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Barbecue for lunch or dinner is always a solid meal choice, especially in the Fort Smith, Arkansas area. Whether you're a fan of tasty ribs, chicken, or brisket, these four restaurants will satisfy your craving for barbecue. Neumeier's Rib Room If you love barbecue and music, Neumeier's Rib Room is the place to go. It's been an institution in Fort Smith since 1998 and features some of the best barbecues in the area. Delectable favorites on the menu include the pork loin baby back ribs, the chopped pork shoulder, and the chicken. Tamales are also a big favorite among the locals. more In addition to the great food, you'll appreciate being able to dine out and enjoy great music too. River Valley BBQ Barbecue in Arkansas focuses a lot on pork. River Valley BBQ in Fort Smith has its fair share, but it's also known for some very tasty beef brisket. The key to good barbecue is the meat and this restaurant cooks it just right. So you don't necessarily need barbecue sauce to enjoy it. In addition to ribs, brisket, and andouille sausage, River Valley serves up dishes like corn nuggets, baked potatoes, salad, and sandwiches. The restaurant also offers up specials that change on a daily basis. It's a good family-run restaurant to come to for lunch and dinner any time. Ralph's Pink Flamingo BBQ Ralph's Pink Flamingo BBQ started out as a barbecue competition team before becoming a full-fledged restaurant. What started out as fun competition outside of work quickly became about producing the best-tasting barbecue. One popular dish is the Judge's Platter, which consists of three baby back ribs, brisket, two pieces of sausage, pulled pork, two sides, and bread. It's perfect for sharing. Besides the barbecue, Ralph's Pink Flamingo also has delicious salads, baked potatoes, and even a barbecue burrito on the menu. Save room for one of the restaurant's sweet desserts too. Because of the restaurant's competition history, the interior features many of the awards that the team received while competing in the Kansas City Barbecue Society. You might also see some of the awards that the Fort Smith community has bestowed on the restaurant for its barbecue. The Whole Hog - Fort Smith The Whole Hog in Fort Smith offers many of the same dishes as the other restaurants on this list. It does manage to separate itself from the rest of the barbecue scene by offering food fast through features like a drive-thru window. Menu items include platters with a choice of pulled pork, ribs, chicken, brisket, or sausage with two sides and a roll. Outside of the traditional barbecue plates and sandwiches, try a specialty like barbecue nachos with your choice of meat or a loaded baked potato. Barbecue is something that Fort Smith takes very seriously. Each of the restaurants on this list has their own unique take on ribs, chicken, brisket, and sausage, including a few barbecue fusion dishes. Stop in at one of these great restaurants the next time you're in Fort Smith. Photo by David McSpadden | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

If you're interested in getting an SUV, choosing a used model is a great option to stay within budget but still get all the conveniences and features you want. One good choice for a used SUV is the 2017 Dodge Journey. With excellent power and a spacious interior, you'll find plenty of reasons to choose the Journey as your next vehicle. Great Exterior Features The 2017 Dodge Journey comes with a bold exterior style that will stand out on the street. The standard black side roof rails and available platinum chrome side roof rails make it easy to haul items that won't fit inside. Other standard features include heated side mirrors, automatic headlights, and daytime running lights. However, those aren't the only conveniences you'll enjoy on the Journey. If you go up in trim levels, you'll also find available LED taillights, fog lamps, and dual exhaust tips. more Plenty of Power If you work hard and play even harder, you'll be impressed by the power and performance offered by the Dodge Journey. The SUV comes standard with a 2.4-liter engine that works with a four-speed automatic transmission to produce 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. If your fun calls for even more power, consider the available 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that teams up with a six-speed automatic transmission to generate 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Impressive Technology Many people have the belief that if they're considering a used vehicle, they have to sacrifice some of the latest technology features. However, that's not the case when you look at a 2017 Dodge Journey. In fact, the vehicle's infotainment system that comes standard with a 4.3-inch touch-screen display, audio input jack, and USB port. If you go up in trim levels, you'll find the available 8.4-inch touch-screen is intuitive and easy to see. Plus, your back seat passengers will love the optional second-row overhead 9-inch video screen for watching movies or playing video games. Comfortable Interior While all that technology is nice, you also want a vehicle that offers a comfortable interior for those daily