Arkansans with Ties to Hope
November 19, 2009 12:00 AM
Zoie Clift
Former President Bill Clinton was
in Little Rock yesterday for the celebration of the five-year anniversary of the
Clinton Presidential Library. Many know of Clinton's ties to Hope, the town he
was born in and home to The Bill Clinton First Home Museum, soon to be part of
the National Park system. If you pass through town, be sure to drop by. It's
located at 117 S. Hervey St.
Along with former President Clinton, there
are many other notable residents from Hope. Thomas F. “Mack” McLarty, Clinton’s
first chief of staff, and Vincent Foster Jr., deputy White House counsel were
both from the town. Mike Huckabee, Arkansas’s forty-fourth governor, was born
in Hope as was his wife, Janet McCain Huckabee. One of the Southwestern Proving
Ground army ordnance officers, Major Paul W. Klipsch, an Indiana native, chose
to stay in town after World War II. In 1948 he began the production of his now
internationally famous Klipsch horns.
Patsy Montana, a Hot Springs native,
also grew up in Hope. Montana (aka Rubye Blevins or the "Queen of Country
Western Music") was born in 1914 and was one of the first country
singers to successfully cultivate a cowgirl image. Her 1935 recording "I
Want To Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart," included a virtuoso yodeling piece and
was the first big hit by a female country singer. Montana wrote over 200 songs
during her career and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1996,
shortly following her death. Folks in Hope have been trying to get a Patsy
Montana Day celebration going in her honor. If you know of any other notable
Arkansans with Hope ties, keep me posted!
Arkansas Landmarks Contending for the
Hampton® Hotels’ Save-A-Landmark® program
November 16, 2009 12:00 AM
Kerry Kraus
The hotel chain’s Web site says “Since the program’s inception in 2000, Hampton® Hotels’ Save-A-Landmark® program has been dedicated to preserving America’s historical, fun and cultural landmarks that reside along our country’s treasured highways. In 2010, our efforts will continue
to pay homage to the breadth of what it means to be American, while also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Save-A-Landmark program. All-American Landmarks signify defining moments in our country’s past, present and future. The All-American Landmarks theme will help propel the Save-A-Landmark program closer to its goal of “saving” one landmark in all 50 U.S. states.”
According to Robin Powell, 2009-2010 president of the Friends of the Old Mill, “If chosen, the Old Mill will receive a refurbishing of our choice. The Old Mill will not be changed or updated, just have some much needed work done!”
The other two Arkansas landmarks, are the
Riverside International Speedway in
West Memphis and the
Roundtop Filling Station in
Sherwood.
Voting closes at 11:59 PM CST on November 30, 2009.
And be sure to come back on December 7, 2009 to see which landmarks will be saved in 2010. Nebraska, Utah and Vermont also have nominations in the running. You can vote as many times as you like so please, get clicking!!! Show Your Arkansas Pride!
BalloonLR
November 15, 2009 12:00 AM
Zoie Clift
While returning from a run at Two Rivers Park recently I drove
past a hot air balloon about to launch in a field outside the park. I pulled
over to get a closer look at the takeoff. Due to wind conditions the balloon
wasn’t able to take off that day (they rescheduled the ride for a later date)
but I did get to meet the owner of the balloon- David Hoover. He is owner of
BalloonLR and he said they give tours. The tours offer views of Pinnacle
Mountain, the Arkansas River, Chenal Mountain, and Lake Maumelle. They fly year
round but the peak season is March to Oct. Keep on the lookout for an article
on hot air ballooning next year. For more info on the company, check out
www.balloonlr.com.
Magnolia author Charlaine Harris visits Little Rock
November 12, 2009 9:00 PM
Zoie Clift
travelarkansas@gmail.com
I had the change to catch Magnolia resident and best-selling
author Charlaine Harris speak at the Fred K. Darragh Distinguished Lectureship
series at UALR tonight. The talk was around an hour followed by a book signing.
Details about Harris are in the below blog but for those who want them here,
well here they are. Harris is the author of The Southern Vampire Mysteries series,
which revolves around Sookie Stackhouse, a barmaid living in Louisiana who can
read people's minds. The series is set in a world where vampires can live out
in the open, thanks to the development of synthetic blood. As many know, Alan
Ball, of Six Feet Under fame, created an HBO series based on the novels called True Blood starring Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer. Along with the vampire series, Harris
is the author of the Aurora Teagarden series, the Lily Bard Shakespeare series
(set in rural Arkansas), and the Harper Connelly series. She is also the
only author to have 9 books on the New York Times Bestseller list at once. Harris made the drive down from
Magnolia and was introduced as being “playful in person, deadly in print.” She was definitely friendly (and down
to earth) as she spoke to the audience about her field (she gave advice on how
to overcome writer’s block and the top 9 things she’s learned as a writer: #1
being never say never or always) and her characters. It was a rare chance to
catch the author as her appearances are already booked up for all of 2010. For
those that were there the night was filled with tales of gold fangs (yes, she
owns a pair), her love of Jurassic Park (she wished she had thought of the idea
for it), her views about intolerance (which are reflected in the books), and
where the name Sookie came from ( it was the name of her grandmother’s best
friend). There were lots of questions from the audience about characters in her
books. She said she is often asked where she gets all the vampire information
and research she uses in her books. “That’s the beauty of it. “ she said with a
smile. “ I get to make it up.” She says she knows how the Sookie Stackhouse
series is going to end and she has signed on to write 3 more books. Her next
one is set to hit stores in May of next year. Needless to say, the hour flew by
and I look forward to seeing how things continue to go for the writer. To find
out more about this Arkansas author, visit www.charlaineharris.com.
UALR hosts Magnolia author Charlaine Harris
November 12, 2009 12:00 AM
Zoie Clift
travelarkansas@gmail.com
Magnolia author
Charlaine Harris, author of The Southern Vampire Mysteries series ( on the
New
York Times bestseller list), will present the Fred K. Darragh Lecture at 6:30
tonight at UALR’s Center for Performing Arts University. Her books are the
basis for the popular HBO series
True Blood. The series revolves around Sookie
Stackhouse, a barmaid living in Louisiana who can read people’s minds. The
series is set in a world where vampires live out in the open, thanks to the
development of synthetic blood. Her next Sookie book is set to hit stores May
2010. For reservations, call
501-918-3029 or e-mail
lblackwell@calls.org
Rare Excavation at Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park
November 10, 2009 9:15 AM
Kerry Kraus
A rare opportunity awaits visitors at
Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park in
Scott. For the first time in nearly 20 years, an on-site excavation is taking place at Toltec. This is all thanks to a toppled old oak tree whose 15-foot-high root ball left a gaping hole. Park archeologist Jane Anne Blakney-Bailey, along with volunteers from Americorps and members of the Archeological Survey, are sifting through artifacts to learn more about the Plum Bayou people who created the mounds.
