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Cross Country Ski Trails Near Wakefield RI Winter is still upon us, but that doesn’t mean there is no fun to be had. Rhode Island offers many excellent winter recreation opportunities. If you are looking for cross country ski trails near Wakefield RI, Speedcraft Volkswagen has put together a list of our top choices. Arkwright Riverwalk More info here! This unique trail has been built on a former rail bed. The trail covers one mile along the north branch of the Pawtucket River. A small parking area is available near the start of the trail. Read More: Be sure to keep these items in your car this winter Blackstone River Greenway More info here! This trail covers almost 12 miles between Woonsocket and Pawtucket. Multiple parking lots are spaced out throughout the length of the trail. Blackstone River Greenway traverses a wide variety of terrain and gives skiers an excellent chance to take in a great view of Rhode Island. Burrillville Path More info here! This one mile path snakes through rural Rhode Island, making it the perfect place for skiers looking to venture away from the hustle and bustle of city life. East Bay Trail More info here! One of the best-known trails in Rhode Island, the East Bay Trail overs over 14 miles and is perfect for a wide variety of uses. The trail winds through both urban and rural environments, giving skiers an excellent variety of scenery. If you would like to take a new car for a test drive while you are in the Wakefield area, stop by Speedcraft Volkswagen. We offer several capable models that are ready to help you through all of your winter travels. Take a look at our selection to learn more about everything we have to offer.

2016 Holiday Events near Providence, RI When you’re a kid, there are three big days that you look forward to all year: your birthday, Halloween and of course Christmas. Make the 2016 holiday season one to remember by taking the whole family out to one of the fun family-friendly events taking place this year in the Providence Rhode Island area. Here are some of the 2016 Holiday Events in Rhode Island that we’re looking forward to. A Christmas Carol Location: Trinity Repertory Company Dates: Nov. 5 – Dec. 31 Time: Buy Tickets Here! Description: Watch this holiday Dickens classic come to life this holiday season. Great for theatre enthusiasts of all ages! Santa’s Magic Hat & Whatever Happened to Ebenezia Scrooge Location: Courthouse Center for the Arts Dates: Dec. 12 Time: 3pm to 4pm Description: The young actors and actresses in the Courthouse Children’s Theater Company is putting on two plays this holiday season, which are sure to put the whole family into the holiday spirit. Learn more here. Children’s Holiday Tea Location: Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum Dates: Dec. 5 – Dec. 19 Time: 4pm to 6pm Description: Register to have you and your children enjoy a holiday tea party at the Blithewold Mansion. Complete with holiday snacks and activities the whole family will enjoy. Register here. Christmas at the Mansions Location: RICC Dates: Nov. 28 – Dec. 17, Mon. – Sat. Time: 10am to 4pm Description: Experience Rhode Island is offering tours of the Gilded Age Mansions in Providence, which have been decorated lavishly for the holiday season. Includes free time for lunch and Christmas shopping. One Providence New Year’s Eve Ball Location: Rhode Island Convention Center Date: Dec. 31 Time: 9pm to 2am Description:Be sure to stop by for the 2nd Annual One Providence New Year’s Eve Ball, which will include entertainment and surprise performances throughout the night to ring in the new year. Happy Holidays from Speedcraft Volkswagen!

