Arkansas Wild | Winter 2023 by Arkansas Times

ARKANSAS WILD DESTINATIONS, GEAR AND MORE

EXPLORE THE BEST OF THE NATURAL STATE

Endless views dazzle at Bear Creek Log Cabins in the Ozarks. See page 28.

NOVEMBER 2023 ARKANSASWILD.COM

making memories since 1958.

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1777 River Road | Lakeview | Lat 36 20’ 55” N | Long 92 33’ 25” W Ad paid for using a combination of state and Ozark Mountain Region funds.

NOVEMBER 2023

NOVO STUDIO

ARKANSASWILD.COM

Blowing Springs in Bella Vista offers scenic, family friendly hikes.

FEATURES

22 THROWING SHADE

FIND GREAT THINGS TO SEE AND DO AROUND THE 2024 ECLIPSE.

24 GONNA TAKE YOU HIGHER

A NEW CLIMBING NONPROFIT BLOSSOMS IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS.

28 THE BEST OF THE WILD MEET THE WINNERS OF OUR READER'S SURVEY! 4 | Arkansas Wild | NOVEMBER 2023

DEPARTMENTS 8 OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS 12 EXPLORE 18 OUTDOOR DIARY 38 WILD EVENTS ON THE COVER: Bear Creek Log Cabins in Saint Joe, Photography by Novo Studio.

DUCKS | DINNER | PRIZES THE PREMIER HUNTING EVENT OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2024 University of Central Arkansas HPER Center

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• GUIDED FISHING TRIPS RileysOutfitter.com • 870-425-4221 • Mountain Home Ad a combination of state and Ozark Regionfunds. funds. Adpaid paidfor forusing using a combination of private and Mountain state matching

6 | Arkansas Wild | NOVEMBER 2023

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OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS

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11 12 The Rixey Dog Stand set the standard for ease of transport and setup. The 8-pound Generation II continues that tradition. Choose a tree from 4 inches to 10 feet in diameter, strap it on in a flash and you’re good to go. Do Fido a favor and order direct from this fine Arkansas company. (rixeyoutdoors.com)

2. HIT THE JACKPOT

The best features of a good knife don’t change – but they’re getting harder to find. A.G. Russell products still feature the craftsmanship and no-BS performance your PawPaw enjoyed back in the day and the Power Ball series is living proof. Smooth operation, steady grip and long edge life makes these a must-have gift. (agrussell.com)

8 | Arkansas Wild | NOVEMBER 2023

3. THE ANGLERS HAVE SPOKEN

5. RIGHT ON TARGET

Add to their fly collection with the Red Ass, offering realistic design and easy casting. The good folks at Umpqua report their Red Ass Flies pattern are a huge favorite on the White River in Arkansas (as well as throughout the Missouri Ozarks). Good enough for us. (southernreeloutfitters.com)

Arkansas’s own Morrell Targets are the recognized standard by enthusiasts and competition archers alike. Keep Hammering combines all the features archers demand, including durability, easy arrow removal and carrying handle. For use with crossbow, compound and traditional bows. (morrelltargets.com)

4. BEEN REAL GOOD?

6. AN AMERICAN CLASSIC

Make this a year to remember by parking a Vexus in the driveway. The all-welded AXV1882 delivers pinpoint handling, acres of front deck space and all the creature comforts an angler could want. Look, they’re probably going to buy it for themselves anyway, why not take the credit? (vexusboats.com)

If their sporting arms have seen better days, wrap up a Winchester SX4 this year. The classic 12-gauge comes clad in Mossy Oak right out of the box and features a TruGlo fiber-optic sight, length of pull spacer and reversible safety button for faster operation. Christmas is saved! (mackspw.com)

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF VENDORS

1. A PAD FOR YOUR PUP

6 7 8

7. RAISE THEM RIGHT

9. SMOKIN’ HOT

8. THIS’LL FLOAT THEIR BOAT

10. KEEP ‘EM GUESSING

Get the kids started early with a Fuji Dynamite 24 Sport Silver under the tree. Designed for youngsters to start exploring trails, parks and dirt lots, the Dynamite is the gateway bike that grows with kids as they fall in love with riding. Burns up their energy, too. (thecommunitybicyclist.com)

Get them in on the kayaking craze with the Katana by Dagger. Built to look as good as it performs, the Katana offers stability in flatwater and maneuverability in rapids. A spacious cockpit and ample storage with reinforced hatches let you bring along your favorite things in comfort. (ozarkoutdoor.com)

Arkansas’s own PK Grills continues to build upon its legend with the New Original setup that’s the perfect gift for the backyard chef. Sporting retro styling (dig the teal paint job) of its famed aluminum core, these things carry a 20-year warranty and are dang-near indestructible. Grill or smoke to your heart’s content in style. (pkgrills.com) Let’s face it, the worst part about family camping can be those kids. Keep them entertained with the National Parks Trivia: A Card Game. This fun educational game offers 390 questions about America’s National Parks, providing hours of insightful fun. Pro tip: Memorize a handful of questions and dazzle the kids on the ride in with your capacity for random facts. Same diff. (domesticdomestic.com)

11. JEEPERS CREEPERS

Who said binocs have to be boring? The funky numbers by Pro Issue come in a variety of colors and offer a rugged impactabsorbing housing. Waterproof and fogproof with scratch-resistant lenses and nitrogen sealed O-rings, these things perform as good as they look. (domesticdomestic.com)

12. SURFACE TENSION

The fish won’t know what hit ‘em when they put the Cotton Cordell Crazy Shad to work. Perfectly mimicking the baitfish profile, the lure sets off distress signals with an alluring splashing action to attract attention. Twohook design ensures they won’t spit it, either. (southernreeloutfitters.com)

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 9

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13. BELLA VISTA

Discover Bella Vista has a new Arts n’ Swag Shop, where surprises are close to guaranteed. Find clothing, mugs, stickers, art and lots more. (discoverbellavistaar.com)

14. PROTECT THE NOGGIN

Listen, kids are going to wreck bikes, they just are. But while road rash happens; head injuries don’t have to. Make sure their grey matter stays intact with a quality helmet like the Chakra by Kali Protectives. Comfortable to wear and sporting enough style that the kids won’t care that it’s also for their own good. (thecommunitybicyclist.com)

