Arkansas
Flight time from UK: 12 -16 hours Capital: Little Rock
Arkansas is a landlocked state in the south-central region of the United States, with six neighboring states: Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma. Its name comes from the Osage language, a Dhegiha Siouan language, and refers to their relatives, the Quapaw people. Arkansas is known for its diverse geography, rich history, and vibrant culture.
Arkansas is not only a natural state but also a cultural one. It has a rich musical heritage that spans from blues to folk to country. It also has a delicious culinary scene that features barbecue, rice dishes, pies and more. Here are some ways to experience Arkansas’ unique cultural offerings.
Blues, Barbecue and More
- Delta Blues Trail: This is a route that follows the Mississippi River and showcases the birthplace of the blues. You can visit historic sites, museums, juke joints, and festivals that celebrate the legacy of blues legends such as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Levon Helm, and Johnny Cash. You can also see the original Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, where Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and other rock and roll pioneers recorded their hits.
- Ozark Folk Center State Park: This is a park in Mountain View that preserves and promotes the folk music and crafts of the Ozark region. You can watch live performances of traditional music on the banjo, fiddle, guitar, and dulcimer. You can also learn about the skills and techniques of local artisans who make pottery, baskets, quilts, and more.
- Whole Hog Cafe: This is a restaurant chain that serves award-winning barbecue in various locations across Arkansas. You can enjoy succulent smoked meats such as pork, beef, chicken, and ribs. You can also choose from six different sauces that range from mild to volcanic. Don’t forget to try their signature sides such as potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread.
- McClard’s Bar-B-Q: This is another famous barbecue joint that has been in operation since 1928. It is located in Hot Springs and has been visited by celebrities such as Bill Clinton, Elvis Presley, and Anthony Bourdain. You can savor their mouthwatering barbecue sandwiches, plates, or ribs. You can also sample their legendary hot tamales, which are spicy meat-filled cornmeal rolls.
- Possum Pie: This is a dessert that is popular in Arkansas and has a misleading name. It does not contain any possum meat but rather layers of cream cheese, chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and pecans. It is sometimes called chocolate caramel pie or four-layer delight. You can find it in many restaurants and bakeries across the state.
Arkansas: The Natural State
Highlights & Hidden Gems of Arkansas
Highlights:
Hot Springs National Park: This is the oldest national park in the United States, established in 1832. It features 47 natural hot springs that flow from the slopes of Hot Springs Mountain. Visitors can enjoy bathing in the thermal waters, hiking on the scenic trails, or exploring the historic bathhouses along Bathhouse Row.
Little Rock: This is the capital and the largest city of Arkansas. It is located on the banks of the Arkansas River and offers a variety of attractions and activities. You can visit the Museum of Discovery, the Arkansas State Capitol, the River Market District, or the Clinton Presidential Library. You can also enjoy the nightlife, dining, and entertainment options in the downtown area.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art: This is a stunning museum in Bentonville that showcases the works of American artists from colonial times to the present day. The museum is surrounded by 120 acres of natural beauty and features several trails, sculptures, and gardens. Some of the highlights of the collection include paintings by Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Vincent van Gogh.
Mount Magazine State Park: This is the highest point in Arkansas, rising 2,753 feet above sea level. It is located in the Ouachita Mountains and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The park has a variety of recreational opportunities, such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, hang gliding, and camping. You can also stay at the luxurious lodge or cabins on top of the mountain.
Hidden Gems:
The Gurdon Light: This is a mysterious phenomenon that occurs near the railroad tracks in Gurdon. It is a glowing orb of light that appears to move through the woods at night. Some believe it is the ghost of a railroad worker who was decapitated by a train in the 1930s. Others think it is caused by underground quartz crystals or swamp gas. Whatever the explanation, it is a fascinating sight to behold.
Rush Ghost Town: This is a former mining town that was abandoned in the 1950s. It is located in the Buffalo National River area and preserves the remnants of the zinc industry that once thrived there. You can see old buildings, machinery, mineshafts, and cemeteries that tell the story of the boom and bust cycle of mining. You can also hike on the trails or kayak on the river nearby.
Pickles Gap Village: This is a quaint shopping village in Conway that features a variety of shops and attractions. You can buy some delicious fudge at Pickles Gap Fudge Factory, feed some chickens and goats at Pickles Gap Petting Zoo, or browse through antiques and collectibles at Pickles Gap Country Store. You can also enjoy some live music or comedy shows at Pickles Gap Music Hall.
Woolly Hollow State Park: This is a beautiful park in Greenbrier that offers a relaxing getaway from the city. It has a 40-acre lake where you can swim, fish, or boat. You can also hike or bike on the trails that wind through the forested hills. The park also has a historic homestead that dates back to 1882 and showcases the life of early settlers.
Crescent Hotel & Spa: This is a magnificent hotel and spa in Eureka Springs that was built in 1886. It is known as “America’s Most Haunted Hotel” because of its many ghost stories and paranormal activities. You can stay in one of its elegant rooms or suites, enjoy its spa services and amenities, or join one of its nightly ghost tours. You can also explore the charming town of Eureka Springs, which has many Victorian buildings, shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Arkansas is a state that will surprise you with its natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural diversity. Whether you want to relax in a hot spring, explore a ghost town, admire some art masterpieces, listen to some blues music, or taste some barbecue, you will find it here. Come and discover why Arkansas is called The Natural State!
Current Weather in Arkansas
Time difference to the UK - 6 hours
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