Surveys consistently show shopping is one the top activities people enjoy while visiting different locations and The Natural State is no exception. The variety of options is almost endless. A handcrafted piece of art, a finely constructed craft, an Arkansas-made product – it’s all here. Large and small stores featuring American and European antiques and intimate crafts shops offer opportunities for a unique souvenir. Shopping centers and malls dot the landscape with name-brand stores offering items you know and love. Pinnacle Hills Promenade in Rogers is one of the many possibilities available.

The natural beauty of Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs provides a perfect backdrop for the intricate works of glass artist extraordinaire James Hayes. The Splash of Glass exhibit is on display through September 30. A Pine Bluff native, he has gained a reputation for creativity and color in his designs that include bowls, plates, vases, chandeliers, and other blown glass works. Among his many honors include an invitation from the White House to design a Christmas tree ornament. Hayes has studied glassblowing in Moreno, Italy; Columbus, OH; and at world-renowned glass artisan Dale Chihuly’s Pilchuck Glass School near Seattle, WA. His work is also available at James Hayes Art Glass in Pine Bluff.

The minute the weather warms up the lure of the water beckons those who live and visit The Natural State. With over 600,000 acres of lakes and over 9,700 miles of streams, there is an incredible variety to choose from. Resorts, marinas and outfitters offer boats of all kinds, water toys, and even some have SCUBA equipment, to enhance your water experience. Lake Ouachita, located west of Hot Springs, is the state’s largest man-made impoundment.

It’s only three years old but the Johnny Cash Music Festival features some of the biggest names in country music. Proceeds from the tribute to the Arkansas native help fund the restoration of Cash’s boyhood home in Dyess. This year’s benefit is August 17 at the Arkansas State University Convocation Center in Jonesboro. Showtime is 7 p.m. Featured performers are Vince Gill, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, and Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers. Tommy Cash, Johnny’s younger brother is the host, and his sister Joanne Cash Yates will also appear. Visit www.johnnycashmusicfest.com/ for more information.

The only diamond-bearing property open to the public in the world, the Crater of Diamonds State Park is located above an eroded volcanic pipe. For a small fee, visitors can dig for the precious gems and keep what they find. The Diamond Discovery Center offers an introduction to diamond hunting, equipment rentals, exhibit gallery. Other park attractions are Diamond Springs, a mining-themed aquatic playground; camping, picnic sites, trails, wildlife observation blind, gift shop, and restaurant.

“Handmade Pottery in a Neat Old Building,” is how Osage Clayworks in Alpena describes itself. Handcrafted pottery pieces made by artisans with over 30 years of experience are displayed. All items are lead-free and are oven, dishwasher and microwave safe. Plates, platters, mugs, cups, bowls, serving pieces, and storage pieces are available in a variety of colors, patterns and sizes. All are housed in the 1901 Stamps General Store, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Much of the building remains unchanged with antiques on display.