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Jeep Cherokee If you are on the lookout for a compact SUV for your family, you probably already know that Jeep offers some of the best vehicles in this class. The Jeep Compass and the Jeep Cherokee are two SUVs in the Jeep lineup that make perfect family vehicles. They both offer room for passengers and gear, come with the latest safety features, and have the technology that both kids and adults love. Take a look at the Compass and the Cherokee and choose the one that works for your family. The Jeep Cherokee Interior Space The Cherokee fits into the compact segment with room for five passengers and comfortable seating in both rows. It comes with two sets of LATCH connectors in the back outboard seats and a lower anchor in the middle. This SUV has a cargo area with 25.8 cubic feet of storage space, which can open up to 54.7 cubic feet if you fold the rear seats down. The cargo floor also lowers down to create more space behind the rear seats. The Jeep Compass Interior Space The Compass has two rows of seats and room for five with two sets of LATCH connectors in the back. The cargo area in the Compass is slightly larger than the Cherokee with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and it opens up to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The cargo area in this Jeep has tie-downs, and you'll find several cubbies throughout the cabin and even under the cargo floor. The Power All the Compass models come with a 180-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. If you need more power, the Cherokee starts with this engine, but also offers two V-6 engines. The first is a 3.2-liter that delivers 271 horsepower, and the other is a 2.0-liter turbo V-6 that makes 270 horsepower and will get 295 pound-feet of torque. The Off-Road Capabilities Jeep Compass Families who want to head off on weekend adventures can take either the Compass or the Cherokee. Both models have excellent off-road capabilities with any of the trims, and they each have a Trailhawk model with extra features to make it even more capable over rough terrain. The Cherokee Trailhawk has an increased ride height, a high-performance all-wheel-drive system, and it comes with rock crawl mode, skid plates, and red tow hooks. The Compass Trailhawk comes with many of the same off-road features as the Cherokee, including the four-wheel-drive system, and Active Drive Low 20.1 Crawl ratio. The Technology Both of these Jeeps come with the Uconnect 4 infotainment system. It has large, bright screens, quick responses to touch, and it works with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 7-inch touch-screen display comes standard with the option for an 8.4-inch touch screen that comes with navigation. An upgraded Beats stereo system is also an available upgrade. Both the Cherokee and the Compass make an excellent vehicle for a family. Either one has room for everyone, a spacious cargo area, and the best off-road capabilities in its class.   Images via Jeep.com | Jeep Compass | Jeep Cherokee

Learning about history in a hands-on way can make it fun and interesting, even to the most reluctant learners. Sequoyah County is full of great historical locations that make learning more about its history exciting. It's like going on an adventure that takes you back in time when you visit the sites around the county. Take a look at some of the best historic sites in the area and start planning your adventure today. Sequoyah's Cabin If you haven't heard of the important historical figure by the name of Sequoyah, then you need to plan a trip to Sequoyah's Cabin. Here you will learn all about how Sequoyah helped to increase the literacy of the Cherokee people. The cabin was built in 1829, and visitors will get to experience exhibits and artifacts that showcase early Cherokee life and reflect the great accomplishments of Sequoyah when they stop in to see this historic site. After you explore the cabin, you can enjoy the serenity found on the 10-acre grounds that surround the area. This place is great for history lovers of all ages. Fort Smith National Historic Site Preserving almost 80 years of history, Fort Smith National Historic Site is a great place to learn about life on the edge of Indian Territory. There is plenty to explore here, and you're sure to learn some interesting facts, see some neat old buildings, and maybe even get a great view of the Arkansas River. Stop in at the visitors center to have a park ranger help guide your trip. They will be able to tell you about all the things you can see and do at this historic site. You can start by visiting some of the old buildings like Judge Parker's Courtroom, the Commissary Storehouse, and the foundation of the first Fort Smith building. Learn more about the Trail of Tears and Indian Removal from some of the exhibits located at the site. Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge by completing a booklet that is available at the visitor center information desk. This place will teach you some valuable history that you probably didn't know before your visit. Dwight Mission Dwight Mission was the first mission established in the U.S. for Native Americans. It was originally built near present-day Russellville, Arkansas, but when the Cherokee people were forced to move west, they requested that the mission also be moved. It now lies 3 miles southwest of present Marble City. Although it has served many purposes since its original construction in the early 1800s, today it is used for retreats and camps for Presbyterians. However, when these programs aren't taking place, visitors can tour the grounds of this historic location. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for something interesting to do for the day, these places are sure to pique your interest in the historic county of Sequoyah. Check them out and let us know what you think.   Image via Pixabay

