Russell & Smith Ford

Best Movie Cinemas Near HoustonWith a lot of hit movies expected to release this fall, now is a great time to choose your preferred movie theater. Fortunately, you have many exceptional cinemas to choose from in the Houston, Texas, area.

iPic Houston

iPic Houston is conveniently located in the River Oaks District. Although newer to the Houston area, it has already earned a reputation as one of the most luxurious places to catch a movie. Become a member and you will receive discounts on movie tickets and food, invitations to early screenings, and priority access to some of the most anticipated movies this year.

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Top Safety Features on the 2019 Ford EscapeThere are many reasons why SUVs have constantly grown in popularity over the past several years and their safety record is definitely one of the most important. Because they are often used as family cars, the safety of everyone on board is usually the top priority for an SUV driver. The 2019 Ford Escape is a great example of a sport utility vehicle with excellent active and passive safety features.

Active Safety Features

Active safety technology consists of all the devices a vehicle is equipped with that actively work with the driver to minimize the odds of a potential collision. The 2019 Ford Escape is very well-equipped with potentially life-saving active safety systems that help to prevent any unfortunate collision. The most important is the forward collision warning with brake support, active lane-keeping system, and blind-spot information with cross-traffic alert. Other relevant active safety elements are the adaptive cruise control system, auto high-beam headlights, as well as the rain-sensing windshield wipers.

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Best Hot Dog Shops Near HoustonAlthough food options are very diverse nowadays, most of us enjoy getting back to the basics from time to time. The traditional hot dog certainly fits that category and fortunately for those living in or around Houston, there are plenty of delicious options nearby.

The Hot Dog Shop

This amazing sports bar and grill was initially opened in 1985 with only a few New-York-style hot dog stands and kept on growing over the years. Nowadays it is a full-service restaurant and sports bar, complete with a catering service which constantly adds to its extensive food and drinks menu, with 101 food menu items and 25 different types of beer. Despite its extraordinary growth over the years, The Hot Dog Shop’s owners never forgot where it all started and they still serve some of the most delicious hot dogs in town.

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4 Reasons the Ford Taurus Is a Great Car to DriveThe Ford Taurus has come a long way over the years since it was first released in 1986. Today, the 2019 model features a modern-day design, an exciting performance, and driver-assisted technologies that improve safety. Check out a few of the top features that make the 2019 Ford Taurus a great car to drive.

Modern Design

The Ford Taurus is designed with bold design cues that bring it into modern-day times. The exterior is designed with upgraded LED head and tail lights, petal-shaped wheels, and a sleek and sloping front end that demands attention. Upgrade to the Taurus SHO for a unique and distinctive grille with chrome accents. Available 20-inch wheels complete the sporty design of the 2019 Ford Taurus.

The interior of the 2019 Taurus features sporty leather-trimmed seats, a heated steering wheel, and access to a series of technologies that are sure to improve your daily commute. Dual-zone climate control is standard on all upgraded trim levels and keeps both front and backseat passengers comfortable.

Exciting Performance

With the 2019 Taurus, you no longer have to choose between practicality and performance. You can choose from two available engines with a standard 3.5-liter engine with 288 horsepower, paired with a twin independent variable camshaft timing system. For additional power, you can also upgrade to the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine with 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque.

The six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission allows you to deactivate the automatic mode and choose your own gear, including a sport mode. The all-wheel-drive system on the 2019 Taurus is more advanced than ever before with exterior sensors that identify current road conditions and adjust the torque settings as needed.

Entertaining Technologies

Whoever said your daily commute had to be boring? You will enjoy your time behind the wheel with the technology-packed 2019 Taurus. Equipped with the Sync 3 driver infotainment system, you can sync your smartphone to your Taurus. You can stream your favorite playlists, take phone calls hands-free, and pull up turn-by-turn navigation to your favorite restaurants, attractions, or other points of interest. The available Sony audio system comes with 12 speakers and Clear Phase technology which gives you a clear musical listening experience.

Intuitive Safety Features

The 2019 Ford Taurus is not only accommodating, it is also a safe choice. Available safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with brake support, a blind spot information system, and active park assist. The active park assist feature assists you with both parallel and perpendicular parking. Additional standard features that also improve safety include electronic traction and stability control, dual air bags, and the Ford MyKey feature. You can use Ford MyKey to track and improve teen driving habits.

The Ford Taurus is designed to meet the needs of the driver. Whether you are sitting in traffic on the way into work or taking the family on a road trip, the Taurus will offer you the comfort, safety, and entertainment that you deserve. Come by Russell and Smith Ford today to check out the 2019 Ford Taurus.

Russell & Smith Ford is Proud to Sponsor Bo's PlaceAt Russell & Smith Ford, we take pride in our Houston Community. We know how important it is to give back in the little ways and those not-so-little ways. That’s why we’re so proud to be sponsor Bo’s Place. Bo’s Place is a non-profit that exists to offer support and community to those who have experienced the death of a loved one. Bo’s Place offers multiple grief support services for adults, children, and families, and provides education and resources for those who assist people in grief.

Bo’s Place in Their Own Words

Bo’s Place has a clear mission that is executed in each event and opportunity they offer. “When someone you love dies, it creates a gap. A chasm. Something missing where their memory lives. We’ve been there and that’s why we’re here. Bo’s Place exists to help those grieving, and those assisting the bereaved, find the support they need.

Bo’s Place operates on the belief that it is helpful and healing for grieving children and adults to share their stories, memories, experiences, thoughts, and feelings with those who can understand their journey. Bo’s Place offers the only free on-going grief support program in the greater Houston area for children and their families.”

