Posts by Author: Zoie Clift

Hot Springs is well known for its thriving and supportive arts community. Galleries in town have a range of art by local, regional and international artists and many are centrally located downtown and within minutes of parks, lakes and area attractions. Arts and The Park, a 10-day arts celebration in town, is a popular outlet …

Hope is a town that is immersed in railroad history. The town developed as the Cairo and Fulton Railway (predecessor to the Union Pacific) tracks were being laid from Argenta (now North Little Rock) to Fulton. The first passenger train pulled into the station in 1872. James Loughborough, the railroad company’s land commissioner, named the workmen’s camp in honor …

Oaklawn Racing & Gaming in Hot Springs is making a monumental change to its live racing schedule. Oaklawn is not only Arkansas’s only Thoroughbred racing venue, it holds title as one of the top tracks in the nation. The scheduling move is a first for the track since World War II and will be put …

If you are looking for a paddling venture to take on, the Caddo River is a solid option to head to. “The Caddo River is a great river for all levels of paddling experience,” said Gayla Claborn, owner of Caddo River Camping & Canoe in Glenwood. “This typical pool and drop river is gentle enough for novice paddlers …

Hiking is an awe inspiring route to experience the beauty of Arkansas. The state’s climate allows the pastime year round and a chance to get off the beaten path is also attainable. Tim Ernst, a wilderness photographer and author of many guidebooks about hiking in Arkansas, said that while some trails in the state can get …

Magic Springs Theme and Water Park is located in Hot Springs and is Arkansas’s only theme and water park. There is big news for the park this year: a new ride called the Brain Drain (yikes!) is set to open to the public on April 7. This is the park’s first new thrill ride in …

Italian culture will take center stage at the first annual Arkansas Italian Food & Culture Festival April 20-21 in North Little Rock. The festival is being held at the North Shore Riverwalk. “In reality I’ve wanted to do a festival like this for many years,” said festival co-founder Patrick Presley. “I’ve long looked for a …

For 15 years, Hot Springs has been the scene of one of the most famous St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the nation. The First Ever 15th Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place March 17 and is held on the famous 98-foot-long Bridge Street, the world’s shortest street in everyday use. At the …

Catching a live show is an experience the whole family can enjoy. Below are some intriguing options to check out across the state! Illusionist Maxwell Blade is a well-known Hot Springs entertainer. He became interested in magic as a kid and started practicing the craft as a hobby. His career began in the early 1990s …

The inaugural Little Rock Dirty Fondo debuts this spring on May 6. The biking event will be held the day after the popular Little Rock Gran Fondo and will begin and end at the historic Marlsgate Plantation. “There will be 25 and 50 mile distances,” said event founder Ron King. “This is a ride not a …