The Dodge Charger is getting a face-lift for 2020. It brings in a new body style and other unique features for the model year. The traditional power and muscle of this built-for-speed street-legal muscle machine are still there. It just brings out some intriguing changes for the 2020 model year. The primary focus for the changes is the Hellcat and Scat Pack trims. Wider Body One of the most notable changes with the 2020 Dodge Charger is the additional width added to both the Hellcat and R/T Scat Pack trim levels. A widebody package is an option for the Scat Pack. It is standard on the Hellcat. The new body package adds 3.5 inches to the body, making it tricky for the car to fit in narrow parking spots. The additional width is from the newly added fender flares. The new body style means the Charger uses the same wheels as the widebody Challenger. They are 20- by 11-inch wheels that use 305 section Pirelli tires. Speed Changes Open the hood and you'll notice the Hellcat still has a powerful 6.2-liter Supercharged Hemi V-8 SRT engine. This block creates 707 horsepower, giving you the feeling of pure freedom on the open highway. The wider body does impact the car's speed. If you are racing it, the quarter-mile speed drops from 11.8 seconds to an impressive 10.96 seconds. In terms of street performance, the car goes from zero to 60 in 3.6 seconds. Keep in mind that power needs more room to stop. When you hit the brakes at 60 mph, you'll need at least 107 feet to come to a complete stop safely. Not to be left behind, the Scat Pack sees its quarter-mile time come in at 12.4 seconds. It climbs from zero to 60 in just 4.3 seconds. Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition Hellcat Are you looking for a muscle car that stands out from the crowd? Check out the Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition Hellcat. This unique trim adds a decklid Daytona decal. There are also some exclusive paint colors to make the powerful machine turn heads. Under the hood, the powerful engine produces a breathtaking 717 horsepower. Production of this trim is expected to top out at 501 vehicles. New Interior Package Catch your breath as you step inside the Hellcat or R/T Scat Pack. If you are looking for an interior that gets your heart racing as much as the engine does, check out the new package offered for 2020. It is a carbon and suede package that features a carbon fiber trim with suede accents. The package adds a touch of class into the familiar Charger interior. Yes, there is still plenty of room for you and whoever decides to go on a heart-pounding adventure with you. Use the push-button start to fire up the potent engine before you enjoy the feel of the open road. If your curiosity is peaking at the thought of a new Dodge Charger sitting in your driveway, stop by Blue Ribbon. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff looks forward to helping you find your perfect Charger.   Image via dodge.com

If you're looking for a beautiful location to get outdoors and go for a hike, then Sallisaw is the place for you. There are plenty of locations that offer great hikes for a variety of skill levels. You can find a hike that suits your ability and will provide you with great views and scenery too. Take a look at some of our favorite hiking spots in the area. Tenkiller State Park There are a few options for hiking in Tenkiller State Park. One of the easier, but very beautiful hikes, is the Overlook Nature Trail. This is an incredibly scenic hike to take in the fall, you'll be treated to some beautiful fall foliage and, of course, views of the lake. It is only a little over 2 miles there and back and stays pretty level most of the way. It is a well-traveled trail, so it is easy to follow and you'll enjoy traversing the winding path through the trees. Another nice trail, which is also handicap accessible, is the Multi-Use Trail. It's a paved trail that leads to some great views of Lake Tenkiller, and you can also see the dam and floodgates. The trail is paved all the way to the end, making the 1.3-mile hike accessible to hikers of all skill levels. You'll enjoy the partially wooded path that takes you past cabins, pavilions, and even a scenic fishing pond. Either one of these hikes is sure to please and get you out enjoying nature. Ouachita Trail The Ouachita Trail starts at the Winding Stair Trailhead and is an enjoyable hike. Although this one is just under 2 miles, there is about 300 feet of elevation gain, so be ready for a little climbing. You will enjoy hiking through trees of several different varieties and, if you're hiking in