10 | Arkansas Wild | NOVEMBER 2023

15. NATURAL STATE PRIDE

Let ‘em show the world where they’re from with an eye-catching graphic t-shirt from Rogers-based Arkie Apparel. Featuring themes of The Natural State from the Buffalo River to the Ponca elk, these high-quality shirts promote what’s great about the Arkansas outdoors. (arkieapparel.com)

16. SWEET DREAMS

The Mud River K9 Kloud Dog Bed boasts memory foam and fleece sleeping to appeal to the young pups as well as the old-timer whose joints ain’t what they used to be. Available in two sizes, it’s the perfect nook for your pal to curl up in after a day of making you look good out there. (mackspw.com)

17. STAY INVISIBLE, MY FRIENDS

Some things you don’t cut corners on, and a wader bib is one of them. Drake MST offers full features at a reasonable price for the ultimate in gift-giving this year. Warm, handy and invisible, the MST converts quickly from a casual, over-the-boot fit to a tight, ankle-fit for wear under waders. Nice. (mackspw.com)

18. THE REEL DEAL

Take the strain out of their next fishing trip by gifting them the Ambassadeur Catfish Pro Reel by Abu Garcia. Precision Swedish craftsmanship marries a six-pin centrifugal braking system with robust aluminum construction. Translation: Works great, lasts long, lake after lake. (southernreeloutfitters.com)

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF VENDORS

16 17 18 19 19. ANNIE, GET YOUR GUN

For years the preferred field piece designed by women, for women, the Weatherby Vanguard Camilla rifle nestles easily on the shoulder with an angled buttstock to better fit the female anatomy. A slim pistol grip and 13inch pull add to the package. This is the gun your mother warned you about. (mackspw.com)

20. JACKSONVILLE PARKS & RECREATION

Come shop from local vendors for the perfect gifts this holiday season. Jacksonville Parks & Recreation Holiday Craft & Gifts Sale, #5 Municipal Drive, Jacksonville, November 1718, 501-982-4171.

21. HERE DUCKIE, DUCKIE

Fans of the double reed just found their new favorite. Arkansas’s own Elite has redesigned its popular Murder model into the MDR. But don’t worry, it still delivers the volume and raspiness hunters crave and mallards can’t resist. Slip one of these into their stocking and start setting the table. (elitecalls.net)

22. TAKE TO THE WATER

With the NRS Nora, she’ll be safe on the water and comfortable, too. A womanspecific PFD, the Nora boasts thin back construction to reduce bulk, and carries the approval stamp of the U.S. Coast Guard, just in case they pop up on the Mulberry River anytime soon. (ozarkoutdoor.com)

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 11

EXPLORE

HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU FOUR ARKANSAS HIKING DESTINATIONS THAT ARE WORTH THE TRIP.

IT’S A LONG WAY DOWN

While the hike is considered a relatively easy one, visitors are advised to exercise caution on the bluffs, especially when hiking with kids. Most sections of both trails offer no guardrail protection and a fall could result in serious injury or worse.

12 | Arkansas Wild | NOVEMBER 2023

It’s hard to find a community in Arkansas that hasn’t jumped on the trails bandwagon with both feet. Once just a means to get from Point A to Point B — or maybe a cinder or paved loop somewhere through a city park — creative trailmaking has become a valuable commodity in The Natural State, not to mention a nearprerequisite for any community or area wanting to boast of its quality of place. There’s a trail to suit every level of fitness and orienteering experience in Arkansas, from those that let you get out and back in a couple of hours to those where you can get gone in a major way. But no matter how remote the adventure, there’s always something interesting in and around the trails themselves that helps complete the experience. After all, the joy of conquering a hike is always made better by the ability to boast about it over a great meal on the way home. But with so many trails to choose from, it can be daunting to know where to start. The trails that follow are meant to be just such a primer. May they inspire you to visit, explore and enjoy and then go further to seek out what else the Arkansas wilds hold in store.

PEDESTAL ROCK/KINGS BLUFF

Natural wonders abound on the Pedestal Rock/ Kings Bluff trails in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS HERITAGE AND TOURISM

Ozark-St. Francis National Forest

Picturesque bluffs and wooded hillsides are the norm for this pair of trails, situated north of Russellville (Pope County) and south of Jasper (Newton County). Covering about 4 miles in a loop, the two trails are rated moderate but the route is mostly easy to hike, which makes it a good family outing. In addition to its natural beauty, the trail offers geological education as layer upon layer of sediment deposited throughout the millennia can be seen. To get to the shared trailhead in the Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area, take Arkansas Highway 7 to Pelsor (Pope County). Go east on Arkansas Highway 16 for 6 miles and watch for signs directing you to the entrance and parking area. The 2.2-mile Pedestal Rocks loop contains caves, an arch and the pedestal rocks that give the trail its name, all formed by erosion. The trail also passes by seasonal waterfalls along the way. The cave portion below the bluffs does not have a maintained trail, but is easy to navigate and explore. Access the Kings Bluff 0.7-mile loop and hike through various switchbacks until arriving at the imposing Kings Bluff. On the route, take in spectacular rock formations and breathtaking overlooks. When water levels are up on a nearby creek, the waterfall is a sight, cascading 114 feet into the basin below. ARKANSASWILD.COM | 13

DISCOVER BELLA VISTA

Smart trail design gives Blowing Springs hikers easy access to wilderness scenery.

BLOWING SPRINGS PARK Bella Vista (Benton County)

So-called city park trails don’t always inspire optimism about the quality of the hike, but that’s not the case with Blowing Springs. Located in the southern part of Bella Vista, Blowing Springs offers three routes — 3.8-mile Blowing Springs Park Extended Loop, 2-mile North Upper and South Lower Loop and 1.3-mile Blowing Springs/Back 40 Connector — that add up to about 7 miles of easy- to moderate-rated hiking. Here, you can find cliff sides, caves and seasonal waterfalls. The three trail loops offer varying degrees of difficulty and are open to both foot and two-wheeled traffic, allowing for endless customization of workout. As if all that weren't enough, Blowing Springs provides entry to Back 40 and Wonderland, offering even more trails and adventures.

