Memorial Day weekend is going to be full of events and things to do.  Whether you are looking for food or you just want to spend some time outdoors, we have you covered with these fun things to do in Houston.

The Houston Jazz Dance Festival

Celebrate jazz music at the Houston Jazz Dance Festival held at The Westin Galleria Houston on Memorial Day weekend. Organizers bring in several jazz bands for Houstonians and visitors alike to enjoy. This free, kid-friendly festival goes for an entire two weeks, starting Saturday, May 15, and running through Monday, May 27.

Memorial Day Community Party

Gather your family and friends Saturday, May 25, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. for the Memorial Day Community Party happening at Emancipation Park. This annual event exposes local residents to diverse culture and a positive environment, encouraging them to open their minds and believe they can have an influential impact on their community.

This free event shines a spotlight on the many assets a community provides including community resource providers, entertainment, fun activities, and great food.

Memorial Day Remembrance 

Join George Ranch Historical Park for a unique Memorial Day celebration while exploring the holiday’s origin as Decoration Day. Get a taste of the different lives soldiers lived as well as the lives of one particular Texas family. You can complete your day with a home-cooked historic 1930’s meal at the George Ranch yard.

Make your Memorial Day special and honor your country at one of these fun Houston events.

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The new VW Tiguan has more interior options than ever before. This sporty mid-size SUV offers sleek lines, bold character, and lots of room. If you love a fancy interior, the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan is the SUV for you.

Fancy Seating Options

The seating options in the 2019 Tiguan seem almost endless with seating for seven and adjustable front seats. The SUV comes standard with cloth seating featuring a stylishly quilted design with available Vienna leather seats offering a unique design and a variety of color options.

Digital Cockpit

Technology always adds luxury when it comes to a vehicle, and the digital cockpit of the 2019 Tiguan does just that. Featuring a high-resolution display instead of the traditional instrument cluster along with a wide map navigation system located directly in front of the driver allowing you to remain focused on where you are going. Finally, Driver personalization lets you store up to four different customized profiles.

Premium Audio System

Listen to music in style while in the VW Tiguan thanks to the available Fender premium sound system. The 480-watt amplifier and nine speakers make you feel like you are at a concert while the large digital display allows you to select your music from a variety of sources.

Driving the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan will make you feel like you are driving in a luxury vehicle. The interior design has so many standard and available upgrades that the customization is almost endless. For more information or to schedule a test drive, stop by Archer Volkswagen today.

There is nothing that says Texas like barbecue and Houston has its share of barbecue joints you have to taste to believe. Whether you are from Houston or merely passing through, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss. Below are our top three favorites.

  1. Gatlin’s BBQ

Gatlin’s BBQ is a BBQ joint owned and operated by a local family. In fact, their food is so good they have won the Houston Press Best Barbecue award twice. With an expansive menu, they offer many different types of meat cooked with the best ingredients and homemade sauce.

  1. Pinkerton’s BBQ

Pinkerton’s BBQ was started by a local man, Grant Pinkerton. They offer a full menu with several different kinds of meat including prime brisket, beef ribs, pulled pork, and pork ribs. They also have a nice selection of side dishes and desserts. Delicious food at affordable pricing makes Pinkerton’s BBQ a must visit.

  1. CorkScrew BBQ

CorkScrew BBQ is a local, family-owned restaurant that is famous for its brisket and makes all of their food, including sauces, from scratch daily. They offer outdoor seating, are dog-friendly, and have outdoor games for the entire family to play. However, they are open shorter hours and sell out quickly during the weekend, so stay tuned to their social media or website.

Whether you have a favorite or enjoy the experience of trying something new, there is no better way to experience Texas than by experiencing it’s barbecue.

image via Flickr by stevendepolo

The MK8 is getting a significant facelift for the model year 2020 with sneak peeks showing an exterior design that is genuinely evolutionary for Volkswagen. For those drivers looking for a compact hatchback with more than a little style to show off, this may just be the car you have been waiting for. While still waiting for the official release, here are two body changes coming to the 2020 Volkswagen MK8.

