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This year, from September 20 through September 28, the Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair will be running in Fort Smith for the 83rd year in a row. Every year since 1936, the fairgrounds have been covered with rides, food, competitions, entertainment, games, and more. You won't want to miss this local event that has become one of the most popular events in the region. Here's what you can expect in 2019. Entertainment The schedule for entertainment isn't finalized yet, so there might be acts added to the list over the next several weeks. On Saturday, September 21, various children from Arkansas will grace the stage showing off their various talents. Dorrian Cross is scheduled to play on Tuesday evening that week and the local band, Songs of Turner will play on Wednesday. To close out the entertainment for the week, the annual pageant and talent show will take place on Saturday, September 28. more Rides Every year, new rides are added to the fairgrounds, so you'll have to wait and see what new excitement the fair offers this year, but the classics will always be around. The Scrambler ride is a spinning ride that scrambles the seats like a bowl of eggs. One of the most popular carnival rides in America, the Tilt-a-Whirl will also be on site. Don't miss a chance to ride the traditional Merry-Go-Round or walk through Crystal Lil's House of Mirrors. Little visitors will love a ride on the Rio Grande Train or the Frog Hopper. Competitions Whether you want to enter a competition or be a spectator, these are exciting events for anyone. The Livestock exhibitions have been the focal point of the Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair since its inception. Take a walk through the barns to see some impressive animals. The Junior Livestock Auction is a great event for local farmers. Various farm animals like goats, lambs, steers, rabbits, and more will all be auctioned off. A creative arts competition will also take place throughout the week. The Expo Center will be filled with art from creators of all ages. Beautiful, handmade quilts and other crafts will be on display. Be sure to check out this competition to appreciate human creativity and skill. Games Every carnival has to feature some fun games, and the Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair won't disappoint! Challenge your skills with classics like break-a-bottle, ring-o-bottle, balloon pop, water races, and the rope ladder. Top-notch prizes make the games even more exciting. You'll get to choose from traditional prizes like stuffed bears and newer trinkets like fidget spinners. Some games even offer hot items like remote control helicopters and drones. Food Be sure to bring your appetite so you can enjoy some awesome carnival food. Everything you'd expect will be available. Indulge in corn dogs, candy apples, nachos, funnel cakes, pizza, cotton candy, popcorn, and much more. See how many different goodies wrapped in fried dough you can enjoy.  If you've never experienced the Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair, you'll want to make sure to get there this year! Start a new tradition and enjoy this local treasure. Image via Flickr by tvdflickr

Student drivers have specific needs when looking for the right vehicle. They usually need space for cargo and passengers, whether they're packing for the dorm, heading to soccer practice, or picking up friends for a night out. Safety features are also ideal as they tend to be newer drivers with concerned parents. Most student drivers also want some connectivity for their music and apps. Here are five used models that meet these needs and more. Honda Fit The Honda Fit provides versatility, efficiency, and style. This five-door sedan is great for college students with long drives home for holidays. Road trips are made easy with plenty of space and less stops for fuel. If you find a model with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, you'll be well-covered on the road. Features like forward collision warnings, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control act as a second set of eyes on the road. more Toyota Prius Go with the 2018 Toyota Prius if you want an updated vehicle with an affordable price and great, student-friendly features. Any used Prius from 2016 until 2018 will have most of the same features as there were no major updates made to the design over those years. The Prius is a four-door hatchback sedan with seating for five people. The Prius also comes in a plug-in hybrid trim, so you can take efficiency to a new level. Students will love the reliability and technology features of a used Prius. Jeep Wrangler For students who love weekend adventures and want some serious capability in their used car, a used Jeep Wrangler is ideal. These vehicles offer lots of space for friends and cargo and they're awesome companions on rough roads. You can enjoy Spring Break by taking on the outdoors or take multiple friends home for Thanksgiving with the family. Jeep Wranglers are in their fourth generation, so any used vehicle from 2017 and on will share most features with new models. Subaru Impreza