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It can be hard to find a dinner idea that everybody can agree on. But just about everyone loves a zesty and cheesy pizza. So, if you're looking for a crowd-pleasing meal tonight that'll bring a smile to anyone's face, where are the best pizza places in the local area? Check out our guide below and we'll give you the best spots to get the tastiest pies in Fort Smith. 1. Cavanaugh Pizza This spot is a go-to for locals in the area. Available for dine-in or carry-out, you'll love the pizza whether you eat at the store or bring it home to enjoy. If you're dining in, you'll get complimentary nachos brought to your table to snack on while you wait for your order. And if you're feeling really hungry, they have an all-you-can-eat buffet offering for you to chow down on until you're satisfied. more 2. Hideaway Pizza A local favorite, Hideaway pizza gives you great food with a smile from their friendly staff. They have lots of great specialty pies to pick from, but our favorite has to be the Paradise Pizza. It comes with alfredo sauce, mozzarella, and provolone cheese, chicken, bacon, mushroom, spinach, and tomatoes. They also have great Italian food if you're looking for some variety with your pizza. 3. Jim's Razorback Pizza Whether you need delivery or you're looking to stop by, Jim's has you covered. They've got a wide selection on their menu, but our favorite for a unique pick had to be the cheeseburger pizza. Whatever you decide to get, though, do yourself a favor and get a side of wings with your pie. They're sure to knock your socks off with their zesty sauce in a variety of flavors. 4. Gusano's Chicago Style Pizzeria Finding New York-style pies is easy, but have you ever treated yourself to a Chicago-style pizza? If not, you have to check out Gusano's. Their deep-dish pizzas are unlike anything you'll get anywhere else and are hearty enough to feed the whole family. You'll also get a reasonable price for your food, so stop in and say hello to Gusano's friendly staff today. 5. Eureka Pizza What's not to love with pizza at a fair price and friendly service with a smile? You'll get both value and great service at Eureka's. Their whole menu is delicious, but our favorite has to be the Eureka Supreme, which comes with everything but the kitchen sink on it for toppings. If you're really looking for a treat, you can order any pizza with a stuffed crust filled with cheesy goodness as well. Bet you can't read this list without getting hungry. Now you know where to go to satisfy that craving with a delicious pizza pie. Once you're all filled up from dinner, why not treat yourself to a tasty new ride as well? Our selection of quality used vehicles has something for everybody. Stop in and visit Rath Auto Resources today!

Fort Smith, AR is a great place to get all your holiday shopping done, whether you need to find everything in one place or just a few last-minute items. You'll find large department stores, small boutiques, and specialty shops in and around town for everyone on your gift-giving list. 1. Central Mall If you need a spot to get all your holiday errands done, this is an exceptional mall to go to! It's easy to access on Rogers Avenue with lots of parking available. You'll find everything you need from high-quality apparel, accessories, technology, housewares, and more. The mall's website provides an update on seasonal events and sales throughout the year so that you can plan your trip. Gift cards and curbside pickup are also available. more 2. Plato's Closet A unique spot to find the familiar shops you know and local businesses and shops to explore, Plato's Closet offers an excellent selection of quality goods and items for the season. There are buy, sell, and trade options available in the event you are looking for some decent bargains. The fashions are trendy and well-suited for the family and friends on your list who want to expand their wardrobe. Plato's Closet's website features online purchasing and a style blog. 3. Belle Starr Antiques and Vintage Market If you're looking for vintage goods and collectibles for your gift-giving this holiday, Belle Starr is a fantastic shop to check out for some unique gift and housewares ideas. Whether you collect specific items or have a family member who does, you'll find a lot worth exploring all under one roof! Located centrally on North B Street, this market is easy to drop by while you're visiting the city downtown. 4. The Shops at Brick City This spot is number one for all your artisan and one-of-a-kind gift-giving ideas! You'll find a great assortment of high-quality clothing, foods, spices, toys, and more. Getting your holiday purchases done here means you'll be supporting local and small businesses. You'll find everything from hand-crafted jewelry and children's apparel to gourmet foods. 5. Green Pointe Center Do you have last-minute errands and items to buy before the holidays? The Green Pointe Center is a practical way to get those final items, seasonal cards, and specialty goods; you'll find what you need in a hurry or in between getting errands done when you visit in town. The mall is nearby other shops and restaurants so that you can enjoy a tasty snack or meal during your trip. You'll find everything you need and more when you visit the city over the weekend or on your way home from work. Why not enjoy your next drive into town with a high-quality vehicle with all the features you need? Drop by our showroom at Rath Auto Resources to see our inventory and what we have to offer you on your next visit to the city! We provide a wide range of excellent quality vehicles and services at competitive rates!

