Blog

If you're looking for great events this fall in the Houston, Texas, area, your options are plentiful. Make sure you show up to some of these great events to enjoy the fall weather before the cold of winter hits. RenFest One of the biggest renaissance festivals in the United States calls Houston home, and is worth checking out. The 45th Annual Texas Renaissance Festival, or RenFest, has a full schedule of events to enjoy and sights to see. Show up for the Oktoberfest-themed weekend, or drop in any day to enjoy life in the kingdom. Via Colori Set aside some time to stop by the Via Colori street art festival this year. Over 200 artists come together for the festival to create chalk art on the streets of downtown Houston every year to raise money for children with hearing loss. Food vendors, live music, and great art — there's no better way to enjoy a fall day. Turkey Trot On Thanksgiving Day, the Turkey Trot races are a great way to burn off your second helping of Thanksgiving dinner and support a good cause too. There are prizes awarded to the winner, but the 10K and 5K races are also fun to take on at your own pace. Proceeds support BakerRipley's mission to support the Houston community. Get out and explore everything Houston has to offer at these and the many other events happening in the city this fall and winter. Just because summer is over doesn't mean the fun stops. Image via Flickr by Kind of Bruin

If you're looking for your next hybrid or you're thinking of making the switch to an electric vehicle, check out the 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf. This year's model has to be the most perfect Golf the company has ever produced. Here are a few reasons why: e-Golf, the Electric Golf The 2019 e-Golf takes everything we love about Volkswagen's great Golf model, and electrifies it. It uses a capable 134 horsepower motor combined with a battery pack to take you even greater distances than ever before. With this hybrid system, the 2019 e-Golf can achieve a 119 MPGe rating, this means way less stops for gas. Surprising Technology It's no surprise that a car as smart as the e-Golf comes with plenty of technology to enhance your driving experience. The available 12-inch digital information cluster shows you the information most important to you, whether it's fuel-efficiency or directions to your destination. The dashboard mounted touch screen is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to let you use many of your favorite apps hands-free, using voice commands to keep your attention on the road. Driver-Assist Systems The 2019 e-Golf also keeps you safe in modern ways. Driver-assist technologies such as the blind-spot monitor, parking assist, lane assist, and more take your awareness of what's happening on the road around you to the next level. These are just a few ways Volkswagen focuses on keeping you and your passengers safe and sound. If you're ready to meet the 2019 e-Golf, come see us at Archer Volkswagen. Let us show you why the 2019 e-Golf is the best Golf ever created. Image via Flickr by rvandermaar

There's no better way to enjoy a hot day than by heading to a water park. If you're looking for water parks in the Houston, Texas, area, you're in luck — there are plenty of great spots to explore and have some wet and wild fun. Altitude H2O If you're looking for something new to try, head to Altitude H2O. It's the largest floating water obstacle course in Texas, giving visitors a chance to test themselves and have some aquatic fun. Slides, water bridges, balance beams, and plenty of other obstacles varying in difficulty will get the whole family outdoors and having fun. Typhoon Texas Waterpark Lovers of amusement park waterslides need to check out Typhoon Texas Waterpark. You can float down the speedy Snake Pit slides, take on the wave pool, or relax by one of the more calmer attractions and relax in the sun. The park's 45 acres offer great opportunities for a day of fun. There's something for everyone to enjoy at Typhoon Texas. Schlitterbahn Galveston For the ultimate aquatic weekend getaway, visit Schlitterbahn Galveston. You can easily spend the whole day at Schlitterbahn exploring everything the park has to offer. There are plenty of exciting slides, a slow-moving lazy river, a surfing attraction, and more to try at this water park. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day in the water or adrenaline-pumping thrills, you'll find it at Schlitterbahn. For some fun in the sun, check out these great water parks and don't forget your sunscreen. Image via Flickr by keith.bellvay

The people of Houston, Texas, love their cars and they like to drive them fast. If you're looking for an annual racing event in the Houston area, you're in luck — there are many racetracks, drag strips, speedways, and more to get your racing fix in. Make sure you check out these upcoming events. Mopar Express Lane NHRA Spring Nationals If you're a fan of drag racing, you need to book your tickets to the Mopar Express Lane NHRA Spring Nationals for a day of high-performance fun. The next event will be held from April 17 to 19 in 2020 at the Houston racetrack. If you've never been to a drag race, you're missing out on some high-octane excitement. Labor Day Classic At the Houston Motorsports Park, every Labor Day, the Advance Auto Parts Labor Day Classic brings people from all around to watch short track racing. This makes for a great family night out every year, with plenty of extra activities for the kids. Houston Autocross Championship Series The Houston Region Sports Car Club of America holds championship autocross races every year from October to January. There are multiple races to watch in each series, so if you can't make it to one, odds are, you can make it to another. One of the best ways to make a good day great is by spending it at the tracks. If you love watching cars driving fast, these racing events are sure to please. Image via Flickr by RVWithTito