14 | Arkansas Wild | NOVEMBER 2023

LOTS TO DO NEARBY

Bella Vista has a reputation for being just retirees and golf courses for days, but if you haven't visited this thriving northwest Arkansas community lately, you’re missing out. Here are few sights and tastes to sample while in town: • Sugar Creek lies right across the street from Blowing Springs Park, offering a tranquil, relaxing setting to unwind. The Little Sugar Trails are connected to the Back 40 area via the Sugar Bridge. • Pay your respects to our nation’s heroes at the moving Veterans Wall of Honor, located just up the road from Blowing Springs. • Those visiting with kids will enjoy Art on Trails, easy walking or biking trails lined with family friendly public art. • Following your hike, make sure to check out the Gear Garden in Blowing Springs. The area frequently offers food trucks and even live music on weekends. Or, head into town and grab a burger at JJ’s, a slice at Highland’s Grill & Pub or a taco at El Pueblito’s.

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ARKANSASWILD.COM | 15

NORTH AND WEST MOUNTAIN Hot Springs National Park

There’s no better trails master class, certainly in Central Arkansas, than the hiking that has been enjoyed for generations in Hot Springs (Garland County). Between North Mountain and West Mountain the explorer can find whatever their heart desires (or can take), from flat and easy to middling strenuous to leg-torching. Not only do the trails stripe the mountains here, but they have been seamlessly integrated with the city itself to provide several points of access from the historic downtown. This provides a means to walk out of the woods and into a bar, restaurant or taproom in the span of just a few blocks. Some favored trails include Goat Rock, a popular and well-used North Mountain tract, that delivers both dense forests and mountain meadows along its easy- to moderaterated path. The 1.1-mile meandering trail provides a gentle descent from the trailhead and offers switchbacks that keep the vista in view. A traditional highlight is to get to the top of Goat Rock, a short side trip up a series of stone steps that pays off with the best view on the route. The trail ends at Gulpha Gorge Trail, whereupon the hiker can turn around and retrace their steps or go west to the road leading back to trailhead parking. Another favorite is the 1.5-mile Mountain Top on West Mountain which is two trails in one. The south section (0.6 miles) runs from Prospect Avenue to where Sunset Trail bisects it just beyond the parking terminus of West Mountain Drive. The north section (0.9 miles) begins at the Sunset Trail crossing and ends at Whittington Park. Mountain Top has another duality as well: Travel southward and the trail rises quickly for a strenuous hike; go north and the rise is gradual before descending steeply to the park.

Experience multiple ecosystems on the moderate-to-strenuous Harris Creek loop.

16 | Arkansas Wild | NOVEMBER 2023

MIND YOUR MANNERS

The National Park Service reminds all hikers to observe safety and etiquette while on the trails, including: • Stay on the established trails. Take plenty of drinking water and wear appropriate clothing and shoes. • Respect wildlife; observe only from a distance and keep pets on a 6-foot leash at all times. • If you pack it in, pack it out. Otherwise, leave it alone for others to enjoy just as you found it.

The forest ranger tower is a popular landmark inside Hot Springs National Park.

HARRIS CREEK TRAIL

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS HERITAGE AND TOURISM

Cossatot River State Park

A more advanced hike awaits visitors to the Cossatot River State Park near Wickes (Polk County). Harris Creek Trail is a moderate to strenuous loop covering 2.5 miles through six different habitats. These distinct areas include a shale pit, an old mining location adjacent to the parking area. Next is the adjoining shale glade where plant life has established footholds in the fragile soil that’s gathered over the rock. The glade overlooks Baker Creek and the third section of the trail, which runs parallel to it on the northeast-facing slope. Baker Creek empties into Harris Creek, turning the parallel trail southwest, then west, just above an alluvial terrace formed by the creek itself. The terrace features mature trees of various species leading into the drainage area, the steepest and roughest part of the loop. At the southernmost point, about two-thirds of the way through the hike, is an overlook offering a breathtaking view from a bluff above the Cossatot River. The remaining section of trail continues through a mature shortleaf pine/hardwood forest back to the parking area.

NATURE STEALS THE SHOW

Technically classified as a Natural Area, there’s not a lot of modern conveniences in or around Cossatot River State Park. If you’re here, you’re here for what Mother Nature provides, not Main Street. Luckily, the park has that in spades, including Class IV rapids for the experienced kayaker or canoeist during the wet season. There are also three additional hiking trails, primitive camping sites and all the natural beauty you can take in. The nearest community of any size, Wickes, is a hamlet comprised of some 750 people where you’ll find the Lighthouse Drive-In, offering an array of burgers, plates, tacos and shakes. Another option is Cossatot Grounds Café serving a diverse menu of coffee drinks plus breakfast, sandwiches and Mexican delicacies.

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 17

OUTDOOR DIARY

THE START OF SOMETHING GREAT

Camping on a whim, the author stumbles on his family’s favorite pastime. BY JACOB SLATON

everal years ago a buddy and I set out on a spur-ofthe-moment, back-roads-only road trip to the land of the Delta blues and almost by accident stumbled on a recently renovated campground we had yet to discover. Out on Arkansas Highway 44, just past the sleepy town of Marianna (Lee County), Mississippi River State Park sits totally content all by itself, just begging newcomers to drive down the gorgeous one-lane road into the campground. We explored around a bit and vowed to come back as soon as possible with our families, and a few weeks later we did exactly that. Pulling into the park, it’s the diminutive size that catches your eye first. With only 31 RV sites, it feels almost like private property, which is amazing. We snagged the last two sites on the loop and settled in for a long weekend. The ladies spent the afternoon casually strolling the campground loop and chatting with other campers, while my buddy and I threw a couple of kayaks into Bear Creek Lake and paddled out to see if we could find a few largemouths that were up for a friendly fight (there were plenty). The kids took off immediately and we hardly saw them all weekend. They caught toads and fireflies, picked flowers and generally acted like they had never really seen the outdoors before. The big winner that weekend was the $20 set of walkietalkies someone thought to grab on a whim at Academy Sports and Outdoors the day before. We taught the kids a bit of radio lingo and they were off to conquer the world. The best part was that we kept a third radio at the campground and listened in on all their secret plans to scare us. They couldn’t believe it when we successfully carried out a preemptive retaliatory scare of our own. At night, especially in the fall when you can let the crisp fresh air come in through the mesh windows on your tent, the critters sing you gently to sleep. You are unlikely to hear a single car drive down Highway 44 in the distance. During a free morning at the campground while chatting 18 || Arkansas Arkansas Wild Wild || NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2023 2023 18

