Blog

Northwest Arkansas provides some spectacular romantic getaway destinations that you and your loved one can explore. Treat yourselves to an unforgettable experience in the beautiful Ozarks! Here are a few ideas that are sure to please any couple planning a weekend getaway near Springdale. 1. Inn at the Mill For a full weekend getaway package, Inn at the Mill is a fantastic choice. It's one of the most aesthetically beautiful inns or hotels in the area, and a quick tour around the grounds shows why. more The Mill is on the National Register of Historic Places and has a colorful past. The Mill's namesake turns on the broad side of the building, giving it an antiquated charm. The Ozark flora gives the Mill a secluded, natural air. The rooms are unforgettably designed. They embody Southern charm but bring it into the new age. After you and your date have checked in, you can dine at the award-winning, gourmet restaurant. During the day, there are plenty of sights and attractions in Springdale to keep you busy. 2. Sassafras Springs Vineyard Sassafras Springs Vineyard is a popular venue for celebrations and a frequent destination for visitors. Stop by the tasting room, which is in a completely renovated dairy barn. Though the cows are gone, the tasting room still speaks of its past while bringing an elegant and pleasurable experience to visitors. Enjoy wines from all over the world or straight from the vines outside. Sassafras produces syrah, chardonnay, rose, riesling, and more. There's nothing like sitting on one of the decks and watching the sunset as you enjoy a glass of wine. Be sure you make a dinner reservation before, or you can always walk-in and get a charcuterie and fromage board. Sassafras' premises are beautiful in and of themselves. Take a walk to see the hints of the vineyard and winery's humble beginnings. The chapel ruins are especially beautiful and make a great spot for celebrations such as weddings. 3. Theo's If you're looking for a fine dining experience on your weekend getaway, look no further than Theo's in Fayetteville. The menu is full of gastronomic experiences that you can't find just anywhere. Seared swordfish, braised lamb, duck, mussels — Theo's has a menu that will please any appetite. It also has a separate lounge and happy hour menus to choose from. Are you good on dinner?  Stop by Theo's for a signature cocktail or an ice-cold beer. It has a cocktail list that covers all the classic drinks — such as Tom Collins, mules, and pisco sours — as well as its own concoctions. This restaurant also prides itself on its full wine list. This is a great destination for foodie couples who love great dishes and crafted drinks. It's also a great spot to celebrate through the night and have some fun. As you drive around the area, be open to new experiences. These are just a few of the great locations where you're sure to have a pleasurable romantic weekend. Safe travels! Image via Flickr by Connorhd

Rath Auto Resources knows cars. And, we know we all love saving money. That's why we put together a list of the best ways to get better gas mileage. Make it easier on your car and your wallet by following these tips. 1. Slowing Down This is one of the best tactics you can use to get better gas mileage. The faster you drive, the more wind resistance your car must fight against. This force increases exponentially when you drive at speeds higher than 55 miles per hour. Give your engine a "brake" by slowing down. more 2. Turning the Engine Off Don't let your engine run if you're not going anywhere. Idling is one of the best ways to lose fuel efficiency. Some say that the engine uses more fuel to start than it uses while it's idling. Those people are wrong. Starting your engine takes less fuel than idling for one minute. Turn the engine off and save some gas. 3. Replacing Air Filters Air filters keep the air that your engine needs crisp and clean. When your air filter is dirty, your engine is dirty. When your engine is dirty, it has to work harder to perform, and this lowers your fuel efficiency. If you don't want to change your own air filters, ask your mechanic to check and replace them next time you take your car in for an oil change. 4. Using Cruise Control Cruise control is a game-changer, especially on highways. Use your cruise control feature liberally to save gas. Your foot is constantly shifting and changing on the gas pedal. Cruise control keeps your vehicle traveling at one speed, cutting out the intermittent accelerations your foot would accidentally make. Turn your cruise control off if you're trying drive up a hill. It won't be as effective or reactive as you are, but you can turn it back on once you're done climbing. 5. Turning Off A/C Using your car's air conditioning requires power that the vehicle could be using for its engine. When you can, turn your A/C off to use that energy to save fuel. If it's a hot day and you don't want to suffocate in your vehicle, this might not be an option. But, if you're driving through the city, roll your windows down. If you're on the highway, roll them up and use the A/C to decrease wind drag caused by the open windows. 6. Maintaining Your Car The best way to ensure that your car is getting the best gas mileage it can get is to make sure that it's getting the care it needs. Don't skimp on routine maintenance. This keeps your car running smoothly and efficiently. If you're using dirty oil, you're making more work for your engine. If your tire pressure is low, you're making it more difficult for your vehicle to get traction. If you take care of your car, it will take care of you. It will also save you money at the gas pump, and we can all use a little more of that. Image via Flickr by Jeepers Media

