We added this to our website offerings because of the growing interest in eco-friendly travel.  Consumers understand that protecting the Earth’s resources applies to everywhere they visit and not just in their home cities. It’s not always easy to recycle and follow eco-friendly practices while on the road. This new website provides a quick reference for business travelers as well as vacationers and will make green travel through Arkansas easier. It is a perfect fit for the Natural State to highlight green tourism options. Eco-conscious travelers need only to browse through this website to select the perfect place to stay, eat, shop, and play.

 

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Kerry Kraus

NaturalStateBlogger@gmail.com

 

 

 

Our good friends at the Little Rock Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sent out a timely reminder today for the July 4th weekend. The information is so important I'm going to include it here.  And it's good advice for any time you're out on an Arkansas lake or river.  Be safe and have a great time!

 

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. –The Independence Day holiday is typically among the busiest weekends of the year at the region’s lakes and rivers, and this year, will likely be no exception with the long holiday weekend looming. It is a great time for outdoor water fun, but Army Corps of Engineers officials advise everyone to practice good water safety habits.

Corps park rangers caution that parks, lakes and rivers will be congested this weekend, and they ask visitors to be courteous while waiting at boat ramps, sharing beaches or traveling waterways.

The park rangers say they expect everyone to obey boating laws, and law enforcement officers will be on the lookout. In addition, the park rangers urge people to go a step further during this busy weekend. They also say wearing a life jacket at all times, though not required of adults by law, is the single most important step boaters can take to protect themselves.

Whether boating or swimming, avoid alcohol. More than half of all the people who drown consume alcohol prior to their accident, so don’t drink alcohol if you plan to have fun in or on the water.

Here are some other tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe:

Swimming:

* Learn to swim.

* Watch your children at all times, and put a life jacket on them.

* Never dive into lakes or rivers.

* Never rely on inner tubes, water wings or other toys to stay afloat.

* Don't over-estimate your swimming skills.

* Reach or throw a floatation device to help someone in trouble. Don't go in the water!

* Swim only in designated areas.

* Never swim alone.

Boating:

* Know your boat and know the rules of the water.

* Check your boat for all required safety equipment.

* Don't overload the boat.

* Check the weather forecast, and check flow conditions if boating on a river.

* Post a sharp lookout and add even more care at night.

* File a float plan with family or friends who are not on the vessel.

Following these safety tips can help make your family’s holiday weekend a safe and enjoyable one. Remember safety comes first! 

 

 

 

 

 

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I am asked frequently what I consider the “must see” destinations in Arkansas, especially from those who have never been here before. Each Monday, I’ll be writing about a city, an attraction, a restaurant or an outdoor area that I consider to be “must see” Arkansas.

 

 

When I was growing up….before everyone had air-conditioning – the places that had air-conditioning used it as a selling point during the summer. You’d see signs saying….”Come on in…it’s cool inside!” Today nearly everyone has air-conditioning but it’s still nice to be reminded “it’s cool inside.” The Central Arkansas Nature Center in downtown Little Rock is cool inside…in more ways than one. From the temperature to the exhibits to the location, there is a lot that’s way cool.

 

Tucked off President Clinton Avenue between the Arkansas Museum of Discovery and Clinton Museum Store, the fourth Arkansas Game and Fish Commission center is a treasure-trove of nature found in Arkansas. It’s a sensory delight for both the eyes and the ears: from a wall of watery living habitat displays to the common sounds of the area, including elk bugling, turkeys gobbling, and squirrels barking, accompanied by calls of whip-poor-wills and wood thrushes are heard.

A very large fishing lures collection plus standing displays highlighting “Settling the Wilderness 1803-1819,” “Becoming the Bear State 1820-1836,” and “End of the Frontier 1837-1809” are other exhibits. The story of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s three major divisions -- law enforcement, wildlife management and fisheries -- are on the reverse side.

A watchable wildlife area that allows visitors views of the Arkansas River and the possibility of seeing some of 90 documented species of birds found on the Arkansas River Trail between the center and the Clinton Presidential Library.  There is also a 10-foot-by-12-foot interactive Arkansas map station highlighting the state’s six natural regions, along with three-dimensional pieces of art, photos and art panels.  The Natural State Theater shows a 10-minute multimedia high-definition presentation introduces visitors to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s mission.

Admission to the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center, which is located at 602 President Clinton Avenue, is free. Visit www.centralarkansasnaturecenter.com for more information on the programs and opportunities offered by center or call 501-907-0636.

 

 

 

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Kerry Kraus

NaturalStateBloggers@gmail.com

If you’re thinking about imbibing while boating on Arkansas waters, think again – especially this weekend. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission wildlife officers, who are licensed law enforcement agents, are conducting Operation Dry Water 2010 June 25-27.

 

Alcohol impairs boaters the same way it does drivers. According to AGFC Boating Law Administrator Stephanie Weatherington, “It's no different than driving a car under the influence. When you're driving a boat you're putting both yourself and others in danger.” AGFC wildlife officers are on the lookout for boat operators whose blood alcohol concentration exceeds the national limit of .08 percent. Officials say there will be zero tolerance for BUI drivers.

