ Charm of the Shoals” is a historic town with numerous important museums. Nashville, TN (212 miles): Nashville is a home of numerous amazing sites, like the Grand Ole Opry. When the pandemic loosens its grip, a three-hour trip like this is a great daytrip. Regardless of where you end up going on your adventure out of Memphis, keep in mind that now that everyone is landbound, it’s a great time to lease or buy a new Ford. Connect with us about finding a car that will get you better gas mileage on your next big road trip!

If you’re in the market for a Ford F-150, you may come across some challenges while shopping around. These popular trucks combine style, performance, dependability, and hauling capabilities in an accessible price range, so it’s easy to see why the F-150 is America’s most popular pickup truck. But if you’re looking for an F-150 in Memphis, TN, on a budget, consider shopping for a used truck. more Just follow this guide before you shop. Whether you’re replacing an old car, buying your first car, or just looking to make an upgrade, these tips, recommendations, and suggestions can help you find what you’re looking for in an F-150 for sale in your area--without falling for common pitfalls. Research Different F-150 Generations Ford F-150s are a well-known, reliable brand, but each generation--or “year” --offers a slightly different feel, performance, and appearance. Ford makes slight adjustments and upgrades every time they reveal a new generation of F-150s, even as their quality has remained fairly consistent throughout the years. While most sellers will request a higher price for a newer model, an older generation may actually appeal to your needs and style tastes. So do your research before you shop. Visit Ford’s website to learn more about each generation of F-150s. Feel free to start with a glance at how each generation looks. Car shopping can be come down to aesthetics, so if you prefer the classic looks of the 2019 F-150 over the sleeker 2020 design, that’s a good place to start narrowing down your search. Overall, though, you should explore each model’s capabilities and any new features they premiered. For example, if Bluetooth connectivity is a must, don’t shop earlier than the 2009 generation, which added smartphone compatibility. Learn About Trim Types More recent Ford F-150 models are also available in many different trim types, or modifications that can alter an F-150’s look, feel, driving experience, and amenity features. For example, the 2020 F-150 is available in its XL, or base model, as well as the XLT, which is often confused for the base model but offers additional features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and hardy vinyl bench seats. The King Ranch is designed for optimal towing strength, while the Raptor trim type is excellent for off-roading, offering variable terrain driving features and a powerful V8 engine. Overall, the F-150 is a versatile truck with wide appeal, but various trim types each offer a custom feel, so you get a visual style and driving experience catered to your lifestyle and tastes. Be aware, though, that trim types aren’t the same thing as modifications. Modifications are personal add-ons after purchase, like the installation of a lift kit, lighting sets, or custom paint jobs. Note that many sellers add a huge markup when selling modified trucks--usually an attempt to make back every modification investment they’ve made--or even profit. Ask any seller you approach if modifications have been made and if/how this affects their asking price. Shop Wisely When You Shop Used The term “used car” is broad and refers to vehicles like certified pre-owned F-150s you can find at an auto dealership. But “used car” also refers to private sales directly from the previous owner. When most people are shopping on a budget, they may go directly to a private sale from a previous owner. A current owner trying to get rid of their F-150 knows they’ll need to be competitive with their pricing, especially when auto dealerships are offering protections like warranties and service packages that private sellers can’t. Shop wisely to avoid fraudulent sales, ensure you’re making a smart investment, and also get a good deal. Another outlet for used car shopping is a secondhand dealer website. Sites like Facebook Marketplace and Autotrader are increasingly popular settings for people to list, sell, and buy vehicles. However, as with direct, private sales, shopping at a secondhand dealer website offers none of the guarantees or protections of shopping at an auto dealership. And when you explore an auto dealership, feel free to have a critical eye. While some dealerships offer quality trucks at low prices, others are inflating prices and offering few guarantees. But overall, you’re more likely to get a vehicle that retains its value and saves you money in the long run when you shop at a used car dealership. What to Look For Here’s what to look for when you explore used or pre-owned F-150s at a local dealership. First, find a reputable dealer. Search online for a dealership with good reviews, a large stock of vehicles, and a good community standing. When you explore their selection, ask about every vehicle’s mileage and condition. Ask about service history, maintenance history, and accident history. You can find all of this information with the vehicle’s VIN on a vehicle history report. Also, never purchase a car without giving it a test drive. Does the car feel comfortable, safe, and accessible to drive? Are there any annoyances like blind spots or bad ergonomics? For best results, visit a dealership online to explore their selection. If you find a vehicle that interests you, stop by the dealership in person to test drive the vehicle, ask any remaining questions that the website didn’t answer, and look for flaws that may not have been pictured online. Feel free to explain to dealership employees exactly what you’re looking for in a used vehicle. Finally, look for a dealership that offers financing options. If you’re on a budget, this is virtually the only way to take home a quality vehicle like a Ford F-150 without paying the full sale price in cash. Also, ask about warranties and other offers related to the F-150s that interest you. Find a Great Deal Today Are you ready to find a good used Ford F-150 in Memphis, TN? Visit Ford of West Memphis online or at our dealership today. We can help you get a great value on a high-quality used F-150. And unlike other sellers, we only provide vehicles in great condition at fair prices. Stop by for a test drive. You’ll love getting behind the wheel of one of our many F-150s.

