The best places to survive a zombie apocalypse in Arkansas
Arkansas may not have ranked high on the recent national survey revealing the “Best Cities for Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse,” but the state has better options for survival than the survey suggests.
Here are the best places to survive a zombie apocalypse in Arkansas.
Head to the mountains
You won’t have to fight off a ton of zombies in the rural area of Mount Magazine. Plus, as the state’s highest peak at 2,753 feet, the mountain’s sheer bluff lines will keep the zombies at bay. Rock climbing is popular here and will be a sport that can still be enjoyed during the apocalypse since the zombies will be far below. Hiking and mountain biking trails will provide a natural means for your tribe to patrol the perimeter of the camp.
You’ll have gorgeous panoramic views from which to watch the end of the world as we know it. Set on the mountain’s south bluff, The Lodge at Mount Magazine offers breathtaking views of the Petit Jean River Valley and distant Blue Mountain Lake. It has 60 guest rooms with cozy beds. Forty-three of the rooms have balconies and 17 feature spa tubs. A total of 13 fully-equipped cabins flank the lodge. If the rooms and cabins are taken, the park campground has 18 campsites with water, electric and sewer hookups.
Other lodge amenities that make the park a great place to hang out during a zombie catastrophe include the Skycrest Restaurant, a conference center, a business center, an indoor heated swimming pool, a fitness center, and a game room.
Other peaks to consider include Mount Nebo, Petit Jean Mountain and Rich Mountain, all of which have state parks.
Find an island
Everybody knows zombies can’t swim, so the island of Sugar Loaf Mountain by Fairfield Bay on the western end of Greers Ferry Lake is the perfect place to escape.
Established as a resort and retirement village, Fairfield Bay is full of retreat opportunities with condos, luxury residences, and lodgings with resort-style amenities. You can pick up supplies here before heading out to Sugar Loaf Mountain.
A shuttle runs from Fairfield Bay Marina all year long. If that’s not available during the apocalypse, the marina rents kayaks so you can paddle about 1.5 miles across open water to a courtesy dock on the island. Take the short trek (1.6 miles roundtrip) to the high point for panoramic views. Another trail circles the base of the mountaintop. You’ll see plenty of wildlife. The island is also a game refuge, and deer have been observed making their way to the island from the mainland.
Another ideal spot to make a stand against a zombie attack is DeGray Lake Resort State Park, which is on a peninsula. The single road leading to the park is the only one you will have to defend. The park features a lodge with a restaurant, swimming pool and other amenities. Also in the region is Lake Ouachita State Park. The park’s marina is a great resource for boats and kayaks to reach Lake Ouachita’s more than 200 islands, some of which are great for camping.
If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em
If you don’t come out on the survivor side of the zombie apocalypse, the first event you’ll want to attend in your zombie state is the Eureka Springs Zombie Crawl. Held annually in October, this event is full of everything your new zombie self will love - a slow shuffle through the heart of downtown, spooky music, VIP lounge and a Macabre Market. If you didn’t learn the Michael Jackson “Thriller” dance in the living, don’t miss the chance to learn it during this event. There’s no better place to be a zombie during a zombie invasion. You’ll actually be celebrated at the event and featured in the parade. When looking for a place to stay consider the 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa, one of America’s most haunted hotels.
