East Arkansas also enjoys a well-preserved folk scene that has been handed down from those early settlers. Just more things to add to the NWA area! A golfers paradise, Northwest Arkansas offers 34 challenging courses etched into Ozark Mountain landscapes. Wishing you lots of sunshine and a peaceful journey! Piers & Boardwalks, Flea & Street Markets, Wineries & Vineyards, Speciality & Gift Shops, Fresh Harvest Tasting Room - Eureka Springs, Hotels with Military Discounts in Arkansas. I love what you said about people having odd perceptions of places until they visit. History buffs can appreciate two Civil War sites in the area. Also, downtown Fort Smith is starting to become alive/young again with places like The Bakery District opening up! Hi Lesley, thank you for this guide! Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium go hogs! Museums displaying gun collections, aircraft, trolleys or whitetail deer are spread throughout the region. In close proximity to Little Rock in North Little Rock, home to one of the largest city parks in the nation, Burns Park. Ask people what to do in Arkansas and youll probably hear about the Buffalo River. Appealing attractions for families include the Museum of Discovery and the Childrens Museum. The farmers market in Bentonville is every Saturday- a great selection of local goods, and they have live musicians playing- mostly jazzswoon.

Thank you! I still dream about their food even after I moved away 4 years ago. Love our State. My quest is to see all 61 National Park in the country. On a mission now to find these gorgeous waterfalls!

When I was about six years old, my mom threw me in the water and bribed me with $10 to get up on skis. A vacation in Arkansas has as much to do with rejuvenation as relaxation. Where can I find live music near me in Northwest Arkansas?

Love that you even shined love upon my heaven on earth, Lake Ouachita. Copyright 2022 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. For great golf, spas, horse racing and the Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs is the place to go. Dickson Street / Fayetteville Square (especially the Farmers Market on Saturday mornings when in season), Razorback Greenway Trail for running, hiking and biking, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, The Momentary, Amazeum, Boating, wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and even scuba diving, Crater of Diamonds State Park (an hour from Mt. Or will it be oppressively hot? Arkansas carries a southern comfort that wraps me up in layers of sweet relaxation, strong accents, and even stronger humidity. Various guided sightseeing opportunities are available through companies such as the Hot Springs Carriage Company, the Brady Mountain Riding Stables and the Belle of Hot Springs Riverboat. We are stuck in Florida with this virus keeping us from returning to Arkansas for the summer so these pics brought it back to us at just the right time. Thanks for featuring our state! Must ask for the sweet salsa and queso. As we continue to navigate what travel means post-pandemic, domestic travel close to home is always a good idea. You captured all the goodies around our state. My husband and I are moving to Fort Smith with our six-month-old in a few weeks from the Heights in Little Rock. This summer its all about The Natural State. Further south, tall pines populate the Timberlands. I grew up visiting my grandparents who lived here on Lake Hamilton. Unforgettable adventures wait for you here. I typically keep up with your blog regularly but some how missed this one until today! Those days at Trinity and remembering the Quad will always be with me. There are several places to listen to local live music (nightlife) at restaurants and bars. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Well, we just booked our Airbnb in Saint Joe to hit up the Buffalo River after seeing your pictures! Im glad I could be of help for one of you last ones. Oh Fort Smith, I will always love thee. Its time to see and explore Midwest and the South of America. As the states capital, she provides charming front-porch Our worldwide travel correspondents bring you the best and most up-to-date coverage of over 7,500 global destinations. Youll be glad to have this informative guide to help make your Fayetteville experience better than ever! Little Rock, the capital, is a city of exciting sophistication with an emerging culinary landscape. Bath House Row features public bath facilities that include the Buckstaff Bath House, which uses the springs to create relaxing and therapeutic mineral baths. Maybe some specail events? The history of the state is captured at such attractions as the Old State House, which houses Civil War flags and exhibits of political developments, and the Central High Museum and Visitors Center, which documents a powerful story of the fight to stop racial segregation in public schools. Your email address will not be published. West Arkansas holds many prime events, including the Great Passion Play near the charming village of Eureka Springs. The mountains and river banks are thickly forested. Individuals can search for real diamonds and other precious stones at the Crater of Diamonds State Park. Visitors, including newlyweds, have a variety of accommodations and services to choose from when in this bustling town. The healing natural waters, for which the city is named, are just one of the things that attract millions of visitors to this lovely city. Cant wait to see where you will end up. Ive spent countless days at my grandparents old home in Helena and Pine Bluff and have visited some insanely small towns while playing junior high basketball (go Buffs). Some of the external links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, we might receive an affiliate commission directly from the vendor, but there will be no additional charge to you. I knew you just moved to Arkansas but just learning your an Arkansan. Aw thanks for this!