The Trolley Museum in Fort Smith is an exceptional destination for people who are interested in local history and in railroads and trolleys. Whether you are bringing your children or visiting with an expert on the railway, you will find something at the museum to please every person in your group. Ride the Trolley When you ride the authentic 1926 electric Birney Streetcar, you will be stepping into history. The trolley takes you on a short tour of downtown Fort Smith. The tracks run between Garrison Avenue and the National Cemetery. You'll see the sites while you have a great time riding the trolley as people did many years ago. more Learn Local History The museum offers a unique and fun perspective on the history of Fort Smith and the surrounding area. It takes you to a time when streetcars and trolleys were the most technologically advanced form of transportation. The first trolleys were electric and had an operator who engaged the brakes by hand. These were soon replaced by cars with airbrakes and even heated seats. Trolleys remained central to transportation in the small city until automobiles became popular and accessible to everyone. Then the Great Depression was the final challenge that caused the trolleys to be shut down for good. Thankfully, the museum brings the magic of that time back for visitors today. See Vintage Vehicles The museum is home to several of the original Fort Smith trolleys. The oldest models are from as early as 1904. You will also see a collection of railroad cars. The display includes passenger cars, locomotives, freight cars, and a caboose. You will also have the opportunity to view maintenance machinery from the railroad and trolley tracks. Train and transportation enthusiasts will love the opportunity to see these authentic vintage trains and trolleys. Meet the Trolley Cats Several fantastic cats are always available for interaction at the museum. These are the trolley cats and they can often be found lounging in the museum and waiting to greet visitors. There are 5 cats in all, and each approached the museum one day and decided to stay. The museum gives the cats veterinary care so they are healthy and safe for making friends with museum guests. Witness a Trolley Robbery There are a variety of events hosted at the museum throughout the year included haunted trolley rides and holiday events. One event that many families enjoy is the annual reenactment of a trolley robbery at the replica historical western village outside the museum. Whether you are a visitor to Forth Smith or an area resident, you don't want to miss a visit to the Trolley Museum. Between the exciting display of vintage vehicles and the fun opportunity to ride on a real electric trolley, you are sure to have a wonderful time. To shop for your own transportation, stop and see our fantastic selection at Rath Auto Resources. We will help you discover the perfect car for your family.