about lunch plans, someone mentioned Jones Bar-B-Q Diner in Marianna and a plan was set in motion. We slowly rounded up the troops and rolled into town for one of the best white bread pulled pork barbecue sandwiches this world has to offer. Mr. Jones even has a forgotten James Beard Award hanging cock-eyed on the wall to remind you he’s legit. Back at camp, we napped off the barbecue coma until the kids woke us up begging for a ride in the back of the pickup truck, which has since become a fun camping tradition of ours. So we loaded up the crew in the back, pulled onto a long dirt road, rolled down the windows, cranked up some J.J. Grey and Mofro, and slowly cruised through the St. Francis National Forest. Nowhere to go, nothing to do, just driving. It’s something we all used to love but rarely get to experience these days. We drove and laughed and stopped and explored all afternoon, eventually checking out an unnamed trail weaving its way through the forest. There, we found discarded hiking sticks and animal skulls and all the fun oddball stuff you find in the woods. We even kept an eye out for the elusive (and seemingly nonexistent) ivory-billed woodpecker. As the sun began to set, we drove slowly back to camp, this time with Bruce Hornsby on the speakers, joyfully singing about pastures a-plenty. We stoked the fire back to life and sat there as free as pioneers on the way to a new land until it was time to nod off to sleep, dreaming about the next adventure. That’s what camping is all about, for me, anyway. It’s about dreaming. It’s about getting back to your roots, returning to your youth, finding freedom. Being a kid again. The adventure we shared was eight years ago already and it started a big adventure for our family that we are still steadily pursuing. Since then, we have found new places, and exploring them together is as specific as the mission gets. We’ve only just begun. Is it easy all the time? Nope, but it’s always worth it. I encourage you to find the time and make it happen.

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Hot Springs' Cayden Parker preps for Europe

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MAKING SMILES

Allied’s new road bike has landed.

Jess Hana delights in hilarious videos.

BROTHERS BUILD A SUPER-LIGHT DIRT JUMPER

ED DREW’S MTB PORTRAITS

INSIDE A GROUP RIDE

LITTLE ROCK’S BIKE-BUILDING PAST

CARO POOLE’S CYCLING JOURNEY

Our ‘How to’ issue:

MARLEY BLONSKY'S GRAVEL ADVENTURES BODY NEUTRAL MOVEMENT AWAIT

NEWTON COUNTY'S JOHNNY PURVIS

HOW TO RANDONNEUR

HOW TO GET MORE WOMEN ON BIKES

HOW TO RIDE ALONE

Want to advertise? Contact Brooke Wallace at brooke@arktimes.com. ARKANSASWILD.COM | 19

20 | Arkansas Wild | NOVEMBER 2023

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 21

CHECK OUT THESE ATTRACTIONS WHILE YOU EXPERIENCE THE 2024 SOLAR ECLIPSE.

DE QUEEN (Sevier County) Total eclipse duration: 4 minutes, 19 seconds Degree of obscuration: 100% A town birthed by the railroad, De Queen will forever be remembered as the first Arkansas community to go dark with the 2024 total eclipse. After the lights come back on, drop a line in one of the picturesque Tri-Lakes (De Queen, Dierks, Gillham), each of which boasts a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation area with campgrounds. Or, check out other natural wonders at the nearby 27,500-acre Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS HERITAGE AND TOURISM

he 2024 total solar eclipse will be a once-in-a-lifetime event for many people, and Arkansas will be Ground Zero for the celestial attraction. The Natural State lies directly under the path of totality, cutting a diagonal swath from the southwest to the northeast, giving the major population centers of Conway, Little Rock, Jonesboro and Hot Springs a splendid seat to the proceedings. Hotel rooms and Airbnbs on and around the path have been sold out for the April 8, 2024, event for months as people are expected to flock to Arkansas to experience the eclipse. If you happen to live outside the path, you can find the exact course the phenomenon will take at arkansas.com. But what to do when the 4-minute spectacle is over and the world returns to normal? Here are a few attractions within the path of totality to fill the rest of your visit:

Wherever you view the eclipse, remember to visit nearby attractions such as De Queen Lake (top), Blanchard Caverns (bottom right) and Cedar Falls on Petit Jean Mountain.

MORRILTON (Conway County) Total eclipse duration: 4 minutes, 13 seconds Degree of obscuration: 100% If it were us, we’d be atop Petit Jean Mountain to see the eclipse, the better to enjoy the comforts of Arkansas’s first state park once things returned to normal. Being springtime, Cedar Falls should be particularly robust this time of year. Down below, toast the sun and moon at Point Remove Brewery (102 S. Crestliner St.), serving craft beer and wine, or head into town and visit Big Cuppa (205 E. Broadway St.) for a hand-crafted beverage, tasty panini and reflection on the nature of the universe.

MOUNTAIN VIEW (Stone County) Total eclipse duration: 4 minutes, 13 seconds Degree of obscuration: 100% Word is that the birds will stop singing during the eclipse as they will be convinced it’s nightfall and time to sleep. While that remains to be seen, you can rest assured the music won’t stop for long in Mountain View, home to the Arkansas Folk Festival and Ozark Folk Center State Park, which preserves the customs and culture of the mountain region. Outdoor amenities abound, from nearby Blanchard Springs Caverns to flyfishing on the White River to the Epic Ride-awarded Syllamo Bike Trail.