If you're looking to buy a new car, check out any of the 2019 Volkswagen models. All 2019 models, excluding the e-Golf, are covered under the People First Warranty, which is America's Best Car and SUV Bumper-to-Bumper Transferable Warranty. Keep reading to learn what Volkswagen's People First Warranty means for you after you drive a 2019 Volkswagen off the dealership lot. More Years, More Miles The People First Warranty offers a New Vehicle Limited Warranty for six years or 72,000 miles, whichever comes first. Your new Volkswagen's powertrain components are also included in the warranty. Other new car warranties are capped around three years or 36,000 miles with a separate warranty on the powertrain for five years or 60,000 miles. The People First Warranty offers even more coverage than is offered on luxury vehicles, which are typically covered for four years or 50,000 miles with six years or 70,000 on the powertrain. Confidence in Construction That the People First Warranty is more extensive than a luxury vehicle's warranty shows just how confident Volkswagen is in their construction. This six-year/72,000-mile warranty allows Volkswagen car owners to feel confident about purchasing a new Volkswagen or buying a used one still under warranty. Since volkswagen mean "people's car," Volkswagen is giving back to the people through this extended warranty on all their new vehicles, excluding the e-Golf. If you choose to buy a new Volkswagen vehicle, know that you've made an excellent investment: the People First Warranty has you covered. Come check out a 2019 Volkswagen today. Image via Flickr by Janitors

Anyone who grew up in the '70s and '80s remembers the family station wagon. The 2019 VW Golf SportWagen is a throwback to those much simpler times of long trips with a cooler full of sandwiches in the back seat and only "I Spy" for amusement. Volkswagen has updated the design of the classic station wagon, making it more functional and accessible for a new generation of road-trippers. Cargo Space The first big advantage in this retro-inspired design is the amount of cargo space the wagon provides. It is perfect for either a family road trip or even on a solo adventure with luggage in tow. The design of the interior allows room for a 60/40-split folding rear seat. This allows for easy hauling when not riding with multiple passengers. So remember to pack a cooler full of sandwiches for the road because there's plenty of room for it in this wagon. Performance This isn't your mother's station wagon. Even though the vehicle has the spirit of the past in its long and somewhat boxy design, the wagon has plenty of torque to make driving it fun. This ride sports a 1.4L or 1.8L turbo engine. This makes highway driving a breeze and the car hugs the curves when cornering thanks to its tight-steering and smart, low center of gravity design. If you're looking for a vehicle that can double as the family car for summer vacation and the perfect weekend getaway ride, this is it.

As the fourth-largest city in the country, Houston, Texas, is known as "Space City." It earned this moniker in 1967 because it was home to NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center. Find out more about three space-themed locations to visit in Houston. George Observatory Located in nearby Needville, the George Observatory is the perfect spot to stargaze on Saturdays, after dusk. View the sights of the night sky via 14-, 18-, and 36-inch observatory telescopes. The 36-inch telescope is one of the largest in the world that's available to the public. Even if the sky is cloudy and you can't see the stars, you can learn about telescopes from an astronomer. Johnson Space Center Opened more than 50 years ago, the Johnson Space Center leads the country in human achievement and exploration of space. Its complex occupies more than 1,500 acres of land near downtown Houston. Visitors can see spacesuits, scale models, photographs, and pop-up displays. Take an open-air tram tour to see where astronauts train. Space Center Houston The Space Center Houston is part of the Manned Space Flight Education Foundation, which is a nonprofit educational organization. The space exploration learning center is one of the city's top attractions, welcoming in more than 20 million people since its opening in 1992. It typically attracts almost 1.1 million visitors annually to view more than 400 space artifacts and exhibits. Make a point to visit one of these three out-of-this-world destinations in Houston. All three spots provide you with different vantage points of space exploration. Image via Flickr by Tim Pearce, Los Gatos

