March Events in Central Texas

Posted on March 6, 2018 by admin

Looking for stuff to do this March? Head to the city in your Johnson Bros. Ford and enjoy one of these fun-filled events.

St. Patrick’s Day Festival – March 17

This annual family-friendly festival celebrates all things Irish. Come enjoy authentic Celtic music and dancers, Irish language workshops, the finest Irish imports and plenty of good family fun. The festival will be at the Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms from 12pm to 7pm. Adults are $12, Children 13 and under are $4, and toddlers 2 and under are free.

Rodeo Austin – March 10-24

Over the years, Rodeo Austin has grown from a show featuring 16 animals into one of Austin’s premier events, featuring Pro rodeo events, daily concerts, livestock show, carnival rides, midway games, food trucks, and more. The rodeo will be held at Travis County Exposition Center daily.

Austin Urban Music Festival – March 30-31

More than 15,000 music revelers converge on Auditorium Shores at Lady Bird Lake to enjoy Austin’s only music festival focused on R&B, neo-soul, and hip-hop music. Get your tickets today!

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Stop by Johnson Bros. Ford before you hit the road and make sure that your car is in tip-top shape. Time to trade-in for a new vehicle? Johnson Bros. Ford can help you get into the car or truck of your dreams. Come test drive one today!

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Valentine’s Weekend Road Trip

Posted on February 12, 2018 by admin

Valentine’s Day is this Wednesday and while some of you have already celebrated early, consider using next weekend as an excuse to get out of town for a weekend road trip. Whether you just bought a new vehicle from Johnson Bros. Ford or had your vehicle serviced at our service department, you’re ready to head out.

Del Rio

Take a trip to Del Rio for a two-nation mini vacation. Be sure to bring your passport and take a trip into the Old West and Old Mexico. Del Rio is on the Rio Grande and is adjacent to the Amistad National Recreation Area. Enjoy dining, shopping and boating on one of the biggest lakes in Texas. You’re just a few minutes from Ciudad Acuna, Mexico, so head over the border to spend some time in the Mexican city. Additional activities in Del Rio include rock art, bird watching, wine tasting and visiting museums.

Odessa

Head over to Odessa, located in the Permian Basin, formed by an ancient ocean in the Permian Period. Visit some of the older buildings, the World Famous Chuck Wagon Gang, grab a bite to eat and more.

El Paso

Take a road trip to El Paso to see mountain ranges rising from the desert, the Rio Grande, play a round of golf, stop for a romantic dinner and visit all of the historical places in the area. Various Indian groups, Spaniards and Europeans all inhabited the area in the past and all have left their mark on the area.

Midland

Drive over to Midland on Interstate 20 to tour the Big Bend region, visit museums, get a romantic dinner and dance the night away. Midland is in the center of the Permian Basin; and it offers everything a modern city has to offer without the traffic congestion.

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Stop by Johnson Bros. Ford to pick up the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift for your loved one. Test drive a sedan, coupe, SUV or pickup truck to take home. When you find a vehicle you like be sure to ask your salesperson about any additional available options and whether we are running any finance or lease specials on the vehicle.

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Don’t Miss These Fun January Events

Posted on January 12, 2018 by admin

When you’re on the road this January (or looking for an excuse to do so), check out one of these fun events happening this month near your Temple Ford dealership.

25th MLK Community March, Rally, and Cultural Festival – January 15

Come out and honor the great civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., at this free event taking place in Austin.

The 25th MLK Community March, Rally, and Cultural Festival will kick off at 9am at the University of Texas at 21st and Speedway under the MLK Statue. The march will continue on to the south steps of the State Capitol Building for a short program before continuing on to the historic Huston-Tillostson University where the festival will take place until 3pm.

The event organizers request that marchers bring can goods and non-perishable food items to donate to the Central Texas Food Bank.

Lunar New Year Festival – January 26

Check out this fun and free cultural event to mark the Chinese New Year. 2018 is the Year of the Dog and the Lunar New Year Festival is ushering it in with Asian food, performances, and cultural activities. There will be a dragon dancing, lighting firecrackers, and exchanging red money envelopes. Head to the University of Texas to join in on the fun.

Austin Bacon and Beer Festival – January 26-28

The 5th Annual Austin Bacon and Beer Festival is setting up to be as popular as ever this year. Produced by Edible Austin in partnership with Eat Boston, the festival has sold out in multiple cities, including Boston, Denver, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Austin in previous years.

