This post is written by Maggie Jo Pruitt, a junior at the University of Arkansas.
After living in Arkansas for 20 years, I want to give my state recognition for the diversity, beauty and adventure it offers locals and tourists. Whether you like shopping, hiking, art, animals, handmade crafts, or all of the above, Northwest Arkansas has something unique for you!
The sunrise view from Hawksbill Crag in Northwest Arkansas
These five Northwest Arkansas attractions are within a two-hour car drive of each other:
1. Buffalo River National Park
One of Arkansas’ best-kept secrets, Buffalo River National Park offers hiking, biking, picnicking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, camping and star gazing. It’s a place to feel the clear river water on your toes by day and hear the crackling campfire by night.
My favorite spots near the Buffalo River area are Steel Creek with its crystal clear waters; Boxley Baptist Church–the most photographed church in Arkansas; the exciting Ponca swimming hole; and Hawksbill Crag, a famous Arkansas landmark. All four are a short car ride away from each other and can be enjoyed in one day.
Maggie Jo (middle) and her friends spend an afternoon at Crystal Bridges Museum
2. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Alice Walton founded Crystal Bridges Museum in 2005. It features American art in a quiet, scenic wooded area with six walking and biking trails – at Crystal Bridges Museum, nature and art merge to awaken the senses of exploration and imagination to every visitor. Glass walls expose the scenery surrounding the Museum, giving visitors the rare opportunity to see American art against the natural beauty of Arkansas.
The Museum is free to visitors who want to explore at their own pace, but group tours are always welcome. The limited-time exhibition American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell will be featured March 9-May 27, 2013.
3. Fayetteville Farmers Market
Almost every town has a farmers market, but the award-winning Fayetteville Farmers Market is one to admire. In 2011, the American Farmland Trust Favorite Farmers Market gave the fifth place title to Fayetteville Farmers Market, and in 2012 it won the Favorite Large Farmers Market contest. Live music from local musicians and freshly brewed coffee from Arsagas create a relaxed environment for visitors to roam the historic downtown square and explore the handcrafted artisans, homegrown produce, crafts, flowers and so much more!
Eureka Springs offers art, shopping, entertainment among winding streets and Victorian-era buildings. Photo by Chris Litherland
4. Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs offers entertainment for the whimsical wanderer to the jazz junkie – and you will never leave the town without seeing something out of the ordinary!
Are you interested in history or strange facts? The Crescent Hotel has an adventure for you! The Voulez Vous Lounge is known for its cocktails, dancing and live jazz, while The Stone House is famous for its exquisite wine and cheese.
Explore and purchase local art, handcrafted jewelry, and much more in the historic downtown shopping area – where the winding streets and Victorian buildings radiate an ambience of tranquil excitement.
5. Wild Wilderness Drive Through (known as “Gentry Zoo” to locals)
The Gentry Zoo has exploded in popularity in the recent months as new baby lions have drawn visitors from all ages.
The safari is home to ponies, peacocks, plains zebras and many other animals that can be seen on a 4-mile drive-through and interacted with on a walk-through area and petting zoo. The Zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily and visitors are encouraged to spend the day and eat lunch in the picnic area
Hawksbill Crag against the August sunrise
Northwest Arkansas is home to some of America’s most beautiful scenery, diverse attractions and welcoming people. On your next visit to the area, don’t miss any of these opportunities to explore the natural landscape, rich history and artistic talent of Northwest Arkansas, or to try the diverse variety of food.
Have you been to Northwest Arkansas? What’s your favorite discovery there? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Maggie Jo Pruitt is currently studying agricultural communications and agricultural business.
After growing up in a town of 407 people, she lived in Gent, Belgium (population 300,000) for a summer and is currently preparing for another summer internship in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Learn learn more about Maggie Jo here or follow her on Twitter.
If you are planning a visit to Northwest Arkansas, you may be interested in this book:
Northwest Arkansas Travel Guide : Insider Secrets: Insider Secrets (Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville & Eureka Springs)
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