The new line of Volkswagens has taken some classic designs and updated them for a new generation. One of the most popular vehicles in the new line is the 2019 VW Golf GTI. It redefines the hatchback and offers some new life to a previously uninteresting design. Design The genius of this new vehicle is in its design. This is a classic hatchback, but it doesn't have any of the downfalls that are common with one. There is a surprising amount of room for four passengers and even some additional cargo room behind the back seats. The exterior is aesthetically pleasing as well. There are multiple combinations of interior and exterior colors to choose from and the vehicle looks both luxurious and sporty. Performance The 2019 Golf GTI comes with an impressive turbocharged 2.0L TSI engine. This means it can move when unleashed on the highway. It also has some improvements in power steering, which means that it can handle all the power without sacrificing any control when navigating city streets. Technology Despite the throwback design, this hatchback is built for the modern world. It even offers selectable driving modes which enable the driver to change the way the car performs at the touch of a button. With modes such as "eco," "sport," and "custom," the driver has full control over performance. The front navigation display is large and glass, which makes the GPS easy. So if you're looking for a fun and modern ride, this hatchback works.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA If you've never had the opportunity to witness an authentic Texas rodeo and livestock show, you're missing out. These events are more than just people wearing cowboy hats and riding horses. Keep reading to learn what to expect at three must-see rodeo and livestock shows in and around Houston. Galveston County Fair and Rodeo Begun more than 80 years ago, the Galveston County Fair and Rodeo includes rodeo events, carnival rides, and entertainment. Livestock judging includes turkeys, lamb, swine, goats, steer, and rabbits. The 2020 event occurs April 17 through 25 at the Galveston County Fairgrounds. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo A 19-day tournament-style competition, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of Houston's premier events and awards winners in a variety of events, including bull riding, team roping, and saddle bronc riding. Contestants compete for more than $1.5 million in prize money. Started in 1932, today the rodeo takes place at the NRG Park and typically boasts more than two million visitors. The 2020 event takes place March 3 through 22. Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo Beginning in the 1920s, the Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo supports youth and education as well as preserves cowboy heritage in the nearby Pasadena area. Visitors can watch the rodeo, parade, and mutton bustin' competition. This event takes place each year in September near the Pasadena Municipal Fairgrounds. Whether you've never witnessed a livestock show or rodeo in the Houston area or attend one every year, any of these three spots offer plenty of activities for you to enjoy. Image via Flickr by bjoem

The 2019 VW Jetta is a popular sedan and since its inception many years ago, the model has been bringing value to drivers. The new model is exceptional and receives rave reviews because of its performance, safety features, and design. Performance This newly designed VW Jetta doesn't feel like driving just your next generic compact or sub-compact sedan. The vehicle offers an impressive 1.4L turbo engine. This means that whether on the highway or in the city it is not only powerful but proves to be extremely fuel-efficient. The 2019 VW Jetta also features a new Cross Differential System-XDS, which varies front braking pressure so that cornering is much easier and smoother. Safety One would be hard-pressed to find a sedan with as many safety features as the VW Jetta. This model has an embedded safety cage for energy absorption along the impact crumple zones. There is also a new feature with automatic post-collision braking. This means that even after an accident the car brakes to prevent further skidding and possible damages. Design This sedan is designed to feel nothing but luxurious. It offers an interior designed for driver comfort and even customizable interior ambient lighting. Combined with a Beats sound system and a full-color navigation display it's elegant and comfortable. With the 2019 VW Jetta, you're getting the perfect combination of safety, performance, and style. This newly-redesigned model will make you feel more celebrity or spaceship captain than soccer mom or dad, bringing joy and safety to the driving experience.

The 2019 VW Jetta is a popular sedan and since its inception many years ago, the model has been bringing value to drivers. The new model is exceptional and receives rave reviews because of its performance, safety features, and design. Performance This newly designed VW Jetta doesn't feel like driving just your next generic compact or sub-compact sedan. The vehicle offers an impressive 1.4L turbo engine. This means that whether on the highway or in the city it is not only powerful but proves to be extremely fuel-efficient. The 2019 VW Jetta also features a new Cross Differential System-XDS, which varies front braking pressure so that cornering is much easier and smoother. Safety One would be hard-pressed to find a sedan with as many safety features as the VW Jetta. This model has an embedded safety cage for energy absorption along the impact crumple zones. There is also a new feature with automatic post-collision braking. This means that even after an accident the car brakes to prevent further skidding and possible damages. Design This sedan is designed to feel nothing but luxurious. It offers an interior designed for driver comfort and even customizable interior ambient lighting. Combined with a Beats sound system and a full-color navigation display it's elegant and comfortable. With the 2019 VW Jetta, you're getting the perfect combination of safety, performance, and style. This newly-redesigned model will make you feel more celebrity or spaceship captain than soccer mom or dad, bringing joy and safety to the driving experience.

Houston is a city that has grown significantly throughout the years and is now a hub for arts and recreation. When you're in Houston you'll find several festivals that are plenty of fun for the entire family and they shouldn't be missed. The Music International Culture Festival This annual music festival is a must for anyone in the area looking to experience a diverse lineup of artists. This event includes two stages of live performances from over 50 different artists. The genres range from hip-hop to EDM. There are also DJ and dance battles with a variety of vendors and food trucks to check out. For those interested in art, the festival is famous for its Graffiti and Mural Painting Competition. The Wizards Beer Festival Part craft beer festival and part cosplay this unique festival offers entertainment for the adults-only crowd. The entire venue is transformed into a magical wizarding world so that every Muggle can get his or her fill of enchanting brews while soaking up the magical atmosphere this festival is known for. Texas Americana Festival and Conference This annual festival is a three-day event bringing together over 200 artists. Whether you're a music-lover or just want to learn more about the music industry this event is perfect for you. In addition to the great performances, there are several workshops planned around songwriting and marketing. There's plenty to do and learn if you're in the Houston area and you're looking for some great tunes, cold brew, or new experiences. Image via Flickr by theglobalpanorama