Blog

A car is a significant investment and one that needs to be taken care of if you want it to last. While newer cars don't require as much maintenance as older models, they still need service and attention to keep them running well. Here are some tips for keeping your car in tiptop shape. 1. Regular Maintenance Every vehicle has a specific maintenance schedule to follow. The manufacturer sets the schedule, and if you stick to it, your car will last a long time. Regular maintenance includes checking your car's fluids, oil, filters, brakes, and more. When you bring your vehicle to the dealer for maintenance, the technicians will keep track of what they have done and what the car needs at its next checkup. more 2. Check the Tires Tires often get overlooked when it comes to maintenance, but if you want to keep your car in good shape, the tires need to stay in good shape. Check the tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires lead to poor gas mileage, but overinflated tires can lead to a blowout. Always keep the tires within the manufacturer's recommended range. It is also important to check the pressure before a trip and after any large temperature fluctuations. Don't forget to rotate the tires too. It will help them to wear evenly and stay in alignment. 3. Change the Oil The motor oil is essential to the engine's performance. Its job is to keep the engine lubricated and keep all the parts in the engine from grinding and tearing. The oil also keeps the heat away from the combustion cycle and sends the tiny particles created during combustion to the oil filter. If there is not enough oil or it's dirty, it won't keep the engine's moving parts lubricated, and the engine will suffer. Have the oil checked according to the recommendation in the owners manual, or even every time you fill up your tank. 4. Keep It Clean Washing your car serves a bigger purpose than just making it look good. It also keeps the parts from rusting and helps the paint to last longer. This is especially important during the winter if you live where it snows. The salt and sand used to melt snow on the roads can get into your car's fender wells and in the undercarriage. If it's not removed, it can cause rust, which leads to bigger problems. 5. Drive With Care In addition to regular maintenance, your driving habits can minimize wear and tear. Slow down as you approach a stop sign or stop light and refrain from slamming on the brakes at the last minute. Accelerate slowly, and keep your speed as even as possible. You also want to give the engine some time to warm up before getting up to highway speed. Regular maintenance, fluid checks, and tires checks are essential for keeping your vehicle in tiptop shape. Spending the time and money to have these things checked and maintained will save you from spending big money on repairs later. Image via Flickr by Rick Obst

Tires are expensive. They are also one of the most important parts of your car when it comes to your safety and often the most neglected. Tires wear down as the miles pile on no matter what kind of car you drive. Each tire manufacturer provides the number of miles the tires should go before they need replacing, but depending on how you drive, this number could be higher or lower. Here are some tips for extending the life of your tires. 1. Keep The Correct Pressure Maintaining the correct tire pressure is essential to maximizing the life of a tire. You should check the pressure at least once a month to make sure your tires are correctly inflated. Remember, fluctuations in temperature can change the pressure, so always check them when the temperatures drop. Also, always check the pressure before you head out on a long trip. If the tires become underinflated, excess heat could build up in the tire as you drive and lead to failure. The correct pressure is usually listed on the driver's side door jamb. more 2. Rotate, Rotate, Rotate You should have your tires rotated regularly so they wear evenly. Your vehicle's owner's manual will have the specific intervals required between rotations, or you can find it in the new tire warranty. If you can't find it, a good guideline to follow is rotating your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. 3. Keep the Wheels Aligned If you feel any kind of vibration or the car starts to drift to one side, it probably means that your vehicle is out of alignment. If you keep driving the car this way, the tires will unevenly wear down, which will shorten their life. It is not uncommon for wheels to come out of alignment; it happens as you drive over bumps, potholes, and even curbs. A wheel alignment should be a part of your regular vehicle maintenance, and it will also help extend the life of the tires. 4. Keep Out of the Sun It is impossible to keep your car and its tires out of the sun completely, but minimize the time by parking in a garage or keeping it in the shade. The harsh rays of the sun can cause the tires' rubber to crack. 5. Change Your Tires With the Seasons If you live in a place where it gets cold and snowy during the winter, consider changing over to snow tires for the winter season. Snow tires use a different rubber compound designed for cold weather, and the design of the tread also provides better traction on the snow and ice. If you change out your tires each season, you'll get more miles out of each set. Just remember to remove the snow tires as soon as the weather warms up so you don't add unnecessary wear. Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your tires. You can also add to the mileage by keeping them out of the sun and using snow tires in the winter. Image via Flickr by The National Roads and Motorists' Association