The farms in Arkansas grow some of the best produce in the country. There's nothing like a meal made from locally grown vegetables and fruits, and the best place to get them is at farmers markets. The Springdale area has great farmers markets that sell not only produce, but local artisanal crafts, furniture, tools, and more. Here is a handful of the best our area has to offer. 1. Ranalli Farms The Ranalli Farms Farmers Market in Springdale is one of the most well-established markets in the area. more Ranalli Farms has a great selection of fruits, vegetables, and homemade baked goods. The products change throughout the year, as the farm makes seasonal jams, jellies, spices, canned goods, and gift baskets. You can also find some quality craft items and furniture here. The baked goods are made using family recipes that have been handed down through generations. You'll find fruit bread, cobblers, pies, rum cakes, cinnamon buns, cookies, loaves of bread — the list goes on and on. Aside from produce and baked goods, you can also find farm equipment, feed, and tack for sale. Ranalli Farms is one of the best places to find what you need to keep your own farm running smoothly. Ranalli Farms is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. 2. Vanzant Fruit Farms Over in Lowell, Vanzant Fruit Farms produces some of the highest-quality fruits and vegetables in Arkansas. The farmers grow most of the produce they sell at their own orchards, vineyards, and fields. If you're looking for a true farm-to-table experience, you'll get it here. Pick up some pumpkins, tomatoes, apples, grapes, blackberries, and much more. The stock revolves around what is ready for harvest at the time to ensure you're getting the freshest options possible. Vanzant Fruit Farms is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and it's closed on Sunday. 3. Fayetteville Farmers Market Fayetteville Farmers Market is one of the largest markets you'll find within driving distance of Springdale. The organizers pride themselves on their local produce and wares, which come from within 60 miles from the city. Here you'll find booths featuring farmers and crafters. Enjoy shopping for your next weeks-worth of dinners while listening to live musicians and enjoying food from the vendors. Up to 70 vendors sell food items such as eggs, jams, baked goods, meats, vegetable, and fruits. You can also find great gift ideas through the craft booths that sell various artisanal items and arts. From December to March, the Fayetteville Farmers Market will be in Ozark Natural Foods every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The rest of the year, the market is open Tuesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Fayetteville Square downtown. If you want to step up your culinary game, the best way to start is by heading to any of these farmers markets. Open up a new world of nutritious cooking! Image via Flickr by Ageless North Shore

Are you looking for a good, reliable second-hand car? Look nofurther than at Rath Auto Resources NWA. Our inventory list has some great models. Whether you want a family sedan, powerful workhorse, or luxury sedan, we have it listed. A 2015model is a good choice, being only three years old, as it can drive you for many years to come. Here's a look at three of the top 2015 models that you should check out. 1. 2015 Toyota Camry SE Are you in the market for a reliable family sedan? Look no further than the 2015 Toyota Camry SE. Toyotas are known for their reliability and we have a great celestial silver metallic Toyota Camry in stock. This six-speed automatic transmission front-wheel-drive has a four-cylinder 2.5-liter engine that produces 178 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. more Safety features of the 2015 Toyota Camry include adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, a pre-collision system, and lane departure warning. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the2015 Toyota Camry a four out of five stars frontal crash and rollover safety rating. It gets the best rating of "good" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as a Top Safety Pick+. Toyota's Entune system is responsive and makes the cabin feel modern. The center stack controls are user-friendly with large buttons. 2. 