drives. That's what you'll get when you climb inside the 2017 Journey. To help you stay comfortable through a variety of weather conditions, the Journey comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control. Additionally, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and three-zone automatic climate control are all available features. All the Safety You Want in a Used SUV When you're considering a 2017 Dodge Journey as your next used vehicle, you don't have to give up some of the latest safety features. In fact, every Journey comes standard with a rearview camera, tire pressure monitor sensor and display, traction control, electronic stability control, and electronic roll mitigation. Higher trim levels might also include the optional ParkSense rear park assist system, which alerts you with visual and audible warnings when it detects an object behind your vehicle when you're in reverse. If you're thinking about getting a 2017 Dodge Journey, you now know several reasons why it's a good choice as your next used vehicle. Photo by Zytonits | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

If you enjoy spending your time hiking, camping, or mountain biking, you may need some new or updated gear. Here are three outdoor shops you can visit around Fort Smith, Arkansas, to get exactly what you need for your next outdoor adventure. Gellco Outdoors Gellco Outdoors sells a wide range of shoes that are great for hiking and camping. Brands you will find in the store include Columbia, Merrell, and Timberland. They also sell a wide range of hunting equipment as well. more Gellco Outdoors is open between Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are located at 4600 South Zero St. Dick's Sporting Goods Dick's Sporting Goods sells a variety of products so you can easily find everything you need for camping, hiking, and mountain biking. For camping, there are items like tents, sleeping bags, and camping electronics, as well as lots of other tools that will help you on your camping adventures. There are also hiking boots and backpacks for hikers. For those who enjoy mountain biking, Dick's sells bikes, helmets, bike tools, and hydration packs, just to name of few of their many products. Other items that are available at Dick's Sporting Goods includes sporting goods for indoor and outdoor sports, water sports, and exercising. Dick's is open from Monday to Tuesday and Thursday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. On Wednesdays, their hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sundays, they are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. They are located at 3825 Phoenix Ave. Academy Sports and Outdoors Academy Sports and Outdoors sells lots of outdoor products, including things for camping and biking. Products you can find in the store for camping include tents, sleeping bags and air mattresses, cooking equipment, camping furniture, lighting, and camp essentials. They also have a bunch of grilling and barbecuing products if you like to do grilling while you are camping. They have a selection of bikes for men, women, girls, and boys. In addition to the bikes, you can find helmets and bike accessories so you are ready for the trails. Other products you can find at Academy Sports and Outdoors include things for shooting, fishing, hunting, boating, outdoor living, water sports, and games and recreation. Located at 5001 Phoenix Ave., the store is open from 8 a.m to 9:30 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, and 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Friday and Saturday, the hours are from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., while Sundays are 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. These are just three of some outdoor shops you can visit this summer around Fort Smith, Arkansas. Whether you are looking for camping, hiking, or mountain biking equipment, you will be able to find something to fit your needs. Be sure to check out the other sporting equipment available too, and maybe you will be able to find a new hobby this summer. Photo by vastateparksstaff | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

If you're like many drivers, you hate feeling cramped when you get inside your vehicle, which is why you might assume you should avoid a small vehicle such as the FIAT 500. Well, contrary to what you might believe, several excellent FIAT 500 models provide outstanding interiors with a surprising amount of space. Before choosing your next vehicle, you should learn about a few of the most valuable FIAT 500 models and the interesting interior features that they provide. 2017 FIAT 500 Although you can find several excellent models of the FIAT 500, the standard model is still one of the best, both in terms of value and comfort. If you invest in this stellar vehicle, you'll get a wide range of features in a small package, including surprising interior comfort. more For example, the available one-touch power sunroof can let you enjoy a little fresh air and extra headroom. The FIAT 500 also offers easy cargo storage, thanks to a split-folding rear seat. You'll also have access to excellent seating in this vehicle. Both premium cloth and leather trimming are available, and for extra comfort, you can add heating functionality to your seats. 