Special tram tours of the excavation site are being offered this Friday and Saturday,
Nov. 13-14, at 2 p.m. They will also be conducted at 10 a.m. on
Nov. 20, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on
Nov. 21. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for ages six to 12, with those under age six admitted free. Call the park at 501-961-9442 for more information. Don't miss this opportunity to see history being uncovered.
Cirque Shanghai: Bai XI
November 8, 2009 12:00 AM
Zoie Clift
travelarkansas@gmail.com
Direct from China, Cirque Shanghai: Bai Xi is scheduled to
land at Texarkana's Historic Perot Theatre on Nov. 23. The show has been described as “magical and
mind-boggling, a visual feast of something that should be impossible, but
isn't.”
The show will include a
lineup that combines fast paced contemporary dance, martial arts, costumed
choreography, tight wire walking, physical strength and balance, lavish sets,
and exotic music into a theatrical evening.
The show is anchored by
world-class athletes: men and women trained as gymnasts, acrobats and
aerialists. Dating back more than 3000 years, Chinese acrobatic shows were
first called “Bai Xi,” meaning “one hundred amazing acts” in reference to the
performer’s seemingly limitless skills. These daring feats were commanded
by China's Imperial Court and were so beloved that they've been passed down
through the centuries. And are now making their way to Arkansas. The show is presented by TRAHC, the Texarkana Regional
Arts and Humanities Council with additional funding from Mid-America
Arts Alliance which is underwritten by the National Endowment for the Arts, and
the Arkansas Arts Council. For more information and for ticket prices visit:
www.trahc.org
A Conway Christmas Open House
November 6, 2009 1:00 PM
Kerry Kraus
How about going
shopping this weekend? It’s a great time to get started on shopping for the holidays. One central Arkansas community has activities going on so you can get a head-start on your Christmas buying while enjoying an absolutely beautiful fall afternoon in The Natural State.
Make plans to head to
Conway Sunday afternoon for the annual Downtown Conway Open House. All shops in the downtown district will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
and, just in time for the event, an old shop that formerly specialized in vintage clothing, has reopened with a new focus. Vintage to Vogue now features old-fashioned candies and gifts as well as handcrafted jewelry, and Arkansas Products. The shop is located at
829 Chestnut.
Since some heavy-duty shopping works up an appetite, be sure and visit the downtown restaurants, especially those that aren't usually open on Sunday.
Michelangelo's,
U.S. Pizza and
America 13-50 all offer a Sunday Brunch. If brunch isn't your thing, or you want to eat an early brunch and another meal later, you can choose from
Mike's Place,
Pia's, Faby's,
Doe's and Old Chicago Pizza. The Vintage Kitchen will have samples of their baked goods.
Over 50 shops and restaurants are located in downtown Conway. Additional information on these businesses can be found in the online
Arkansas Media Room.
Rare Bird Sightings
November 6, 2009 1:00 AM
Zoie Clift
If your a birder, checking
off a rare bird on your checklist gets the adrenaline pumping. For those of you
who this applies to ( you know who you are) I just got a heads up
about a Rock Wren sighting at Millwood Lake, an Audubon Important Bird Area.
The lake is near Millwood State Park, a Watchable Wildlife site. I've never
been bird watching but if your into the birding experience, the state seems to
be a hot spot for it. Below is a shot local birder Charles Mills took of a Rock Wren. For more details on recent rare bird sightings around the
state, check out
http://www.arkansasbirder.net/Arkansas_Birder/RBA.html. For more details on birding in the state, visit
www.birdinginarkansas.com. For more details on Millwood S.P., visit
www.arkansasstateparks.com/millwood/. Keep me posted if you spot one!
Wakarusa 2010 Reserved Campsites Go On Sale
November 4, 2009 12:00 AM
Jill M. Rohrbach
jillsjourneys@gmail.com
It may be somewhere between fall and winter, but take a moment to think about Summer 2010 and Wakarusa because tickets for reserved campsites go on sale tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 5) at noon.
The Wakarusa Music & Camping Festival will be June 3-6, 2010 at Mulberry Mountain,
an event and lodging facility near Ozark on about 650 acres surrounded by the Ozark National Forest. This will be the second year for the festival to be held in Arkansas. As one of their T-shirts reads, “We’re Not in Kansas Anymore.”
According to the Wakarusa folks, the reserved campsites are the most sought after and have a history of selling out in minutes. The entire campground is shaded and includes permanent restrooms with showers. The campsites are equipped with electrical and water hook-ups, so they're ideal for those of you with RVs. Up to eight campers and two vehicles are allowed at each campsite. New to 2010, all purchases of the reserved campsites will includetwo reserved campsite full event passes.
Visit http://www.wakarusa.com/to see a map of the campsites and pricing for camping and event passes.
Civil War Weekend Coming to Historic Washington S.P.
October 30, 2009 7:52 AM
Zoie Clift
travelarkansas@gmail.com
In the spring of 1864, the Civil War
became very personal to the people of southern Arkansas as the battles of war
went from being in the distance to being fought in front yards. Vivid
reenactments of such days will be presented during Historic Washington State
Park’s upcomcing Civil War Weekend November 7-8.
Included in the schedule
will be a Civil War skirmish and cavalry drill. Opportunities to observe
civilian, infantry and cavalry encampments, tavern life, medicine shows and
period fashion programs will be available throughout the day. One of the
largest battle reenactments in Southwest Arkansas will take place at 2 p.m. on
Saturday and again at 1 p.m. on Sunday as hundreds of reenactors meet on the
battlefield of Washington. I’m planning to check out the battle on Saturday (my
first time to see a battle reenactment) so I’ll see you on the battlefield if
you're there!Tickets are $8 for adults
and $4 for children. The park will be open each day from 9-5 p.m. Visitors can
get a map and schedule for the day at the 1874 courthouse.
Historic Washington State
Park preserves one of Arkansas’s most prominent 19th Century towns
and is located on US 278 nine miles north of Hope. For more information visit
www.HistoricWashingonStatePark.com
or call 870-983-2684.
Southern Tenant Farmers Union Marks 75th Anniversary
October 29, 2009 1:08 AM
Kimberly J. Williams
DeltaTraveler@gmail.com
In 1934, a movement of change was born in the small Delta town of Tyronza. Eighteen tenant farmers, both black and white, met and decided to confront the widespread unethical practices of landowners. At that meeting, the Southern Tenant Farmers
Union was formed. The organization would break racial barriers throughout its existence, most notably the inclusion of women and blacks in the organization and administration of the union.
Today, the building that housed H.L. Mitchell’s dry cleaner and the service station owned by Clay East, two of the original organizers of the Union, is home to the
Southern Tenant Farmers Museum, an Arkansas State University Delta
Heritage site. The building became the unofficial headquarters of the STFU, due mainly to the fact that two of the founders of the organization worked from the location.