fall, will be treated to the colorful changing leaves. This hike starts out moderate but does have you climb since it takes you up the north side of Winding Stair Mountain. The trail is easy to follow though, so no need to worry about losing it. Take your time on this one and enjoy the beauty all around you. Robbers Cave State Park Within Robbers Cave State Park, you will find several trails that range in difficulty and length. One of our favorites is the Rough Canyon Trail. It's a 2.7-mile loop trail that takes you over some rough, rocky terrain around the park. You'll see lots of cool rock formations and, if you're there during wetter months, you'll also be treated to views of the Rough Canyon Stream. This trail is well-marked but slightly less used than some of the other trails in the park, which makes for a peaceful day in the great outdoors. Getting outside to enjoy some fresh air and exercise is always a good idea. Whether you're hiking in the fall to see the leaves changing color or in the spring when the streams, lakes, and rivers are at their fullest, you're sure to enjoy these great hiking trails. What are you waiting for, go take a hike in Sallisaw!   Image via Pixabay

Are you looking for a unique pickup truck as your next vehicle? Great news — Jeep is back with a pickup for 2020. Meet the 2020 Jeep Gladiator, the pickup that can handle any adventure you plan with friends or family. Exterior Options The 2020 Gladiator is a wonderful truck, but at its core, it is still a Jeep. This means you have a little more flexibility with it than most other pickups. You can choose one of two roof styles. The first is a hardtop that gives you the traditional pickup feel. If you crave the wind in your face, consider the zipperless Sunrider soft top. It brings back the traditional wide-open Jeep feeling. The windshield also folds down for an even more open experience. The bed of the truck features a rugged steel box with a waterproof power outlet. Keep your gear safe and covered under the sliding tonneau cover. It quickly covers the length of the bed to keep everything out of sight. Gear up for your next adventure and take advantage of the trail rail system that includes adjustable tie-down points to keep your equipment secure regardless of the terrain. Trail Rated Take your Gladiator off-road. The truck features standard heavy-duty axles that easily handle a variety of terrain. The skid plates keep all of the essential components protected while you have fun. You can tow with both sides of the truck, as there are standard front tow hooks on every Gladiator. Run through up to 30 inches of water, thanks to the truck's water fording features. If you are planning on visiting an especially rough stretch of ground, try the Rubicon trim. This trim features 11.1 inches of ground clearance. It keeps the truck safe while you explore that hidden gem that's been on your to-do list. The standard rock rails keep your box protected around loose boulders. Towing Capability Whether you are going off-road or staying on the pavement, the Gladiator easily hauls your toys to your next adventure. With the proper equipment, it handles a maximum towing capacity of 7,650 pounds. It also handles a payload of up to 1,700 pounds. If you plan on towing a lot of stuff with the truck, add the available trailer brake control to the truck. It provides adjustable braking power to your trailer's electronic brakes. The park-view camera gives you the ability to use a 4x trailer hitch zoom so that you can line up the truck and trailer with ease. Stay Connected on the Road Step inside the cab and stay connected on the road. The Uconnect system lets you connect your Apple or Android device to the truck for access to your favorite apps no matter where you are. Once you arrive, grab your Bluetooth speaker and bring it outside to enjoy your music with a view. The speaker is waterproof up to three feet and dustproof. Do you catch yourself daydreaming about your new 2020 Jeep Gladiator? Stop by Blue Ribbon today and explore the truck in person. Our friendly staff looks forward to answering your questions as they find you your perfect vehicle.   Image via jeep.com

Spending time outdoors is a great way to relax and enjoy where you live. Parks, in particular, are a great source of entertainment and relaxation with family and friends. Brushy Lake State Park is located near Sallisaw, OK, and it offers a wide range of activities and entertainment options for people nearby. If you travel often or you are in the area, it is a great place to spend your days and maybe a few nights. Here is what you can find and do at Brushy Lake State Park. RV Camping Brushy Lake State Park is equipped for RV camping. It has 23 camping sites, which include spaces for RVs. They are concrete-lined so there is no weight limit or fear of getting stuck in the mud. Each spot has access to electricity, water, and plumbing facilities so that you can stay and recharge for your trip. There are also comfort stations nearby where you can shower. It makes traveling in an RV much easier and more enjoyable. Boating and Fishing If you are more into boating and fishing, then Brushy Lake State Park is a good place to go. It has a lighted boat ramp that makes it easy to get on and off of