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Engine maintenance is one of the most important types of automotive care you can provide to your vehicle. Your engine is the workhorse of your car, truck, or SUV, and keeping it clean allows it to operate at its best. If you're curious about the benefits of cleaning an engine and how to do so, this guide can help you. more Should You Clean Your Engine? Image via Flickr by Mike Babcock via CC BY 2.0 Cleaning your engine is an important part of automotive maintenance. A clean engine runs more efficiently and experiences reduced damage during operation. A clean engine can also help to lower your costs in the short-term through fuel efficiency and in the long-term by avoiding engine damage. How to Clean the Inside of Your Engine The most important consideration when cleaning your engine is looking at its insides, as this allows it to operate cleanly and effectively. Here's what you need to do in order to clean the inside of your engine: Check your coolant. The first consideration when cleaning your engine is preventing debris from gathering in the first place, which starts with checking the fluids running through it. When you check your coolant levels, also note the appearance of the coolant in your reservoir. If it appears cloudy or dirty, it is beneficial to change your coolant out with clean coolant to prevent it from injecting debris into your engine. Get your oil changed. Another important fluid to monitor is your engine's oil. When you receive an oil change, it's common to provide a mileage reading when you need to get it changed next. It's important to remain up-to-date with your oil changes in order to keep the oil in your engine cleaned to prevent it from causing clogs or damage to the engine. Use a fuel additive. A fuel additive provides a simple way to clean out your engine. Simply top off your tank, then add the additive to your fuel reservoir according to the instructions on the bottle. The additive works to break down harmful deposits within your engine in order to help it run more cleanly and efficiently. Get a tune-up. The best way to care for your engine is to take it in to see a service professional for a tune-up. By staying on time with your routine automotive maintenance, you allow professionals to examine your vehicle for any potential signs of trouble. They can alert you to any concerns about your engine and provide it with professional-level care to keep it running cleanly. How to Clean the Outside of Your Engine Although a lower priority than the inside of your engine, cleaning up its outside can still make it more presentable and help to minimize its exposure to potential damage. Follow these steps when cleaning your engine: Let it cool off. If you have recently been driving your engine, it's important to let it cool off before doing any work on it. Engines can reach temperatures hot enough to severely burn you, so turning off your vehicle and allowing it to rest–with the hood up if possible to speed up the process–allows you to work on it safely. Clear away debris. When cleaning your engine, it's helpful to begin with removal of any easy-to-clear debris. If there are any leaves or other small items that have gotten under your hood, or loose dirt on the engine, brush the debris away gently so that only stuck-on dirt and debris remain. Check your seals. Before using water underneath your hood, it's important to make sure that you protect any exposed wiring. Most modern vehicles that are vulnerable to water come with sealed components. However, it's beneficial to examine your engine to look for any areas where there are damaged seals and water can get into electrical wiring. It's important to do this in order to avoid short-circuiting the electrical system of your engine. Run the car. In order to remove stuck-on debris from your engine, it's beneficial to warm it up first. This can help to loosen any buildup on your engine and make it easier to remove. Running the engine for 10 to 15 minutes after it has cooled down should provide you with enough warmth to loosen buildup without making the engine dangerously hot to the touch. Degrease the engine. Once your engine is warm, turn off your vehicle and begin applying a degreaser. Start from the bottom of the engine and work your way up, applying it to any areas where grease or debris accumulated on your engine. The degreaser loosens build-up and makes it easier to clean your engine. Brush the trouble spots. Although degreaser is an effective tool when cleaning your engine, some areas of stuck-on grime may require additional attention. Scrubbing the grease spots with a cleaning brush allows you to break up any stubborn spots prior to rinsing. Rinse it off. After you have completed degreasing and brushing, all that's left is to rinse off your engine to clear away the debris that you loosened. You don't need to powerwash your engine, as the brush and degreasing agent work better to clean off the dirty areas. Set your hose to a gentle flow and rinse your engine from the top down to clear away the build-up. Dry it down. Once you have finished rinsing your engine, you can leave it to dry for several minutes. If the engine is still warm from running, drying it will help to evaporate some of the remaining liquid. After allowing any light surface accumulation to dry, wipe the engine down with a dry towel or rag to speed up the drying process for any areas where more water accumulated. The best way to ensure you get a high-quality cleaning for your engine is to bring your vehicle to a service center and request a professional cleaning. With experienced professionals cleaning your engine, you know it is well-protected and receives a high quality clean every time. Get Your Engine Serviced in Grand Forks with Rydell Auto Group Rydell Auto Group is proud not just to be Grand Forks' premier automotive dealership group, but also a premier automotive service provider. If your engine needs cleaning, our service team can help. Call us up or contact us online to schedule your appointment for an engine cleaning today. We will get your engine looking and running as good as new!

When you have a crack in your windshield, you shouldn't ignore it. Some chips and cracks can grow larger over time, significantly weakening the integrity of the entire shield. To avoid even more severe damage, you'll want to get your windshield taken care of sooner rather than later. However, you may be wondering if you need an entirely new windshield or if you just need a repair. Below, we'll aim to help you answer that question by covering the essential factors. more Type of Windshield Cracks There are a few different styles of damage you may have, and the type of crack will help determine how you should measure it. For example, you may have a more circular crack that takes the form of a bulls-eye or more a star pattern. You could also have a non-circular crack, which is more of a jagged line running through your windshield. The main thing you'll want to determine is whether you have a circular crack or line crack, then proceed to measure it. Diameter of a Windshield Crack The first measurement is the diameter of the crack. You'll want to measure the diameter when you have a circular crack rather than a longer one. These usually come about as the result of a chip in the glass. To measure the diameter, you'll want to use a ruler to measure from one side of the circle, through the center, to the other side of the circle. Length of of a Windshield Crack If you have a crack in your windshield that is more of a line rather than a circle, you'll want to measure the length of it instead of the diameter. This can sometimes be tricky if the crack bends and twists in different directions. Do your best to measure the length of the crack from top to bottom, or from right to left, depending on the direction it's facing. You don't need to get an exact measurement, but the closer estimation you can make, the better decision you can make about how to proceed. How Does a Windshield Repair Work? The process to repair a crack or chip in a windshield is fairly simple. The technician first starts by creating a vacuum over the damaged area. This removes both the air and moisture from the area. Next, they inject a clear resin into the crack, which fills up even the tiniest of spaces. Once the crack is filled, the technician removes the vacuum and applies a UV light. This UV light interacts with the resin, causing it to harden in place. After a short while, the resin is set and good to go. You may notice a slight defection where the crack or chip once was, but it should be much less noticeable than before. This is one of the reasons why technicians can only repair smaller damage. Repair vs. Replace: Which Do I Need? Once you know a little more about the damage you're dealing with, you can then start to figure out if you can repair your windshield or if you need to go with a full replacement. There are a few factors that typically make this determination. For starters, there is the size of the damage. Generally speaking, if your circular crack is smaller than the size of a quarter, it can likely be repaired. For jagged lines, the maximum length is typically around three inches. While there are always exceptions, if your crack is longer than a dollar bill, you'll likely need a full replacement as a repair isn't feasible. Another consideration is the number of cracks. If your windshield just has one small chip, you can likely have this repaired. However, if you're dealing with multiple chips throughout the glass, then it's more likely that you'll need to replace the windshield. Finally, there's the location of the damage. There are several locations where, if there is damage, it's unlikely that a technician will be able to perform a repair. These locations include: On the interior of the windshield Within the driver's viewing area Within both layers of glass In a rain sensor or internal radio antennae In addition, cracks or chips near the edge of the windshield are more likely to weaken the integrity of the entire glass. It's therefore typically recommended that you replace the windshield in this case rather than replace it. All that being said, every situation is different. Some technicians have more experience or tools available to them, which allows them to repair more significant or troublesome damage. Your best course of action is to receive an evaluation from a professional windshield repair and replacement service and see what they recommend. Repairing or Replacing Your Windshield in Grand Forks Whether you need windshield repairs or an entirely new windshield, it's important that you bring your vehicle to a trusted service. Your windshield is too important to leave in the hands of inexperienced professionals or to attempt to do it yourself. You don't want to pay money for windshield repairs, only for the problem to pop up again a short time later. To avoid this, bring your vehicle and its damaged windshield to Rydell Auto Group. We are a professional car repair service in Grand Forks, specializing in windshield repair and replacements. When you bring your car to us, we'll give your windshield a full inspection. We can then advise you on the best course of action and take care of the work for you. Our goal is to get your windshield back to you as quickly as possible, looking good as new again, all for an affordable price. To get started, don't hesitate to get in touch with our service department today. We'd be happy to schedule a time for you to drop off your vehicle or to answer any questions you may have. We know how frustrating and inconvenient a damaged windshield can be, and we'll do everything we can to make the repair process as smooth as possible for you. Thank you for considering Rydell Auto Group, and we hope to hear from you soon.