It's always a good idea to have a rainy day plan whether you have a day or two off or you have kids who need to stay busy. While there are some wonderful things you can do outside on a nice day in Northwest Arkansas, there are also plenty of activities for a rainy day. Here are some that are worth checking out. 1. Play at Fast Lane Entertainment Do you have kids who need exercise? Bring them to Fast Lane Entertainment in Lowell. This place has over 75,000 square feet of indoor play areas for kids of all ages. Not only is there a 10-lane bowling alley, there are also bumper cars, the Python Pit roller coaster, and the Mini Himalaya ride. The giant indoor play structure gives kids a place to climb, crawl, slide, and play, and the arcade and laser tag offer even more fun. more 2. Visit The Arkansas Air Museum The Arkansas Air Museum features a large collection of vintage planes and historic aircraft. This is a must-see for military history buffs with exhibits that include cutaway engines so you can see how they work and historic displays from Fayetteville's first days of flight. This museum is where you'll find some of the few remaining antique aircraft and one-of-a-kind replicas. There are signature pieces from the Golden Age of Aviation and aircraft from World War II. You'll find the museum on Highway 71 in Fayetteville. 3. Catch a Movie at Malco Razorback Cinema Malco Razorback Cinema plays first-run movies using the latest technology. This includes curved screens, digital sound and video, stadium seating, and rocking seats. The theater also has a cafe, a game room, and a party room if you want to plan a birthday party for the kids. 4. Climb at the Ozark Climbing Gym You don't have to go to the mountains to find a great climbing experience in Northwest Arkansas. You can climb at the Ozark Climbing Gym. This facility is a bouldering gym for climbers of all levels. Bouldering is a form of rock climbing without ropes or harnesses, but the staff keeps everyone safe by having padded floors and extra pads if you need them. The whole family can climb with memberships available for unlimited climbing, day passes, and punch cards. If you've never climbed before, the experienced staff will help get you started. 5. Shopping at the Northwest Arkansas Mall Shopping is always a good rainy day activity. The Northwest Arkansas Mall offers a wide variety of stores from large retail chains to small boutiques, and it also has several restaurants and dining options. Stop by on a rainy day to find something new for the house, shop for a new outfit, or add to your jewelry collection. There is plenty to do in Northwest Arkansas even on a rainy day. Whether you like history, want to keep the kids active and busy, or just want to shop, it's all within a short drive. Image via Flickr by amrufm

Around Northwest Arkansas, there are some fun places to take your kids where they can participate in educational activities, learn new skills, meet new friends, and have a fun time. Check out these great places where your kids are bound to have a blast. 1. Ozark Mountain Zip Lines at Eureka Springs Zipline Canopy Tours first started in Costa Rica as a way for people to experience the plants and animals that live up in the tree canopies. The Ozarks has its own unique plant and animal life that enjoy life high above the ground, so it only makes sense to put up a zip line so people can enjoy what this area has to offer. more The zip line tours are a guided adventure from treetop to treetop, designed to show off the natural beauty high above the ground as guests learn how to glide effortlessly along suspended steel cables. The company has experience building zip lines throughout the United States as well as Central America, and operate on a safety-first principle to ensure the construction of the zip lines is sound and that the guides are expertly trained. Ozark Mountain Zip Lines offers single and group rates, special organizational discounts, and are open all year. For ticket information, reservations, and more information contact them through their website or give them a call at 479-363-6699. 