the lake. There are also several boat docks in the area. You can fish from the pier or just about anywhere else. There are multiple bodies of water to fish in and you may find different fish in each one. Water sports are not allowed on the lake, though. Biking and Hiking At the north end of Brushy Lake State Park, there is a team of volunteers that are building mountain bike trails. Each trail is nearly one mile in length. Although the trails are designed for mountain bikes, hikers are allowed on them as well. It is an excellent way to get out for some intense and exciting exercise. Volunteer Although the park is run by the Park Service, it is always looking for volunteers. You can volunteer to help develop new features and maintain the park as a way of spending some free time outdoors. For example, the team that is building the mountain bike trails is entirely comprised of volunteers. Over time, the trails will expand as the volunteers continue the construction of three and four-mile-long bike courses. They should provide a challenge to novice and advanced bikers and hikers alike. Brushy Lake State Park is full of fun things to do, but the best way to find out what you like to do in the park is to visit it yourself. Many people visit the park from miles around because it is a fun and enjoyable place to be. If you want to visit the park, make sure that you are properly prepared. Stop by your nearest Jeep dealer to see what is available on the lot. That way, you can find a car that is ready for the rugged terrain of a state park. Image via Flickr by dweinberger | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

Do you need a minivan that keeps everyone comfortable while reducing your trips to the gas station? Meet the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. This seven-passenger van has space for everyone and helps reduce the number of required stops during a trip. Combined Mileage The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid comes in five trim levels; the 35th-anniversary Hybrid Limited, Hybrid Limited, 35th-anniversary Hybrid Touring L, Hybrid Touring L, and Hybrid Touring Plus. All five trims can reach a combined mileage of 520 miles. This combines the 32 miles that the hybrid battery produces with the 488 miles from the traditional engine. The combined distance means that you can keep everyone comfortable and sleeping on an overnight drive without having to stop for a refueling break. As a safety precaution, don't forget just because the van does not need a break; it is okay for the driver to take as many as required for safe driving. Regenerative Braking Charge your van on the go by simply tapping the brakes with regenerative braking. Every time you hit the brakes, the van captures energy from the brakes and sends it to the battery. As soon as you put your foot on the brakes, the generator kicks in and helps slow the car faster. The energy created in doing this flows back to the battery pack for future use. This is an excellent feature if your day-to-day commute includes a lot of stop-and-go traffic as the system kicks in with every tap on the brake pedal. Charging Options You have an option when charging the battery at the end of your trip. The standard charger that comes with the vehicle is a Level 1 120-volt AC charger. This easily connects to any grounded outlet in your garage. It is also portable for when you want to take your next family vacation. You have the option of using public chargers in certain parking garages around the country. Another option is having a professional install a Mopar fast charger in your home. This system speeds up the traditional charge time. Rather than waiting 14 hours for a full charge, your van is ready to hit the road in two hours. Keep Everyone Entertained Fewer stops at the gas pump are good for your wallet, but it also means you need to keep everyone from getting cranky on the road. The Pacifica includes the available Uconnect Theater.  The system consists of a Blu-ray player with two HDMI inputs. Keep your focus on the road as your passengers enjoy their movies on wireless headphones. Wireless streaming is also available, although it is not compatible with Apple devices. When the film is over, they can enjoy a variety of games and other apps as the miles pass by. The system also comes with two Bluetooth remotes. The movie displays on screens that are attached to the back of the front seats. Are you ready to meet the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid in person before your next trip? Stop by Blue Ribbon today. Our friendly staff is waiting to help you find the van of your dreams.   Image via chrysler.com

