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There's no better way to celebrate the weekend than enjoying a delicious brunch. Fortunately, there are several fantastic local restaurants in the Springdale, Arkansas, area, that serve this scrumptious combination of breakfast and lunch. Here are the four best Springdale-area brunch spots. Bites & Bowls Family-owned Bites & Bowls serves up delicious meals that will make you feel energized and ready to conquer the weekend. If you like a good waffle, the restaurant offers sweet and savory varieties. The Wake Up! Waffle is a waffle made of hash browns topped with eggs, your choice of ham or turkey, cheddar cheese, avocado, tomatoes, and creamy salsa. more The Maple Walnut is a Belgian waffle served with walnuts, crisp apples, whipped cream, and maple syrup. As its name indicates, Bites & Bowls also offers a delectable selection of breakfast bowls. The Good Morning Por La Man Ana combines honey Greek yogurt, papaya, blueberries, pear, and granola. Bites & Bowls also serves fresh salads, soups, sandwiches, and smoothies. If you're planning a birthday party or other event, the friendly staff is happy to cater it for you. The Buttered Biscuit At The Buttered Biscuit, you'll enjoy made-from-scratch dishes in a friendly atmosphere. Start your brunch with a cinnamon roll or plate of pigs in a biscuit. Entrees include the Eureka biscuit sandwich, featuring fried chicken, cherrywood bacon, tomato, lettuce, cheddar cheese, egg, and cilantro aioli. Another favorite is the Goat Trail omelet. It's an egg-white omelet loaded with baby spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, tomato, red onion, asparagus, goat cheese, and avocado. If you're in the mood for something sweet, try the lemon pancakes, strawberry cheesecake pancakes, or French toast. Signature dishes include the biscuits and gravy, avocado toast, and acai power bowel. They all go great with a mimosa or Bloody Mary. Mockingbird Kitchen Mockingbird Kitchen specializes in modern Ozark cuisine made with local and seasonal ingredients. Treat your table to a plate of shrimp cakes, Buffalo cauliflower, or chips and dip. Brunch specialties include breakfast tacos, brioche French toast, and potato hash. Be sure to order a side of sausage patties, roasted potatoes, or creamy grits. Brunch wouldn't be complete without a spicy Bloody Mary, mimosa, or spiked iced coffee. During brunch service, Mockingbird Kitchen also serves its lunch menu. The meatloaf, turkey melt, and veggie burger are highly recommended. Southern Food Company At Southern Food Company, you'll find all of your favorite Southern and Tex-Mex dishes. The One-Eyed Jack is a souther version of egg in a basket with avocado, sprouts, pico de gallo, and cheese. The loaded waffles come with Nutella, fresh strawberries, and powdered sugar. Other brunch favorites include the crab cake benedict, pork huevos rancheros, and the avocado smoked salmon toast. Don't forget to order a side of bacon, breakfast potatoes, or fresh fruit. Southern Food Company serves coffee, espresso, and lattes made with beans from Onyx Coffee Lab. You'll also want to try the famous Bloody Mary. These are just some of the spots in the Springdale area where you can enjoy a fantastic brunch. No matter which one you visit, you're sure to have a great time. Image via Pixabay.com

Owning a car comes with a lot of responsibility. One of the most important responsibilities is getting car insurance. The big question is how much insurance do you need and what you should make sure is covered. There are some factors you should keep in mind when considering what coverage is essential and what you might not need. These are some of the types of auto coverage and why they are essential. 1. Liability Coverage for Bodily Injury The most important coverage to carry is your state's minimum liability insurance. This type of insurance covers other drivers on the road for damage and injury that you cause. Each state has laws for the amount of liability insurance you need to carry. more If you don't carry the minimum and you get into an accident, you run the risk of losing your driver's license and you can face large financial penalties. If you are found to be at fault for an accident, you will most likely be responsible for covering the cost of the damage that you caused. You should also carry enough liability coverage to protect your assets if you cause an accident. 2. Property Damage Coverage for property damage is also important to carry and usually comes along with liability insurance. This insurance covers damage to other people's property. It would cover a car that you hit or even damage to city property, such as a guardrail. The amount of property damage covered is the amount listed in your policy, so keep in mind that the state minimum might not be enough to protect you if you cause a serious accident. 