The museum offers visitors the opportunity to explore the history of the Southern Tenant Farmers Union and includes exhibits focusing on the story of tenant farming and sharecropping and the movement to remove abuses from the widely used system.
In honor of the organization’s 75th anniversary, Arkansas State University is hosting Eye Openin’ Time: Southern Tenant Farmers Union 75th Anniversary Symposium on Friday, Oct. 30. Speakers include author and Arkansas native Grif Stockley; Dr. Jeannie Whayne, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville; Dr. Samuel Mitchell, son of STFU founder H.L. Mitchell; Dr. Vernon Burton, Coastal Carolina University; and Dr. Elizabeth Payne, University of Mississippi. The event will be held in the Mockingbird Room in the Student Union on the campus of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Following the event, participants will travel to Tyronza for tours of the Southern Tenant Farmers Museum.
To learn more about Eye Openin’ Time: Southern Tenant Farmers Union 75th Anniversary Symposium, contact the Southern Tenant Farmers Museum at 870-487-2909 or visit http://stfm.astate.edu for more information.
The Rialto is Haunted-But You Knew That
October 27, 2009 8:05 AM
Zoie Clift
travelarkansas@gmail.com
As mentioned in the below
blog, Halloween is fast approaching. I was surprised to find out how haunted
this state is. Our department created a website where folks can check out and
learn about the mysteries and legends found across the state:
www.arkansas.com/haunted.
It’s worth a read if
you haven’t seen it already. While passing through El Dorado recently I came
across the Rialto Theater (built in 1929 and on the National Register of Historic
Places) deemed officially haunted by the Spirit Seekers, a paranormal
investigation unit based in Central Arkansas. The news was featured in the El
Dorado News Times last year. You don’t have to take the Spirit Seekers word for
it though. Just read the sign currently displayed at the theater that
proclaims: “ I’m Haunted! But You Knew That!” Indeed I did. Or at least do now.
Halloween Happenings
October 26, 2009 5:00 PM
Jill M. Rohrbach
jillsjourneys@gmail.com
Halloween is Saturday and I don’t have a costume yet. I suppose this is a good week to find a discount. It’s also a good week to visit the haunted cave tour at the Old Spanish Treasure Cave in Gravette and make plans to attend the Howl-O-Ween event at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs.
I was at the Old Spanish Treasure Cave a few weeks ago as they were beginning to stage all the scares. I’ll admit right now that I’m too chicken to go in the Haunted Cavern. You take a self-guided tour through the cave, which will be filled with things I’d rather not meet in the dark. And that’s not all. There is also a Trail of Terror, a self-guided walk through the haunted woods of Treasure Hollow. You can also see if you can make it through the Lost Treasure Maze that is part of the trail.
The haunting at the Old Spanish Treasure Cave take place on Thursday, Oct. 29 through Saturday, Oct. 31 starting at 7 p.m. The cost is $12 for the Haunted Cavern, $9 for the Trail of Terror or $18 if you want to experience both. Find out more at www.spanish-treasure-cave.com/.
I get the heebie jeebies just thinking about it.
This is the 13th year for the Howl-O-Ween Party at the Big Cat refuge, which makes it even spookier if you’re superstitious about numbers like that. It will take place on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. In addition to the rare nocturnal viewing of over 100 large cats and other exotic animals, the festivities at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge include a “haunted Trail of Terror,” a children’s costume contest and parade, plus games and prizes.
Admission to the Howl-O-Ween Party is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and children 3 to 12, and free to children under 3. Visitors to the Refuge during the day are allowed free entry to the party in the evening. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is located 7 miles south of Eureka Springs on scenic Ark. 23. For more information, visit www.turpentinecreek.org or call 479-253-5841.
Now, what shall I be for Halloween?
Mount Victoria B&B Wins – Again!!!
October 26, 2009 10:42 AM
Kerry Kraus
NaturalStateBlogger@gmail.com
You know you must be doing something right when you win the same award two years in a row. That’s exactly what Mount Victoria Bed & Breakfast Inn in Eureka Springs is doing. For the second time, this beautiful inn has been selected as the “Most Romantic Inn in America” in the annual Best of BedandBreakfast.com awards for 2009-2010. The inn was originally chosen for the same honor in 2007-2008. The Best of 
BedandBreakfast.com Awards are based upon a qualitative and quantitative review of the nearly 100,000 independent reviews submitted to BedandBreakfast.com, the leading online B&B directory and reservation network worldwide.
Innkeepers Lisa and Chris McCants commented "It's a true honor to be a two-time winner for this Best of BedandBreakfast.com award, and we thank our guests for the positive reviews that resulted in this award. It is gratifying that our guests took the time to share their comments about the exceptional experience and romance they felt which set Mount Victoria Bed & Breakfast apart."
In addition to the romance, Mount Victoria is also known for its gourmet breakfasts. Having had the pleasure of eating breakfast there, I can attest it is an incredible experience. Chris' signature smoked turkey breakfast pastry is out-of-this-world. Visit Mount Victoria at www.mountvictoria.com or call 888-408-7979 for availability and rates.
Congratulations Lisa and Chris!
Celebrating Hazen's Farming Heritage
October 22, 2009 3:15 PM
Kimberly J. Williams
DeltaTraveler@gmail.com
Agriculture has played a very important part in the history and culture of Arkansas but especially so in eastern Arkansas.
Celebrate Hazen’s farming heritage as the town hosts the 33rd annual Grand Prairie Rice Festival on Oct. 24. Activities will be held in the Hazen City Park and include an antique farm equipment
parade and show, and a mini-tractor pull. The youngsters will enjoy a special activity section just for kids. There will also be live music and a variety of food vendors on hand. For more information on the 33rd annual Grand Prairie Rice Festival, email dhardke@mebanking or phone David Hardke at 870-255-3042.
Fort Smith's Frontier Fest
October 22, 2009 2:22 PM
Jill M. Rohrbach
jillsjourneys@gmail.com
Fort Smith is a city of convergence. Its first fort was built at Belle Point, where the Arkansas and Poteau rivers unite. Federal marshals rode out of the United States and into Indian Territory at this juncture. Outlaws collided with Hanging Judge Parker. During the Civil War, the North met the South here with devastating results. Soldiers’ lives intersected with settlers during frontier days.
This military settlement has grown into a city that is a meetinghouse for the past, present and future with its well-preserved frontier spirit, its establishment of contemporary arts and entertainment venues, and its thriving community that is building for the future. Fort Smith bills itself as the place “where the new south meets the old west.”
So what could be a better place for a Frontier Festival? Fort Smith’s annual Frontier Fest will be this weekend, Oct. 24-25. It’s held along the banks of the Arkansas River where much of Fort Smith’s frontier history took place.