2. Bear Mountain Stables If your child is into horses, then Bear Mountain Stables is a great chance for them to hit the trails on one of the 12 horses in their stable. Located 15 minutes from Eureka Springs, Bear Mountain offers guided trail rides through the beautiful Ozark mountains that are suitable for all ages and skill levels. There are also cabins available for families that want to stay a few days and really soak in all the beauty that the Ozarks have to offer. There are vacation packages available for those looking to stay over and trail rides are available between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day of the week. For more information on prices and availability, you can contact them through their website or give them a call at 800-805-8005. 3. Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks An awe-inspiring destination that brings in over 80,000 visitors per year, the Botanical Gardens is a great place to take your kids to explore 12 themed gardens, a butterfly house, and scheduled garden events throughout the year. The Botanical Gardens also offers an array of educational classes that are fun and will teach both children and parents about horticulture, butterfly research, and fitness classes. For more information on classes, ticket prices, membership information, and hours of operation, you can visit the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks website or give them a call at (479) 750-2620. This list comprises some of the best places for your kids to have a fun time while still learning something throughout Northwestern Arkansas. Sign them up and let them have some fun in one of these wholesome outdoor settings. Image via Flickr by snickclunk

Used cars are amazing values if you do your homework first. These tips will help you navigate the used-car-buying process and score you a deal you'll be excited about. 1. Know Your Budget How much can you afford ... comfortably? You're not looking for the biggest possible number. When establishing your budget, keep in mind how much you can afford. Factor in something for maintenance unless you're planning on buying a used car with a warranty. more 2. Decide Upon Your Must-Haves Consider your needs so you can begin narrowing down the cars. Many times with used cars, buyers can afford more than they could with a new model. They can get so excited about the options that they get swept away. However, if you know what you want and need, this is less likely to happen. Need room for sports equipment or camping gear? Looking for reliable gas mileage? Knowing what you want before you fall in love with a car will help you make a wise decision. 3. Decide on a Car or Let Fate Decide Used car shopping has changed a lot with the internet. Now you can research what's available without strolling lots. You can decide based on inventory exactly what manufacturer, make, and model you want. Then you can contact the dealership and arrange a test drive. Or you can leave it up to chance and visit the lot to view inventory. Both have benefits. Researching online means you can find out about the car ahead of time. Research important things like maintenance costs, insurance, reliability rating, value for your area, and a lot more. However, viewing inventory in person means you will see the most up-to-date cars available. Sometimes vehicles are on the lot before they've been added to the dealership's online inventory. You can score a good vehicle by physically being present before it goes on the web. That's why knowing what you want ahead of time can help you recognize a good deal quickly. 4. Check the Vehicle History Report Once you find a car you like, get in. Take a test drive. Imagine yourself behind the wheel. But before you do all of those fun parts, take a look at the vehicle history report. A vehicle history report will give you all the important details that can help you make a smart buying decision like info on past ownership, accident history, title status, and mileage. 5. Negotiate a Good Deal There are books written about how to do this but ideally, you would be well-equipped with your research. You would know what similar cars go for in your area and the value of the car. Don't look at monthly payments as much as the total cost of the car. Also, think of other bonuses the dealer may give you that could save you money like warranties or free oil changes. Finally, work with a straightforward dealer; one like Rath Auto Resources, that's looking forward to building a relationship with you, not someone who's just looking for a one-time sale. Image via Flickr by Foot Slogger