2015 Ford F-150 Looking to ride in comfort paired with brute force and power? Come to Rath Auto Resources and take a look at the 2015 Ford F-150 we have in stock with 34,708 miles on the clock. The 2015 Ford F-150four-wheel-drive comes with a six cylinder, 3.5-liter engine. The V-6 engine produces 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque and is able to tow a whopping 7,600 pounds. Safety is important on the Ford F-150, and it comes with many safety features such as electronic stability and roll control, ABS brakes, driveline traction control, side impact beams, rear parking sensors,cross-traffic alert, and tire specific low tire pressure warning. As for the NHTSA safety rating, the 2015 Ford F-150 earned a five-star overall safety rating. 3. 2015 Chrysler 200 Limited Do you have a comfortable and luxurious car in mind? The 2015 Chrysler 200 Limited delivers with comfort, luxury, and driving ease. The dash, featuring with all the latest bells and whistles, is made from finest materials and has an innovative center-console design with plenty of storage space. The nine-speed automatic transmission comes with a four-cylinder2.4-liter engine that produces 184 horsepower and 173 pound-feet of torque. Safety features on the Chrysler 200 Limited include electronic stability control, ABS, drive traction control, dual stage driver and passenger front and seat-mounted airbags, side impact beams, and low tire pressure warning, It received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for side and front crash tests and four stars for the rollover crash test. Which model will you choose? Call and book a test drive, and who knows, maybe you will drive away with one of our top 2015 models. Image via Flickr by Tommy Truong79

Buying a used car is a smart move financially. However, it's critical to avoid impulsively buying a car that will give you problems for years to come. Whether you are buying a used car from a dealership or private individual, having knowledge and resources will help you make a wise and informed choice. Here are five steps you as a buyer need to follow to make a good decision. 1. Decide What You Are Looking For The first step is to take some time and list what you want and need from a car. For example, do you want a big or small car, what features do you need, and how many seats must it have? Now research which cars fit your description and check their prices. more Avoid merely walking into a car dealership and browsing. Salespeople are highly trained and will put pressure on you to buy right there and then. First, decide what you are looking for before visiting a dealership. Check the classifieds and different dealerships online to get an idea of what is available and the going price of the type of car you want. 2. Work out Your Finances Now that you know what you are looking for, it is time to work out your budget. Be realistic about what you can afford and stick to that budget. Remember to include costs for the car inspection and any repairs that may be necessary. Set a price range, which will help you narrow down your search. If you need to borrow money to cover the purchase, get a couple of quotes from various lenders for the most affordable loan. 3. Carfax Now that you have decided on the type of car you want and your price range, you may find a car that seems to tick all the boxes. But, before actually buying the car, check the Carfax report. This report gives you the history of the car, such as whether it has been in an accident or had other worrisome things happen to it. Certain dealerships run this report for you, but if they don't or you are buying from a private seller, it is very wise to run the report yourself before making a commitment. 4. Test Drive the Car This is probably the most important step - how does the car drive? Test drive the car in different situations such as up and down steep hills and on the highway. Don't be afraid to say no to the car if there is anything that you are not happy with. 5. Have the Car Inspected Take the car to a trustworthy mechanic for an inspection. He or she will be able to check the car for mechanical problems.  Don't skip this step just because the seller claims that the vehicle is in good running condition with no mechanical faults. Verify it yourself. By following these five tips, you can find a great car that will keep you on the road for many miles and years ahead. Image via Flickr by ronsaunders47

Nothing is more refreshing than spending the day outside. Whether you're hitting the trails on an inspiring hiking adventure or simply walking through an outdoor museum or public garden, spending time outside is about more than getting some vitamin D. It can be a great way to clear your mind and refresh your spirits. Here are some of the top outdoor activities near Springdale. 