Although Petit Jean State Park's Mather Lodge recently underwent a major renovation, the historic parts of the facility were left intact. The beauty and craftsmanship done by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Depression are still on display at the state's first state park. The CCC dining room retains the coziness and charm of the 1930s, including the massive stone fireplace made with rocks mined on-site. The private room is only available for small banquets and group retreats but it's open to visitors wanting to see a historic treasure.

The Argenta Arts & Historic District in downtown North Little Rock offers an eclectic array of restaurants, galleries and shops. Also in the area are Verizon Arena, which hosts major concerts and events, Dickey Stephens Park, home base for the Arkansas Travelers, the Argenta Community Theater, and more. The Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, the USS Razorback submarine, the Arkansas River Trail, the Argenta Market, and Argenta Farmer's Market (in season) are in the vicinity.

Hidden in the confines of the St. Francis National Forest, Horner's Neck Lake is a remnant of the Mississippi River and is recharged by floodwater almost every year. The cypress and tupelo trees along the banks offer the perfect refuge for those hard to find trophies. A shallow water lake, it is accessible by a boat ramp located off County Road 239 in Phillips County.

If non-stop music is of interest to you, then mark your calendars for the 10th annual Wakarusa Music Festival, May 30-June 2. Held at Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events in Ozark, the extravaganza is four days of over 100 bands performing on six stages. A huge line-up of performers is on tap for this year’s event. Two and three day passes are now on sale.

A world of wonder awaits people of all ages at the totally redesigned Museum of Discovery in Little Rock. Join in the fun and learn how create a tornado, created, hammer away in the Tinkering Studio, solve puzzles, and see if you can pull your own weight, literally. The whole place is an interactive playground for both young and old. The Room to Grow area for children six and under allows them and their caretakers to play games and use their imagination in a creative hands-on environment.

Riding the rails has fascinated people since the Iron Horse first started making runs. Rides on vintage trains are hard to come by now, but when you visit The Natural State, you have two choices. The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad offers three round-trip scenic excursions through the Boston Mountain Range of the Ozark Mountains. Specials, such as fall foliage viewing, are scheduled throughout the year. The Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway has a 4-1/2 mile ride through the Ozarks. You can also dine in nostalgic luxury by having dinner aboard the Eurekan Dining Car.