bigtravelbuzzArkansas is a state located in the southern United States. It is known for its beautiful natural scenery, outdoor recreational opportunities, and rich cultural heritage. Here are some things to know and do when visiting Arkansas:
Explore the outdoors: Arkansas is home to beautiful natural scenery, including the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, the Buffalo National River, and Hot Springs National Park. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.
Visit historic sites: Arkansas is also rich in history, with many historic sites and landmarks to explore. These include the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, the Clinton Presidential Library, and the Historic Arkansas Museum.
Enjoy the food: Arkansas is known for its Southern-style cuisine, including fried catfish, barbecue, and sweet tea. Be sure to try some of the local favorites while visiting.
Attend festivals and events: Arkansas hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Arkansas State Fair, the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, and the Riverfest music festival.
Tour the state’s wineries: Arkansas has a growing wine industry, with several wineries and vineyards located throughout the state. Visitors can tour the wineries and taste the locally produced wines.
Visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art: Located in Bentonville, the Crystal Bridges Museum is a world-class art museum featuring works by American artists such as Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, and Georgia O’Keeffe.
Relax in a hot spring: Hot Springs National Park is home to several natural hot springs that have been used for their healing properties for centuries. Visitors can soak in the hot springs or enjoy spa treatments at one of the local bathhouses.
Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, history, or culture, Arkansas has something to offer for visitors of all interests.
Places to Visit in Arkansas
Arkansas is home to many unique and interesting attractions. Here are some places to visit when in the state:
Hot Springs National Park: This park is known for its natural hot springs, which have been used for their healing properties for centuries. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the park, as well as relax in one of the local bathhouses.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art: Located in Bentonville, this museum features works by American artists such as Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, and Georgia O’Keeffe. The museum also has beautiful outdoor grounds and walking trails.
Buffalo National River: This national park features over 135 miles of the Buffalo River, which is popular for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The park also has many hiking trails and campsites.
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site: This site is a reminder of the Civil Rights Movement and the struggles of the Little Rock Nine. Visitors can take guided tours of the school and learn about its history.
Ozark National Forest: This forest covers over a million acres and is home to many outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and fishing. The forest also has many scenic drives and overlooks.
Blanchard Springs Caverns: Located in the Ozark National Forest, these caverns offer guided tours of underground caves and waterfalls.
Pea Ridge National Military Park: This park preserves the site of the Battle of Pea Ridge, which was fought during the Civil War. Visitors can take self-guided tours of the park and learn about the history of the battle.
Crater of Diamonds State Park: This state park is the only diamond-producing site in the world that is open to the public. Visitors can search for diamonds and other gemstones in the park’s 37.5-acre diamond field.
Whether you’re interested in history, art, or outdoor activities, Arkansas has something to offer for visitors of all interests.
Best Time To Visit Arkansas
The best time to visit Arkansas depends on your preferences and what activities you plan to do. Generally, the best time to visit Arkansas is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild and comfortable.
Spring (March to May) is a popular time to visit Arkansas because of the blooming of wildflowers, dogwoods, and redbuds, which creates a beautiful natural scenery. The weather is mild, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. Spring is also a great time for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and canoeing.
Fall (September to November) is another great time to visit Arkansas, as the foliage turns to shades of red, orange, and yellow. The temperatures are comfortable, ranging from the mid-50s to mid-70s Fahrenheit, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid in Arkansas, with temperatures often reaching the 90s Fahrenheit. However, it is a great time to enjoy water-based activities like swimming, boating, and fishing.
Winter (December to February) is the least popular time to visit Arkansas due to the cold weather, with temperatures ranging from the 30s to 50s Fahrenheit. However, it can be a great time to visit if you enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
Overall, the best time to visit Arkansas is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the scenery is beautiful.
How to get around in Arkansas
Getting around Arkansas is fairly easy, and there are several options available for transportation:
Car: The most convenient way to get around Arkansas is by car. Major car rental companies are available at airports and in cities throughout the state. Arkansas has several major highways, including I-40 and I-30, which connect the state to other parts of the country.
Bus: Greyhound Bus Lines operates throughout Arkansas, providing intercity transportation between major cities. Additionally, several local bus companies offer transportation within cities.
Train: Amtrak’s Texas Eagle route runs through Arkansas, stopping in Little Rock, Malvern, and Walnut Ridge. This provides transportation between Arkansas and several other states, including Texas, Illinois, and Missouri.
Air: Arkansas has several airports, including the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport in Bentonville. These airports offer domestic and international flights, providing transportation to and from the state.
Bike: Arkansas has several biking trails and routes, including the Razorback Greenway and the Delta Heritage Trail. Biking is a great way to explore the state’s natural scenery and attractions.
Taxi/ride-sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in major cities throughout Arkansas, providing convenient transportation within cities.
Overall, Arkansas offers a variety of transportation options, allowing visitors to explore the state easily and conveniently.
Where to eat in Arkansas
Arkansas offers a variety of dining options, from classic Southern fare to international cuisine. Here are some popular places to eat in Arkansas:
Doe’s Eat Place (Little Rock): A Little Rock institution, Doe’s Eat Place serves up steaks, tamales, and other Southern favorites in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
The Hive (Bentonville): Located in the 21c Museum Hotel, The Hive offers inventive, farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
Jones Bar-B-Q (Marianna): This tiny barbecue joint in Marianna has been in operation for over 100 years and is considered one of the best in the state.
Three Fold Noodles and Dumpling Co. (Little Rock): This casual, counter-service restaurant in downtown Little Rock offers delicious hand-made dumplings, noodles, and steamed buns.
McClard’s Bar-B-Q (Hot Springs): Another Arkansas barbecue institution, McClard’s has been serving up their famous ribs and sauce since 1928.