3. Collision Coverage Collision insurance covers the cost of repairing your own car after an accident. The amount that you carry depends on the value of your vehicle. When adding this insurance to your policy, you need to determine what you want your deductible to be. This is the amount you have to pay before insurance pays to get your vehicle repaired. Collision coverage is necessary if you have a new car, but it is less critical as the value of your car declines. If you drive a vehicle that is only worth a few thousand dollars and have a large deductible, it might not make sense to carry it. 4. Comprehensive Coverage Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car that is not the result of a collision, such as a fire or damage when a thief breaks in. Comprehensive coverage also has a deductible, so consider what you can pay out of your own pocket. 5. Rental Insurance Rental insurance will cover the cost of a rental car while yours is in the shop after an accident. This type of insurance usually only adds a few dollars to your premium, and will help with the expense of renting a car when you need it. When deciding how much coverage you need, consider the daily rental rate for a vehicle that is comparable to the one you have. While certain types of auto insurance are required, there are other coverages you might be able to do without depending on your vehicle. Image via Pixabay.com

Springdale, Arkansas, sits on the Springfield Plateau in the Ozark Mountains. Because of its location, there is always something to do in Springdale. Whether you like to get outside and enjoy the fresh air or spend time inside, there are activities and attractions for everyone. See the sites in the fourth-largest city in Arkansas. Arvest Ballpark Arvest Ballpark in Springdale is home to the Northeast Arkansas Naturals baseball team. This is a great place for family entertainment throughout the summer. The ballpark hosts over 70 games for baseball lovers to enjoy, and you can also head to the ballpark several times a year for festivals and events. The stadium can seat over 7,300 people and it features food with made-to-order items created by Patina Catering. You can munch on hot dogs, Philly cheesesteaks, and barbecue dishes while you watch some ball, or stop by the fan zone for some team apparel and gear. more Parsons Stadium Parsons Stadium is home to the Rodeo of the Ozarks. Along with the rodeo, this community stadium hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Ozark Demolition Derby and Buckin' in the Ozarks. The annual Rodeo of the Ozarks draws over 10,000 fans each night and is one of the area's largest events. The Spring Carnival takes place at the stadium each May and brings rides, concessions, games, and tons of fun for the whole family. Sassafras Springs Vineyard & Winery Make a stop at Sassafras Springs Vineyard & Winery for beautiful scenery and delicious wine tasting. This winery sits in what was once a dairy barn that the owners renovated into a beautiful space. You can enjoy the view from one of the multiple decks off the back of the tasting room while sipping on wine. They produce award-winning wines, including Chardonnay, Riesling, and syrah, and also serve a wide selection of wines from all around the world. War Eagle Cavern War Eagle Cavern on Beaver Lake is the only lakeside cavern entrance in Arkansas. Take a guided cavern tour that brings you along the edges of the stream that flows through the cavern. The path takes you through huge rooms that stay at a constant 58 degrees all year round, and your guide will tell you all about the domes and formations that you see along the way. They also offer Wild Cavern Tours for guests with a sense of adventure. These take you through unconditioned passages that you need to climb and crawl through, and you get to see cave wildlife and incredible natural formations. Lake Fayetteville Lake Fayetteville offers beautiful views and tons of activities. Spend the day out on water fishing, kayaking, or canoeing, or stay on the shores biking or playing disc golf. On the north side of the lake, there are bike and boat rentals, and you can also find fishing gear. There are a lot of sites to see and activities to try in and around Springdale. These are just a few of the ways you can spend a lovely spring afternoon. Image via WarEagleCavern.com

When most people think of a date night, they think dinner and a movie. While this can be romantic and fun, there are also many other ways you can spend an evening. Along with some of the most romantic restaurants in Springdale, Arkansas, here are some other spots where you can spend an unforgettable date night. Walton Arts Center Just a few miles from Springdale in Fayetteville, the Walton Arts Center is a great place to see a show. There is always something for everyone at this theater, from acrobats to ballet and live music. Trisha Yearwood will perform in March, along with Arlo Guthrie, and then in April, you can see The Real Group. This is a five-member a cappella singing group from Sweden. Also in April, there will be a screening of "High Fidelity" and then a live conversation with John Cusack. more Joe's Italian Grill Joe's Italian Grill is one of the most romantic restaurants in Springdale. It has a nice ambiance and the perfect background music to set the mood. The food at Joe's is amazing, from the salads to the entrees and desserts. One