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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

Are you looking for a great new family vehicle but don't want to spend what a new car often costs? We've got you covered. These are a few of the many great used-car options to consider when buying your next family vehicle. Toyota Venza The Toyota Venza is a great midsize SUV that will keep your family safe and comfortable. The 2015 Venza model is your best option and offers a wide platform and five-seat configuration for passenger roominess and comfort. Its wagon-like appearance is a nice change from your typical crossover or minivan and keeps you looking stylish on the road. more The 2015 Venza has several competitive features you can enjoy, including the 6.1-inch touchscreen with enhanced infotainment options and a rearview camera to assist you when backing up. It's also equipped with a six-speaker sound system with voice controls, a navigation system, and smartphone compatibility. Honda CR-V The Honda CR-V has been a family favorite for years due to its efficiency, practicality, and high level of comfort. For this compact SUV, stick to models that were built in 2015 or later, if your budget allows, to ensure you get the most up-to-date features. Each new model sees new interior and exterior upgrades that make driving this SUV truly enjoyable. Great features of the Honda CR-V in 2015 models and later include LED daytime running lamps, projector-beam headlamps, a sunroof, and a push-button start. Other features of the CR-V include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and Honda LaneWatch, which is a passenger-side blind spot camera to prevent you from colliding with vehicles in your blind spot. The 2015 Honda CR-V and its predecessors are designed to earn top-level collision safety ratings and received a five-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Toyota Highlander The Toyota Highlander has long been loved by drivers for years thanks to its reliability and roominess. A great used Highlander is the 2012 model that boasts several storage spaces, a three-passenger second row, and upgraded interior compared to previous models. It gets great fuel economy with the standard base engine and has excellent maneuverability to make everything from sharp turns and to parallel parking a breeze. The 2012 Toyota Highlander can comfortably seat seven passengers with room to boot, so you won't have to worry about making two trips when you have extra cargo to transport. There are three different trim levels available for this model including the base Highlander, the SE, and the Limited. The SE tends to be the best bang for your buck and comes equipped with heated front seats, a multi-information display, leather upholstery, and satellite radio. Some 2012 Highlander models also include a rearview camera for added safety when backing up. These used vehicles are as reliable as they are comfortable and can easily accommodate both large and small families. From soccer games to cross-country excursions, these used cars can meet all of you and your family's automobile needs. Image via RathAuto.com

Buying a car is an exciting time in your life, especially as you compare features and pick out the model that is best suited for your lifestyle. If your credit score is low, you may end up with a higher interest rate on your auto loan. Check out these helpful tips to whip your credit into shape before you apply for the loan. 1. Check Your Credit Report It's important to know what's on your credit report that may be causing the number to go down. The three major credit bureaus, TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax, will each produce a separate report and score, so review a report that includes information from all three of these agencies. Your credit report could contain errors or other issues that are causing your score to drop. more Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you can receive a free copy of your report every year, so visit AnnualCreditReport.com to get started. If you do find an error, you can file a dispute to get it removed, which should help your score to go up. 2. Stay On Top of Payments Late payments can seriously impact your credit, so make sure you're paying everything on time. Staying on top of deadlines and current with payment requirements is the best way to avoid delinquency that can cause your score to go down. If you have a single late payment due to an oversight, you may be able to talk to the lender or creditor to see if they will forgive the mistake and remove it. You're more likely to get a positive response if you have a history of making all your payments on time and they can see that this was a one-time mistake. If you have trouble remembering to make payments on time, consider setting up auto-pay to avoid late payments in the future. 3. Pay Down Your Debt A major factor used in calculating your credit score is your debt-to-income ratio. If your debt amount is high, look for ways to pay it down to lessen the ratio, which can potentially help your score go up. Debt consolidation is one option, which allows you to make one monthly payment rather than paying down each debt individually. If you have debts with higher interest rates, such as credit cards, focus on paying those down first. 4. Maintain Low Balances Another helpful tip to boost your credit score is to maintain low balances on all your open credit accounts. The amount of credit available to you versus the amount you're using is called the credit utilization ratio. Those with high credit scores usually have low credit utilization ratios. When a lender looks at your credit history, they will likely want to see a utilization ratio of 30% or lower. You can improve your ratio by keeping balances low on your credit cards and paying down debt. If you have a family member with good credit, becoming an authorized user on their account can also positively influence your ratio. Use these tips to improve your credit score and potentially lower the interest rate on your auto loan. Then visit us at Rath Auto Resources to find the perfect vehicle and get a great deal. Image via RathAuto.com

