Central
Arkansas SegTours Mobile Segway Service – A new and fun way to tour both downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock. Offerings include two different 1 ½-houroutings, one focusing on the riverfront areas of both cities, the other features the Two Rivers Park in Little Rock. An introductory “experience” tour is available for those who just want to see what it’s like to ride Segway. Available for corporate events, birthday parties, private and custom tours. 501-747-9544. http://arkansassegtours.com/ .
Benton Events Center --28,000-square-foot facility; space for meetings, concerts, banquets, tradeshows, receptions; adjacent hotel. Expected to open Fall 2013. Hickory Square off I-30.
Firehouse Hostel & Museum –Restored 1917 Craftsman-style Fire Station Number 2 is now a hostel and museum.Includes historic firefighters' memorabilia, and equipment including a brass pole, 1933 and 1955 fire trucks; programs on fire safety education; 30-bedinternational hostel; located next to the Arkansas Arts Center in MacArthur Park, downtown Little Rock. 1207 Commerce Street. 501-476-0294.http://firehousehostel.org/
Lone Oak Duck Lodge – Located in Lonoke, the former private hunting lodge is now opening to the public for public and private events. Featuring a 7,000-square-foot lodge,professional-grade kitchen, a great room, private bedrooms and bunk rooms, Lone Oak is ideal for weddings, wedding receptions, family reunions and corporate retreats. 3242 U.S. 70. 501-655-6564. http://loneoakducklodge.com
Segway of Arkansas – Offers tours of downtown Little Rock. Customized tours are available, as are trail rides. The motorized vehicles can be rented for parties and other events. Guided tours by reservation. Visitors can choose from either a 75-minute or two hour excursion, both of which feature various Little Rock destinations. 404 East Third, Little Rock. 501-372-3200. http://www.segwayofarkansas.com/
Rembrandt,Van Dyck, Gainsborough: The Treasures of Kenwood House, London Exhibit: Scheduled for June 7 – September 8 at the Arkansas Arts Center in Little Rock. The exhibition features 48 magnificent 17th-century Dutch masterworks as well as pristine English portraits of the 18th and 19th centuries, many of which have never been on view outside Kenwood House, London. It also provides a rare opportunity to see Rembrandt’s late self portrait, Portrait of the Artist (ca. 1665), which has never left Europe until now. Among other treasures, the exhibition features Anthony van Dyck’s Princess Henrietta of Lorraine Attended by a Page(1634), Thomas Gainsborough’s Mary, Countess Howe (ca. 1764), Frans Hals’s Pieter van den Broecke (1633), and Joshua Reynolds’s Lady Louisa Manners (1779). This exhibition comes to the U.S. from Kenwood House and the Iveagh Bequest, which were donated to Great Britain by Edward Cecil Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh and heir to the world’s most successful brewery. The Arkansas Arts Center is one of only four museums in the United States to host this exhibition and is the final museum on the tour. 9th & Commerce.501-372-4000. www.arkarts.com
Delta
Beth El Heritage Hall – The Temple Beth El was built in 1915 to provide a place of worship for the large Jewish population in Helena. When membership dwindled to only 20 in 2006, the remaining congregants donated the Temple to the Delta Cultural Center. Now called Beth El Heritage Hall, the building has been restored and will be available as a venue for community events. Corner of Pecan and Perry Streets. 800-358-0972. DeltaCulturalCenter.com
Delta Resort – Delta Resort is Arkansas’s newest resort and conference center destination. Located on 2,000 acres in Southeast Arkansas, the facility features a 72-room hotel, restaurant and spa,nestled on a cool-water lagoon. The Delta Resort is considered one of Arkansas's finest waterfowl hunting venues because of the natural green timber setting.The Delta Shooting Complex features world-class Sporting Clays, Olympic Bunker Trap and a Pro Shop. 7920 Bucksducks Road, Tillar. 800-518-1387.DeltaResortUS.com