2018 FIAT 500L If you're interested in driving a FIAT and want the most interior space and comfort possible, you should pick the 2018 FIAT 500L. This FIAT model's design has long road trips in mind and provides a wide range of top-notch interior features that you're sure to love. To make traveling fun and easy, the 500L provides ample cargo storage space. With the rear seats in the upright position, you'll have 22.4 cubic feet of storage space, and if you fold these seats flat, you'll be able to use 68 cubic feet of cargo space. The FIAT 500L also features some of the best seating in any FIAT model. Both front and rear seats provide generous head and legroom, and the front seats offer heating that feels great on cool days. 2018 FIAT 500X Another FIAT model that you should consider driving is the 500X. This model is for entertainment and provides several features that will make sure you have a great time while on the road. One of the most interesting features of the 2018 FIAT 500X is its dual-pane sunroof, which allows both front and rear seat passengers to enjoy fresh air and sunlight. With this model, you can also choose a heated steering wheel that will activate if the cabin temperature drops below a certain threshold, guaranteeing that your hands will never get too cold when you go for a drive. Up to five passengers can ride in the 500X, and whether you're in the front or the rear, you'll have plenty of room to stretch out. The 500X also provides 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and when these seats fold down, you'll have an impressive 50.8 cubic feet of cargo space. For entertainment, the 500X is available with Apple Music. As you can see, several FIAT 500 models offer much more room than you would think. Test drive one of these FIAT vehicles today if you need a comfortable, valuable automobile. Photo by planetc1 | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

Byrd's Adventure Center is located 40 minutes away from Fort Smith, and the drive is worth it. Many of the activities are more appropriate for older kids, but there are still things that you can do with younger kids. Byrds' Adventure Center offers a wide range of activities such as kayaking, rafting, and canoeing. If you are looking for some real adventure, you may want to try rock climbing, repelling, or bouldering. They also offer classes so you and your children can learn the basics. There are also opportunities for ATV/UTV and 4x4 driving. more If you are looking for some activities that are a little more low key, there are fishing, hiking, camping, and biking available as well. There is also a restaurant you can visit called the Riverfront Restaurant, where you can enjoy a wide variety of dishes, including steaks, fish, sandwiches, burgers, salads, breakfast, and desserts. Ozark Mountain Ziplines If you are looking for a thill, you may want to take your kids to Ozark Mountain Ziplines. This tour is located around Ozark, and the tour lasts about two hours, giving guests a chance to ride 10 different zip lines. The zip lines extend from 120 to 1,800 feet in length. In addition to the zip lines, guests also cross suspended tree platforms, and one suspended sky bridge. There are also two short hikes. This adventure is open to all ages, but they ask that your children be at least three years of age. Pricing is $89 plus tax per person. From June 1 to July 31, the zip lines are open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Between August 1 to 13, the zip lines are open six days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are closed Wednesdays. From August 14 to October 31, they are open Friday to Monday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parrot Island Waterpark If you are looking for something to do a little closer to home, Parrot Island Water Park is located in Fort Smith at 7300 Zero St. The water park gives kids of all ages a great opportunity to run around and play in the water on those hot summer days. Attractions that you will enjoy at Parrot Island include a wave pool, children's area, activity pool, lazy river, and four different water slides. There is also a snack shop that sells salads, burgers, sandwiches, snacks, and ice cream if you get hungry. Prices for the park are $15 if you are over 48 inches and $10 for anyone under 48 inches. Children three and under are free, while adults who do not want to swim are $5. Seniors who are over 65 are $9. These are just three of the many fun activities your kids can do this summer in Fort Smith. Whether you are looking for something extreme or a lazy day at the pool, there is something fun for everyone. Photo by LocoRopes | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