The Subaru Impreza is a great vehicle for active students who need a reliable vehicle to get to work, practice, and everywhere else. Since 1992, the Impreza has come in five-door models that offer an impressively large cargo area. With standard all-wheel drive, this vehicle is great for students driving in poor weather conditions. In the 2018 models, you'll find loads of great features like a fully-connected infotainment system and jaw-dropping fuel economy. Ford Focus Ford has decided to discontinue the Focus model for 2019, but used models will remain available. The Focus comes in a sedan and a hatchback, so you can decide which best fits your lifestyle. ST models offer some extra kick for students who want some rev to the engine. No matter which Focus model you choose, you'll enjoy a seriously reliable car with top-notch safety, convenience, efficiency, and power. Head to Rath Auto Resources to browse our great selection of used vehicles. Try out a few models with a test drive and see which is the best fit. Image via Flickr by Ya, saya inBaliTimur

As the weather cools and summer vacations come to an end, don't give up on fun. Check out the concerts and events in your area and make the most of the fall season. Here are five fall concerts in the Fort Smith area. Tyler Childers at the Fayetteville Town Center On October 7, Tyler Childers will be playing at the Fayetteville Town Center, just about an hour from Fort Smith. A Kentucky native, Tyler Childers writes songs about growing up in the south. His first album, Purgatory, is full of stories from Tyler's childhood in Lawrence County. Head to Northwest Arkansas in the historic downtown area of Fayetteville to enjoy some bluegrass-style music from a talented artist. more Fort Smith Symphony at the Fort Smith Convention Center At the Fort Smith Convention Center on Sunday, September 8 at 3 p.m. the season opener for the Fort Smith Symphony will feature the talented pianist, Drew Petersen. Guests will also enjoy "Sounds of Joy" from the symphony as it plays classics like Beethoven's Symphony No. 7, Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20, and Wagner's Siegfried Idyll. The symphony is a great idea for a romantic date. Get dressed up, make reservations for dinner afterwards, and enjoy a sophisticated and beautiful show. Buckcherry at Temple Live Temple Live is an old Masonic Temple in the downtown area of Fort Smith. This large event venue will welcome the alternative rock group Buckcherry on September 21. A band of musicians from California, Buckcherry has a handful of hits from their albums released since 1995. In 2019, they released their eighth album, Warpaint, and began touring the country shortly after. Catch this show for an exciting night. Home Free at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center On October 1, the a cappella group, Home Free, will be putting on a show at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center. Five singers, Adam Chance, Adam Rupp, Austin Brown, Rob Lundquist, and Tim Foust, make up this group. You might recognize them from the NBC show, The Sing-Off. They competed in the fourth season of the show. Seeing these guys perform is a real treat. You'll hear some great classic songs. Blue October at George's Majestic Lounge You can catch Blue October performing at the oldest live music venue in the state of Arkansas, George's Majestic Lounge, on October 20. Located in the heart of Fayetteville, this is a great spot for a fun night. Enjoy the show and experience a piece of history as George's Majestic Lounge dates back to the 1930's. You can even grab a few drinks during the show at the full bar on site. Blue October is an alternative rock band. They released their ninth studio album in August of 2018. Their current tour is promoting their new album, but they'll be playing some of their older songs too. No matter your taste in music, there's something coming to the Fort Smith area for you this fall. Check out one of these shows for a memorable time. Image via Flickr by fegavronski

Whether you need a break from work, the kids, school, or life in general, a road trip is a good way to refresh. The best vehicles for an enjoyable long drive offer space, comfort, entertainment, and performance. Here are five of the best pre-owned models that do just that. 1. Mazda CX-5 The 2016 Mazda CX-5 got some updates from previous model years that you're sure to enjoy during a long trip. A new infotainment system with standard Bluetooth capability allows for quick and easy connectivity to keep you and your passengers entertained. Updated safety features, like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, will keep you safe on the highway. You can even opt for an all-wheel drive model if you're looking to take some road trips off the road. more 2. Honda Odyssey Drivers with families will love the 2016 Honda Odyssey. This minivan seats up to eight people comfortably and will keep everyone entertained from the front seats to the third row. An updated infotainment system offers connectivity and easy access to music and apps for the driver while an available backseat entertainment system features a 16.2-inch screen with HDMI ports. The 2016 Odyssey is the first minivan to offer an on-board vacuum cleaner so those road-trip snacks won't cause stress. 