Christmas Tree Farms in Washington County, RI With Christmas coming up in the next couple of weeks, many Rhode Island residents are beginning to put up their decorations. And no Christmas decoration is as iconic as the ornament-adorned pine tree. While you could settle for a department store-bought artificial tree, but then you’d miss out on that fresh pine smell filling up your home. If you want the authentic Christmas tree experience, visit one of the Christmas Tree Farms in Washington County, RI. Here in Wakefield, RI, we’re lucky to have a variety of Tree Farms right here in town. With a variety of different kinds and sizes, we’re sure you’ll have no trouble finding one at the many farms in the area. If you do need to go out of town to find one, you won’t have to go far before you find more options! Take a look at some of the nearby Christmas tree farms in Wakefield and the Washington County area below! Bedrock Farm Location: 106 Woodland Trail, Wakefield, RI Hours: 12pm to dusk Mon-Fri, 9am to dusk Sat-Sun Tree Varieties: Canaan Fir, Douglas Fir, and Fraser Fir – you-choose, you cut. Click here to learn more. Highland Farm Location: 4235 Tower Hill Rd, Wakefield, RI Hours: 7am to 5pm Sun-Sat Tree Varieties: Balsam Fir, Douglas Fir, Scotch Pine, Virginia Pine and White Spruce – pre-cut. Click here to learn more. The Farmer’s Daughter Location:716 Mooresfield RI, South Kingstown, RI Hours: 9am to 6pm Sun-Sat Tree Varieties: Firs, Spruces and Pines – you choose, you cut. Click here to learn more. Riverside Farm Location: 80 Burdickville Rd, Charlestown, RI Hours: 8am to 5pm Sun-Sat Tree Varieties: Balsam Fir, Blue Spruce, Canaan Fir, Colorado Blue Spruce, Douglas Fir, Eastern White Pine, Norway Spruce, Scotch Pine, White Pine, White Spruce – You choose, they cut. Click here to learn more. Happy Holidays from Speedcraft Volkswagen!

Things to keep in your car for winter Here in Rhode Island, we’re no stranger to bad winter weather. And we know that there are few things worse than being stranded out in the snow in your car unprepared. That’s why many drivers have taken to preparing a winter survival kit to keep in their car should it break down in the winter. Here are a few of our recommendations for things to keep in your car in the winter. It goes without saying that if your car breaks down in the winter, your best course of action is to stay with your vehicle, rather than head out in the storm to find help, especially if you aren’t familiar with the area or are out in the middle of nowhere. A spare phone/phone charger This will be available in the event that your phone runs out of battery or is damaged and unable to call 911 if needed. Flares These will help rescuers see you and allow them to make it to you much more quickly. First Aid Kit Great to have year round, this can be essential if someone is hurt in an accident. Also make sure you know how to use all of the items inside the kit. Extra winter clothes and Blankets If your car’s battery dies, there goes the heat. That’s when you’ll be glad you packed extra winter clothes and blankets. It’s especially important if you need to leave your vehicle. A bag of sand Both adds to the overall weight to your car, improving traction, and can be spread over the ice and snow, giving you traction when you’re stuck. Ice scraper Works best if you have one that also has a brush, having an ice scraper is essential to keeping your windows clear on cold mornings. Shovel In case you get stuck or your car gets buried overnight, you’ll be glad you have a small shovel in your car, instead of having to use your hands to dig yourself out. What do you recommend keeping your car in the winter? Let us know in the comments below! For more tricks and tips like this, be sure to check out the rest of our blog here at Speedcraft Volkswagen.

