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Teenagers are not easy to please, and whether you want to spend time as a family or they are just looking for something to do with friends, finding appropriate and engaging activities can be a challenge. Fortunately, the Springdale, Arkansas, area has several attractions that teens enjoy. Arvest Ballpark Who doesn't love going to a baseball game? Arvest Ballpark is home to the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Baseball team, the Double-A affiliate to the Kansas City Royals. The park is a family-friendly place with plenty for everyone to do. All the seats offer a great view of the game, with suites to rent if you want to go with a big group. The food is excellent, and there is always some kind of entertainment to enjoy between innings. There is even some audience participation if your teen dares to get out on the field. more Ozark Climbing Gym Bring your teens to the Ozark Climbing Gym for some fun. This is a bouldering gym, with climbing walls that don't need any ropes or safety harnesses. All the floors have padding, so there is a soft place to land if they fall, and there are all different levels of climbing so everyone can join in the fun. If the kids have never climbed before, there is a thorough orientation to make sure they know what to do. Make sure everyone wears comfortable clothes, and you'll also have to sign a waiver before getting started. Lake Fayetteville Bring the kids to Lake Fayetteville for a fun day out on the water. This lake has a boat dock and marina so you can either launch your own boat or rent one for the day. Keep in mind that it is a no wake lake so you can only go at idle speed, but is a great lake for fishing, or just a relaxing cruise on the water. You can also rent kayaks, canoes, or pedal boats if you want to power your own way around the lake. Locomotion Family Fun Park Just ten minutes outside of Springdale in Fayetteville, Locomotion Family Fun Park has fun activities for teens and for the younger ones. The kids can ride the bumper boats and try to stay dry as they get their friends wet, or they can head to the Spin Zone and ride the spinning bumper cars. This interactive attraction is both fun and a challenge as you try to hit each the targets on your opponents bumper car as you ride around, while flashing neon lights add to the whole experience. There is also laser tag and an arcade for everyone to enjoy. If you want to stay outside, there are Go-Karts and four different tracks for riders of all ages. If your teen has a driver's license they can even try the pro track. There are plenty of attractions in the Springdale area to keep teens busy. They are sure to have some fun, and you might even get the whole family to spend the day together. Photo by jc.winkler | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Springdale is one of the largest cities in Arkansas and sits right in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. The world headquarters of Tyson Foods calls Springdale home and is one of the top employers. Because Tyson is a large chicken producer, the area has several restaurants that serve excellent chicken dishes. Here are some of the mouthwatering Springdale restaurants for chicken lovers. AQ Chicken House AQ Chicken House is a family-friendly restaurant and one of the best places to go for fried chicken. You can get all kinds of fried chicken including their famous boneless pan-fried chicken, or the sweet 'n smoky barbecue chicken made with their lemon pepper seasoning. The blackened grilled chicken sandwich is also a local favorite along with the redbird sandwich that comes with a boneless chicken breast glazed with AQ's barbecue sauce and served on a Ciabatta Bun. AQ serves lunch and dinner, and they even have a kids menu with special items for the little ones. more MarketPlace Grill Head to MarketPlace Grill for several good chicken dishes. The lunch menu has a mesquite grilled chicken salad served with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese which is then topped with tomato, red onion, and cucumbers. For dinner, you can get Nashville Hot! tenders. These come fried and then coated in the Nashville Hot! sauce. Or, you can get the Santa Fe chicken. This local favorite has their signature barbecue sauce along with fresh diced tomatoes, chives, and a combination of cheeses. Susan's Restaurant Susan's Restaurant is a Springdale favorite for its comfort food and its relaxed atmosphere. The fried chicken sandwich has a hand-battered fried chicken breast that comes topped with bacon, Swiss cheese, and then lettuce and tomato. The menu also includes chicken fried chicken or a marinated grilled chicken breast, and if you want finger food, the chicken tenders are also an excellent choice. You'll find Susan's on West Sunset Ave, and it stays open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day. Wagon Wheel Country Cafe Many of the Wagon Wheel Country Cafe's customers head there for the fried chicken. This is a little place with traditional Southern food and Southern hospitality. All the food tastes like home, and there are always daily specials. The