Owning a car is expensive, but some cars hold their value better than others. A new car takes the biggest hit in depreciation within the first year of ownership. Check out a few of the used cars that maintain their value most as you're deciding which vehicle to buy. 1. Subaru Outback The Subaru Outback has consistently earned a spot on Kelley Blue Book's “Best Resale Value” list over the past 17 years. This hatchback model is a great option for a wide range of buyers, including families and adventure-seekers. It's spacious, offering a large backseat with room for taller passengers and child car seats, and boasts a big cargo area for all your essentials. more This crossover is also quite efficient. When you choose the standard four-cylinder engine, you can save at the pump without sacrificing too much power. In 2018, Subaru started including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, while the auto company's EyeSight driver assistance package became standard in 2019. 2. Toyota 4Runner The Toyota 4Runner is another model that holds its value well. This truck-based SUV is unique in that it's designed for utility in a world where most crossovers are geared toward comfort. Toyota has maintained the body-on-frame platform for this particular member of its lineup, prioritizing towing capacity and off-road capabilities. It is available with a third row of seating, which makes it an option for larger families, especially those that like to spend their weekends exploring. 3. Nissan Frontier Most pickup trucks consistently maintain their value better than other models, and one example of this is the Nissan Frontier. It's been around since Nissan launched it in 2005, although it has undergone a number of interior and exterior design enhancements. This mid-sized pickup has several available bed lengths and cab sizes to accommodate every need. You can also count on the reliability of the four- and six-cylinder engines that boast impressive power output and large displacement. 4. Subaru Forester The Subaru Forester earned a spot on KBB's “ 12 Best Family Cars” in 2019, but it's also a model that holds its value very well. Subaru redesigned the popular crossover in 2019, featuring the same global platform as the Crosstrek, which has been very well-received. Some of the most appealing enhancements to the 2019 model include more interior space in both rows of seating and a wider opening to load bulky items into the cargo area. If you plan to take your Forester off the beaten path, you'll appreciate the 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Certain upgrades also make the Forester more valuable, as well as more luxurious. This crossover is available with an all-weather package that includes heated side mirrors and front seats, along with a windshield de-icer, dual rear-seat USB ports, and roof rails to help you carry your adventure gear. The 2019 model also comes standard with EyeSight, Subaru's safety suite that includes automatic braking and throttle management, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. At Rath Auto Resources, we have an extensive selection of pre-owned models that hold their value. Shop our inventory to pick out the perfect vehicle for your lifestyle. Image via RathAuto.com

When you're planning some one-on-one time with your special someone, you can find a number of places to go in the Fort Smith, Arkansas, area. Each spot offers a unique atmosphere that is appealing to couples. Ben Geren Park If the weather is pleasant, pack a picnic and head to Ben Geren Park on Zero Street. This park is an expansive outdoor space, offering activities for all skill levels and individuals. You can enjoy a quaint picnic on the grass or bring your tennis rackets for a game on one of the courts. Other activities within the park include two 18-hole disc golf courses, a 27-hole miniature golf course, and a traditional golf course that's open to the public. more Ben Geren Park also houses over 7 miles of paved trails, where you and your date can walk hand in hand, along with 14 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails for more rugged explorers. Within the park, you'll find Torraine Lake, a 15-acre lake that is open for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Several covered pavilions are also available for public use, although they can be rented out in advance. 21 West End If your perfect date includes a delicious meal, take your loved one to 21 West End, one of Fort Smith's highest-rated eateries. This fine-dining restaurant combines modern creativity with classic recipes. The chefs use high-quality ingredients to create an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of the downtown area. You can start your meal with one of the appetizers, such as the signature lavosh topped with roasted garlic and shredded cheese, an order of cream cheese crab cakes, or spicy Cajun cheese fondue. Additional menu options include small plates, salads, soups, antipasto kabobs stacked with flavorful ingredients, seafood, poultry, pork, and beef, pasta, and surf and turf. At this location, you can also sip on cocktails, wine, or beer. Reservations are recommended, so plan ahead when taking a date to 21 West End. Bowling World Enjoy a fun and interactive date when you head to Bowling World. This family fun center is great for a casual date. It's located on 36th Street in Fort Smith, featuring 72 bowling lanes, an arcade, pool tables, and dining options. During an afternoon or evening at Bowling World, you can enjoy a meal, a drink, and some old-fashioned fun. This location offers specials on certain days of the week, so if you're dating on a budget, check out when you can score discounts. Monday Night Madness includes $2.25 bowling games, shoe rentals, and bottles of Miller High Life, while Thursdays offer half-price games between 12 and 4 p.m. On Sundays between 1 and 7 p.m., you can enjoy Pizza and Pins, which includes 1.5 hours of bowling, shoe rentals, and a large pizza. Plan the perfect date night in Fort Smith by taking your sweetheart to one of these locations. During your date, you can connect, communicate, and enjoy time together while dining on tasty food or participating in a unique experience. Image via Pixabay.com