of the highlights of this restaurant is the complimentary rolls with the dipping oil, and make sure to try the spaghetti with meat sauce or the combo. The combo is pasta with Alfredo sauce and a serving of lasagna. The portions at Joe's are very large, so you will probably have leftovers to take home for the next day. Bolt Escape Room If you have never tried an escape room, Bolt is a great place to go, and it is a fun way to spend a date night. You work together to solve the clues and find your way out of the room. This attraction has several rooms to choose from, including The Attic, one of the more popular choices. It's a challenging room to escape from, with many unique puzzles and riddles. Leroy's Garage is one of the other rooms, along with the Professor's Study. The staff at Bolt is attentive and polite and will help to make your experience fun. Project 7 Kitchen & Bar Have your date night dinner at Project 7 Kitchen & Bar. This restaurant has fantastic mixed drinks and delicious food, along with an intimate atmosphere. The owners are very nice and make a point to check in on all of their customers throughout the night. Make sure to try the pomegranate meatballs. The chef makes them with walnuts, and they come out moist and full of flavor with just a touch of pomegranate. The menu is small, but the chef changes it frequently, offering seasonal options. There is a speakeasy vibe in this restaurant, and it's even attached to a nightclub that offers salsa lessons on Friday night if you want to make it dinner and dancing. Plan a date night at one of these Springdale area spots. You can have a great dinner and see a show or try something different by solving riddles together and escaping from one of the rooms at Bolt. Image via Pixabay.com

While basic washing and waxing are essential to maintaining your vehicle, sometimes you need to get in there and give it a more thorough cleaning. A clean and well-maintained car is much more comfortable to drive, and it can get a higher resale price than a vehicle that has not been taken care of. Here are some detailing tips to get your used vehicle looking like new. 1. Use the Right Cloth If you want the paint to stay looking like new, it's important to use the right type of cloth. Don't use an old rag you have around the house because it might have grit embedded in its fibers that can scratch or dull the paint. Always use a soft and nonabrasive material such as microfiber, sheepskin, or a natural sponge. You can also use a chamois or a microfiber towel to dry the exterior after washing it to get all the water drops off the paint. This will ensure there are no streaks or swirls left behind. more 2. Use a Clay Bar Clay bars are one of the best pro secrets. Clay bars will help you get all the stuck on grit and grime off the paint. You can find clay bars with different grades, ranging from very find to more aggressive grades. The finer the clay, the less chance you have a scratching the finish, and you always want to use a clay lubricant to keep the surface slippery. Always wash and dry the vehicle first, and then use the clay bar to remove any grit that's left behind. 3. Cleaning the Interior There are several techniques you can use to get in the hard to reach places if your vehicle. Once you get most of the grime out of the cup holders, put an old sock over the bottom of a travel cup. Spray it with cleaner, and then place it in the cup holder and twist. Use a wooden skewer to get rid of the paper and debris in the corners throughout the cabin, and then you can also use the skewer to pick debris out of the crevices in the door lips and carpeting. 4. Cleaning the Fabrics Vacuum the carpets and cloth seats, and then spray them with a foaming aerosol cleaner. Once it starts to dry, use the vacuum to remove it. Use a car upholstery cleaner and an upholstery cleaning brush to release the deep, ground-in dirt from the seats. Once you loosen the dirt with the brush, use a microfiber towel to wipe away the dirty suds. Remember to use a clean microfiber cloth so you don't put dirt back on the upholstery. 5. Cleaning the Wheels Don't forget the wheels and tires. Always use a product designed for the wheels that you have, and use two buckets. One for clean water and one for the soap and water mixture. Use a brush to agitate the dirt to remove it, and use the clean water to rinse it away. A clean car is much nicer to drive in, and better for your passengers. Follow these detailing tips to get your used car looking like new. Image via Pixabay.com