Northwest Arkansas offers plenty to do without having to travel far. Whether you're looking for a great place to take a hike through nature or somewhere to take in a concert or theater performance, you're sure to find something fun and entertaining to do. Frank Lloyd Wright's Bachman-Wilson House Take in a truly iconic piece of American architecture at the Bachman-Wilson House. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and originally built in New Jersey in 1954, the home was moved to and reconstructed at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in 2015. Admission to explore the house is free, but advance tickets are required to tour the home. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is located at 600 Museum Way in Bentonville. more Scenic Highway 12 Ride down Scenic Highway 12, stretching from Historic Downtown Rogers to Eureka Springs. Along the way, there are several attractions to experience. At War Eagle Mill, tour the only working grist mill in Arkansas, and see how grains are ground into flour. Visit the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge and tour the habitat on a self-guided half-mile loop. Enjoy nature with a hike at Hobbs State Park, with over 12,000 acres and a 32-mile trail for walking, hiking, biking, or horseback riding. These attractions and several more are along this scenic route. Shiloh Museum of Ozark History Learn about local history at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History. The museum features several exhibits about the history of the Ozarks and its development into the area that it has become today. Alongside its exhibits, the museum features six historical buildings to tour and a research library with over a half-million photographs of Ozark history and life. From the pre-historic times to the modern era, the museum offers a glimpse into life in the Ozarks during different periods. Special exhibits are also offered and change periodically. The Shiloh Museum of Ozark History is located at 118 West Johnson Avenue in Springdale. Admission is free. Razorback Regional Greenway Travel through seven cities on the Razorback Regional Greenway. Enjoy the outdoors and the fresh air over the course of this 36-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail. Along the way, pass thorough downtown areas, historical sites, parks, the University of Arkansas campus, and arts and entertainment destinations. In Bentonville, take in the art installations along the trail near the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The trail runs from the northern part of Bentonville to the southern part of Fayetteville. Downtown Eureka Springs Downtown Eureka Springs features Victorian architecture and a rich history. Tour the Underground of Eureka Springs with a 75-minute tour that shows the area in ways never seen before. Go for a bike ride, hike one of the many in-town trails, or shop through the several fashion boutiques and art galleries. After a day of exploration, enjoy dinner at one of the several restaurants serving everything from Italian to Mexican and traditional pub fare. The underground tour costs $13.50 and meets at Basin Spring Park. Image via Flickr by kevin dooley

Northwest Arkansas continues to impress when it comes to delectable places to eat. From farm-to-table comfort food to cosmopolitan fusions dishes, our area is full of delicious opportunities for culinary exploration. Here are a few favorites. Grotto Wood Fired Grill & Wine Cave, Eureka Springs Imagine an award-winning restaurant set inside a "cave,"or, in this case, built on a rock. Grotto Wood Fired Grill boasts a multi-sensory experience with small plates and tapas. Their fried Brussel sprouts will give you a new-found desire for getting your daily veggies while the carnivores will love their delicious steaks. more The Rail: A Pizza Company, Rogers Who doesn't hanker for a slice of pizza served up with a little humor and a side of fun? Check out the Rail's weekday special, a different slice of pizza every day, perfect for trying their varieties. Don't forget to bring a sticker to add to their wall, a conversation piece in and of itself. Don't miss their pig shanks (wings). Smoked and flash-fried, they're so heavenly they'll turn you into a believer that perhaps pigs really can fly. Preacher's Son, Bentonville Enjoy local and sustainable cuisine at this historic church where the executive chef is, in fact, a preacher's son. With expansive ceilings, exposed brick walls, and wood ceiling beams, the architecture is as memorable as the food. The spot offers vegan and gluten-free options as well as standard favorites like meat and potatoes. The Preacher's Son is also known for its stellar service. Hammontree's Grilled Cheese, Fayetteville This sandwich shop answers the impossible question of how many different ways you can prepare this American favorite. The answer is as many sandwiches as you're willing to try. And try you will want to. Another bonus to this down-home restaurant is that you can enjoy your favorite grilled cheese concoction with a cocktail.  The quirkily-named sandwiches (who wouldn't want to be a part of Parmageddon??) with gooey centers will lead you straight to cheese Nirvana. The Hive at 21C, Bentonville Hotel restaurants get a bad rap. They're sometimes thought of as boring and overpriced, but not this one. The Hive at 21C Museum Hotel is led by award-winning chef Matthew McClure and is putting the area on the culinary map. He was named the People's Best New Chef in the Midwest in Food & Wine in 2015. Today, his use of the region's produce and traditional tastes are mixed with new twists on old favorites. As a bonus, enjoy the delightful ambiance and the on-site art museum. Twenty-eight Springs, Siloam Springs Twenty-eight Springs serves up gourmet food with a seasonal menu to ensure only the freshest ingredients are used. While the food is delicious, the drinks are spectacular. Try a Stormy Morning or a Haley's Comet for a memorable beverage experience. Twenty-eight Springs also hosts events throughout the year that showcase special menus and tastings. Feeling hungry yet? We sure are. Now the only question is deciding which place to go. What restaurant would you add to this list? Image via Flickr by: faungg's photos

