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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

Fort Smith, Arkansas, has an awesome variety of places to grab a drink. Whether you want to watch a game, shoot some pool, hang out with friends, or go on a date night, the city has the perfect venue for you. Here are a few of the best bars in town. Core Public House For a great selection of craft beers and a friendly neighborhood vibe, head to the Core Public House on Rogers Avenue. It's the type of bar where you can walk in as a stranger and leave feeling like a local. You can sit at the tables or grab a spot at the sociable U-shaped bar. more All the beers are from the Core Brewing & Distilling Company, and the friendly and knowledgeable bar tenders are happy to describe the wide variety of different brews for you. They don't serve food, but you can buy locally-made popcorn or take in your own food. 906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge The 906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge on Garrison Avenue offers an upscale yet relaxed bar experience. The elegant decor and furniture make you feel like you're in a special place. The bar features a walk-in humidor offering some of the world's finest cigars. The personable staff will help you with your drink and cigar choices. They also offer a variety of food. Choose from a variety of expertly mixed cocktails, an extensive range of bourbons, whiskey, and cognacs, and 12 craft beers from around the country. Relax in the comfortable seating and enjoy the sophisticated ambience, have a game of shuffleboard, or enjoy the live jazz music Thursday through Saturday. The bar has excellent ventilation, so it doesn't get too smoky. Uncork'd Located on Phoenix Avenue, Uncork'd is a unique bar with stunning wood decor and a huge wine barrel ceiling that give it a cool modern vibe. You can relax by the fire in the main bar, chill out on the patio, or enjoy the cigar room with its self-serve bourbon taps and a clean air system that keeps it smoke free. Take advantage of happy hour served until 6 p.m. daily. Enomatic machines enable you to serve yourself from a selection of 32 wines in 1- to 6-ounce pours. More than 30 craft beers are available on tap. The unusual cocktails on offer include hibiscus margarita, blackberry smash, caramel apple cider mimosa, and the dark and stormy, which has dark rum, ginger beer, and lime. To satisfy your appetite, you can order from a choice of tapas dishes or full plates. Papa's Pub and Pizzaria Papa's Pub and Pizzaria on Garrison Avenue was voted as the best bar and pizza in Fort Smith in 2018. Papa's is a cool neighborhood dive bar with pool tables and many TVs showing sports. The friendly bar tenders make sure that you're looked after, even when the place is busy. They even have a cell-free zone where, if your phone rings, you have to buy a round of drinks. These bars all offer a very different experience, and there's sure to be one to suit your taste. Image via Pixabay.com

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

Finding the perfect date night spot can be difficult. Do you opt for something outdoors, not knowing what the weather will be like in a few days? Do you select a restaurant, even though you aren't sure what type of food your date prefers? Why not have a list of places so you can keep your options open. If you find yourself in the Fort Smith, Arkansas, area in need of perfect date night spots, keep this list handy. Ben Geren Park If you're an outdoorsy person, consider bringing your date to Ben Geren Park, which is found on Zero Street. Bring your tennis rackets and play a set or two of tennis on the six lighted tennis courts, or try your hand at the disc golf course, which is the largest in the area thanks to two 18-hole courses. If traditional golf is more your style, play a round or two at the area's only 27-hole mini-golf course known as Gator Golf. Consider starting your date during the day to play a round or two of golf at the park's premier public golf course. more Bowling World Located on South 36th Street, Bowling World is a 72-lane bowling center that also features arcade games, pool table, and pro shop. The bowling alley offers numerous specials throughout the week, including $2 bowling and $2 shoe rental on Mondays. On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from open until 7 p.m., you can receive two games of bowling with shoe rental for $8, tax included. You can also get this $8 deal on Wednesdays all day and Fridays from open until 5 p.m. Also, every Tuesday and Thursday night from 7 until 10 p.m., you receive half-price games and shoe rental. Malco Fort Smith Cinema Found on South Waldron Street, Malco Fort Smith Cinema is a 16-screen movie theater that shows first-run feature films. Order your tickets online so you can secure your perfect spot. It offers stadium seating and curved screens so that you and your date can have the best views possible. Don't forget to grab some food and drinks at the theater's concession stand. Park at West End Found at North Second Street and Garrison Avenue, the Park at West End is home to an amusement park that features an iconic 56-foot Ferris wheel that holds up to 32 passengers. Taking a spin on the Ferris wheel will give you and your date a stunning view of downtown Fort Smith and the Arkansas River. Afterward, board the park's hand-painted carousel that was constructed in Italy. 21 West End Serving an eclectic menu, 21 West End is a perfect place to grab a bite with your date. Located on North Second Street, this restaurant showcases classic dishes with a blend of modern creativity, such as bacon-wrapped quail, braised short ribs, and yellow curry spaghetti squash. Reservations are strongly recommended. No matter which one of these date night spots in Fort Smith you choose, you're bound to have a great time. The hardest part might be choosing which one to try first. Image via Flickr by bluesbby