3. Chevrolet Traverse For all the space of a minivan with the SUV look, the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse is a three-row SUV with capability and style. This vehicle can also seat up to eight passengers while offering power with a V-6 engine that pumps out 288 horsepower. When paired with the available all-wheel drive system, the Traverse will take you anywhere you want to go, even in rough driving conditions. Folding down the second and third rows opens up a shocking 116.3 cubic-feet of cargo space, so you can take friends, family, or adventure toys along for your next trip. 4. Toyota Camry The Toyota Camry is one of the most reliable vehicles on the market year after year. No matter which model year you choose, you're getting a quality car. This may seem a small choice for a road trip vehicle, but if you only need space for a few friends and a little cargo, the Camry works well. This sedan offers impressive fuel efficiency in every model so you can drive more and stop less. More recent models like the 2016 Camry feature a sleek exterior appearance and plenty of updated technology inside. 5. Subaru Outback Adventure lovers understand the value of a Subaru. The 2011 Subaru Outback was a new version of this capable wagon model ideal for drivers looking for a practical alternative to the SUV. You'll be able to seat five comfortably and still have space for additional cargo in the rear. All trim levels come standard with a roof rack and a rear seat with a 60/40 split that folds to give 71.3 cubic-feet of space.  Stop by Rath Auto Resources for a look at our pre-owned vehicles. Take a few options out for a test drive and find your perfect road trip companion. Image via Flickr by Jack Snell

When you venture to the Fort Smith, Arkansas area, don't forget your bathing suits. There are many exciting places where you and your family can cool off from the heat. Before "diving in" to the fun, note that there are seven public pools in the Fort Smith area and two beach areas with lifeguard duty. A family pass for all of them is $185 (though this won't include water parks). Be sure to check whether your favorite park is included in your pass before heading over. Parrot Island Water Park Welcome to Parrot Island Water Park in Fort Smith! Open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, this park offers tons of family fun in a beautiful atmosphere. Amazing attractions include the popular FlowRider. Brand new in 2019, this watery activity gives children the sensation of surfing upon the ocean. It's challenging, but a lot of fun! more For kids of all ages, there is the Caribbean Splash area, a wave pool that's refreshing and a perfect area to play. For older children who are more adventurous, there are four core slides, such as the Pineapple Plunge, which is 135 feet long. Season tickets and private party accommodations are available. DeGray Lake Resort State Park Located at 2027 State Park Entrance Road in Bismarck, Arkansas' DeGray Lake Resort State Park has a great deal of activities, including swimming, golfing, camping, horseback riding, tennis, hiking, and shopping. Boat rentals are available; these include kayaks and paddle boats at the marina. You can also stay overnight in one of their great facilities. Daisy State Park Daisy State Park provides a lovely timeout for family fun and relaxation. Come with the whole family for a day of fishing and kayaking! Kayak rentals are available. The park is located on Lake Greeson, by the stunning Ouachita Mountains, where you can take in the picturesque view. After you are refreshed by the water, why not try a lake tour where you can see the fantastic rock formations? There is also ATV riding along the Bear Creek Cycle Trail. The Crater of Diamonds State Park is not far away, and there are numerous campsites, picnic areas and pavilions in the area. Village Creek State Park Village Creek State Park is located at 201 County Road 754 in Wynne. It is large, covering a sprawling 7,000 acres. There is plenty to do and to see there, in addition to the ability to spend time lakeside. Enjoy thirty-three miles of trails, with campgrounds where you can stay overnight (there are places to bathe as well). Two lakes are on site, as well as plentiful pavilions and areas for picnics and play. There are also outdoor and indoor theaters, a museum, and visitors' center. If you want to stop by on a particular day, then have a look at their list of upcoming events in advance. There is something for the whole family at Village Creek State Park. There are myriad beautiful sites you and your family can visit in Fort Smith in order to rest and refresh. Try one of these lakes or pools and enjoy your summer in Arkansas. Image via Flickr by Antrell Williams