  1. Sleeker Overall Design

The overall look of the 2020 MK8 will have a more modern, sleeker appearance. The front windshield will feature a more laid back look as opposed to the upright stance of years past while side mirrors are moving from the corner of the front windows down to the actual metal of the doors. These minor updates will allow the appearance of the MK8 to be in better proportion with a slimmer appearance.

  1. Front View 

While the overall design of the 2020 MK8 has a slimmer, sleeker appearance, the front view provides even more changes that have us excited. The fascia is noticeably lower thanks to several changes in the front headlights. Aligning with the grille, the headlights include redesigned features such as more curves and extensions on the edges of the lights. The grille also appears slightly more prominent with a larger opening along the top.

Archer Volkswagen is looking forward to the release of the 2020 MK8, along with updates on all that we can expect with the compact hatchback vehicle.  Stay tuned, and get ready to be excited!

With over 35 million vehicles purchased since 1974, the Golf continues to be Volkswagen’s best selling vehicle. With the reveal of the new generation nearing, everyone is anxious to find out more. Here’s what you need to know about changes to the VW Golf.

More Digitization Than Ever Before

Golf lovers can rest easy knowing that Volkswagen is promising to keep all the features you have come to love about this compact vehicle. You will enjoy more digitization inside the cabin including an advanced infotainment system and the latest in digital instrument clusters. In addition, touch-screen integrations will replace physical knobs and buttons for features including headlights and climate control. We are still waiting to see if the VW Golf will feature the same gigantic display currently found in the Touareg.

More Cabin Space

The new Golf features a wheelbase that is slightly longer and tracks that are noticeably wider, both of which translate into a more spacious interior cabin. In addition, you will gain more cargo room in the trunk as well. All this while the overall weight of the vehicle is set to decrease by close to 110 pounds.

We are as excited for the release of the new VW Golf as our customers. With production set to start in June, the wait shouldn’t be much longer before this compact vehicle is available for dealerships to begin offering to drivers. In the meantime, stop into Archer Volkswagen and explore our inventory of Volkswagen vehicles and schedule a test drive today.

Chicken and waffles, a wonderful soul food made with rich, delicious flavors, is all over Houston. The challenge is to find where you get the best version. Whether you prefer a traditional version or a more modern and innovative dish, check out these Houston restaurants for your chicken and waffles fix.

  1. The Waffle Bus

The Waffle Bus is a Houston food truck that moves around the Houston area. The menu includes delicious buttermilk fried chicken and waffles served in a variety of ways. You can get the traditional chicken and waffles and top it with either a spicy mayo or ancho chili honey butter. You can also go for the chicken and thunder fries — buttermilk fried chicken bites on top of seasoned waffle fries. The chicken Fryders features four mini fried chicken sandwiches served with waffle fries.

  1. Jupiter Pizza & Waffle

Once you’ve tried the chicken and waffles at Jupiter Pizza & Waffle, you won’t want anything else on the menu. The “morning belle” features fried chicken breast, two poached eggs, applewood smoked bacon, and country gravy, all on top of a waffle. The “southern belle” places fried chicken on a waffle and tops it with homemade maple cream. You can also try the “sure-e,” with grilled chimichurri chicken breast, sweet plantains, Fontina cheese, and tomato slices served on a fluffy waffle.

Try one of these places in the Houston area when you need a chicken and waffles fix. You can satisfy both your sweet and savory craving in one bite.

Image via Flickr by snowpea&bokshoi

Getting your driver’s license is an exciting experience, but it’s also a huge responsibility. Each state has different laws and a different process for getting licensed, but you can use the same strategies to pass the test no matter where you live. Here are some tips for passing your driving exam the first time.

  1. Practice, Practice, Practice

Just like any test, it’s important to go in prepared. The best way you can prepare for a driving test is to spend time behind the wheel. The written test is a big part of the process, but to be a good driver, you have to spend time driving. It’s also important to drive in all types of weather conditions. Go out in the snow, rain, and even wind to prepare for anything.

  1. Choose the Right Car

The car that you take to your driving test can make the difference between passing and failing. Make sure it has good visibility and small blind spots, and choose a smaller vehicle if you can. It’s also important to practice in the car you take to your test so that you are familiar with it.