(Eclipse information courtesy Xavier Jubier, xjubier.free.fr/) 22 | Arkansas Wild | NOVEMBER 2023

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LITTLE ROCK CLIMBER LAUNCHES NONPROFIT TO INSPIRE KIDS TO ENTER THE SPORT. BY DWAIN HEBDA

24 | Arkansas Wild | NOVEMBER 2023 24 | Arkansas Wild | NOVEMBER 2023

COURTESY SHARON BENNETT

is often said of people who are unlikely candidates for their career or avocation, “They didn’t choose it, it chose them.” For Sharon Bennett, “it” is climbing. Though the mother and software implementation professional now pursues the activity with gusto, such was not always the case. In fact, climbing might still be the furthest thing from her interests except for some undeniable twists of fate that drew her to the rock. Today, Bennett is unwilling to believe anything is impossible, even the lofty goals she holds for the growth of the organization she’s brought to Arkansas, the American Scholastic Climbing League. “If there’s one thing about me, I will go all in,” she said. “I will double down when I believe in something.” Bennett’s connection to climbing is so personal, it is hard to see where she begins and the activity ends. The love affair started when her son, Tristan, then about 6, saw the seminal climbing movie “Free Solo” and started bugging his mother about wanting to learn how to do what he saw on the screen.

Sharon Bennett (on rock) is turning her passion for climbing into a new nonprofit to help turn underserved populations on to the sport.

"I was never really scared to try.” Restaurateur Bart Likes grabs some rare downtime duck hunting.

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26 | Arkansas Wild | NOVEMBER 2023 26 | Arkansas Wild | NOVEMBER 2023

“He wasn’t particularly interested in the climbing aspect, but more like how this man mastered his fear of heights,” she said. “So, I set out on this journey with my son, getting him introduced to climbing and overcoming his fear of heights and feeling like he had a sense of achievement. It’s been amazing.” Bennett connected with the Little Rock Climbing Center and its then-owner, the late Logan Wilcoxon. He paired Tristan, who’s on the autism spectrum, with climbing coach Daniel Carnahan. Carnahan was the perfect mentor for the lad, having developed a reputation for working with kids needing extra attention and handling. Bennett became fast friends with the two men, as well as increasingly impressed by climbing’s benefits and community. By the time Tristan moved on to other interests as a teen, Bennett had warmed to the sport, but it wasn’t until 2021 and Wilcoxon’s passing that she became addicted to the climb. Dealing with profound grief over Wilcoxon’s death and seeking a way to honor her friend, she resolved to enter the notorious 24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell in 2022, completing the 12-hour course in tribute. She did the same in 2023, feeding off the support of others. “It started out kind of as a tribute to [Wilcoxon] but it very much became my own journey once I realized the community and the attributes it brought to my own life,” she said. “During that grief process, my community meant so much to me, both my ultra running community and the climbing community. I found such great support with them within those two areas and it became more important.” Combining her love for climbing with her passion for volunteering, Bennett became part of the Arkansas Climbers Coalition, a foundation Wilcoxon started, wanting to grow the climbing community by promoting the benefits of the activity. “I spend an enormous amount of time volunteering,” she said. “It’s the thing that I enjoy most in life and I teach my child the same service to community and how that’s important not only for us as individuals, but for the care that we give others. It is a fundamental kind of principle I bring to my work community, my friendships and my recreational communities. “There were a couple people I have met through the process that were, like, ‘It would be so great if we had an alternative to sports in schools. It would be so

COURTESY SHARON BENNETT

Bennett's son, Tristan, learned to climb under coach Daniel Carnahan.

Bennett takes a break.The ultra-marathon runner embraced climbing as a means of dealing with grief.

awesome if we had climbing leagues.’ I was like, ‘Yeah, it absolutely would be awesome.’” Researching for an answer, Bennett learned of the Colorado-based American Scholastic Climbing League. She initially resisted taking the lead on forming an Arkansas chapter, but eventually caved and is now running full-speed to promote and build the group and its mission of introducing climbing to young audiences. “This will be a club that’s administered through schools,” she said. “It is for climbers from sixth grade to 12th grade who would be participants of a noncompetitive league. When I say noncompetitive, we will have competitions but the goal isn’t to push children to be these crushing kinds of climbers like you might see in Olympic climbing. This is simply to engage children on their journey of climbing and to let them experience that joy of discovering what they can do while providing them guidance. “We’re taking them through the climbing process. It’s them against the wall. It’s them against the problem and it’s a puzzle for them to solve, and to watch them grow in their knowledge and provide mentorship.” Bennett is putting her own little twist on the program, to help youngsters hone basic skills while the network of schoolbased programs gets established. “We have foregone a ’23-24 season but are ramping up for the ’24-25 season, mostly because I didn’t want to rush this and I wanted to make sure that we had a strong foundation as we approached this project because that’s important to me,” she said. “One thing I’m doing here that’s different is I am working to secure grants to make this a free program for children who qualify. That means they would have a 6-month gym membership to a local gym, they would have gear to participate and we would pay any sort of administrative fees to participate within the club.” Having seen what climbing has done for her own child, as well as helping her work through her own grief, Bennett is committed to spreading the benefits of climbing from one end of the state to the other. “What I see is us working with schools to obtain funding to get climbing walls in the gyms there so kids can practice and we can have participants from all over the state of Arkansas,” she said. “My goal with this is to truly remove access barriers to climbing for everyone.”

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THE BEST OF ARKANSAS WILD When it comes to the great outdoors, nothing tops Arkansas. From the rugged Ozark and Boston mountains to the sweeping Delta; from the River Valley and Ouachitas to the Coastal Plain and piney forest; the woods, waters and wetlands of The Natural State are without peer. Arkansas Wild is proud to salute the winners of this year’s Best of Arkansas Wild voting as determined by you, the reader. We asked for the best in hiking trails, outfitters, float locations, brewers, boat dealers, guides, duck call makers and much, much more, and you responded. As we close another year and look confidently to the next, there are more adventures to be had and memories to be made. Use this list as your resource guide for making the most of everything our state’s beautiful wilds have to offer.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NOVO STUDIO

Find your bliss at Gaston's White River Resort in Lakeview, voted Best Resort and a finalist for Best Weekend Getaway, Best Place to Eat and Best Guide Service by Arkansas Wild readers. 28 | Arkansas Wild | NOVEMBER 2023

SOAK UP THE EXCITEMENT OF THROUGHBRED HORSE RACING AT OAKLAWN’S LIVE RACE MEET! DECEMBER 8, 2023  MAY 4, 2024 IN HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, ARKANSAS.