It’s sure to be a good time – just check out this list of activities:
-
Championship Liars Contest
-
Live music by The Crumbs, cowboy singers & other favorites
-
Bank robbery re-enactment with antique cars
-
Tours of the Fort Smith National Historic Site
-
Tales from the Crypt storytelling•
-
Children’s crafts and games
-
Boy Scout camping and Dutch Oven food tastings
-
Frontier cooking demonstrations with AETN’s Phyllis Speer (now there’s a treat)
-
Frontier Fashion Show
-
Simulated gunfights
-
“Fashions & Rations” Living Timeline of U.S. Military Life
-
Photo-friendly re-enactors in costume
-
Horseshoe tournament
-
Vendors selling their handmade frontier wares, including unique Christmas gifts
The weather is supposed to be nice for the weekend, so make plans to find your Frontier spirit. For more information you can visit http://www.fortsmithfrontierfest.org/index.htmlor phone 479-783-8888.
Japanese Journalists Visit the Arkansas Delta
October 22, 2009 10:35 AM
As you may have read in an earlier blog, Arkansas had two visitors from Japan this week with Ocean Life magazine. Editorial planner and writer Mr. Norio Konno and photographer Mr. Yasutake Ito are traveling the state preparing for an upcoming feature
in the magazine. The gentlemen visited Gaston’s White River Resort, Hot Springs and Little Rock before heading east to the Arkansas Delta on Wednesday.
After taking in the sights, the pair visited the Delta Cultural Center in Helena-West Helena, spending time learning more about the music of the region, including blues, rockabilly, gospel and country. They also had time to see the museum’s current temporary exhibit, featuring artwork by George Hunt.
Both agreed they enjoyed their time in The Natural State and hope to return soon!
Little Rock’s “Little Harlem” Revisited
October 21, 2009 1:07 PM
Kerry Kraus
If you’re looking for something to do Friday evening and happen to be in the Central Arkansas area, head down to the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center for “Ninth Street Revisited: Pure Jazz from the Good Old Days.” Featured performer is James Leary, an Arkansas AM & N/UAPB Alumnus, who currently plays with the Count Basie Orchestra. Leary has also appeared with “Rat Pack” members Sammy Davis, Jr., Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Songstress Nancy Wilson and musician extraordinaire Dizzy Gillespie are other famous entertainers he has accompanied.
Other performers are vocalists Irene Crutchfield-Brown and Dee Dee Davis,
pianist Tom Cox, Dave Rogers on drums plus other invited guests. The shindig begins at 8 p.m. with a $20 admission at the door. There will be a cash bar.
During Ninth Street’s heyday it was referred to as Little Harlem because of the thriving African-American businesses, homes and entertainment found there. This vibrant history is told through exhibits at the cultural center, located at 9th and Broadway in downtown
Little Rock. Contact the museum for more details by calling 501-683-3593.
Lum and Abner
October 21, 2009 8:02 AM
Zoie Clift
On my drive back from Mena
yesterday I made an unplanned stop to check out a piece of radio history. The
Lum and Abner Museum and Jot ‘Em Down Store is located in Pine Ridge on the
side of Hwy 88. The museum opened in the 1970’s and is now on the National
Register of Historic Places.
Many are probably familiar
with the Lum and Abner name. Chester “Chet” Lauck and Norris “Tuffy” Geoff of
Mena created Lum and Abner in 1931. Their radio broadcasts of the ‘30s and ‘40s
were among the most popular on the air and they were the first network program
broadcast from Radio City in New York in 1933. Their career also spanned movies
and T.V.
The show was based on small
town life and was set in the Jot ‘Em Down Store (which reflected country stores
across the nation) in a fictional town called Pine Ridge. In 1936, the citizens
of Waters (the town the show was based on) officially changed the town’s name
to Pine Ridge in honor of the duo.
Lon and Kathy Stucker
currently run the museum and store. If you are in the neighborhood and get a
chance, stop by and say hi. The museum is open March 1-Nov. 1 Tues-Sat from 9-5
and from 12-5 on Sunday. It is open by appointment Nov-Feb. For more
information, call 870-326-4442.
89-Mile Ride
October 20, 2009 2:16 PM
About 150 sports cyclists will descend upon the Ozarks on Oct. 24 when brandnewbus hosts Ride 89/68, an 89-mile bicycle ride in and around Jasper that promises approximately 6,800 feet of climbing. It couldn't be a more perfect time to enjoy the ride or go watch the riders with the fall color reaching its prime.
This incredible ride begins in Jasper and travels east for a very challenging 28-mile loop with several short, very steep climbs and ends with a 4.5-mile climb out of the Mt. Judea valley - including an extended 12-15 percent grade section in the last .5 mile of the climb. It then descends back down into Jasper to begin the second loop.
The second loop travels west out of Jasper, is 61 miles long and consists of two long c limbs - one 3 miles and the other 2.5 miles with both climbs averaging 7-8 percent for the duration of the climb with a few steeper pitches mixed in. The remainder of the second loop includes several .25 to .5 mile steep rollers and some of the most amazing views in this part of the country.
The ride concludes with a technical and fast descent into the Parthenon valley for 6 relatively-flat miles back to Jasper.
Registration is $40 and includes a shirt, fully-stocked rest stops and post-ride meal. The event begins at 10 a.m. and parking is available at the Jasper School. For more information visit www.Ride8968.com. brandnewbus is the bus ministry of Brand New Church, which serves three campuses in Arkansas.
Japanese Journalists Tour Arkansas
October 18, 2009 8:22 PM
Zoie Clift
travelarkansas@gmail.com
Two
journalists from Tokyo, Japan are in the state now on a tour of Arkansas,
Louisiana, and Mississippi. Mr. Norio Konno and photographer Mr. Yasutake Ito
are journalists for Ocean Life magazine and started their journey in Hot
Springs by visiting such sites as Bathhouse Row and Garvan Gardens. The duo’s tour last until Oct 31 and
other spots they plan to hit while in the state include Bull Shoals-White River
State Park, Little Rock, Helena-West Helena.
A Stop Through Arkansas’s First Contemporary Art Museum
October 18, 2009 7:31 PM
Zoie Clift
travelarkansas@gmail.com
For those art fans out
there, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) at the Ozark Bathhouse on
Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park is now open. MOCA is the first contemporary
art museum in Arkansas. The 14,000 square foot facility, formerly known as the
Ozark Bathhouse is a solid addition to the art community and displays modern
art pieces from around the world. Renovation work on the Ozark Bathhouse took
over four years to complete. The museum can be found at 425 Central Avenue. For more information call 501-609-9966
or visit
museumofcontemporaryart.com
New Conference Center Breaks Ground In El Dorado
October 18, 2009 8:59 AM
Zoie Clift
travelarkansas@gmail.com
On Friday (Oct. 16)
Governor Mike Beebe was the featured speaker for the groundbreaking of the El
Dorado Conference & Student Center and the South Arkansas Community College
Health Science Center. Citizens of El Dorado passed a 1 cent economic
development tax two years ago and among the projects was the multipurpose
conference center to be built adjacent to the community college in the downtown
area. It’s a $17 million facility that seats up to 1000 and Murphy Oil is
contributing $5 million to the project. “This project will connect the South
Arkansas Community College and our historic downtown, joining two of our best
assets in ways yet unimagined,” said El Dorado Mayor Mike Dumas. “The
groundbreaking marks a historic day as El Dorado initiates one of the largest
municipal projects in the history of our city.”
