Blog

If you are in the market for a used car, you want to look at more than just the sticker price. In addition to the purchase price of a vehicle, you also need to consider the cost to maintain the vehicle. It is important to factor in all the costs of owning a vehicle before you purchase a car, truck, or SUV. You want a vehicle that is affordable not only to purchase, but also to maintain. Toyota Corolla The Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan with a reliable track record. Not only is this sedan priced right when shopping used, but it also is affordable to service. Owners can expect to pay $341 a year for maintenance, according to the RepairPal Index. more Honda CR-V The Honda CR-V is one of the most popular SUVs on the road, and for good reason. The CR-V is an affordable vehicle to get behind the wheel of. It also is trustworthy, with the 2017 model year earning the top spot on a CarMD list for most reliable used vehicles. Subaru Outback Vehicles require maintenance, so when it comes time to service your vehicle, you want a vehicle that is easy to care for and affordable to repair. The Subaru Outback is one of the best vehicles when it comes to affordable repairs. When the check engine light comes on, the average repair cost for a 2017 Outback is $60, according to CarMD. Honda Accord In the market for a family sedan? If so, the Accord is an excellent option for reliability and affordability. This mid-size sedan is spacious and trustworthy. When it comes to annual maintenance and repair costs, the Accord costs about $351, according to RepairPal Index. Lexus NX Looking for something luxurious? The Lexus NX is a luxury crossover SUV with a reliable track record. Both the 2016 and 2015 model years of the NX earned a spot in the top 10 on CarMD's most reliable used vehicles list. Mercedes-Benz C-Class Another trustworthy luxury vehicle is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. This luxury sedan is affordable to repair when the check engine light comes on. The average cost for the 2016 model year is $85, according to CarMD. Ford Mustang Muscle car enthusiasts don't have to worry about breaking the bank with a Mustang. This classic car is affordable to care for when it comes to service costs and routine maintenance. The RepairPal Index estimates the Mustang costs $454 per year to care for. Honda Odyssey Families on the go need a vehicle they can trust. The Honda Odyssey is that vehicle. This minivan has low repair and maintenance costs when it comes time to care for your vehicle. The minivan is estimated to cost $403 per year to maintain, according to RepairPal Index. Whatever your needs may be in a used vehicle, you can find a car, truck, or SUV that is reliable, trustworthy, and suitable for your budget. To shop for a top-quality used car that is within your price range, be sure to check out what Rath Auto Resources has to offer. Image via RathAuto.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

When it's time to replace your old car and you're in the market for an SUV, it's tempting to look at the brand-new models. However, in some ways, it makes sense to look at buying a used SUV instead. Here are five reasons to consider getting an older model. 1. More Bang for Your Buck The new SUV that you'd like can start out with the base model at a price that's within your budget, but when you begin adding the options you want, the cost can quickly escalate. Somewhere, you're going to have to compromise and either look at a cheaper model or go without some of those options that make a road trip more enjoyable. With the wide variety of used vehicles for sale, you could opt for a higher spec model and get all the extras to suit your family's needs. more 2. Lower Depreciation All vehicles depreciate, but when you buy a new vehicle, its value goes down the moment you drive it off the lot. Some cars hold their price better than others, but within three years you can expect your pride and joy to lose up to 50% of its value. Buying a used SUV means that somebody else has taken the biggest hit on the depreciation. 3. Lower Insurance & Registration Your annual car insurance premium is based on a number of factors, but the replacement value of your car is the main consideration taken into account when determining how much you'll pay.  If you wreck your car, a 2018 Toyota 4Runner will be a lot cheaper to replace than a 2020 model which means you pay less insurance. Depending where you live, it may also be cheaper to register your car. Some states, including Arizona, incorporate a vehicle license tax which is reduced by a percentage for each year since it was first registered in the state. 4. Cars Last Longer Cars are built to last longer now and vehicles with 100,000 miles and more on the odometer are still considered to have plenty of life left in them. However, it is always advisable to have your potential purchase thoroughly checked by a qualified mechanic to find if there are any niggling faults or more serious issues, but a two or three-year-old vehicle in average condition should be almost as good as new. 5. Do You Need an SUV? In these days of ecological awareness and with the price of gas, people may ask why you need an SUV. If you've got a large family that regularly needs transporting, the only efficient way to do that and avoid additional unnecessary journeys is with a three-row SUV. Alternatively, you might have an adventurous lifestyle that involves the need to tow boats, ATVs, or trailers. Most SUVs have superior towing capacity. When your adventures take you into the wilderness, you need a vehicle with great off-road capability and the power to get yourself, and others, out of trouble. For your next used SUV, head over to Rath Auto Resources to see how much more car you can get for your money. Image via RathAuto.com

