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Fort Smith, Arkansas, has a rich history, culture, and many landmarks. As Arkansas' second largest city, Fort Smith offers a piece of the Old West with a mix of modern life. From War memorials, native territory, 19th century architecture to a diverse array of natural beauties, wandering Fort Smith in spring is an enjoyable and eye-opening experience. Here, we look at favorite spring attractions this historic city has to offer. Fort Smith Natural Historic Site The Fort Smith Natural Historic Site is a repository of the city's history. The site is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and provides exhibits depicting the city's martial heritage. It hosts the commissary building (1838), the site of old Fort Smith and old barracks, courthouse and jails. more Fort Smith National Cemetery If you are a student of the American Civil War history, this place will interest you. The Fort Smith National Cemetery spans 22 acres, and houses several graves, monuments and tombs. Prominent memorials on the grounds include those dedicated to Brigadier General Alexander E. Steen, James M. McIntosh, Civil War Confederate Richard C. Gatlin, Hal Smith of the U.S. Air Force and a granite memorial in tribute of Vietnam Veterans. Take your time to explore the grounds while reflecting on the sacrifices of the interred. Parrot Island Waterpark Parrot Island Waterpark offers you and your kids an expansive aquatic playground to relax and have fun. Attractions at the park include the 85,000 gallon Caribbean Splash Wave pool, the Toucan's Cove activity pool, and the famous Crocodile Creek lazy river the locals love so much. For kids, the Tiny Turtle Island offers an abundance of climbing toys, waterfalls and slides such as the Tangerine Twist, Pelican Plunge and the Pineapple Plunge. Fort Smith Museum of History Founded in 1910, the Fort Smith Museum of History provides in-depth details into the city's culture. The museum is on the National Register of Historic Places and showcases artifacts that offer visitors a better understanding of Fort Smith.  It has an old pharmacy from the 1920s that serves ice cream soda, ice cream sundae, and other refreshments. Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center Sitting on a 14,000-square-foot nature center, the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center offers a variety of landscapes including pine forests, wetlands, lakes, upland forests, and valleys. It is an excellent place to hunt, fish, canoe, and practice your archery skills. The spectacular scenery makes it perfect for hiking and the rich biodiversity is a nature lover's paradise. Fort Smith Farmer's Market For an authentic feel of the culinary delights Fort Smith residents enjoy in their homes, head over to the Fort Smith Farmer's Market. While its name suggests farm produce, the market hosts other vendors, street performers, musicians, and artisans. From fresh carrots and cucumber, a mishmash of local flavors and flowers, to adorable keepsakes and souvenirs, your time at the Fort Smith Farmer's Market will be one to remember. This piece cannot do justice to the number of attractions in Fort Smith. We hope the few spots here will encourage you to explore more of this great city. Image via Flickr by Aquiamigo

On the edge of town lies a sparkling oasis and cure for the pressures of everyday life. It's just a quick drive away and it's begging to be explored. So grab your car keys and let's visit Lake Fayetteville Park. Relax Your Way 458 acres of land surround the 194 acres of water and most neighbors know the watershed as a fisherman's dream, but there's so much more there than just casting. The Lake Fayetteville area is comprised of several parks that offer very different facilities. North Shore Park boasts a fast-paced disc golf course, while the Veteran's Memorial Park attracts families and sportsmen with its horseshoe pits and hiking trails. more If sports are on your mind, check out the Lake Fayetteville Softball Complex where there always seems to be something going on. If you're looking for a more sedate and reflective spot, meander through the gorgeous Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. Lake Fayetteville sparkles in every season and visitors love to take in her beauty on the 5.5-mile nature trail. For those longing for a smoother path, the 4.3-mile hard surface trail provides many Instagram-worthy opportunities. The generous shade along the paved trail makes it enjoyable year-round. Explore the Sights Another fun aspect of the trail is that it links up with the Razorback Regional Greenway, a 36-mile paved trail that opened in 2015. It links Lake Fayetteville to a number of local sites including Emma Avenue, Downtown Bentonville, Compton Gardens, and Lake Bella Vista. If Instagram is your thing (or you just love natural beauty), you can't beat the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. This captivating destination features twelve themed gardens and a butterfly house. Frolic amid the colorful blooms or enjoy a moment of solitude in the Japanese Garden. The