Many of life's challenges will likely cause us stress and anxiety. So, it's very important to take time for yourself to de-stress so you can stay healthy and happy. There are many ways humans relax to reduce stress, from exercising to getting a facial. But some places help you unwind better than others. When you need to take time to take care of yourself, check out these places in the Grafton, North Dakota, area. more Namaste Massage and Yoga Studio Image via Flickr by kymerastudio via CC BY 2.0 Many people turn to yoga and massage as a way to center themselves and relax. Namaste Massage and Yoga Studio offers clients several ways to de-stress. Body treatments are popular and include therapeutic massage, hot stone massage, and cranial sacral therapy. Consider a stimulating body scrub, then wrap up in a warm blanket with the Cocoon Body Wrap. During your time wrapped up, you'll receive a warm oil hair and scalp treatment. After your wrap, you'll get massaged with a warm body balm. Also, this place is for everyone. Even pregnant people can enjoy the gentle Mommy to be Massage. To help with your focus and mental health, Namaste Massage and Yoga Studio offers an energy healing session called Crystalline Consciousness Technique. You can also spend time in the steam room with invigorating eucalyptus oil. Perhaps you'd prefer to have a foot treatment with refreshing mint or to add some color to your skin with the spray tan. To learn more about the yoga classes they teach and the schedule, contact the studio directly. You can find Namaste Yoga and Massage Studio at 726 Hill Ave. in Grafton. Shakti Moon Shakti Moon 's services are comprehensive. They offer alternative holistic skincare, therapeutic and body-healing treatments, yoga classes, and natural and organic skin care products. Products that you can pick up come from Spa Professional Skincare and Eminence Organics. Body treatments include craniosacral therapy, SomatoEmotional Release, Ayurvedic massage and medicine, and sports massage. Further, treat your feet to a reflexology session, have a facial, or refresh your skin with microdermabrasion. Yoga classes are offered for all levels and skills. You can also book a private yoga class for special gatherings or for one-on-one personal training. Shakti Moon is located at 501 Hill Ave. in Grafton. After a day of yoga and body treatments, stop by any of these r ecommended restaurants in Walsh County. Colette Community Fitness Center Some people like to de-stress by lifting weights, taking an aerobics class, or swimming laps in a pool. The Colette Community Fitness Center offers all of these ways to get healthy, along with a racquetball court, walking tunnels, a cardio studio, and a fully stocked weight room with free weights and machines. You can find Colette Community Fitness Center at the Life Skills and Transition Center located at 701 W. Sixth St. in Grafton. Sublime Aesthetic Professionals Spend the day pampering yourself by booking several treatments at Sublime Aesthetic Professionals — located at 402 Third St. NW in Grand Forks. The professional aestheticians and aesthetic nurse specialists will work with your unique skin type to find the perfect facial, treatment, and products to help you look and feel radiant. Sublime Aesthetic Professionals also offers the HydraFacial to brighten your skin. You can also get lash enhancement, microblading, teeth whitening, and Botox treatments. Advanced services include laser treatments, body contouring, dermal fillers, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments to boost cell regeneration and heal scars and injuries. Also, consider a Dysport or Xeomin injection to reduce wrinkles. After a day at Sublime Aesthetic Professionals, you'll feel relaxed and look radiant. Avant Hair & Skin Care Studio Why not have skin care treatments, a massage, and your hair done all in the same place? This trio of services is available at Avant Hair & Skin Care Studio — located at 2750 Gateway Drive in Grand Forks. Hair services include cuts, styling, blowouts, and color treatments using Aveda hair products. They also offer hair straightening, extensions, relaxers, and perms. Enhance your brows and eyelashes, book an appointment for body waxing, or have a professional makeup artist show you the best techniques and colors to enhance your skin tone and face shape. Indulge yourself in a body wrap aromatherapy treatment that uses fragrant Aveda oils and seaweed masques. Relax and breathe deep during any of the massages that Avant Hair & Skin Care Studio offers. Signature massages include hot stone, prenatal, and couples or friends massages. Men also have their grooming menu, including specialty cuts, gray-blending, and a hot towel treatment. If you're a bride-to-be, book an appointment with Avant Hair & Skin Care Studio for the ultimate Bride's Package. The services begin one week before your wedding with a brow wax, facial and massage, and practice makeup and hairstyle. On the day of the wedding, you'll receive your upstyle, makeup, and eyelash application. Bridal attendants can also get their makeup and hair styled, and even children can receive styling. Getting the wedding package can minimize the stress on your wedding day. LOR Spa Take a trip to Minot for a day of pampering and de-stressing at LOR Spa. This spa has an extensive list of services for your body, mind, and skin. Relax with a specialty massage, release pain with Reiki therapy, and dispel anxiety or depression in the float tank. For a touch-free massage, spend some time in the zero-gravity massage chair. Have your eyebrows and eyelashes tinted, get a manicure and pedicure, or remove unwanted hair with a waxing treatment. Revitalize your skin with a facial, or soothe sore muscles with a warming body wrap. The gentlemen's spa menu includes custom facials and total hand-and-foot care services. LOR Spa is located at 1412 Second Ave. SW in Minot. Our team at Rydell Auto Group hopes you're able to relax and de-stress at these locations around the Grafton, North Dakota, area. Which place is your favorite? What treatment relaxes you the most? Is there a hidden gem where you can de-stress that you can recommend? If so, feel free to let us know so we can add it to our list.

