The expansive Ozark National Forest covers a large swathe of northwestern Arkansas. It offers many attractions such as scenic valleys, mountains, springs, pristine streams, and supports a diverse array of flora and fauna.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, the forest offers a wide range of outdoor activities including breathtaking hikes, camping, fishing, hunting, and general outdoor exploration. In this piece, we look at top activities that will make your time exploring the Ozark National Forest well spent.

Camping

Camping is one of the best ways to see the Ozark National Forest. Whether you want to fish, hike, or soak in the mesmerizing scenery, the forest offers multiple camping locations to unleash your spirit of adventure.  But most campgrounds offer limited modern comfort to preserve the natural ambience of the forest.

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If you want to make Valentine’s Day special, it is important to plan ahead. Many restaurants book weeks in advance for this holiday and often offer special menus. If you want to do something other than just dinner, you can also plan an evening around events happening in your city. Here are some places where you can celebrate Valentine’s Day in Fort Smith, AR.

Valentine’s Day at Legacy Grill

Legacy Grill is a wonderful restaurant in downtown Fort Smith. It opened in 2017 inside the historic Sarah Mincer House and is now a popular spot for a night out. The food is a combination of classic American dishes and unique regional dishes with something for everyone. For Valentine’s Day, the eatery will offer two seating times for dinner. You can choose either 6 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. You’ll need to call and make a reservation if you want to celebrate the holiday here, and there will be a special menu for the evening.

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Winter is here, but it’s not too late to get your car ready if you didn’t have time to get it done before the snow started flying. Years ago, winterizing your car was necessary to keep it running and in good shape during the cold winter months. Fortunately, modern vehicles don’t need the same extensive routines. However, there are some things you can do to ensure your car keeps running throughout the season. Try some of these winterizing tips.

Check the Battery

The battery is essential to getting your car started, but when the temperature drops, the chemicals needed to generate power in the battery slow down. The lower the temperature, the lower amp-hour capacity a battery has. It’s a good idea to make sure your battery is working to its full capacity before it gets cold so you start with a full charge. Your mechanic can also check for corrosion as well as the connections to make sure everything is in good working order.

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You never know what might happen when you’re out on the road. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is or where you live, things happen, and you could someday find yourself stuck on the side of the road. While roadside assistance will help you get out of many situations, you should always prepare for the worst. Here are some must-have items for any car emergency kit.

A Fully Charged Cellphone

Keeping a phone in your car won’t do you any good if you can’t use it. Keep your phone charged at all times so you have it when you need it. This might mean charging it before you leave the house or keeping a charging cord in your vehicle so you can power it up while you drive. It’s also a good idea to keep a portable charger in the car. You can use this if your vehicle and your phone run out of juice.

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Hiking is a fantastic outdoor activity any time of year. Even in the winter months, you can bundle up and make the most of the fresh, cool winter air. There are plenty of places to go for a hike in and around the Springdale area. With trails designed for the beginner hiker and some for the more adventurous, you’re sure to find something that fits your ability. Here are some of the best places to hike near Springdale, AR.

Lake Lafayette Trail

The Lake Lafayette Trail is a 5.5-mile loop that leads to other trails if you want to extend your hike. This is a highly trafficked trail and well maintained with some paved areas, too. There are some beautiful wooded areas and an open preservation area along the way, and you’ll also get to enjoy views of the lake. A wide variety of flora and fauna will greet you along the trail, and there are even benches if you need to rest.

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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. 

Tags: romantic getaways, romantic weekend
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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. 

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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. 

Tags: arkansas, farmer's markets, springdale
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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.

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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. 

Tags: buying a used car, steps to buying a used car, what to look for in a used car
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