Arkansas is a state rich with history. Whether you're a new resident, frequent visitor, or native of the state, it's always interesting to learn new things about Arkansas. Check out some of the fun facts you may not have known about the “Natural State.” 1. Diamonds Came From Arkansas In 1906, John W. Huddleston first discovered a diamond in the state of Arkansas. The place where this happened is now the location of Crater of Diamonds State Park. The park allows visitors to bring their own mining equipment or rent equipment and search for their own rocks and minerals. The 37-acre plowed field is the eroded surface of a volcanic crater, so a number of gemstones, minerals, and rocks are found there regularly. more In addition to the opportunity to search for valuable stones, the park has a visitor's center with real, uncut diamonds on display, along with a discovery center offering tips to search for diamonds. The most commonly found colors within the park include yellow, white, and brown. Since it became a state park in 1972, visitors have found more than 33,000 diamonds. 2. Pronounce the Name Right Within the state code, you'll find a detailed description of how to properly pronounce Arkansas. You can read more about it in Title 1, General Provisions, Chapter 4, 1-4-105. Since it has a silent “s” at the end, people often mispronounced the state name, so the legislators took it upon themselves to clearly identify how it should be said. Both houses of the General Assembly resolved the pronunciation debate after reviewing the findings from the investigation done by the Eclectic Society of Little Rock and the State Historical Society. 3. An Arkansan Developed Sound in Film The soundtrack and score used in films can make or break the watching experience. It's all thanks to an Arkansas native, Freeman Owens, that we can enjoy movies with sound. Owens, a Pine Bluff native, was the first person to successfully add sound to film, changing the landscape of movies forever. 4. The Original Home of Walmart Sam Walton, an American entrepreneur and businessman, bought some land in Bentonville and negotiated the price of a discount store. That store became very successful, going from $72,000 per year in sales to more than $175,000. The first true Walmart location was in Rogers and opened in 1962. Since then, the company has grown to include more than 11,500 store locations and has become the largest company in the world by revenue. 5. Home to an Alligator Farm In Hot Springs, you can see alligators and many other animals at the Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo. Many people don't realize that they don't have to leave the state to experience these fascinating and dangerous creatures. The petting zoo allows visitors to hold baby alligators, as well as see mountain lions, full-grown gators, monkeys, wolves, raccoons, and other animal life. Now that you know a little more about the state of Arkansas, make a plan to get out and explore the area. You can visit some of the museums that feature the historical aspects of Arkansas, enjoy the natural surroundings, or even check out some of the most unique attractions in the state. Image via Pixabay.com

There are several important things to keep in mind when considering a used car: vehicle history, mileage, inspection reports, and resale value. Resale value is basically what the car will be worth once it's driven for a few years and you attempt to sell it or trade it in. Certain makes and models hold their values better than others, so it's good to know which models are likely to earn you some good money or a nice trade-in when you're ready for a different vehicle. Here are five used car models that are known for high resale values. 1. Jeep Wrangler The Wrangler is a beloved SUV thanks to its unique style, rich history, and impressive capability. Car buyers are always looking to buy used Wranglers, and high demand means high value. Because they are built to withstand rough terrain, they tend to hold up well over the years, especially if they're mostly driven on city roads and highways. The new generation of Jeep Wrangler was introduced in 2018, so any used model after that year will hold a high value until the next generation comes out. more 2. Toyota Camry In the mid-size car category, the Toyota Camry does well across the board. These models are known for fuel efficiency, reliability, and high resale values. The Camry offers some legroom without sacrificing handling and agility. A new generation of Camry was introduced in 2018, so any models from that year on will hold value especially well in the coming years. 3. Dodge Challenger If you're looking for something with some serious kick and attitude, the Dodge Challenger is a great used car. This model tends to hold its value better than any other car in the muscle category. The Challenger pays homage to the classic muscle car and isn't distracted from power by unnecessary changes or frills. Dodge Challengers are only in their third generation, with the last major design overhaul in 2008. 4. Toyota 4Runner With off-road capability, an available third row, and impressive towing power, the Toyota 4Runner is always an attractive buy and therefore retains its value well. The newest generation of 4Runners was introduced in 2010, with several upgrades to technology and safety since then. Toyota 4Runners are ideal for true adventurers who need plenty of space for passengers or cargo or for drivers who live off the beaten path. 5. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Finally, drivers looking for a full-size pickup truck will find strong resale value in the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. This beast of a truck is built to last and it will. Recently introduced with a new design in 2019, the Silverado 1500 is all up-to-date. With luxurious interior options and a roomy cab, you can not only tow up to 12,200 pounds but enjoy comfort at the same time.  Whether you're looking to trade in your vehicle or buy a car that's new to you, head into Rath Auto Resources and let us help. We'll be happy to take you out for a few test drives. Image via RathAuto.com