The event showcases bacon-centric foods prepared by bacon-loving local chefs. This delicious showcase will be presented alongside local craft brews. General admission starts at 1pm at Brazos Hall and costs $47.00 for all samples inside. A premium tickets sets you back $100.00, but gets you early admission at 12:30pm, all samples inside, and a commemorative t-shirt and tasting glass.

The fest will run until 4pm. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Central Texas Food Bank.

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Stop by Johnson Bros. Ford this January to test drive a new or used vehicle if it’s time to upgrade your ride. You can also stop by Johnson Bros. Ford if you need to schedule some maintenance with our service department.

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Safe Holiday Driving

Posted on December 8, 2017 by admin

When you think about the holiday season before it hits, you probably think of your family traditions and the delicious food you’ll soon be eating. What you may forget about is holiday travel and the stresses it can cause.

However, holiday driving doesn’t have to be entirely about traffic jams, grumpy kids, and sleet on the roads. By following a few simple holiday driving trips, you can make your travel experience this holiday season much more safe and enjoyable.

Watch the Weather

Many holiday drivers are forced to leave home in horrible weather to make it to their destination on time. Watch the weather before you leave, and keep an eye out for areas that will be experiencing icy or snowy conditions. Avoid those areas if possible, and if not, allow yourself some extra travel time.

Be Cautious Around Large Trucks

No one likes having to pass semi-trucks in winter driving conditions, but you can make sharing the road with them a lot easier. Don’t cut in front of them. They take much longer to stop than a car, so allow them plenty of space before you merge back into their lane after passing. Be careful of their blind spots too. If you can’t see the driver in their mirrors, they can’t see your vehicle.

Drive Slow

Holiday driving almost always involves a conversation about “making good time” on the road. Forget about how long it takes you to get to your destination, and focus on safety. This means driving slower in winter conditions than you would on clear roads. Speeding is also much more dangerous on a congested roadway, so slow down in heavy traffic.

Watch the Road

While it can be tempting to look at your phone or GPS, don’t do it! Have passengers do the navigating and text messaging for you. Just two seconds of taking your eyes off the road can double your chance of an accident.

Service Your Vehicle

It’s important to make sure your vehicle is ready for long-distance travel before you hit the road. Bring your vehicle by your Temple Ford dealer, Johnson Bros. Ford, and our Johnson Bros. Ford service department will have your vehicle in top shape before you leave.

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Thanksgiving Road Trip Tips

Posted on November 10, 2017 by admin

Hitting the road for Thanksgiving offers a combination of excitement and stress that has become synonymous with holiday travel. But the busy roads shouldn’t keep you from getting to your destination. Follow these Thanksgiving road trip tips to make this holiday travel season the easiest and most enjoyable one yet.

Do the Proper Planning

Planning a road trip may not seem as important as planning a flight, but the proper preparations can ensure you have a good time. The day before Thanksgiving has long been known as the busiest travel day of the year, and the following Sunday is almost as busy. Avoid these travel days whenever possible.

Pack a GPS

Most smartphones come equipped with GPS applications, and a number of our vehicles here at Johnson Bros. Ford also come with GPS capabilities. A good GPS system can save you a lot of hassle and give you a realistic look at your arrival time. A GPS can also help you find an alternative route if your usual route is too highly traveled.

Stop Often

More crowded roads and holiday deadlines can make you feel like you need to arrive at your destination in a hurry, but the best way to enjoy a road trip is to take your time. Make stops for good, healthy foods and get out of the car to stretch your legs or toss a football around. If you see a roadside attraction you’re interested in along the way, don’t be afraid to stop. Many times, the stops you make along a road trip are what make the journey even more pleasing than the destination.

Have the Right Road Trip Vehicle

The vehicle you use for your travels makes a big difference in how much you enjoy your time inside it. Get rid of your old, uncomfortable family vehicle and swap it for a new or quality pre-owned vehicle from Johnson Bros. Ford. We’ll help you find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs, whether you’re a couple who wants to travel in style or a family in need of in-car entertainment systems.

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Fall Foliage Drives in Central Texas

Posted on October 13, 2017 by admin

Hit the road this fall to check out some of the fall color before it’s gone. Some of these places are pretty far out, so you should have your vehicle serviced at Johnson Brothers Ford before you head out – or if you’re in the market for a new vehicle, stop by for a test drive so you’ll have a brand new vehicle for your trip.

