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The school year is coming to a close, so you are going to have more time to spend with your kids. While the break is a great thing to look forward to, you're also going to need to do some planning and figure out how to pass the time. There are plenty of places that you can go with your kids that everyone will enjoy. If you need to plan some fun activities for your family, here are three fun places to take the kids. Grand Slam Fun Center One of the best places for you to go is the Grand Slam Fun Center. It is located at 5300 South Zero Street. Grand Slam Fun Center has a range of things that you can't find at other places in the area, including go-kart racing and batting cages. There is also a fully updated arcade with an assortment of games that will be fun for everyone. more If you are planning a party, Grand Slam Fun Center can help you with that. It offers party planning packages including a party room that you can rent. The Center is open every day except Tuesday and Wednesday, making it easy to plan a party around your schedule. Parrot Island Waterpark Another great place to take your kids is the Parrot Island Waterpark, especially since the weather is already heating up. The park is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. until 6 p.m and has an assortment of water rides and activities to keep you cool on the hottest of days. Imagine cooling off in the Caribbean Splash, a wave pool with more the 85,000 gallons of water. For smaller children, they can hang out at the Tiny Turtle Island kids' area. Parrot Island Waterpark is also a great place for a summer birthday party. There are group and party packages available with rooms to rent for private functions. If you want to take multiple trips throughout the summer, then you should think about getting a season pass. The water park will reopen in late May for the season. HogWild Family Fun Center For a daily activity place that has something to do for the entire family, check out HogWild Family Fun Center, located at 3000 South 70th Street. You can find activities like mini golf, laser tag, and an arcade. There are also bumper cars and mini bowling among other things. You could easily spend a few hours each day checking out the different attractions and looking for the ones that you like the best. The summer is great for trying new things with your family. There are still plenty more activities that you can try if you have a means of getting there. Whether you have a new car or an older one that needs service, the team at Rath Auto Resources can help you. They have new and used cars available, as well as a service team that can get you up and running again. Stop by to see what they can do to help you get your family to these fun places this summer. Photo by anjanettew | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

Barbecue has a long history of being one of the most sought-after cuisines no matter where you are. In fact, a good barbecue restaurant is a staple of any town, so you can find a good barbecue place almost anywhere. With so many places to choose from, finding the best can be a challenge. Here are three smokin' hot barbecue restaurants to tantalize your taste buds. Rib Room If you are looking for the best barbecue, then you'll want to start at Rib Room. Throughout Arkansas, Rib Room is known as the Arkansas State BBQ Champion of 1994, where it took home first place for its pork ribs. Rib Room specializes in ribs with a full menu that comes complete with all of the BBQ items that you would want. Not only are the ribs great, but the sides are exceptional as well. more If you are planning a party, Rib Room caters and can take your party to the next level. There are several catering options that can be prepared on-site or delivered. The restaurant is also available for private events on Sundays and Mondays with enough notice. Art's BBQ Over on Rogers Avenue, you can find Art's BBQ & Catering. Art's is a great place to get a great meal and watch the game. Many people come in for the sports and stay for the food. Art's specializes in burgers and sandwiches with many meat and toppings to choose from. The salads are good, too, if you are looking for a healthier option. It also has a large following on Facebook and keeps you updated regularly so that you know of the latest specials and what games will be on. Ralph's Pink Flamingo BBQ Another great place to try is Ralph's Pink Flamingo BBQ. Ralph's is also known for having contest-winning barbeque including its ribs. The menu focuses on sandwiches but has a lot of other options for you to choose from as well. The pulled pork is a common favorite, as well as the BBQ Bubba with pork, sausage, slaw, and onions. Regardless of what you choose, you are bound to find something good. If you like to cook your own BBQ but want a great sauce to get you started, Ralph's bottles and sells its own sauces. There are five varieties to choose from and they are reasonably priced. If you don't have time to stop in to pick it up, it can be shipped to you as well. Searching for the best barbecue spot in town can be a fun, tasty adventure. Whether you just want a good meal or you're a BBQ aficionado, you can't go wrong with a good barbecue restaurant. Before you start making the rounds to all of the barbecue spots in town, stop by Rath Auto Resources to make sure that your car is ready. You can get a tune-up, or you can check out the latest 2018 and 2017 vehicles on the lot. Either way, you can leave with a car that will help make sure that you get all of the best BBQ in town. Photo by F. D. Richards | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