menu also includes a delicious grilled chicken sandwich which comes with mayo, Swiss cheese, and bacon, and then topped with lettuce and tomato. Spring Street Grill You'll find Spring Street Grill right in downtown Springdale. This local place opened in 1987 and has simple, home-cooked meals. You can get something light such as the chicken salad plate or something more substantial such as the chicken teriyaki dinner or the lemon chicken. Both of these come with their special rice blend and either soup or a salad. There is no shortage of restaurants in the Springdale area where you can get great chicken. Most of the places serve it up along with some Southern hospitality and your favorite comfort foods to go with it. Photo by jeffreyw | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Driving is dangerous no matter how well you drive, and no matter where you live, work or play. Fortunately, there are things you can do to make it safer. Defensive driving includes strategies that go beyond the basics to help drivers be more proactive when they are behind the wheel. Follow these defensive driving tips to stay safer out on the road. Check the Road Ahead Defensive driving includes checking the road several cars ahead of you and not just the ones immediately around you. Quite often, accidents occur up to four and five cars ahead, and if you're not looking, you can end up being a part of it. Keep a lookout several cars ahead to see how they are driving, and watch for avoidable hazards. Defensive drivers will keep their eyes moving at all times and continuously scan for possible problems. more Identify Possible Problems As you look around, try to identify potential problems before they happen, and always be ready to act. For example, when you approach an intersection where the light is already green, keep in mind that it could change at any moment. Slow down before you get to the light, and prepare to stop. This will prevent you from having to make a split-second decision when you are the light and it suddenly turns yellow. Always Have a Way Out As you drive, always look for potential escape routes. Even if you are an excellent driver, there are others out on the road who are not. Many factors can change the driving situation in just a split-second, so you always need a way to avoid hazards. You can do this by making sure you never drive directly next to another car and always leave a buffer zone with room to stop. Keep Distractions to A Minimum You cannot drive defensively if your focus is not on the road. Put your phone down, eat and drink before you head out on the road, and make sure your passengers are calm and quiet. There are many distractions in vehicles these days with all the technology available that it is hard to focus just on driving. Make the effort to reduce and minimize the distractions in your car. Leave Plenty of Space Your focus should continuously shift from the car directly ahead of you to the car four or five cars ahead, and always make sure you leave plenty of room for stopping. The Three Second rule is a good rule of thumb when the conditions are dry. To check how far behind you're traveling from the car in front of you, count how long it takes you to reach a stationary object after the car in front of you has passed it. It should take at least three seconds. Follow these tips for defensive driving to help stay safer out on the road. You can't control the way others drive, but you can control what's happening in your car. Photo by osseous | cc BY 2.0

There are a lot of excellent used cars out there, but it is important to take a good look at them before buying to make sure it is in good shape. When you shop for a used car, the goal is to find one that performs well and is within your budget. Just remember that your budget should include maintenance, operating costs, and even warranties if you can. Take a look at these important used car red flags to look for. Oil Stains Under the Car Take a peek under the car to see if there are any oil or other fluid stains. If the car has recently been moved, ask where it was previously parked and take a walk over to check the ground. If you see oil stains, it could mean there is a significant mechanical issue. You should have the car inspected by a mechanic to make sure everything is in good working order before making a purchase. more Check The VIN Always check the VIN number on the vehicle against the VIN on the title to make sure they match. You'll find the VIN right at the base of the windshield on the driver's side, or in the doorjamb. If the VINs don't match there is a problem and you should walk away from the sale. Check The Interior Take a good look inside the car's cabin to make sure all the colors match and check for any strange smells. If it has an unusual odor, it could indicate a problem. A lingering smoky smell probably means that the previous owner was a smoker which you can fix, but if there is a sour smell or a moldy smell, it could indicate that the vehicle was either in a flood, or it has some kind of water damage. No Service Records A big red flag to watch out for is a car that doesn't have any record of regular