Sometimes you just need Chinese food. Whether it's for a quick lunch or for dinner so you have leftovers for the next day, you can find it in and around Fort Smith, Arkansas. This area has several Chinese restaurants offering all your favorites from dumplings to crab Rangoon to fried rice, there is a place that makes it just the way you like. Satisfy your Chinese cravings at one of these Fort Smith restaurants. Asian Bistro Asian Bistro offers excellent Chinese cuisine that you can eat in or take out. This is the place to go for a modern take on classic dishes, and everything is made with high-quality fresh ingredients. You can't go wrong with the Lo Mein or the General Tso's chicken. Make sure to start with the hot and sour soup, and then the steamed dumplings. If you save room for dessert, the mini Chinese doughnuts are delicious and make a perfect ending to any meal. more There is not a lot of seating here, but if you choose to eat in the dining room, the staff is always friendly and helpful. Asian Kitchen Express The food at Asian Kitchen Express is consistently delicious. Stop by here for Thai, Chinese, or Lao food made using family recipes. You can get everything from Laotian green papaya salad that comes with fried chicken wings, to red curry and sesame chicken. The drunken noodles are always delicious, and you can get them with chicken. The fried dumplings are also a great choice, along with the chicken lo mein. Taipei Chinese Restaurant Taipei Chinese Restaurant is considered the best little Chinese restaurant in Fort Smith. Make sure to try the beef egg foo young. The sauce that it comes with is delicious. The egg drop soup is also a good choice, and the Taipei fried rice is excellent. If you stop by for lunch, the portions are just right, and the prices are reasonable. This is a family-owned restaurant, and it shows with the attentive service and great food. You can get all your favorites from crab Rangoon to pork lo mein, General Tso's chicken, or their tasty lemon chicken. Shogun Peking Palace Stop by Shogun Peking Palace not only for Japanese food and sushi but for excellent Chinese food too. The egg roll appetizers are a great way to start along with the crab Rangoon and the fried vegetarian spring rolls. The Hunan crispy shrimp comes with large shrimp, deep-fried to perfection and then drenched in a housemade Hunan sauce. You can also get moo goo gai pan, sweet and sour chicken, or Kung Pao chicken. If you don't eat meat, there are plenty of vegetarian options. Shogun Pekin Palace has several egg foo young options, including shrimp, vegetable, and pork. Check out these Fort Smith restaurants the next time you have a craving for Chinese food. These are just a few of the places you can try, and there are several more that serve traditional dishes along with new and innovative food. Image via Pixabay.com

A car is a huge purchase, and new cars are just getting more and more expensive. The sticker price of a new car is just one of the reasons to consider buying a used vehicle, though. There are many other reasons that buying used makes more sense than buying new. Here are some reasons to make your next vehicle purchase a used one. 1. The Sticker Price You can save thousands of dollars when you buy a used car. According to recent data, you can save over $13,000 by choosing used over new. The biggest reason for this is depreciation. New cars depreciate quickly over the first five years, with the majority of it occurring in the first two years. While some makes hold their value better than others, the majority of new cars will lose 30% of their value in just the first year. more 2. The Availability of Certified Pre-Owned Cars Almost every automaker offers some kind of certified pre-owned program to help buyers feel more secure when they buy a used vehicle. A manufacturer pre-owned certified vehicle usually includes some kind of warranty based on mileage or time along with extras such as roadside assistance. Dealerships also offer certified programs too. You can often purchase a warranty on a used vehicle for extra peace of mind. 3. You Get More for Your Money If you go into sticker shock when looking at just the entry-level trims on new vehicles, consider what you can get in a used vehicle for the same amount of money or even less. Your budget will get you much more in the way of extras if you look at cars that are a few years old. The top-level trim for a three-year-old vehicle with low miles is a much better deal than the base trim of a new car. 4. Reduced Cost of Insurance and Registration The value of the car determines the cost of insurance. Since a used car has less value than a brand-new car, it will cost less to insure it. Once a vehicle is older, you can even drop some of the coverage to save even more money. Collision and theft insurance is not always necessary for older vehicles. Just like with car insurance, the cost of registration is based on the transaction price. The less you pay for a car, the less you'll have to pay to register it. 5. The Variety There are thousands of different makes and models of used vehicles available. Car manufacturers discontinue trims every year and discontinue models regularly. These become available as used vehicles that you can no longer find new. For example, many carmakers are switching to crossover SUVs and limit the number of sedans that they produce. If you look for a used sedan, you'll have tons of options available. These are just a few of the reasons that it is a good idea to buy a used vehicle instead of new. The initial costs are lower, it is cheaper to insure a used car, and you'll have lots of options. Image via RathAuto.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