When it comes to car travel, an emergency kit is one of those things you only think to pack after it's too late. You're already stranded in the middle of nowhere without a functional phone and drinkable water or any means of fixing your car. Why You Need An Car Emergency Kit Having membership in an auto club with roadside assistance often feels like enough protection. You know help will come if you get stuck, so you don't think about it further. more But what if you get stuck somewhere without a phone, or with a phone without a signal? What if it takes hours for roadside assistance to reach you? And what if you could solve the problem yourself if only you had one really simple item? Add to that the possibility of injury and it's easy to understand why a car emergency kit is essential for every driver. Pre-Made vs Homemade Emergency Car Kits While you can buy pre-made emergency car kits, there are a lot of benefits to packing your own, starting with saving money and ending with knowing exactly what is included. Here are the top 14 must-have items every car emergency kit should include: A fully charged cell phone You may have this on your person, but since it's the big difference between being able to call for help and having to completely help yourself, it's a good idea to always check you have one before leaving. Packing a phone charger or even a spare battery or burner phone is a good idea. A first-aid kit packed with varying sizes of Band-Aids, gauze pads, tape, antiseptic wipes, cream, ointment, and anything specific to you or your family's needs Depending on where you live, insect repellent may also be a good addition in case you're stuck out in the wilds! A fire extinguisher rated for Class B fires, involving flammable or combustible liquids like diesel, gasoline, or kerosene and Class C, which is caused by energized electrical equipment like switches and batteries Three reflective warning triangles A lot of pre-packed kits contain one, but three can be placed at intervals ahead of your vehicle to warn oncoming traffic in the event you break down in a dangerous area. Foam tire sealant - a fast and cheap way to make quick repairs to flats without having to change your tire Jumper cables - at least 10 feet long and coated in 8-gauge rubber A waterproof flashlight with extra batteries Duct tape - at least 10 feet Tow strap or tow rope - should be strong enough to tow 6,000 pounds Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman Tool, or another multipurpose utility tool A waterproof coat or rain poncho Well sealed drinking water. Nonperishable snacks like protein bars. Cold-weather essentials - a warm blanket, a snow shovel, a windshield ice scraper, and cat litter The cat litter can be used to give your tires traction and free you if you get stuck. Sand will also work, but litter is much lighter! With the right car emergency kit, you'll always be prepared in case of emergency. Photo by moneymetals | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

If you're in the Fort Smith area and looking for a great way to soak up some live music, there are plenty of places to choose from. Whether you fancy a bite to eat and some soothing tunes or a lively evening watching a band, here are seven great music venues in and around Fort Smith: The Sound Room Let's start with one of the most aptly names venues on this list. Located on Garrison Avenue, you will find The Sound Room to be one of the best local places to see great live entertainment while enjoying some quality food. This is a family-friendly entertainment destination in downtown Fort Smith, featuring an impressive lineup of some of the best local bands, as well as national acts visiting for exclusive performances. more Kinkead's Also to be found on Garrison Avenue, Kinkead's is a great place to head if you're looking to party the night away. Live music is a regular staple, and a wide selection of drinks will help you unwind after a long week or give you all the Dutch courage needed to dance with your friends. Shooter's Sports Bar & Grill Shooter's Sports Bar and Grill on Grand Avenue is an excellent destination to get away from the world for a while. It's the perfect venue to watch the game, shoot some pool, and knock back a few cold beers. Friday and Saturday nights also feature live bands, transforming Shooter's into a mecca for all sports fans with a love of live music. Hero's Another