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THE BEST OF ARKANSAS WILD

BEST ARKANSAS OUTDOOR BRAND

ARKANSAS BREWED BEER Winner: Superior Bathhouse Brewery Finalists: Core Brewing, Flyway, Lost Forty Brewing ARKANSAS OUTDOOR BRAND Winner: LIVSN Finalists: RNT Calls (Rich-N-Tone Calls), Ozark Outdoor Supply, Riceland Foods ATV/OFF-ROAD TRAILS Winner: Hot Springs Off-Road Park Finalists: Greasy Bend Off-Road Park, Carter Off-Road Park, The Ridge OffRoad Park BEST WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT Winner: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Finalits: Bell Slough State Wildlife Management Area, Camp Robinson State Wildlife Management Area, Arkansas Wildlife Management BIKE SHOP Winner: Arkansas Cycling & Fitness Finalists: Phat Tire Bike Shop, Magnolia Cycles, Shift Modern Cyclery 30 | Arkansas Wild | NOVEMBER 2023

LIVSN

Five years ago, Andrew Gibbs-Dabney set out to create the perfect pair of pants through his Bentonville-based company LIVSN. It was a mission that bordered on obsessive, but has paid off today with legions of fans whose loyalty has turned LIVSN into a must-have for outdoor living. “When we launched, we launched a couple of products, the fleece and the pants, and very quickly it became clear that the pants were what people were most interested in,” Gibbs-Dabney said. “I couldn’t really do more than one thing really well, so I decided maybe we don’t need to make 12 products all at once and every head-to-toe piece of apparel you can think of. Maybe we could just make this one as good as we possibly can.” As much as the approach was corporate strategy, it was also an intensive classroom, and the products that have followed in the wake of the pants have all benefited from the early years of discovery and trial and error. “Once we got the fit and a lot of the details to a really good place with the flex canvas pants, that allowed us to take that directly into the ecotrek pants, which is our second product,” Gibbs-Dabney said. “We were able to take all those learnings and apply it to that. When we did shorts, it was an easy evolution and even when we went into overalls, we used a lot of the same fit, pocket layout features, different things we learned over time.” Voted a Best of Arkansas Wild winner, LIVSN’s popularity among outdoor enthusiasts shows no sign of slowing down. “We still have so much more to figure out that it’s not hard to keep that pioneering mentality,” Gibbs-Dabney said. “I’ve got really great people around me that make a lot those decisions, so it’s turned less from just doing, doing, doing to a lot of time spent planning and managing and trying to keep the ship moving forward.” livsndesigns.com

Thank you for voting us best place to stay!

World-Class Trout Fishing on the White River Beautiful Cabins • Large Pool • Corporate & Large Groups/Meals Open Year-Round • Winter Discounts Located on the White River • Flippin, AR • 870-453-8066 • Stetsons-Resort.com Ad paid for using a combination of state and Ozark Mountain Region funds. ARKANSASWILD.COM | 31

THE BEST OF ARKANSAS WILD BEST PLACE TO EAT

THE HIVE Just because you’re roughing it outdoors doesn’t mean you can’t come in for a good meal. A long day on the mountain or in the woods can work up quite the appetite and few places can tame hunger like The Hive in Bentonville. Helmed by Executive Chef Micah Klasky, The Hive has redefined culinary art in The Natural State. The restaurant’s focus on seasonal ingredients from local farmers displays a deep connection to the community while providing the highest-quality ingredients for dishes both thoughtful and approachable that showcase the unique culinary identity of Arkansas. A meal at The Hive is a true feast for the senses from the chef-crafted dishes to the decor. Rotating exhibitions of contemporary art and site-specific installations carried over from the adjoining 21c Museum Hotel are as pleasing to the eye as the food is to the palate. In addition to topping Arkansas Wild’s reader’s list of Best Place to Eat, The Hive has also wowed critics from other major media outlets including Garden and Gun magazine and Eater. thehivebentonville.com

BIKE TRAIL Winner: Northwoods Trails (Hot Springs) Finalists: Arkansas River Trail, Back 40 Trailhead (Bella Vista), OZ Trails (Springdale) BOAT DEALER Winner: War Eagle Boats Finalists: Arkansas Marine, Arts Marine, SeaArk Boats DIVE SHOP Winner: Ocean Extreme Dive & Travel Center, Inc. Finalists: Charlie's Scuba Shop, Scuba Doo Dive Shop, The Scuba School DUCK CALL MAKER Winner: Elite Duck Calls Finalists: RNT Calls (Rich-N-Tone Calls), Echo Calls, Havoc Calls DUCK LODGE Winner: The Elms Lodge Finalists: Bill Byers Hunting Club, Old Post Duck Lodge, Big Jim's Lodge 32 | Arkansas Wild | NOVEMBER 2023

FAMILY ATTRACTION Winner: Byrd's Adventure Center Finalists: Garvan Woodland Gardens, Little Rock Zoo, Motley’s Tree Farm and Pumpkin Patch FISHING RETAILER/BAIT SHOP Winner: Southern Reel Outfitters (Trader Bill's Outdoor Sports) Finalists: Fish 'n Stuff Outdoors, Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop, Hook Line & Sinker Outdoors GUIDE SERVICE Winner: Ryder’s Run Guide Service (Fishing) Finalists: Cranor's Guide Service (His Place Resort), Gaston's White River Resort (Fishing), Horseshoe Canyon Ranch (Climbing) GUNS/AMMO DEALER Winner: Arkansas Armory Finalists: Don's Weaponry, Ratterree Pawn & Surplus, Bullseye Guns & Ammo

HIKING/RUNNING TRAIL Winner: Crystal Bridges/Razorback Greenway Trail (NWA) Finalists: Blowing Springs Park (Bella Vista), Pinnacle Mountain State Park (Roland), Woolly Hollow State Park (Greenbrier) HUNTING LODGE Winner: Five Oaks Finalists: The Elms Lodge, Delta Heritage Lodge, Ivory Billed Duck Hunting Lodge and Outfitters HUNTING RETAILER Winner: Mack's Prairie Wings Finalists: Cavender’s Western Wear, Gellco Outdoors, Hunter's Refuge LAKE Winner: Greers Ferry Lake Finalists: DeGray Lake (Diamond Lakes Region), Lake Fort Smith, Lake Greeson MARINA Winner: Fairfield Bay Finalists: Self Creek Lodge and Marina, Shiloh Marina, Brady Mountain Resort and Marina