McKittrick Canyon Trail

This drive is 100 miles east of El Paso and 200 miles west of Midland, but it’s worth the drive. Go through Guadalupe Peak and, 40 miles from there, Carlsbad Caverns. Between the two places, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for some great photo shots. And, when you get tired of driving, hike some of the 80 miles of trails in the area. Be sure you fill up the tank and pack plenty to drink and some lunch as you won’t find any restaurants, motels, tour buses, gas stations and concessionaires.

The best hike is the trail to McKittrick Canyon. This 7-mile round trip trail allows you to see tons of maple, walnut, oak, ash and madrone in all their brilliant colors. The trail also features a picnic area.

Another great place to find some brilliant color from maple, ash, madrone and oak is the McKittrick Ridge switchback. This hike takes you 2.3 miles through the foothills starting at the Frijole Ranch to a brook – a perfect spot for pictures and lunch.

And, if you’re looking for a challenge, hike Guadalupe Peak, a 9.3-mile round trip that takes you up a vertical climb that is nearly 3,000 feet. You’ll be able to get pictures of the foliage all the way to New Mexico.

Additional Places to Find Color

You’ll also find lots of color near Winnsboro. Take one or more of the three Autumn Trails Tours. The tours are about 30 miles and take two hours.

Visit Johnson Brothers Ford

Stop by Johnson Brothers Ford today to test drive a new vehicle or give our service department a call to schedule an appointment for maintenance or repairs.

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The Best State Fair Foods This Year

Posted on September 30, 2017 by admin

Tomorrow is the opening day at the State Fair of Texas. What’s the best part of the fair? Why, we like to think it’s the food. The rides, games, and exhibits might be grand, but the fried food is where the fair really shines.

But what food stands out the most this year? Which ones should you save room for and spend your hard earned coupons on?

Get your beloved funnel cakes and corn dogs, but remember to keep an eye out for…

Deep Fried Froot Loops – Sweet Finalist

Love Froot Loops cereal? Then you’ll love this hedonistic spin on the breakfast cereal classic. Froot Loops cereal is combined with marshmallow cream filling in a creamy batter outer shell, deep fried, and covered in glaze and powdered sugar.

The Tamale Donut – Savory Finalist

Donuts + tamale = heaven. It’s one of Einstein’s lesser known mathematical proofs and we think it’s underrated. The tamale donut takes the filling of your traditional tamale, in this case pork carnitas, but shapes it into a donut instead. It’s then covered in jalapeno salsa.

Gulf Coast Fish Bowl – Best Taste Sweet

This one came out on top in the sweet category and it’s no wonder why. It looks like an aquarium with Nerds candies as the gravel bottom and iced blue punch as the water. Swedish Fish fill the bowl and a pineapple ring garnishes the opening.

Funnel Cake Bacon Queso Burger – Best Taste Savory and Most Creative

The king of the 2017 fried foods is the funnel cake bacon queso burger and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Take a hamburger patty, top it with bacon and queso, then put all of that goodness between two funnel cakes. It’s the most savory, most creative fried Frankenstein at the fair this year. Don’t miss it.

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Stop by Johnson Bros. Ford to test drive a new vehicle to take to the fair. Be sure to ask your salesperson about any lease or finance specials we might be running on your favorite Ford model.

Don’t forget to check out the Ford vehicles on display at the Auto Show when you’re at the State Fair. You’ll be able to get an up close look at all of your favorite models… just don’t bring any food into them!

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Visit Mustang Island State Park

Posted on August 3, 2017 by admin

If you want to head out for a relaxing day or weekend, plan a trip to Mustang Island State Park. Before you head out, be sure to have your vehicle serviced at Johnson Brothers Ford – or pick up that new vehicle you’ve been thinking about. This barrier island is home to tons of wildlife and lots of adventure. Plus kids can attend Junior Ranger Exploration events while parents fish or relax on the beach. And, leashed dogs are welcome.

The Beach

Enjoy bonfires on the beach, camping on the beach, beach combing, paddling and be sure to check out the turtles and dolphins. Firewood for your beach-front bonfire is for sale at the nearby park store.

Camping

Choose from primitive campsites on the sand or campsites with water and electric. The non-primitive sites are located behind the dunes that border the beach. Pack your tent in the trunk or haul your RV if you prefer something more homey.

