When you think of state of Arkansas what comes to your mind? Before we visited here, I thought it was middle of nowhere with nothing to see. Well, how wrong was I?! Arkansas is a home to 2,400 lakes and 3 National Forests! I was quite blown away with how green and hilly the landscape was! There is plenty to do and the people here are super welcoming. Fun fact: (we did not visit),but there is a Crater of Diamonds State Park where you can go and if you find diamonds, they are yours to keep; how wild is that! It is the only public mine in the world too. If Arkansas is on your bucket list, make sure to stop by at these places!
Mountain Home
The name of this town just makes you want to visit, doesn't it? Very close after crossing the Missouri border, you will find this small town. If you decide to stop here, make sure to visit Rapp's Barren Brewing for some beers and amazing food! I am used to breweries only carrying snacks, but they had full on meals, and they were delicious.
City Rock Bluff
This little gem takes you off the main road onto a gravel road for about 4 miles, but once you get here the views are amazing. Certainly worth the stop if you are in the area. It is not very touristy, so you are more likely to be the only one here. to enjoy this view.
Blanchard Spring Caverns Area
Just to be transparent, we were not able to go here, which stinks! Seems like you have to make reservations well ahead of time; however, we were able to explore the surrounding area like Mirror Lake Waterfall and Blanchard Spring Trailhead. If you decide to visit the caves, make sure to plan ahead and reserve it ahead of time. Regardless, the area has plenty of sights worth visiting.
Little Rock
Personally, Little Rock did not have too much going on for us, but it did have couple of photo worthy spots. If you are in the area, stop by the Old Mill, "Gone with the Wind" movie was actually filmed here! Also, if you have an opportunity to stay at Empress of Little Rock, definitely do! It is a bed and breakfast, and the grounds look super captivating!
Pinnacle Mountain
About 40 minutes out from Little Rock, is an amazing trail that will reward you with incredible views once you reach the top. Keep in mind, you are going uphill the whole time, until you reach the top. Bring plenty of water and take your time if you are not used to hiking. It took us about 45 minutes to reach the top at a decent speed with few stops along the way.
Garvan Woodlands Gardens
These gardens get pretty busy especially on a summer Sunday, so if you can, come here during the week. The gardens are beautiful and have plenty of space for everyone, but the more eye catching places could get crowded. The only reason why I was the only one in the tree house, was because we came here right when it opened and walked straight there, while everyone else was exploring closer spots.
Hot Springs
Full of souvenir shops, plenty of tourists, and bath houses, lays city of Hot Springs. Probably the only National Park that is located right in the middle of a busy city. It has a very cool and welcoming vibe. Make sure to stop at Superior Bathhouse Brewery for amazing food and drinks. Once done here, take free tours around some of the bathhouses! Some serve more like museums, but some are still active, so make sure to check it out to relax or learn more about the history. They are all next to one another, which makes it easy on the feet :)
If you are like us and have all the USA states on your bucket list, make sure to not take Arkansas for granted. I truly wish we had more time to spend here, that's why I know we will be back here at some point.
Hope you have as much fun as we did exploring this beautiful state.
XoXo
Adri, Kam, and yet again, my mom <3
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