service and maintenance. Routine oil changes and major mileage services are important to the life of a vehicle. Always ask the seller or dealership for the service records so you can check its maintenance history. Title Issues When you check the history of the vehicle, make sure to look for any problems on the car's record. A title history will show any kind of previous damage from hail to water and fire. Most of these issues are an obvious red flag, but issues that you should always avoid include flood damage and a salvage title. A salvage title means an insurance company declared the car a total loss because of damage. Junk titles are also a red flag because they mean the car is not safe to drive. Make sure to look at a used car carefully before buying. A reputable dealer will have good, safe cars available, but you'll still want to do your homework to make sure you get something that will last you a long time. Photo by RL GNZLZ | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

Whether you're hosting a huge Thanksgiving dinner or just getting into the Halloween spirit with some decor or jack-o'-lanterns, pumpkins are just what you need to embody the spirit of the season. While you could just pick one up at the local grocery store, heading to a pumpkin patch is fun for the entire family. Not only do you get to pick out your favorite orange gourds, but you can bond with the people you love. For an experience you won't forget this fall, head to these Springdale area pumpkin patches. Shipley Farms If you're busy during the week but have some free time on weekends, Shipley Farms is the place to go for your holiday pumpkins. Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, this farm has plenty of spherical orange options for you to choose from in a variety of sizes. Not an artist? Grab one of their hand-painted pumpkins by local artist Hayley Young. These ornate pumpkins feature everything from the macabre to cornucopias to the Razorbacks logo. more Shipley Farms is located at 14339 Wildcat Creek Road in Springdale. Farmland Adventures Situated just outside Springdale, Farmland Adventures is a one-stop shop for family fun. Throughout the fall, the farm lets you pick your own pumpkin for just $0.50 per pound, with a cap of $12. That means that no matter what, you won't pay more than $12 for a pumpkin — that's quite a bargain. But the fun doesn't stop in the pumpkin patch. If you need a break from the kids, let them wander through the 9-acre corn maze. This maze even has its own app so your children don't panic if they can't find their way out, and you don't have to fret about venturing into the kernel-filled labyrinth. Other highlights include wagon rides, pony rides, pedal karts, a kids' play area, the famous Farmland Adventures pig races, and even the strange, but fun, human foosball. No matter what you do at Farmland, you're in for a day of excitement. Farmland Adventures is located at 5355 Parsons Road in Springdale. The farm is open from Sept. 7 to Nov. 3 on Thursdays (October only) from 3 to 9:30 p.m., Friday from 1 to 9:30 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Vanzant Fruit Farms Founded in 1949, Vanzant Fruit Farms has been offering some of the juiciest, tastiest, and freshest produce in Northwest Arkansas. While you can't pick your own pumpkins from the field, the farm has a huge selection that's hand-picked by workers to ensure the finest quality. Vanzant also has amazingly delicious farm-to-table foods, including jams, jellies, honey, pies, and other tasty treats. Vanzant Fruit Farms is located 5 miles northeast of Springdale at 3705 Arkansas State Route 264 in Lowell. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. With a pumpkin beautifully adorning your dinner set up or eerily glowing on your front porch, you can get into the seasonal spirit without being an autumn Scrooge. Photo by Carrie Stephens | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

With the summer almost fully in the rearview, it's time to start thinking about fall. While leaf peeping and enjoying the last gorgeous weather before winter is a priority, don't forget about the vehicle that's been so good to you. Fall and winter in Arkansas are often harsh and unpredictable, which can lead to accidents, salt damage, and other incidents that can hurt your car. But with some preparation and a few tips, you can weather out the storm. Check Your Tires With scorching summer temperatures and driving unfamiliar roads on vacation, summer can do a number on your tires. Not only can this lead to underinflation or overinflation, but it can also wear the treads and the walls of your tires. During fall, the weather isn't so extreme, giving you a chance to check your tires before they get a winter workout. more To check your tires, you can employ the penny test, a visual inspection, or entrust a mechanic or tire professional. Because the weather can change rapidly in Arkansas during fall and winter, you might also want to consider switching from all-season or summer tires to winter tires to provide more grip. If you don't need tire replacement or you don't want to switch to winter tires, remember to at