Blog

When looking for a new car best suited for a family, the two classes that enter the discussion most are SUVs and minivans. While there are many similarities between the two, choosing what's right for you and your family can be a tough choice. After all, you'll be driving this vehicle for the next five to 10 years or more. Here's how to decide whether SUVs or minivans are better for your family. Overall Value If economics end up playing a big role in your decision, minivans are a step ahead. Not only do minivans tend to have lower MSRPs for similar feature sets and trim levels, but they don't vary wildly in upkeep costs compared to SUVs. Minicans get roughly the same gas mileage on average when compared to SUVs, and they have similarly sized tires. more Entertainment Most new models today come with plenty of music connectivity, be it Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, or all three. However, what do you do for entertainment when not everyone can agree on what to listen to on the radio? A car full of five or six people means there are bound to be some differences of opinion on what to listen to. This is where the minivan earns extra props. Many minivans have optional or standard DVD entertainment systems in the second-row seating, which opens up more entertainment possibilities on long drives. Performance Capabilities When it comes to performance and capability, the SUV usually comes out on top. SUVs are more regularly equipped with all-wheel drive, a feature that's great to have in wintery or slick road conditions. If your family enjoys outdoor adventures, such as camping in the wilderness, you'll definitely want the extra power found in SUVs. Capacity While most SUVs have ample cargo capacity, minivans tend to offer a bit more. Third-row seating is usually a standard inclusion on minivans, while usually only full-size SUVs and a small selection of compact SUVs have third-row seating. This extra row of seating translates to better cargo capacity overall thanks to folding rear seats. For two-row SUVs, having extra cargo room means sacrificing room for all but two passengers. Towing If you find yourself needing to do towing of any kind, you'll want to consider a mid-size or full-size SUV over a minivan. While compared to trucks, both SUVs and minivans are lacking in the towing department; however, SUVs have a clear edge over minivans. Full-size SUVs are generally capable of pulling small campers and trailers, and minivans typically only tow under 2,000 pounds. This is enough for a small moving trailer, but very limited otherwise. If you're still having trouble deciding whether an SUV or minivan is the right fit for your family, make a list of the features most important to your family. Whichever category earns more points should be where you look first. However, don't forget to test drive at least a few minivans and SUVs, since how the car feels to drive can be the most important factor of all. Check out our Monthly Specials for even more savings on all Rath Road Ready used cars in Fort Smith, AR. Photo by MIKI Yoshihito | Licensed under cc by 2.0

One of the best ways to get some real rest and relaxation without taking a whole week vacation is to hit up a local day spa. Sometimes, a day at the spa is even better than that aforementioned week-long vacation. Just imagine you and an afternoon of total relaxation. The Fort Smith area has plenty of full-service spas that are perfect for one-day getaways. Head over for a relaxing massage now, and your body will thank you tomorrow! Fountain Gate Spa and Boutique This full-service spa and boutique offers a wide selection of massage options to help you relieve muscle tension and get relaxed.  They also offer beauty services such as facials, manicures, pedicures, body treatments, and spa packages which offer a combination of services. more Facial services include everything from children and teen facials to microdermabrasion, non-surgical facelifts, and age defense peels. Facial services range from $45 to $165. If you're looking for a great massage, Fountain Gate has a complete menu of massage options, including Swedish massage, hot stone massage, deep tissue sports massage, couples massages, and therapeutic massage. If you plan to order multiple services, look into one of their spa packages, which usually include a massage, scrub, and pedicure. Luminescence Medi-Spa If you're looking for more long-term spa services, head over to Luminescence. They do not offer traditional day spa services such as massages and pedicures. Instead, Luminescence provides specialized services such as laser treatments, injections, permanent makeup, and hair removal. Luminescence has a full suite of laser services, making it great for tattoo removal, wrinkle and spider vein repair, and those with chronic nail fungus. The injection services include Botox, Dysport, fillers, and Sculptra, which will give your treatment areas lasting new life. Hair removal and permanent makeup services make keeping up with everyday maintenance less of a chore. Inner Peace Massage and Body Studio Another great option for a relaxing day at the spa is Inner Peace Massage and Body Studio, located in Fort Smith. Once there, you can treat yourself to a wide variety of massages, facial