  1. Drive in the Area of Your Test

If you can familiarize yourself with the roads near where you’ll take your test, it can make a big difference. You’ll feel more comfortable driving if you know your surroundings. That knowledge will help you stay relaxed so that you are more likely to pass the test.

Practice and preparation is key to passing your driving test the first time you take it. These tips can help you get your driver’s license on the first try.

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A night out on the town can often mean dancing but choosing a club can be a challenge. Houston’s club scene offers a wide range of music and atmospheres. The following are three of the hottest dance clubs in the area.

  1. Gravity

Gravity is one of the few clubs in Houston that plays techno music. It has a huge dance floor, and there is also a large outdoor patio if you need to get some fresh air. Gravity uses the latest technology for their sound system, and the staff brings in some of the best international DJs to play EDM music.

  1. Club Tropicana

Depending on the night, Club Tropicana has a live band or a talented DJ. If you like Latin music and Salsa dancing, then this is the club for you. If you don’t know how to Salsa, check Club Tropicana’s social media sites to find out what nights they offer free salsa lessons, and learn some moves before hitting the dance floor.

  1. Barbarella Houston

Head to Barbarella for the ultimate dance party. Two DJ’s own this dance club, and they always plays ‘80s music on Saturdays, Thursday is 90s night, and if you go on Tuesday, you can dance to pop-funk. The focus at Barbarella is on Indie music so don’t expect to hear any top 40 or traditional techno here.

These are just a few of the dance clubs in Houston. Check out one or more on your next night out.

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The iconic Volkswagen Rabbit is back. This fun car originally arrived in 1983 with red plaid seats and a gearshift knob. It became one of the first stylish hatchbacks and drivers loved it. Volkswagen only plans on producing 3,000 special edition 2019 Golf GTI Rabbit vehicles. Here are some reasons you’ll want one.

  1. Exterior Appeal

The 2019 Golf GTI Rabbit comes with black painted mirror caps, a rear gloss black GTI Rabbit Edition spoiler, and red brake calipers. It showcases 18-inch alloy wheels with gloss black paint. The GTI Rabbit has automatic LED headlights and taillights, in addition to fog lights with a low-speed corner-illuminating feature.

  1. Safety Features

The 2019 GTI Rabbit’s advanced safety features incorporate a rear-view camera system, active blind spot monitor, rear traffic alert, and front assist with pedestrian monitoring. It also features autonomous emergency braking. The special edition offers convenience with keyless access alongside push-button start.

  1. Interior Highlights

Inside the GTI Rabbit, you’ll sit on bucket-style seats up front alongside large side bolsters. Volkswagen covered the seats in Clark Plaid cloth, giving a nod to the original Rabbit. The interior ambient lighting embraces illuminated door sills in red. Volkswagen added red-stitched floor mats and special rabbit badges on the tailgate and seatbacks.

It has been a long time since we saw a Volkswagen Rabbit, but the wait was well worth it. Come see and test drive a 2019 Golf GTI Rabbit, today!

Houston is responsible for playing a large part in space exploration. It is home to the Johnson Space Center’s Mission Control Center, which supports ongoing missions related to the International Space Station. Additionally, an astronaut training facility is in the city. The following are some fascinating attractions for space lovers.

  1. Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston is a complex that includes several attractions. Visitors can see over 400 different space artifacts, like one of the world’s largest collection of lunar rocks, or you can hop on a tram for a tour of the Mission Control Center, Rocket Park, and Blast-Off! Theater.

  1. Johnson Space Center

Johnson Space Center offers a four-hour guided tour that provides visitors with a behind-the-scenes look at how astronauts train. Space lovers can see how the Mission Control Center communicates with the International Space Station. Guests can visit the Orion Mission Control room and walk around the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility where engineers create space exploration vehicles.

  1. Space Shuttle Independence

Space Shuttle Independence is an experience like nothing else. Visitors can enter the shuttle replica that sits on an original shuttle carrier aircraft (SCA) and explore the inside. This is the only shuttle mounted on an SCA that is open to the public. Tourists may take an elevator to the top of Independence Plaza to the flight deck, and then head down to the living area on the mid-deck.

Space Center Houston and the Johnson Space Center combine several must-see attractions for space lovers.

Image via Flickr by Neuwieser