least get a tire rotation, preferably each season or at least once every 6,000 miles. This ensures that your tires wear evenly, promoting durability and longevity while reducing the risk of a blowout. Repair the Paint If you have chips in the exterior paint of your car, fall is the last time to fix them before they become a significant problem. When there's an opening in the paint, it leaves the metal frame of your vehicle open to autumn rains and winter weather. This can cause significant rust and corrosion that can spread quickly. Thankfully, fixing the problem is easy. With a repair kit from your local automotive store, you can touch up any blemishes and seal them off from moisture, keeping your car's body and paint in pristine condition. Wax the Exterior Road salt helps prevent ice and snow from gathering on roadways, but it also wreaks havoc on your vehicle's exterior. To combat the potential damage from salt, grab a bottle of wax and go to town on your car. While you want to do the entire exterior, pay careful attention to the areas where salt can build up, including the quarter panels, grille, front fascia, and around the wheels. Change the Wiper Blades According to leading manufacturers, your windshield wiper blades should be replaced every six months to a year, depending on their quality and usage. Because the weather is more volatile in winter, spring, and summer, fall is the ideal time to check the blades for rips and tears. When you're driving, you should also keep an eye and an ear out for your wiper blades streaking, squeaking, smearing, or chattering, as these are surefire signs it's time for a replacement. Through due diligence and following this checklist, your car will be ready for fall and winter while you eagerly await spring. Photo by BelindaMariepix | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

From Homer Simpson to the stereotypical cop, donuts are, well, as American as they come. The doughy goodness topped with sprinkles, icing, nuts, or some other crazy concoction is an amazing part of an unbalanced breakfast. Plus, they're great after a long day at the office. In short, donuts are never a bad thing. If you're in the mood to satisfy your sweet tooth, check out these donut shops around Springdale. Daylight Donuts Located at 2756 W. Sunset Ave., Daylight Donuts is just the thing you need when the sun's over the horizon. Before you balk on a heavenly donut bounty because Daylight is a chain, remember that a Big Mac hits the spot everyone once in a while, as well. Cake donuts and glazed donuts are the hot item here but filled donuts still get the job done if you're searching for an extra heavy dose of cream or custard. more If someone in your crew is a bit of an oddball and wants to go savory, the store also has sausage rolls. Just suggest that they put some icing on it. Daylight Donuts is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m., so grab a coffee and get yourself in gear before they close. Old Tyme Donuts When you want to support local business and drool in an acceptable social manner, head to Old Tyme Donuts at 2403 S. Thompson St. The donuts come in all mouthwatering varieties, and each is known to melt in your mouth. If you're a bit of an aristocrat, they have fancy pastries that go perfectly with a coffee. Plus, the apple fritters will make you think you've died and gone to heaven. Old Tyme Donuts is open from 5:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. every day. Now that's some dedication to the art. Dunkin' Donuts Dunkin' Donuts is the donut equivalent of Subway. It's available virtually anywhere, but somehow, somewhere inside your brain, you get the irresistible craving. Chalk it up to creative advertising or something they put in the coffee. Either way, it's tough to resist the cup of joe and glazed donut combination. The donut holes are also a fan favorite, and if you exercise a tiny bit of self-control, they also make an amazing afternoon snack. Pair with a cup of black coffee or one of the low-fat, non-whipped, Stevia-sugared, syrup-flavored concoctions they have available for those who know their drink or are courageous enough to go out of the standard drip-coffee realm. Like Daylight Donut, Dunkin' Donuts also has some sandwiches to indulge your inner carnivore. The bacon and egg sandwich is surprisingly tasty. But make sure not to leave without one sample of their famous namesake. Dunk the donut if you have to. It's worth every penny. Dunkin' Donuts is open all week from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and offers a drive-thru if you haven't made it out of your pajamas yet. At donut shops, no one's there to judge you if a half-dozen to yourself sounds like a delectably delicious idea. You might get one step closer to diabetes, but you only live once. Photo by JD Hancock | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