The Arts Center of the Ozarks has become a creative outlet for Springdale, Arkansas, locals. Check out just a few of the exciting things that the center offers. Theatre Productions Live theatre performances are one of the most common features of the Arts Center of the Ozarks. With rotating musical performances, you can almost always catch something exciting at the arts center. Previous performances have included Mama Mia, Junie B. Jones the Musical, Opera in the Ozarks, and a Charlie Brown Christmas. You'll find live performances by and for performers of all ages. more The theater itself, while small, is in great shape and allows you to explore its historical architecture. Springdale locals interested in sharing their passion for music and choir with others might enjoy joining the Arts Center of the Ozarks choir. The choir meets every Monday night. Interested individuals can sign up for an audition online. Art Exhibits The Arts Center of the Ozarks often hosts art exhibits, allowing you to view both local and well-known artwork. Currently, you can catch the Leah Grant Exhibition and Reception until the end of March, 2020. The Arts Rising Gala event is also scheduled for Feb. 29, 2019, which is a celebration of the arts open to the community. Attendees can expect live music, delicious food, fundraising auction, games, and wine tasting. The Arts Center of the Ozarks is always looking for new, upcoming artists to display at one of their exhibits. If you or someone you know would be perfect for this opportunity, reach out to the center for a chance at hosting your very own art show. There are opportunities available for all artistic levels. Art Classes and Artistic Development One of the Arts Center of the Ozarks guiding missions is to increase the awareness and education of art in the local community. Through classes and workshops, the center is able to develop the artistic skills of participants. Just a few of the upcoming art programs include the Artist INC Live Springdale and the Artistic Guest Project. Interested artists can learn more about programs online. The center also has a musical development program for locals interested in performing in one of the theater performances. Each one of the actors or actresses used in the centers' performances is a local community member, rather than a professional. Both children and adults interested in all genres, including comedy, musicals, drama, and radio, can sign up to take art classes at the center. Interested artists can learn more about upcoming classes and programs by following the schedule of upcoming auditions. Upcoming auditions for the 2020 year that are already scheduled include a drama and holiday performance. Holiday Events The Arts Center of the Ozarks has also become an important celebratory location during the holidays. Children often enjoy eating breakfast with Mrs. Claus and capturing a photo with Santa Claus during the holidays. With many themed performances scheduled throughout the year, locals can also enjoy quality time with family during the holidays. The Arts Center of the Ozarks is much more than a live performance theater. They also educate the local community on the importance of art and theater. Image via Pixabay.com

Off-roading is for the thrill-seeking and adventurous driver. Off-roading is an exciting way to explore the power and performance capabilities of your vehicle. If you are a fan of off-roading, there are several 4WD used cars that you can take on the trails. 2014 GMC Yukon The GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV that packs a punch. Under the hood of this vehicle is an available 5.3-liter Vortec V-8 engine that can achieve up to 320 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque. There's also a 6.2-liter Vortec engine that can earn 405 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque if you opt for the Denali trim level. Either option can tackle the off-road with strength and excitement. more 2006 Toyota Highlander If reliability is what you are looking for in an off-roading vehicle, the 2006 Highlander is an excellent option for you. With regular maintenance, Highlanders can easily last for more than 150,000 miles. Lexus RX 350 Seeking something more luxurious? The Lexus RX 350 is a 4WD luxury crossover that does not hold back when it comes to performance and power. The vehicle is capable of towing heavy loads, while also offering high-end features like heated and cooled front seats. 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe The Chevrolet Tahoe is another example of a full-size SUV that is excellent for off-roading. This heavy-duty vehicle can earn as much as 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque with its 5.3-liter V8 engine. 2006 Honda Pilot The 2006 Honda Pilot offers AWD, making it an excellent choice for driving on various types of terrain. This SUV also has a reliable track record and experiences few maintenance and repair issues. Ford Explorer The Ford Explorer is one of the most popular mid-size SUVs on the market. You can find this SUV with 4WD or AWD, depending on which engine option you select. It is also available with three rows of seating if you want to take your loved ones along for the ride. 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser The 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser's name says it all. This SUV is designed to tackle various terrain with ease. Under the hood is a 4.7-liter V-8 engine that is capable of achieving up to 228 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque. 2007 Toyota RAV4 Yet another Toyota SUV option is the RAV4. This SUV is agile and fun to drive. Its handy size makes it robust enough to tackle off-roading, as well as your daily commute. Jeep Grand Cherokee When it comes to off-roading vehicles, Jeep leads the pack. The Grand Cherokee is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine or a V-8 engine. Either option offers enough power for an off-roading adventure. Jeep Wrangler Perhaps the most popular off-roading vehicle is the Jeep Wrangler. This SUV is designed with the needs of off-roaders in mind, offering a variety of performance and convenience features. This vehicle also has a 3.6-liter V-6 engine under the hood. You can discover the perfect 4WD SUV for your off-roading interests at Rath Mitsubishi! Be sure to check out our location to test drive a variety of exciting vehicles. Image via RathMitsubishi.com