Washing your car regularly is an important way to keep it looking good for longer. You may be thinking that your best option is to wash your car at home, but there are several reasons why this isn't a good idea. Here's a look at why you should avoid washing your car at home. more You'll Waste a Lot of Water Image via Flickr by NNECAPA via CC BY 2.0 One of the main problems with washing your vehicle at home is that you'll end up using a lot more water than a professional car wash requires. First and foremost, you're not likely to have access to the professional equipment used at a car wash to speed up the washing process. This means you'll need more time to wash your car if you do it at home. A related issue is that a standard garden hose uses a lot of water. On average, a hose uses about 10 gallons of water for every minute of use. By contrast, the average carwash requires about 40 gallons of water to wash one car. This means that after just 4 minutes of hosing down your vehicle, you'll be using more water than a carwash would need to finish the job. If you spend 30 minutes washing your car, you'll have used 300 gallons of water on average. This would be enough water to wash your car seven times at a typical commercial car wash. Over time, the cost for the extra water you'd need if you regularly wash your car at home could be considerable. Paying the relatively small amount of money required to use a carwash is likely to prove less expensive in the long run. You'll Wash Pollutants Into Nearby Drains Whether you drive your car on busy city roads, on the highway, or off the beaten track, it picks up a lot of debris, dust, and dirt. Salt, sand, mud, dust, and oil are all substances that can potentially stick to your vehicle's exterior, including the windows and undercarriage. If you clean your car at home, all of this dirt will end up being collected in the nearest runoff drain. Runoff drains in residential areas are not designed to cope with these kinds of substances. In fact, their main purpose is to allow rainwater to be drained off the street or sidewalk whenever the weather takes a turn for the worse. If you contaminate the drain near your home with everything you wash off your vehicle, there's a good chance that it will struggle to cope over time. The drain's inability to break down the substances you've washed off your car can also damage the local environment. You Could Damage Your Vehicle's Paintwork The cleaning products that many people have at home are not suitable for washing cars and may actually cause damage to your vehicle. For example, a typical household soap can dull the color of your car's paintwork by oxidizing the paint. Since most people washing their car at home will do so outdoors, they also face the problem that the sun can dry the soap that's on your vehicle. This can lead to a buildup of residue on your vehicle that won't look good. Washing your car in direct sunlight can also cause spots to be burned in the paint. Even if you plan on using specialty auto cleaning products, these are still likely to be less effective than they would be at a carwash. For instance, you'll probably need to scrub your vehicle with a sponge or mitt, which won't be necessary if you go to a carwash. The added friction caused by your scrubbing can lead to scratches on the paintwork and other damage. What Are the Benefits of Visiting a Car Wash? The biggest advantage you gain from going to a carwash is that it will produce a higher-quality result. The equipment available at a commercial carwash can generate a higher level of water pressure than a normal hose at home. This helps in removing tough dirt and grime that you may not be able to get rid of yourself. Commercial car washes also remove the need for excessive touching and scrubbing of your paintwork. Whether you go to a tunnel car wash or use a different setup, you'll find that most of the cleaning is done by equipment that sprays water and cleaning products from a distance. If brushes are used, they are generally designed to avoid causing damage. As a result, the likelihood of damaging the exterior of your vehicle is reduced. Commercial car washes also have systems in place to safely dispose of the water contaminated by the substances that are washed off your car. They have water treatment equipment that can separate things like oil residue, metal sediment, and other substances that can be damaging to the environment. A further benefit you get by visiting a commercial car wash is that additional services are offered to keep your car looking its best. You can have the paintwork waxed to produce a fresh look. You also may decide to have your vehicle vacuumed. Visit Our Modern Car Wash in Grand Forks Today Now that you know why visiting a professional car wash is a better option than washing your vehicle at home, why not drop by one of our two car wash locations in Grand Forks? At Rydell Cars, we use state-of-the-art technology at our two car wash facilities to produce the best results and keep your vehicle safe. Our foam brushes guard against the risk of scratching your paint, and our optional hot wax treatment can leave your vehicle appearing sparkling and new. Once your car wash appointment is complete, you can take advantage of our complimentary vacuuming service. We also have a detail center to take care of all other cleaning needs. If you have questions about any of our car wash services, don't hesitate to contact our helpful team. We'd be delighted to provide you with the answers to your questions so that you can use our services with confidence.

The Rydell Car & Bike Show returns for its 15th year at the Rydell Auto Group in Grand Forks! We're proud to put on the premier community auto show in Grand Forks that has raised over $800,000 for charity since its inception. The show is an opportunity for families and members of the community to show off their prized automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, and yes, even tricycles. We welcome participants of all ages, all types of transportation, and we also welcome just about any donation for the charity auction. All proceeds raised at the 2021 Rydell Car and Bike Show Charity Event will go towards the Grand Forks Police Department IMPACT Academy. more From our "Family" at Rydell to Yours Image via Flickr by Nan Fry CC BY 2.0 The reason why we put on the car show is to give back to the community in the best way that we can: With a car show! This is one of the most popular annual events in Grand Forks, and our "family" of employees who work for Rydell prepare to make the show an unforgettable event every year. At Rydell, we appreciate the community of Grand Forks and the surrounding area. The community helps make us successful, and we want to give back in the form of an auto show that's open to all no matter how young or old they are. Each year, our employees vote on a local charity to be the beneficiary of our auto show in Grand Forks. The Rydell Group provides a matching benefit of up to $40,000 as well as paying for the cost of putting on the show. We never take money out of the donations for any reason, ever. The benefiting charity gets all of the funds that were raised by the event. 2021's Selected Charity: IMPACT Academy The police department of Grand Forks, North Dakota, has a summer program for middle school students known as the GFPD IMPACT Academy. IMPACT is an acronym for: Integrity Maturity Partnership Accountability Community Tenacity In 2019, Cpl. Jessica Thorlacius and Officer Jay Farmer created the program for middle school students to help them stay active and occupied during the summer months.  