With global warming, an increase in greenhouse gases, and other environmental issues plaguing the world, making your car more efficient is just one way to fight the battle on your home turf. While older vehicles are often impervious to efficient upgrades, modern vehicles make it far easier to reduce your carbon footprint. If you're searching for ways to go green behind the wheel, here are a few suggestions to get you started. Ease Up on the Gas and the Brakes Whether you're angry or just have an insatiable urge to burn some rubber, accelerating rapidly and grinding to a halt can cause significant fuel consumption. When you accelerate quickly, your car sucks down fuel to supply power while it also combats increased drag. If you're coming up to a stop sign or a stoplight, braking heavily can also eat up more fuel than if you coasted to the stop. Ease up on the gas and the brakes, and you just might find yourself going a bit farther between fill-ups. more Remove the Dead Weight When you're driving around town, you might not think about the extra stuff you've stowed in the trunk or rear cargo area. However, just an extra 50 or 100 pounds can reduce your fuel economy by a few percentage points. This includes not only the rear of the car but also rooftop carriers that are ubiquitous for family vacationers. For medium-duty or heavy-duty vehicles like SUVs and pickups, you should also keep a watchful eye on the gross vehicle weight rating, the payload capacity, and the towing capacity. Each of these terms offers a finite limit of your vehicle's capabilities. Exceeding these numbers is not only inefficient but dangerous to the mechanical integrity of your truck or SUV. Inflate the Tires to the Correct Pressure A simple, foolproof way to save money at the pump is to inflate your tires to the correct pressure. Underinflated tires can adversely affect fuel economy by increasing friction and rolling resistance, resulting in more wear and tear and fuel consumption. Try to check your tire pressure at least once a month to ensure the tires are filled to the manufacturer's specifications. Consider Upgrading to an Alternative Fuel Vehicle If you drive an old gas guzzler or even a newer vehicle that's not exactly light on the gas usage, you might want to consider upgrading to an alternative fuel vehicle. With the latest advancements in alternative-fuel technology, hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs) are going farther than ever before. Hybrids can often go up to 50 mpg with minimal emissions, while EVs can often reach up to 100 miles on a single charge. In certain states, you may also be eligible for a tax credit of up to $7,500, which can offset a substantial portion of the purchase price. If you have the budget, upgrading to one of these vehicles is not only financially sound but also environmentally friendly. Armed with these tips, making your vehicle more efficient is easier than you ever thought possible. Just imagine all the things you can do with your savings. Photo by JeepersMedia | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

There is a common phrase that says "the joy is in the journey." That couldn't be more true for Northwest Arkansas. Here are three beautiful scenic mountain roads that you and your family will enjoy your next road trip in Northwest Arkansas. The Ozarks The Ozarks drive makes a counterclockwise loop from Eureka Springs to the Buffalo River. It goes through Jasper, then east to Mountain View, where it winds back to where you began. It is full of beautiful landscape, especially in the fall when the colors are changing. There are also many amazing sights to stop and see along the way. more Stop in Eureka Springs, a fun resort town whose unofficial motto is "where misfits fit." If you are there between May and October, you can enjoy the Great Passion Play. It takes place at the location of the 67-foot-tall Christ of the Ozarks statue. South of Eureka Springs, if you turn off Highway 23 at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, you can see lions, tigers, leopards, and cougars all roaming their spacious outdoor habitat. The refuge's mission is to provide lifetime refuge for abandoned, neglected and abused big cats. Don't miss out on Blanchard Springs Caverns near the end of your journey. You will want to follow Route 9 north out of Mountain View, then stay left onto Route 14. Blanchard Springs Caverns are located in the Ozark National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service can take you on science-based tours of the three caverns, each one varying in length. The Dripstone Trail is the shortest, and some say prettiest. Then is the Discovery Trail, and last is the Wild Cave Tour, where you will go through undeveloped sections and get a bit down and dirty. Boston Mountains Scenic Route Two unique and beautiful, roads, U.S. Highway 71 and Interstate 49 cross across the highest point of the Ozark Mountains and combine to make the Boston Mountains Scenic Route. U.S. 71 follows a former stagecoach route, while I-49 will take you across high-span bridges and the state's only highway tunnel. If you are looking for good hiking spots along the way, you will want to take U.S. 71. This route spans 42 miles, while the I-49 route spans 38 miles. Both of these roads run between Alma and Fayetteville in Northwest Arkansas. Scenic 7 Some say this is the most scenic drive in the state of Arkansas. Scenic 7 runs south to