treatments, and hydrating body wraps. You can also enroll in some yoga classes if you feel the need to stretch out. Inner Peace has plenty of relaxing and rejuvenating massage options to choose from. For something unique, try the hot stone massage or raindrop massage, which combine aromatherapy with traditional massage methods to create a balance in the body. Of course, Inner Peace Massage and Body Studio offer more traditional massages, deep tissue massages, and couples massages. Those interested in taking a yoga class or two can purchase five or 10 sessions in advance, or simply pay to drop in per diem for $10. Don't forget to give your skin the ultimate hydrating experience with a body wrap, which uses shea butter, avocado oil, and other emollients to leave your skin amazingly hydrated. Never underestimate the power of a relaxing day at the spa. You'll feel incredibly relaxed, and your muscles will feel like they're brand new.   Image via Pixabay.com: https://pixabay.com/en/towels-tables-bathroom-laundry-569139/

When it's time to go car shopping, we all have our list of must-haves. Some buyers like cargo room, while others want best-in-class fuel economy. One top priority for most people is safety. Whether your family's new car is big, compact, or sporty, it's important to make sure it's loaded with safety features. Here are four used hatchbacks that provide superior safety features for families on the go. 2017 Chevrolet Spark The Chevrolet Spark's 2017 model earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) highest rating of Good on the only two exams conducted: moderate overlap front and side crash tests. This organization also gave this model Spark's LATCH child-seat system their second-highest rating. more For 2017, a rearview camera comes standard on the Spark, and it offers great maneuverability to help keep you on the road. With plenty of available technology, this small Chevy delivers the connectivity you want to stay in touch with family. It's reliable and earned a stellar predicted reliability rating 3.5 out of five from J.D. Power. 2017 Hyundai Accent The 2017 Accent is an appealing choice for those who want a safe, no-frills daily driver with a low average price. It's just as reliable as the Spark, earning 3.5 out of five from J.D. Power, and boasts 47.5 cubic feet of cargo room. IIHS rated this model year's Accent Good in the top three categories: moderate overlap front trial, rear crash protection, and roof strength test results. They also reported that LATCH tether anchors for the Accent's child safety seats were in an easy-to-find location. 2017 Kia Soul The 2017 Soul ranks among the best in this competitive hatchback class. The IIHS gave it their highest rating of Good in all categories, except the passenger-side small overlap front test, which resulted in the second-highest grade. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded this hatchback a perfect five-star score for overall, front, and side-impact tests. The 2017 Soul's rollover crash test resulted in an impressive four-star performance. The Soul is available with a slew of standard safety equipment, including a rearview camera, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. You'll also get blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alerts, and available parking sensors. 2014 Chevrolet Sonic Agile handling and a roomy interior help make the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic one of the top used subcompacts on the market. It also touts some of the best safety scores in its class. Chevy gave the Sonic a nice package of active safety features for the 2014 model year, like the available rearview camera, forward collision warning, and lane departure alerts. It also features some of the highest safety scores in our rankings. The NHTSA gave the 2014 Sonic a perfect score of five in all but one test: the four-star rollover evaluation. The IIHS awarded the 2014 Sonic its top rating of Good in all trials, except the small overlap front crash test. Active safety features help drivers make quick stops while maintaining control. With these four used hatchbacks, get superior safety features for your family. Photo by M 93: „Dein Nordrhein-Westfalen“ | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Are you passionate about food? Do words like seared and sauteed get your culinary juices flowing? Then why not take a few cooking classes? There are tons of schools in the region where you can learn a few new tricks in the kitchen. Sharpen your skills with a variety of cooking styles and experiment with fun, new recipes. The best part is you get to eat your creations after the lesson. Try these cooking classes around Fort Smith, Arkansas. Cuisine Karen With Karen Gros at the helm, this cooking school, travel hostess, and trip organizer in Eureka Springs offers cooking classes and so much more. Cuisine Karen's classes range from an exploration of the French classics to seasonal dishes made with only locally sourced ingredients. more Book a food-centric tour with Karen, and visit countries like France and Greece for a genuinely authentic foodie experience. If you can't travel to these destinations, read all about Karen's culinary adventures on her blog. Honeycomb Kitchen Shop