If bacon and eggs or sweet treats like pancakes and French toast aren't your things, then bagels are an excellent breakfast option. With so many bagel places to enjoy in Fort Smith, Arkansas, you can have everything from plain bagels with cream cheese to gourmet bagels with unique toppings. Take a look at the top four places for bagels around Fort Smith to enjoy a delicious breakfast. 1. Sweet Bay Coffee Co. Sweet Bay Coffee Co. is a relaxed coffeehouse with a rich assortment of specialty coffees and espresso drinks, smoothies, chai and teas, and a large menu with baked goods. You can get breakfast all day at Sweet Bay Coffee Co., including bagels, which come in flavors such as blueberry and cinnamon raisin. There are several topping options as well, such as butter and jelly or cream cheese in flavors including strawberry and honey almond. If you're in the mood for a heartier breakfast, you can get a bagel sandwich with eggs, cheese, bacon, ham, sausage, or veggies. more 2. Fort Smith Coffee Co. Fort Smith Coffee Co. is a coffee shop and roastery you won't want to pass up. With a huge menu of specialty drinks and food options, there's something for everyone. You can get everything from espresso drinks and chai tea to breakfast crepes and quiche. Fort Smith Coffee Co. bakes bagels daily from scratch, so you can enjoy a range of new options each day with your delicious brew. 3. Panera Bread Panera Bread is a chain bakery/cafe that offers freshly baked bagels, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches, soups, teas, and coffees. You can choose from a wide selection of classic and gourmet bagels from the bakery, such as cinnamon swirl, blueberry, everything, and French toast bagels. You'll also find a wide selection of cream cheese flavors, such as honey walnut, garden veggie, chive and onion, and peanut butter, as well as bakery options, such as scrumptious scones, croissants, muffins, and more. If you're looking to get bagels for a group, Panera Bread offers bagel packs and baker's dozen and half-dozen boxes. 4. Dunkin' Donuts Dunkin' Donuts is a popular chain restaurant with coffee, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, donuts, and bagels. You can choose from a wide selection of bagel options, such as everything, cinnamon raisin, sesame seed, multigrain, and white cheddar bagels. Dunkin' Donuts also offers a range of hot and cold coffee and espresso beverages, teas, frozen drinks, breakfast sandwiches and wraps, and classic and seasonal donuts. If you need bagels for a group, you can get a pre-selected baker's dozen or select your own varieties. If you're craving bagels, check out one of these places in Fort Smith, Arkansas, for delicious and fresh bagels in unique flavors. Whether you're looking to grab some bagels for yourself, the office, or a brunch outing, these coffeehouses, cafes, and pastry shops offer a wide selection of bagels and accompaniments to keep everyone happy. Image via Pixabay.com

Buying a used car offers many benefits over buying a new vehicle, such as a lower purchase price, less depreciation, and lower insurance to name but a few. However, you need to be prepared when you're shopping for a used car. Here are five important factors to consider. 1. Decide on Your Budget Working out your budget is equally the most basic and most important factor when buying a used car. If you're paying cash, don't be tempted to stretch your budget. If you intend to take out finance, realistically work out the deposit and monthly payments you can afford without difficulty. Don't forget to take the running costs into account. more 2. Create a Car Wish List You might like to own a particular car, but it can make your search easier if you create a list of similar vehicles that fall within your price range. Also, decide on the specifications you need, and those that are desirable. It might come down to choosing between an older but higher spec model or a newer car with fewer extras. Research takes time, but is invaluable. Study the reviews of the cars you're interested in to see what owners say about them and if there any common reliability problems. Look up the “10 best…” lists for the type of vehicle you want. Use Kelley Blue Book as a guide to the real value of used vehicles based on age, mileage, condition, etc. 3. Research the Value of Your Trade-in If you're offsetting the cost of your “new” car with a trade-in, you should know what it's worth. Once again, Kelly Blue Book can help you with that. A salesman has to turn a profit on your trade-in, so he will try to give you the lowest price possible but, if you know its value, you'll know if it's a fair offer. Alternatively, assess whether you'd get more for it with a private sale and if it's worth the additional hassle. 4. Have Your Chosen Car Checked When you've found a car that you're interested in, you need to know if there are any problems with it. Firstly, look up the vehicle history report which will tell you the ownership history, the approximate mileage, if it's ever been involved in a major accident, or if it's stolen. Take it for a test drive for yourself to make sure there are no unusual rattles, squeaks, or problems with the brakes, steering, and suspension. Even if it seems OK to drive, the next step is to have it inspected by a mechanic for any underlying problems. It might cost you around $100, but it could save you a lot of money and hassle in the future. 5. Negotiate You've done your research, so you know the value of the dream car you've found, and what your trade-in's worth, so negotiate with the salesman to get the best deal. Be prepared to walk away if you don't get what you want. Rath Auto Resources of Fort Worth have an awesome inventory of used vehicles and they'll give you the best deal on your trade-in. Image via RathAutoFortSmith.com