Volunteer Opportunities near Wakefield, RI for Thanksgiving 2016 The holidays are a time when we’re all reminded of the things we have to be thankful for. That’s why it’s such a popular time for citizens to offer support for those less fortunate than them. If you’re looking for ways to give back and get involved in our community here in Rhode Island, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities in the Wakefield area looking for assistance this Thanksgiving 2016. Here are just a few of the groups in our area looking for some volunteer help and donations. Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale Peace Dale, RI A local food pantry, the Jonnycake Center is looking for volunteers for Thanksgiving as well as any other time. The group provides food once a month to those in need. They are also accepting items for donation. Learn more about the group and how to help here. New Life Assembly South Kingstown, RI The New Life Assembly is a food pantry located in South Kingstown, RI. They are looking for donations and volunteers this holiday season. If you’re in the South Kingstown area and are looking for a volunteer opportunity, you can learn more about helping the New Life Assembly here. St. Peter’s by the Sea Narragansett, RI Those in the Narragansett area can donate food and goods, or volunteer with the St. Peter’s by the Sea food pantry this Thanksgiving season. Those interested in taking part can learn more about the group and how to donate and/or volunteer with them here. RI Center Assisting Those in Need Charlestown, RI Rhode Island residents in the Charlestown area looking to volunteer Thanksgiving Day are welcome to join the RI Center Assisting Those in Need, which will be providing free meals to those in need. Learn more about it and how to help out here. Here at Speedcraft Volkswagen, we’re proud to help out our community in any way we can. Whether it’s sponsoring local groups, teams and clubs, or just drawing attention to and promoting events and happenings in our community. Be sure to stay up to date and check out the rest of the community-related entries to our blog, which can be viewed right here. Have a Thanksgiving volunteer opportunity you’d like to promote? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Rhode Island Restaurants with Thanksgiving Specials We can’t all be Betty Crocker or Gordon Ramsay in the kitchen. For many people, rather than spend a ton of money on a turkey that’s going to be over/undercooked, taking the family out for a great meal in the Providence area. What’s more, a selection of great restaurants near Wakefield, RI offer Thanksgiving specials. That way, you can get a great Thanksgiving meal without the work! Sure, you could go the traditional route with your Thanksgiving meal, but the great thing about restaurants is that they offer a variety of options. Whether you’re feeling sandwiches, fish or Italian, you have options this Nov. 24, as the time spent with your family is the real important part of Thanksgiving. Here are just a few of the Providence restaurants offering specials this Thanksgiving. Bar Louie 1 Union Station Known for its oversized sandwiches, great beer and friendly atmosphere, Bar Louie will be open on Thanksgiving Day, offering great dinner and drink specials from 4pm to 1am for the whole family to enjoy. Bluefin Grille One Orms Street The Bluefin Grille will be offering its Thanksgiving Buffet between 12pm and 2pm, offering all of your holiday favorites and then some. Call for a reservation to ensure there’s enough seating for the whole family. Federal Taphouse & Kitchen 279 Atwells Avenue Open on Thanksgiving day, with the bar opening later in the evening, families are welcome to stop by the Federal Taphouse & Kitchen to enjoy its hand-crafted mixed drinks, craft beers and delicious menu between 5pm and 11pm. Portofino’s Tuscan Grille 897 Post Road, Warwick, RI Don’t feel that you have to limit yourself to classic turkey and mashed potatoes this Thanksgiving. Portofino’s Tuscan Grille will be open on Thanksgiving Day, offering a special between 12pm and 6pm. The Capital Grille 10 Memorial Blvd. For a more upscale dining experience this Thanksgiving, we recommend visiting the Capital Grille, which offers a relaxed, elegant atmosphere and complimentary fine dining. Open Thanksgiving from 11am to 9pm. What are your family’s plans for Thanksgiving Day 2016? Let us know in the comments below!