If you’re car shopping this year, you might consider an SUV. SUVs are versatile, roomy, vehicles that combine the storage space of pickup trucks with the good fuel economy of sedans. The Ford Explorer happens to be one of the most popular SUVs in America, and the new line of Ford Explorers for sale in Memphis, TN, is no different. In fact, the 2020 Explorer has introduced significant improvements for better comfort, performance, and spaciousness than ever. more If you’re interested in a 2020 Explorer, here are a few things that you should know before you buy. Read on for an overview of the vehicle, new features you should know about, and where to find the best variety of 2020 Ford Explorers for sale near you. Overview The Ford Explorer has undergone a transformation. The 2020 generation is the best Ford Explorer yet, offering an impressive 2.3L EcoBoost engine. Stick to the base model for 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, or upgrade to the sporty ST package for an impressive 400 horsepower, 415 torque engine that can propel you to an incredible 143 mph top speed. Pair that with its sleek new redesign, and you have a vehicle that combines the benefits of SUVs and sportscars into one affordable package. Starting at $32,765 for the base model, this mid-priced SUV offers amazing value that can’t be beat. You can even lease a 2020 Explorer for as little as $326 a month. The 2020 Is the Best Explorer Yet With rear-wheel drive for safe handling, two brand-new trim packages to customize your experience, and the choice of four powerful engines, the Explorer is designed for every driver. The Explorer with optional Intelligent 4WD has an optimized powertrain and braking system that puts power and safety in your hands. Combined with the new Terrain Management System, the 2020 Explorer is built to handle whatever driving conditions the day throws at you—be it rain, ice, high winds, or snow. Flip through your drive modes on the easy-to-use center console dial to adjust your Explorer to handle all kinds of driving conditions, even mud and sand! The new interior provides elegant tri-diamond perforated leather seats, an available twin-panel moonroof, and a 10.1-inch LCD touchscreen that you can use just like a smartphone to make calls, follow map directions, play music, and more. The optional 14-speaker sound system sounds better and more immersive than ever. Even better, smart technology like the FordPass app puts you in control of your vehicle from the touch of your phone screen. It’s a Spacious SUV Ford has taken note of a huge trend in its customer base: a departure from sedans and a growing demand for bigger, better SUVs. They have optimized the Explorer for a spacious, comfortable drive without the hefty size you’d expect of a truck. Former sedan drivers will love the space upgrade and will still feel comfortable with the drive. With 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space, the 2020 Explorer is more spacious than ever, without even looking significantly larger than previous models. Most SUVs with this much cargo space can cost well over $40,000, but Ford offers one of the few 2020 SUVs to offer a spacious interior without a luxury level price tag. Take your family out on the road, load up your camping gear—you can do it all with the 2020 Ford Explorer. You can even tow up to 5,600 pounds! This is the level of towing capacity you’d rarely expect from any SUV, but it’s what makes a Ford the reliable, tough vehicle Americans rely on. And now, the 2020 Explorer comes with amazing Towing and Trailer Sway Control for stability and safety even when hauling heavy loads. Many Trim Packages to Choose From Upgrade your 2020 Explorer with one of four impressive trim packages. The XLT includes popular upgrades over the base model, including keyless entry, tri-zone temperature controls for optimal comfort, and the addition of a Wi-Fi hotspot onboard. The Limited, meanwhile, includes several stylish upgrades, including a studio-quality Bang & Olufsen sound system, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and elegant leather surfaces with accent stitching that give your Explorer a luxury feel. The Limited Hybrid also provides full off-road capabilities and a whopping 500-mile range between filling up the tank. If you want optimal sports performance, the 2020 Ford Explorer ST is the trim for you. Along with silver accent stitching and other sporty style upgrades, the ST includes a powerful 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine. The ST includes performance upgrades that make any Explorer more thrilling to drive and more powerful than ever. The top trim package, the Platinum, includes wireless charging, a gorgeous satin aluminum grille, and exclusive floor mats and interior seating beyond anything even dedicated Ford drivers would expect. The 2020 Explorer Offers a Relaxing Drive Ford Co-Pilot 360 is back and better than ever. Your driving assistant does the hard work for you, with auto high-beam headlamps, a rearview camera, lane assist, intelligent adaptive cruise control automatic emergency braking, and so much more. Sit back and enjoy the optimized sound system on your commute. Even better, the new 2020 Ford Explorer’s smart technology is Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Waze compatible, making it easier than ever to access your media during your drive. The impressively responsive touchscreen display puts entertainment at your fingertips. With the roominess of an SUV, comfortable interiors, and better media compatibility than ever, drives just feel better in the 2020 Explorer whether you’re going down the street, across town, or out on the open road. Available Near You If you’re interested in a 2020 Ford Explorer in Memphis, TN, visit Ford of West Memphis. Visit us online or in person today to learn more about the 2020 Ford Explorer or to find another great vehicle that’s right for you.