I hate to say it but, I’m a about a week late on posting this. National Arkansas Day was this past Saturday, January 11th. My time management has sucked the past few weeks and I didn’t make time for this post, so here I am writing a week later.
Let’s move south from our first stop of Missouri and head to Arkansas, which is home to over 3 million people, the Ozarks, Bill Clinton, and Big Red, the razorback. While I have not personally been to Arkansas, not do I know anyone who has been, it is on my list of states to visit.
Famous Arkansans / Arkansawyers
Lots of famous individuals call Arkansas home, including the following:
- Johnny Cash
- Bill Clinton
- Sam Walton
- Glen Campbell
- Billy Bob Thornton
- Daniel Davis (Niles from “The Nanny”)
- Mary Steenburgen
- Jerry Van Dyke
- Lou Brock
- Pat Burrell
- John Daly
- Scottie Pipen
- Brooks Robinson
- John Grisham
- Jerry Jones
- Douglas MacArthur
Arkansas Hot Spots
Hot Springs
Located in the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs is known for it’s naturally heated springs. Similar to boathouse row in Philadelphia, Hot Springs has bathhouse row, which is 8 bathhouses from the 19th and 20th centuries. If you are more into organized crime, visit the Gangster Museum of America (this is a must see on my to-do list).
Whitaker Point
All the Disney buffs out there may recognize Whitaker Point, or Hawksbill Crag, as it is also called, as it has appeared in Tuck Everlasting. This location has been named the best place to be proposed to, the best place to be kissed, and the most beautiful place in Arkansas, and once you seen it, there should be no doubt why. You’ll have to hike to get there though, as it is about a 3 mile venture.
Little Rock
No trip to Arkansas is complete without a trip to it’s capital, Little Rock.
The history lovers on the trip, you will be able to see:
- The William J. Clinton Presidential Center
- Little Rock High School National Historic Site
- The Old State House Museum
The architect lovers can view:
- Quapaw Quarter
Art lovers can see:
- Arkansas Art Museum
- Arkansas Symphony Orchestra
- a Broadway show.
For those with little ones, try:
- Riding the River Trail Trolley
- Visit Little Rock Zoo
- Visit the Museum of Discovery
Fun Facts
- Arkansas became the 25th state admitted to the union, which the 25 stars on the state flag represent.
- Only state in the United States which produces diamonds.
- North Little Rock is home to one of the country’s largest parks.
- Formally known as The Land of Opportunity.
- In Stuttgat, one can find the annual World Championship of Duck Calling.
If you’ve been to Arkansas, I would love to hear your thoughts and recommendations!