Watching the latest commercial for that great new car can really make you want to swap your older car in for a new one! If you're seriously considering doing so, then consider these tips for trading in your car. 1. Check The Value Before bringing your car for swap, be sure to check out its value. There are two basic ways. The first most known way is by checking its value in the Kelley Blue Book online. Via this website, you can check the precise value of your car, down to the digit, by keying in factors such as year, mileage, accessories, and more. more After discovering the objective value online, you'll also need to understand how its value is perceived within the region where you are selling. Like all products, value is weighed by local demand. Car value might be high in urban centers, for example, and somewhat lower in rural areas where the demand is low. Knowing these fluctuations can help you determine whether you should definitely trade locally, go out of state, or perhaps hang on to your car a little longer. 2. Clean A Little, Not a Lot There are mixed views about whether it's worth the time and money to clean up your car prior to trading it. Common sense is a good compromise. While heading to your local mechanic to purchase a car detailing service might not be worth the bucks, you could definitely do some minor vacuuming on your own, wipe the windows, and scrub the stains. Most importantly, remove your personal items and get rid of any smells. Try to get your car to look as good as possible without spending extra cash. 3. Explain The Advantages When you're negotiating a trade-in of your vehicle, be respectful, but not shy! Do not hesitate to inform your buyer of all the things you really love about your car. If there are modern updates or perks which might not be immediately noticeable, like a great stereo system, be sure to inform the dealer. Perhaps the engine is really powerful, and those wheels have gotten you through really rough terrain. Do not be afraid to share these details; it certainly can help! 4. Be Honest With Yourself, Too Trading in your fave set of wheels can be a more prickly experience than some might imagine. Cars do tend to depreciate quickly, and yet, you know personally all the advantages of your car and how great it is. If you like your car and think it's worth a lot, then don't be afraid to pass on an offer you're not truly happy with. If you'd rather keep your wheels with you, or sell it for cash instead of a trade, then stick it out! You never know what opportunity you'll be offered in the future. Trading in your car can be a great experience, especially if you find the car of your dreams and make the perfect switch. Keep these ideas in mind when you're out there looking, and be sure to enjoy the car buying experience, too. Image via Flickr by Michel Curi

The next time you're in the vicinity of Fort Smith, get yourself ready for some wonderful historical experiences. The district is full of opportunities that will peak a variety of interests. Here are a few places you should check out. Belle Grove Historic District The Belle Drove Historic District is aptly named, as it is truly a beautiful area. The lovely radius of town includes a 22-square block within North Fifth Street, North H Street, North Eighth Street and North C Street. Upon visiting, you will find impressive architecture dating back 130 years. Various styles reveal a diversity of time periods, and many of the homes have been attractively restored. more Specific houses are, in fact, available for touring. Consider stopping at The Clayton House, the McKibben-Bonneville House, the Fort Smith Art Center or The Darby House. A & M Railroad Excursions If you are mystified by transport systems and the era of the railroad, you won't want to miss out on the A & M Railroad Excursions. With this service, you can actually travel in the original railroad, through the Arkansas River Valley and Boston and Ozark Mountains. The line is one of the rare ones that remain in use for commercial purposes. The passenger coaches are nicely refurbished, yet maintain their original style. There are three different journeys you can choose from, and you may choose between coach tickets, club tickets, caboose tickets, or first class tickets. Fort Smith National Historic Site For an intensive experience where you can learn all about the various facets of Fort Smith's history, check out the Fort Smith National Historic Site. There many areas worth seeing at this wonderful historical preservation location. Some examples include Belle Point, which was created in 1817, and where Arkansas and Poteau River meets. There is also the "Trail of Tears," an exhibit that speaks of five indigenous tribes who had been removed from the region by force. There is also the Commissary building, which is among the oldest remaining in Fort Smith. Visit the Historic Barracks, Courthouse and Jail Building, where the Visitor's Center is located. At the Center, you can learn details of events and tours, too. The Fort Smith National Historic Site is open from Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 301 Parker Avenue. The entrance fee is $6. The Elvis Barbershop Museum In 1958, Elvis had his sideburns cut in order to serve in the US army. As such, the location of his hair-cutting is memorialized, well loved and remembered. At this historic site, you can re-visit that day when Elvis was at the shop, while also commemorating the importance of the locale of Fort Chaffee and all the region's contributions to history. The barbershop is located at 7020 Taylor Avenue and is open from Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance to the museum is free. On your next adventure to Fort Smith, Arkansas, get ready for some wonderful sites. From stunning architecture to military and indigenous history, there is truly something for everyone to learn. Image via Flickr by FortSmithNPS