Honeycomb Kitchen Shop is located in nearby Rogers and hosts cooking classes inspired by the season of the region. From learning the basics to a chic party menu, when you're interested in learning more in the kitchen, Honeycomb's has a course for you. You'll be entertained and inspired at the creative date night class, or join the group on Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m. for the Field to Fork: All About Apples course. This festive fall class includes a taste test of several varieties of apples, and information on growing, storing, and using apples. Brightwater Center When you're serious about developing your culinary skills, consider attending college in Bentonville. Brightwater is on the campus of North West Arkansas Community College. It's a center focused around the study of food. Brightwater offers community classes where students can learn specialized cooking and beverage making skills. Their Culinary Arts program highlights various food systems, culinary nutrition, butchery, charcuterie, and events catering. You too can work towards your associate degree in Food Studies at Brightwater. Eggshells Kitchen Co. When you're in the market for cooking classes and all the tools it takes to get the meal on the table, head over to Eggshells Kitchen. Found in Little Rock, they offer seasonal courses from January through September. Held on-location, their classes feature the best and brightest local gourmets as they strut their stuff before students. A cooking class at Eggshells Kitchen is the ultimate culinary adventure. At one seminar, you might whip up a traditional Mardi Gras fare featuring shrimp and grits, Creole crab cakes, or chicken etouffee. Classes typically begin at 6 p.m., and the cost includes a companion glass of beer or wine for the grown-ups and the chef-prepared dish du jour. Do you find yourself watching late night cooking shows? Do you love every minute you spend behind the stove or chopping ingredients? If so, a culinary arts class may be right up your alley. Discover the world of cooking near Fort Smith, and indulge your passion for food. Photo by COD Newsroom | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Are you one of those people who douses everything you eat with layers of hot sauce? Unfortunately, there's no such thing as a spice-loving gene. Your love of these hot foods comes with your dining choices. Whether you're looking to try Indian cuisine or authentic Thai in the area, there are a few great venues to choose from. When you've got a passion for spicy, turn up the heat at these three restaurants around Fort Smith, Arkansas. R&R's Curry Express A hidden gem, R&R's Curry Express creates some of the most exotic dishes with the tongue-tingling flavors Indian cuisine is famous for. Indian food can be both exciting and intimidating, and for some, it's a new world of taste sensations. more R&R's hand-rolled barbeque wraps feature magical flavors. Pick either meat or veggie, topped with daikon, spinach, and a special cucumber and yogurt dressing with a touch of mint to cool things down. For dessert, try the rasmalai, a fresh cheese patty served in sweetened cold milk. It's just $3, while most entrees at R&R are around $7. Get your curry Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday until 10, and Saturday from noon to 10. Kountry Xpress A little oasis off the I-40 in nearby Mulberry, Kountry Xpress is a delicious find. When you've had your fill of greasy road-side classics, stop here and discover what's cooking. They're open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can get a heaping serving of palak paneer, chicken tikka masala, and an order of naan for less than $25. Some say it's the best Indian food near Fort Smith. There's also a buffet when you decide to go off menu and experiment. If you love the heat of authentic Indian cuisine, this is the place to go. Don't let its location scare you away. Sure, it's in a gas station, but it's a genuine kitchen that cooks up an extensive menu of five-star cuisine. There's something for everyone at Kountry Xpress, like hand-made fried chicken, mac and cheese, and chicken strips for the kids. Tassanee's Thai Cuisine Housed in an unassuming building, this quaint little restaurant is easy to drive past — but don't. Pull into the small parking lot to the left of the building, and get ready for a flavorful, spicy adventure. Made to order from fresh ingredients, a hot plate from Tassanee's is delivered with fast, friendly service that's always spot on. Place your order for spicy bean thread noodle salad, and in 15 minutes, it's ready for pick up. When you're looking for a great little hole in the wall, head to Tansanee's Thai Cuisine. To serve you best, they're open every day except Sunday, from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. A lot of us love spicy self-torture, so don't be afraid to dabble with a little hot sauce on occasion. These three restaurants near Fort Smith are turning up the temperature just for you. Come on out and see just how much heat you can handle. Photo by SteFou! | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