Sallisaw, Oklahoma is conveniently located within a unique part of Arkansas and Oklahoma. This provides the community with plenty of opportunities to visit museums, parks, and other recreation spots. If you are in the Sallisaw, OK area, here is a look at three of the best things that you can do near Sallisaw. Sequoyah's Cabin Museum Sequoyah's Cabin Museum is a local landmark recognized as a National Literary Landmark and made the National Register of Historic Places. If you aren't familiar, Sequoyah created the Cherokee written language. The log cabin where the museum is now located was built in 1829. It is currently surrounded by a large 10-acre park with a stone memorial structure that protects the one-room log cabin from the elements. At the museum, you can learn what it would have been like to live there in the early- to mid-1800s when Sequoyah lived there. There are a number of museum exhibits, original documents, and artifacts that you will be able to see in the museum. The museum is located at 470288 Highway 101. It is closed on Mondays and Sundays. It costs $5 to visit the museum. 14 Flags Museum The 14 Flags Museum is named after the 14 different Native American tribes and nations that lived in Sallisaw. It is possible that even more tribes and nations occupied the area and have not yet been identified. It is conveniently located in downtown Sallisaw. Some of the log cabins featured in the outdoor museum date back to when the Cherokee settled in the area after enduring the Trail of Tears. One of the most notable cabins is the Faulkner Cabin. Judge Franklin Faulkner married a Cherokee woman and became a full member. Although the original cabin was enlarged, it is a significant piece of Civil War history in Oklahoma. In addition, there is a notable Trail of Tears exhibit that has artifacts and educational exhibits. Brushy Lake Park Brushy Lake Park is one of the more well-known recreation spots in Sallisaw, located in the Cookson Hills. The park is operated by the City of Sallisaw. At the park, you can go camping, picnicking, boating, and hiking. Many locals love to go to Brushy Lake Park to go fishing or to let their children play at the playground. The RV sites have electric and water service, as well as showers. The boat ramp is lighted and there are grills available for barbecues. No matter what kind of activities you like to participate in, there are many things that you can do in Sallisaw. You can visit other museums, shop at the Impressions Vintage Mall, or, during the right season, go to community pools. Many of these facilities, whether city-run pool or museum, have annual membership options. These can often save money on admission to places that you plan to visit more than once. Some of the museums have reciprocal programs that will allow you to benefit from discounts at other facilities in other states. Image via Flickr by ShanMcG213 | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

Safety is one of the most important features to consider when purchasing your next vehicle. The comfortable Chrysler 300 is full of protection that gives you peace of mind while you are on the road. Adaptive Cruise Control With Stop One of the many important safety features of the 2019 Chrysler 300 is the adaptive cruise control system. This available feature helps adjust your speed to the flow of traffic. If you are on an open road, it allows the car to stay at the cruise control speed you set. However, when traffic is heavy, it adjusts your speed so that you maintain a safe driving distance between you and the car in front of you. Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning With Active Braking Traffic changes in an instant. If the person in front of you suddenly hits their brakes, your car alerts you through the collision warning system. A chime goes off with a warning light that says !BRAKE! on your dashboard. The active braking system helps apply more force to the brakes so that you can avoid a potential accident. The Touring and Touring L do not offer this feature; it is an option for all other trims. LaneSense As hard as we try to focus, sometimes we get distracted behind the wheel. If your car begins to drift as a result of the distraction, the available LaneSense system alerts you. Using multiple sensors located throughout the car, the system sets off an alarm when you drift from the center of the lane. If you do drift, it will help correct your path to avoid any potential accidents. LaneSense is not available for the Touring and Touring L. It is an option for all other trims. Blind Spot Monitoring Do you ever wish you had an extra set of eyes in heavy traffic? The Chrysler 300 provides those eyes with its available blind-spot monitoring system. Your car is always monitoring traffic when you drive. If it registers an obstruction in your blind spot, small arrows in your mirrors light up. This is an option on all trims except for the Touring. Rear Cross Path Detection The available rear cross path detection feature lets you know when it is safe to pull away from a parking spot. It uses sensors on both sides of the car and alerts you if there are cars, people, or objects approaching the vehicle from the side. This is optional for all trims except the Touring. ParkSense Take the stress out of parking with the available ParkSense system. As you approach your parking spot, the car uses ultrasonic frequency waves to check for objects in front of or behind you. If something is in the way, it alerts you so that you can make the proper corrections. ParkSense is not available for the Touring trim but an option on all other models. Are you ready to explore the Chrysler 300 in person? Stop by Blue Ribbon today. Our friendly staff is waiting to help you discover your perfect car. Image via Flickr by rulenumberone2 | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original.