The expansive Ozark National Forest covers a large swathe of northwestern Arkansas. It offers many attractions such as scenic valleys, mountains, springs, pristine streams, and supports a diverse array of flora and fauna. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, the forest offers a wide range of outdoor activities including breathtaking hikes, camping, fishing, hunting, and general outdoor exploration. In this piece, we look at top activities that will make your time exploring the Ozark National Forest well spent. Camping Camping is one of the best ways to see the Ozark National Forest. Whether you want to fish, hike, or soak in the mesmerizing scenery, the forest offers multiple camping locations to unleash your spirit of adventure.  But most campgrounds offer limited modern comfort to preserve the natural ambience of the forest. more If you plan to hike the Ozark Highlands Trail in the Ozark National Forest, you will find several campgrounds near the trail to camp and rest. Popular campgrounds include the Bayou Bluff Cove Lake campground, Long Pool campground, and Brock Creek campground among others. Hiking The Ozark National Forest is home to several iconic trails. Whether for hiking some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, or as a lover of nature's beauties, this is a hiker's paradise. Favorite trails include the Alum Cove Natural Bridge Trail, Butterfly Loop Trail, Huckleberry Mountain Trail System, and the Mill Creek and more. From ancient springs to secret caves, waterfalls and lush vegetation, you can have loads of fun on this side of Arkansas, and it's only 30 minutes from town. Mountain biking and horseback riding have become popular in the forest. If you love the high-energy equestrian sport or the adrenaline-pumping travails of rugged biking, there is no limit to your exploits in the over 1 million-acre Ozark National Forest. Wilderness Exploration The Ozark National Forest has five wilderness areas that offer plenty opportunities for solitude, exploration, sightseeing, and more. Abundant wildlife, caves, streams, iconic landforms, and spectacular views make these wilderness areas favorite spots for many visitors. When you want to unwind and disconnect from the hectic city life, you will find peace in East Fork Wilderness or Richland Creek Wilderness. Swimming The Ozark National Forest with its clear streams and beautiful rivers offers several beautiful swimming holes where you can cool down after long hikes. If you have an adventurous spirit, you can discover a secret swimming hole to swim, have fun, and soak in the bounties of the forest in private. Most campgrounds have swimming holes nearby, so maybe one is a few meters away from your camp! Waterfalls Arkansas is a land of waterfalls, and the Ozark National Forest is swarming with these natural wonders. People who visit the forest during the rainy season can testify to the large number of heavenly waterfalls and cascades beautifying the Arkansas Ozarks. The experience is like living in a fable, but you are there live, catching your breath as millions of gallons thunder down the face of rocks into the many rivers and creeks crisscrossing the forest. The Ozark National Forest is a treasure trove that reveals timeless gems for those who dare to explore its depths. A visit to the forest in spring is a life-changing experience. Image via Flick by Mabecerra

If you want to make Valentine's Day special, it is important to plan ahead. Many restaurants book weeks in advance for this holiday and often offer special menus. If you want to do something other than just dinner, you can also plan an evening around events happening in your city. Here are some places where you can celebrate Valentine's Day in Fort Smith, AR. Valentine's Day at Legacy Grill Legacy Grill is a wonderful restaurant in downtown Fort Smith. It opened in 2017 inside the historic Sarah Mincer House and is now a popular spot for a night out. The food is a combination of classic American dishes and unique regional dishes with something for everyone. For Valentine's Day, the eatery will offer two seating times for dinner. You can choose either 6 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. You'll need to call and make a reservation if you want to celebrate the holiday here, and there will be a special menu for the evening. more See a Concert On February 14, Dwight Yoakam will return to Temple Live. The show starts at 7 p.m. and will