When you're interested in purchasing a used car, you want to be sure that you're getting the biggest bang for your buck. Fortunately, if you're looking for a used vehicle that provides both value and reliability, you can choose one of the many excellent used Dodge models available on the market. Dodge automobiles are well-known for their dependability, and when you choose a used Dodge, you'll be getting a world-class vehicle for an extremely affordable price. Here are a few of the best used Dodge models that you should consider when you need a reliable automobile. 2014 Charger Although there are countless used Dodge models worth driving, when it comes to a top-notch combination of power and style, there's almost no competition for the 2014 Charger. When you hit the road in the Charger, you'll have the outstanding performance and eye-catching style that you can only find in the muscle car class, and the 2014 version of this vehicle provides a variety of features that you're sure to love. more While the 2014 Charger has a wide range of engine options, the base 3.6-liter V-6 provides an impressive 292 horsepower, which is more than enough for most used car consumers. This version of the Charger is also available with an array of useful equipment, including smartphone connectivity, remote start, and a 4.3-inch touchscreen. 2015 Journey If you're looking for a used vehicle for your family, then a midsize SUV is a great choice, especially the 2015 Journey. With this used midsize SUV, you'll have the necessary utility for a family vehicle, as well as technology features that make every family road trip easy and entertaining. The Journey is available with two or three rows. If you choose a three-row version, you'll be able to seat up to seven passengers! This SUV also provides unique, versatile cargo storage options. In addition to fold-flat rear seats, the front passenger's seat can also be folded flat to make it easier for you to transport long items. One of the best reasons to buy a used Journey is that you'll be able to access great technology features for a low price. To help your family stay connected, for example, you can choose a Journey with a Wi-Fi hotspot Other optional technology features you should look for in your used Journey include an Infinity stereo system, rear seat entertainment system with 9-inch monitor, and heated front seats. 2016 Durango When it comes to value and reliability, there is almost no used Dodge better than the 2016 Durango. Driving this full-size SUV means having outstanding performance and features at an irresistible price. For example, with the proper equipment, this SUV can tow up to 7,400 pounds, making it a great vehicle for taking your boat down to the lake for a relaxing day on the water. The Durango is also available with luxurious equipment such as heated first and second-row seating and second-row captain's chairs. This SUV also comes standard with a Uconnect infotainment system. If you're in need of a reliable, affordably priced used vehicle, check out one of these excellent Dodge models. Photo by TransformersMan | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Buying used is a fantastic way to save money upfront while avoiding a vehicle's major depreciation periods. However, you have to be mindful of which year model you purchase. Many of the safety features that are easy to take for granted in newer vehicles aren't available in older cars. Depending on the make and model, even going a year back or picking the wrong trim could mean missing out on key active and passive systems. These are some of the must-have safety features you should look for when buying a used car. Air Bags Though you won't have to worry about your vehicle having airbags, you need to check how many airbags the car you're considering comes with. You also want to look for side curtain, side, knee, and passenger airbags, especially if you're shopping for a family commuter. Another important feature to keep younger kids safe is LATCH systems in the passenger seats. This is required in all vehicles made after 2002, but you should check that the anchors and tethers are functional before making a purchase. more Rear-View Camera A rear-view camera may seem like a luxury, but it should be high on your list of safety features. You should especially prioritize this system if you'll frequently be backing out of a driveway at home, have kids, or regularly perform tight parking maneuvers on your commute to work. Adaptive Cruise Control If you love road trips or have a long commute that has you routinely engaging the cruise control, shop for a vehicle that has adaptive cruise control. With a standard system, you have to press the brakes or deactivate cruise control when traffic slows and then reset it once it's safe again to maintain your desired speed. Adaptive cruise control automates this process, adjusting your speed to keep a safe distance without your having to reset the system. Tire Pressure Monitoring Tire pressure is an overlooked part of vehicle safety. Underinflated and overinflated tires both increase the risk of a blowout. Find a car with tire pressure monitoring to help prevent either problem from happening. Collision Mitigation Collision mitigation includes several active preventative systems that stand out as the more exciting safety aspects of a car. This includes things like lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. However, these aren't brand-new inventions. Many 2016-2017 models will feature these systems. If your current car has some of these active safety systems, look for a replacement that also offers them. This will make it easier to get