Historic Helena Civil War Interpretation– work continues throughout 2013 in Historic Helena and Phillips County to preserve and interpret important Civil War locations. Estevan Hall, one of the county's oldest structures, will open as the Civil War Helena Visitor Center in Fall 2013. Other projects, such as preservation and interpretation of two of the four Civil War batteries, are expected to be completed during 2013.Additional interpretation will be added throughout Arkansas's Civil War Sesquicentennial. CivilWarHelena.com
Johnny Cash Boyhood Home and Dyess Colony Restoration – Two attractions associated with the Historic Dyess Colony: Boyhood Home of Johnny Cash are expected to open in fall 2013. These include the home that the music legend and his family moved into in 1935, as well as the Dyess Colony Administration Building, centerpiece for one of the nation’s agricultural resettlement colonies under the New Deal. The Cash home will be furnished as it appeared when the Cash family lived there, while the Administration Building will include exhibits about the colony and the impact of Dyess on Cash and his music. The project is a joint effort between the City of Dyess and Arkansas State University. Other buildings will be restored or recreated in the future. Colony Circle. 870-972-2803.arkansasheritagesites.astate.edu/AHS; JohnnyCashMusicFest.com
Mississippi River State Park Visitors Center– Located east of Marianna, the visitor center, operated jointly by Arkansas State Parks and USDA Forest Service staff, serves as an interpretive center for the both the state park and the national forest. The environmentally friendly building features a visitor reception area, a multipurpose building for educational programs and meetings, an exhibit gallery with exhibits focusing on the Mississippi River State Park and the St. Francis National Forest, and a gift shop. 2955 HWY 44. 870-295-4040; 870-295-5278. ArkansasStateParks.com
Rohwer Japanese American Relocation Center Interpretive Project – A newly added walking tour guides visitors along the southern boundary of the former camp, past the existing Japanese-American cemetery, terminating with a view of the remaining camp smokestack across fields of cotton. Actor George Takei, who was interned at the Rohwer Relocation Center with his family in 1942, narrates an accompanying audio tour along the route. A replica guard tower, complete with audio and information panels, marks the entrance. Off Ark. 1.
Southland Park Gaming and Racing Expansion – The recent $11 million renovation added more space to the gaming floor; an additional 200 games; a permanent stage; an event center featuring a banquet room with its own kitchen that accommodates between 500-700 guests; and the "Shine Blounge,” an upscale bar and lounge featuring signature, moonshine-based drinks, premium liquor and a variety of beer. 1550 N. Ingram Blvd. 870-735-3670,800-467-6182. Southlandpark.com
West Memphis Arkansas Welcome Center –The 6,000-square-foot center offers visitors up-to-the minute information on attractions, regional events, and weather conditions. Travelers have access to computer kiosks, WiFi, and fresh coffee. The landscaped exterior offers picnic tables for those wishing to take a short break from the road. 704 E. Service Rd. 870-735-3637.
Ouachitas
Board Camp Crystal Mine - This new mine in Mena is located three miles from the Wolf Pen Gap trails at 110 Polk 62. Offers opportunity for public to dig in a native mine, no tailings. Also includes a campground. 479-243-0771. Boardcampcampground.com.
Diamond Adventure at Wegner’s Crystal Mine - Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines in Mount Ida opened their newest activity: “The Diamond Experience”. Each bag of diamond bearing gravel contains a minimum of ½ carat t.w. 82 Wegner Ranch Road.. 870-867-2309. www.wegnercrystalmines.com
The Five Star Theatre- Located in the same venue that formerly held The RayLynn Theater. The theater,which is Hot Springs only year round dinner theatre, is located downtown and is within walking distance of restaurants, shops and the spas of Bathhouse Row.701 Central Ave. 501-318-1600. www.thefivestartheatre.com
Portions of Albert Pike Recreation Area Reopen for Day Use -Ouachita National Forest officials have announced that some portions of the popular Albert Pike Recreation Area in Montgomery County have reopened for day use .The area has been closed since October 2010. For updated information on these or other camping or day use opportunities on the Ouachita National Forest, contact 501- 321-5202 or log on to www.fs.usda.gov/ouachita.