The focus of the program is to create future role models and leaders in the community through the building of skills that help kids become successful adults. Participants learn these skills by partaking in activities that include volunteering, bike riding, swimming, lessons in safety, and a trip to the Character Challenge Course in Park Rapids, Minnesota, at the end of the program. Cities Area Transit provides all students with a bus pass that they can use all summer. The program also has a selection of bicycles and helmets provided by Safe Kids for students who don't have one or the other. Students get a program-related shirt provided by Gemini Custom Brands to help complete their look. The program is open to all kids of middle-school age. Parents of interested students can connect with the program through their student's School Resource Officer, or contact Officer Farmer and Cpl. Thorlacius by phone or email. We Welcome All Participants and Vehicles At Rydell Auto Group, when we say we're here for the community, we mean it. The auto show isn't only for cars of all eras, it's also about motorcycles, SUVs, trucks, and even bicycles and tricycles. Bring your restomod, your true-to-the-original rebuild, monster trucks, and vehicles that shouldn't be running, but do. We encourage everyone to bring their favorite vehicle or bike to show it off and have a grand old time doing so. You're never too young or too old to participate with your transportation of choice at the Rydell Car Show. Bring Your Donations for the Charity Auction Do you have stuff hanging around the house, shed, garage, or barn that you don't want anymore? Does it still have use or value? Instead of throwing it away, bring it to our dealership for donation. We'll take anything that you don't want and put it in the auction to raise money for the IMPACT charity no matter what it is, how big or small, useful or not. All money raised from items sold in the auction goes directly to the charity. We are thankful and appreciative for what you bring to us for the auction. Make Sure to Register in Advance In order to guarantee your inclusion at the car show, you need to register your vehicle before the show in September. You can find our registration form on our website for printing out and submitting. Fill in the required information, let us know if you would like a car show t-shirt, and enclose a check for the registration fee of $40. Mail your check and completed registration form to the address on the form. If you would like to make an in-kind donation, please send the donation to the address listed on the form. Volunteers and Business Sponsorships are Welcome We encourage you to volunteer, and welcome support from local businesses. Our employees can use all the help they can get when it comes to running the events of the day! All volunteers are welcome. If you want to volunteer and have a skill or talent that can help us with portions of our event, please let us know, and we'll put you to work. Are you a local business who would like to help out with sponsorship? Get in touch with us at Rydell Auto Group to find out how you can help us raise money for charity. Local businesses who want to sponsor the event will get their logo on the event website and inclusion in our displays. We make it a point to recognize local businesses who want to help us help the community. We at Rydell Auto Group want to thank everyone who comes to help, gives a donation, volunteers, and supports our annual auto event in Grand Forks. We appreciate our community and the Rydell Car Show is our way of saying thanks to you.

When it's time for some family adventure, there are plenty of locations around Fargo offering fun and unique family activities. Who wants just another night of bowling, or to go see another movie, when there are so many different things to try? Use this list as inspiration to help your family decide what your next original excursion will be. These fresh ideas are suitable for families with children of all ages. more Canoe and Kayak Rentals The City of Moorhead, Minnesota, in partnership with River Keepers, offers individual rentals of kayaks and canoes at the Hjemkomst Landing. For families who enjoy sunshine, water, and nature, exploring the Red River by canoe is a wonderful way to spend a few hours together. You can even pack a sack lunch in your backpack and eat together during your water adventure. The boats are available for rent on a first come, first serve basis, and individual rentals cost $10 an hour per watercraft. Rental hours are Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. There are also monthly river paddling group trips. These guided excursions on the Red River feature educational themes on topics like the native birds, the trees, and the history of the Red River. Hjemkomst Landing is located at 202 First Avenue North in Moorhead. Nature of the North One hardship of living in the northern states can be the very short summer season. There are only a brief few months of the year when you can enjoy outside activities like kayaking and water sports. A great year-round family adventure that also builds strength and agility is indoor rock climbing at Nature of the North. The facility features a 13-foot-high rock climbing wall with 1,200 square feet of space to climb and explore. The rock wall caters to every level of climbing, from beginner to advanced, and the friendly staff is always ready to lend encouragement or guidance to climbers. Nature of the North also offers many different types of educational programs like youth climbing classes or workshops on nature-related topics including camping basics, backpacking, and outdoor photography. There are day passes available which allow for 90 minutes of time on the rock climbing wall. A day pass is $12 for adults ages 18 and older and $7 for children under the age of 18, and you can rent climbing shoes and chalk as well. You can find Nature of the North at 814 Center Avenue, Suite #3, in Moorhead, MN. Let's Roam Scavenger Hunts Let's Roam Scavenger Hunts provides a new way to learn about your town with the Fargo Flourish Scavenger Hunt. You'll explore locations like the Fargo Theatre, the Northern Pacific Railway Depot, and the Cass County Courthouse while you look for clues to solve the challenges. An online app guides the scavenger hunt and leads your team to various local landmarks while you learn about art, culture, and history by finding solutions to the app's questions. Your family works as a team and you can try to beat the existing Fargo high score as you complete the challenges. The Fargo Scavenger Hunt begins at 701 Main Avenue and requires about a mile and a half of walking to complete. Most groups complete the challenge in less than two hours. This is not only great family fun, but you'll probably learn things about Fargo that you never knew, even if you've lived here for years. The scavenger hunt costs $14.99 per player. If your family wants to do more scavenger hunts, there's a monthly subscription available that includes other Fargo hunts, as well as scavenger hunts at over 400 other cities around the world. Clay Your Way Clay Yo0ur Way is a pottery and art studio where your whole family can connect with their inner artist and paint their own pottery. There's no experience necessary, and the helpful staff will guide your family through your creative experience. It's fun for all ages, and there are also many ideas and demonstrations to help you through the process. You simply choose your pottery piece and paint it. The shop will glaze it and fire it for you, and you can pick up your finished creations within a week. There are many different types of pieces to choose from including platters, plaques, bowls, and coffee mugs, as well as whimsical animals and other shapes. This is the perfect way for parents to preserve those little handprints you're constantly wiping off every surface at home! Many families enjoy this experience so much the first time, they come back frequently to do it again. Items range in price from $3 to $50, and there's an additional 50% studio fee for glazing and firing the item. Studio hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last seating and pickup times are one hour before closing time. You can find Clay Your Way at 4600 17th Avenue South in Fargo. Tactical Action Gaming (TAG) Tactical Action Gaming (TAG) includes both an indoor Nerf sports arena and a tactical laser tag arena. Tactical Laser Tag is different than regular laser tag because you complete missions in fully immersive game scenarios. While these mission-based laser games are fun and challenging, the Nerf battle is a hilarious way for families to reconnect. Release family frustrations and share lots of laughs as you pummel each other with foam darts in the 5000-square-foot arena. Prices for laser tag or battle tag are $25 per player for a 60-minute game. The price includes all necessary equipment, including safety goggles for foam dart battle tag. Play times are by reservation only, and TAG is located at 1702 Fourth Ave Northwest, Suite G, in West Fargo. The staff at Rydell Auto Group hopes that this list gives you some new ideas for family fun time. It's important to make time to have fun as a family, and these destinations will all help you do that. Let us know if you try any of these recommendations and give us your feedback.