1. Walk Through the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is an excellent way to spend a few hours looking at some amazing plant species in several unique areas. In addition to the picturesque garden, the organization also hosts learning centers for children and special events. The main garden, which circles around a great lawn, is split up into distinct sections including a rock garden, Japanese garden, vegetable and herb garden, and many more. There is also a butterfly garden and pavilion full of flower species that butterflies love. Be sure to check out one of their butterfly days or firefly flings for more outdoor fun. more 2. Spend the Day at Lake Fayetteville Visiting Lake Fayetteville lets you spend some quality time outdoors with views of the pristine waters. There is, without a doubt, something to do for everyone at the lake. The lake area itself spans over 450 land acres and 194 acres of water and was constructed shortly after World War II. There are numerous activities to choose from at the lake. Those with boating and fishing licenses can bring their gear to catch a new personal best or enjoy a day out on the water. The lake also has boat rentals for small fishing boats, pontoon boats, kayaks, and canoes. It's not all about the water though. The area surrounding the lake offers its own opportunity for outdoor excitement. Take your bikes to ride around the path or enjoy a nice walk. Bike rentals are also available at the lake. The combination of unique foliage, human structures, and water make this area a good place to take some landscape photography. 3. Discover Pea Ridge National Military Park For the perfect mix of outdoor fun with a historical note, head over to the Discover Pea Ridge National Military Park. This Civil War battlefield is one of the most intact battlefields from the entire war. In addition to the incredible 4,300-acre battlefield where the Union soldiers won Missouri, there is an educational museum portion of the park. Have you ever wondered what sides your ancestors may have fought on? You can access the park's database of over a million soldiers and sailors who fought for both the Union and the Confederacy. You can also learn about the key figures who fought in the battle of Pea Ridge. There are limitless ways to get outdoors and enjoy Springdale, Arkansas. Whether you're looking to see some beautiful nature, learn about different natural life, or discover the nation's history, head over to Springdale and spend some time outdoors. Image via Flickr by Michel_Rathwell

Happen to be passing through the area and wondering what there is to do in Springdale, Arkansas? You're in luck since there are a wide variety of dining and entertainment options nearby. In addition to great food and entertainment, there are plenty of ways to pass the time in Springdale. Here are a few places to check out in downtown Springdale next time you're in town. Feast on Delicious Dining Options Amazing food is always within reach if you're in Springdale. You have your choice of classy steakhouses, family restaurants, specialty food shops, and more. Here are a few of the top options in the area. more The Spring Street Grille on Spring Street serves up classic American-style fare in the best way possible, with a pleasant attitude and bold approach to flavor. Be sure to try the guacamole burger for a change of pace. Of course, you'll find plenty of more-traditional dishes such as the ever-popular Reuben on rye, delicious grilled trout, or the loaded baked potato. Keep in mind that the Spring Street Grille is only open for breakfast and lunch and closes at 2:30 p.m. If you're looking for dinner, head over to Bordino's in Fayetteville. This fine-dining restaurant has the perfect atmosphere for a date night or special dinner. You'll want to try the duck duet, which comes with both duck breast and duck leg confit. It might be the easiest choice you'll ever make, should you like eating duck. The Scottish salmon with cauliflower puree is another popular option at Bordino's. Finish off your evening with their outstanding creme brulee or chocolate mousse dome. Check Out Walter Turnbow Park This state-of-the-art park has everything you look for in a local city park. Recently opened in 2017, this park dedicated to Walter Turnbow is a great place to get outside and enjoy nature's amenities. Check their Facebook page to see if there are any free concerts. Even when there are no scheduled events, the park provides the perfect setting for letting your kids run around or taking your dog for a walk. Hike Some Area Trails If the park isn't your scene and you'd like a greater excursion into the outdoors, head over to one of the area's many hiking and walking trails. The Razorback Greenway runs from Springdale to Springdale Lake. There are also plans to connect the greenway to several other trails, such as Dean's Trail and the Shilo Trail. Visit the Daisy Airgun Museum The vintage air rifle we all dreamed of having as a kid has a museum dedicated to its history in Rogers, Arkansas. Here you'll see some of the old advertising and get to look at the daisy airgun through the years. Don't leave without buying your own bag of pellets! There are near limitless amounts of adventure and fun around every corner in Springdale. Whether you're looking for a quick bite to eat or a more romantic occasion, there's a restaurant for every occasion. Of course, it's not all about dining. The area's museums and parks also make for great day trips. https://www.flickr.com/photos/12463666@N03/42566897130/sizes/l Image via Flickr by 2bmolar