aptly named entry to this list is Hero's on Garrison Avenue. With a large selection of quality spirits, excellent food, and plenty of live music, it's the perfect place for a relaxing night nurturing your soul. The atmosphere is comfortable and cozy without being too quiet or stilted; the perfect balance. Electric Cowboy If you're looking for a great place to go dancing, try the Electric Cowboy bar on South 31st Street. One of the best western-themed nightclubs in the Arkansas River Valley area, the Electric Cowboy has plenty of dance and country music and a vast array of drinks. They frequently feature live music acts and offer the perfect place to break out your best dance moves. Carol Ann's Hilltop Club For a fun, friendly bar in downtown Fort Smith, you'll find Carol Ann's Hilltop on Garrison Avenue. It's a great place to play a little pool, watch some live music, or try your own vocal chords at karaoke. With cold drinks and some basic but tasty food, it's definitely worth checking out. Chasers Bar Another great karaoke spot on Wednesday and Saturday nights is Chasers Bar on Highway 271 South. With a friendly and fun atmosphere, pool tournaments on the first Saturday of every month, and live music every Saturday night, it's the perfect low-key evening out. If that's not enough for you, Tuesday nights feature dart tournaments, and they never charge a cover. With so many great options, there's nothing keeping you from countless evenings of great live music and entertainment in and around Fort Smith. Photo by caitlinvison | Licensed under Public Domain Mark 1.0

There's nothing quite like immersing yourself in history, and with over 200 years of fascinating stories to draw from, Fort Smith is the perfect place to soak up a little culture. Whether you're visiting one of the historical centers or watching a reenactment of soldiers, lawmen, outlaws, or Native Americans, it's easy and fun to learn about Fort Smith's fascinating history. From taking a tour of the visitor center at Miss Laura's, formerly a genuine Old West bordello, to acquainting yourself with the military history of the area at the museum, or retracing the footsteps of Fort Smith's notorious Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves as he hunts down outlaws and brings justice to Fort Smith, there's plenty to choose from. more Fort Smith is one of the best areas in Arkansas to not only learn about history but live it. Here are the top 7 must-see historical stops in the area. Miss Laura's Visitor Center At Miss Laura's Social Club you will find a glimpse of the history of Fort Smith's downtown area, right on the banks of the Arkansas River. Around the turn of the century, this area featured seven 'row houses' which functioned as the Fort Smith red light district. Of those seven brothels, only Miss Laura's remains. A former bordello with the distinction of being the only house of ill repute to make it onto the National Register of Historic Places, Laura's has been restored to all its original splendor, and it's well worth a visit. Fort Smith Air Museum With sixty-four displays showcasing and honoring the military aviators who pioneered air travel in Fort Smith and the surrounding areas of eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas, the Fort Smith Air Museum is a great place to visit. Recently relocated to the new Regional Airport Terminal, it's an inspiring little piece of history. The Clayton House Step back in time to the year 1882 at Clayton House. It was the year William Henry Harrison Clayton and his family moved into a grand antebellum home, which he transformed into a masterpiece of Italianate style double the original size. The house is located in the Belle Grove Historic District. With period furnishing and coal burning fires, it's a cozy glimpse of life at the end of the 19th century. Temple Live Temple Live is a Masonic Temple of over 53,000 square feet, opened in 1929. A four-story building of Bedford Stone, it's an unusual, beautifully restored architectural feature of Fort Smith that's worth a look. Zachary Taylor Chimney The private home of President Zachary Taylor can be found on the grounds of what is now St. Anne's Academy and the Immaculate Conception Church. Taylor was the commander of Fort Smith's military garrison during the 1940s, and his former home is an interesting glimpse of the life of one of the Presidents of the United States. With so much history in the area Fort Smith is steeped in culture and there's plenty to learn and see. Photo by p_a_h | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

