Beginner's Guide to Arkansas

Arkansas Vacations - One Week Overview

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A week in the Natural State is enough to make one want to never leave. With its beautiful scenery, friendly people, numerous attractions and southern style, Arkansas is a vacationer’s paradise. Before setting out, be prepared. Plan to drive or rent a car. Many of the state’s attractions are not accessible by public transportation and renting or driving your own car is far more economical than other options. Research your vacation through internet sites and guide books. Make hotel, campsite, or lodge reservations in advance and be certain to get good driving directions.

For an unforgettable week-long vacation, plan on spending it in the northwest portion of the state. This fast-growing area in the Ozark Mountain region has some of Arkansas’ most amazing natural wonders and attractions. These include breathtaking caves, majestic waterfalls, abundant wildlife, beautiful scenery, and relaxing outdoor activities. There is sure to be something for everyone. Golfers are sure to be pleased with the region’s many courses available year round. Public, private and semi private courses with pro shops and restaurants are available throughout the region. From beautiful lakeside courses to lush valley landscapes, there are hundreds to choose from. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the region’s various parks, hiking trails, lakes, rivers, and wildlife. Northwest Arkansas contains Beaver Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, Lake Charles, Norfork Lake, and Table Rock Lake, all of which provide world-class fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. The Buffalo National River attracts thousands of visitors year round with its magnificent bluffs, hiking trails and water recreation. This region of the state also has a very rich history. From civil war battlefields and heritage villages to turn of the century Victorian homes and museums, the Ozarks offer a great deal to visitors. Other area attractions include numerous music, food, and art festivals, world famous architecture, arts and crafts, and shopping.

Example Itinerary

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Day One: Begin your vacation by checking in to one of the many bed and breakfasts or hotels in Eureka Springs. Eureka Springs is approximately an hour drive from the airport in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and is situated in the Ozark Mountains. Downtown Eureka Springs is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Spend the afternoon strolling up and down the mountainside streets, touring Victorian homes, shopping in one of the many art galleries, boutiques, craft emporiums, or candy shops, or visiting some of the one-of-a-kind restaurants that the town has to offer. Be sure to stop by Sweet’s Fudge Kitchen for some delicious homemade fudge or to watch taffy being made. Another must-see is Christmas Memories, a year round Christmas store that is sure to put you in the holiday spirit, no matter what time of year you visit. For dinner, eat at the Crystal Dining Room in the historic Crescent Hotel, located at the highest point in town. This fine dining steakhouse offers classic American dishes on their five course menu. After dinner, embark on a Ghost tour in the Crescent Hotel. Tours reveal tales of the phantoms that have been checking in but never leaving this Historic Hotel of America since 1886. The long history of the hotel is represented through the ghosts that still inhabit its halls and walls. Ghost Tours are available 7 days a week, tours start at 8pm. Tickets are $17.50, children under 9 are $7.00.

Day Two: After breakfast at one of the towns numerous bakeries or diners, visit one of Eureka’s many day spas for a relaxing start. Afterwards, head for the Christ of the Ozarks, located at The Great Passion Play, just outside of Eureka Springs. After viewing the amazing seven story statue, embark on the New Holy Land Tour, or visit the Bible Museum, the Parables of the Potter, the Sacred Arts Center, or the Museum of Earth History. These attractions are remarkable, interactive, and educational entertainment experiences for everyone to enjoy. Throughout the year The Great Passion Play hosts special events, including special art exhibits, performances by choral groups from across America and more. The play itself is offered throughout the spring and summer at 8:30 pm and in the fall at 7:30 pm, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with special Sunday performances at 8:30 before national holidays. Opening day is the last Friday of April and closing day is the last Friday of October. Tickets are $23.25 for adults and $10.00 for children.

Days Three and Four: Today, head for Bull Shoals Lake, with its 45,000 surface acres of water and a 1,000-mile shoreline, near Mountain Home, approximately 2 hours from Eureka Springs. This pristine lake is a popular destination for vacationers that want to spend some time fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, crappie, channel cat, bream and walleye, enjoying water sports or just taking it easy. The White River, which is internationally famous for its beauty and great trout fishing, is located just below the dam at Bull Shoals. Many accommodations and guide services are available. There are many campgrounds in the area, including Bull Shoals-White River State Park. Spend the days playing on the water and the evenings relaxing around a campfire, cooking up the spoils of the day, and swapping fishing stories before turning in.

Days Five and Six: For another few days in the great outdoors, first head south to Blanchard Springs Caverns, located 15 miles northwest of Mountain View. Blanchard Springs Caverns offers three tours; the Dripstone Trail winds through the magnificently decorated upper level, the longer, more strenuous Discovery Trail explores the middle level of the Caverns system, while the Wild Cave Tour offers visitors an introduction to spelunking in a more structured environment. Informative Forest Service interpreters guide the tours. The Dripstone and Discovery tours are limited to around 30 people; the Wild Cave Tour is limited to 12 people. All tours begin at the Visitor Information Center, where the Ozark Interpretive Association sells books, maps, and other educational materials. Tour prices are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children. After the tours, drive to the Buffalo National River, located just about an hour from Mountain View. Here, vacationers can enjoy hiking, floating, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities. There are over 100 miles of maintained trails in the park. Several of the park’s trails are open both to horse and hiking use. For information on these trails, call park headquarters, or the district offices. Regularly scheduled programs and activities are offered by rangers from Memorial Day through Labor Day. These activities include guided hikes, float trips, junior ranger programs, music programs, and evening programs. Camp out at one of the park’s many camp sites and enjoy falling asleep under the stars and waking up surrounded by beautiful bluffs.

Day Seven: Before heading home, visit some of Northwest Arkansas’ other attractions. Some of the area’s attractions include the Wal-Mart visitor’s center in Bentonville, the Civil War battlefields at Prairie Grove or Pea Ridge, the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, and the War Eagle Cavern on Beaver Lake, among others. Be sure to pick up some Arkansas souvenirs before leaving the Natural State.

These are just some of the must-see’s in the Natural State’s Ozarks Region. Just remember to plan your trip well, bring appropriate clothing, and make reservations in advance if possible. No matter what your tastes or preferences, Arkansas has something for you. With so many opportunities available, you can create an extraordinary vacation that you and your family will never forget.

Sources

www.arkansas.com
www.arkansasstateparks.com
www.arkansastravel.com
www.crescent-hotel.com
www.eurekasprings.com
www.greatpassionplay.com
www.nps.gov
www.ozarkmountainregion.com

Arkansas - Overview and History

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Arkansas - Overview and History

Brief History

How did Arkansas get its name?

Places of historical interest to visit

Arkansas Real Estate

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Arkansas Real Estate Overview

Northwest Arkansas Neighborhoods

Little Rock Neighborhoods

Rural Arkansas Neighborhoods

Arkansas Hotels and Accommodations

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Arkansas Hotels and Accommodations Overview

Hotels and Motels

Resorts and Lodges

Bed and Breakfasts

Arkansas Vacations

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Arkansas Vacations Overview

Types

Locations

Example One to Three Day Itinerary

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Ad About You

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Ad About You

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Ad About You

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Go Pickle Feeds

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Go Pickle Feeds

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Fayetteville, Arkansas Video Feed

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Arkansas Razorbacks Video Feed

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