Heights Taco & Tamale Co. (Little Rock): A popular spot for Mexican-inspired cuisine, Heights Taco & Tamale Co. offers a range of tacos, tamales, and margaritas.
The Pancake Shop (Hot Springs): A Hot Springs institution, The Pancake Shop has been serving up hearty breakfasts since 1940. Be sure to try their famous sweet potato pancakes.
WunderHaus (Fayetteville): This German-inspired restaurant in Fayetteville offers a range of dishes, from sausages and pretzels to schnitzel and spatzle.
These are just a few of the many great restaurants in Arkansas. Whether you’re in the mood for classic Southern fare, barbecue, international cuisine, or something else, you’re sure to find something delicious to eat in Arkansas.
Famous street stalls in Arkansas
Arkansas is known for its delicious Southern cuisine, and there are several street stalls and food trucks that serve up some of the state’s most popular dishes. Here are some famous street stalls in Arkansas:
Hot Dog Mike’s (Little Rock): This food truck serves up classic hot dogs and sausages with a variety of toppings, including sauerkraut, chili, and cheese.
The Southern Gourmasian (Little Rock): Combining Southern and Asian flavors, this food truck offers a range of dishes, from Korean barbecue tacos to pulled pork bao buns.
Loblolly Creamery (Little Rock): This ice cream truck offers a range of hand-crafted, small-batch ice cream flavors, including classics like vanilla and chocolate as well as more adventurous options like lavender honey and sweet potato pie.
The Pie Hole (Fayetteville): This food truck serves up a range of sweet and savory pies, from classic apple and pecan to chicken pot pie and shepherd’s pie.
Katmandu Momo (Fayetteville): This food truck specializes in Nepalese-style dumplings, or momos, filled with a range of meats and vegetables and served with chutney.
Mama’s Gyro Grill (Little Rock): This food truck serves up delicious Greek-inspired dishes, including gyros, hummus, and Greek salad.
These are just a few of the many great street stalls and food trucks in Arkansas. Be sure to check out local farmers markets and food festivals for even more delicious options.
Where to stay in Arkansas
Luxury accommodation
Arkansas has many luxury accommodations to choose from, whether you’re looking for a hotel in a bustling city or a resort in a scenic location. Here are a few recommendations:
The Capital Hotel (Little Rock): This elegant, historic hotel in downtown Little Rock offers luxurious rooms and suites, a fine dining restaurant, a spa, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.
The Crescent Hotel and Spa (Eureka Springs): This iconic hotel in the Ozarks offers luxurious rooms and suites, a full-service spa, a restaurant and lounge, and breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
The Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa (Hot Springs): Located in the heart of Hot Springs National Park, The Arlington offers elegant rooms and suites, a full-service spa, several restaurants, and access to the famous thermal baths.
The Inn at Carnall Hall (Fayetteville): This historic boutique hotel in Fayetteville offers elegant rooms and suites, a restaurant, and a beautiful courtyard.
21c Museum Hotel (Bentonville): This modern hotel in Bentonville offers stylish rooms and suites, a contemporary art museum, and a restaurant and lounge.
These are just a few of the many luxury accommodations in Arkansas. Whether you’re looking for a historic hotel, a spa resort, or a modern boutique hotel, you’re sure to find something that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
Where to stay in Arkansas
Budget accommodation
Arkansas has many affordable accommodation options for budget-conscious travelers. Here are a few recommendations:
Motel 6 (Various locations): This chain of budget motels has locations throughout Arkansas, offering clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices.
Ozark Folk Center State Park Cabins (Mountain View): These rustic cabins in the Ozark Mountains offer a unique and affordable lodging experience, with access to hiking trails, live music, and craft demonstrations.
Super 8 by Wyndham (Various locations): Another budget-friendly motel chain with locations throughout Arkansas, Super 8 offers clean and comfortable rooms at reasonable prices.
Camping in Arkansas State Parks: Arkansas has many beautiful state parks that offer affordable camping options, with campsites available for as little as $10-$20 per night.
Airbnb: There are many affordable Airbnb listings throughout Arkansas, offering everything from private rooms in shared homes to entire apartments or houses.
These are just a few of the many affordable accommodation options in Arkansas. Whether you’re looking for a budget motel, a rustic cabin, or a camping experience, you’re sure to find something that fits your needs and your budget.
Travel Tips Arkansas
Here are some travel tips for visiting Arkansas:
Plan your trip around the weather: Arkansas has a temperate climate with hot summers and mild winters. Spring and fall are considered the best times to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
Explore the great outdoors: Arkansas is known for its natural beauty, with numerous state parks, forests, and lakes to explore. Be sure to pack comfortable hiking shoes and clothes, as well as sunscreen and bug spray.
Sample the local cuisine: Arkansas is known for its southern-style comfort food, including barbecue, fried catfish, and sweet tea. Be sure to try some of the local specialties during your visit.
Visit the state’s historic sites: Arkansas has a rich history, including the Civil War, the Civil Rights movement, and the Trail of Tears. Be sure to visit some of the state’s historic sites, such as Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site and the Clinton Presidential Library.
Rent a car: While some areas of Arkansas, such as Little Rock, have public transportation options, a car is the best way to explore the state’s many attractions. Be sure to rent a car if you plan to travel outside of the major cities.
Pack for all types of weather: While Arkansas has a temperate climate, it can be unpredictable. Be sure to pack clothes for both hot and cold weather, as well as rain gear, just in case.
Be respectful of local customs and traditions: Arkansas is known for its friendly and welcoming residents, but it’s important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. For example, many businesses and attractions are closed on Sundays due to religious observances.
These are just a few travel tips for visiting Arkansas. With its natural beauty, rich history, and friendly residents, Arkansas is a great destination for travelers looking for a unique and memorable experience.