Thanks for the tour Leslie. I love to obsessively research the best things to do in each state, because if I am going to go, I always want to do it RIGHT and as a local would do! NWA native over here Love this guide!! Thank you so much.

Im a Spa City Girl. . Yes! Fun fact: Mount Ida, the city where my parents lakehouse is located, is known as the Quartz Crystal Capital of the World Over Christmas, I went digging for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds state park, the worlds only diamond-bearing site accessible to the public! Sending you love and luck on your journey!

The court closed in 1896 after The Hanging Judge fell ill. An hour north of Fort Smith lies northwest Arkansas, a region that has seen immense growth for the past few years. For lighter activities, visitors may shop, dine or be entertained at the River Market in the downtown core. Try the Pig Trail, Ozark Highlands and Sylamore scenic byways in the Ozark National Forest designated by the U.S. Forest Service. If I could rest anywhere, it would be in Arkansas, where the men are of the real half-horse, half-alligator breed such as grows nowhere else on the face of the universal earth. Quote attributed to Davey Crockett. Rock climbing is popular in the fall and winter when you can witness the fall foliage, scale large cliffs and peer at breathtaking terrain that seems endless. Wanting to hear some live local music in Fayetteville? Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs is rich with rustic charm. With shop names like Awakening the Divine and The Essential Oil Shoppe, this little yogi was in heaven Historians say indigenous cultures traveled to the Old Indian Healing Spring long before European Americans incorporated the city. The recreational, geographical and historical diversity of the 51 parks is reflected in the many special events and programs hosted by an award-winning corps of park interpreters. creasing degrees of difficulty, as the day of instruction, progress. June 16, 2021 by lesleymurphy 35 Comments. The Ozark and Ouachita mountain ranges cradle northern and western regions, draping 10 scenic byways in a tapestry of brilliant fall color. I went to school in Fayetteville and it has been my favorite place on earth ever since. Great representation for Arkansas! Overall, more 600,000 acres of lakes and 9,700 miles of streams and rivers make the state a prime playground for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy fishing, float trips and water sports, hunting, and camping. All 61 National Parks is such a great mission! Fodor's Best Road Trips in the USA: 50 Epic Trips Across All 50 States, This 100 Year Old National Park Recently Opened Its Doors for the First Time in Over a Year, The Perfect Weekend Getaway: Hot Springs, Arkansas From Houston, Texas, This Small Resort Town Is Both a Religious Mecca and an LGBTQ Vacation Haven, ROAD TRIP/Route 66: CALIF; ARIZONA; NEW MEXICO; ARKANSAS; TEXAS, Fodor's Bucket List USA: From the Epic to the Eccentric, 500+ Ultimate Experiences. I feel you gave the perfect recommendations for our beautiful state! The waters of Eureka Springs and Hot Springs have long been known for their healthful qualities, and the state offers additional ways to make visitors feel better: fishing on a scenic lake, walking a wooded trail, contemplating the beauty of a mountain road. Visit Eureka Springs to discover why this town has earned a reputation as one of the best-preserved and most unique communities in the United States. Would also recommend bringing bikes to Pea Ridge National Park- it is secluded and gorgeous, they have great hiking trails too. I just personally love the antique stuff because of the history. Ozark Wilderness Works experienced instructors begin by teaching the rudiments of rock-climbing: basic knots, belay and rappel techniques, climbing communication, safety procedures and moving on the rock. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. I didnt know a ton about the capital of AR (not AK) until my parents moved here from Fort Smith a few years ago. Film and modern entertainment arent left out of the mix. Take a deep dive into Bentonvilles art, museum, adventure, mountain biking, culinary, things to do, accommodations and kids scene. Beginning as an outpost in 1814, Little Rock became the capital of Arkansas in 1836. Thanks beautiful Les and may you find your destiny. Outdoor enthusiasts love the Ozark Mountains where activities like canoeing, rafting, kayaking, fishing, hiking and rock climbing are popular. This year or next year Ill go domestic/ national tour. Add Little Rock is to Arkansas what a favorite grandmother is to her extended family. The state of Arkansas boasts a unique terrain that features mountain ranges, rivers, and lowlands. Seven national park sites plus 2.5 million acres of national forests and 52 state parks preserve and interpret Arkansass diverse heritage, traditions, an Arkansas, "The Natural State," rolls out a welcome mat of lush terrain. To the east, Delta farmland is as rich as her musical heritage. Before this pandemic I had been able to see 39 so hopefully this will end soon and I can resume my adventure too. Micro Breweries: Black Apple Crossing- Springdale Core- Bentonville Ivory Bill Brewery- Siloam Springs Saddlebock Brewery and Restraunt- Springdale Bike Rack Brewing Co- Bentonville Creekside Taproom- Siloam Springs, NWA Eats: Juicy Tails (also Fayetteville) seafood Fish City Grill (Seafood) Rogers 7 Brew (coffee) multiple locations NWA Sassy Red House (BBQ) Foghorns (Wings) multiple locations NWA Feltner Brothers (Burgers) Fayetteville Fratellis (Pizzeria) Siloam Springs 28 Springs Siloam Springs, Little Rock- The Community Bakery Searcy Arkansas: the Art Alley, Wild sweet Williams (bakery), Stus Brew (BEST COFFEE), 45 minutes from Lake Ouachita sits a small town, Mena, AR. The difference between Lake Ouachita and Lake Hamilton is that you can actually build on Hamilton, but the lake is much smaller than Ouachita. Dont forget to visit Alberts Pike Recreational Area, Little Missouri Falls, and the Cossatot River State Park while in the area. Whether you want to camp in the Grand Canyon, eat an authentic cheesesteak in Philly, walk Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. Further south, tall pines populate the Timberlands. Thanks for sharing! 50 states by 30 amazing! Lived in Arkansas my entire life. I moved to Fort Smith in July of 2020 from Denver. Whether you want to drive Route 66, head out on the Pacific Coast Highway, or explore the Arkansas, "The Natural State," rolls out a welcome mat of lush terrain. Crowleys Ridge Parkway, a 200-mi (360-km) scenic byway along the Deltas highlands, passes through Jonesboro and includes Civil War sites as well as national forests, and in Brinkley, the Louisiana Purchase State Park commemorates the historic 1803 land deal and the starting point of the surveys that followed. Water activities are popular in Arkansas including fishing, canoeing, kayaking, boating, swimming and water skiing.

. We have some ideas for you. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. Thank you for the tips . Batesville annually hosts an Ozark film festival and Pine Bluff extols the states famous sons and daughtersJohnny Cash, Billy Bob Thornton, and John Grisham to name a fewat the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.

See Top 10 lists specific to Bentonville, and learn first-hand what its like to experience the beauty and wonder of this amazing, exploding city. If you want a really weird experience, do the drive-thru Gentry Safari in GentryI have been going since I was a kid, it is truly something hadefinitely worth checking out. That has been my exact reason for wanting to go to all 50 states! All this makes the nature of Arkansas ideal for thrilling adventures. Growing up in this bubble provided a beautiful childhood, but theres no sugar-coating it Fort Smith has a bit of a tumultuous past. Throw in Tyson Foods and J.B. Hunt Transport and you got yourself a triple threat worth of Fortune 500 companies. Obviously, I missed a few places.