acquainted with the car's features and reduces the likelihood you'll forget that you no longer have blind spot monitoring before changing lanes. Bluetooth Though Bluetooth isn't technically a safety feature, it's an addition that can make you a much better driver. Paired with voice commands or steering-wheel-mounted controls, you can make calls and change your music without taking your eyes off the road. If you plan on using your phone for navigation, this feature will make following step-by-step instructions much easier. Saving money is no excuse to compromise on vital safety features. Make sure your next used vehicle has these six important additions. Photo by landrovermena | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Fort Smith is full of cultural attractions, with several museums and galleries in the city limits. However, not all learning opportunities are indoors. This summer, take advantage of the amazing Arkansas weather while visiting some of the wildlife reserves, sanctuaries, and parks within a day's drive from Fort Smith. White River National Wildlife Refuge The White River National Wildlife Refuge is a huge outdoor space east of Fort Smith where you can get a close look at native wildlife. The refuge runs for miles north and south along White River, making it an ideal destination for kayaking and canoeing. It's also perfect for camping trips or simple day hikes. The area is home to hummingbirds, snakes, warblers, black bears, ducks, fish, and more. more Ozark National Forest For an outdoor destination a little closer to home, check out Ozark National Forest. It takes roughly four hours to reach White River National Wildlife Refuge, but Ozark National Forest is just up the road via Interstate 49 or 40 — about a 30-minute drive to the forest entrance. Ozark National Forest is a 1.2 million-acre area in the Ozark Mountains. It has trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as spots for camping and fishing. Trusten Holder Wildlife Management Area The Trusten Holder State Wildlife Management Area is a slice of land that borders the White River National Wildlife Refuge, separated by the White River and just above the Arkansas River. You'll find it south past Pine Bluff, so plan on a drive of roughly 4.25 hours. This destination is a fantastic place for kayaking or canoeing, as well as camping and hiking. This is another location where you might see some black bears. Fossil Flats Trailhead Part of Devil's Den State Park, the Fossil Flats Trailhead is close to Fort Smith — just an hour north of the city — and is a great place to go if you want to meet bats, beavers, armadillos, and other wildlife. The park is excellent for kayaking and canoeing, and you'll also find caves and bluffs that you can explore. A hike to Lake Devil is recommended for swimming or fishing. Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge Spanning over 64,000 acres, Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge is another huge protected area. It's also the home of the world's largest green tree reservoir, making it a fantastic place for seeing wildlife and Arkansas' natural foliage. Plan on a roughly 4.5-hour drive that will take you far south of Pine Bluff to get there. You can also take a five-hour scenic route that cuts through Ouachita National Forest. Mount Magazine Scenic Byway Speaking of scenic drives, one of the best ones you can take in the state is down the Mount Magazine Scenic Byway. Start your journey just south of Paris, Arkansas. Keep your eyes peeled for deer and other wildlife along the way, or plan a stop at Mount Magazine State Park for hiking and picnicking. Whether you just want to get outside, or you love all things nature, these destinations near Fort Smith are worth checking out. Head out to some of these amazing locations with your family this summer. Photo by cbrown1023 | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Fort Smith, Arkansas, is full of charming shops, including several local stores where you can browse for collectibles and antiques. Check out these five options and enjoy shopping for new and unique vintage pieces for your home or wardrobe. Belle Starr Antiques Belle Starr Antiques is one of the highest rated antique malls in Fort Smith. The large building is home to thousands of items, making it a great choice for people who want to spend several hours diving into displays of decades-old furniture, well-preserved boots and clothes, stunning period pieces, collectibles, and more. more The 9,000-square-foot inventory space is at 410 N. B St. Belle Starr Antiques is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sundays from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Remember When Antique Mall With a name showing that the shop knows its business, Remember When Antique Mall is a location that will overwhelm you with nostalgia. This well-reviewed mall is known for housing lots of antiques in a smaller space, making it another excellent choice if you want to spend an entire afternoon browsing. You'll find furniture, decorative items and memorabilia, kitchenware, clothing, and much more. Find Remember When Antique Mall at 4407 Burrough Road. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Crossroads Antique Mall For a cozier shop where you can enjoy rolling up your sleeves and searching for a good find, try Crossroads Antique Mall. This location houses lots of smaller items, including books, collectibles, clothes, hats, and vintage signs, as well as larger pieces and furniture. Crossroads Antique Mall is at 3325 S. 74th St. It's closed Sunday but is otherwise open daily starting at 10 a.m. The mall closes at 6:30 p.m. every day except Friday when it closes at 5 p.m. Through the Years Antique Mall Another aptly named store in Fort Smith, Through the Years Antique Mall houses a large collection of books, furniture, jewelry, and those kitschy antiques that are fun to find and even better to take home. The shop is well-reviewed thanks to its competitive prices, a wide variety of items, and one-of-a-kind finds. Visit Through the Years Antique Mall at 2119 Rogers Ave. This popular location is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Sunday, when it's closed. Treasures at Century Plaza This charming antique business is popular among shoppers who want to explore shelves full of smaller collectibles and vintage pieces. You'll find several dolls and lots of memorabilia as well as interesting paintings, signs, and other decorations. Treasures At Century Plaza is off Interstate 540 at 3702 Century Drive. It's open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Sunday, the shop is open from 1 to 5 p.m. What do you think you'll find at these stores in Fort Smith? Whether you're after furniture, clothes, or jewelry or simply want to browse unique items that have withstood the test of time, these five shops in the city are worth checking out. Photo by TexasExplorer98 | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Air conditioners are important pieces of equipment in any vehicle, especially in the summer months. Whether you're just going across town or on a road trip, a good air conditioner keeps you cool. But like other parts of your car, air conditioners need attention from time to time to keep them in good condition. Here are five signs to look for so you can prevent it from failing on the hottest of days. Unit Blows Hot Air If you turn on your air conditioner and it blows hot air instead of cool air, that's a significant issue. However, if the air is simply a little warm or cooler than normal, the problem may just be that the air conditioner needs refrigerant put into it. If the air is hot or new refrigerant doesn't address the problem, take your vehicle in for a service check by trained professionals. more Water in Your Vehicle Your car has many different fluids in it to keep it in working order. At no time should any fluids, such as water, end up on the inside of the car. Air conditioners actually pull moisture out of the air in the cabin and it drains on the outside of the car. This is why you might see a wet spot on the pavement when you park it. One of the common reasons water backs up into the interior of the car is due to a clogged duct or hose. In cases like this, you'll find water stains or puddles on the floorboards or underneath the dashboard. Leaking Refrigerant If refrigerant starts to leak, it serves as another sign that you probably need to have your air conditioner looked at. Without this fluid, there's nothing that helps the air conditioner blow out cool air. With that being said, refrigerant leaks are not easy to spot. This is because it evaporates when it hits the air. So diagnosing it is more complex than other problems. Turning the car over to a professional is the smartest thing to do if you suspect this issue. A Noisy Air Conditioner Every air conditioner produces a sound thanks to the fan inside of it blowing air out. If you hear a noise other than a fan, that means something else is at play. Uncommon sounds heard include banging or rattling. Since the system is actually built to suck out moisture, small things like leaves or even mice nests get pulled into it by mistake. A worn out condenser or compressor belt are also common causes. Have your auto repair professional take a look at this issue and find the problem. Bad Odors When your car's air conditioner functions as it should, you shouldn't smell anything bad. If you turn on the air conditioning and smell something similar to mildew, mold might be growing inside the system. This has serious health issues attached to it if it continues. Have it addressed immediately. Air conditioning is heavenly during warm weather if it's working properly. Stay cool this summer by looking out for these troublesome symptoms. If any of these signs sound familiar, go to your dealer's service department as soon as possible. Photo by Doug Waldron | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

