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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new car

Whether your new driver is buying their first car on their own or you’re doing it together, it’s a huge step. There are arguments for both new and used cars when it comes to teen drivers, but you really can’t go wrong with a later-model used vehicle. Here are some of the best cars for a new driver.

2017 Honda Fit

The Honda Fit is an excellent subcompact car. The cabin is comfortable with high-quality materials, and the rear seat passengers have a good amount of legroom.

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ft smith AR historical marker

Fort Smith, Arkansas, has a great and varied history. There are plenty of places where you can travel back the last hundreds of years and learn where we came from as a nation and a people. 

Here are some of the best places to discover Fort Smith’s history.

1. Fort Smith Museum of History

The Fort Smith Museum of History is one of the best museums in the area if you want to look into the town’s past. 

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old carBuying a used car can be a stressful situation. But, you could find some great deals if you’re thorough in your search, don’t allow yourself to be rushed, and know what to look for.

Here are some tips to keep in mind as you shop for a used car.

  1. Make a Budget

Before you shop, know your budget. Decide how much you’re willing to spend on a used car so you can focus your search on vehicles that fit your price range.

Take a look at your finances, and be reasonable. A car should help you get around, not put you in a horrible financial situation. Once you know your budget, try to stick to it as much as possible, but have a good idea of how much higher you’d consider going. Read the rest of this entry »

car engineWhen you’re buying a vehicle, you should know basic car care practices. A vehicle is an investment that you want to keep in good condition. Take care of your car, and it will continue to take care of you.

Our team at Rath Auto Resources knows its way around a vehicle. Here are five basic car care tips everyone should know.

  1. Oil Changes

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but people still get it wrong all the time.

Regular oil changes can prolong your vehicle’s lifespan by years. Not much ruins an engine more than letting oil stay in the engine months after a change is due.

You can also be too careful about your oil changes. You’ve probably been told that you need to change your oil every 3,000 miles. In most cases, this is false. Save your money. Technology has advanced, and most car companies say you can wait as long as 10,000 miles to change your oil. Of course, you should still check your owner’s manual to see what your own vehicle calls for. Read the rest of this entry »

tire with snailEveryone loves to save a bit of money where they can, but are you doing everything you can to get better gas mileage and reduce spending at the pumps? There are a lot of things you can do to ensure you get the most out of every fill-up.

Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Something as simple as making sure your tires are fully inflated throughout the year can lead to marked improvements in gas mileage throughout the course of a year. As tires lose pressure, more surface touches the road, which in turn, increases friction against the road. This makes the engine work harder to fight this friction as you drive. Properly inflated tires help you roll further at sustained speeds, reducing the need to press the gas as much. Read the rest of this entry »

coffee mugA coffee shop is not only a place where you can grab your caffeine fix for the day, but also one where you can meet up with friends or family for a catch-up, take that special first date, or just sit down and relax with a good book. Here are three coffee shops in Fort Smith that provide an attractive setting, good service, and great coffee.

  1. Fort Smith Company

This new coffee shop in downtown Fort Smith, located in a renovated historic building, is a favorite spot for locals to sit down for a relaxing coffee. The décor is eclectic and hip, and the atmosphere warm and inviting. On the coffee menu are a variety of different choices such as a Lavender Latte, White Chocolate Mocha, and Spiced Thai Latte, all made by expert baristas. You can also enjoy a scone, waffle, crepe, a piece of quiche, or a toasted sandwich if you get peckish. Locals swear by the Turkey, Swiss, and Rosemary Quiche, the Mediterranean Crepe, or the Goat Cheese Toast.

If you feel like having a beer with your lunch or supper, they have locally-brewed craft beer on tap. Fort Smith Company also hosts events such a movie nights and regularly features live music. You will find this coffee shop at 1101 Rogers Avenue. Read the rest of this entry »

SUV vs Minivan | Fort Smith Used CarsWhen looking for a new car best suited for a family, the two classes that enter the discussion most are SUVs and minivans. While there are many similarities between the two, choosing what’s right for you and your family can be a tough choice. After all, you’ll be driving this vehicle for the next five to 10 years or more. Here’s how to decide whether SUVs or minivans are better for your family.

Overall Value

If economics end up playing a big role in your decision, minivans are a step ahead. Not only do minivans tend to have lower MSRPs for similar feature sets and trim levels, but they don’t vary wildly in upkeep costs compared to SUVs. Minicans get roughly the same gas mileage on average when compared to SUVs, and they have similarly sized tires.  Read the rest of this entry »

TowelsOne of the best ways to get some real rest and relaxation without taking a whole week vacation is to hit up a local day spa. Sometimes, a day at the spa is even better than that aforementioned week-long vacation. Just imagine you and an afternoon of total relaxation. The Fort Smith area has plenty of full-service spas that are perfect for one-day getaways. Head over for a relaxing massage now, and your body will thank you tomorrow!

Fountain Gate Spa and Boutique

This full-service spa and boutique offers a wide selection of massage options to help you relieve muscle tension and get relaxed.  They also offer beauty services such as facials, manicures, pedicures, body treatments, and spa packages which offer a combination of services.  Read the rest of this entry »