BEST HUNTING LODGE

BEST DUCK LODGE

The Heart and Soul of Waterfowl Country

H U N T T H E B O U N T Y O F T H E M I S S I S S I P P I F LY WAY

owhere is the soul of waterfowl hunting experienced more emphatically than at The Elms in the famed Delta country of Arkansas. Ideally located between renowned Bayou Meto State Game Area and the Arkansas River, The Elms represents over a century-and-a-half tradition of a family-owned duck and goose hunting lodge. Here is a place of whiffling wings; leg bands; and hunts that can seem to end all-too quickly, with full game bags. Clouds of mallards, and snow, blue, and specked-belly geese are irresistibly drawn from the flyways overhead to the thousands of acres of prime habitat that include a broad variety of wetlands, rice and grain fields flooded following harvest, moist-soil plants such as wild millet and smartweed. And the expansiveness of The Elms ensures that hunters have an area with permanent, comfortable pit blinds, for their personal, exclusive use–along with the services

of veteran guides and finely honed dogs–for the length of their stay. Fully-outfitted hunting at The Elms comes wrapped in gracious Southern hospitality, centered around the historic Louisiana Acadian-style home built by the land’s first owner, and accentuated by fine dining–continental breakfast, afterhunt brunch, and in the evening, cocktails, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, and supper. And hunters will retire to comfortable rustic cabins, and dreams of the next days’s sunrise and beating wings. The Elms is where you bring family, friends, and business colleagues to experience the magic of waterfowl hunting in the inimitable style of the past, brought into the present. Contact us so we can work with you on the hunt of a lifetime. And afterward, we think you will want to learn about an individual or corporate membership at the unsurpassable The Elms.

For information on exclusive package hunts, individual or corporate membership, please contact Melissa King at 312-350-8807 melissa@theelmslodge.com

theelmslodge.com

THE BEST OF ARKANSAS WILD

BEST HIKING/BIKING TRAIL

RAZORBACK GREENWAY TRAIL The Razorback Greenway Trail, voted Best Hiking/Biking Trail by readers of Arkansas Wild, represents arguably the most ambitious and well-designed pedestrian thoroughfare to be had anywhere in Arkansas. In a state known for its trails and the movement to connect neighborhoods and communities via two-wheeled and two-footed traffics, the Greenway sets the standard all other urban trails seek to match. The trail isn’t just one thing, but instead serves a collection of purposes all geared toward improving residents’ quality of place. Covering 40 miles, the Razorback Greenway connects neighborhoods and communities while promoting excellent local art, food and beverage attractions, all while promoting a healthy lifestyle that transcends generations. The backbone of the area, the trail connects seven cities and towns including Fayetteville, Rogers, Lowell, Johnson, Springdale, Bentonville and Bella Vista, while also linking 23 schools, three hospitals and major corporate headquarters such as Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt Transport Services and Walmart. Residents in these communities are used to hopping on for a quick run, walk or bike ride as a regular part of everyday life. razorbackgreenway.org 34 | Arkansas Wild | NOVEMBER 2023

MOUNTAIN RANGE Winner: Ouachita Mountains Finalists: Magazine Mountain, Mount Nebo, Pinnacle Mountain OUTDOOR EVENT Winner: Little Red River Trout Unlimited — Chapter #722: Little Red River Crawfish Boil 24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell (Horseshoe Canyon Ranch), Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival, Hope Watermelon Festival OUTDOOR NONPROFIT Winner: The Mayfly Project Finalists: Arkansas Fly Fishers, Little Red River Trout Unlimited — Chapter #722, The Nature Conservancy OUTDOOR PROGRAM Winner: Camp Aldersgate Finalists: Little Red River Trout Unlimited — Chapter #722: Kids Fishing Camp, Arkansas Climbers Coalition, Camp Orr High Adventure Base

OUTDOOR RETAILER Winner: Wild Bill's Outfitter Finalists: Buffalo River Outfitter, JB Trading Co., Ozark Outdoor Supply OUTDOOR VEHICLE DEALER Winner: Adventure Subaru Finalists: Gwatney, McLarty, Moix RV PLACE TO CAMP Winner: JB Trading Co. Finalists: Mount Nebo, John F. Kennedy Recreation Area & Campground (Heber Springs), Petit Jean State Park PLACE TO EAT Winner: The Hive Finalists: Gaston's White River Resort, The Cajun Trouxth, Zeke and Lizzy's Seafood and Steakhouse (Heber Springs) PLACE TO FLOAT Winner: Buffalo National River Finalists: Caddo Valley, Spring River, White River

• Connecting rooms available • Free parking • Free WiFi • Non-smoking rooms • Digital key • Boutique • Outdoor pool • Pet friendly

THE HAYWOOD HOTEL EL DORADO

210 S Washington Ave, El Dorado, AR 71730 • www.thehaywoodeldorado.tapestrycollection.com

beechwoodpinnaclesales.com | Email: bphsales@lrar.com

• Just off Caraway Road, 3 miles from Arkansas State University • 5 meeting rooms totaling nearly 5000 sq ft • Meetings for up to 300 people • Free parking • Indoor pool and exercise room • Group and corporate rates available • Pet friendly • Hilton Honors points

HILTON GARDEN INN JONESBORO

2204 E Caraway Road, Jonesboro, AR 72712 • 870-931-7727 • jonesboro.hgi.com

beechwoodpinnaclesales.com | Email: bphsales@lrar.com

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THE BEST OF ARKANSAS WILD

BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY

BEAR CREEK LOG CABINS The best thing about experiencing the outdoors is it can be as active or as lazy as your soul demands. Whatever type of adventure you desire, you’ll find it at Bear Creek Log Cabins in Saint Joe, voted Best Weekend Getaway by readers of Arkansas Wild. Located in Searcy County, Bear Creek is the perfect jumping-off point for an active weekend away or a slower-paced holiday of solitude allowing family members to unplug and unwind as they wish. Set amid stunning natural splendor, the resort offers easy wildlife watching from the state’s famed elk herd to a myriad of other creatures that call the woods and water home. Each day holds a new adventure, be it hiking or biking the trails, taking an ATV ride on Bear Creek’s private roads or just spending some quality porch sittin’ time, after which there’s plenty of local flavor to please any appetite. Try Low Gap Cafe for comfort food done well, Ozark Cafe for delicious burgers or a hearty dinner at the oneof-a-kind Cliffhouse Restaurant. buffaloriverlogcabins.net 36 | Arkansas Wild | NOVEMBER 2023