Museums continue to be one of the best sources of information on a range of different subjects. While history and science are common subjects for museums, you can find museums dedicated to just about anything. In the Fort Smith area, there are high-quality museums that are worth checking out. Here is a look at museums you won't want to miss in Fort Smith. The Clayton House One of the first places that you will want to visit is the Clayton House. It is located at 514 North 6th Street in the Belle Grove Historic District. The Clayton House was preserved and turned into a museum to capture what life and architecture were like in the Victorian period. The interior has been restored to its original look with the only changes being hidden safety improvements. You can tour the house and see what it was like to live in the late 1800s. more Aside from being a museum, the Clayton House is also an event space. It is perfect for weddings and other formal events. The grounds are still populated with well-manicured grass and tall shady trees. It makes for a good spot for your guest during any event. Fort Smith Museum of History Another place that you will want to check out is the Fort Smith Museum of History. The museum was established in 1910 to preserve as much of the history of the area as possible. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and continues to keep its interior designs from the time period. Inside the museum, you'll find a collection of artifacts from the late 1800's through the 1900's. You'll also find a replica soda fountain where you can try many foods from the time period. It follows the same design as a 1920s pharmacy and soda fountain. You can try ice creams, sundaes, floats, and sodas that were popular during that time. Fort Smith Trolley Museum The Fort Smith Trolley Museum is another stop that should be on your list if you are a history buff. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the trolley cars that used to run through the city. The museum managed to preserve several of the original streetcars and has them on display for you to ride in and experience for yourself. The ride tokens are moderately priced at $4 per adult and $2 per child. Taking a ride a great way to get out and experience a piece of history for yourself rather than just seeing it in a museum. Traveling to museums is a fun way to spend your time off, especially in the summer when the weather is great. You can make it a weekly weekend trip or a big summer vacation to visit as many museums as possible. Either way, you'll need a car that can get you there and back safely. Rath Auto Resources can help you find a car that is not only reliable but will also make your trip more comfortable. Photo by US Department of State | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

If you have a family, then finding the right vehicle to travel in can be a bit of a hassle. There are many factors to consider, like cargo space, comfort, and entertainment for long drives. Fortunately, the Toyota Sienna can make traveling much easier for you and your family. It comes with a wide range of features that can help you get through long trips with few problems. Here are four reasons why the 2017 Toyota Sienna makes a great travel companion. Performance When people think of minivans, they generally don't think of good performance. However, the 2017 Toyota Sienna breaks that stereotype with performance features that you wouldn't expect. It comes equipped with Toyota's new 3.5L V6 Direct Injection engine to give it the power for a sportier driving experience. It is paired with a direct shift 8-speed transmission for better power management that leads to better performance and fuel efficiency. That way, your driving experience won't suffer because you chose a minivan. more Driver-Assist Technologies Driving long distances can be hard without some help. Fortunately, the Toyota Sienna has plenty of driver-assist features that can give you a hand. The Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) is a big help for long drives since it can take over some of the driving. It works much like regular cruise control, but with an added feature. It uses radar to watch for cars ahead of you and automatically adjusts your speed to match. Having the support of your cruise control while driving can make a long trip feel much shorter. A Comfortable Interior Another thing that will make it much easier to travel is a comfortable interior. Toyota redesigned the controls to make them easier to reach and use while driving. With more intuitive controls, you or a passenger can easily control the climate and infotainment center with ease. The Sienna uses premium materials across the interior including leather and wood trim. There is also an optional double moonroof to give you a great view of the sky no matter where you sit. Cargo Options If you are making a long trip, then you will need to be able to easily manage your cargo space too. The Toyota Sienna has 39 cubic feet of trunk space with all of the rows in place. If you have fewer passengers and you need more space, you can fold the back rows and get up to 150 cubic feet of space. Getting in and out is also easier with powered sliding doors. The liftgate is also powered to make loading and unloading much easier. Traveling can be much easier when you have a vehicle like the Toyota Sienna that has the right features for traveling. If you want to see what the Sienna can really do, take it for a test drive at your local Toyota dealership. Rath Auto Resources has Toyota Siennas on the lot that you can test drive and see what traveling would be like in a new Sienna. Photo by FaceMePLS | Licensed under cc BY 2.0