When it comes to viewing artwork, you might not immediately think of Fargo, North Dakota, but you'd be surprised at the quality of local galleries and museums that highlight pieces of art created by local and national artists. If you're in the market for some new pieces of artwork for your home or just want to view some stunning works of art, make sure you visit one of these places. Many of these locations have rotating exhibits, so even if you've visited any location once, you'll likely see new pieces created by other artists. more Dakota Fine Art 11 Eighth St. S. Operated by a collective of artists, Dakota Fine Art sells art from the first floor of the historic Dakota Business College in downtown Fargo. In 2018, nine local and regional artists created this gallery, which gives you a first-hand look at how artisans create their artwork. It also hosts the work of guest artists on rotation so fresh work is abundant constantly. Stop in from Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., and you can see completed works of art created by local artists. You might also be able to watch these artists working directly in the studio, creating paintings, jewelry, and sculptures as well as developing photography prints. Gallery 4 Founded in 1975, Gallery 4 is the longest consecutive-running artist cooperative gallery found in the United States. This cooperative gallery-owned and operated facility, which sits in downtown Fargo, showcases artwork from professional local artists who have varying backgrounds and use different mediums. These artists all take turns working the gallery showroom, so you can stop in and speak directly with some of these talented artists. Also, to keep artists involved, the gallery boasts an artist membership program that gives local artists a chance to publicly display their works. The gallery recently remodeled a room within its facility so it can better support emerging and veteran artists who are seeking a location to display their artwork. This room is named after Matilda Roberts, one of the founding women who settled in Fargo. She also has the street named after her in which the gallery sits. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., and admission is free. Plains Art Museum 704 First Ave. N. When it opened in 1965 in the former Moorhead post office, the Plains Art Museum was known as the Red River Art Center. It changed its name to the Plains Art Museum in 1975 but remained in Moorhead until 1996. That's when it moved into a warehouse in downtown Fargo and opened to the public the following year. It now boasts 56,000 square feet of space, of which 9,000 have climate, security, and light-control security. Since its inception, the museum has collected, exhibited, and preserved thousands of pieces of artwork, and its permanent collection contains about 4,000 works. Each year, the museum offers approximately 12 special exhibits along with numerous smaller collections. Many of these exhibits highlight artwork from the 20th and 21st centuries. The museum is open daily except on Sundays. General admission is free, but for a small fee, you can opt for a 60-minute guided tour led by the museum's educators. Reservations for these tours are required. The Rourke Art Gallery and Museum 521 Main Ave. in Moorhead Opened in 1960 by brothers James O'Rourke and Orland J. Rourke, The Rourke Art Gallery and Museum has played a unique role in expanding the cultural landscape of the area. The building that houses the gallery and museum served as the area's post office until 1960 when it became the Moorhead City Office Building. It later housed Red River Art Center, the Plains Art Museum, and now The Rourke Art Gallery and Museum. Throughout its history, the facility has highlighted the local talent and is home to permanent collections that include more than 5,000 works of art. The gallery and museum currently serves as one of the elite sales venues in the Midwest. The permanent collections found within the gallery include important regional art from 20th- and 21st-century artists who represent global cultural traditions that date back more than 1,000 years ago until today. Most of these pieces have been acquired over time, but a vast amount came directly from a lifetime of collecting from the late James O'Rourke. Public viewing hours are from 1 until 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Admission is free. Underbrush Gallery 1450 25th St. S. Underbrush Gallery originally began in Fergus Falls in 1981, moving to its current location in the Market Square Mall just four years later. It highlights local, regional, and national artists by displaying their artwork. Its curators are always on the hunt for new and unique works of art, so they're busy traveling across the country throughout the year to various art shows. After visiting each show, these curators can make connections with artists and share their artwork with the Fargo community. As a result, you can view vast collections of sculptures, ceramics, and paintings. What sets the Underbrush Gallery apart from other local galleries is that it's billed as a full-service art gallery. This means that the gallery can also custom-frame your originals and prints. Its experienced framers delicately handle each piece of artwork to best preserve them. You can also choose from among hundreds of frames in almost any finish and style. It's open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. What do you think of this list provided by the Rydell Auto Group of the best art galleries and museums to check out in Fargo? Did we mention all the important ones or did we miss one of your favorites? If we missed one, make sure to reach out to us so we can add it to our list. After focusing on galleries in Grand Forks to visit, we want to mention all the best ones near Fargo so you can view stunning pieces of art and perhaps pick up a few for your home.

From a flying rock to a collision to hail, many things can put a dent on your vehicle as you drive around in Grand Forks. Regardless of the size of the dent, it's important to fix it as soon as possible so that it won't lead to rust and other issues. Before you go to a local body shop, you may want to know what repair options you have, how the technicians will fix your car's dent, and how much you can expect to pay. Check out this helpful guide to learn more about dent repairs at a body shop. more Why You Should Fix Your Car Dents Sooner Rather Than Later Dents aren't only cosmetic blemishes, but they can escalate into other problems that can be costly to repair. The following are a few reasons why you should fix any dents on your car right away: Prevent rust: If an impact results in a crack, water can seep underneath your vehicle's paint and reach the unprotected sheet metal. Subsequently, it'll cause the metal to oxidize, which in turn leads to rust spots. The rust spots will expand in size over time, making them costlier to repair. Avoid long-term paint damage: Fixing a car dent usually involves more than just hammering out the dent. You may also have to repair the paint if there are scratches or cracks in the dented area. Everyday wear and tear and weather elements can cause the cracks to grow larger. As a result, the paint may peel or flake, leaving the bare metal exposed. Peeling paint can spread quickly and become a very expensive problem. Improve safety: Dings and dents may result in underlying structural damage that can jeopardize your safety on the road. For instance, if you're involved in a front- or rear-end collision that causes damage to the quarter panel, it can bend the underlying metal. This can make your vehicle more unstable and difficult to control, which increases your accident risk. How Does a Body Shop Fix Car Dents? The process of repairing a car dent may vary from one body shop to another, but it usually involves a few common steps. In most cases, a technician will start by cleaning the dented area so that they can clearly see the extent of the damage. The next step is to determine whether it's better to repair the dent or replace the entire panel. The technician will check if the dent is badly kinked. If it has kinks that bend at an angle of more than 90 degrees, replacing the part is usually a better option. If the dent can be fixed, they'll consider how long it'll take to get the job done. Replacement is often more economical if it takes a lot of time and labor to fix the dent. If the technician decides that repairing the dent is the way to go, they may use one of several tools or techniques to pull out the dent, such as a plier, hammer and dolly, stud welding, or a big suction cup. After pulling out the dent, they may have to apply a filler and hardener to smooth out the surface of the affected area. Then, the technician will sand the area and paint it with a matching color. For dents that didn't cause any paint damage, the paintless dent repair (PDR) process may be preferable. This process involves gaining access to the backside of the dented area through a window, a headlight or taillight, or small access holes in a door jamb. Sometimes, it may be necessary to remove paneling from the inside of the car. Once they're able to reach the dent, the technician will use metal rods to massage the metal until it returns to its original shape. How Much Does Dent Removal Cost? Image via Flickr by H. Michael Miley via CC BY-SA 2.0 Basically, the larger or deeper the car dent, the more you can expect to pay to get it fixed. A small ding can cost you as little as $50, while a deep one can set you back about $125. If your vehicle has sustained a medium-sized or large dent after colliding with another vehicle or a pole, the repair cost should be $200 to $300. Generally, the price of removing a dent that doesn't require painting is $50 to $120 per inch. For a car dent that needs to be painted, you have to be prepared to pay an additional $200 to $500. If the paint damage is too severe and costs more than $1,000 to fix, you may be better off replacing the whole panel. The cost of replacement can vary depending on which part you need to change. Getting a new bumper can run $300 to $700, whereas a new door can cost you more than $1,000. Why You Should Go to a Certified Auto Dealership for Dent Repair When you're looking for a place in Grand Forks to fix your car dent, it's essential that you don't sacrifice quality for price. Body shops that offer cheap prices may use below-par equipment, low-quality paints, and inadequately trained technicians to perform dent repairs. They can make a variety of mistakes that can ruin your car's appearance, such as color mismatching, blotching, over-spraying, sagging or running paint, or inconsistent textures. The best thing to do is to bring your vehicle to a reputable auto dealership that offers high-quality dent repair services. Such a dealership has a certified service center that complies with the stringent standards of the manufacturer it represents and uses the most advanced equipment for all kinds of auto repair procedures. In addition, the service center has a team of factory-trained technicians who have extensive experience working on your make and model of vehicle. Therefore, they know how to use the right method to fix the type of dent you have and choose the paint color that perfectly matches your vehicle. If you need to replace a bumper or panel, a dealership can provide you with a genuine OEM part. If you're looking for top-notch dent repair services in Grand Forks, consider going to one of the Rydell dealerships, such as Rydell Chevrolet Buick GMC, Rydell Cadillac, or Rydell Honda Nissan. Contact us today to make an appointment.