If you're looking for a great morning pick-me-up, the Sallisaw, Oklahoma, area has a range of excellent restaurants with delicious breakfast menus. From classics like bacon and eggs to gourmet coffee and unique breakfast dishes, you'll find just what you need to satisfy your cravings and get the fuel you need to start your day. Ruger's Grill Ruger's Grill is a country-style restaurant with a down-home country atmosphere and breakfast dishes with a homey feel. It's inside an old saloon and features historic photos of the location to enjoy. Locals love the coffee and appreciate the generous portion sizes you get with every dish. Don't forget to try the fried potatoes, which are an add-on to every dish and one of the grill's signature sides. Hen House Cafe The Hen House Cafe is an old-fashioned diner-style establishment with a great atmosphere and friendly staff. The portions are huge, and you can enjoy such down-home staples as chicken-fried steak and eggs with hash browns, pancakes, waffles, a wide variety of options for omelettes like veggie, Western, Spanish, and others, country gravy with biscuits, and all the staples that'll make you feel right at home, without the hassle of cooking yourself. Locals also rave about their outstanding coffee. Calico County Restaurant The Calico County Restaurant was built around traditional American food in classic preparations and made-from-scratch recipes in ample portions. It's located in Fort Smith, Arkansas (about 45 minutes away), and the breakfast offerings include country favorites such as eggs, biscuits and gravy, pork chops, and chicken-fried steak, as well as indulgent treats like sausage pancakes, French toast, and waffles. There's also a kid's menu with a wide variety of kid-friendly breakfast options packed with nutrition. The Egg & I The Egg & I, also in nearby Fort Smith, is a traditional breakfast cafe with classic American dishes in large portions and homemade preparations. Known for its house-made hollandaise sauce, The Egg & I offers a wide variety of traditional meal options like bacon and eggs, steak and eggs, eggs Benedict, pancakes, waffles, and country-fried steak. You can also get breakfast all day long, making it perfect for brunch outings, and the restaurant offers a gluten-friendly guide for people with food sensitivities. Blue Ribbon Diner The Blue Ribbon Diner offers the quintessential "greasy spoon" experience. Eggs with sausage, bacon, country ham, pork chops, and steak are paired with a choice of breakfast potatoes, toast, and biscuits and gravy for a filling and well-balanced meal, and there are also plenty of sweet breakfast options and omelets to choose from. You can also opt for an alternative breakfast, which includes options like an egg sandwich, oatmeal, and the Oklahoma Cowboy Hashbrowns specialty, which is a full breakfast meal in itself. If you're attending brunch, you'll find plenty of burgers, salads, sandwiches, appetizers, and sides to satisfy everyone in the group. Whether you're visiting Sallisaw or looking for a great new breakfast spot to try something new, you'll love the delicious, local, and homemade breakfast options at one of these wonderful restaurants. Image via Flickr by GinkgoTelegraph | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

Maintaining your independence is an important aspect of growing older. Having the ability to drive is an important part of maintaining this independence, but precautions are often needed to avoid auto accidents, which are responsible for injuring hundreds of thousands of seniors each year. Senior citizens are vital for a healthy, functioning society, and these tips can help ensure that these important people continue to drive safely. Health and Medications Physical and mental changes that come with age can affect the ability to safely drive a vehicle. Regular doctor appointments are a helpful way to monitor these physical and mental changes, including hearing and vision tests. Pain or stiffness in your joints can affect your ability to control your vehicle and react quickly. Chronic conditions and the medications that treat them can affect driving as well. As vision decreases with age, nighttime driving can be more difficult. Know Your Limitations One of the most helpful ways seniors can maintain safe driving habits is to know their limitations, whether that means driving less at night when it's harder to see or keeping trips shorter to avoid the fatigue and stress of long drives. Other practical steps include allowing yourself more reaction time by increasing your following distance. Another good idea for drivers of all ages is to anticipate conditions and prepare to brake early, like when approaching an intersection or when a road merges up ahead. Choose the Right Vehicle and Adjust Driving Position Driving the right vehicle and ensuring