Looking for a new spot to enjoy a family pizza night? Fort Smith, Arkansas, has several top pizzerias that serve up fresh, flavorful pies alongside tasty sides and refreshing drink options. 1. Jim's Razorback Pizza Jim's Razorback Pizza is a popular joint that offers pizza, pasta, salad, and other delicious menu options. It's located at 3501 Old Greenwood Road in Fort Smith. The in-house brick oven ensures that every pizza served is wood-fired for a crispy yet chewy crust and melted cheese. Start your meal with an order of Razor breadsticks or some world-famous wings. more On the pizza menu, you'll find traditional favorites and unique options. Diners love the Philly Steak pizza, which features sautéed onions and peppers, sliced steak, and Alfredo sauce. Another popular specialty pizza is the Spanish pie, piled high with bean sauce, Colby and jack cheese, sausage, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, and black olives, served with salsa and jalapeno peppers. If you're not in the mood for pizza, you can try a salad, sandwich, or pasta bowl. 2. Larry's Pizza Larry's Pizza is a local restaurant that's known for being the home of the lazy man's buffet. The lunch and dinner buffet are available every day but Monday, allowing diners to sample different types of pizza and sides. You also get a drink, salad, and dessert with the buffet. If you decide not to dine in buffet style, you can enjoy a pizza topped with a wide range of meat and veggie options, aa salad, or a calzone. This spot also serves up tasty dessert pizzas with chocolate chips, banana pudding, Bavarian cream, peanut butter, and more. 3. Papa's Pub and Pizzaria Papa's Pub and Pizzaria is a great spot to enjoy a casual meal and your favorite drink. This joint was the 2018 winner of the Best Bar and Best Pizza awards from the city of Fort Smith. It's also a popular place to cheer on the local NCAA football team, the Razorbacks. A few of the favorite specialty pizzas include the bacon cheeseburger, topped with ground beef, bacon crumbles, and a five-cheese blend, and the Goob's Special, which features extra pepperoni and dry rib rub. Along with pizza, the menu includes chicken wings, spicy chicken bites, cheesy bread, and homemade ranch and blue cheese dressings. 4. Joe's Pizza and Pasta At Joe's Pizza and Pasta, you can enjoy freshly prepared Italian recipes from scratch. This spot strives to provide excellent service in a family-friendly location. The specialty pizza portion of the menu includes a white pizza topped with ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, a chef's supreme, and a meat lover's with pepperoni, sausage, hamburger, and Canadian bacon. Gluten-free and deep-dish Sicilian-style pizza are also available, as is pizza by the slice. Additional menu options include hot subs, salads, and traditional Italian pasta dishes. Instead of ordering from the typical chain for your next pizza night, try one of these local spots that will serve up a tasty meal. Everyone in the family will enjoy the flavors and toppings, along with the welcoming atmosphere at each location. Image via Pixabay.com

Health and fitness in Fort Smith aren't lacking, and you can find plenty of gyms and fitness centers that can help you work up a sweat. Here are five spots with fun fitness classes in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Seva Yoga Studios Seva Yoga Studios in Fort Smith offers yoga classes for every level and preferred style. If you're looking for meditation, relaxation, and gentle stretching, Seva provides its Gentle Yoga and Unwind classes for beginners. For more challenging transitions and poses, try a Vinyasa yoga class. You can also stop in for a Seva yoga class, which is free to the public, focused on healing and rehabilitation, and features different teachers on certain days. more Pilates for You Studio Pilates for You Studio is a full course studio that offers classes in a range of fitness styles. You'll find classes for power pilates, BarreAmped fitness training, and even BBK Bounce fitness sessions. Pilates for You Studio's instructors are Romana-trained, so whether you're just learning the art of pilates or you're looking for a challenge, their fitness classes are sure to meet your needs. CrossFit 413 If you're looking for a more intense workout, try a CrossFit training session at CrossFit 413 in downtown Fort Smith. The instructors at this fitness center will put you to the test with the dynamics of the CrossFit fitness program. CrossFit 413 is an affiliate for the program, but the facility's unique approach to focusing on the health and wellness of the Fort Smith community makes this place an excellent choice for staying healthy. ATA Martial Arts of Fort Smith ATA Martial Arts of Fort Smith offers karate and taekwondo classes for the whole family. From young children