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

As the weather cools and summer vacations come to an end, don't give up on fun. Check out the concerts and events in your area and make the most of the fall season. Here are five fall concerts in the Fort Smith area. Tyler Childers at the Fayetteville Town Center On October 7, Tyler Childers will be playing at the Fayetteville Town Center, just about an hour from Fort Smith. A Kentucky native, Tyler Childers writes songs about growing up in the south. His first album, Purgatory, is full of stories from Tyler's childhood in Lawrence County. Head to Northwest Arkansas in the historic downtown area of Fayetteville to enjoy some bluegrass-style music from a talented artist. more Fort Smith Symphony at the Fort Smith Convention Center At the Fort Smith Convention Center on Sunday, September 8 at 3 p.m. the season opener for the Fort Smith Symphony will feature the talented pianist, Drew Petersen. Guests will also enjoy "Sounds of Joy" from the symphony as it plays classics like Beethoven's Symphony No. 7, Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20, and Wagner's Siegfried Idyll. The symphony is a great idea for a romantic date. Get dressed up, make reservations for dinner afterwards, and enjoy a sophisticated and beautiful show. Buckcherry at Temple Live Temple Live is an old Masonic Temple in the downtown area of Fort Smith. This large event venue will welcome the alternative rock group Buckcherry on September 21. A band of musicians from California, Buckcherry has a handful of hits from their albums released since 1995. In 2019, they released their eighth album, Warpaint, and began touring the country shortly after. Catch this show for an exciting night. Home Free at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center On October 1, the a cappella group, Home Free, will be putting on a show at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center. Five singers, Adam Chance, Adam Rupp, Austin Brown, Rob Lundquist, and Tim Foust, make up this group. You might recognize them from the NBC show, The Sing-Off. They competed in the fourth season of the show. Seeing these guys perform is a real treat. You'll hear some great classic songs. Blue October at George's Majestic Lounge You can catch Blue October performing at the oldest live music venue in the state of Arkansas, George's Majestic Lounge, on October 20. Located in the heart of Fayetteville, this is a great spot for a fun night. Enjoy the show and experience a piece of history as George's Majestic Lounge dates back to the 1930's. You can even grab a few drinks during the show at the full bar on site. Blue October is an alternative rock band. They released their ninth studio album in August of 2018. Their current tour is promoting their new album, but they'll be playing some of their older songs too. No matter your taste in music, there's something coming to the Fort Smith area for you this fall. Check out one of these shows for a memorable time. Image via Flickr by fegavronski

