Arrive at LR National Airport on Thursday and spend one night in a Little Rock hotel complimentary - coaches depart Little Rock the morning of Friday, May 4.
Return to Little Rock at Peabody Hotel no later than 3:00p.m. Sunday, May 6, 2007.
Experience the historic and scenic beauty of eastern Arkansas, Crowley's Ridge Parkway Scenic Byway and the Great River Road Scenic Byway. Visit the Old Independence Regional Museum in Batesville and Powhatan Historic State Park and Old Davidsonville State Park near Pocahontas. After spending the evening in Pocahontas, day two begins with a visit to the Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center in Jonesboro, the Southern Tenant Farmers Museum in Tyronza and the Parkin Archeological State Park in Parkin. You'll spend your second evening surrounded by the beauty of Village Creek State Park in one of their beautiful cabins. Day three includes visits to the Delta Cultural Center and the Phillips County Museum in historic Helena and the St. Charles Museum in St. Charles.
Limit: 20
Experience the charm of Southern Arkansas. Travel beautiful Highway 7, the State's first designated scenic byway and explore DeGray Lake Resort State Park, a water sports paradise located amidst the natural beauty of the Ouachita Mountains. Visit Crater of Diamonds State Park, the only diamond mine on the North American continent and only diamond producing site in the world open to the public. Travel back to the 19 th century and explore Historic Washington State Park, one of America's premier historic villages and National Historical Landmark. Take a side trip to Hope, birthplace of former President Bill Clinton.
Limit: 20
There is no doubt that history is preserved in Bentonville as it has more than 60 historical buildings and homes within its city limits. Enjoy a visit to Bentonville's most well-known home, the Peel House Museum and Historic Gardens, and see the Pre-Civil War Andy Lynch log cabin that serves as the gatehouse and gift shop. Bentonville history extends further than buildings.
The origin and growth of the nation's largest corporation is encapsulated at the Wal-Mart Visitor's Center, a museum housed in the building that gave birth to the retail giant. The museum is located in the historic downtown square, where numerous community events from art walks to music gatherings take place. But, Bentonville isn't just a look at the past. The city is poised to make history with the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Founded by Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is envisioned as a premier national art institution dedicated to American art and artists. Currently under construction, the museum complex will encompass approximately 100,000 square feet of gallery, library, meeting, and office space, a 250-seat indoor auditorium, areas for outdoor concerts and public events, gallery rooms suitable for large receptions, as well as sculpture gardens and walking trails.
Wal-Mart history also stretches into Rogers, just south of Bentonville. The first Wal-Mart store was opened there in 1962. The building is now named Shelby Lane Mall. Rogers has a variety of retail stores in its historic downtown district, which encompasses about eight square blocks. Brick-paved streets lead to old-fashioned store fronts filled with unique furniture, antiques and gifts, cafes, jewelry and business offices. The Daisy International Air Museum, home to the world's largest collection of antique airguns, and the Rogers Historical Museum are also located downtown. But Rogers is looking to the future as well, as evidenced by the growth of the city and economic indicators like the new Pinnacle Hills Promenade. This 980,000-square-foot, 106-acre dining, entertainment, office and recreation destination opened October 2006. The open air center also includes: five sit-down restaurants; a 23,000-square-foot book store; 250,000 square feet of "big box" retail village shopping; 275,000 square feet of specialty shops (regional and national retailers); and 80,000 square feet of office space. At the other spectrum from shopping is the ever popular Beaver Lake. Just minutes from downtown Rogers is this 30,000-acre lake that plays host to world-renowned fishing, particularly striper, largemouth bass, crappie, bream and catfish. Popular water sports include boating, water skiing, scuba diving and swimming.
Limit: 20
Depart Hotels on Wednesday morning.
Return to LR National Airport on Friday.