to adults, ATA provides training, confidence-building, and mentoring for students of all ages. The facility's training programs and classes are led by highly qualified and experienced masters, so you'll be in good hands no matter which class you take. If you're not quite sure if karate is right for you, ATA offers free trial classes to give you an idea of what they have to offer. BDJ Fitness and Boxing If you're looking for a friendly atmosphere and support for personal fitness training, stop by BDJ Fitness and Boxing. They offer personalized fitness programs tailored to your unique fitness goals and needs. With a small team of trainers, BDJ offers an individualized and personal experience. You can set up a consultation to discuss your goals, decide what kind of training you want to do, and find out about their boxing training. BDJ Fitness and Boxing is located in downtown Fort Smith and serves the River Valley locale, so if you're looking for regular training sessions and a dedicated fitness program, BDJ has you covered. No matter what kind of workout you're in the mood for, the Fort Smith community has a variety of health and wellness centers to choose from. You can also find membership options, personalized programs, and free one-time classes, so check out these five gym and fitness centers to find one that's right for you. Image via Pixabay.com

Fort Smith, Arkansas, offers residents and visitors over 200 years of history. Known as the original gateway to the Wild West, Fort Smith played an important role in history, especially during the frontier days. There are many historic sites to see around the area, including museums, monuments, and more. Here are some of the must-see historical sites in Fort Smith. 1. Fort Smith National Historic Site A visit to Fort Smith Historic Site brings you back through almost 80 years of history. You can tour the building, which includes two jails and the federal courthouse used by Judge Isaac C. Parker in the late 1800s. This building first served as the military barracks and was converted to a courthouse. Downstairs, the two former mess halls became the jail cells. more You can also visit the gallows, where over a period of 23 years, 86 men were executed for capital offenses. The gallows that stands there today is a Reconstruction, but it gives visitors a sense of what the original looked like. 2. Fort Smith National Cemetery The Fort Smith National Cemetery dates back to the founding of the military outpost that sat at the confluence of the Poteau and Arkansas Rivers. The first known burial at the cemetery is Thomas Russel, a surgeon at the fort, and you can also find the grave of Isaac C. Parker. He was known as the hanging judge because he was responsible for 151 death sentences during his time on the bench. This cemetery was designated a National Cemetery in 1867. 3. The Clayton House The Clayton House in the Belle Grove Historic District is an Italianate-style mansion. It was the home of William Henry Harrison Clayton, the chief prosecutor in the court of Judge Issac C. Parker. Stepping into the home brings you back to 1882 with its coal-burning fireplaces and period furniture. Visitors can take a guided tour where you'll hear stories about the true-grit effort to bring justice to the Territory. Walking through the home helps you get a feel for Victorian-era life in Arkansas. 4. Belle Grove Historic District The Belle Grove Historic District is a 22-square block of historic sites and homes. Sites within this district include The Clayton House, the McKibben-Bonneville House, Fort Smith Art Center, and the Darby Houses. All of these sites feature different architectural styles and have been restored. Tours are available to give you an up-close look at these historic Springdale homes. 5. The Darby House The home of General William O. Darby is now a heritage museum in Fort Smith. Darby founded Darby's Rangers, who fought in Italy during World War II and eventually became the Army Rangers. He grew up in Fort Smith, and his childhood home now features personal military memorabilia and other memorabilia from World War II. The home is open to visitors Monday through Friday and on weekends by appointment. History buffs will enjoy time in Ford Smith. The area has a long history with many sites and attractions that showcase its rich past. Image via ClaytonHouse.org