Deciding how often to clean your boat is tricky, especially with the variable water conditions in North Dakota. There are a lot of factors that influence when and to what degree you need to clean off your water vehicles. The simplest answer is that you should clean your boat before it becomes too fouled to easily wash with mild cleaners. You don't want to discover when this occurs the hard way, though. Careful observation will give you some important clues as to how often you need to clean off the hull, and professionals can give you fairly exacting recommendations for your cleaning schedule. Here are some handy questions to ask yourself that will help you determine the best schedule for washing your boat, so you can always enjoy a fresh and welcoming watercraft. Err on the side of more frequent cleanings to begin with, and only space these out if you find you're cleaning a consistently pristine vehicle. more Do You Store the Boat in the Water? If your boat is stored in a marina, it's constantly exposed to water and all the creatures dwelling within. Boats that are kept in the water should have their hulls cleaned every four to 12 weeks. You should never go more than three months without a hull cleaning, as this can lead to a serious accumulation of aquatic organisms. The exact location where your boat is stored will help you determine where your cleaning schedule should fall in that four- to 12-week range. Biotic growth is generally slower in fresh water and cold conditions. However, growth speeds up if there's a lot of tidal flow bringing a ready source of food by for the filter feeders clinging to your boat. This is true of areas with wastewater runoff as well, since this wastewater contains nutrients that will cause microorganisms to grow more quickly. Adjust your cleaning schedule accordingly based on these factors. You can clean your boat less frequently if you've recently applied protective paint to the hull. However, this paint will wear off over time, and the protectant tends to leech off into the water, making them less effective even before they're visibly worn. If you don't store your boat in the water, the best time to clean it is after each use. Wash it from top to bottom and front to back with a mild cleanser and water. Polish it dry with a chamois before returning your boat to dry storage so it will be in a good condition for your next excursion. Is the Boat Covered? If you keep your boat in a covered slip, you're safe from the elements and most bird droppings. There is a trade-off here, though. In a covered area, your boat is exposed to spider droppings and webs. If left untended, these can permanently stain your boat. Regularly waxing the boat's surface will provide some protection, but you should also take the time to give your boat a quick wipe-down as often as possible. Follow up with a thorough cleaning every eight weeks. If your boat is stored in an uncovered slip, you should wash it every three to four weeks to remove bird droppings and water stains. Keep the boat well waxed to prevent these stains from setting in between. Plan to wax your boat thoroughly every three to four months. Is Your Boat Exposed to Salt Water? Any time your boat is exposed to salt water, you want to wash off the spray when you return to the dock. Use a good boat soap that's designed to remove salt. Pay extra attention to the windows and make sure you wash, rinse, and dry them thoroughly. The same is true of your metal components, like railings. Salt water is sticky and corrosive, and it will eventually etch watermarks into your windows if you're not careful about cleaning your boat regularly. As part of your cleaning routine after boating in salt water, you should also clean and rinse the deck and flush the engine with fresh water. Clean your trailer, too, if you're putting the boat in dry storage. It's as susceptible to saltwater damage as your boat is. If you store your boat in a saltwater slip, tilt the outboard up so the running gear doesn't stay immersed in salt water. After cleaning the boat, towel dry it and place a cover on top to protect as much of the boat as possible from any kind of splashing or spray. How Often Do You Use the Boat? If your boat is stored in a slip, regular use will help keep it clean. Taking the boat out on the water, particularly at higher speeds, helps to clean the hull and slow fouling. If your boat sits in the slip for weeks or months at a time, it will foul very quickly. This is also true of boats that are only used for slow rides. Though it may seem backward, you'll need to schedule more frequent hull cleanings for a boat that's not used as often. When it comes to the interior of the boat, however, infrequent use can lead to fewer cleanings. Keep the boat well covered, and you can often get away with a seasonal cleaning. During your big cleaning routine, you'll then thoroughly scrub the deck, clean the carpets, and wash down all the boat's surfaces. If you use your boat often, you should vacuum the carpet, mop the deck, and clean other surfaces at least once a week, or after each use if you're using it less than this. Always clean up major messes immediately. Clean up spills from the upholstery as soon as they occur to keep your cushions in good condition. Use a mildew remover promptly on any spots that look like microbial growth. Vacuum cushions frequently, too, along with the surrounding cracks and crevices. If you need a helping hand cleaning your boat, our detail center can provide an expert touch. We'll thoroughly clean and detail your boat from top to bottom to make sure it's in the best shape possible. Save yourself the time and trouble and let our experts handle the job!