Bloody Barn and Haunted Hayride
October 14, 2009 2:20 PM
Kerry Kraus
It’s that time of year again folks! Time to scare and be scared and what a better location that a historic Civil War battlefield. The town of Jacksonville invites you to take part in the Reed’s Bridge Haunted Halloween on October 24.
The wind will howl and the trees will groan…the summer breeze is dead and gone.
Spooks and spirits from days gone past…dance about and shadows cast.
To Reed’s Bridge their souls return…to relive the time the bridge did burn.
The Men in Blue and the Men in Gray…come to life at night… they say.
So if you’re brave and if you dare…
October 24th
…we’ll see you there!
The family friendly event features the Bloody Barn Tour and Haunted Hayride. Hours are 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a $2 per person admission. The admission for a family is $8. Refreshments will be available. Reed’s Bridge Battlefield is on Ark. 161 in Jacksonville. Proceeds benefit the Reed’s Bridge Battlefield Preservation Society.
Civil War Event Planned for Next Weekend In El Dorado
October 13, 2009 11:02 PM
Zoie Clift
Here’s a quick head’s up for
Civil War buffs. A Civil War reenactment has been set for Oct. 23-24 at Charles
Brown Farm (100 acres) in El Dorado. Reenactors from AR, LA, and MS are signed up
to attend and there will be several cannons, cavalry, and infantry on the
reenactment grounds. The camp is set up in and around a two-story log cabin
that Brown built to replicate one from the 1800’s. There will also be a living
history portrayal of a trial of a Yankee soldier followed by a hanging. Ouch!
All reenactors are welcome and can call to register. Camps open on Friday and
visitors are welcome on Saturday. The main battle starts at 2 on Sat. Check
before traveling as there is a possibility the event might get cancelled if the
weather doesn’t break. As for directions, go south on 167 about 4 miles to Hwy
7 south (Iron Mt. Road). Turn left onto Hwy 7 and go 8 1/2 miles to the
Stateline Road which is on the right. Turn onto the Stateline Road and go less
than a mile to mailbox 4692 on the right. There will be signs to follow. For
more details call Susie Brown at 870-924-5430.
Love and Fear at StoneCreek Ranch
October 13, 2009 5:11 PM
Jill M. Rohrbach
jillsjourneys@gmail.com
I HAVE to go back to StoneCreek Ranch and Resort near Mountain Home.
Now understand, there are many reasons why I WANT to go back. I want to experience a country setting again and be reminded of my youth growing up on a farm. To breath in the sweet aromas, a mixture of fresh cut grass and sawdust, in the barn. To hear the horses snort and bray. To stroke the animals’ soft coats and manes. To hold on tight and lean with a horse as I try my hand at cutting the mechanical cow running on a pulley along the wall of the arena. To see the owners Arvell and Karry Bass again – warm, inviting folks that make me feel like I’m home.
But, I HAVE to go back to face my fears. To prove I can gallop on one of those fine cutting horses. You see, I had a bit of a scare last time I was there.
I attended a leadership conference for corporate groups in 2005; think of it as a team building exercise like those rope courses. At first we rode inside the arena so Arvell could size up our horsemanship abilities. Since I grew up riding horses (although that was more than 20 years ago), I was soon okayed to ride with a group in the pastures. As our party became more comfortable on our steeds, Arvell told any of us that wanted to try a gallop to go for it.
Now, it’s a bit of a blur to me. But, according to Arvell, I pointed my horse toward the open field and instead of telling it to go to second gear my body language said let’s go warp speed. I also happened to steer toward a bush the horse had to jump around. I do remember thinking it might not be such a good idea to ride up under the tree we were barreling down on. Thank goodness I had enough wits left in the fear of the moment to remember Arvell’s words on how to stop a horse – slide one hand down the reins, grab it and pull it slowly to your hip, bending your horse into a circle. A horse can’t run wild when its head is pointed at its rear. Of course, my rear then came off the saddle as inertia carried me forward. Somehow I managed to keep my seat.
Hearing a cowboy whoop from Arvell – he apparently enjoyed the show and was pleased I had remembered that last part – I watched him retrieve my hat that had flown off as he came riding to see if I was okay. I was fine, except for the dent in my pride and the thudding in my ears of my own racing heart.
Arvell encouraged me the rest of the day to try short trots, just five or ten feet before walking again. I hate to admit I couldn’t do it. I did have some success the next day during the cattle drive. I’m quite competitive and was able to perform short bursts of speed to keep the cows from getting past me. I didn’t want to be the one to cause our team not to do well.
But, that small success isn’t enough for me. I still have the desire to go back, mount up and show my horse that despite the twinge of fear it may sense, I’m ready to run.
If you go:
Don’t let my little mishap hold you back. If you’re looking for an adventure and a home away from home, I highly recommend StoneCreek Ranch.
The guest ranch focuses on horseback riding vacations with its indoor and outdoor arenas and trail riding. There’s no merely plodding along with horses nose-to-tail at StoneCreek. You can also experience cattle sorting, the cutting horse experience or even a cattle drive. The ranch also offers leadership conferences for corporate groups and organizations (an incredible experience, which you’ll hear more about from me in the future).
There are cabins and cowboy apartments above the barn. While the cabins are beautiful, the smells and sounds associated with the barn experience are unmatched.
The ranch is located between Gassville and Mountain Home at 626 Circle B Lane. For more information, phone (870) 424-7433, 1-888-203-7433 or visit www.stonecreekranchresort.com.
Related article: http://www.arkansasmediaroom.com/news-releases/listings/display.asp?id=684
Award-winning Arkansas Lodging
October 13, 2009 4:19 PM
Two Hot Springs bed and breakfasts have been selected as winners in the annual Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards for 2009-2010. Ray and Kristie Rosset of Lookout Point Lakeside Inn on Lake Hamilton were selected as innkeepers of the year in the annual awards. Hilltop Manor Bed and Breakfast, on historic Park Street, was named a Best B&B in the Midwest United States.
The awards are based upon a qualitative and quantitative review of the nearly 100,000 independent reviews submitted to BedandBreakfast.com, the leading online bed and breakfast directory and reservation network.
Read Ray and Kristie's reaction to the award
here.