The ArcBest Performing Arts Center, tucked inside the Fort Smith Convention Center, is a favorite local spot to enjoy all kinds of entertainment from plays to concerts and more. This spring brings several shows to the stage with options for all different ages and tastes. Here are some of the upcoming shows that you won't want to miss. Trolls LIVE! Ideal for families with younger children, the Trolls LIVE! show is a live performance from characters from the movie Trolls. This time Poppy, Branch, and their friends are facing a threat to their beloved hug time and must throw a crazy party to save the day. Filled with fun, glitter, music, dancing, and lots of hugs, this will be an unforgettable event for any Trolls fan. Catch this performance on March 3, 2020 at 6 p.m. or March 4, 2020 at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online. more Maxim Lando Come see 17-year-old pianist, Maxim Lando perform alongside the Fort Smith symphony on March 7, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. This award-winning young musician has been shocking audiences all over the country with his amazing talent. The ArcBest Performing Arts Center is featuring him in a show called The Sounds of Power, which is a compilation of some of the greatest symphonies in history. Purchase tickets over the phone or by visiting the Fort Smith Symphony website. Buddy On Wednesday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m., Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story will grace the stage of the ArcBest center. This is a biographical show featuring the short, but exciting life of the 1950s musician. Starting with his humble beginnings in Texas during the Great Depression, this show takes the audience along through a heartwarming of stardom and American history. Favorite songs like "Peggy Sue" and "Oh Boy" are featured among many others. Tickets are available through the University of Arkansas website. Steven Curtis Chapman Steven Curtis Chapman has been a favorite musician in the Contemporary Christian Music genre for over 30 years. He's the most awarded musician of the genre with multiple Grammys, Dove awards, and an American Music Award. He will perform his show, SCC SOLO, at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center on Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. You can get tickets online through the Awakening Events website. Get excited to hear some of his hits like "The Walk" and "The Great Adventure" when you attend this show. The Sounds of Hitchcock Another performance of the Fort Smith Symphony, The Sounds of Hitchcock features the 1959 thriller, North by Northwest, on the big screen with the orchestra playing along to the score live. Don't just go to the movies for your next date night, see this film with live music. Tickets are on sale now for this event on Saturday, April 25, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. No matter your preference of music, there's an upcoming show at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center that you're sure to enjoy. Check out these events and make your plans to see some unforgettable performances. Image via Pixabay.com

Vintage Market Days are coming soon. The Vintage Market Days are an annual Springdale event that includes food vendors, antiques, handmade items, crafts, and so much more. This market features more than 100 vendors. Be sure to mark your calendars for Vintage Market Days this year. Vintage Market Days Dates The Vintage Market Days of Northwest Arkansas happen April 17 through 19. Friday, April 17 is the Early Buying Event. Individuals who purchase a three-day pass gain access to the market on Friday to get first dibs on the most desired items. Then, Saturday and Sunday are the general admission days. The hours for Saturday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the hours for Sunday are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. more Vintage Market Days Location The Vintage Market Days of Northwest Arkansas takes place at the Benton County Fairgrounds. The address of the Benton Country Fairgrounds is 7640 SW Regional Airport Boulevard in Bentonville, Arkansas. Vintage Market Days Costs Tickets for the Vintage Market Days are $10 for Friday, $10 for Saturday, and $5 for Sunday. Cash and credit card are accepted at the gate. If you are bringing children under the age of 12 to the Vintage Market Days, their admission is free. Once a ticket is purchased, your ticket is used for re-entry to the event all weekend. Vintage Market Days Vendors This year's Vintage Market Days of Northwest Arkansas is set to have over 120 vendors. These vendors come from over 15 states to showcase their unique collections of vintage and antique finds, handmade goods, and the latest fashion trends. Some featured vendors include 3 Cute Chicks Vintage, Mollie Love, Babycakes Designs, and Treasures and Antiques. Vintage Market Days Details About 90% of the market is indoors. This means Vintage Market Days can go on rain or shine. You don't have to worry about the weather as you plan for the Vintage Market Days. In addition to crafts, antique, and vintage vendors, the Vintage Market Days also feature a wide range of food vendors. You can snack on barbecue sandwiches, stir fry, fried pies, gourmet chocolate, and so much more. You