When you venture to the Fort Smith, Arkansas area, don't forget your bathing suits. There are many exciting places where you and your family can cool off from the heat. Before "diving in" to the fun, note that there are seven public pools in the Fort Smith area and two beach areas with lifeguard duty. A family pass for all of them is $185 (though this won't include water parks). Be sure to check whether your favorite park is included in your pass before heading over. Parrot Island Water Park Welcome to Parrot Island Water Park in Fort Smith! Open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, this park offers tons of family fun in a beautiful atmosphere. Amazing attractions include the popular FlowRider. Brand new in 2019, this watery activity gives children the sensation of surfing upon the ocean. It's challenging, but a lot of fun! more For kids of all ages, there is the Caribbean Splash area, a wave pool that's refreshing and a perfect area to play. For older children who are more adventurous, there are four core slides, such as the Pineapple Plunge, which is 135 feet long. Season tickets and private party accommodations are available. DeGray Lake Resort State Park Located at 2027 State Park Entrance Road in Bismarck, Arkansas' DeGray Lake Resort State Park has a great deal of activities, including swimming, golfing, camping, horseback riding, tennis, hiking, and shopping. Boat rentals are available; these include kayaks and paddle boats at the marina. You can also stay overnight in one of their great facilities. Daisy State Park Daisy State Park provides a lovely timeout for family fun and relaxation. Come with the whole family for a day of fishing and kayaking! Kayak rentals are available. The park is located on Lake Greeson, by the stunning Ouachita Mountains, where you can take in the picturesque view. After you are refreshed by the water, why not try a lake tour where you can see the fantastic rock formations? There is also ATV riding along the Bear Creek Cycle Trail. The Crater of Diamonds State Park is not far away, and there are numerous campsites, picnic areas and pavilions in the area. Village Creek State Park Village Creek State Park is located at 201 County Road 754 in Wynne. It is large, covering a sprawling 7,000 acres. There is plenty to do and to see there, in addition to the ability to spend time lakeside. Enjoy thirty-three miles of trails, with campgrounds where you can stay overnight (there are places to bathe as well). Two lakes are on site, as well as plentiful pavilions and areas for picnics and play. There are also outdoor and indoor theaters, a museum, and visitors' center. If you want to stop by on a particular day, then have a look at their list of upcoming events in advance. There is something for the whole family at Village Creek State Park. There are myriad beautiful sites you and your family can visit in Fort Smith in order to rest and refresh. Try one of these lakes or pools and enjoy your summer in Arkansas. Image via Flickr by Antrell Williams

The next time you're in the vicinity of Fort Smith, get yourself ready for some wonderful historical experiences. The district is full of opportunities that will peak a variety of interests. Here are a few places you should check out. Belle Grove Historic District The Belle Drove Historic District is aptly named, as it is truly a beautiful area. The lovely radius of town includes a 22-square block within North Fifth Street, North H Street, North Eighth Street and North C Street. Upon visiting, you will find impressive architecture dating back 130 years. Various styles reveal a diversity of time periods, and many of the homes have been attractively restored. more Specific houses are, in fact, available for touring. Consider stopping at The Clayton House, the McKibben-Bonneville House, the Fort Smith Art Center or The Darby House. A & M Railroad Excursions If you are mystified by transport systems and the era of the railroad, you won't want to miss out on the A & M Railroad Excursions. With this service, you can actually travel in the original railroad, through the Arkansas River Valley and Boston and Ozark Mountains. The line is one of the rare ones that remain in use for commercial purposes. The passenger coaches are nicely refurbished, yet maintain their original style. There are three different journeys you can choose from, and you may choose between coach tickets, club tickets, caboose tickets, or first class tickets. Fort Smith National Historic Site For an intensive experience where you can learn all about the various facets of Fort Smith's history, check out the Fort Smith National Historic Site. There many areas worth seeing at this wonderful historical preservation location. Some examples include Belle Point, which was created in 1817, and where Arkansas and Poteau River meets. There is also the "Trail of Tears," an exhibit that speaks of five indigenous tribes who had been removed from the region by force. There is also the Commissary building, which is among the oldest remaining in Fort Smith. Visit the Historic Barracks, Courthouse and Jail Building, where the Visitor's Center is located. At the Center, you can learn details of events and tours, too. The Fort Smith National Historic Site is open from Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 301 Parker Avenue. The entrance fee is $6. The Elvis Barbershop Museum In 1958, Elvis had his sideburns cut in order to serve in the US army. As such, the location of his hair-cutting is memorialized, well loved and remembered. At this historic site, you can re-visit that day when Elvis was at the shop, while also commemorating the importance of the locale of Fort Chaffee and all the region's contributions to history. The barbershop is located at 7020 Taylor Avenue and is open from Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance to the museum is free. On your next adventure to Fort Smith, Arkansas, get ready for some wonderful sites. From stunning architecture to military and indigenous history, there is truly something for everyone to learn. Image via Flickr by FortSmithNPS