And check out the
comments from visitors that make Hilltop Manor a winner.
Congratulations! Having stayed at both places, the honors are well-deserved.
Check them out for yourself!
An Evening with David Sedaris
October 12, 2009 3:27 PM
Zoie Clift
Acclaimed humor writer David
Sedaris, whose work includes
When You Are Engulfed in Flames, Dress Your Family in Corduroy
and Denim, and Naked,
has been called
“One of America’s most prickly, and most delicious young comic talents,” by the
Washington Post. His biting wit took center stage last night in Little Rock at
Pulaski Academy’s Connor Performing Arts Center for An Evening with David
Sedaris. It was the author’s first
time to Little Rock and the event, which was a benefit for the upcoming Arkansas
Literary Festival in April 2010, featured a reading followed by a Q&A
session and book signing. Needless to say, the event was hysterical, earning
Sedaris (who is also an NPR contributor) a standing ovation at the end. He read
a few pieces from his work in
The New Yorker
, some
snippets from his diary, and other pieces and gave a shout out to the Capital
Hotel where he was staying while in town.
Sedaris will also be
speaking in Fayetteville this week at the Walton Arts Center on Oct. 13. Here
is what they are saying about the show:
“With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, David Sedaris has
become one of America's pre-eminent humor writers. The great skill with which
he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that
Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing
the human condition today.”
You get the point-the guy is
funny. For more details on the upcoming show go to: www.waltonartscenter.org/.
Japanese Film Crew Covers Mt. Ida World Championship Crystal Dig
October 11, 2009 8:33 AM
Zoie Clift
A Japanese film crew from Nihon
TV covered The World Championship Quartz Crystal Dig in Mount Ida this weekend.
The footage is expected to be viewed by 15 million Japanese TV viewers. The
event is held annually the second weekend in October. A Gem & Mineral show
as well as a Quilt show is also held over the weekend. During the dig,
contestants compete for cash and trophies and can keep all the crystals they
mine during the contest. Due to rain the crystal fields were quite muddy but
that didn’t stop competitors from digging in.
Dig sites this year included Sweet Surrender, Arrowhead, and Fiddler’s
Ridge (Bear Mountain).
The Mount
Ida area has been identified as one of the major deposits of quartz crystal in
the state and makes up a major “quartz belt” within the Ouachita
Mountains.
For more information visit www.mtidachamber.com.
Celebrating October Feast at Whitton Farms
October 9, 2009 2:37 PM
Kimberly J. Williams
DeltaTraveler@gmail.com
At Whitton Farms, located five miles northeast of Tyronza, they have a motto. “If you know your farmer, you know your food!” They are committed to growing high quality, locally grown food and flowers, including heirloom vegetables, flowers, herbs and native plants.
This Sunday, Whitton Farms will host Octoberfeast, a celebration of the Delta’s finest locally grown food, along with music and art, from 2-7 p.m. More than a dozen chefs will be on had to serve their culinary creations. Also on tap are hayrides, tours of the farm, pick your own pumpkin patch and a pumpkin carving contest. The event is $30 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under (no admission charge for babies).
To find out more about Octoberfeast or Whitton Farms, check out their Web site at www.WhittonFarms.com or phone 870-815-9519.
Tour Operators Scout the State
October 9, 2009 8:18 AM
Zoie Clift
A group of Oklahoma tour operators visited the state this
week as part of a scouting trip via Red Carpet Charters. The name of the tour (Oct
6-8) was “Presidents, Pharaohs, and Plantations” and they visited the Arkansas
Arts Center “World of the Pharaohs” exhibit, Heifer headquarters, Marlsgate
Plantation, Clinton Presidential Library, downtown Conway, and Miss Laura’s in
Fort Smith on their three-day venture. The goal of the trip was for tour
operators to receive ideas to tap into when planning their tours. For more
information visit www.redcarpetcharters.com.
Little Rock’s Clinton Avenue is a Top 10
October 8, 2009 9:01 AM
Kerry Kraus
The American Planning Association just named President Clinton Avenue as one of the 10 Great Streets of 2009. The street, which runs through the River Market District in downtown Little Rock, is on the list with other thoroughfares from Maine to Alaska to South Carolina.
The organization selected President Clinton Avenue “because of the city’s ability to turn a
rundown warehouse district into a thriving entertainment district and tourist destination.” When selecting their choices, the association looks for streets that have unique and authentic characteristics. The River Market district includes numerous restaurants and bars, museums and galleries, the
Clinton Presidential Library and
Riverfront Park.
Conway Celebrates the Arts
October 8, 2009 9:01 AM
Kerry Kraus
Conway has joined a growing list of Arkansas communities proud of their arts reputation. Out of this cultural explosion has come the annual ArtsFest, which starts today and runs through Oct. 10.
Activities for every member of the family will take place with nearly all art genres represented: music, dance, visual arts, performing arts, photography, film and exhibitions. Scheduled activities scheduled at 27 venues are not only downtown but on the University of Central Arkansas and the Hendrix College campuses as well.
This artistic happening is a family friendly event for all ages. On Friday, Oct. 9 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. there will be kid’s scavenger hunt entitled “The Art and Music Amazing Race.” Ten locations along Front Street will have clues, with the first one handed out at the Eiffel Tower in Simon Park. Bailey Library on the Hendrix campus is prize headquarters for the finishers. The Eiffel Tower is a 21-foot sculpture replica of the Paris landmark constructed of re-bar by Finton Shaw, a local artist. It will remain in the park through the month of October.
Another “large” special guest is the 31-foot inflatable Pittsburgh’s Painted Pachyderm, another Front Street attraction. The whimsical sculpture is on loan from the City of Pittsburgh and serves as the festival mascot. It will be unveiled at UCA at 7 p.m. on Oct. 7 and remain there until being moved to Simon Park on Saturday.
The Conway Film Festival will be in the District Court Building at 810 Parkway Street and features a variety of shorts and documentaries. The Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre performs shorts from their repertoire, also in Simon Park. Art departments from UCA, Hendrix and Conway schools will have displays throughout the four-day event. Entertainment will be provided by Marco Granados and Un Mundo the UCA Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band Concert, Peterson’s Original Ragtime Band, the O’Donovan School of Irish Dance, Hendrix College Chamber Orchestra and Wind Ensemble concert, the Natural State Brass Band and the Central Arkansas Children’s Choirs and Music ‘N’ Motion.
Non-art themed activities on the docket include a bicycle tour of historic homes (bring y
our own bike), the Show and Shine classic car display and a chili cook-off. Visitors can choose from two event-ending activities at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday evening. The Conway Symphony and 150 chorus members from UCA and Hendrix gather in Reynolds Performance Hall on the UCA campus for ArtsFest Rocks Reynolds! The Hendrix Dance Ensemble offers a finale of “Fragments from Sappho,” a collage of poetry, movement and music. Reves Recital Hall is where it takes place.