If you're craving a burger or breakfast late in the evening when most restaurants are closed, you'll be happy to know that Fort Smith has many late-night or 24-hour restaurants with full menus of great food. Whether you're looking for pancakes with eggs and bacon or a roast beef sandwich with fries, there are plenty of excellent late-night restaurants in Fort Smith to satisfy your craving. IHOP IHOP is a popular chain with a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. You can find a bit of everything, from pancakes and omelets to sandwiches, sides, and full dinner entrees, at any time of the day. IHOP also has seasonal menu options that feature holiday-themed dishes or specialty options, so you could experience something new every time you visit. Best of all, IHOP is a 24-hour restaurant, so you can indulge in the food you're craving any time of day. more Benson's Grill Benson's Grill is a 24-hour restaurant with American traditional food in an old-fashioned setting with counter seating. You can find many popular dishes, such as hot wings, stuffed jalapenos, burgers, and chicken strips, as well as numerous breakfast options. If you want to try something different, Benson's Grill also has a few Mexican-inspired dishes, such as Frito Chili Pie, which is a bowl of Fritos chips with chili, shredded cheese, and onions, or Mamma's Mexican Surprise, which is a full plate of tortilla chips with nacho cheese, beef, lettuce, and tomato. Bob & Wanda's Wagon Wheel Restaurant Bob & Wanda's Wagon Wheel Restaurant is a Southern-style restaurant with a full menu available 24 hours a day. The family-owned restaurant has been operating for over 25 years and has a few locations near Fort Smith, all of which share the delicious menu options and laid-back atmosphere. In addition to breakfast all day, you can get unique dishes like Catfish Whiskers (thin strips of deep-fried catfish with tartar sauce) and Bean Bowl Triple Play (slow-cooked pinto beans with home fries and cornbread). You can also get classic foods, such as spaghetti, chicken strips, pork chops, shrimp, and onion rings. Waffle House If you're in the mood for traditional diner fare, Waffle House is the perfect place. The 24-hour restaurant serves a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options throughout the day, such as Texas cheesesteak melts, cheeseburgers, and pork chops. They serve numerous breakfast dishes as well, such as omelets, waffles, pancakes, and the famous Hashbrown Bowl, which combines hash browns with melted cheese, scrambled eggs, and sausage. Waffle House has plenty of hash brown toppings as well, including grilled tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, chili, sausage gravy, and grilled onions, that you can mix for a unique dish of your own. Whether you're looking for a late dinner, an early-morning breakfast, or a full meal at 2 a.m., these late-night restaurants in Fort Smith will hit the spot. The next time you need a burger or bacon and eggs late in the evening, be sure to give one of these excellent restaurants a try! Image via Pixabay.com