Apple Orchards near Providence, RI The temperature is getting cooler and the leaves are changing color here in Rhode Island as we move from summer to fall, but that doesn’t mean we have to stay cooped up indoors! Instead, it’s time for you and the whole family to bundle up a bit and head out for one of our personal favorite fall activities: apple picking. If you’re looking for a place to pick some of your favorite apples, here are a few apple orchards near Providence, RI for you to choose from. Dame Farm and Orchard Hours: Mon-Friday 8:30 a.m – 6 p.m.; Sat-Sun 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Over seven acres of land make up Dame Farm and Orchard, where you pick a variety of different apples including: McIntosh, Cortland, Gala, Honeycrisp, Macoun, Jonagold, Braeburn, Ida Red and Red Delicious. The farm also offers twenty-minute wagon rides around the farm and a two-mile-long corn maze. Pippin Orchard Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. There are sixteen types of apples available at Pippin Orchard including McIntosh, Macoun, Honeycrisp, Rhode Island Greening and Gala. We also recommend sopping by their Columbus Day Celebration (Oct. 11-13) which features chainsaw carver Michael Higgins, who creates elaborate carvings from fallen tree trunks. Knight Farm Hours: Daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Nearly 200 years of family tradition makes Knight Farm a great choice for families. With forty acres of land, you can be sure that they offer an array of your favorite apples. Hayrides begin in October making it a great choice for kids, otherwise stop by the on-site country restaurant for breakfast or lunch and the ice cream shop for dessert! Jaswell’s Farm Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. There’s so much more to Jaswell’s Farm than just apple picking. Visitor can also enjoy hayrides and a weekend concession stand with hot apple crisp, apple cider doughnuts, doughboys and French fries. The farm is also a popular field trip destination with educational videos on the making of apple cider and a behind-the scenes tour of the farm stand, baker and cold storage facility. Hill Orchards Hours: Sat and Sun 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Growing apples since the 1920s, Hill Orchards offers eleven types of apple trees throughout the season, including: Gala, Macoun, Empire, Fuji, Red Delicious, Granny Smith and Rome. Make a whole day trip of it and experience their horse-drawn hayride tours of the entire orchard and pumpkin patch. Have a favorite apple orchard of your own? Let us know about it by commenting below!

Labor Day 2016 Events in Rhode Island Here in Rhode Island, Labor Day marks the end of summer for many residents. As such, it’s the perfect opportunity for one last weekend of fun in the sun. That’s why we here at Speedcraft Volkswagen have put together a list of some of the best Labor Day 2016 Events in Rhode Island for you and your family to enjoy. We know that many Rhode Island residents look forward to Labor Day as a day off to enjoy that last bit of summer. So if you’re in the Providence or Wakefield area, we recommend checking out some of these events. There’s a wide variety of happenings in our area, so we’re confident that there’s something for everybody! 19th Annual Rhythm & Roots Festival September 2nd – 4th Ninigret Park, Charlestown, RI One of the biggest events in our area, the Rhythm and Roots Festival is at it again with an impressive musical lineup, fun family activities, vendors, great food, camping and more. Stretching over three days, the festival features three event stages, showing off a variety of different music with performers like Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers, The Suitcase Junket, The Revelers and much more. Music will be available until midnight all three nights, beginning at 5 pm on Friday and 1 pm on Saturday and Sunday. For more information or to see the full lineup, visit the event’s website here. Raptor Weekend 2016 September 10th – 11th Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI For an educational outing with the kids, the Audubon Environmental Education Center in Bristol, RI is hosting a variety of eagles, owls, hawks and falcons for their special Raptor Weekend. The weekend will feature flight demonstrations, activities and other educational programs for bird enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy. Beowulf: A Thousand Years of Baggage September 8th – October 9th Trinity Repertory, Providence, RI The musical version of this literary classic begins its month-long run at the Trinity Repertory on the 8th. Providence-area residents that are a fan of theater and literature will have a great evening, with shows beginning at 7:30 pm. Whatever you end up doing for Labor Day weekend, make sure your vehicle is in proper shape before you leave. You can schedule a maintenance appointment with our expert service staff here at Speedcraft Toyota.