If you're looking for a new car, the odds are good that you've considered applying for financing rather than buying it outright. There are loads of great reasons to get your car on finance, beginning with the difficulty of finding several thousand dollars at once, and ending with the nice boost your credit score receives for successfully buying a car through a finance plan. But before you finance your car it's a good idea to give your credit a boost so you get the best possible deal. Here are our top tips for boosting your credit ahead of getting car financing. Check Your Credit Score First things first, it's important to know what your credit score is before applying for a car loan. With sites like Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian offering you a free 12 month credit report, this couldn't be easier, and there's no need to pay for it. more Pay On Time By Setting Up Reminders Once you have a clear idea of your credit situation, make sure you are making any repayments on time every month. Late payments have a negative effect on your FICO Scores, even if they're only a few days late. Setting up regular payments for everything is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make a positive impact on your score. Most creditors will allow you to make automatic payments on a set date, while a lot of banks offer payment reminders through their digital banking portals. You can also set up your own reminders using a simple calendar app, which alerts you a couple of days before each payment is due. Reduce Your Debt If you are setting up automatic payments through your creditor, bear in mind it will only take the minimum amount required. It's a good idea to pay more, as this reduces the amount of interest you pay, and clears your debt faster. Try to reduce your debt as much as possible before applying for new credit. This is easier said than done, but it will have a huge positive impact on your overall score. Your credit report provides you with a full list of everyone you owe, allowing you to come up with a payment plan to clear things as quickly and efficiently as possible. It's worth checking which accounts you are paying higher interest rates on and paying off those debts first. The most effective way to reduce your debt is to pay it off; moving it around may help if you can get a 0% interest transfer deal, but it's not always the best option. Don't Ignore The Issue If you're struggling to meet repayments or cover your debts, don't ignore the issue. Get in touch with your creditors and arrange a repayment plan, or contact a registered debt management counselor. In the short term this won't help rebuild your credit score, but in the long-run, it's the only way to get your debts under control. Ignoring them will only cause any negative aspects of your score to grow worse. Following these simple tips and spending a couple of months giving your score a boost before applying for car financing will increase your chances of acceptance and get the best deal on your new vehicle. Photo by 401(K) 2013 | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

Have you checked the condition of your tires lately? Many drivers treat tires the same way as their personal health — taking them for granted until something goes wrong. It's not an exaggeration to say that your life depends on the quality of your tires. A blowout can be tremendously dangerous, especially if it happens on a busy road. Knowing when to change your tires is critical. We at Rath Auto Resources want our customers to be happy and healthy. These are four sure signs your vehicle needs new tires. Your Car Wanders All Over the Road When your tires are getting worn down, they often wear out unevenly. This can cause your car to wander all over the road when you're driving. Keep an eye out for this problem. If you experience it, stop and check the condition of your tires. more Find a penny and then turn it upside down, so Lincoln's head is pointing toward the earth. Next, stick the penny into the tread of your tire. If Lincoln's head is covered up by the tread of the tire, your tires might be alright. However, if you can see all of Lincoln's head, then your tires are worn too far down and will need to be replaced soon. The Factory Wear Bars Are Showing Another sign that it's time to replace your tires is if you can see the factory wear bars. These wear bars are placed in the middle of the tread of all tires. Factory wear bars run across the tread and are hardly even noticeable when the tires are new. However, the factory wear bars become easier to see over time. When they get to the same level as the tire tread, it's definitely time to get new tires. The Tires Have Cracks, Bubbles, or Bulges Extreme weather conditions can be rough on your tires and cause them to deteriorate faster. As tires age and are regularly exposed to extreme weather, the rubber weakens, and little cracks appear on the surface. Minor cracking is common, but if you see a lot of splintering, it's a clear sign that it's time to take your car in for new tires. Also, watch out for any abnormal bubbles or bulges. If you notice one, take your vehicle to a professional tire store immediately for inspection. Lots of things can be tough on your tires, from extreme swings in temperature to potholes, rough terrain, and long road trips. These things may be hard on your tires, so it's a good idea to inspect them on a regular basis. Also, make sure to have them rotated and aligned as often as the owner manual recommends. That way, your tires will wear out more evenly and stay in good shape longer. Get in the practice of regularly inspecting your tires, and you can help prevent big problems like tire blowouts. Most tires have a manufacturer's warranty, so if they wear down too fast or show signs of a problem, take them back to where you purchased them. They might still be covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Photo by mikepetrucci | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