Whether you make plans to explore one of the nearby national forests, head south to the Gulf beaches, or make your way north to see some snow, you'll want the perfect road trip vehicle on hand. While traveling, space, comfort, connectivity, and capability are majorly important aspects of your vehicle. Here are some of the best-preowned models that are ideal for your spring break road trip. Kia Soul The Kia Soul is one of the most versatile vehicles out there. This crossover-like car drives like a sedan with tight, smooth handling yet it has the space of a small SUV. With a wide opening tailgate and an easy-to-fold second row, you'll have plenty of room for your overnight belongings and adventure gear. Depending on the trim level you choose, you can also enjoy some kick along the way with a turbo engine. more Ford Explorer For even more space and some added capability, the Ford Explorer is a great vehicle for those road trips that might take you off the beaten path. This is also ideal for larger families or groups of friends who need seats and space at the same time. with all seven seats filled, you'll still have up to 21 cubic-feet of cargo space. Both the second and third-row seats can fold flat for easy loading and as much as 81.7 cubic-feet of cargo space. Toyota Corolla If you don't need a ton of space, consider a smaller vehicle, like the Toyota Corolla. This four-door sedan is still spacious and comfortable for four or five people and offers space in the trunk for belongings. What makes this choice great for road trips is its fuel efficiency. Your fill-ups will be few and far between with up to 38 miles per gallon on the highway and sometimes more with newer hybrid options. Jeep Wrangler No matter where you want to go, the Jeep Wrangler can get you there, quite literally. This trail-rated SUV can ford streams, climb rocks, and cruise the highway. The Wrangler is a great road-trip vehicle due to its space and flexibility. Bring your belongings packed in the rear cargo area and strap a canoe to the roof with a roof rack. Depending on the specific model you choose, you'll also have the towing capacity needed to bring bigger adventure toys along. Hyundai Elantra The Hyundai Elantra is similar to the Corolla in build but offers a little more power under the hood when comparing the base models. Drive the Elantra to work throughout the week and away on vacations and enjoy every bit of the drive. Upper trims offer interior features that will keep you and your passenger comfortable and connected. You'll have room for up to five people, but if your rear seat is empty, it can fold down with a 60/40 split for more space. Before you head out on the open road, stop by Rath Mitsubishi to check out our selection of road-trip-ready vehicles. Take a few for test drives to find your perfect fit. Image via RathMitsubishi.com

Shopping for a used car can be tough with a tight budget. Thankfully, there are several great options at affordable prices that will work for various lifestyles. Here are five of the best affordable used car models. Toyota Corolla The Corolla is a spacious sedan known for its reliability. These models are built to last and hold their value well. The 11th generation of the Corolla started in 2012 and stretched through 2019, with a new generation just introduced in 2020. This means that any used models from 2012 and on will have the same basic design with some small upgrades in technology and trim levels from year to year. more If you choose a used model from 2016 or later, you'll enjoy some pretty impressive standard features like LED lighting and a touchscreen infotainment system. Fuel economy is ideal from year to year, and the LE Eco model was introduced in 2016 for even more efficiency. If you're looking for a small sedan with everything you need, you can't go wrong with a used Corolla. Ford Fusion Only in its second generation, the Ford Fusion is a fairly new vehicle. The Fusion was first introduced in 2006 and redesigned in 2013. The Fusion is a roomy sedan with trim options for just about any lifestyle. Choose between sporty designs in the SE and SEL trims, hybrid and plug-in models, and the Titanium trim loaded with perks. The updated SYNC 3 infotainment system was introduced to the 2017 model, and it offers a super easy interface with seamless smartphone integration. If you choose a used Fusion from 2017 or later, you'll also enjoy standard features like the push-button