Nothing beats a good spa day, and if you live anywhere in Northwest Arkansas, you'll have no problem finding a nearby spot where you can rest and rejuvenate. These are a few recommendations on the best places to go for a spa day where you can enjoy swimming, relax in a sauna, and get an amazing massage. Thai-Me Spa Thai-Me Spa is one of the premier options in Hot Springs. Services include massages, facials and skin care, body treatments, and nail care. There are also several packages and specials you can take advantage of. Keeping with the Thai theme, you can enjoy a massage, reflexology, and a foot scrub with the 80-minute West Coast Thai Package. Or, you can try the Phuket Island Package, which includes a custom massage, body scrub, mud wrap, herbal Thai facial, and scalp treatment. This package lasts for between two and two and a half hours. more This day spa is located in Hot Springs, so once you're done at the spa, you can head over to Argentinian Coffee and Wine Bar or the Oxygen Bar: Oxy-Zen to continue your relaxation. Thai-Me has two locations in the city — one at 5001 Central Ave. D and one at 328 Central Ave. The downtown spa is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the 7 South location keeps the same hours, but is closed every Tuesday. You can make an appointment at either location online. Spa Botanica Spa Botanica is a wonderfully intimate atmosphere, even compared to other spas. You'll feel relaxed from the moment you step inside, and services like massage therapy, body treatments, and skin and nail care will leave you feeling totally refreshed. There are also plenty of services designed just for men, as well as a few options for kids and teens. Spa Botanica is located inside the Embassy Suites in Rogers. It's at 3303 Pinnacle Hills Parkway. The spa is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. It's open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. every Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Solace Day Spa Solace Day Spa is another intimate spa that has the ideal atmosphere for rest and recovery. It offers standard massage, skin care, and nail boutique services, but also has a special offering — an infrared sauna. This focuses infrared heat on your skin to target joints, muscles, and tissues, facilitating the flow of oxygen to those areas to increase circulation. This is associated with numerous benefits, including pain relief, skin purification, and detoxification. The infrared sauna is also a major calorie burner. In 30 minutes, you can lose up to 600 calories. Sessions run from 15-30 minutes, and multiple sessions (up to 10) can be purchased for a discount. Solace Day Spa is at 345 St. Charles Ave. and is available by appointment only. Its hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. No matter where you are in Northwest Arkansas, there's a quality day spa near you. Check out one of these locations the next time you're in need of some rest and relaxation. Photo by Golf Resort Achental | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

hen you have a family, your priorities in a vehicle change. Namely, things like safety and connectivity become much more important. So, when you visit a car lot, you need to settle on a vehicle that will help keep your passengers entertained and safe. These are some features you absolutely must look for when shopping around for a used family car. Connectivity Entertainment is more important than you might think — just ask any family that road tripped with kids before the days of in-car Blu-ray players and Wi-Fi. Some connectivity features that can make a huge difference on the road include: more USB ports Wireless charging stations Wi-Fi hotspot (note that a subscription is needed to have internet access) GPS or navigation apps, such as SiriusXM Traffic Of course, connectivity is about more than entertainment. It's also about staying safe on the road. A car with Wi-Fi can help you stay updated on traffic and weather, and some vehicles have built-in apps that you can access from a touch-screen display to get real-time data about hazards and delays. Make connectivity a priority to ensure your family is entertained and safe on the road. Also, features like tire pressure monitoring can help you stay connected regarding your vehicle's maintenance. Visibility Visibility aids are essential safety features for a modern family vehicle. Additions such as a rearview camera, for example, can help you safely back out of your driveway and ensure that there are no people or hazards in your path. Two other examples are rear-cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring. These types of safety features alert you to oncoming traffic that's occupying areas that are normally very difficult for drivers to see. Highway Safety Features Visibility is important on the road, but it's only one category of safety features that can prevent an accident from happening. Advanced features like these can be hard to come by since they're often only available in certain trims or as optional packages. But if you find a vehicle with them, it can make a huge difference when you get out on the road. A few safety features to add to your want list include: Forward collision warning Lane-keep assist Lane departure alert Active cruise control Emergency brake assist Other Modern Safety Features If you're buying used, you can rest assured that any vehicle made within the last five years will have modern features, such