Renovation of lodge at Queen Wilhelmina State Park- The lodge reopens in summer 2013 following a $6.2 million renovation. The lodge offers panoramic views from atop 2,681-foot Rich Mountain, the state’s second highest peak. 3877 Highway 88 West. www.queenwilhelmina.com
Zip Lines at Ouachita Bend - Located in Hot Springs, this adventure combines zipping and hiking and is the South’s only Super G zip line tour. Includes a 7 line zip line course. Groups of up to 10 can travel the course together. 501-318-3711. Ouachitabendadventures.com.
Ozarks
The Big Ole' Swing - A real adrenalin rush. It is 65' tall and takes you swinging over the tree tops to a spectacular view of the Buffalo River valley.Located next to the Buffalo River Canopy Tour, a zip line tour, many zippers add on the swing and become zippers and swingers at the same time! Cost is$29 per person or add it to the canopy tour for $19. Located at Buffalo Outdoor Center in Ponca. Buffaloriver.com.
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks – A new 500-square-foot Butterfly House is a self-contained living environment for more than 20 species of butterflies in all stages of development. Inside the house are the plants,water and everything needed for the butterflies to live and thrive. Docents are on-hand to educate visitors and answer questions. BGO offers a variety of activities in conjunction with the butterfly season and the Butterfly House.Located on 86 acres adjoining Lake Fayetteville, BGO includes a horticulture center, plaza, great lawn, and nine theme gardens. 4703 N. Crossover Rd. Fayetteville. Bgozarks.org
Castle Rogues Manor - A new tour program is offered at Castle Rogues Manor in Beaver near Eureka Springs. From Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings fans to history buffs to fine architecture lovers, a private guided tour of the Castle is an unforgettable experience enjoyed by guests of all ages. See how barons of medieval times lived their daily lives and photograph stunning picturesque views unlike any in the area.Adults $20, children $10, children 5 and younger free. Group tour pricing available. Private showings by appointment only. 866-686-2847
Guitar Walk – the 115foot-long by 40 foot-wide guitar, based on an Epiphone Casino played by John Lennon, honors the musicians that played along the nearby Rock ‘N Roll Highway 67. Located in Walnut Ridge, the guitar features nine plaques dedicated to some of the country’s musical legends, including Conway Twitty, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley,Jerry Lee Lewis, Sonny Burgess and Billy Lee Riley. Others will be added periodically. The intro plaque features audio from Gov. Mike Beebe discussing growing up along Rock ‘N’ Roll Highway 67 and the importance music has played in the history of Arkansas. Each plaque features biographical information about the artist as well as audio snippets. 109 Southwest Front Street.
Iron Horse - Get ready to ride at Horseshoe Canyon Dude Ranch in Jasper, except instead of equine their newest attraction is the Iron Horse, a 2,300-foot zip line. You’ll go 50mph zipping in your harness along a cable over the beautiful Ozark Mountain region near the Buffalo National River. The ranch is all-inclusive with rates covering lodging in well-furnished log cabins, great meals, varied activities for all ages with group discounts. For zip line reservations, call 800-480-9635.Gohcr.com
Memory Lane Museum – This museum takes visitors back in time, and also hosts an annual car show. Memory Lane includes items from 30s to the 60s such as a 1965 popcorn and peanut wagon, 1954 Ronald McDonald merry-go-round with a 1953 Ronald McDonald standing beside it, and some Ronald McDonald playground items. There is also a restored filling station with gas pumps and old signs, and a house from the 1930s that’s been restored with furnishings from that time. Other items include a jukebox, malt machine,hundreds of little cars, toys, dishes, and an old Buster Brown shoe machine that x-rays your feet. The museum is located on Ark. 52 east in Berryville about one mile out of the city limits towards Green Forest. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays or by appointment at 870-423-3600.