Bo’s Place Offers

At Bo’s Place, they offer a wide variety of support groups, professional workshops and training available to Houston citizens and professionals alike. They offer an impressive resource library, information, and a referral line. Not only that, Bo’s Place hold various events throughout the year targeted to educate and assist attendees of various age groups, reasons for attending, and in different stages in the grief process.

Ways to Give

If you’re interested in supporting Bo’s Place, there are several ways you can do so. There are a few ways to make donations.  You can consider becoming a volunteer to fulfill one of a wider variety of roles at the organization. Keep an eye on the events for even more opportunities to be a part of Bo’s Place.

Russell & Smith Ford is happy to sponsor Bo’s Place. To see other ways our Ford dealership is taking an active role in our Houston community, please take a minute to learn more about the Russell & Smith Experience.

4 of the Best Mexican Restaurants in Houston, TXIf you enjoy authentic-tasting Mexican food and you live in the Houston, Texas, area, then you are in luck. You will find a few top-rated restaurants that serve creatively unique Mexican menus. Check out a few of the top restaurants.

Teotihuacan Mexican Café

The Teotihuacan (Tio) Mexican Café began with just one location on Irvington and has since expanded to a total of three cafes throughout Texas. Begin your meal with one of the mouth-watering appetizers like the chicle con queso or the Quesadilla de Fajita. Then, take your pick from a long list of exceptional menu items including the El Texano and the Parilla Teotihuacan.

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Explore the All-New 2020 Ford EscapeHit the road in search of an adventure this fall with the all-new 2020 Ford Escape. This impressive vehicle comes with a capable exterior and a comfortable interior. Check out a few of the most outstanding features you can expect from this redesigned SUV.

Power

Choose from three available engine setups in the 2020 Escape. Standard is a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine with 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. You can also upgrade to the available 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. There is also a hybrid power option which comes as a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid which includes a 2.5-liter iVCT Atkinson-cycle hybrid engine with auto start-stop functions.

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4 Unique Things to Do in Houston, TXGet out and explore the exciting and quirky side of Houston, Texas, this weekend. These unique activities are perfect for a fun-filled afternoon that you will not soon forget.

Houston Historical Tunnels

You have not seen all of Houston until you have also explored its underground tunnel system. The Houston underground tunnel system was initially built as a way to connect two movie theaters. Over the years, however, restaurants and retail stores were added to the underground area and it became an attraction of its own.

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The 2019 Ford Mustang Can't Be BeatenGrab life by the Ford Mustang’s reigns. If you want the best in American pony car engineering, it’s the 2019 Ford Mustang you’re looking for. Ever-powerful, always exciting, and packed with endless style, the new Mustang just can’t be beaten. Look for yourself:

Powerful Performance

The 2019 Mustang is more powerful than any of its predecessors. If you want near-Shelby levels of power, make sure you get the 2019 Mustang Bullitt. It touts a massive 5.0-liter V-8 engine that delivers 480 horses and 420 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers let the Mustang put other muscle cars to shame.

This year’s Mustang is equipped with some fantastic mechanical features that take its performance to exciting new heights. The independent rear suspension and available MagneRide damping system smooth out the bumpiest rides. Get 14-inch vented rotor brakes for ultimate control over your Mustang. There’s nothing quite like driving a Mustang.

Unstoppable Style

Get a drop-top California Special Mustang with a rear spoiler and ebony accents that will free your soul as you drive down the coast. Beat the streets in an Army-green Bullitt with a white cue-ball shifter and one of the toughest presences on the road. One of the greatest aspects of the 2019 Mustang is you can get one that fits your style with the great trim levels and appearance packages.  No matter which Mustang you choose, though, you can rest assured other cars on the road will pale in comparison.

Breathe life into your Mustang with one of the 10-plus exterior paint options. Slide into leather-trimmed seats, choose your ambient lighting and bask in the Mustang’s unparalleled sense of style.

Braun and Brains

The 2019 Mustang isn’t all muscle — it’s full of tech that takes your driving experience to the next level. The driver information gauges are customizable so you can see the information that’s most important to you — it can even change its color. Upgrade to the B&O premium sound system to give new life to old favorite songs. The dashboard-mounted touch screen lets you connect to your phone to give you a hands-free experience. You can also use that phone to lock, unlock, and start your Mustang from inside your house.

With these and the many other tech-savvy features it holds, this year’s Mustang is not only stronger than it’s ever been, but it’s smarter as well.

Next-Level Safety

The 2019 Mustang has access to the Ford Safe and Smart package. A Mustang with this package is one of the safest muscle cars on the market. You’ll get awesome driver-assisting technologies such as adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beams, automatic emergency braking, pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection and more. Keep your Mustang fender-bender-free and yourself safe and sound, thanks to these innovative advancements in technology.

Take a test drive of the 2019 Mustang to see how good it feels to be behind the wheel of the icon. Swing by Russell and Smith Ford to get yours today — we’re always looking for a good reason to take them out.

6 Fitness Classes to Get You SweatingGetting your best, healthiest body is difficult. Most of us go through lots of trial and error to find what works for us. But more often than not, our lack of results is due to our lack of expertise.

If you want to break a sweat and see results, the Houston area has plenty of gyms and studios that offer fantastic classes. Let your instructors be your guide to your best body with these six great class-focused gyms.

RIDE

There’s nothing like getting a good sweat in during a spin class. RIDE is all spinning, and they offer many classes throughout the week so you can get a good workout in. Whether you’re trying to shed a few pounds or trying to maintain weight, a RIDE class will get you where you need to go.

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