Imagine you are fully tuned in to a television commercial or YouTube advertisement. The ad is showing a bright, brand-new vehicle. It's your favorite color. It's the coolest style. Even the price is reasonable. Should you get it? First, answer this: Can you get a pre-owned one just like it? Before buying brand new, consider these four benefits to buying a pre-owned vehicle: 1. Consider Value First There is one rule that seems to have gone unchanging in the car industry for decades: the first driver pays the most. There's a significant price tag associated with being the one to drive a car out of the dealership lot. Even if that car preserves its beauty and low mileage, when it's sold just a few years later, the first owner will have to drop the price substantially in order to sell, often by thousands of dollars. Why? Because it has the label "used" associated with it. more 2. Risk Might Be Minimal Used cars can often be less expensive simply because the second driver is unaware of the history of the vehicle and is thus taking a chance with it. However, nowadays, there are options with more certainty involved for people who want to buy used. For example, dealerships can offer a history retrieval service or a complete checkup of the car in order to assess its state accurately and lessen your worry. Rath Auto Resources, for example, has an auto-check program to help you identify the vehicle's background. 3. "Old" Features Could Be "Just As Good" True, there's nothing like getting into a fresh, newly-built car. It's invigorating. And all the new features, audio system tools, Bluetooth, driver assist and leather seating can be intoxicating! However, bear in mind that even cars that are a few years old could have most of these features already. There are not many offerings out there that are shockingly innovative. While you might compromise slightly on the size of a touchscreen, or the quality of the sound, you can often find most of the current perks on a somewhat more modest scale in a used car. In such situations, a compromise could be well worth the money you save. 4. Lose the Tax Before opting for a new car, check into your state's sales tax policies for vehicles. What is the tax rate on a new car purchased from the dealership? Is there a tax subsidy program if the car is environmentally friendly? And, does your state charge sales tax on used cars at all if it's a private party sale? If you don't need to pay tax on a used car, but you need to do so on a new one, then that could be thousands of dollars saved! The next time you see an outstanding car commercial, enjoy it! Relish in it. Imagine yourself driving in that glistening new ride. But when it comes to forking over your hard-earned money, weigh the benefits of investing in an earlier model. Image via Flickr by RP Norris

If you're on the market for a reliable compact car that will suit your daily needs and deliver plenty of gusto to boot, the 2018 Honda Civic is one to keep on your radar. Check out why the Honda Civic is built to last. 1. Reliable and Cutting Edge The Civic's 2018 model adds impressive high-tech features to the Civic's reputation for reliability. Some of the vehicle's stand-out tech features are included in the Honda Sensing package which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, road-departure mitigation, forward-collision warning, and the Collision Mitigation Braking System, which can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid a frontal collision. more Honda Lane Watch makes changing lanes easier than ever by effectively eliminating your blind spot. When you signal right or left, the cameras attached to your side mirrors stream video to give you a visual before you change lanes. These features have helped make the 2018 Civic a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. 2. Everyday Comfort and Sporty Performance The Civic will get you where you need to go with enough pep that you'll enjoy getting there. The 2.0-liter engine is equipped with 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque on the XL and EX models. The EX-T, EX-L and Touring models kick it up a notch with 174 standard horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque. You can also choose from available turbocharged engines that pump out up to 306 horsepower. MacPherson struts also come standard on the 2018 Civic, allowing you to handle turns and curves with ease. Available manual or automatic transmission puts you in control of your driving experience. The 6-speed manual transmission that comes standard on the XL and EX-T models gives you maximum control as you switch through gears. If you prefer an automatic shift, CVT (continuously variable transmission) comes standard on other models — optional on the XL and EX-T models — and has been tailored to each engine to allow for the smoothest and most fuel-efficient transition between gears. 