start and rotary shifter. Hyundai Elantra A new Hyundai Elantra hit the market in 2017, so the 2017, 2018, and 2019 used models offer lower price tags with up-to-date features. The engines available for this compact sedan were all new with the new generation offering a 2.0-liter standard option, a turbocharged efficient option, and an exciting turbocharged four-cylinder option. If you find an SE model with the popular equipment package, you'll enjoy features like automatic headlights and a touchscreen audio system with Bluetooth connectivity. Mitsubishi Outlander If you need some extra space, the Mitsubishi Outlander is a three-row SUV at an affordable price. The current generation was introduced in 2014, so finding an updated model in the used inventory will be easy. You'll get some serious bang for your buck with the long list of standard features the Outlander brings to the table. The base models from 2014 and on come with fog lights, heated exterior mirrors, and automatic climate control--features typically only found on higher trim levels of other SUV models. No matter which year you choose, you'll have seating for up to seven and ample cargo space. Come by Rath Auto Resources in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to check out our great selection of used vehicles. Take a few of these discussed models for some test drives to see which is your perfect fit. Image via RathAutoNwa.com

Whether you're looking for a casual coffee and dessert date with a friend or a sweet treat to take to your next dinner party, these top four dessert places near Springdale, Arkansas are sure to please. 1. Fork & Crust Pie Company Pie is a staple of Southern cuisine, and the Fork & Crust Pie Company, which is located in Villages on the Creek in Rogers, has some of the best around. The restaurant serves a mix of delectable, gourmet pies by the slice or whole pie. more Though cherry crumb pie was the owner's original inspiration and is always on the menu, Fork & Crust has become a destination for pies of all kinds, ranging from savory to sweet to traditional. Regular features include caramel apple, chocolate oatmeal, buttermilk, s' mores, whiskey bacon pecan, cookie dough, and strawberry balsamic. You can also get gluten-friendly and vegan pies, shakes, and baked goods at Fork & Crust. Hours: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 2. Me Latte Chocolate If you want something a little different for dessert, check out Me Latte Chocolate. This charming coffee and ice cream shop offers a range of Mexican ice cream flavors, churro ice cream sandwiches, coffee, and gourmet popsicles. Some of their bestsellers are the horchata latte and cappuccino, fresh-baked cookies, and iced treats like strawberry popsicles and pistachio ice cream. Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 3. Markham & Fitz Chocolate Markham & Fitz Chocolate in Bentonville specializes in chocolate concoctions, including chocolate martinis, seasonal chocolate bars, baked goods, and other sweets. In addition to unique chocolate recipes, you could also get fantastic desserts like brown sugar bourbon chocolate chip cookies, sea salt caramel truffles, hot chocolate, and cocoa tea. Try one of the flavored chocolate bar flavors for a real treat, which includes lavender chocolate, sea salt and almond, and chocolate with blueberry, acai, and maca root. Hours: Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. 4. Smudgies Dessert Lab If you're craving ice cream and donuts, Smudgies Dessert Lab, located on the J.T.L. Parkway, is a dessert spot that combines the two for a unique taste experience. Smudgies Dessert Lab has a mix of cold creamery options including soft-serve, hand-dipped ice cream, and milkshakes, as well as their namesake Smudgies, which are warm donuts with ice cream inside. Smudgies are indulgent on their own, but you can add toppings for an even bigger sugar rush. One of the favorites is the Samoa Smudgie, a concoction of glazed donuts with ice cream topped with coconut, chocolate, and caramel. Hours: Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Whether you're looking for an after-dinner sweet stop or you need a unique gift, these top four dessert places near Springdale are sure to fit the bill. Enjoy! Image via Pixabay.com

If you need a tough pickup truck for your work or recreational needs, there's no shortage of excellent options on the market. If you're deciding between new and used, you'll be happy to know that there are numerous benefits to buying a used model. Here are the top five benefits of owning a used pickup truck. 