 

 

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Kerry Kraus

NaturalStateBlogger@gmail.com

 

Competition takes place at five pools along the Arkansas River from Fort Smith to Dumas. Weigh-in sites are at Clear Creek Park, Fort Smith; Lake Dardanelle State Park, Russellville; Verizon Ramp, North Little Rock; Regional Park,  Pine Bluff, and Pendleton Bridge, east of Dumas. The event is free and open to the public.

 

 

The Arkansas Big Bass Bonanza Website  has tons of information but if you still have questions, contact the Arkansas Hospitality Association by calling 501-376-2323, 800-472-5022 or by faxing -501-376-6517.

 

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This was a short trip so we were only able to experience a few of Eureka Springs fantastic dining offerings.  We visited DeVitos, New Dehli Indian Buffet, Mudstreet Cafe and the Crystal Dining Room of the 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa. The five-course meal was accompanied by the seductive voice of Frank Sinatra.  I couldn't help but find my mind wandering to the past. Years of meals, music and hospitality have filled this room.  I drifted through the nostalgia of the hotel, my imagination dancing with ghosts of the past.

 

After strolling through historic downtown we concluded our trip with a visit to Beaver Lake for a little fishing.  The scenic beauty of this clear lake was spectacular.

 

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My Tuesday blogs are dedicated to experiencing the great outdoors. I feature anything from events to Natural State destinations worth seeing. Join me each week to get back to nature.


Jill M. Rohrbach

jillsjourneys@gmail.com

Amateur anglers will hit Arkansas waters June 25-27 for the 11th annual Big Bass Bonanza Fishing Tournament with $100,000 in prize money guaranteed. Arkansas’s largest amateur bass tournament will span the entire length of the Arkansas River within the state’s borders. The river is divided into five pools – Fort Smith, Dardanelle, Little Rock, Pine Bluff and Pendleton (or Dumas).

There is a significant change to the structure of the prize money this year. Previously the biggest bass overall earned an angler $100,000. This year, the person catching the largest bass will win $50,000 with the remaining $50,000 distributed among the winners of the other four pools. The largest overall fish in each remaining pool wins $10,000. Place money in each of the five pools is $900 for 2nd place; $700 for 3rd place; and $400 to 4th place. Hourly money will also be awarded in each pool.

You can fish one, two or all three days. Entry fees are: $80 for one day; $160 for two days; and $240 for three days. More than 2,000 anglers from across the region are expected to participate this year.

There are several options for registering for the tournament. Check those out online at ArkansasBigBass.com. The Big Bass Bonanza is a project of the Arkansas Hospitality Association in conjunction with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau, the North Little Rock Visitors Bureau, the Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Russellville Tourism and Visitor’s Center and the Pine Bluff Convention Center and Visitors Bureau.

 

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You don’t need a lot of money to have a good time in Arkansas. There are ample thinks to see and do that don’t cost a cent.  Each Friday I’ll focus on something fun that is free. Be sure and check each week for a new attraction.

 

 

What an opportunity – whether you’re a visitor or a resident. From noon today until midnight on Sunday, you can fish for free in Arkansas and it includes trout fishing. It’s the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Free Fishing Weekend June 11-13. All regulations for waters in Arkansas apply: daily limits, slot limits and length limits.

In addition to AGFC sites, several Arkansas State Parks also celebrate Free Fishing Weekend. Check www.ArkansasStateParks.com for information.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Fish Hatcheries locations for the Free Fishing Derbies are:

 

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My Tuesday blogs are dedicated to experiencing the great outdoors. I feature anything from park events to Natural State destinations worth seeing. Join me each week to get back to nature.

Jill M. Rohrbach
jillsjourneys@gmail.com

It’s a tradition in Arkansas to offer Free Fishing Days once a year to encourage people who have not fished and don’t have a license to try the sport. This year Free Fishing Days, where you can fish without a license, are noon Friday, June 11, to midnight Sunday, June 13. Governor Mike Beebe has proclaimed it, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has put into play the rules and activities all around the state.

Arkansas residents and non-residents can fish free. Trout fishing is included on this weekend. Normally you are required to have a separate permit to trout fish. Regular creel limits and length limits apply the same as for other times of the year. Commercial fishing gear cannot be used. This free weekend is for sport fishing only.

To find out where to fish, or ask questions about how to fish, call or visit any office of the AGFC, marinas and boat docks, bait and tackle stores or a friend that fishes.

Visit Fishing-arkansas.com for information on fishing categorized by species, water, season, and region. It also contains information on tournaments and resources.