You've made the bold decision to start your own business, and you need a vehicle to put you in the driver's seat. There are quite a few good, used pickups ideal for starting a business. Today's trucks and vans perform better and are more dependable than ever before. We've picked out this list of capable used pickups for startup businesses. 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ranks at the top of the full-size pickup truck class and is more than competent on the job. It features a quiet, upscale cabin for on-the-go meetings and plenty of user-friendly tech, like an 8-inch touchscreen loaded with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Stay connected with the home office from the job site with an available a Wi-Fi hotspot. more New for the 2017 model, Chevy bumped up the Silverado's maximum towing capacity from 12,000 to 12,500 pounds. That power combined with payload capacities make it an excellent work truck. The 2017 Silverado touts an above-average predicted reliability rating of 4.5 out of five from J.D. Power, making it one of the most dependable full-size pickup trucks on the lot. 2008 Ford Super Duty F-250 The 2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty is one heavy-duty pickup truck. Whether you're into construction, agriculture or you need to tow equipment, you'll love the Super Duty's enhanced performance and convenience. The 2008 F-250 comes standard with a 5.4-liter Triton V-8 engine that delivers 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. It also has a 3,170-pound payload capacity and can tow up to 12,500 pounds. Ford included a durable hitch receiver on every Super Duty, featuring a robust seven- or four-pin connector. Ford's 2008 model year refresh of its most popular work truck included a full-scale addition of a slew of class-exclusive features, both inside and out. From its quiet steel dash panel to power telescoping and folding trailer tow mirrors, everything on the 2008 Super Duty was aggressively tweaked. 2017 Ford Transit Wagon While not exactly a pickup, the 2017 Ford Transit Wagon makes for a great startup vehicle. It offers seating for up to 15 and is the ideal vehicle for shuttle drivers, a taxi service, or any other profession that transports peoples. The 2017 Ford Transit offers a European-style, tall roofline for added versatility and convenience in this passenger-friendly wagon. The 2017 Ford Transit is easy to drive, with a footprint that isn't much larger than a full-size pickup truck. It features light and accurate steering and a buttoned-down suspension. Because of its agile handling, it's easy to maneuver your way through parking lots, the airport, or around busy city streets. If you're starting your own fleet or you need a dependable vehicle to transport everyone to the church retreat, the 2018 Ford Transit Wagon is a must-have. Starting your own business offers a sense of freedom and can be very profitable in the long run. With a dependable truck from your local dealership on your side, you're sure to succeed. Photo by truckhardware | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Fort Smith, Arkansas, is the original gateway to the Wild West and was once the last chance for civilization before entering the wilderness of the Indian Territory. Because people from all over the world wanted to travel west, Fort Smith ended up with settlers from almost every corner of the world. You can still see this in the diverse culinary scene in the area with a diverse selection of restaurants. Make sure to check out these Fort Smith treasures to tempt your taste buds. Paizi's Gryos Paizi's on Rogers Avenue is a local favorite that serves up delicious Mediterranean food. This place started out as a food truck, and is now in a permanent brick and mortar location. The gyros are to die for with rich lamb, rosemary, chicken, and garlic. They also have a wonderful beef pita, and the Greek salad is always a hit. Another favorite is the stuffed grape leaves, along with the tzatziki sauce which is flavorful and delicious. The staff at Paizis are always friendly and helpful, and the place is clean and comfortable. more 21 West End For a classic bistro experience, head to 21 West End. This place has an upscale atmosphere with some unique menu items and an extensive wine list to provide plenty of options for pairing. To start, make sure to try the cream cheese crabcakes or the spinach salad. For dinner, the blackened salmon is always delicious along with the rosemary roasted chicken breast. For a real treat, make sure to get the famous cognac pork tenderloin. This is a fantastic cut of pork, topped with a signature cognac demi-glace and caramelized pears. Eureka Pizza Eureka Pizza is a local institution that serves high-quality homemade pizza. The sauce is made from scratch right in the kitchen using fresh-packed tomatoes. Eureka also makes their dough fresh each day and then hand tosses each pie to order. The selection of pizza ranges from the traditional pepperoni or veggie to some more unique flavor pairings such as the barbecue beef, Tuscan chicken, or the Eureka supreme. You can also create your own pizza with all your favorite toppings, or try the oven baked Buffalo wings or the Tuscan cheese bread. AJ's Oyster House Enjoy a fun and casual night out at AJ's Oyster House. This restaurant has the flavors of New Orleans combined with fresh seafood. The service is