A complete list of activities is available on www.artsinconway.com or can be obtained by contacting the Conway Downtown Partnership at 501-548-9950.
Visit Elm Springs This Weekend
October 8, 2009 8:54 AM
Small-town Americana at its finest -- that’s what you’ll find in Elm Springs this weekend during the 3rd annual Yester Daze Festival. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the city park, on downtown Water Street, at the United Methodist Church and at Curran Feed Store.
I’m always up for a pancake breakfast, and that’s just how festivities will begin. You’ll find the flapjacks at City Hall. There will be exhibits of antique and classic cars, motorcycles and tractors. A disc jockey will play rock and roll music throughout the event. The Brush Creek Singers and Siloam Springs Dance Team will perform. Or you can get in the action yourself in the jitterbug contest, street dance and cake walk. The retail shops on Water Street will hold a sidewalk sale, and will stay open until 5 p.m.
Kids activities include games, pony rides, fire and police vehicle tours, dog walk, cutest pet contest, and dog show. There will also be a story teller in the park. Whether a vendor or festival-goers, the event planners encourage everyone to dress in 50s attire. The theme of this year’s festival is, after all, “Rewind to the 50s.”
In case of rain, the vendors will move inside City Hall, and the children's activities will move under the park pavilion.
For a complete schedule of events, vendor information, or other information, you can call 479-696-8115 or go online to www.downtownelmsprings.com.
Ouachita Art Trails Studio Tour
October 8, 2009 8:25 AM
Zoie Clift
If you are looking to get
your arts fix in, the 2nd Annual Ouachita Art Trails Studio Tour is
scheduled for this weekend (Oct. 9-11). There are around 30 artist's
entered in this years tour. The artists' will be set up and demonstrating their
work at their individual studios and also at the Old Armory in Mena Those
interested can register for the tour online, at the Mena Art Gallery at 607
Mena St. or at the individual artist's studios. For more information call
479-394-3880 or visit
www.ouachitaarttrails.com
Folk Music Alive in Little Rock
October 6, 2009 12:35 PM
Zoie Clift
travelarkansas@gmail.com
Last night in Little Rock Rackensack gathered for a folk
music meet up. Rackensack is an organization started by Jimmy Driftwood and
several of his cohorts (George Fisher, the political cartoonist for the
Arkansas Gazette for many years was one of the main people). Members
present live folk music performances on traditional instruments. There are only
two Rackensack groups still going: One that does shows at the Jimmy Driftwood
Barn every Friday and Sunday and in Little Rock that meets the first Monday of
the month at the auditorium of the Arts Museum in McArthur Park. The event
starts with a "hoedown" and everyone who wants to participate brings
their instrument down front, and they do several songs. Those who want to
perform put their names on an M.C.'s list and each one is invited to do two
numbers. After everyone who wants to has performed they close with
another "hoedown". There are fiddles, guitars, banjos, mountain
dulcimers, autoharps, hammered dulcimers, mandolins, upright basses, etc. As members
Arlene and Don Bock say “If you play an instrument, bring it. If you
sing, bring your voice. If you'd rather just observe, that'll work. We
have a good time, and I'll bet you will too.” The Rackensack Folklore Society also recently
released at CD called “Down in the Arkansas.” For more information contact
Janet Watkins, event coordinator for Rackensack at janetandbill6769sbcglobal.net.
Lumberjack Championships in Sheridan
October 4, 2009 10:36 AM
Zoie Clift
Yesterday the Arkansas State
Lumberjack Championships took place during Timberfest in Sheridan. Events
during the competition included the ax throw, horizontal chop, springboard
chop, and many chainsaw events. Carson Bosworth of Lake Geneva, WS won the event
this year (and last year) and is an avid national competitor who has been
featured on ESPN during the National Championships. I had a chance to check out the competition this year and it's quite an event. Here are a few shots I grabbed of the action. The competition lasted almost 5 hours and these lumberjacks were working and competing this hard the entire time. Timber has long played an
important role in town with towering pines found throughout the region. This
heritage is honored annually during this celebration each October. The community is somewhat of a rarity in
that it is a Southern town named for a Union general -General Phillip Sheridan.
If you want to check out the town sometime or the competition next year, the town is 30 miles south of Little Rock
via U.S. 167.
Culinary Cook-Off for a Worthy Cause
October 2, 2009 4:04 PM
Kerry Kraus
If Iron Chef, Chopped or Top Chef are on your "must see TV list," then you won’t want to miss the Celebrity Chef Cook-off Thursday, October 8, at Pulaski Technical College in North Little Rock. Some of Arkansas’s most noted chefs will compete in the challenge. Recipes prepared are ones submitted to AY Magazine’s 2009 Reader Recipe Contest.
Participating chefs are David Bennett of Vieux Carre, Rob Best of Best Impressions, Donnie Ferneau of Ferneau Restaurant,Timothy Morton of 1620, Andre Poirot with The Peabody Hotel Little Rock, and Lee Richardson of
The
Capital Hotel.
Judges are Mark Abernathy of Loca Luna, Faith Anaya of KidsCook Arkansas, Peter Brave of Brave New Restaurant, Todd Gold of Purple Cow and Mary Twedt of KUAR’s “Arkansas Cooks” program. Tickets are $50 per person and proceeds support the Arkansas Culinary School at Pulaski Tech. The AY Magazine Web site -- aymag.com/go/cookoff -- has more details or you can call 501-244-9700.
The 6:30 p.m. event is at the Campus Center Grand Hall, 3000 West Scenic Drive.
Learning about Stuff
September 30, 2009 11:46 AM
Kerry Kraus
Ever wonder about the origin of “stuff?”
Heifer International will explore this topic on October 10 when it hosts
Know Your Stuff Day. You can learn the beginnings of such stuff as toys, food and clothes and where it all goes when you no longer own it.
Discover how the foods you eat and everyday items you use affect people all over the world. Activities for children include pantry mapping, storytelling, paper-bead construction, and a showing of “The Story of Stuff,” an animated video.
Admission is free and takes place at Heifer Village from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown
Little Rock. More information can be obtained by visiting
www.heifer.org/heifervillage or by phoning 501-907-COWS.
Bring Your Appetite to Fall Foodie Fest
September 30, 2009 11:40 AM
Kerry Kraus
If the opportunity to sample creations by some of Arkansas’s favorite restaurants, then grab a red pen and circle October 17. That’s the date for the 2nd annual Argenta Fall Foodie Festival. It which will be held along Main Street between 6th and 7th Streets in downtown North Little Rock, next to the Argenta Farmers Market. Some of the who’s who of restaurants that will be on hand include the Argenta Market, Starving Artist Café, Ashley’s Restaurant at The Capital Hotel, Simply the Best Catering, Cheers in the Heights, Lilly’s Dim Sum, Best Impressions and The House. 