American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell Exhibition -- March 9-May 28, 2013. This traveling exhibition features 50 original paintings and 323 Saturday Evening Post covers that document Rockwell's engagement in American life in all its glory and tragedy over five decades. It also includes materials from the Museum's archives demonstrating how Rockwell worked: proceeding from preliminary sketches,photographs, color studies, and detailed drawings to the finished painting.Timed, reserved tickets will be required to view this exhibition.
American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell was organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge,Massachusetts. Admission to the exhibit is $12 per person for adults; ages 18 and younger are free. Regular admission to Crystals Bridges is free. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville AR 72712.479-418-5700. www.crystalbridges.org/Exhibitions/rockwell
River Valley
Interactive Historical Plaques – In downtown Fort Smith, 12 historical plaques linked to online videos illustrate the past through devices early citizens could not have imagined - cell phones. Using a free downloadable application, smart phone users scan a symbol on the plaques that open their browsers to online slide shows with audio narration. The bronze plaques each have a photograph and printed captions that can be enjoyed without a cellphone, too.
Movie House Winery – The old Petit Jean Movie Theater in downtown Morrilton has been restored and turned into a winery and supplies store. Owners Ken and Sherrie Sowers make their handcrafted semi-sweet and dry wines in small batches to sell, and also show people how to make their own favorite wine with a custom designed label on each bottle. The winery offers home wine making supplies and beer kits at an affordable price. It has a gift shop for wine lovers as well as custom made gift baskets. 112 E. Commerce St.1.3 miles off of Ark. 40, exit 107.501-215-4899 Moviehousewinery.com
Post Winery – New retail sales and visitor center is now open. Come in and see the beautiful interior. Watch through the viewing window as your favorite wines are bottled, and taste some new favorites! Also area for business meetings. This fifth-generation family-owned and operated vineyard and winery offers tours, wine and juice tastings, grape-related gift
Timberlands
The Bear and the Bugs - A new annex of the Dallas County Museum in Fordyce is in the works with plans to open in the Fall of 2013. The new addition, set to be called “The Bear and the Bugs” is being created across the road from the Dallas County Museum in a renovated building from1884. The museum will focus on Fordyce native and American college football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant and other famous coaches from the town. This year also marks Bryant's 100th birthday. The Dallas County Museum is located at 221 North Main Street. 870-352-5262.
Lindsay Railroad Museum in Texarkana - Honors the railroad history of Texarkana. Texarkana itself was founded in the winter of 1873-74 by the sale of town lots owned by the Cairo & Fulton Railroad on the Arkansas side, and the Texas & Pacific Railroad on the Texas side. Over the next century, nearly every family in Texarkana had one or more members who were employed by one of the nine railroads that had regional offices here. For now the museum is only open on Saturdays from 11-4. 202 East Broad Street. 903-748-1235. lindsayrailroadmuseumintexarkana.com
New Wayside Exhibits at Logoly State Park — These exhibits provide interpretation along the park’s popular trails and are located in the heart of the park’s significant resource: the Logoly forest. The park is known as Arkansas’s first environmental education state park. The park is located six miles north of Magnolia on Logoly Road (County Road 47) just off U.S. Highway 79 near the McNeil highway junction.870-695-3561.www.arkansasstateparks.com/logoly/
New Visitor Center for Overflow National Wildlife Refuge - Overflow National Wildlife Refuge has broken ground on a new Refuge Visitor Center slated to open during the middle of 2013. The new Visitor Center is located on Highway 8 approximately 4 miles west of Parkdale and 15 miles east of Hamburg. The center will include a small open area of exhibits for visitors to gain knowledge about the Refuge and all of the natural resources found within its boundaries. 870-473-2869. www.fws.gov/felsenthal/overflow/
Postmasters Grill - This restaurant and bar is housed in Camden’s historic 1896 Post Office at 133 Washington Street. The building is a classic example of Richard Romanesque design in a style unusual to Arkansas. 870-836-5579. Postmastersgrill.com.