 

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Several well-known people have roots in Arkansas. The list runs the gamut from Johnny Cash to Jermain Taylor. Check here every Monday as we highlight a new Famous Arkansan each week. Today,

Meet: Forrest Wood

 

Zoie Clift

travelarkansas@gmail.com

 

Born in 1933 and raised in Flippin, Forrest Wood is well known in bass fishing circles. He founded Wood Manufacturing Company and designed the Ranger Boat, America's No. 1 bass boat. He produced his first custom-built boat in 1968.

 

Among his many accomplishments in the bass-boat manufacturing industry are the use of steel conduit to encase electrical wiring, level flotation, now required in all small outboard boats by the Coast Guard, aerated live wells to allow catch and release without harming fish and the use of powerful engines.

 

The bass tournament arm of Wood Manufacturing (the FLW Tour) is named after him. Hot Springs has been chosen for the location of the Forrest Wood Cup, the world championship of bass fishing, August 11-14 2011 on Lake Ouachita. 

 

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While we love our iPhone app profile picture, we want something new to showcase Arkansas. To help celebrate Memorial Day and all there is to do in the Natural State, we want you to show us what you did this Memorial Day weekend in Arkansas!

 

Starting Friday, May 28 and ending Tuesday, June 1 at 9:00 a.m., email us your best photograph of your Memorial Day weekend fun to Arkansasphotograph@gmail.com. For the entire month of June, we will choose photographs to use as our profile picture for the Arkansas State Tourism Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ArkansasStateTourism)! Your photograph will remain the profile picture for the entire day.

 

Photographs must be of your experiences during the 2010 Memorial Day weekend in Arkansas. It can be of you and your friends on a float trip down an Arkansas lake or river, the beautiful scenery while having a Memorial Day picnic at an Arkansas park, or your family enjoying the festivities at one of Arkansas’s many festivals and events. The sky is the limit, just make sure the photograph is of Arkansas and was taken during the 2010 Memorial Day weekend.

 

Along with the photograph, please include your name and the place or event where to photograph was taken.

 

Remember, photograph submissions will only be accepted through email at Arkansasphotograph@gmail.com. Please do not post or tag your photographs intended for contest submissions on Facebook.

 

*By submitting your personal photograph to the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism through Arkansasphotograph@gmail.com you agree to possibly have your photograph posted as the Arkansas State Tourism profile picture on Facebook.com for one business day during the month of June 2010. For more information contact Anna Mitchell at communications@arkansas.com.  

 

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Zoie Clift

travelarkansas@gmail.com

 

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My Tuesday blogs are dedicated to experiencing the great outdoors. I’ll feature anything from park events to Natural State destinations worth seeing. Join me each week to get back to nature.

Jill M. Rohrbach
jillsjourneys@gmail.com

Discovered in 1963, Blanchard Springs Caverns and Recreation Area near Mountain View is filled with unspoiled formations such as the 65-foot-high "The Column," as well as another huge formation named "The Flowstone." There are guided walking tours and a wild cave tour through this active cavern system that features sparkling calcite formations, stalactities, stalagmites and columns. The cave was opened to the public in 1973 and contains a visitor information center. The recreation area has crystal clear streams, large flowing spring (12,000 gallons per minute), small lake, scenic trails, picturesque bluffs, fishing, campground, hiking and biking trails, picnic grounds and swim areas. It would be a great place to spend Memorial Day weekend.

Here is the schedule through Sept. 6, 2010:

Dripstone Trail – open year round. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-15, $5 with Interagency Senior/Access Pass (good for cardholder only). It is accessible by wheelchair with two strong assistants. There is a group rate for at least 15 people ages 6 and up with reservations made at least a day in advance.

Discovery Trail – open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-15, $5 with Interagency Senior/Access Pass (good for cardholder only). It is not wheelchair accessible and has nearly 700 stairsteps. There is a group rate for at least 15 people ages 6 and up with reservations made at least a day in advance.

Wild Cave Tour – open year round and available by reservation only. Participants must be at least 10 years old. The cost is $75 per person with a $25 deposit and the remaining $50 paid the day of the tour. Kids age 10-12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. It is not handicap accessible and involves very strenuous climbing crawline and sliding. There is no group rate.

Visitor Information Center – has a movie and exhibit hall. It’s open year round and is free and wheelchair accessible.

Campground –costs $10 per night at Blanchard and $7 per night at Gunner Pool. There is wheelchair accessibility. Large and small group campsites are available at Blanchard for $1.25 per person per night. Groups sites are reservable; call 870-269-3228.

Hiking – the trails in the area are open year round. There is one handicap accessible trail at the Visitor Center. There is no cost.

Syllamo Mountain Biking Trail – is open year round and parking is free. It is not handicap accessible.

Picnic Grounds and Swim Areas – There is a day use fee unless you’re holding a Caverns tour receipt dated that day. The picnic grounds are handicap accessibile but the swim areas are not. For groups, large and small picnic pavilions are available by reservation; call 870-269-3228.

It’s an Arkansas must-see. The caverns are located off Ark. 14 N. Call 888-757-2246 for more information and check it out on the Web at BlanchardCaveTours.com .

 

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