always excellent, and the kitchen staff makes everything from scratch. Make sure to try the shrimp po'boy or the fish tacos, and if you want a treat, save room for the banana pudding. Another popular menu item is the cat-toufee. This catfish dish offers the choice between grilled, fried, or blackened, it comes on top of a bed of rice, and then everything is topped with crawfish étouffée. There are so many different dining experiences in Fort Smith that you can always find something new to try, or if you prefer, you can keep to your old favorites. Photo by GW Fins | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Fort Smith, Arkansas, dates back over 200 years, and its long history is a unique one. Fortunately for history buffs, and for those who just enjoy a good story, there are plenty of attractions around the area that tell the stories of the soldiers, outlaws, and the Native Americans that shaped Fort Smith. Here are some of the quirkiest historic sites to see. Miss Laura's Visitors Center The Visitor Center in Fort Smith sits in the historic downtown area and in one of the row houses that lined what was once the Old West red light district. The former bordello is the only home that still stands and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Back in 1898, Laura Ziegler bought the house, and in 1898 opened it as a brothel. Her business became one of the most sophisticated bordellos in the Southwest. more You can now stop in the visitor center and take a tour of the Victorian mansion and even see some of the clothing that the women wore while working as prostitutes. Chaffee Barbershop Museum It doesn't look like much from the outside but as soon as you step inside the Chaffee Barbershop Museum to see where Elvis Presley got his first buzz cut before joining the Army. The cut took place on March 25, 1958, and the museum celebrates on that day every year. The barbershop was restored to look just like it did when Elvis stopped in for his cut including authentic items from the 50s and photographs of Elvis. The museum sits in a barrack-style building in the Camp Chaffee Tank Destroyer Battalion Historic District and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Fort Smith Trolley Museum Stop by the Fort Smith Trolley Museum to ride on a 1926 electric Birney Streetcar. This ride carries its passengers along a three-quarter mile stretch of track that runs between Garrison Avenue and the National Cemetery. The museum also has a unique collection of rail cars to see, and there is a western themed village just outside. The museum also hosts a re-enactment of a Wild West Shootout, and a Robbing of the Fort Smith Trolley performed by The Indian Territory Pistoliers. Oak Cemetery & Sexton House Museum Oak Cemetery features the oldest monument in Fort Smith. The statue, which dates back to 1842, is the marker for Captain Gookin's grave. Gookin was one of the earliest settlers of Fort Smith and one of the first schoolteachers. This cemetery is also a resting place for outlaws hanged by Judge Issac C. Parker and for other outlaws who were sentenced to hang but died while waiting in jail. The museum in the Sexton House has pictures and artifacts, and there is also a multimedia center with videos to watch about Fort Smith's history. These landmarks and historic sites tell the story of this city's unique and colorful history. Start your day at the visitor's center to see the former bordello and then make your way through the other sites for an unforgettable experience. Photo by exit78 | Licensed under Public Domain Mark 1.0

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recently amended its Used Car Rule. This adjustment will mean a lot for buyers in the used car market. Take a look at what this rule is, how it has changed, what this means for buyers, and how the FTC is keeping dealerships in check. The Used Car Rule The Used Car Rule is an FTC regulation that has been in place since 1985. Previously called the Used Motor Vehicle Trade Regulation Rule, this standard required that car dealers display a window sticker with pertinent information about every used car for sale. This information is also called a “Buyer's Guide” and used to include details such as: more Whether a warranty is available or included with the vehicle as well as its terms and conditions and the type of coverage provided What portion of covered repairs the dealer will pay What systems the warranty covers This ruling was enforced in all states — even those that don't permit selling a used car without a warranty. In such a case, a special type of Buyer's Guide had to be displayed in the window. How the Rule Has Changed The FTC has changed the ruling following a self-audited that investigated the efficiency of this system. The new version of the regulation, which has been in effect since January 2018, still requires that used cars for sale display a Buyer's Guide in the window. However, this guide must now include more detailed warranty information, such as: How the dealership will repair parts that fail and are covered by the warranty How recall notices will be issued A note prompting the buyer to ask the dealer if a third-party mechanic can inspect the vehicle before making a purchase These changes were made after