When you buy a used car, you want one that will be worth the money you put into it. iSeeCars conducted a study where they analyzed 13.8 million cars sold in 2018 and calculated how many of those vehicles made it to 200,000 miles. Here are some of our favorites that made the top 10 lists. Toyota Tacoma If you're looking for a truck that's going to last you, the Toyota Tacoma should be near the top of your list. According to the study, around 2.6% of Tacoma trucks reach 200,000 miles. It's no small coincidence that the Tacoma has become one of the most popular trucks in the United States, with the trustworthiness and flexible options it offers to truck drivers. The Tacoma was the second-longest-lasting truck, following the Honda Ridgeline's 3.0%. more Toyota Prius For a commute-ready passenger car, check out the Toyota Prius. According to the study, around 1.7% of Prius cars sold had over 200,000 miles. The Prius has made its mark in the personal car world with the technological advancements that make it stand out from the crowd. The Prius has been known for its amazing mpg ratings for years. Toyota also built them to last, which saves you even more money in the long run. Upgrading your daily travels with a Prius is always a smart move for your comfort and your wallet. Ford Expedition One of the most notable takeaways from the study was that SUVs by far lasted longer than other body types. Tied for second on the list of all cars, SUVs and otherwise, is the Ford Expedition, with 5.0% of them lasting past 200,000 miles. It's a confident performer and it gives you enough power to take on any road with ease. If you're looking for an America vehicle that can handle everything you and your family's busy lives can throw at it, the Ford Expedition can handle the miles. Toyota Sequoia Want to know what the longest-lasting vehicle in all categories was? It's another Toyota, and another SUV; the Sequoia. This three-row SUV is one of the largest options on the market, which makes its durability that much more impressive. With more space to pack who and what you need to make the best out of your adventures and enough power to get there, the Toyota Sequoia is one of the best options if you're looking for longevity in a vehicle. Chevrolet Silverado Truck drivers who want to drive their haulers for miles and miles need to take a look at the Chevrolet Silverado. In the truck segment of the study, it came in fourth place at 1.9% of units reaching 200,000. The Silverado's popularity in the American market is in large part due to this lifespan, as well as the many performance features and useful power it brings to drivers. When you're ready to find your next used car that will last you for years to come, give our team a visit at Rath Auto Resources in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Let us help you find the perfect vehicle for your busy lifestyle. Image via Toyota.com

Brunch is the perfect meal. It comes with everything from eggs and bacon to sweet treats and savory dishes. In and around the Fort Smith area, there are several restaurants the serve a delicious brunch. With both breakfast and lunch choices, it is the perfect meal for indecisive eaters who can't decide what they want. Try these great brunch spots near Fort Smith, Arkansas. 1. The Egg & I The Egg & I is a locally owned restaurant with delicious food and friendly service. Everything is always made fresh to order, and the menu includes fresh juice made in-house and French toast batter made from scratch. Feast on huevos rancheros piled with refried beans, cheese, and eggs all rolled in a flour tortilla and then topped with salsa or chili, or try some delicious biscuit & gravy with eggs. more If you want to stay healthy, get the garden frittata or berry steel-cut oatmeal. For a savory treat, the hiker's benedict has poached eggs, smoked ham, asparagus, and house-roasted cremini mushrooms and tomatoes topped with dill hollandaise. 2. Jeff's Clubhouse The Club House Brunch buffet runs on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It includes a carving station where you can get beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce and roasted turkey breast. There is a build-your-own omelet station and egg station where you can choose what you want and how you want it cooked. Get something sweet at the crepe station, and you can also fill your plate with hush puppy fried shrimp, biscuits and gravy, sweet potato hash, avocado toast, and assorted muffins. 3. Bob and Wanda's Wagon Wheel Restaurant Stop by Bob and Wanda's Wagon Wheel for home cooking and all your favorite breakfast and lunch dishes. You can get pancakes, omelets, and campfire skillets to fill you up. The country hash has fried potatoes, diced ham and sauteed onions that comes topped with two eggs and country gravy. The Big Bob breakfast burrito has scrambled eggs, sausage, peppers, onions, and cheese rolled up in a flour tortilla. For something sweet, try the sweet oats with brown sugar, butter, and toast or the French toast that comes with three slices, butter, and syrup. 4. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store The Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in nearby Alma serves breakfast all day, along with lunch and dinner in the afternoon and evening. The menu includes all the Cracker Barrel traditional favorites such as the Old Timer's Breakfast, the fresh start sampler, and the smokehouse breakfast. You can also feast on pancakes, French toast, and the delicious pecan pancakes. If you prefer lunch, there is country fried steak, chicken n' dumplings, and southern fried chicken. The home-cooked classics include chicken pot pie and sirloin steak tips, or you can get creole shrimp with a kick. No matter what you like to eat for breakfast, lunch, or brunch, you can get it in or near Fort Smith. Try one of these restaurants in the area on a late weekend morning and get your day off to a great start. Image via Pixabay.com