Grand Forks is a beautiful town and is also one of the best cities for people to reside in North Dakota. It's a safe and affordable city for people who love the thrill of city life surrounded by small towns and farms. There are also great schools for children of all ages that feature exceptional teachers and outstanding educational opportunities. The city also features plenty of summer activities that can keep both children and adults engaged and entertained. From inside activities to outdoor adventures, summers in Grand Forks are never dull. Read on to find several activities you, your friends, or your family can do during the summer in and around Grand Forks. more Butterfly Garden and Native Prairie Grassland Image via Flickr by ImagesBYap via CC BY 2.0 1827 Bygland Road The Butterfly Garden and Native Prairie Grassland is a 25,000-square-foot area that's one of the best places you can visit in Grand Forks in the summer, especially if you love nature. It's specifically designed to attract several species of butterflies. There's also a 30-acre site of native prairie grassland on the property where you can see various wildflowers and grasses. It also provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and spending a relaxing afternoon. You can also arrange a tour of the area by calling ahead. Albatross Indoor Golf Club 2950 10th Ave. N Another fun activity in the Grand Forks area is enjoying a day full of golf at the Albatross Indoor Golf Club. The club has four golf simulators that give you the chance to virtually play courses from all over the world, such as Pebble Beach. You can also get a practice session in their simulated driving range. It's an innovative way to get some exercise in and enjoy yourself in any season. The club also offers food, snacks, and pizza, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, for a complete culinary experience. It's open to people of all ages and allows you the opportunity to get lessons from PGA teaching professionals. Boathouse on the Red 101 Riverboat Road If you enjoy the outdoors and particularly like participating in water-based activities, Boathouse on the Red, a boat rental operation, is a great place to check out. Take advantage of all the Red River has to offer by taking a boat out on the water and enjoying other recreational activities such as seasonal kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoe rentals. AMC Grand Forks 10 2306 32nd Ave. S Another great summer spot for friends and family members is the AMC Grand Forks 10. This indoor spot allows you to watch your favorite movies and enjoy their delicious menu items such as nachos and pretzel bites. You can watch the best summer blockbusters and take advantage of deals, such as their annual refillable popcorn buckets, for a great value. The Greenway The Greenway, which is around 2,200 acres of natural space, contains over 300 species of birds, making this area ideal for a birding trip. You can go birding anytime during the year. Summer is a good time for birding, as the warm temperatures attract various species of birds that migrate from the north. Nearby prairies also give you a chance to see native grassland bird species such as the short-eared owl, the gray partridge, and the greater prairie chicken. Muddy Waters Clay Center 2014 13th Ave. N The summer season presents several opportunities to learn a new skill. One way you can accomplish this is by taking a class at the Muddy Waters Clay Center and learning how to make ceramic arts. This spot is a nonprofit organization that promotes the education, creation, and enjoyment of art. There are classrooms, studios, firing spaces, and a gallery where you can perfect your skills. Red River BMX 6950 Gateway Drive Bicycle Motocross (BMX) is a sport that thrill seekers can enjoy, especially in the summer months. The Red River BMX (RRBMX) is a place where you can explore this sport and learn how to ride motorbikes. It provides a safe and fun outlet for riders of all skill levels to complete and learn more BMX. Races also take place with more experienced rides on Tuesday nights from May through August. East Grand Forks Campbell Library 422 4th St. NW With a wide array of great literary works and a reading program for children, the Campbell Library is an excellent place to spend some downtime in the summer. The library is also home to revolving art exhibits featuring local and regional artists. Enjoy a day or two exploring the different art exhibits in the library or use some reading time to escape from the heat of summer days. Empire Arts Center & Empire Theater Company 415 DeMers Avenue Another great summer option in the Grand Forks area is taking in unique, contemporary, and thought-provoking live theater at the Empire Theater Company. Built in 1919, the theater hosts plays, movies, musicals, and multiple other events. It also houses rotating exhibits of the permanent art collection from the University of North Dakota. It includes works by Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and Salvador Dali. Visiting the arts center and theater company is an exciting experience for all ages. North Valley Baseball Academy 1605 Central Ave. NW The North Valley Baseball Academy offers indoor baseball and softball training programs throughout the year. You can get private or group lessons and receive standardized skills training for all levels of expertise. This academy also features five batting cages, a HitTrax baseball simulator, and pitching and hitting stations. This is a great activity for those wanting to remain physically active in the summer and learn how to play a new sport or improve your existing skills. Rydell Skatepark 703 S. 4th St. The Rydell Skatepark in Kannowski Park gives any skateboarder, bicyclist, roller skater, and other extreme sports enthusiasts a safe place to gather and practice their skills. Skaters of all levels can enjoy themselves in the park, which features a Tri-Tiered manual pad, HSS grind rail, pool coping, a waterfall, and much more. It's a great place for those who love getting outdoors in the summer. Red Ray Lanes 2105 S. Washington St. Another fun summer activity for the entire family is to go bowling at Red Ray Lanes. This bowling alley features 24 lanes and is a great place for birthday parties, work gatherings, and more. The lanes are open each day of the week and are a great place for some competitive fun. No matter what your favorite activity is, the Grand Forks area has something for everyone. There are tons of activities that allow you to get out of the house and enjoy the city with your friends and family. If you want a new car to get around to the great activities Grand Forks has to offer, contact Rydell to rent, lease, or buy affordable cars.

Grand Forks, North Dakota, is a wonderful place for a fun date night. The area includes many attractions that are ideal for couples, whether you're meeting someone for the first time or building on a long relationship. Here are some of the best places for a date near Grand Forks. more The North Dakota Museum of Art A cooling walk through the North Dakota Museum of Art can bring some beauty to the beginning of your date. This museum hosts regular concerts in its sculpture garden, so be sure to check their calendar for dates and times. The permanent art collection features 76 artists, and the exhibitions change with the seasons. Recent additions to this museum's collection include photographer Terry Evan's Bakken Series, a set of 130 African masks by Tom McNemar, and a group of works from the Betty and Monte Factor Family Collection. The North Dakota Museum of Art is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The Greenway The Greenway is about 2,200 acres of natural, open space in Grand Forks. It features more than 20 miles of pristine walking, jogging, and biking trails that go through some of the most picturesque parts of Grand Forks. The Valley Golf Course and the Lincoln Golf Course are on-site, and you can go swimming or fishing where the Red River and the Red Lake River meet. You can even enjoy a romantic getaway by spending a night at the campground. Other possible date activities include disc golfing, bird watching, cross-country skiing, orienteering, and snowmobiling. If you or your date has a dog, you can take it with you to Lincoln Drive Park. It has two fenced areas where large and small canines can play without a leash. Sertoma Park Take your date on a walk through Sertoma Park in Grand Forks. It has a Japanese garden, an arboretum, biking and walking trails, and a variety of beautifully landscaped areas. Its trails connect to The Greenway, and picnic tables, a meditation area, shaded shelters, and restrooms are available. The Rhombus Guys Brewing Company Try out the Rhombus Guys Brewing Company for your next date. This brewery makes light, dark, and hoppy beers, and it offers a few wine options. The selection includes blonde ale, English strong ale, porters, stouts, and IPAs. You can also choose a sour beer made with mango, guava, passion fruit, strawberry, or pineapple. This brewery also has a full menu on offer, including a long list of