"The Natural State: Arkansas" - Time Out #145

Our eastern neighbor, Arkansas, is an easy state to visit, and to thoroughly enjoy.

Especially, when my favorite (an only) sister, Beverly, has lived there for most of her life. Therefore, my bride, Debbie, and I, and our trio of children, have visited there many times over the years. Besides the obvious family angle, I have also enjoyed many of the state's beautiful sites, and I will now relate some of them to faithful readers of Our Town and far beyond.

I will not attempt to name all the memorable things to see in The Natural State, but only the ones I have personally enjoyed, since the late 1960's.

Let's begin with the Arkansas border city of Ft. Smith, population 86,209. This city was formed in 1817 when the site was selected by the U.S. government because geographically, it is located at the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau rivers. It has developed into one of the state's leading manufacturing cities.

Because of my life-long love affair with our incredible National Park System (NPS), my main attraction to this city is the Fort Smith National Historic Site. The site has free admission,

and chronicles its frontier years, 1817-96. The fort's visitor center is in "hanging judge" Isaac C. Parker's restored courtroom, where he ordered 79 felons put to their death. A reproduction of the hanging gallows is on the site, along with extensive historical exhibits on frontier life, during those almost 80-odd years it functioned as a fort.

Moving on to historical Hot Springs, population 35,193, on the eastern edge of the beautiful Ouachita National Forest. Again, my always-returning attraction is Hot Springs National Park, located on its 5,500 acres smack dab in the middle of the city. Famous Bathhouse Row ( 8 still standing) is so nostalgic, and these structures guide visitors back in time over a century ago. The area is famous for its 47 natural hot water springs, with a total daily water flow of 750,000 gallons. The park visitor center is located in the 1915-constructed Fordyce Bathhouse, with its marble and mosaic tile floors, stained-glass ceilings and ceramic fountains. Visitors are able to experience various water-bathing features for a fee in the Buckstaff Bathhouse and Quapaw Baths and Spa. I have had this experience, and it is totally relaxing! At the top of the 216' Hot Springs Mountain Observation Tower, the visitor is treated to scenic views of the park, city, and vicinity.

Will also mention the 200-passenger Belle of Hot Springs riverboat that offers 75-minute narrated daytime, and 2-hour evening sightseeing cruises on nearby Lake Hamilton. Lunch and dinner cruises are also offered.

In the far northwestern tip of the state is magical Eureka Springs, lovely, quaint, and only 2,073 permanent residents. Over 150 years ago, people were drawn to the area for the alleged medicinal powers of the spring waters, but, over time, that appeal declined. However, the city and surrounding area's beauty, recreation and artistic businesses have maintained the vitality of this special area. Their elegant Victorian homes, built at the turn of the 20th century, may be seen in the city's historic district, and are easy to enjoy via a leisurely walk. The Great Passion Play, 1 mile east of the city, attracts thousands each May thru October, and is centered on Christ's life, death, resurrection, and ascension. it is performed in a 4,000-seat outdoor amphitheater.

Lastly, for me, is the state capital city and centrally-located, Little Rock. By far, the state's largest city with 193,524 folks (total state population just under 3 million), my sis lived there for many years. Two city center must-sees are the dramatic, 20,000 square foot William J. Clinton (childhood home in the state's small southwestern town of Hope) Presidential Library and Museum, and the native limestone-built Arkansas State Capitol. Not too far away and another absolute icon is the Little Rock Central High School NPS site. including its visitor center. This building captures the late 1950's national civil rights turmoil when 9 African-American high school students were escorted in-and-out of the school by military troops.

So, that sums up my take on Arkansas. There are SO many other highlights not mentioned, but it is up to you, readers of Our Town and far beyond, to travel "next door" to The Natural State, ASAP. You will remember your experiences in your mind's eye, forever!!!