Nothing is more fun than spending the afternoon at a park with family or friends. The fresh air and natural beauty have a way of reviving our spirit and helping us feel relaxed. Fort Smith has a wide array of great parks just waiting for you to explore. From large downtown parks to smaller community parks, there are many great places to discover. So pack a picnic lunch and some beverages, and explore these four Fort Smith parks this spring. Fort Smith Park Fort Smith Park had to top the list, not only because of its name but also because of its location on the waterfront in downtown Fort Smith. It's an ideal place to go canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, or just chill out. The park features a boat launch, a covered pavilion, restrooms, and plenty of parking. Plus, it's one of the few public parks where you can drink alcohol responsibly so if want to enjoy a beer while relaxing in the sun, go for it. more Anniversary Rose Garden If you love the smell and beauty of roses, then you simply must visit the Anniversary Rose Garden late this spring or early summer when all the roses are in bloom. From fragrant white roses to orange and yellow varieties, there is nothing quite like being surrounded by roses. The park is located on 12th street in downtown Fort Smith. Lake Fort Smith State Park Lake Fort Smith State Park is much more than just a park.  Nestled in a picturesque valley of the majestic Ozark Mountains, this 1,400-acre state park located on the west side of Fort Smith features a ton of wonderful trails. Whether you want to spend the day fishing, swimming, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, or just kickin' back, it's the perfect park for anyone. Backpackers often make it the starting point for a trekking expedition on the world-renowned Ozark Highlands National Recreation Trail. The park has over 30 campsites as well as group camping facilities with a dining hall and two lodges that easily accommodate over 30 people.  Lake Fort Smith Park also has picnic tables, a covered pavilion, a huge swimming pool, a marina, a children's playground, and 10 cabins. Don't forget to check out the park's visitor center that includes about 8,000 square feet of intriguing exhibits and a cozy outdoor patio made of native stone that includes a fireplace and gorgeous view of the lake. Ross Pendergraft Park Last, but certainly not least is Ross Pendergraft Park. If you're looking for a nice place to relax in busy downtown Fort Smith, this park on Garrison Avenue is the place for you. With clean restrooms and plenty of parking, it's the perfect place to relax during your lunch hour. Please note that smoking and alcohol consumption are not allowed on park grounds. We are so fortunate to live in a city with such an amazing park system. We encourage you to get out there and enjoy it this spring or any other time of year. Photo by Warren Brown Photography | Licensed under cc by 2.0

Foodies from near and far are beginning to notice the town of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and for good reason. It has several award-winning restaurants, where the best food is served by the best people. If you love going out for breakfast, then you're going to love the options in Fort Smith. From waffles and hash browns to French toast and omelets, it's a breakfast lover's paradise. Rath Auto Resources is proud of our city and its incredible restaurants. These are the five best restaurants to go for breakfast in Fort Smith. Calico County Calico County is a town icon that's known for serving traditional good ol' fashioned American comfort food and generous portions. The fresh ingredients and attentive staff create a recipe for a memorable and delicious meal. Try the awesome breakfast burrito, the chicken and waffle, or the mouthwatering biscuits smothered in sausage gravy. more The Egg and I The Egg and I is one of the best brunch spots in all of Fort Smith, and it serves a lot more than eggs. Try the veggie Benedict that's served with creamy, made-from-scratch hollandaise sauce. The cheesecake berry French toast is also a favorite. The service is always spot-on, and the food delicious, which is why they've been delighting customers for over a decade. Open every day from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., it's the ideal place to meet up with friends and family over great homemade tasting food. What else could you want? Waffle House If waffles are your thing, then the Waffle House is your restaurant. It may not be fancy, but it serves the best waffles in Fort Smith. From blueberry-topped German style waffles to buttermilk waffles the way mom used to make, it's a haven for all waffle lovers.  