3. Features to Suit Your Needs The 2018 Civic is available in seven trim levels and three body styles, including the sedan, coupe, or hatchback. The base LX offers plenty of features like 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, Bluetooth, a USB port, a 5-inch infotainment screen, a rear camera, and cloth upholstery. The 2018 Civic offers a comfortably spacious interior. Its 60/40 split-folding seats create up to to 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space. All-season floor mats protect your interior come rain, shine, or snow. Moving up the trim levels to the EX adds features like 16-inch alloy wheels, an additional USB port, and a 7-inch touchscreen. In addition to upgraded features, the EX includes a moonroof, the convenience of remote start, and adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. As you move up the trim levels you can add features like leather upholstery, heated seats, and full LED headlights.  When you're ready to take the 2018 Honda Civic for a spin, stop by Rath Auto Resources for a test drive. Experience the Civic's features for yourself and let our team find the perfect car for you and your family to enjoy for years to come. Image via Flickr by SoulRider.222

Corona Farmers Market in Queens, New York is one of the most dynamic and diverse farmers markets in the city and is steps off the subway and mass transit system for the city. USDA Photo by Preston Keres The second largest city in Arkansas, Fort Smith is known for its rich western history but also boasts some darn fine shopping. Local artisans, farmers, and craftsmen provide high-quality goods and larger storefronts let you purchase all the essentials in one location. Discover some of the best shopping destinations in Fort Smith. BrickCity Emporium Located at 3215 South 74th Street in Fort Smith, in a sprawling 20,000 feet of shopping and dining, BrickCity Emporium is a unique shopping experience you won't want to pass up. Over 160 vendors populate the space and offer unique goods and one-of-a-kind gifts from boutique clothing and handmade jewelry to paintings, home decor, and specialty foods. You'll want to plan to spend a couple hours at BrickCity to see everything the unique boutiques have to offer. Each time you visit BrickCity Emporium you'll find unique new items for sale. more Central Mall The largest shopping center in the region, Central Mall is located at 5111 Rogers Avenue. It boasts larger department stores like JCPenney and Dillards as well as smaller boutiques so you can get all your shopping done in one place. There are plenty of places for a quick bite to keep your energy up as you shop. Fort Smith Farmer's Market To sample Fort Smith's local flavor, head to the farmer's market at Second and Garrison Avenue, open year-round on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Enjoy a family-friendly, open-air shopping experience where street performers and local musicians provide entertainment while you peruse different booths. Vendors sell locally-sourced seasonal produce and goods like jewelry, handmade soap, local honey, and art from within a 90-mile radius of Fort Smith. You're also giving back to the community when you shop at the Farmer's market since purchases you make help support local farms and businesses. Colquitt Bath Co. The Colquitt Bath Co. crafts high-quality, small-batch skin products like moisturizers, bath bombs, body scrubs and facial products. By using as many natural ingredients as possible, the Colquitt Bath Co. let's you pamper yourself with spa-quality products. Find them inside Greenpointe Shopping Center. The shop smells wonderful and is a great place to shop for gifts or products to help you unwind. Check out their Shower Sniffies, menthol and eucalyptus infused shower tabs that come with a bag to hang in the shower to allow the vapors to diffuse with the steam and open up those sinuses. True Grit Running Company True Grit Running Company houses a small but mighty selection of footwear and running gear at 6808 Rogers Avenue. Whether you're a seasoned runner or are looking to pick up a new hobby, this shop will get you set up with what you need to hit the pavement. The knowledgeable staff is passionate about running and can advise on run routes and get you connected to the local run club. Whether you're shopping for gifts, clothing, specialty items or local produce, Fort Smith has many shopping locations and much to offer. Image via Flickr by FarmersGov

