Spring is a great time to get outside and explore the outdoors. Thankfully we live in the Natural State where the beautiful outdoors is all around us. There are so many activities for families to do in Jacksonville: ride a bike, walk a trail or explore one of the 12 parks in the area.

One activity you might be overlooking is canoeing. Arkansas has many miles of rivers, streams and bayous. Most of these waterways are perfect for floating and paddling sports are among the fastest growing recreational activities in the United States.

The city of Jacksonville is known for its military history. Most people in the state know about the Air Force base in Jacksonville, but they probably don’t know about the famous Civil War battle that took place in the area.

The Battle of Reed’s Bridge took place in Jacksonville in 1863 and was one of Arkansas’ last stands before the Union Army captured Little Rock. Relive the history at this landmark by visiting the grounds to take a tour of the battlefield that includes an 1860-era replica homestead and a walking trail with narrative historical markers highlighting the battle along the way. As you explore, feel free to enjoy a picnic or take pictures of the historic scenery.

There's a lot of advice out there on how to eat healthy, and it seems like everyone is trying to eat healthy these days. After all, it can help reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and lots of other things you’d rather avoid.

Not only is eating healthy good for you, it gives you an opportunity to try something new and expand your menu from the same old boring food. If you want to try to eat healthier, the good news is Jacksonville has plenty of healthy options that can satisfy your hunger. Check out this list of local healthy food options.

A Night at the Victory is on it's way! The annual fundraiser for the Jacksonville Museum of Military History will take place on Saturday, March 10th at 5:30 PM at the Jacksonville Community Center.

The holiday season is finally here. As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, many people will experience family traditions such as enjoying a big turkey dinner, watching football or going Black Friday shopping.

One tradition you should add to the list this year is Small Business Saturday. On November 25, take the day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for our community. This annual shopping was founded by American Express in 2010, and is celebrated every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.