PLACE TO SCUBA Winner: Lake Ouachita Finalists: Greers Ferry Lake, Jordan Marina, Beaver Lake

RV/CAMPER DEALER Winner: Moix RV Finalists: Goss, Camping World, Razorback Camper Sales

PLACE TO STAY Winner: Stetson's on the White Resort Finalists: Rileys Outfitter (White and Buffalo River), River View Cabins & Canoes (Ouachita River), Mather Lodge (Petit Jean)

SHOOTING RANGE Winner: AGFF Jacksonville Shooting Sports Complex Finalists: Arkansas Armory, Machine Gun Grotto, THOR Elite Firing Range

RESORT Winner: Gaston's White River Resort Finalists: Fairfield Bay, Iron Mountain Lodge & Marina, Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa RIVER Winner: Buffalo National River Finalists: Little Red River, Spring River, White River RUN SHOP Winner: Rock City Running Finalists: The Sporty Runner, Fleet Feet, Hibbett Sports

STATE PARK Winner: Devil's Den State Park Finalists: Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Petit Jean State Park, Woolly Hollow State Park WEEKEND GETAWAY Winner: Bear Creek Log Cabins Finalists: Gaston's White River Resort, Lindsey’s Resort, Mather Lodge (Petit Jean)

JB TRADING CO BASECAMP FOR ADVENTURE

Thanks for voting us!

WINNER BEST PLACE TO CAMP

Campground • Premium Outdoor Gear • Watercraft 12677 HWY 43 COMPTON, AR • 870-420-3065 • JBTRADINGCO.COM Ad paid for using a combination of state and Ozark Mountain Region funds.

BEST OUTDOOR RETAILER

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ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS HERITAGE AND TOURISM

WILD EVENTS

’TIS THE SEASON

Arkansas’s outdoor activities don’t shut down just because the temperature is dropping, and no place brings the outdoors and the holidays together like the greater Searcy area. Check out the duck hunting in nearby Bald Knob (White County) and Augusta (Woodruff County), then take in the splendor of Christmas in Searcy’s lights and decor, which earned the community recognition in Southern Living magazine as the best in Arkansas. It all starts with the courthouse lighting Nov. 20. The calendar below is but a sample of other events, races and celebrations happening from one end of The Natural State to the other:

Check out Searcy's courthouse, lit up for the season.

DON’T MISS THESE EVENTS! NOV. 23

TURKEY TROT FOR HEROES Rogers Prep for the feasting ahead by sneaking in a 5K on Thanksgiving in Rogers. The Turkey Trot for Heroes benefits Sheep Dog Impact Assistance, an organization that assists veterans and first responders to enjoy the healing power of the outdoors. runsignup.com/Race/AR/Rogers/ SDIATurkeyTrotforHeroes

NOV. 24-25

WINGS OVER THE PRAIRIE FESTIVAL Stuttgart Experience the largest outdoors-themed festival anywhere in the Mid-South in the Rice and Duck Capital of the World! Highlighted by the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contests, the festival also offers a variety of entertainment and attractions, including a carnival and midway, food and shopping. Check out the Duck Gumbo Cookoff or strut your stuff in the 5K and 10K races. All that and more are ready to be enjoyed. stuttgartduckfest.com

DEC. 2

LOVIT TRAIL MARATHON Mt. Ida It’s December. It’s cold. It’s free. What more could you want? Run the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, a single track foot path with no significant creek crossing ― just you, the woods and 26.2 miles. And yes, you read right ― no application or entry fee to participate, just register (please) and run. runarkansas.com/LoVitTrailMarathon. htm

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DEC. 16-17

RAID THE ROCK Little Rock One of the most unique adventure races in Arkansas, Raid the Rock offers two course options: an 8-hour intermediate course and a 24-hour advanced course. Each course requires advanced navigation and a variety of racing skills on foot, on wheels and more. It’s an experience you’ll never forget! raidtherock.com

JAN. 5

ARKANSAS DUCK DERBY Conway Get your quack on for a good cause! The Derby will start with a morning hunt pairing teams of four with landowners and experienced hosts throughout the region. That evening, enjoy a celebration banquet on the campus of UCA featuring live and silent auctions, raffles, great food, entertainment and the crowning of the winning team. Benefiting Conway Regional Health Foundation. conwayregional.org

JAN. 6

ATHENS BIG FORK TRAIL MARATHON Mena Rugged terrain and friendly folks make this the ideal way to kick off your new year. In high demand every year, the Athens Big Fork Trail Marathon and 17 Mile Blaylock Creek Fun Run are the perfect way to start your 2024. abftrailmarathon.com

HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

Be sure to check out these family friendly community festivals to get yourself into the holiday spirit.

NOV. 17

LIGHTS OF THE OZARKS Fayetteville

NOV. 18

NORTHERN LIGHTS HOLIDAY FESTIVAL North Little Rock

NOV. 20

LIGHTS OF THE DELTA Blytheville

NOV. 22

WHITE RIVER WONDERLAND Batesville

NOV. 26

DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING Fort Smith

DEC. 1

CHRISTMAS PARADE OF LIGHTS Eureka Springs

DEC. 8

CHRISTMAS PARADE Dardanelle

YOUR ULTIMATE WINTER

GETAWAY The Diamond Lakes Region is a picturesque place to experience winter. Enjoy a morning hike or mountain biking expedition on three of Arkansas’ five IMBA epic trails. Reel in a big catch or take in a scenic sunset on one of our five sparkling lakes and three rivers. When the day is done, gather around a campfire for s’mores and stories at a cozy cabin. Whatever adventure you crave, we’re ready to welcome you!

Scan to get your FREE Hot Springs/ Diamond Lakes Vacation Guide

diamondlakes.org This ad is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds.

Little Missouri River