as a comprehensive air bag system and Latch attachments for child seats. However, you should still take a moment to check that these systems are functional. Looking at a vehicle's repair history should inform you if there's ever been an issue with these safety features. Things like electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes are also standards in newer vehicles, but you should still check for them. Picking the vehicle that's best for your family is worth the effort. You don't want to compromise on essentials that will keep all your passengers safe, so check for these features while browsing the selection of used cars at Rath Auto Resources NWA. Photo by The National Roads and Motorists' Association | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

SUVs are exceptional family vehicles, but if your primary use will be to travel around with lots of passengers, you've got to look for certain features to ensure you make a good purchase. Things like price, safety, and comfort are priorities, and all SUVs are certainly not equal in these categories. Consider these qualities that make for great SUV s and a few standout options in each category. Price Price is a priority for many families, and it should be at the forefront for you when shopping used. After all, you want to get a good deal. A few of the best-used SUVs that come in under $20,000 include: more 2014 GMC Terrain 2014 Honda CR-V 2015 Chevrolet Equinox These SUVs are certainly affordable, but be mindful whenever shopping for something that's older than roughly 5-7 years. Newer SUVs have lots of exciting active and passive safety technologies, but some older SUVs only had them on certain trims or available through specific packages. This can make it hard to find older vehicles that come with things like a bird's-eye camera or collision warning systems. Conversely, if you don't mind compromising on some of these newer technologies, luxury models will become affordable. The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK and 2012 Cadillac SRX, for example, can be purchased for well under $20,000. Safety Though cutting-edge technologies like rear cross-traffic alert, rearview cameras, and intelligent cruise control are more common in newer vehicles, you can still find them in many used SUVs. Your best bet is to look at options from 2014-2018. Also, ask about trims above the base level. These come with more standard features. A few of the safest used SUVs include: 2014 or newer Acura MDX 2013 or newer Buick Enclave 2013 or newer Cadillac SRX Regardless of whether you find something with newer technologies, you should check the less enticing safety features of the vehicle before you buy. Things like a comprehensive air bag system and working Latch connectors are vital for families with young children. Comfort When it comes to comfort for families, you've got to consider seating materials, interior space, and how quiet of a drive you're getting on the highway. With these qualities in mind, the best thing you can do is head to a used car lot and take some SUVs out for a drive. Also, like safety features, more recent models are your best options if you want an exceptionally comfortable ride. A few recent models that have stood out for their interior comfort include: 2016 Acura MDX 2016 Buick Enclave 2016 Ford Flex 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Hopefully, you'll find a quality SUV that delivers in each of these categories. You may have to make some compromises when you buy used, so come prepared with a list of your wants and needs — and don't skimp on the latter category. Also, let us know what your priorities are. We can recommend the best options currently available on our lot. Check out the inventory at Rath Auto Resources NWA, and take a few of your favorites out for test drives. You can even bring the family along to help you decide! Photo by truckhardware | Licsensed under cc BY 2.0

Arkansas is home to lots of wildlife, from protected species at refuges to animals roaming wild in the state's many national forests and parks. These are a few attractions and wildlife reserves where families can get up close and personal with animals in Northwest Arkansas. Logan Cave Logan Cave is a National Wildlife Refuge that's northwest past Fayetteville, just minutes from the Kansas border. Since this is a cave formation, it also offers a look at some unique nocturnal creatures that are hard to find in other parts of the state. A few of the most noteworthy species include: more Gray bat: This endangered species of bat can be seen flying and hanging upside down in the caves. Ozark fish: This is a threatened species that grows no bigger than two inches. Look for them swimming in the water inside the caves — they have unpigmented skin (appearing white or pink) and have no eyes. Benton Cave Crayfish: This is a rare species of crayfish that's native to Arkansas. Logan Cave is one of only four known locations where you can see this critically endangered species. Logan Cave National Wildlife Refuge is in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, roughly two miles north of Highway 412. The refuge spans 123 acres. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge There are a few locations in Arkansas where animals that aren't native to the area are cared for. One of the most notable examples is Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. This spot is dedicated to rescuing exotic cats from around the nation, which means several gorgeous tigers and other species are protected here. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for teens, and $10 for seniors, veterans, and kids. You can buy tickets online, but note that the refuge does close when there's inclement weather. So, confirm that you can visit before making your purchase. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is at 239 Turpentine Creek Lane in Eureka Springs. It's summer hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and its winter hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ouachita National Forest The huge Ouachita National Forest is a fantastic place to go if you want to view Arkansas' native species in the land, air, and water. Fishing and birding, especially around Lake Ouachita and the other bodies of water in this area, are popular here for a reason. This is an enormous space spanning 1.8 million acres, so there's plenty of space to reserve a camping spot and turn your trip into a weekend family excursion. Among the many species of wildlife in the forest, you may see: Woodpecker Bald eagles Louisiana black bear Ozark National Forest On the north side of Interstate 40 lies another huge outdoor space — Ozark National Forest. This area covers 1.2 million acres and also has spots for camping, hiking, fishing, and birding. Watch for animals, such as chipmunks, elk, bobcats, eagles, and black bears. Northwest Arkansas is full of places where you can see wildlife and protected animals up close and personal. Pack your car for a day of family fun and environmental education at a few of these locations throughout the state. Photo by jmeissen | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

When you have a family, your priorities in a vehicle change. Namely, things like safety and connectivity become much more important. So, when you visit a car lot, you need to settle on a vehicle that will help keep your passengers entertained and safe. These are some features you absolutely must look for when shopping around for a used family car. Connectivity Entertainment is more important than you might think — just ask any family that road tripped with kids before the days of in-car Blu-ray players and Wi-Fi. Some connectivity features that can make a huge difference on the road include: more USB ports Wireless charging stations Wi-Fi hotspot (note that a subscription is needed to have internet access) GPS or navigation apps, such as SiriusXM Traffic Of course, connectivity is about more than entertainment. It's also about staying safe on the road. A car with Wi-Fi can help you stay updated on traffic and weather, and some vehicles have built-in apps that you can access from a touch-screen display to get real-time data about hazards and delays. Make connectivity a priority to ensure your family is entertained and safe on the road. Also, features like tire pressure monitoring can help you stay connected regarding your vehicle's maintenance. Visibility Visibility aids are essential safety features for a modern family vehicle. Additions such as a rearview camera, for example, can help you safely back out of your driveway and ensure that there are no people or hazards in your path. Two other examples are rear-cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring. These types of safety features alert you to oncoming traffic that's occupying areas that are normally very difficult for drivers to see. Highway Safety Features Visibility is important on the road, but it's only one category of safety features that can prevent an accident from happening. Advanced features like these can be hard to come by since they're often only available in certain trims or as optional packages. But if you find a vehicle with them, it can make a huge difference when you get out on the road. A few safety features to add to your want list include: Forward collision warning Lane-keep assist Lane departure alert Active cruise control Emergency brake assist Other Modern Safety Features If you're buying used, you can rest assured that any vehicle made within the last five years will have modern features, such as a comprehensive airbag system and Latch attachments for child seats. However, you should still take a moment to check that these systems are functional. Looking at a vehicle's repair history should inform you if there's ever been an issue with these safety features. Things like electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes are also standards in newer vehicles, but you should still check for them. Picking the vehicle that's best for your family is worth the effort. You don't want to compromise on essentials that will keep all your passengers safe, so check for these features while browsing the selection of used cars at Rath Auto Resources NWA. Photo by The National Roads and Motorists' Association | Licensed under cc BY 2.0