garden conservancy also offers workshops and classes on topics like gardening and floral and landscape design. Enjoy Countless Activities But Lake Fayetteville isn't just a postcard. It's best enjoyed in active pursuits. Those include hiking, fishing, running, biking (you can rent mountain bikes and trail bikes at the park), and playing sports (softball, horseshoes, volleyball, and disc golf). Children can enjoy free play or create their own adventures on the playground equipment. If you love the water but don't have your own boat, boat rentals are available. You can also rent kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, and pontoon boats. Leave your fishing gear at home? No worries. The rental facility at the lake has you covered. You can purchase equipment there as well. With all this activity and communing with nature, you might work up an appetite.  If you do, you'll be pleased to know there is a food truck city with picnic benches located on the street side overlooking the lake. Lake Fayetteville feels like a world away from your busy life but it's only a quick drive. If you need some relaxation set to sparkling lake views or you want to spend more time getting in shape and hate the sterility of a gym, it's well worth the very short trip. See you on the trails! Image via Flickr by timpeartrice

A little patience can pay off in a big way when you're shopping for a car. While new cars definitely have the shine and allure to draw buyers, and a warranty that gives you a great deal of peace of mind, they also come with a big hit to the value in the form of depreciation. Some models lose up to 25 percent of their value as soon as you drive off the lot. One way to get the best of both worlds is to look for a vehicle from the last model year. Here are three great choices from the 2018 lineup. 2018 Toyota Corolla For a student or a young adult just starting out, a new car probably isn't in the budget. However, if you do your homework and research carefully, you'll find some good options to fit even a small budget. The 2018 Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan that might just fit that sweet spot for you. CarGurus named it a winner in its segment in the 2018 Best Used Car Awards, estimating that the Corolla holds its value 29 percent better than competitors. The Toyota name itself is synonymous with quality and reliability so you can buy with confidence. more 2018 Chrysler 300 For a family or a professional who needs to be able to transport clients, a car larger than the Corolla might be in order. A full-size sedan like the 2018 Chrysler 300 may suit those needs nicely. This highly rated model earns positive reviews from current owners; they rank it higher than other similar cars more than half the time. The Chrysler 300 retains its value better than 7.9 percent of other large cars on the market. Another bonus is the availability of the 300. They're plentiful on the lots, so you have more to choose from. 2018 Ford Explorer Since 1991, the Ford Explorer has been a favorite in the full-size SUV/crossover market. It appeals to soccer moms, road warriors, and anyone else who needs room to carry cargo and people. All the things that make the Explorer the best selling new vehicle in its class year after year also make it a darling in the pre-owned car market. The 2018 Ford Explorer retains its value 23 percent better than its competitors, an impressive figure for this highly competitive segment. As the most plentiful SUV on the pre-owned lot, you'll have lots of colors and options to choose from when you go shopping. Pre-owned Saves You Money Smart buyers know that you can save money and avoid the depreciation associated with a new car without giving up the advantage of the manufacturer's warranty by buying a one-year-old pre-owned ride. Do your research and know what you're looking for in terms of features and colors before you start to check out the lots. The friendly professionals at Rath Auto Fort Smith will be glad to help you find just the right 2018 model to match your needs. Visit today and start your search. Image via Flickr by truckhardware

There are several music venues in Fort Smith and many in the surrounding areas, so if you enjoy listening to your favorite genre of music live on stage, you don't have to go far. Throughout the spring season, there are some well-known bands coming to town along with many local acts that will perform. Check out these can't miss spring concerts in Fort Smith. FS Symphony: It's Time for Piano On April 13, 2019, the FS Symphony will perform at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center. The It's Time For Piano show, led by Tony DeSare, is a must-see event this spring. DeSare is one of the most prominent rising stars in the Jazz world and has performed in many different symphony orchestras all around the world. Some of the music you will hear at this concert include "Hungarian Rhapsody No 2" by Franz Liszt and "Barcarolle" by Jacques Offenbach. You'll also hear songs by Billy Joel, Elton John, and Ray Charles. more Celtic Women On April 23, you can catch Celtic Woman at the ArcBest Corporation Performing Arts Center. This timeless music celebrates centuries of Ireland and Irish music. You'll get to see a one-of-a-kind act at a Celtic Woman show with some of the best musical talents along with a unique stage production. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. You can get tickets through the University of Arkansas Fort Smith website. Buckcherry Buckcherry will perform at Temple Live on Friday, April 26. The Temple Live venue is a historic theater that originally opened in 1929 during the prohibition. It's now a one-of-a-kind gathering place that serves as both a dining and club facility with a laid-back speak-easy feel. The Sphinx club downstairs serves specialty cocktails and American cuisine with a farm-to-plate focus. The 1,100 capacity theater is a great place to see a concert, and Buckcherry is sure to make the most of the state-of-the-art venue. Ronnie Milsap You can catch Ronnie Milsap at Temple Live on March 23. This show gets started at 8 p.m. but if you get there early, you can take advantage of all that the venue has to offer. Ronnie Milsap is a popular country music singer and one of the most successful country crossover artists with music that appeals to both country and pop fans. You can hear some of his hits, such as "Smoky Mountain Rain," "There's No Gettin' Over Me," and "It Was Almost Like a Song," at his show. Skerryvore Head to the Blue Lion on North 2 Street to see Skerryvore on March 28. This unique performance combines folk, trad, rock, and pop for a sound unlike any other. The eight band members come from different backgrounds, and each person brings a unique sound of Scotland to the mix. Tickets are $25, and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. These are just a few of the many concerts coming to Fort Smith this spring. You can see and hear all kinds of music, whether you prefer classical, country, rock, or pop, with thousands of other fans or in a more intimate setting. Image via Flickr by limaoscarjuliet

There is no shortage of attractions for history buffs in and around Fort Smith. The area has a long and unique history that includes an old bordello, outlaws, and Native Americans. You can learn all about all of this and more by visiting some of the historic sights. Check out these top spots for history buffs near Fort Smith, AR. The Clayton House Go back to 1882 during a visit to the Clayton House. This was the year that William Henry Harrison Clayton moved to the area to help with the true grit effort. He wanted to help support the effort to restore peace to the Indian Territory in what is now Oklahoma. The Clayton House features a large collection of restored 19th-century furniture and still has the original coal-burning fireplaces. more Oak Cemetery & Sexton House Museum The Oak Cemetery on South Greenwood Ave is a National Historic Landmark. The oldest monument in the cemetery dates back to 1842 and marks the grave of Captain Gookin. This cemetery is also the final resting place of up to 28 outlaws hanged by Judge Issac C. Parker. You can see the grave of the founder of Fort Smith along with several mayors and over 100 Confederate soldiers. The Darby House General William O Darby created the famous Darby Rangers that fought in Italy during World War II. This group evolved into what is now the Army Rangers. The Darby House is General Darby's childhood home and is currently a heritage museum with personal memorabilia along with some other World War II memorabilia. This museum also features tributes to Darby and some artifacts from Cisterna, Italy. Miss Laura's Visitor Center One of Fort Smith's unique historic attractions is Miss Laura's Visitor Center. This is the last of the seven-row houses that once stood in the Old West red light district, and it is the only former bordello on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit the visitor's center and take a tour of the restored house to see what was once the most celebrated bordello in the Southwest, and you can even check out the costume room with clothing worn by the women working as prostitutes. Fort Smith Air Museum The Fort Smith Air Museum has 64 different displays showcasing military aviators from western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. The museum moved to the Fort Smith Regional Airport Terminal in 2002, and the display cases sit across from the American Eagle and Delta ticket counters. The displays chronicle the history of airline service to Fort Smith, the history of the 188th Air National Guard, and the history of the Fort Smith Civil Air Patrol. You can also see exhibits that chronicle the growth of corporate and general aviation. These are just a few of the historic places you can visit in the Fort Smith area. There are many more that showcase the city's and region's unique history, including the barbershop where Elvis Presley received his haircut after joining the army. Image via Flickr by aquiamigo