it is properly adjusted to your driving position can go a long way to ensure safe driving. Some vehicles have better handling and quicker brake-response time, which can help as reaction time can decrease with age. If you adjust the position of the driver's seat to better reach the pedals, hold the steering wheel comfortably, and see your side and rearview mirrors, that will help increase your ability to handle the vehicle. The height of the seat is an important factor that many forget to adjust. Improve Skills Through Mature Driving Courses Many communities offer driving courses aimed at helping seniors maintain their safe driving habits and stay on the road longer. All drivers can benefit from improving their driving skills, so it's a good choice to take advantage of such safety classes. Plan Ahead and Know the Conditions Another practical way to increase safe driving is by planning ahead to avoid hazardous driving conditions. It may be wise to avoid high-traffic conditions, such as the morning and evening rush hours. Rain and snow mean the roads are more hazardous, and often it's best to avoid driving in these conditions. Another good idea is to get in the habit of keeping your headlights on while driving at all times of the day so you won't accidentally forget them at night or on rainy days. We care about your safety. Blue Ribbon Chrysler Dodge Jeep is committed to safe driving for drivers of all ages. These tips for seniors can make a big difference to aid safe travel. A safe and properly maintained vehicle is also vital for safe driving, so stop by and we can show you our excellent lineup of safe and comfortable Chryslers, Dodges, and Jeeps. Image via Flickr by qlexxx | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

Sallisaw, Oklahoma, is filled with fun activities and adventures throughout its parks, prairies, forests, and sand dunes. On warm days, you can find virtually endless options to enjoy the sunshine by the water in these great swimming spots. Sequoyah State Park Sequoyah State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and water adventurers. With 225 miles of shoreline on Fort Gibson Lake, the park is a prime spot for boating, fishing, swimming, and other water sports, as well as hiking, camping, and taking nature walks. The lake also has a marina with boat rentals, boat sales, docks, slip rentals, personal watercraft, and paddleboats to spend the day on the water. Lake Eufaula State Park Lake Eufaula State Park is a vast parkland on a 102,000-acre reservoir that's great for water sports. The lake has a swimming area with a beach and multiple boat ramps for lake access, and fishing is a popular activity year-round. You could also explore the wilderness areas to experience the local flora and fauna via nature trails or horseback riding. Roland Municipal Swimming Pool The Roland Municipal Swimming Pool has been a community fixture since 1968, and recent renovations added some fun features to the pool. Kids will enjoy the geysers and mushroom fountain in the shallow end, and there are concession areas and picnic tables with awnings near the water. Deck chairs surround the pool, making it easy for parents to keep an eye on the children while they swim and play. Creekmore Park Pool The Creekmore Park Pool is located within picturesque Creekmore Park and offers a range of fun swimming opportunities for all ages. General admission allows visitors to enjoy the pool for a day, and season passes are available for individuals and families. You can also reserve the area for lap swimming or swim lessons, or you can rent the pool for private events. Splash pads for children are available during the season and are free to enjoy, which is perfect for spending time with the kids on a hot day. Parrot Island Waterpark Parrot Island Waterpark is a fun-filled waterpark in nearby Fort Smith, Arkansas that offers an array of aquatic attractions such as lazy rivers, slides, and other water play areas. Some of the most popular attractions include the FlowRider, a surf simulator with a thin sheet of water on a trampoline-like surface that creates an endless wave to experience the joy of surfing, and Caribbean Splash, a powerful wave pool with different water levels to accommodate all ages and skill levels. There's also Tiny Turtle Island, a children's play area with slides, climbing toys, and waterfalls, and Toucan's Cave, an activity pool that connects to the massive lazy river. Adventurous kids will also like the array of thrilling slides with deep plunges or twists and turns. If you're looking for ways to cool down on a hot summer day in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, visit one of the lakes, pools, or water parks in the area for a fun experience. Image via Flickr by SurFeRGiRL30 | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original