A 1.5-mile stretch of beach is open to camping. Ground fires are allowed; and the area has access to a bathhouse and full restrooms. The non-primitive sites are just a short walk up the shore, so even if you bring your RV, you’re still not far from the beach. The electric is a 50-amp hookup. Plus each site has grills and picnic tables. And, so you don’t fill your holding tanks, you’ll find restrooms nearby.

Trails and Beach Combing

Get up close and personal with wildlife on paddling trails or go beach combing for treasures washed up by the tide. Wildlife includes sea turtles as Mustang Island is one of just a few breeding grounds that remain for the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle. From April through July, the sea turtles lay their eggs on the shore and hatchlings make their way to the sea.

Park Information

Entrance fee to the park is $5 per day; and children under 12 get in free. Primitive campsites are $10 per night; and non-primitive sites are $20 per night or $120 per week. The gates are open from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. daily. For more information call (361) 749-5246.

Visit Johnson Brothers Ford

Be sure to visit Johnson Brothers Ford to test drive a new vehicle or give us a call to set up an appointment to have your vehicle serviced or checked.

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The Best Ways to Spend Your Summer Outside in Austin

Posted on July 21, 2017 by admin

Looking for ways to spend some time outside in the Austin area this summer? Lucky for you, Austin is the outdoor capital of Texas (besides being, you know, the actual capital of Texas). Hop in your Johnson Bros. Ford and head to some of the Austin area’s best outdoor sites.

Go Biking

Austin is one of the country’s most bike friendly cities. Numerous trails run through and around Austin, not to mention the downtown area itself, which is also exceptionally bicycle friendly. Bring your own bike or rent one when you get there and enjoy the trails all day long.

Visit a Swimming Hole

The Austin area is full of great natural places to go swimming, such as Hamilton Pool Preserve, which is probably one of the coolest looking cool spots in Texas. The preserve was formed when the limestone dome over an underground pool collapsed thousands of years ago. There’s a tumbling waterfall that cascades over the limestone cliff into the pool below and a cavernous shaded area formed by the remains of the limestone dome.

See the Stars

Austin itself isn’t good for stargazing, but the numerous state parks nearby certainly are. Try Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, one of the best stargazing spots in central Texas. Located near Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock has the distinction of being an International Dark Sky Park, part of a family of parks around the world that are recognized as being exceptionally dark for nighttime viewing. Enchanted Rock let’s you see the night sky with great clarity; you’ll be able to spot planets and see the spiral arm of the Milky Way.

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Don’t forget to visit us at Johnson Bros. Ford this weekend to shop for a new or used Ford car, truck, or SUV. If you’re not on the market for a new car yet, Johnson Bros. Ford can also help you keep your car in good shape this summer.

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Where to Fish in the Heart of Texas

Posted on July 7, 2017 by admin

If you’re planning a fishing trip, you have to choose which is the best lake to fish in. And then, you need to get everything ready, including your vehicle. Even if you are not towing a boat, you should have your vehicle checked, and repaired if necessary, before you travel any distance. Call Johnson Bros. Ford to set an appointment to have your vehicle checked or serviced before you head out to the lake.

Caddo Lake

If you prefer shallow water fishing, Caddo Lake is where you need to head to. The average depth of this natural lake is about 10 feet. It’s a haven for fish that like to hide in bayous and sloughs. You can use spinnerbaits, plastic worms, topwater lures and more. Fish popular in the lake include spotted bass, largemouth bass, chain pickerel and crappie.

Lake O’ the Pines

If you prefer smallmouth bass, the early summer months will not disappoint at this lake. Also available are largemouth bass and others. Fish the upper end of the lake above the Highway 155 bridge if you like fishing in shallow water that is lined with islands full of willows. The area also has tons of lotus pads and baitfish.

Amistad Reservoir

This reservoir on the Texas/Mexico border features tons of great hiding places for fish. You’ll find deep canyon-like areas and other great cover for fish. Fish in the shallows during the morning and make your way to deeper water in the afternoons. Use crankbaits and topwater lures near the shore and Texas-rigged or Carolina-rigged plastic worms out in deeper water.

Lost Creek Reservoir

Visit this lake for superb bass fishing. The lake has a lighted launch ramp and a large parking area. Fish in moss beds near the ramp, inlets full of cattails and more.

Visit Johnson Bros. Ford

Be sure to stop by Johnson Bros. Ford to test drive a new vehicle or give us a call to set up an appointment to check or service your vehicle before you head out on your next fishing trip.

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