Date: April 9, 2013 | Story: Tiffany Burgess |
Spring fever is in full swing this month, and there’s no better place to get outdoors than right here in Arkansas’ own backyard. Here are some of our favorite Natural State getaways
Planning a family getaway in Arkansas this spring? Many travelers are drawn to the abundant outdoor activities, scenic beauty and family-friendly attractions around the state. Arkansas is brimming with a combination of natural wonders and cultural city life that can inspire your next vacation. If you want to see the great outdoors, tour one of the state’s caverns or caves, swim or boat in our lakes or dig for diamonds in an Arkansas state park. Celebrate Delta blues, Ozark folk music, or local craftsmen and performers at one of Arkansas’ numerous cultural heritage festivals. Get retail therapy at one of our many antique or specialty shops in historic settings such as Hot Springs or Eureka Springs. No matter your hobbies or interests, Arkansas has something to offer.
{Best Western Inn of the Ozarks}
207 West Van Buren, Eureka Springs, (479) 253-9768, innoftheozarks.com
If a natural resort-style getaway is just what you need to unwind, the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks in Eureka Springs is the place to head this season. With 122 guestrooms and luxury suites, an outdoor pool, hot tub, onsite spa and award-winning family dining at Myrtie Mae’s restaurant, you’ll have every amenity at your fingertips. Activities such as free miniature golf and a game room are just a few of the things kids love about the inn. Plus, it’s pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your family dog along for the fun.
{Garvan Woodland Gardens}
550 Arkridge Road, Hot Springs, (501) 262-9300, garvangardens.org
Spring is the perfect time for a trip to Hot Springs’ Garvan Woodland Gardens. The family friendly locale, which is nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, offers an abundance of walking trails with more flora and fauna than you can imagine. Bring the kids to the Evans Children’s Adventure Garden for a day of play and discovery, or step out on to the Walker-Wallace Floating Cloud Bridge for a breathtaking view of Lake Hamilton through the pines. If gardens and enjoying the great outdoors are your things, there’s no better place to experience the natural beauty of our state than Garvan Gardens.
{Fayetteville}
Visitors Center, 21 South Block Avenue, Fayetteville, (479) 521-5776, experiencefayetteville.com
Whether you’re looking for a family friendly destination or a romantic getaway, Fayetteville offers a variety of options for fun. Visit the bustling downtown square to shop at trend-setting boutiques, taste exceptional fare at one of the numerous restaurants or enjoy the sights and tastes of the seasonal farmer’s market. If you love to be outdoors, take in nature while you bike or walk along the extensive Fayetteville Trail System. And of course, you can always take part in a Razorback victory celebration on Dickson Street. With a variety of hotels as well as bed-and-breakfast inns within walking distance of the town’s center, everything you need is just steps away.