2015 Ford focus ST 5-Dr Hatchback2015 Ford Focus ST 5-DR Hatchback A lot of work goes into planning a summer adventure. If you're planning a longer road trip, you'll need to decide if you want to put that many miles on your daily driver. For trips like these, or when your daily driver isn't the best, you may want to consider purchasing a used car for road trips. They typically aren't too expensive and provide flexibility in regards to your timeline and destination. Check out these top used models for your next road trip. 2016 Toyota Camry The Toyota Camry is just the right mix of efficiency and comfort, perfect for long road trips across the country. This fuel-sipping sedan can take you wherever you need to go this summer. Toyota has a long-standing reputation for being dependable and safe, letting you worry about where the road will take you next, not whether your car will survive the journey. more This year's model has plenty of trims to choose from; there are also 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder configurations for those looking for more power. When you hit the road, you'll want to know there are plenty of great entertainment features to keep all of your passengers happy. The 2016 Camry is packed with plenty of in-demand options. Entune internet access with smart device integration helps you stay connected on long drives. Features such as satellite radio, voice-activated radio, and MP3 player connectivity are all available on the 2016 Camry. 2015 Ford Focus Stepping back a few model years will help you save a bit of money when you are considering a second car for summer adventures. You can find the 2015 Focus in a traditional four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback. While there are only three trims for this year's release, you'll find each one suitable for road tripping. The 160-horsepower four-cylinder engine is not only efficient but also powerful enough to give this small sedan plenty of punch when you hit the gas. Similar to the 2016 Camry, the 2015 Focus has plenty of exciting entertainment features. Ford SYNC allows for internet connectivity and the entertainment console includes MP3 connectivity, speed-sensitive volume, and satellite radio connectivity. You'll also love the safety features on this year's Focus. They include ventilated disc brakes for better braking efficiency, knee air bags, braking assistance, and side-impact air bags. 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan If you're heading out on a summer adventure that requires you to stow a bit more gear, the 2015 Grand Caravan is an excellent choice. It has extra seating for larger families, tons of excellent entertainment features, and good safety features. The ability to stow the rear seats to allow for more cargo room gives you plenty of flexibility. Anyone interested in purchasing a used vehicle to use on summer adventures or road trips should check out one of these models. They offer the right mix of value and dependability. Image via Flickr by Michel Curi

The historic downtown area of Fort Smith, Arkansas, has plenty to explore when you're in town. Whether you want a tasty bite to eat or want to watch live music, there are plenty of places to go in Fort Smith. 1. The Sound Room The top place to go in Fort Smith for food and premier entertainment is The Sound Room. It's great for meeting friends for drinks after work or bringing the whole family to for a meal. They have a constantly rotating lineup of the best bands in the area in addition to touring acts from around the nation that stop by. If you want to watch your favorite sports team play, they also have over a dozen flat-screen TVs for that. more The menu includes bratwurst, gourmet burgers, grilled chicken, a variety of appetizers, salmon, fish and chips, and more. The bar serves imported and domestic beer, wine, and mixed drinks. The venue is all ages during the weekdays and 18 and older during the evenings on the weekends when there are concerts. 2. Fort Smith Farmers Market The Fort Smith Farmers Market is a great place to stock up on local produce and other goodies. Take home vegetables, fruit, honey, baked goods, and arts and crafts while you're there. Over 90 different merchants and growers can be found selling their items each week. During the Saturday market, there are many locals, tourists, community organizations, street performers, and local musicians. This is located on Garrison Avenue and is open each Tuesday and Saturday during the year from the hours of 7 a.m. to 12 .p.m. While it does go through the winter, many vendors take a break during this time, so April and on is when it starts to get more crowded. 3. Neumeier's Rib Room When you're craving BBQ, head to Neumeier's Rib Room & Beer Garden. Start your meal with one of their appetizers such as jalapeno poppers, fried pickles, or street corn bites. This restaurant has a variety of meat such as pork shoulder, ribs, pork loin, and chicken all smoked in an authentic, hickory wood-burning smoker. They don't use any marinade, tenderizers, rubs, or boiling, so you'll get a pure, healthy taste. You can get their famous meat a la carte, in a sandwich, or in a platter with Texas Toast and two side dishes. They also have a variety of taters such as pork and cheese or chili and cheese. Make sure to save room for dessert with choices like pecan cobbler and funnel cake straws. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Voodoo Lounge stays open until midnight, and there is a beer garden to enjoy when the weather is warm in Arkansas. There is no shortage of things to do when visiting historic downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas. From authentic smoked meat to fresh produce at a farmer's market, you'll love visiting the town. Image via Flickr by republiccountryclub