For drivers on the hunt for a late-model pre-owned vehicle, an off-lease car or truck is worth a look. These vehicles have some unique advantages. You can often count on them to be in very good shape, have excellent maintenance records, and have less mileage than other used cars. Here are some excellent models you can get off-lease for less. How Do I Find Off-Lease Vehicles? The best place to find great deals on newly off-lease vehicles is by visiting your local dealership or by going to your dealership's website. Make sure to look in the used car area and speak with a team member to find out the history of the vehicle. Many lease returns go through a reconditioning process and sold as CPO vehicles or Certified Pre-Owned. With millions of lease customers turning in their vehicles, the options are unlimited. more Kia Forte The Kia Forte is a compact sedan with features that will fit any driver. It has a comfortable cabin with room for up to five passengers and lots of user-friendly technology. The wide range of trim levels makes it easy to get the features you want, including leather upholstery in the higher trims along with heated front seats, keyless entry, and a hands-free trunk opener. It comes standard with a rearview camera, and you can get blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, and rear cross-traffic alert. Volkswagen Jetta The Jetta is a stylish and fun sedan. With several engines available, you can get all the power you need without sacrificing fuel economy. There is room for five in the Jetta with up-level models offering synthetic leather upholstery, sport seats, and heat for the front seats. There is a touch-screen display, Bluetooth, and some models come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. Mazda 6 The most affordable way to buy a luxurious Mazda 6 is by taking a look at recent off-lease models. The 2017 has an upscale cabin, and it gets excellent fuel economy. The strong engine offers quick acceleration and a fun driving experience. Every 2017 Mazda 6 comes with a rearview camera, and some come with a blind-spot monitoring system along with rear cross-traffic alert. Some models also have automatic emergency braking, automatic high beam headlights, and forward-collision warning. Chevy Traverse If you want to get into a late-model used SUV, the Chevy Traverse is a good choice. The V-6 engine in the Traverse provides 281 horsepower and plenty of acceleration even when you have all three rows filled with passengers. A rearview camera comes standard, and the OnStar communications system is also in every model and available for use with a subscription. The Traverse offers room for seven, and it has a spacious cargo area so you can pack up both people and cargo. These are just a few of the vehicles you can choose if you want to save on an off-lease vehicle. You can find any type of car or truck, whether you need something for commuting to work or a family hauler. 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

An SUV is a powerful automobile with four-wheel drive that can be driven over bumpy roads. It combines the features of passenger vehicles with the features of off-road vehicles. You can always find a used SUV with plenty of life still in it. The following examples of used SUV cars have top dependability scores from J.D. Power. J.D. Power's Dependability score is a mixture of quality and dependability scores.  It is a score out of 100 given to each model per year, and is determined by consumer insights, resale, dealership, experience, and performance ratings. more 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan The 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan is a small SUV with a J.D. Power Dependability score of 81 out of 100. SUV owners who dwell in the city will enjoy its accurate steering and compact design that makes it a good car to move through traffic and also to squeeze into close-fitting parking spots. 2015 Hyundai Tucson The 2015 Hyundai Tucson is diminutive and is another small SUV with a high J.D. Power Dependability score. This one received an 80 out of 100. Its small size and car-like handling make it easy to drive around town. It is very reliable and also very affordable. 2015 Audi Q3 The 2015 Audi Q3 is a small premium SUV with a J.D. Power Dependability score of 87 out of 100. The interior layout and the driving dynamics are all excellent are a great reason to single it out as a noteworthy option. 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser The 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser is a very compact SUV with J.D. Power Dependability score of 84 out of 100. It has a very rugged body that contributes to an overall blocky look which has a resemblance to the 1960s Toyota J40 Land Cruiser. Its off-road capability is also very good, and coupled with its high dependability score, this vehicle will appeal to SUV-lovers looking for a used SUV they can off-road in. 2015 Chevrolet Equinox The 2015 Chevrolet Equinox is another compact SUV with J.D. Power Dependability score of 82 out of 100. There are many models of this SUV on the road today because of the obvious merit of the vehicle. It has good fuel economy and lots of interior room. 2014 and 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK Both the 2014 and 2015 models of the Mercedes-Benz GLK are compact premium SUVs. The 2014 model has J.D. Power Dependability score of 89 out of 100 while that of 2015 has J.D. Power Dependability score of 87 out of 100. These models of SUV cars have managed to hold on to the top dependability spot in the past two dependability ratings. You should understand that for used vehicles, maintenance history, repair history, and other factors can greatly affect the value and dependability of a particular vehicle, even a high-rated one, and turn it into an undesirable car. You should still follow the best practices to make a good choice when you shop for a used SUV. Image via Pixabay.com