North Kingstown High School Golf Outing at Valley Country Club Here at Speedcraft Volkswagen, we’re always looking for ways to lend a helping hand in our community. That’s why we’re helping sponsor the North Kingstown High School Boys Basketball team as they host their inaugural Golf Outing at the Valley Country Club. The cause Our local high school’s basketball team, the North Kingstown Skippers, are hosting their first ever Golf Outing at the Valley Country Club on Monday August 1, 2016. The goal of the event is to raise money so that the team can travel to Disney World to take part in the Holiday Basketball Tournament in December 2016. A great opportunity for our local players, taking part in this tournament in Orlando, Florida is not only a great chance for the Skippers to gain an amazing competitive experience, but offer great exposure for our schools as well. About the event Those that take part in the Golf Outing are in for a full day of fun out on the course! Registration begins at 12 pm, with the Shotgun Start scheduled for 1 pm, so we recommend getting there nice and early. The tournament will be in the scramble format, with USGA rules applying. The hosts also request proper golf attire and etiquette on the course. In addition to the tournament, a variety of contests will also be held for a few extra opportunities to win. Contest categories include: Longest drive: men & women Closest to the pin Low team score Hole in one Putting After the tournament and the contests, cocktails and a silent auction will be hosted at 5:30 followed by Dinner, awards and a raffle. For more information, feel free to contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen! We hope to see you there to support this great cause! For more information on Speedcraft Volkswagen and our other work in the community, be sure to check out the rest of our blog!

South Kingstown 2016 July 4th Celebration at Old Mountain Field Are you and your family and friends looking for a way to celebrate the 4th of July here in Rhode Island? Of course, there are plenty of fun things to do in the Providence area during the day, with everything from memorial events to camping grounds, but there’s no better way to end one of the biggest holidays of the year than with a literal bang. That’s right, South Kingstown is hosting its annual July 4th Celebration at Old Mountain Field where you can enjoy some of the best fireworks around! Always a highlight of the South Kingstown area, the 2016 July 4th Celebration at Old Mountain Field is expecting to be bigger than ever with plenty of attraction and fun for people of all ages. The celebration will feature a live concert starring “Take it to the Bridge”, a high-energy cover band from Southern Rhode Island, who will be playing all of your favorite hits. The concert will begin at 6:00 pm, however we recommend that you get there early to enjoy the other festivities which include food concessions and the Field of Artisans on display. 4th of July Fireworks in Rhode Island When you go to the South Kingstown July 4th Celebration, you know you’re in for a world class fireworks display! The fireworks will be beginning at 9 pm, so hurry and get there early! Event planners have stated that an estimated 10,000-20,000 people will be attending. In the event of rain, the event will be rescheduled for Tuesday, July 5th. Have some fireworks of your own? Please leave them at home! There will be plenty available at the celebration for you to enjoy, and personal fireworks are strictly prohibited on the park grounds. Will you be attending the South Kingstown 2016 July 4th fireworks celebration? Let us know in the comments below! Happy Fourth of July from Speedcraft Volkswagen!

Rhode Island e-Golf giveaway For over a month now, we have been receiving hundreds of entries from Rhode Island drivers for our e-Golf Giveaway Sweepstakes here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. The giveaway came to an exciting conclusion just last Friday on Earth Day 2016 with a drawing event held right here on our lot. Here at Speedcraft Volkswagen, guests gathered to enjoy refreshments and admire some great Volkswagen vehicles, but the 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf was easily the real star of the show. Visitors and entrants admired the sporty hatchback exterior style, comfortable, sleek interior and of course it’s impressive specs. With our e-Golf Giveaway Sweepstakes, we hope to do our part in Rhode Island’s initiative encouraging state drivers to switch over to more environmentally friendly modes of transportation. In that same line of thought, we also hope to draw attention to the overall appeal of the 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf. Not only does it offer the stylish exterior and interior appearance of the ever-popular Golf, but with the added benefit of top-of-the-line fuel economy. About our prize! As the grand prize in our giveaway, we awarded one lucky winner a free one-year lease on a 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf valued at $2,407.27. The e-Golf offered during our event is capable of some pretty impressive power and efficiency. With its electric engine powered