12 Things to Do in Paris

Paris is probably most known as the gateway to Mount Magazine, the highest point in Arkansas rising 2,753 feet above mean sea level. While it alone is a wonderful place for recreation, there are numerous other sites to explore on and at the base of the Mount Magazine – museums, historical sites, winery, abbey, dining, and lodging.

The mountaintop is 19 miles from the Paris town square. Here are 12 things to do in the area:

1. Mount Magazine State Park – This high peak provides commanding views, primitive camping, RV hookups, rappelling, hang gliding, 14 miles of hiking trails, a campground, and visitor center. To top it off, there are 13 cabins and a 60-room lodge with a restaurant and conference center, indoor swimming pool, exercise room and gift shop. 16878 Ark. 309 S.; 479-963-8502; Reservations: 877-665-6343; MountMagazineStatePark.com
2. Subiaco Abbey - is located five miles east of Paris on Ark. 2 The monks of Subiaco Abbey are Benedictines and trace their monastic history back to 5th century Italy. The Subiaco Abbey has a guest retreat facility, church, inner court, living quarters for the monks, and a college prep boarding/day school for boys. The history of the building and pastoral landscape are worth a visit. 479-934-1001; Subi.org
3. Cowie Wine Cellars and Vineyards – This small family-owned winery features tours, tastings, and award-winning wines. It also has a bed and breakfast inn. 101 N. Carbon City Road; 479-963-3990; Cowiewinecellars.com
4. Arkansas Historic Wine Museum – Here you’ll find the history of the Arkansas wine-making industry and exhibits such as a wine press, fermentation tanks, barrels and storage tanks, bottling and labels. It the only wine museum in the national dedicated to preserving the wine history of a complete state. 101 N. Carbon City Road; 479-963-3990; Cowiewinecellars.com
5. Warren’s Shoes –Warren's is focused on ladies' dress and casual footwear trends of the latest fashion. We’re talking Sam Edelman, Dolce Vita, Lucky, Vince Camuto, UGG, Nicole, FRYE, Diba, BCBG, Jessica Simpson, BORN, Steve Madden, Bronx, Reaction by Kenneth Cole, Anne Klein, OTBT, Vane Eli, Nine West, Poetic License, TOMS, Teva, Sanuk, Sperry, and more. It’s also, a premier dealer of HOBO, Big Buddha, SR Squared, Steve Madden, and INZI handbags. With six upscale locations throughout Arkansas, the parent company and store is located on the downtown square of Paris. Always a good sale rack here. 10 W. Walnut; 479-963-6164; Facebook.com/WarrensShoes The other locations are in Fayetteville, Rogers, Little Rock Chenal, Little Rock Cantrel, and Fort Smith.
6. Cove Lake Recreation Area – This 160-acre lake in the shadow of Mount Magazine features swimming, hiking, camping, fishing, picnicking, boat rental, boat launch ramp, and food service. It’s open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Ark. 309; 479-963-3076
7. Lonesome D Horse Camp & RV Park – Take your pick from 47 modern campsites with water and electricity. There are also horse corrals for horse owners, primitive camping, cabins, bathhouse, camp farrier, store, and horse trails that explore Huckleberry Mountain and Mount Magazine. 776 Cravens Lane; 479-938-2899; Lonesomed.com
8. Sorghum Hollow Horse Camp – No water or electricity hookups here, but you will find 15 family camping sites with an outdoor shower, plus the official trailhead for the 35-mile Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail. Sorghum Hollow Road off Ark. 22; 479-964-7200
9. Logan County Museum – The museum is housed in the old jail where the last legally sanctioned hanging in the state took place in 1914. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Call for hours of operation and group tours for mock re-enactments of 1870s-era hangings. 202 N. Vine St.; 479-963-3936
10. Logan County Coal Miners Memorial and Museum – The memorial honors the 3,000 miners who worked in Logan County between 1880 and 1955. The museum is full of history and exhibits, including a working blacksmith shop. It’s open Friday-Sunday, or call to schedule a group. 804 S. Elm; 479-963-6463; Coalmemorial-paris-ar.com
11. Shoal Bay and Paris City Lake – Here’s where the locals hang out for fishing, camping, and water recreation. 479-963-2244
12. The Grapevine Restaurant – You know it’s good because of all of the cars in the parking lot. 105 E. Walnut; 479-963-2413; Thegrapevinerestaurant.com

For more shopping, lodging, and dining details, visit www.ParisArkansas.com or contact the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce at 479-963-2244.