the FTC scrutinized buyer's comments and feedback and personally inspected thousands of used vehicles on dozens of lots across the country. What the Rule Means for Buyers The rule means that buyers will have access to more and better information about the vehicles they're considering purchasing. Understanding warranty coverage is vital for consumers, and the FTC's changes will keep dealerships accountable in this regard. How the FTC Is Keeping Dealerships in Check The FTC keeps dealerships in check through audits such as the one it performed while conducting research on how it would revise the Used Car Rule. If a dealership isn't compliant with regard to the new regulations, the FTC will provide information about how it can meet the requirements. If the dealership still does not comply, the FTC can issue fines of up to $41,484 per violation. Moreover, if a consumer purchases a vehicle and there's an issue with misinformation or confusion about the warranty due to the lack of a proper Buyer's Guide, the case can go to court. The changes to the Used Car Rule help to protect buyers and make sure they have all the information they need to make a wise purchase. Remember to check for a Buyer's Guide on every vehicle you're considering, and don't hesitate to ask the car dealer if you have any questions. Photo by Michel Curi | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

The approaching holiday season means road trips, which often lead to meltdowns for your kids on the road. These are unpleasant and also distracting for drivers and can turn an anticipated relaxing retreat into a stressful ordeal. Be prepared for the inevitable with these four ways to deal with meltdowns in the car this holiday season. Leave on Time and Be Prepared A sure way to reduce stress on the road is to leave on time and be prepared. If you're chasing the clock the entire time during the drive, your anxiety will naturally increase. Your passengers will be feeling some stress due to the time crunch, as well. This not only increases the likelihood of a meltdown or argument but will also make it much harder to take a breath and deal with the situation. more You can mitigate this issue by leaving on time and giving yourself enough space in your schedule for delays. This way, if you're slow getting out the door, you'll be spending the time you budgeted just for that purpose. You'll also give yourself enough time to make your car a more convenient and entertaining space for traveling, which can minimize meltdowns and make them easier to manage. Organize Your Vehicle Just like being in a time crunch, traveling in a cluttered, unorganized space will amplify the stress of being in a vehicle for a long time. Clean your car before leaving, and add some organizers to help keep it that way on the road. A garbage bag hanger that goes behind the front passenger's seat, for example, can keep the vehicle neat and make traveling and dealing with meltdowns much easier. Schedule Stops to Manage Meltdown-Triggering Issues If you understand what causes meltdowns on the road, you can better manage them. Your kids may just get bored or perhaps they're feeling motion sick or cramped. Set aside some time in your schedule to check for these specific issues. For example, instead of eating lunch while you drive, plan for a picnic at a rest stop along the way. This way, everyone can stretch their legs and get some much-needed sunlight. Picnicking rather than stopping for fast food so you can keep driving also gives you more control over everyone's diet. It may seem more convenient to stop for a minute at a drive-thru and get back on the road, but greasy foods will leave everyone feeling lethargic and cranky as time goes on. Add Some Overnight Stops Another tip is to break your trip into manageable portions, if possible. If your destination is more than eight hours away, turning the journey into a multi-day drive with hotel stops can help everyone get restful sleep and help you reorganize. This can also give you more flexibility in your schedule since you won't have to travel so far in a single day. Road trips are stressful if you don't plan ahead. If you're traveling with kids, prepare for the inevitable by leaving on time, being prepared and organizing, and scheduling plenty of stops to keep everyone as comfortable as possible. Photo by trevoronim | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Golf is a fun and challenging activity. It requires skill and patience, and it's also a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. Golf at one of Fort Smith's local golf courses, and you can make a day of playing the holes and having a nice meal. Here are three golf courses to explore in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Ben Geren Golf Course Opening at 7:30 a.m. and closing at sundown every day, the Ben Geren Golf Course in Fort Smith offers 27 holes of golf to play. The course itself includes different settings to play through like Bermuda grass fairways, water, tall grass prairies, and woods. The course also has Mini Verde Bermuda grass greens, and it meets USGA Green Section standards. When you're not on the course, you can enjoy other amenities like the full-service pro shop. If you want to learn golf or improve your