Deciding on a used car is a huge decision. There are so many to choose from since each make and model has their own advantages and disadvantages. When you are in the market for a used car and want to find one that is reliable, equipped with the latest technology and safety features, and one that you can afford, it is important to do your research. Here are some of the most reliable late-model used cars to get your search started. 2016 Toyota Camry The 2016 Toyota Camry is one of the top used cars on the market. It has a spacious interior with room for up to five passengers, has an excellent reliability rating, and comes with some advanced safety features. All the 2016 Camry trims come with a rearview camera, and the XSE and the XLE both have adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, Toyota's pre-collision system, and lane departure warning. A certified pre-owned Toyota Camry also comes with Toyota's limited warranty and must pass a 160-point inspection. Roadside assistance is available as an extra service. more 2016 Chevy Malibu The 2016 Chevy Malibu received excellent reliability ratings and offers a smooth ride and good fuel economy. The 2016 Malibu received a complete redesign and is the best year for shoppers looking for a late model used Chevy. Just one level up from the base model Malibu will get you a rearview camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 7-inch touch screen. The top-level Premier trim adds several advanced safety systems, leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. 2017 Nissan Altima The 2017 Nissan Altima offers excellent crash ratings and comfortable seats and is extremely reliable. The Altima is a fuel-efficient vehicle, and halfway through the model year, Nissan updated the 2017 model with some added safety features including predictive forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The 3.5 SR model has the option for a powerful V-6 engine and comes with rear parking sensors, a navigation system, and a moonroof. This model also includes the NissanConnect infotainment system complete with smartphone integration and a 7-inch touch screen display. 2015 Toyota RAV4 The 2015 Toyota RAV4 is an excellent choice for buyers looking for a versatile crossover SUV with good resale value and reliability. It provides a comfortable ride and has a large cargo area with room for tons of gear even with the rear seat up. Plus, the cabin features top-notch materials. The 2015 model comes standard with a rearview backup camera, and it offers the option for blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RAV4 has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 176 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque which is plenty to give it more than enough power for confident highway driving and accelerating up to 60 miles per hour in just under 10 seconds. Take a look at these late-model used cars in your search for a reliable vehicle. You can feel safe and confident in any of them and save on the bottom line. Image via Flickr by JLaw45

Whether your new driver is buying their first car on their own or you're doing it together, it's a huge step. There are arguments for both new and used cars when it comes to teen drivers, but you really can't go wrong with a later-model used vehicle. Here are some of the best cars for a new driver. 2017 Honda Fit The Honda Fit is an excellent subcompact car. The cabin is comfortable with high-quality materials, and the rear seat passengers have a good amount of legroom. more All Fit trims come with a rearview camera and a brake assist system, and the Honda LaneWatch system is available to help drivers see what's in their blind spots. This little vehicle has above-average reliability ratings, and it comes in three different trim levels offering a variety of technology options. The EX-L is the only trim that comes standard with the automatic CVT. It also has a 7-inch touch screen and the HondaLink infotainment system. 2015 Honda CR-V The 2015 Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that offers excellent fuel economy, and it has a large cargo area and room for up to five passengers. It comes standard with a rearview camera, and depending on the trim, you can get a blind-spot camera, adaptive cruise control, and a lane keep assist. It also offers a 7-inch touch screen, navigation system, and leather upholstery as options. The Honda CR-V EX-L adds leather seats and comes with dual-zone automatic climate control. 2014 Hyundai Sonata The sleek looking Hyundai Sonata is a five-passenger sedan, and the 2014 model comes standard with extensive standard features and technology. The combination of excellent fuel economy and top notch reliability ratings make it a top choice for a new driver. It has a four-cylinder engine that produces 190 horsepower with the option for a four-cylinder that gets 274 horsepower. The Sonata offers a sporty handling experience and a comfortable ride for its passengers. Choose the SE trim for a rearview camera and a driver-side blind-spot mirror. All trims come standard with electronic stability control and a full suite of air bags. 2016 Toyota Camry There's lots to like about the 2016 Toyota Camry. It gets excellent safety ratings, comes with a host of standard and optional equipment, and has a roomy, upscale cabin. All 2016 Camry trims come with a rearview camera, and both the XLE and XSE come standard with Toyota's Pre-Collision system, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. For technology, even the base model Camry has a 6.1-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, and remote keyless entry. Stepping up in trims will add heated front seats, leatherette or leather upholstery, and, in some models, a navigation system. Check out these used models that make some of the best choices for a new driver. They can get some of the advanced safety technology and even some extra comfort and convenience features to keep everyone safe and happy on the road. Image via Flickr by -JvL