Chefs from restaurants and catering companies will create their own specialties using locally grown produce and meats. In addition to grazing to your heart’s content, you can also partake of live music, shop arts and crafts vendors, plus select some great homegrown produce.
Joining forces with the Foodie Fest this year is the 2nd annual Virginia Clinton Kelley Festival for the Cure. Deck out in your favorite pink outfit, bring an appetite and some join the festivities. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. John McClure can provide more information at jmcclure@arconventionsandevents.com.
Arkansas Traveller 100 miler
September 29, 2009 2:31 PM
Zoie Clift
If you find yourself
around the Lake Sylvia Recreation Area this weekend (Oct. 3-4), be on the lookout
for a crew of ultrarunners taking on The Arkansas Traveller 100. The 100 mile
run has a cutoff time of 30 hours and includes 71miles dirt roads, 20 miles of
jeep trails, 8 miles of single-track trails and 1 mile of paved road for good
measure. I get tired just thinking about the course. Runners from around the
nation are taking on the route as well as a pair from Japan and Ontario. More
details on this endurance event can be found at www.RunArkansas.com/AT100.htm.
MusicFest this weekend in El Dorado
September 28, 2009 8:01 AM
Zoie Clift
Blues Traveler, Joe Nichols,
Jack Ingram, and Trout Fishing in America are among the headliners set to play
this weekend at MusicFest XXII Oct. 2-3 in El Dorado. Also on tap for the
weekend are BMX Trick Riders, magicians, comedians, a 5K Run, a Kids Zone, a
gumbo cookoff and more. Tickets are $15 for adults, $ 5 for children ages 6-12
and 5 and under get in free. Prices change to $20 at the gate after 6 p.m. on
Sat. Oct. 5. Weekend passes are also available for $18 in advance (until 5 p.m.
on Thursday Oct. 2) at Brookshires locations in El Dorado, Magnolia, Camden,
and Crossett, and all BancorpSouth locations in El Dorado. For more details,
visit
www.musicfesteldorado.com
or contact Mark Givens, the executive director of
Main Street El Dorado, at 870-862-4747.
Pratt Place Inn Receives Four Diamonds
September 25, 2009 10:01 AM
Jill M. Rohrbach
I finally found one negative thing about living in Fayetteville. Because I have a home here, I have no need to stay the night at the city’s new Pratt Place Inn on Sassafras Hill. I was lucky enough to take a tour of the inn about a week ago, and I sure would love to spend one night soaking in the hand-carved replica of Cleopatra’s marble bathtub.
Pratt Place Inn has been in operation for less than a year, yet it just earned the coveted AAA Four Diamond designation. It is only the fourth property in the State of Arkansas to 
receive this distinction, and the only hotel in the Northwest Arkansas metropolitan area to attain this rating.
The inn is a boutique hotel with the finest of furnishings, like French armoires. The large walnut doors that welcome guests are also imported from France. AAA describes Four Diamond lodging as “upscale in all areas, offering refined and stylish accommodations. The defining characteristics at this rarified level include an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service, and attention to detail.” Less than four percent of the over 58,000 AAA-rated hotels and restaurants in North America earned the Four Diamond rating this year.
The exquisite décor consists of fine antiques as well as modern conveniences set together with perfection.
Guests are served breakfast at their convenience on the porch, in their room, or on their private veranda. They are invited to relax and soak up the surrounding beauty as afternoon refreshments are served in the lounge or one of the parlors. If desired, Inn staff will arrange a full set of in-house services from East Meets West Spa & Salon.
Julian Archer is the third generation owner of the 140 acres that comprise the Pratt Place property,
located just one mile west of the University of Arkansas campus. The original house was built in 1895
and was purchased, along with the surrounding property, by the Pratt family in 1900. The Archers began
work in 2006 to restore and renovate the family homestead as a premiere luxury inn. If you go to Pratt Place, I hope you get the opportunity to chat with Mrs. Archer. She’s is pleasant, upbeat, great at conversation and not the least bit pretentious.
The Archers opened the inn October 2008. In addition to the its seven guest rooms and an adjoining two bedroom cottage retreat, Pratt Place Inn has over 8,000 square feet of meeting and event space
. Pratt Place Barn, built in 2003, is space that has become Northwest Arkansas’s premiere wedding venue. I’ve been to at least one wedding there, and it served as a great venue for the wedding and then the reception as well.
For more information visit: www.prattplaceinn.com or phone 479-966-4441.
46th annual Weinfest
September 22, 2009 3:25 PM
I’ve been to Wiederkehr many times to eat, to try wines, and to tour the cellars. But I’ve yet to make it there during the annual Weinfest. Celebrating 46 years, the festival will take place this weekend on Saturday, Sept. 26. Once again, I have a conflict and can’t be there. But I wanted to share the information so others don’t miss it.
Weinfest begins early with tours of the historic cellars at 8:30 a.m. Other activities throughout the day include the ever-popular grape stomp; the Stein Stemmen
(throwing large rocks similar to a shot-put); Baum Stossen (log toss
); Wine Barrel Rolling Contest; Alpine Horn Blowing Contest, and more. You can enter the games or just watch.
The tasting room is always a popular place where visitors may sample award-winning Wiederkehr wines at no charge.
There is plenty of food, of course -
sausage, knackwurst, bratwurst, and hot apple strudel, just to mention a few.
Buy tickets in advance or the day of the festival for the Festival Dinner in the Weingarten.
Show bands provide continuous entertainment throughout the day, and free polka lessons are available. A free, open tram takes festival-goers on a tour of the vineyards, and horse-drawn carriage rides go by the vineyards and round the 34-acre Alpine Lake. Vendors sell arts and crafts. St. Mary’s Church opens for visitors to tour.
Built entirely by immigrants who volunteered their labor, the historic church is decorated with murals for which the area's
early residents posed as models.
Along with these special events are the appealing characteristics of Weiderkehr’s that keep visitors coming back all year long. On the National Register of Historic Places, the Weinkeller Restaurant serves Old World cuisine and is located in the winery’s original hand-dug cellar. It was voted
“Most Romantic” and “Best Ethnic” restaurant numerous times in the Arkansas Times' People's Choice Awards.
The Wiederkehr family is celebrating 129 years of history in the Arkansas River Valley.
Wiederkehr Village is located at exit 41 off Interstate 40. Follow the signs to the grounds of Wiederkehr Wine Cellars. Visit www.wiederkehrwines.com or call 1-800-622-WINE for festival details.
Admission to the grounds is free.
Festival-goers can also c
heck out Wiederkehr's new Wine Country Tourist Center at exit 41 on I-40, which houses Wiederkehr Village Wine and Spirits, and the Swiss Family Bistro. The latter offers family-style meals, a gift shop, and wine tasting room. All are open seven days a week.