Also, make sure to try the homemade hash browns while you're there. They're to die for! Lucy's Diner Lucy's Diner is a favorite of the locals and one of Fort Smith's best-kept secrets (until now). It serves some of the best omelets in town. From the delicious Denver omelet to the veggie delight or traditional ham and cheese, they are all perfectly prepared. The generous portions mean you can easily share one with a friend or family member. Lucy's Diner also has crispy bacon and tasty hash browns. Lewis Family Restaurant Lewis Family Restaurant is just what it sounds like. It's owned and operated by one family, and the staff treats the customers like family, too! You can't go wrong with the mouthwatering French Toast that's made from fresh homemade bread. You won't even need syrup. The breakfast burritos are another local favorite. You'll always feel welcome at Lewis Family Restaurant. Going out for breakfast is a great way to relax and enjoy time with family or friends. Try a dish you normally don't eat or get your usual. You'll enjoy yourself either way. Treat your taste buds to some delicious food from one of these five restaurants in Fort Smith, and soon you'll know what all the buzz is about. Photo by Baha'i Views / Flitzy Phoebie | Licensed under cc by- nc-nd 2.0

The crossover class of cars has experienced exponential growth since its emersion in the industry over a decade ago. It's the fastest-growing segment of cars, and it seems like just about every manufacturer has added a crossover to its lineup. Today, there are well over 60 different crossover models to choose from. In case you're wondering, a crossover is somewhere in between a car and a minivan. We think crossovers are a great option. These are four reasons to drive this type of vehicle. Fuel Economy Crossovers offer many of the features of an SUV but with generally better fuel economy. Let's face it, they're smaller and lighter, which means that they're also more fuel efficient. Sure, they may not be able to haul your 23-foot RV or boat, but short of needing that capability, there are few reasons to choose an SUV over a crossover. Crossovers are like the tablet of the auto industry — they have the main features but in a more compact size. In cars, being smaller usually means more miles per gallons. more Less Expensive Than an SUV Crossovers cost less to manufacture because they have a unibody versus the body-on-frame composition of an SUV. Also, most crossovers are typically made utilizing the drivetrain from another midsize car already being manufactured in that brand. Since manufacturers don't have to start all over, that brings the price way down, especially compared to that of an SUV. Crossovers were designed to fill a gap between auto segments, so rather than generate an entirely new market, manufacturers chose to make the buying process easy. They have kept base prices relatively low and have offered a plethora of customization options. This way, the customer pays only for the features they need or want. More Options Than a Typical Car Crossovers are not only impeding on the SUV market. Many minivan drivers have embraced the crossover as well. Crossovers offer many minivan-like features but without the “soccer mom” label. They have a higher towing capacity than a car and more seating capacity. Typically, they offer a ton of family-friendly features, such as large infotainment touchscreens, fold-down seats, and advanced safety features. Third Row Seat Many crossovers can seat as many people as a minivan and an SUV. In fact, if it weren't for towing capacity, the SUVs and minivan class may have vanished altogether by now. Some manufacturers have discontinued their minivan lines, instead choosing to focus on the crossover segment. Crossovers are usually cheaper, more stylish, and can hold the same amount of passengers as a minivan. If you're in the market for a new car, we encourage you to consider a crossover. Come to the dealership and check out your options. Take one or two models for a test drive. Soon you'll know for yourself why they have become one of the best selling class of cars at such an early point in their overall development. Crossovers are roomy, fuel efficient, fashionable, and fun to drive. Photo by RL GNZLZ | Licensed under cc by- sa 2.0