by a 24.2 kWh 323 V lithium-ion battery, the e-Golf is capable of a remarkable 115 horsepower, while also achieving an outstanding 126 MPGe in the city and 105 MPGe on the highway. Our winner's model features Volkswagen's sporty Pure White exterior color and a sleek, technology-oriented interior that prioritizes comfort and convenience. — Art (@Turbineguru) April 25, 2016 About our winner! At our April 22 drawing, we named Art from North Kingston as the winner of the 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf for one whole year. Art is long-time and current VW owner and Speedcraft customer, having multiple models of his own: a VW Bug, Micro Bus and three Jettas! He is extremely happy to have the chance to test out the eco-friendly e-Golf and add it to his arsenal. Working at a local Clean Power Plant, Art knows the importance of clean energy, and the big impact it can have on the environment. It also makes it easy enough for him to find a place to charge his new e-Golf! He's also remarked that charging the e-Golf overnight makes charging as easy as can be. In a statement, Art told Speedcraft Volkswagen, "I am really, really, enjoying the car, who would have thought an electric car could be so much fun to drive… All of the stereotypes of electric vehicles have been blown out of the water, it is fast, sporty, fun, and so very cool. Most of all it is cutting edge, in its technology and a statement to boot." Still sporting its "Win Me" and "Speedcraft" stickers, be sure to give Art a wave when you see him and his new e-Golf rolling down the street! Get a 2016 VW e-Golf of your own! If you’re interested in getting behind the wheel of a 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf model of your own, you’ve definitely come to the right place. As the top provider of the Volkswagen e-Golf in Rhode Island, you’ll have a hard time finding a wider selection of e-Golf models than the one we have here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. You can view our complete e-Golf inventory right here on our site. That way, you can narrow down your choices before you even arrive on our lot. Once you’ve selected a model or two that you’d like to try out, simply contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen to schedule a test drive. We’re confident that once you try out the Volkswagen e-Golf, you won’t want to settle for any other car. So hurry in now and say goodbye to the gas pump! View our e-Golf inventory!

Rhode Island Earth Day 2016 events Here in Rhode Island, we’re all about environmental conservation. That’s why there’s plenty of R hode Island Earth Day 2016 events for you and the whole family to enjoy. As a big promoter of safe, clean living, we here at Speedcraft Volkswagen encourage you to get out there this week and do your part to conserve the environment. Since it was first established back in 1970, Earth Day has come a long way to become a globally celebrated holiday. In many instances, it’s used as a time to teach children about nature, the earth and environmental conservation. If you’re looking for an educational, fun activity for the whole family, or just want to get involved in the community, take a look below at some of the available Earth Day Events. April 22 Party for the Planet Located at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, RI, Party for the Planet begins each day at 11 am and runs until 3 pm. This event celebrates the different regions featured in the Zoo, teaching visitors about the different animals at the zoo and their environments. The Environmental Fair will be hosted on the 22nd. Learn more here. East Matunuck Beach Earth Day Cleanup Do your part to take care of the Earth by helping clean up the shoreline of Potters Pond, East Matunuck Beach and Succotash Salt marsh. Free refreshments and shellfish will be served. Cleaning up these places not only help improve the appearance of the areas, but can help get rid of any dangerous debris that can hurt wildlife. Learn more here. Just a Dream (and plant a seed) Hosted at the Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge in Smithfield, RI, Participants will hear the story of a boy that dreams of a polluted future, and wakes to realize he can make a difference. After the story, participants will plant a seed to take home and grow. Learn more here. e-Golf Giveaway drawing at Speedcraft Volkswagen! As the top provider of electric Golf vehicles in the area, we here at Speedcraft Volkswagen understand the benefits of going electric – not only for the planet, but for the driver as well! That’s why we’re giving away a 2016 VW e-Golf to one lucky winner. The drawing will be held here at Speedcraft Volkswagen promptly at 1:30 pm on April 22nd. Interested in entering? It’s not too late! Read more here to learn about entering and how to qualify. We will stop receiving entries at 12 pm on April 22, so be sure to hurry and get your entry in! Of course, these events are only scratching the surface. There are plenty more cleanups and events happening in Rhode Island that you can take part in, check locally for more information. What are you doing for Earth Day 2016 in Rhode Island? Let us know in the comments!