north through the state, spanning 290 miles, with many diverse landscapes and interesting stops along the way. If you begin on the south end, you will start near El Dorado in the West Gulf Coastal Plain. Near Arkadelphia, you will enter the Ouachita Mountains, which are famous for their quartz crystals, as well as Hot Springs National Park. Continue through the Ouachita Mountains, past Lake Nimrod, and into the Arkansas River Valley. From there you will enter the Ozark Mountains, pass through the mountain town of Jasper, and end in Harrison. Whether you are on your way out of town, or you like to explore out-of-the-way places, consider taking one of these scenic roads as part of your next journey. Photo by miketnorton | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

If you are looking for some good used SUVs, there are a number of vehicles that you can choose from. Here are four SUVs that give you great value for your money while giving you the safety and comfort that you want when buying a second-hand vehicle. GMC Acadia If you are looking at the GMC Acadia, you want to focus on the 2011-2014 years. The Acadia seats eight and has lots of cargo room as well. The Acadia models made between 2011 and 2014 have five-star safety ratings from NHTSA as well as the title of "Top Safety Pick" from IIHS. The safety ratings alone make it a great option when shopping for a second-hand vehicle because you know it will be trustworthy. more The Acadia has a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 288 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission. While front-wheel drive is standard on most trims, there are all-wheel drive options available too. You can expect to spend between $11,000 and $18,000 on a used GMC Acadia. Acura MDX The Acura MDX is a luxury crossover SUV. The SUV has room for seven with three rows of seating. For drivers who want to check out the MDX, you should look at the years between 2007 and 2013. The safety ratings for the 2011-2013 years are very high, with the MDX receiving an overall five-star rating in 2011 and 2012. The 2012 and 2013 models also won the title of "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS. The Acura MDX comes with a 300 horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 engine. Standard with all the trims is Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD), so no matter what year you decide to go with, you will get some excellent traction with this vehicle. You can expect prices to be between $14,000 and $25,000 for a used Acura MDX. Honda CR-V The Honda CR-V has a reputation for being reliable, and the 2012-2014 models certainly stand up to that reputation. Between 2012 and 2014, the CR-V earned a five-star overall crash-test rating and also received the title of "Top Safety Pick" in 2012 and 2013. The CR-V seats five passengers and runs on a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that gets 185 horsepower. Standard features that come with the CR-V include a rearview camera, Bluetooth, and you may be able to find some trims with navigation and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. A pre-owned CR-V sells for between $8,000 and $16,000. Lexus RX The Lexus RX is another luxury SUV that offers high quality and is an excellent option for a used SUV. While the Lexus RX offers very dependable models, the 2010-2014 models are where you should focus your attention. The Lexus RX was redesigned in 2010. That year, the RX 350 trim won "Top Safety Pick" by the IIHS. The RX 350 has a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine that gives drivers 275 horsepower. Drivers have the option of both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. There is plenty of luxury inside the vehicle as well, with a leather steering wheel and wood trim standard on all trims. You can expect the prices to be between $14,000 to $16,000. These are just four of the best SUVs to buy used. For more information about the SUVs at Rath Auto Resources NWA, check out our online inventory, or give us a call today! Photo by RL GNZLZ | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

One of the best parts of summer is being able to get outdoors and enjoy nature. If you love hiking and are looking for a good nature trail in Northwest Arkansas, here are four fantastic spots to get you started. Ozark Highland Trail This is one of the best hiking trails in Arkansas and has been rated as one of the top 10 trails in the United States. One of the things that makes it great is that works for both the beginning and the experienced hiker. This trail spans 165 miles, plus an additional 27 miles of connecting spurs and loops. Because the trail passes through 17 campgrounds and trailheads, as well as crosses over 50 forest roads and highways, you can easily go for a short day hike or a fabulous backpacking trip. more The versatility is great, but that's not what attracts so many people to this trail. When hiking, you will discover deep pools you can swim in, bluffs, forests, and hundreds of waterfalls. Feel free to bring your dog along for the adventure; your canine friends are allowed on the Ozark Highland Trail. It