Fort Smith Courthouse

Fort Smith, Arkansas, is a treasure trove of historical treasures that make for a great day of exploration. Here are some places to check out in the Fort Smith area where you can learn a bit about the history of the area.

Fort Smith National Historic Site

The city’s namesake is a famous frontier fort that was originally established on Christmas day in 1817 and served as an outpost for almost 80 years until 1896. In that time, the fort served as a frontline position against the Native American tribes that were ultimately relocated during the Trail of Tears, a base of operations during the Civil War, and ultimately as home to a branch of the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas.

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Car Tires

With summer just around the corner, now is the time to start getting your car ready to handle the hot days ahead. Here are some tips to get your car summer-ized to avoid any unfortunate breakdowns.

1. Take Care of Your Tires

Winter can be extremely rough on tires. Not only is there the everyday wear and tear from driving on the road, but all those times spinning out in icy driveways and parking lots add an extra toll. Now that the snow is melting and the weather is warming, it’s time to make sure your tires are still in good working condition.

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View of Ouachita Mountains from Hot Springs Mountain Tower

Fort Smith is the second biggest city in Arkansas and located near a bunch of different attractions that are perfect for a day trip get-a-way. Check out some of these destinations to get an idea of what the surrounding area has to offer.

1. Hot Springs National Park

Nicknamed “The American Spa,” for its pools of hot spring water, Hot Springs National Park is located in central Arkansas adjacent to the city of Hot Springs. This is the oldest park managed by the National Park System and features a ton of things to do. Besides all the beautiful trails, trees, streams, and hills of the park, some of the things that Hot Springs National Park has to offer include spas and baths, a museum, sporting opportunities, and live events. There are also restaurants featuring cuisine from around the world. 

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toyota logo

When it’s time to shop for a new ride, don’t limit the search to the new side of the dealership, even if you plan to drive the car for a long time. The average new automobile will be worth only about 35 percent of the purchase price after five years. Therefore, it’s smart to avoid the depreciation hit by finding a great pre-owned car or truck that suits your needs. Do your homework though as some models hold their value better than others. Check out these options for some vehicles that retain their value and have a long useful life.

Trucks and SUVs

If you think you may be ready to trade in the car in a few years, depreciation should be a primary concern for you. In that case, consider a truck or a sport utility vehicle (SUV) instead of a car. Kelley Blue Book gives an annual award for Best Residual Value to vehicles that retain a higher percentage of their value after five years. For the 2018 model year, nine of the 10 models on the list are either trucks or SUVs. One example is the 2018 Toyota Tacoma full-size truck. It is expected to retain more than 60 percent of the original sales price by 2022.

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Fort Smith Museum of History

Fort Smith, Arkansas, has a rich history, culture, and many landmarks. As Arkansas’ second largest city, Fort Smith offers a piece of the Old West with a mix of modern life. From War memorials, native territory, 19th century architecture to a diverse array of natural beauties, wandering Fort Smith in spring is an enjoyable and eye-opening experience. Here, we look at favorite spring attractions this historic city has to offer.

Fort Smith Natural Historic Site

The Fort Smith Natural Historic Site is a repository of the city’s history. The site is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and provides exhibits depicting the city’s martial heritage. It hosts the commissary building (1838), the site of old Fort Smith and old barracks, courthouse and jails.

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Boat Docks at Night

On the edge of town lies a sparkling oasis and cure for the pressures of everyday life. It’s just a quick drive away and it’s begging to be explored. So grab your car keys and let’s visit Lake Fayetteville Park.

Relax Your Way

458 acres of land surround the 194 acres of water and most neighbors know the watershed as a fisherman’s dream, but there’s so much more there than just casting. The Lake Fayetteville area is comprised of several parks that offer very different facilities. North Shore Park boasts a fast-paced disc golf course, while the Veteran’s Memorial Park attracts families and sportsmen with its horseshoe pits and hiking trails. 

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Used Car Models-Ford Truck

A little patience can pay off in a big way when you’re shopping for a car. While new cars definitely have the shine and allure to draw buyers, and a warranty that gives you a great deal of peace of mind, they also come with a big hit to the value in the form of depreciation. Some models lose up to 25 percent of their value as soon as you drive off the lot. One way to get the best of both worlds is to look for a vehicle from the last model year. Here are three great choices from the 2018 lineup.

2018 Toyota Corolla

For a student or a young adult just starting out, a new car probably isn’t in the budget. However, if you do your homework and research carefully, you’ll find some good options to fit even a small budget. The 2018 Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan that might just fit that sweet spot for you. CarGurus named it a winner in its segment in the 2018 Best Used Car Awards, estimating that the Corolla holds its value 29 percent better than competitors. The Toyota name itself is synonymous with quality and reliability so you can buy with confidence.

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classical piano player

There are several music venues in Fort Smith and many in the surrounding areas, so if you enjoy listening to your favorite genre of music live on stage, you don’t have to go far. Throughout the spring season, there are some well-known bands coming to town along with many local acts that will perform. Check out these can’t miss spring concerts in Fort Smith.

FS Symphony: It’s Time for Piano

On April 13, 2019, the FS Symphony will perform at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center. The It’s Time For Piano show, led by Tony DeSare, is a must-see event this spring. DeSare is one of the most prominent rising stars in the Jazz world and has performed in many different symphony orchestras all around the world. Some of the music you will hear at this concert include “Hungarian Rhapsody No 2” by Franz Liszt and “Barcarolle” by Jacques Offenbach. You’ll also hear songs by Billy Joel, Elton John, and Ray Charles.

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ft smith museum

There is no shortage of attractions for history buffs in and around Fort Smith. The area has a long and unique history that includes an old bordello, outlaws, and Native Americans. You can learn all about all of this and more by visiting some of the historic sights. Check out these top spots for history buffs near Fort Smith, AR.

The Clayton House

Go back to 1882 during a visit to the Clayton House. This was the year that William Henry Harrison Clayton moved to the area to help with the true grit effort. He wanted to help support the effort to restore peace to the Indian Territory in what is now Oklahoma. The Clayton House features a large collection of restored 19th-century furniture and still has the original coal-burning fireplaces.

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used car

Deciding on a used car is a huge decision. There are so many to choose from since each make and model has their own advantages and disadvantages. When you are in the market for a used car and want to find one that is reliable, equipped with the latest technology and safety features, and one that you can afford, it is important to do your research. Here are some of the most reliable late-model used cars to get your search started.

2016 Toyota Camry

The 2016 Toyota Camry is one of the top used cars on the market. It has a spacious interior with room for up to five passengers, has an excellent reliability rating, and comes with some advanced safety features. All the 2016 Camry trims come with a rearview camera, and the XSE and the XLE both have adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, Toyota’s pre-collision system, and lane departure warning. A certified pre-owned Toyota Camry also comes with Toyota’s limited warranty and must pass a 160-point inspection. Roadside assistance is available as an extra service.

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