game, consider booking a private lesson. more Drinks and snacks are available at the course for enjoyment before, during, and after a game. Greens fees range between $18 and $34 per 9 or 18-hole game, depending on the time of the week. Annual ticket passes are available, as well as unlimited greens and carts packages. Deer Crossing Golf Course Deer Crossing Golf Course is part of the Deer Crossing Country Club. The course has nine holes and is a challenge for golfers of all skill levels. It features hybrid Bermuda greens. In addition to the course, Deer Crossing also has a chipping area, driving range, and putting green. A full-service pro shop and a restaurant are on-site to meet all of your needs with the restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. If you like the competitive aspect of golf, Deer Creek has leagues for men, women, and couples. They also host tournaments for local organizations and fundraisers. Eagle Crest Golf Course Eagle Crest Golf Course in Alma first opened in 1997 for all levels of golfer. It is at the foot of the Ozark Mountains and serves as one of the courses on Natural State Golf Trail. The course has a full-service pro shop on the premises and an 11,000 square-foot driving range including water, Bermuda grass tees, and six targets. There's also a practice green right next to it with eight target holes and space to putt. Fees to golf range from $35 to $46 depending on the time of day and day of the week. Eagle Crest also has an on-site RV park with fee options to stay only or to stay and play, making it a nice place to get away and golf for a weekend. Golfing is one way to appreciate the beautiful nature of the Fort Smith area while enjoying the game. Each course in the area has an appeal for budding golf enthusiasts and seasoned professionals alike. Make room in your schedule for a golf game at one of these excellent courses when you visit Fort Smith next time. Photo by Presidio of Monterey | Licensed under Public Domain Mark 1.0

The 2018 Dodge Challenger is a performance muscle car with 15 models to choose from, including the SXT. If you've been thinking about upgrading your ride to a powerful vehicle with attitude, read on to learn why the Dodge Challenger SXT might be the car of your dreams. Head-Turning Exterior Style The first thing you'll notice about the 2018 Dodge Challenger SXT is that it has classic good looks that never go out of style. The SXT includes body-color side mirrors and door handles, dual bright exhaust tips, and a muscular figure that pays tribute to its heritage. Along with these good looks, the SXT also comes standard with plenty of convenience features, including heated side mirrors, solar control glass, daytime running lights, LED taillights, and automatic headlights. more Excellent Performance and Power While a stylish exterior is nice, what you really care about is the power and performance offered by the Challenger SXT, and you'll be impressed with what you'll find when you put your foot on the gas. The SXT comes with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that delivers up to 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. The SXT also includes the convenient AutoStick automatic transmission. With AutoStick, you can enjoy the ease of an automatic transmission when you need it, but you still get the fun of clutchless manual shifting when you want it. All the Latest Technology The Dodge Challenger SXT comes with plenty of great technology features to keep you connected and entertained when you're on the road. The infotainment system comes standard with a 7-inch touch-screen display that includes Uconnect 4, integrated voice command using Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. Additionally, the SXT also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which lets you send texts, make phone calls, listen to your favorite music, get directions, and more while keeping your phone safely out of your hands. Great Interior Comfort In addition to top technology features, you'll find plenty of interior comforts to enjoy on all your drives. The Dodge Challenger comes standard with premium cloth sport seats that are relaxing and supportive. To help you stay comfortable no matter what the weather is like outside, the SXT also includes automatic dual-zone climate control. The standard leather steering wheel and leather-wrapped shift knob offer a classic and luxurious touch, and the auto-dimming rearview mirror, media hub with two USB ports and auxiliary input, and 12-volt center console power outlet are all incredibly convenient. Plenty of Safety Features While the Dodge Challenger SXT provides excellent power for an exciting drive, it also comes with great safety features to keep you secure when you're on the road. The SXT comes standard with all-speed traction control, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, a rearview camera, rain brake support, hill start assist, and a tire pressure monitoring display. If you've been dreaming about cruising the streets in a bold muscle car with plenty of good looks, you need to get behind the wheel of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SXT to make your dreams become your reality. Photo by Marcal.net | Licensed under Public Domain Mark 1.0