Fort Smith, Arkansas, has a great and varied history. There are plenty of places where you can travel back the last hundreds of years and learn where we came from as a nation and a people. Here are some of the best places to discover Fort Smith's history. 1. Fort Smith Museum of History The Fort Smith Museum of History is one of the best museums in the area if you want to look into the town's past. more The museum was established in 1910 and has amassed a collection of important historical items. Experience life in the 1920s to 1940s as you travel through a pharmacy and ice cream shop. Learn about the lives of great citizens and their accomplishments as they helped build the nation. Tickets are $7 for adults and $2 for children. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2. Fort Smith Trolley Museum To get a look into the history of transportation, the Fort Smith Trolley Museum is a must-see destination. Its collection of electric streetcars, passenger train cars, freight cars, locomotives, work equipment, and motor buses are all on display and ready for visitors to explore. The Fort Smith Trolley Museum is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the winter. 3. The Clayton House Stepping into the Clayton House is like stepping into 1882. The house is a great example of the area's Victorian-style architecture. Take a guided tour through the home to explore the ins and outs of life in the 19th century. The Clayton House is open Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children. 4. Fort Smith National Historic Site This is where the town gets its name from. The original Fort Smith was established Dec. 25, 1817. This is the best way to travel back to the American frontier and the beginnings of the Indian Territory. You'll learn about soldiers, the Trail of Tears, executions, outlaws, and more. Fort Smith National Historic Site is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the week, and the visitor center is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 a person to see the exhibits inside the visitor center, but walking around the grounds is free. 5. Belle Grove Historic District The Belle Grove Historic District is a beautiful collection of antique architecture styles from 130 years of history. Belle Grove has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. You'll rarely get a chance to see such a collection of buildings embodying different styles of architecture, including Colonial Revival, French Colonial, Italianate, Carpenter Gothic, Queen Anne, Eastlake, and Mission. The Belle Grove neighborhood covers 22 square blocks between North Fifth Street, North H Street, North Eighth Street, and North C Street. Exploring the history behind the city of Fort Smith is a great experience and educational opportunity. Take some time to see everything the town has to offer! Image via Flickr by aquiamigo

Buying a used car can be a stressful situation. But, you could find some great deals if you're thorough in your search, don't allow yourself to be rushed, and know what to look for. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you shop for a used car. Make a Budget Before you shop, know your budget. Decide how much you're willing to spend on a used car so you can focus your search on vehicles that fit your price range. Take a look at your finances, and be reasonable. A car should help you get around, not put you in a horrible financial situation. Once you know your budget, try to stick to it as much as possible, but have a good idea of how much higher you'd consider going. more Know What to Look For The search for a used car will be easier if you know what you need out of it. Are you trying to get your entire family to little league baseball games? Are you trying to get the most powerful muscle car for the lowest price? You'll save yourself a lot of time answering these kinds of questions. Research Reliability Once you know what kind of car you want, research what model will last the longest. You don't want to spend the time, money, and effort buying a used car that's going to break down on you in a year. Check to see what other people are saying about the model. When you start shopping around, you'll know how to measure a vehicle's state against its expected lifespan. Start Searching Online shopping is the way to go. You'll be able to search cars in your area using the factors you've