Arkansas is known as "The Natural State" because of its acres of national forests, lakes, and mountain ranges. Vacationing in Arkansas can entail camping in the Boston Mountains, hiking the Ozarks, water sports on Lake Ouachita, shopping for antiques in historic downtown Eureka Springs, or having a cappucino while watching an outdoor concert in the downtown Little Rock River Market.
The capital of the state, Little Rock boasts a historic downtown district, views of the Arkansas river, and enough shopping, restaurants, and events to keep a visitor busy for weeks. If visiting, arrange to stay in the heart of downtown near the River Market district, where local farmer's markets are hosted Wednesday and Saturday mornings, and concerts and outdoor movies are hosted at the adjoining amphitheater. Visit the Clinton Presidential Museum or the old state house, and get tickets to a show at Robinson Center Auditorium, then watch the sunset over the Arkansas river, and take a trolley car to one of many downtown restaurants.
Hot Springs is situated beside Lake Hamilton, and located very close to the national forest and preserved Lake Ouachita. Both are prime spots for boating and other water sports. Hot Springs itself has a colorful history with the Arlington Hotel located at the end of a promenade dotted with historic bath houses that are still open as museums, spas, and massage houses. Take a duck boat tour of the lake and the city, and then walk the same path that famous visitors like Al Capone did when the city thrived in the 1920's.
Eureka Springs is folded into the mountains of northwest, Arkansas and the streets and buildings all seem precariously built on the precipices of sweeping cliffs with breathtaking views. Stay at the historic and famously "haunted" Crescent Hotel, enjoy the champagne brunch and strolling along the historic district's streets to visit the famous restaurants and antique shops. Eureka Springs is also known for its mineral waters and beautiful autumnal colors in the fall.
Fayetteville, Arkansas is home to the University of Arkansas and the Razorbacks. No visit to the city is complete without touring the campus and strolling the famous walkway of graduates, that begins with the first inscribed graduating class outside of the original campus building, Old Main. Visit Dickson Street at night for food and drinks, see a show at the Walton Arts Center, and browse the unending selection of new, used, and rare books at the Dickson Street Bookstore.