can also grab a cup of coffee to stay energized as you browse through hundreds of booths. Vintage Market Days Contest Want two free tickets to Vintage Market Days? If you do, you can enter the Vintage Market Days contest on Facebook. All you have to do is tag a friend in the market's official post and select "going" on the market's event page. One winner will be selected on Sunday, January 26. Don't miss out on Vintage Market Days this year. The event takes place April 17 through 19, but you can start planning your trip to the market now. If you need to perform maintenance on your vehicle before heading to the Vintage Market Days, or if you're interested in seeing what cars are out there, check out Rath Auto Resources for your vehicle needs. Image via Pixabay.com

As the winter season comes to an end and temperatures begin to rise, outdoor enthusiasts are excited to get out and enjoy nature. Thankfully, Fort Smith, Arkansas, is full of parks, trails, and forests which are perfect for exploring. Here are some of the best hiking trails around the area. Ozark Highlands Trail Just 40 minutes north of Fort Smith at the Lake Fort Smith State Park, you'll find the trailhead of the 165-mile Ozark Highlands Trail. This national recreation trail is great for hikers of any ability level. Three miles of the trail run through the state park along the lake, while the rest runs through the Ozark National Forest to end in Buffalo National River Park. Along the trail, hikers will enjoy scenic landscapes with waterfalls, bridges, and rock formations. more For an adventurous experience of the Ozark Highlands Trail, consider hiking its full length. There are several recreation and camping areas along the way for rest and overnight stays. Hiking the entire trail would be good for highly experienced hikers and could take about a week to accomplish. Butterfield Hiking Trail At Devil's Den State Park, about 50 minutes north of Fort Smith, the Butterfield Hiking Trail offers avid hikers a fun challenge. The trail is a 15-mile loop, so it's an easy option for a day-long or overnight hike without having to arrange a pick-up. On the western edge of the Ozark National Forest, this area is full of scenic views, including Vista Point which overlooks Blackburn Valley. Hobbyist photographers will find plenty of beautiful subjects along the way. The full trail is expected to take around 12 hours of hiking time, depending on skill level. River Valley Nature Center Five different trails surround Wells Lake near the River Valley Nature Center. This area is just under 20 minutes south of Fort Smith. The Wells Lake Trail is a short loop around the lake. The Oak Savannah Trail, Beaver Creek Trail, Field and Forest Trail, and the North Boundary Trail are all connected to the land around the River Valley Nature Center. Here you'll find easy hiking for any skill level and plenty of spots for a relaxing picnic. All of these trails add up to about 3 miles of hiking, so they would be easy to tackle in an afternoon. White Rock Rim Trail Just over an hour from Fort Smith in the Ozark National Forest, the White Rock Mountain Recreation Area features a 2-mile loop trail called the White Rock Rim Trail. This is an easy hike that welcomes leashed dogs. You'll find plenty of opportunities to view the Ozark mountains along this trail and its several overlooks. Book a cabin on the mountain or a room in the cozy lodge and make a weekend of it. This is also an access point for the Ozark Highlands Trail. Whether you've been hiking since you learned to walk or you're a novice hiker, these trails in the Fort Smith area are worth a visit. Get outside and enjoy the beautiful nature around you. Image via Pixabay.com

Just because winter is here doesn't mean you have to stop going outside. In the Fort Smith area, there are all kinds of fun outdoor and indoor winter activities available. Even when the snow starts to fall, you can still get out and enjoy all that the area has to offer, from cross-country skiing trails, to ice skating, and much more. Here are some fun winter activities in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Ice Skating Head to the Joel Carver Ice Arena in nearby Springdale for some fun out on the ice. This is the perfect place to spend a winter afternoon, whether you want to skate on your own or take some lessons. The arena offers both hockey and figure skating programs for all ages, and if you're going to skate as a family, you can get a family pass for four for only $20. The arena offers free skating times almost every day of the week. You can check out the schedule on their website to find a time that works for you. more Winter Hiking Spend a brisk winter day exploring the trails at the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center. It sits on 170 acres of land in Fort Smith with guided hikes available throughout the year. Every weekend a member of the education staff leads a hike along one of the trails. Make sure to dress for the cold weather, and you might want to make sure you have a camera with you. Hiking in Lake Fort Smith State Park is always an adventure. The park has scenic trails that pass through the Ozarks with options for beginners, intermediate hikers, and for those looking for a challenge. Just be sure to prepare for the terrain and any kind of weather. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum features traveling exhibits from national and international artists. Along with the rotating exhibits, the museum also offers classes for both children and adults, free programs on Saturdays, lectures, and after-school programs. The current exhibits include "21 Years: In Search of Ground" by Addison Graham, and "An Element of Nature - Drawings, Paintings & Beehives." Every Saturday, the RAM provides a hands-on exploration of a new medium or art. The program starts at noon and runs until 4:00 p.m. This program is always free and open to all ages. Fort Smith Brewing Company The Fort Smith Brewing Company brews small-batch beer. The brewmaster uses only the best ingredients and uses as many local producers as possible to create flavorful craft beer. This local brewing company and its award-winning brews have been featured in several publications and media outlets such as Arkansas Business, and Untapped. This is a perfect spot to go on a cold winter day. You can sit and socialize with other Fort Smith beer lovers and enjoy your favorite local brews. Check out these activities in the Fort Smith area this winter. You can get outside in the fresh air or stay inside if you prefer. The choice is yours. Image via FSRAM.org

Fall is a wonderful time to get out and enjoy some fun activities in Fort Smith. Grab your friends and family and enjoy these upcoming events in town. 1. Taste of Fort Smith Upgrade your everyday lunch at a Taste of Fort Smith on Tuesday, October 29. The event is held from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. at Exhibit Hall ABC. While you walk around, interact with a variety of local vendors that offer unique takes on food and drinks. The lunch session runs from 11 a.m.-1 p.m, while dinner service is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. All attendees over age six need tickets for both sessions. more 2. 2019 Murder and Mayhem Haunted Trolley Tour Start your Halloween celebration with a spooky and fun trolley tour through town. The 2019 Murder and Mayhem Haunted Trolley Tour is open to participants 21 and over. It costs $100 per person and starts at 5:30 p.m. on October 25, 26, 29, and 30. During the tour, enjoy a variety of haunted stories while indulging in snacks and cocktails or wine. As the trolley makes its way through town, it will stop twice, once for dinner and drinks and a second time for dessert. 3. Vintage Masquerade Ball Wrap up your Halloween celebration at the second annual Vintage Masquerade Ball on Saturday, November 2 at 6:30 p.m. Ball attendees must be at least 21. The proceeds from the evening benefit local charities. During the event, enjoy dancing in addition to door prizes and delicious food. Alpha Audio and The Allison Grace Band will perform in the upstairs space, while a performance by the Community School of the Arts can be enjoyed in the first floor lobby. 4. Fort Smith Symphony: The Sounds of Hollywood If you are not going to the Masquerade Ball, check out the Fort Smith Symphony playing the Sounds of Hollywood instead. The concert takes place on Saturday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Arc Best Performing Arts Center. During the show, enjoy selections from hit movies including Interstellar, Pirates of the Caribbean, Back to the Future, and Batman The Dark Knight. There will also be multimedia presentations throughout the evening. Tickets for the event cost between $45 and $50. 5. Konsplosion! Fort Smith hosts the River Valley Comic-Con Konsplosion! November 15-17. It takes place at the Fort Smith Convention Center, weekend passes cost $35 for adults and $25 for kids. During the event, enjoy a nerf-style battle arena. There is also a Crossplay Conquest, a cosplay drag show. Fire and Poi Spinning shows will take place throughout the event. You can also meet Bill Blair from Alien. The Texas Heart Nerdlesque is also scheduled to appear. The convention is open to all ages and will feature a variety of panel discussions throughout the weekend. There is also a vendor room to check out as well as an artist alley. As you plan your events calendar, you may want to keep an extra jacket handy in case the weather cools. Don't forget your camera to capture these memorable events! Image via Pixabay.com

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