go until about 10 p.m. Temple Live is a great place to see a show on Valentine's Day. If you're a member of the Sphinx Club, you can go downstairs for dinner before the show and enjoy the farm-to-table menu. Have a handcrafted cocktail while you sit and relax, and then just head upstairs when it is time for the concert. You can get tickets to the show right on the Temple Live website and reserve your spot. Dinner at Taliano's Italian Restaurant Taliano's offers a romantic atmosphere and wonderful Italian food, making it a top choice for a Valentine's Day dinner. The restaurant sits in an old restored mansion from the 1800s and is right in downtown Fort Smith. The cozy feel makes it unique among the eating establishments in the area, featuring some of the original chandeliers from the home and a fireplace in one of the five dining rooms. The menu includes many small dishes so you can order several and share, and the unique cocktails include the Godfather and the Godmother. StoneHouse at Chaffee Crossing Bring your loved one to StoneHouse at Chaffee Crossing for a special Valentine's Day dinner. This restaurant has a farm-to-table menu with seasonal items created with locally sourced food. The cozy interior has a modern flair, making it a perfect spot for you and a date. Choose a wine to share from the extensive wine list, and enjoy the excellent service from the friendly and knowledgeable waitstaff. You should call ahead to make a reservation. Make sure to check the restaurant's website or social media pages for news about a special menu or special seating times for the holiday. Call one of these Fort Smith restaurants or venues to plan a fantastic night for you and your Valentine. Whether you want good food or fun entertainment, you can do it right in Fort Smith or nearby. Image via Flickr by infomastern

Winter is here, but it's not too late to get your car ready if you didn't have time to get it done before the snow started flying. Years ago, winterizing your car was necessary to keep it running and in good shape during the cold winter months. Fortunately, modern vehicles don't need the same extensive routines. However, there are some things you can do to ensure your car keeps running throughout the season. Try some of these winterizing tips. Check the Battery The battery is essential to getting your car started, but when the temperature drops, the chemicals needed to generate power in the battery slow down. The lower the temperature, the lower amp-hour capacity a battery has. It's a good idea to make sure your battery is working to its full capacity before it gets cold so you start with a full charge. Your mechanic can also check for corrosion as well as the connections to make sure everything is in good working order. more Check Your Wiper Blades To ensure that you don't get caught in a snowstorm with wiper blades that won't clear your windshield, check your wiper blades before winter arrives. Wiper blades wear down over time, and they usually only work for about a year. You might even want to purchase winter wipers that will work better than regular wipers in the cold weather. Also, remember to check your windshield wiper fluid. Top it off if it's getting low with a brand of fluid that has a lower freezing temperature so you'll always have a clear windshield no matter what Mother Nature throws at you. Bring an Emergency Pack There are some items you should keep in your car at all times during the winter. You never know when you might run into a snowstorm or even get stranded on the side of the road. Be prepared by packing an emergency kit filled with blankets, jumper cables, a fully-charged cellphone, a flashlight, granola bars or power bars, and a shovel. You should also keep bottles of water in your car, a first aid kit, and a bag of kitty litter or sand. Check the Tires Check the tread on your tires for wear and tear, or even swap out those all-season tires for winter tires. Snow tires are a better tire for those who live in areas where it gets very cold in the winter. The rubber compounds in all-season tires harden when the temps drop, making it more difficult to grip the road. Snow tires use special compounds designed to delay this hardening, and they have different tread patterns designed to provide better traction on slippery, snow-covered roads. Follow these tips to winterize your car, and you'll be prepared to handle almost any weather that this brisk season throws at you. You'll also want to keep up with the regular maintenance on your vehicle. This is essential to keeping it in good shape any time of year. Image via Flickr by Anton Vakulenko