Experience the serene beauty of Crowley's Ridge Parkway Scenic Byway. Visit the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum (where Ernest wrote A Farewell to Arms) and the Matilda and Carl Pfeiffer Museum in Piggott, followed by a trip to the Arkansas State University Museum and the Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center in Jonesboro. Next, we'll travel south on the historic parkway to Village Creek State Park, where you'll have the opportunity to enjoy tours, trail walks and interpretive programs. You'll spend two nights nestled in a cabin at Village Creek State Park, surrounded by the beauty of Crowley's Ridge. On day three, visit the St. Francis National Forest (one of America's smallest National Forests) and historic Helena-West Helena.
Limit: 20
Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Southern Arkansas. Explore DeGray Lake Resort State Park, a water sports paradise located amidst the natural beauty of the Ouachita Mountains. Visit Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Mena, located atop the 2,681-foot Rich Mountain, the state's second highest peak, and situated adjacent to Talimena Scenic Drive, a state and national scenic highway that spans the mountain range from Arkansas to Oklahoma. Here, one can enjoy the park and learn the history behind the "Castle in the Sky," first built in 1898 for Queen Wilhelmina of Holland.
Limit: 20
Enjoy the Culture, Then Get Wild (in the West, that is) Fayetteville offers contemporary shopping and plenty of nightlife. Home to the University of Arkansas, the state's major research and flagship education institution, Fayetteville's atmosphere is friendly and diverse. It parallels the cultural diversity found on the UA campus. The Fayetteville square is known for its beautiful gardens and Farmer's Market that runs three days a week beginning in Spring and ending in early autumn. Just blocks away, Dickson Street is the hip place for unique shops, dining locales, and tons of live music venues. Fayetteville's music scene is mottled with everything from alternative music and new country played in basement bars and large warehouse stages, to folk music picked out in the living room of an old house that has found a new function. Completing the scene are the symphony concerts at parks and the Walton Arts Center, which also brings Broadway shows, drama, and dance to the city's entertainment district. While Fayetteville is without a doubt the arts and entertainment center of Northwest Arkansas, it is also rich in Civil War history with the National and Confederate cemeteries and Headquarters House.
Take a tour of Fort Smith where the west is fun. The Fort Smith National Historic Site, a multi-million dollar facility, embraces the remains of two frontier forts and the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas, commemorates a significant phase of America's westward expansion, and today stands as a reminder of 80 turbulent years in the history of Federal Indian policy. See "Hanging Judge" Parker's courtroom and the "Hell on the Border" jail. Visit Miss Laura's Visitor Center, a former bordello, and enjoy a performance by Miss Laura's Players. See the Belle Grove Historic District, take a trolley tour and immerse yourself in the history and heritage of Fort Smith, where the Old South meets the Wild West.
Limit: 20
From Victorians to Pioneer Mountain Living Eureka Springs. Secluded and peaceful, Eureka Springs' entire downtown area is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is no wonder that The National Trust for Historic Preservation has honored Eureka Springs for its character. Eureka Springs offers more than 150 independent and unique stores and restaurants filling its elaborate gingerbread Victorian storefronts and amazingly has no national chain offering in its historic district. The city has block after block of one-of-a-kind shops, boutiques, fine art galleries and restaurants. Enjoy shopping, art and beautiful Victorian homes in colors of summer flower bouquets. And, a visit to Eureka Springs wouldn't be complete without experiencing one of its numerous spas, historic hotels or bed and breakfast inns.
Arkansas's Ozark Folk Center State Park is America's only facility that preserves the Ozark heritage and presents it as living history. Tap your toes to traditional American mountain music. See blacksmithing, pottery making and more than 18 other pioneer folk art and craft demonstrations. Learn how to play the dulcimer, autoharp or fiddle. Learn hand quilting or turkey wing broom making, or hot to grow a backyard herb garden. Pioneer craft workshops are offered throughout the season at the Ozark Folk Center. Browse the pioneer village gift shop where you can order country food gift baskets, hard to find books, and southern music. Sample country cooking at the Skillet Restaurant. The center is located in Mountain View, the "Folk Music Capital of the World." You can also explore the underground wonders of Blanchard Springs caverns.
Limit: 20
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