decided on, such as make, model, and year. However, a good walk through the used car lots or paper classified ads can turn up some surprising results. See the Title and Look Up Its History When you've found a car, ask to see the title. You don't want to buy a car without the title, and the seller should be happy to show it to you. After you've seen the title, write down the vehicle identification number. It's a 17-digit code that you can generally find at the bottom of the windshield on the driver's side of the dashboard. You can use this number to look up the vehicle's history through services like AutoCheck or CARFAX. Find out if it has any possible issues such as flood damage, discrepancies in the odometer, or past involvement in a major collision. Test Drive and Diagnose Now for the fun part — give it a spin. See how comfortable it is, how it handles curves, and if the radio works. Be as thorough as possible, because there are generally no take-backs once you choose to buy. Look to see if what's under the hood is up to par. Get a mechanic in if you need to. If a car passes all these tests, then you may have found your new ride. Take as much time as you need to make a smart choice, and don't forget to visit us at Rath Auto Resources in Fort Smith. Image via Pixabay.com

When you're buying a vehicle, you should know basic car care practices. A vehicle is an investment that you want to keep in good condition. Take care of your car, and it will continue to take care of you. Our team at Rath Auto Resources knows its way around a vehicle. Here are five basic car care tips everyone should know. Oil Changes This one may seem like a no-brainer, but people still get it wrong all the time. Regular oil changes can prolong your vehicle's lifespan by years. Not much ruins an engine more than letting oil stay in the engine months after a change is due. You can also be too careful about your oil changes. You've probably been told that you need to change your oil every 3,000 miles. In most cases, this is false. Save your money. Technology has advanced, and most car companies say you can wait as long as 10,000 miles to change your oil. Of course, you should still check your owner's manual to see what your own vehicle calls for. more Tire Pressure Make a habit of checking your tire pressure. Low tire pressure can wear out your tires fast, while high tire pressure can be dangerous when you brake.  At the very least, make a quick walk-around once a week to make sure you're not running flat. Preferably, you'd use a tire gauge to check your tires' PSI levels. Don't know what your PSI should be? Open your driver door and look down. Most models these days have a sticker where the door meets the body that tells you the recommended PSI for your tires. Monitor Your Brakes Don't ignore signs that your brakes may need replacing. If you hear irregular noises, feel any vibrations in the steering wheel, or smell anything funky when you apply the brakes, take your vehicle in for inspection. Don't put this one off. Driving around with bad brakes can put you in some pretty bad situations. Check Engine Light Keep an eye out for your "check engine" light. It's the little symbol in the shape of an engine and will show near your speedometer. This light could mean many things, but most of the reasons that cause it to pop on are serious. When you see it, pull over and pop the hood. Be careful as you do so, in case your engine is overheating. Check your oil level. See if anything looks amiss. If you can't find anything, it's a good idea to take it to a repair shop to have professionals assess the situation. Replace Air Filters A good rule of thumb is to change your air filter every six months. This is a basic task you can request when you get your oil changed. Dirty air filters can cause your engines to get dirty. A dirty engine has to work harder to perform the same tasks and can lower efficiency, which costs you money at the pump and can cause engine problems. You don't have to be a mechanic to keep your car running smoothly. Anyone can learn how to perform these routine tasks and checkups. Stay safe out there! https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebabcock/5633253504/sizes/l Image via Flickr by Mike Babcock

Everyone loves to save a bit of money where they can, but are you doing everything you can to get better gas mileage and reduce spending at the pumps? There are a lot of things you can do to ensure you get the most out of every fill-up. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated Something as simple as making sure your tires are fully inflated throughout the year can lead to marked improvements in gas mileage throughout the course of a year. As tires lose pressure, more surface touches the road, which in turn, increases friction against the road. This makes the engine work harder to fight this friction as you drive. Properly inflated tires help you roll further at sustained speeds, reducing the need to press the gas as much. more Drive Sensibly Simply driving in a sensible manner can also save you some gas. Accelerating quickly causes the RPMs to jump by a few thousand. When the engine is operating at these higher RPMs, it's using significantly more fuel than when cruising between 1,000 to 2,000 RPMs. Of course, you still need to accelerate quickly to merge onto a highway or perform a safe passing maneuver, but driving at high speeds all the time adds up in the fuel economy department. Use Your AC at High Speeds There's something magical about having your windows down on the highway. An amazing rush of wind in your face cooling you down despite heat. However, at some speeds, keeping your windows up and putting the AC on can improve your fuel economy. Once you roll down your windows, the amount of drag your car creates is increased, which means the engine needs to work harder to cut through the air. Change Your Oil Regularly Once your oil becomes dirty, it can become less effective, making the engine work harder for every RPM. Staying on top of your oil changes is a great way to keep your fuel economy in good shape. Changing your oil regularly can also reduce costly engine issues down the road. Get That Check Engine Light Fixed A check engine light can mean a lot of things. While it may not be dangerous to drive with the check engine light on, it can lead to larger problems if left unchecked. Some engine issues that cause check engine lights will negatively affect your fuel economy in a big way. Faulty valve timing solenoids are some of the biggest offenders in the fuel economy department. Regardless of the issue, get your check engine light diagnosed and corrected as soon as possible. Avoid Stop-and-go Traffic Your engine uses the most fuel bringing the car up to speed. If you need to constantly stop the car and bring it back up to speed because of traffic, your fuel economy will be suffering. Another thing to try to avoid is very short trips, such as ones down the road or to the mailbox. These shorter trips can create more engine build-ups, which would be cleaned up by the engine during a longer drive of 5 miles or more. Employing just a few of these tips will have you saving money at the pumps in no time. You'll be surprised at how much money you save by doing so. Image via pixabay.com

A coffee shop is not only a place where you can grab your caffeine fix for the day, but also one where you can meet up with friends or family for a catch-up, take that special first date, or just sit down and relax with a good book. Here are three coffee shops in Fort Smith that provide an attractive setting, good service, and great coffee. Fort Smith Company This new coffee shop in downtown Fort Smith, located in a renovated historic building, is a favorite spot for locals to sit down for a relaxing coffee. The décor is eclectic and hip, and the atmosphere warm and inviting. On the coffee menu are a variety of different choices such as a Lavender Latte, White Chocolate Mocha, and Spiced Thai Latte, all made by expert baristas. You can also enjoy a scone, waffle, crepe, a piece of quiche, or a toasted sandwich if you get peckish. Locals swear by the Turkey, Swiss, and Rosemary Quiche, the Mediterranean Crepe, or the Goat Cheese Toast. If you feel like having a beer with your lunch or supper, they have locally-brewed craft beer on tap. Fort Smith Company also hosts events such a movie nights and regularly features live music. You will find this coffee shop at 1101 Rogers Avenue. more Artistic Bean House This coffee house features couches where you and friends can chill, or you can sit down in a corner by the books for a quiet coffee. If you need to get some work done or reply to a few emails, free Wi-Fi is available. The walls are lined with local artworks, and local musicians often entertain the guests. The coffee at this chain is served by skilled baristas and prepared from Fair-Trade Organic Specialty beans, which are freshly roasted on the premises daily. On the coffee menu are over 13 special brews, including a Frappé, White Mocha, White Latte, Espresso Macchiato, Pumpkin Spice Latte, and Caramel Apple Cider Latte. They also offer a food menu, consisting of wraps, paninis, muffins, and sandwiches. This coffee shop is located at 615 Garrison Avenue. If you cannot leave work but want one of their delicious coffees, you can also order online. Sweet Bay Coffee Company Located next to a beautiful park in Fort Smith, The Sweet Bay Coffee Company offers a relaxed setting where you can meet up with friends and family, or have a business lunch. On the coffee menu are hot, iced, or frozen Chai tea, coffee of the day, Café Au Lait, and a Cappucino Shake, and the food menu includes delectable dishes such as a Spinach Artichoke Flatbread Pizza, Rasberry Smoked Turkey Panini, and a Classic Club Sandwich. For breakfast, there is a selection of bagels and breakfast sandwiches available. They are at 3400 Rogers Avenue. Whether you want some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle, to meet up with friends and family, or make a date for gourmet coffee, these coffee houses will not disappoint. https://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielgm/45814116461/sizes/l Image via Flickr by Gabriel GM