1. Used Pickup Trucks Are Cheaper Pickup trucks can be pricey, especially if you choose a new model with all the latest features. Fortunately, many used models offer similar capability, performance, and features, so you can find all you need at a lower price. Best of all, if you find a new model you like but it doesn't fit your budget, you may find a used pickup truck with nearly identical features and capability at a price that works for you. more 2. You Have More Options Dealerships only stock a certain number of new models each year, limiting your options for trims, colors, and features. With a used vehicle, you'll have a much larger pool of options to choose from. Also, if you like a particular make or model of pickup but the newer models don't have the look or capability you're going for, a used model is a great choice. You can choose among many models and features from several years, giving you even more variety to pick from. 3. You Avoid Initial Depreciation Just like with any new vehicle, when you choose to buy a brand-new pickup truck, you'll take a depreciation hit as soon as you drive it off the lot. With a used pickup truck, the first owner had the initial depreciation, so you can find a nearly new truck at a fraction of the price. If you choose to trade or sell shortly thereafter, you'll also get more value out of your purchase than if you bought it new. 4. You Can Buy Certified Pre-Owned Trucks If you like the warranty and peace of mind of buying new but prefer the prices of used vehicles, a certified pre-owned truck is a great option. Most automakers have a certified pre-owned program that can take the stress and uncertainty out of buying used. A certified pre-owned vehicle has to have low mileage and be in like-new condition before it passes certification and gets a guarantee from the manufacturer, but it has a much lower price tag than a brand-new vehicle. On top of that, many certified pre-owned vehicles come with warranties and other benefits. 5. Lower Insurance Costs One of the major factors in determining your car insurance rate is the value of your vehicle so it can be covered in the event of an accident. With the cost of depreciation on a new vehicle, the insurance premium can be high, and it usually stays there for the first few years. With a used vehicle, that initial depreciation is over, so you'll likely have a much lower insurance rate. If you're shopping for a used pickup truck, visit Rath Auto Resources to browse our inventory of used pickup trucks in many years, makes, and models to find your perfect fit. Call or stop by today! Image via RathAutoNWA.com

You'll likely consider several factors when shopping for a used car, but one of the most important to consider is safety. Whether you mainly drive by yourself or with a group of people, safety should always be a primary concern when car shopping. Look for these five safety features when shopping for a used car. Active Park Assist For several years now, active park assist has been available on a wide variety of vehicles, and it can vastly improve your parking experience. This system equips the vehicle with sensors that will go off when you get close to other cars or obstacles when trying to park. They can even go so far as to detect empty parking spaces and guide your vehicle inside, automatically taking control of the steering while you control the acceleration and braking. more Blind Spot Monitoring As the name suggests, blind-spot monitoring works to let you know what's in your blind spot. A vehicle with this feature is equipped with small sensors that will send you alerts when a vehicle or obstacle is in your blind spot. Typically, you'll be alerted by flashing lights on the side mirrors, but you'll also find some systems that display on the dash or offer an option for audible alerts that can be toggled on and off. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert Rear cross-traffic alert is a helpful system that typically comes coupled with active park assist or blind-spot monitoring because it uses the same technology. When you're backing out of a parking spot, it can be difficult to see whether any oncoming cars are heading your way. This is especially true if you're surrounded by large SUVs or minivans. With rear cross-traffic alert, you'll receive warnings if any oncoming cars are detected so you can stop backing up and avoid a collision. Lane-Keeping Assist Lane-keeping assist is a state-of-the-art safety feature that makes sure your vehicle stays safely within your lane. It uses sensors that detect road markers to paint a digital picture of what your lane looks like. If the system detects you edging out of the lane without signaling, it will subtly recenter your vehicle automatically. You can also set up this system to provide an alert instead of an automatic correction. Forward Collision Warning Forward collision warning is one of the most useful safety features you'll find. This system constantly scans the area ahead for potential collisions. When one is detected, you'll receive alerts to slow down. If you fail to slow down in time, the vehicle will go so far as to slow down for you. Keep an eye out for more advanced systems as well, because some can only detect collisions with other cars, while others have both car and pedestrian detection. While all of these safety features are helpful, it's important to remember that none can replace your own reaction time and driving practices. If you're looking for quality used vehicles with the best safety features, look no further than Rath Auto Resources. With our expansive inventory, you're sure to find something you'll be happy driving for years to come. Image via Pixabay.com