is located in the Ozark National Forest. Lake Weddington Trail If you are looking for an overnight hiking trip, the Lake Weddington Trail is a popular one. It is a moderate to difficult trail that spans 15.4 miles, and camping is allowed along the trail. It is located in the heart of the Ozarks and ends at the Illinois River. Along the way, you will pass Twin Knobs, an interesting and unique rock formation. When you return, you will need to retrace your steps and head back the way you came in. This trail is also located in the Ozark National Forest. Shores Lake/White Rock Loop Located Northeast of Ft. Smith, Shores Lake and White Rock are popular recreation areas in the Ozark National Forest. This moderate trail spans 13.4 miles and starts at Shores Lake. You will hike past some beautiful waterfalls and up to White Rock Mountain. This loop trail brings you back down to the lake through the Salt Fork drainage. Camping and dogs are allowed on this trail, but you may want to splurge on a cabin at White Rock for a nice weekend getaway. Pedestal Rocks/Kings Bluff Loops If you are looking for an easy hike, visit the Pedestal Rocks/Kings Bluff Loops. There are actually two loops here, both located in the Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area, and they span 4.3 miles combined. Both of these loops will take you to beautiful sandstone bluff formations. You will also be rewarded with a waterfall at Kings Bluff. Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area is located near Ben Hur, just off Hwy. 16 in the Ozark National Forest. Camping is not allowed on these trails, but dogs are. These are just a few of the amazing nature and hiking trails that you can explore in Northwest Arkansas. No matter what level of difficulty you are looking for, there is a trail with amazing views for you to enjoy. Photo by OakleyOriginals | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

When you have a family, their safety is one of your biggest concerns. Car manufacturers are aware of your needs, and many minivans have been developed over the years that have high-tech safety features designed specifically to protect you and your family. Here are three minivan models that have great safety and driver assistance features that your family will benefit from. Toyota Sienna The only minivan with available all-wheel drive, the Toyota Sienna has been ranked highly over the years as a popular favorite among families. The interior is both stylish and comfortable, with three separate climate control zones and a wide dash that includes a color-screen display to make using its advanced features more user-friendly. more The current model of the Toyota Sienna currently comes standard with eight airbags that are a part of its advanced airbag system. Also included is Toyota's Star Safety System, which includes a suite of six active safety features. As part of the suite, you will have enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, an anti-lock brake system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and Smart-Stop Technology. You will also have advanced standard features like standard lane departure alert with steering assist, dynamic radar cruise control, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. Kia Sedona Kia's award-winning minivan, the Sedona, is another popular favorite among families. Its interior is more than comfortable; it is also functional. The Sedona's interior cloth was crafted by YES Essentials and repels stains, static, and odors.  Their repel-and-release technology makes clean-up easy, whether it is spilled juice, melted ice cream, or dried mud. It also has three separate climate control zones, helping keep your family comfortable no matter where they are seated. The Sedona was a 2017 IIHS Top Safety Pick. The current model of the Kia Sedona is equipped with an advanced airbag system with sensors that are able to detect impact levels, as well as the presence of a front-seat passenger. This allows the system to manage airbag inflation, so you aren't getting more than you need. It also comes with features like electronic stability control, cornering brake control, traction control, and hill-start assist. Honda Odyssey The 2018 Honda Odyssey is a Kelley Blue Book Best Buy, and it is easy to see why. With the Odyssey's current model, you will enjoy a push-button start, a one-touch power moonroof, and over 50 technology features. Combined, this provides the convenience necessary when driving with a family. You will also be able to take advantage of Honda Sensing, a suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies. This suite includes features like the collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation system, adaptive cruise control, and the lane keeping assist system. Whether your family is still young or you have teenagers, safety is always one of the most important considerations when searching for a new minivan. Consider one of these top three family minivans, and know that they are designed to provide your family with comfort and convenience, in addition to the highest safety standards. Photo by crash71100 | Licensed Public Domain Mark 1.0