I recently took a road trip through this great state, the preferred way to travel in 2020! I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Cheap Thrills in Fayetteville has amazing vintage clotheshas been around forever, so many treasures! The mountain biking alone is recognized as some of the best mountain biking in the world. Your list is great, but there are a few I thought of for NWA if you want to explore more: there has been almost 80 million dollars invested into the paved and mountain bike trails that run from Bella Vista to Fayetteville (over 100 miles of trails)- they are comprehensive and incredible!! Meteor cafe in Bentonvilee (coffee shop turned bar at night) has a bomb breakfast sandwich with french toast as the base, and a solid happy hour. Sometimes that takes place through historic forts, vintage buildings, and presentations of traditional music and crafts; sometimes through the general sense that life moves at a relaxed pace reminiscent of previous decades. It truly is a great place! An authentic, 19th-century Victorian resort that is located in the Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs offers many impressive natural features, such as the Covenant Gardens where flowers bloom (spring) and weddings are held. You will enjoy canoeing in the early spring down the awe-inspiring Buffalo National River, with high bluffs, tall trees, and a variety of wildlife resulting in a peaceful, isolated feeling. Golfers love the state because greens fees are extremely affordable for great courses. Thank you for the support! learn more. Live music is popping up throughout NWA in local wineries, bars, restaurants, and pubs. The landscape varies from lowlands to highlands and contains two mountain ranges: the Ozarks and the Ouachitas. Arkansas is also restorative in the sense that it tries to preserve a lot of its past. But this is home. congrats on all you have to celebrate. Those who like the high energy and sophisticated entertainment of big cities may want to go elsewhere, but if you want to take it easy and enjoy beautiful, rural scenery, Arkansas is a good place to do that. Look forward to your adventures every month.

Bentonville is truly an urban town now- pubs, coffee shops, hip restaurants, and art galore! The region, which is formed partly by the Mississippi Delta and partly by the Ozark Mountains, is home to a bevy of state parks, lakes, and scenic drives. I live in neighboring Kansas right now and want to visit Arkansas before we move (again). Were constantly adding new Northwest Arkansas resources that will make your life better. This stunning river is one of the few remaining unpolluted, free-flowing rivers in the lower 48 states, and the city of Jasper is a base for lots of adventuring. Great Job Leslie! As an Amazon Associate, Free Fun Guides may earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through links on this site. Each time you like a post, comment or share something on social media or recommend our magazines or books to a friend, you help us grow to the next level. There is a drive-in movie theatre in Fayetteville too that has been there forever, always a favorite! A network of trails provides routes for mountain bikes, motorcycles, horses, hikers, and all-terrain vehicles. I have a goal to go to all 50 states by the age of 30 and Arkansas is one of the remaining states I have left. Oven and Tap in Bentonville has been a favorite of ours- some of the best handmade pasta! There is nothing like a Bradley County Tomato!!! Eureka is also home to unique parades, events and festivals. Nicknamed the Natural State, Arkansas is a place of dense forests, rolling foothills, and fertile plains, and nowhere is its moniker more appropriate than in East Arkansas. Arkansas is known as the Natural Stateappropriate considering its 51 state parks and an abundance of outdoor activities. I thrive in that heat and, thus, shiver in the L.A. coastal summers. Pinnacle Mountain State Park offers hiking opportunities for nature enthusiasts as well as mountain biking trails. To the east, Delta farmland is as rich as her musical heritage. Bella vista to Fayetteville I think. Dandy Roll in Rogers is in downtown, and has a massive collection of vintage prints and custom framing- definitely worth a peruse. Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. As always, from the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank our readers and advertisers. Join our mailing list to stay up to date about everything happening in Fayetteville. There is plenty of fun to be had exploring Springdale Arkansas permanent attractions including NWA Naturals at Arvest Park, Historic Downtown Springdale around Emma Avenue, The Jones Center, Are you asking? Stay at one of the many lodges and resorts for a romantic getaway or do some sightseeing in a horse-drawn carriage. Thank you! The peanut butter cookies were amazing . With the largest criminal jurisdiction of any federal court at the time, Fort Smith handled all executions by hanging the guilty at the gallows, and most were of the BIPOC community. The Rose and Somewhere in Time are two awesome antique/flea markets in Rogers. There are several reasons for this: So, the state of Arkansas is definitely worth visiting to learn about its glorious past as well as discover its present time riches which are the never-ending source of positive emotions. (and they are still building more!) Youll have to return one day before moving! The William Clinton Presidential Library is a popular attraction and houses printed and audiovisual material related to the 42nd President of the United States. You can also view our Visitor's Guide as an interactive flipbook - Take a look! Seven national park sites plus 2.5 million acres of national forests and 52 state parks preserve and interpret Arkansass diverse heritage, traditions, and natural resources. For decades following, the infamous Judge Isaac C. Parker sentenced more people to hang than any other judge in American history. Tis a gorgeous state! Places to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences. Delicious! I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Planning a family road trip to AR and this is SO helpful!! Some preserve Native American archeological sites and Civil War battlegrounds, while others are museums and memorials preserving additional facets of the states heritage. Lake Chicot State Park at Lake Village is the states largest natural lakeit measures some 20 mi (36 km) in lengthwhile Greers Ferry Lake at Heber Springs is renowned for its record-setting trout fishing and environmental cleanliness. We passed through Little Rock on our honeymoon moving from NC to CA a few years ago and were so surprised both there and on the highway. The menu of vacation experiences is an exciting one. I appreciate the info you posted about the area its getting me more excited about our pending move! Filed Under: Destinations, Travel Tips, United States, This is awesome! And a burgeoning arts culture in Bentonvilleanchored by the renowned Crystal Bridges Museum of American Artis the most recent capstone to the thriving, small, arts towns of Hot Springs and Eureka Springs. It takes hours to get to a coastline, so the state enjoys its many lakes. While the region is growing and changing, Northwest Arkansas is still rooted in its scenic surroundings.