Your car may be one of the most expensive purchases of your lifetime. For most people, it rates right up there with buying a new home or paying for a wedding. A brand new car is great. It smells clean and new and looks absolutely perfect. However, many people prefer to buy a gently used car. There are a lot of good reasons to buy a used car, most of which involve saving money. From a lower sticker price to cheaper insurance and less depreciation, sometimes buying a used car instead of a new one just makes good sense. Rath Auto Resources understands that every customer's situation is unique. If you're trying to decide between buying a new car or a used one, we can help. These are four benefits of buying a used car. more It Cost Less A used car will always initially cost less. Although it always feels good to buy a new car, and we think everyone should do it at least once in their lifetime, it's not uncommon for a new car to lose thousands of dollars in value when you drive it off the lot for the first time. It's exactly why you can buy a 2006 Porsche for the price of a 2012 Toyota. Someone probably bought that new Porsche for over $60,000 and now it can be yours for about half of that price. Fewer Sales Tax Before you buy a new car you should investigate the cost of sales tax for your state and county. Some dealerships try to gloss over the issue and then later you're shocked at the cost. We don't do that. We believe in disclosing all of your costs up front. Some states charge sales tax on new cars, but not used ones. Sometimes the cost of sales tax can be thousands of dollars, so research it ahead of time and plan accordingly. Pay Less for Insurance The main factor in the cost of car insurance is the market value of the vehicle. Because a used car is worth less than that of a new one, the cost of insurance is generally less. Also, sometimes you can save even more money by dropping some of the coverage, such as collision, or theft, once a car's value declines to a certain point. It Depreciates Slower Many new cars decline in value another 10 percent during the first year. That's on top of initial “drive-it-of-the lot” depreciation. That can quickly add up. You can avoid such rapid depreciation by buying a slightly used car instead of a brand new one. Sometimes it's hard to find a one-year-old car, but two- and three-year-old used vehicles are not too hard to come by. We know that purchasing a car is a big investment. You have a lot of choices, and we're here to help you any way we can. Fortunately, we have a lot of great financing options, along with an extensive inventory of both new and used cars. We invite you to the dealership to find out for yourself. Photo by Georg Sander | Licensed under cc by 2.0

Fort Smith is a national historic site located in Arkansas. It was established on Christmas Day in 1817 and has a long and fascinating history. In this area, you can explore the Fort Smith Museum of History or the trolley museum to learn more about how it came to be and what purpose it served, or you can walk around the grounds on your own. National Historic Site At the Fort Smith National Historic Site, you can learn quite a bit about the purpose of the fort and how it came to be. If you don't have a lot of time to spend at the site, make sure to take a walk through the building, which houses Judge Parker's famous courtroom and two jails. more It's also worth walking along the Trail of Tears and viewing the exhibits on the U.S. Deputy Marshals within the museum. Fort Smith also had its own gallows, which are still there. If you have a few hours to explore, go on a tour led by park rangers, who know a lot about the history and can give insights that you wouldn't otherwise get on a personal tour. For those visiting with kids, stop by the ranger station to get a fun and educational workbook. By completing activities within the workbook, children can earn their Junior Ranger badges. Other things to see include the Commissary Storehouse, which is the oldest building in Fort Smith, the Trail of Tears overlook, and the first Fort Smith site at Belle Point. Fort Smith Museum of History At the Fort Smith Museum of History, visitors will learn more about the culture and history of the surrounding region. It opened its doors more than a century ago in 1910, showcasing exhibits contributed by local residents that offer a glimpse into the economic, political, and cultural development of Fort Smith. The museum sits in the old Atkinson-Williams Warehouse, a building dating back to 1906 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Be sure to enjoy an old-fashioned treat at the soda fountain within the museum or pick up some locally produced baskets, pottery, and art pieces at the museum gift shop. Trolley Museum The Fort Smith Streetcar Restoration Association operates the Fort Smith Trolley Museum as a way to preserve the electric-powered streetcars and other transportation technology that existed during this period of history. When you visit this spot, you can learn about the early history of trolleys and their impact on transportation in Fort Smith and across the nation. Exhibits include historic streetcars, trolleys, and other types of transportation equipment, giving you a glimpse into how far we've come in the ways we get around. The collection includes four of the original 58 Fort Smith streetcars: numbers 10, 205, 221, and 224. Whether you're a local or planning a visit to the area, make sure to carve out some time to enjoy everything Fort Smith has to offer. It's a historic and fascinating place, making it a must-see for many history buffs. Photo by Brook-Ward | Licensed under cc by 2.0