You never know what might happen when you're out on the road. It doesn't matter what time of year it is or where you live, things happen, and you could someday find yourself stuck on the side of the road. While roadside assistance will help you get out of many situations, you should always prepare for the worst. Here are some must-have items for any car emergency kit. A Fully Charged Cellphone Keeping a phone in your car won't do you any good if you can't use it. Keep your phone charged at all times so you have it when you need it. This might mean charging it before you leave the house or keeping a charging cord in your vehicle so you can power it up while you drive. It's also a good idea to keep a portable charger in the car. You can use this if your vehicle and your phone run out of juice. more Blankets and Extra Cold Gear For those who drive in a cold and snowy area, blankets are a must have in your car. If you need to wait for help, you'll want a way to keep warm. In dire situations, blankets can even be a lifesaver. You should also keep mittens or gloves and an extra jacket or sweatshirt in the car. A Flashlight Always make sure your emergency kit has a working flashlight and extra batteries. If you need to see outside of the car at night, a flashlight is an essential tool. Choose a high-powered one if possible and check it regularly to confirm that it works. A First Aid Kit A fully-stocked first aid kit will help if you get injured while on the road. You can pack up individual items on your own or just purchase a small first aid kit that will fit in your emergency bag. The kit should include several sizes of band-aids, antiseptic cleansing wipes, scissors, sterile gauze pads, first aid tape, and an instant ice pack. It should also have an ace bandage, bug spray, and aspirin or ibuprofen. Bottled Water and Food You never know how long you could be stuck before help arrives, so it's important to have some food and water. Bottled water will keep in your car for a long time, and if you pack up granola bars or high protein energy bars, they could keep you from going hungry while you wait. Seasonal Supplies Pack seasonal items in your car. In the winter, for example, keep a shovel and an ice scraper along with sand or kitty litter. In the warmer months, you'll want to have an umbrella, rain gear, and extra clothes in case you get wet. You can use these if you have to walk anywhere in the rain to find help. You can't always avoid a breakdown or an emergency, but you can prepare for one. Stock up on these items and keep them in your car so you'll be ready to handle almost anything. Image via Flickr by moneymetals

Hiking is a fantastic outdoor activity any time of year. Even in the winter months, you can bundle up and make the most of the fresh, cool winter air. There are plenty of places to go for a hike in and around the Springdale area. With trails designed for the beginner hiker and some for the more adventurous, you're sure to find something that fits your ability. Here are some of the best places to hike near Springdale, AR. Lake Lafayette Trail The Lake Lafayette Trail is a 5.5-mile loop that leads to other trails if you want to extend your hike. This is a highly trafficked trail and well maintained with some paved areas, too. There are some beautiful wooded areas and an open preservation area along the way, and you'll also get to enjoy views of the lake. A wide variety of flora and fauna will greet you along the trail, and there are even benches if you need to rest. more Prairie Grove Battlefield Prairie Grove Battlefield is one of America's most intact Civil War battlefields, and the state park offers an excellent place for hiking and walking. There's a 1-mile Battlefield Trail to follow where you can see the places where the battle took place, or you can go along the 5-mile driving tour to see the historic structures in the Ozark village. Butterfield Hiking Trail The Butterfield Hiking Trail is a challenging hike for more experienced hikers. It's a rocky trail with some scrambling necessary. It got its name from the Butterfield Stagecoach and is one of the few looped backpacking trails in Arkansas. It starts in the Devil's Den State Park right near the pavilion and crosses highway 74 before passing near Mount Olive. There are several scenic views along the way, including Vista Point and Blackburn Creek. Keep in mind that you need to get a free permit from the park office before starting on this hike. Shaddox Hollow Nature Trail The Shaddox Hollow Nature Trail in Rogers is just a few miles outside of Springdale and offers a simple hike perfect for beginners. You can see a lot of the river as you walk along the trail, which runs for about a mile and a half. This is a loop trail, so you can just keep following back to where you started. Also, it's not too strenuous. This makes it a good hike for the whole family. Withrow Springs State Park Head to nearby Withrow Springs State Park in the Ozark Mountains for several hiking opportunities. There are trails for all levels, including the easy Dogwood Nature Trail and the War Eagle Trail, which is just a two-mile loop trail that runs along the river. The Forest Trails is a little more difficult but only runs for about a mile. Try any of these gorgeous places near Springdale for hiking. There are trails for all levels, whether you're just starting out or have some hiking experience already. Image via Flickr by ubelkatze