I have a lot of respect for this little city along the Arkansas River! You never know until you go, and that, in a nutshell, is one of the reasons I love to travel. lol). It is insane how much has changed over the years. Nwa Things to do: AMP- concerts (Rogers) Walton arts center- live performances (Fayetteville) Top Golf (Rogers) Lake Weddington- kayak and paddle boat rentals (Fayetteville) Beaver Lake (Rogers). Living up to its billing as The Natural State, the state is a nature wonderland with three national forests, nearly 9,000 miles of pristine streams and rivers, awe-inspiring settings in the Ozark and Quachita mountains and sparkling lakes. Its the simple life full of family, fun, and a whole bunch of Wal-Marts. There are tons of things to do in Rogers, it is a rapidly growing Northwest Arkansas city, has a constantly changing menu of fun! The many music festivals in the area are also enticing. Nothing Bundt Cakes in Rogers will rock all your bundt cake dreamsand Sweet Dream Creamery food truck in Bentonville is HEAVENhomemade ice cream daily, always mixing up the flavors. I am a local Arkansan, born in Little Rock, grew up in Rogers, then have lived in big cities the last 11 years, but when the riots hit NYC- my husband and I left and have been in Bentonville, AR since June. Tanyard creek waterfall in Bella Vista is a beauty- just have to time it right after the rain. Beautiful AR and thanks for the tips. Get your FREE Visitors Guide full of insider tips and guides to hotels, dining, entertainment, the arts, and more, Joe Martin Stage RaceFirst ThursdayArtosphereNWA PrideFayetteville Roots FestivalFayetteville Film FestivalLights of the Ozarks, Address: 21 South Block Ave, Suite 100, Fayetteville, AR 72701. And the Blue Mountain Bakery in Jasper, absolutely kills me to say they are permanently closed! Visitors can also attend a religious play, have dinner on the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway, browse through a variety of shops and relax at one of the many serenity spas available.