appetizers, burgers, soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. You can visit from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and from 11 a.m. to midnight on Saturdays. The Sky-Vu Drive-In Theater At the Sky-Vu Drive-In Theater, you can enjoy a movie with your love at an outdoor drive-in for less than what you'd pay for tickets to a larger indoor theater. This place opened in 1954, and it has a drive-in snack bar that sells hot dogs, barbecue sandwiches, nachos, popcorn, pizza, large pretzels, candy, slushies, sodas, candy, and more. The movie schedule changes every two weeks, so it's a good idea to check and make sure the film you favor is on offer. Showtime is every night at 9:45 p.m. Lotus Massage Therapy & Wellness After a comfortable, relaxing experience at Lotus Massage Therapy & Wellness in Grand Forks, your date will melt into your arms. You can choose a 45-, 60-, or 90-minute couple's massage session, and aromatherapy, hot stone, and full-body massages are available. Lotus also carries a range of essential oils and other products that can help both of you relax outside of the therapy and wellness center, and they can make excellent gifts for your significant other. You can visit on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., or you can make an appointment for another time. The Muddy Waters Clay Center Get creative and get your hands dirty with your date at the Muddy Waters Clay Center. This nonprofit art gallery helps promote local ceramic artists and teach people how to make their own works of art. Wheel throwing and hand building classes are available, and Muddy Waters Clay Center is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you and your date don't want to take a class, you can still browse creations from local artists. The Long Haul Saloon The Long Haul Saloon features a full bar, a pool table, darts, blackjack, and slot machines. It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and karaoke nights are on Tuesdays. Their loaded salads and their frozen pints of beer are customer favorites. You can also enjoy delicious burgers and sandwiches. The Long Haul Saloon is open from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day. Christina Lake Have a dip with your date at Christina Lake. This gorgeous place is surrounded by rolling hills and expansive forests. Whether you prefer swimming, kayaking, sailing, or other activities, this is an ideal location. While you're there, enjoy a relaxing picnic in a romantic, secluded spot and grab a few interesting items at the Huckleberry Mountain Market. There are several tables around the lake where you can relax and get to know your date. Helix Wine & Bites Helix Wine & Bites is an intimate wine bar and bistro that's perfect for a romantic date. If you prefer reds, the bar has a wide array of cabernets, zinfandels, and red blends, but it also has some enticing malbecs and shiraz. If you prefer something lighter, you can sip one of the roses or dip into the collection of whites, from chardonnays and sauvignon blancs to pinot grigios, rieslings, and even sparkling wines. You and your date can sample a variety of wines before placing your order, and their gourmet menu includes New Orleans crab cakes, New York steak, Thai peanut salmon with mango sauce, and more. You and your date can visit from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. With these excellent ideas, you and your date can have several fun nights. What did you think of our list? If we missed any of your favorite locations, contact us and let us know.

All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are designed to be ridden in the wettest, muddiest, and dustiest conditions, and most ATV owners have no difficulty getting their quad bikes dirty. But after the fun ends is when the hard part of owning an ATV starts — cleaning your quad and getting it back to its former shiny glory. more If you want to keep your ATV's plastic parts looking like new, you need to adopt a cleaning and protection routine from day one. By following these few simple steps, the tedious job of cleaning your quad will be a lot easier. If your ATV is white, some additional steps may be needed to keep its original color and shine. Presoaking If your ATV is covered in caked-on mud and dirt, an important first cleaning step is to presoak it. This simply involves using a hose to spray your quad with an intense spray of water and leaving it to soak. Try to get the spray into all the smallest recesses. Use your hands to get rid of any big chunks of stuck-on grass and mud. Turn Up the Pressure The next step is to blast off all the loosened dirt. Using a pressure washer is the simplest and most thorough way to do this. If you don't have access to a pressure washer, you can use a hose with a nozzle turned to its most powerful setting. Clean off as much dirt and grime as you can, to make the rest of the cleaning easier for yourself. Sponge and Detergent Use a good automotive cleaner and a sponge to scrub all of your quad's surfaces, paying particular attention to the plastic parts and the seat. For any rough or difficult-to-clean parts of your ATV, use a stiff brush to remove tough dirt. The detergent will help to get rid of any oily stains. Drying There are different ways to dry your quad, depending on what you have to hand. If the plastic is still wet, the heat of the sun and a lint-free cloth work really well. If you have access to an air compressor, it not only dries your ATV's plastic surfaces but can also get into all the nooks and crannies that you can't reach with a cloth. This helps to prevent rust spots developing in hard-to-reach areas where water can sit in pools. Polish the Plastic Many ATV owners think polishing the plastic is a step too far for a vehicle that's going to get covered in mud next time out. But if you want to keep your quad looking great, or at least try to reduce the faded and scuffed-up appearance of plastic surfaces, you shouldn't skip polishing. Once your ATV is dry and free from water spots, use a specially designed plastic polish on all the plastic areas. You simply spray it on and buff it until the surfaces shine. However, don't use the polish on your seat, as you might find yourself sliding off the slippery surface on your next ride. Restoring Discolored White Plastic If your ATV is white, it might need some extra cleaning because even the smallest bit of dirt will stand out on white plastic surfaces, causing the white to become discolored. Take these additional steps to restore your quad to bright white. Fill a large bucket or bowl with one part water and one part bleach. Remove small white plastic parts from your quad and soak them in the bleach-water mix. For the larger parts, soak paper towels in the bleach solution and cover the discolored plastic with them. Be sure to wear gloves when using bleach. Alternatively, you can buy automotive spray-on bleach products. Either way, leave the solution on the plastic for a while. Wipe the surfaces with a soft cloth, then spray them with a pressure washer or hose and nozzle. Afterward, dry the parts and admire your shiny white ATV. Use a Sealant To make your ATV's plastics easier to clean, you could treat them with a good-quality plastic sealant spray before you go riding in the mud. The protective coating helps to repel water and mud. Instead of sticking to the plastic, muddy water will sit in beads on the surface. Your quad will still get dirty when you hit the muddy trails, but it makes it much lighter work of the cleaning afterward. Before you use the sealant, your ATV must be thoroughly cleaned and dried to ensure the sealer will stick properly to the surfaces. Also, make sure you read and carefully follow the product's instructions for use so that you get the lasting finish you want. After that, it's a simple job to apply the sealer to all plastic parts components you want to protect. Leave the sealer to sit for a couple of minutes, then buff the treated areas with a dry rag or a micro cloth to remove excess spray and bring your quad's plastic surfaces to a shine. The sealant is safe to use on all body surfaces, but you should avoid spraying the product on the engine or electrics. Also, you need to consider that some sealants, especially if they're silicone-based, can make your handlebar grips and seat slippery, so it's advisable not to coat those parts with the product. Cleaning the Seat As we mentioned above, you shouldn't use polish or sealant on your ATV's seat. Although these products will make your seat shiny, clean, and protected, they will also leave it slippery, making your next riding adventure potentially dangerous. For cleaning and protecting your seat, the best product to use is a degreaser. It will remove the mud and water stains to leave it looking like it just left the showroom. Most degreasing products will do the job. You just need to ensure it's compatible with vinyl and won't damage the seat. Following these easy steps will help keep your ATV looking its best. If you have any other tips for cleaning and protecting your quad, please let the team at Rydell Auto Group know, and we'll pass them on.