Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about travel to Arkansas, a fantastic Southern state with its own unique culture and landscape. There are lots of cool things to do in Arkansas but be prepared for these shocks before you visit Arkansas.
Natural State of Arkansas
The motto of Arkansas is “the Natural State” and once you visit, it’s obvious why they are so proud of their natural attractions in Arkansas. Whether you are visiting the Ozark Mountains or any of the Arkansas State Parks or National Park sites, there are many cool outdoor attractions in Arkansas.
What NOT To Do When You Visit National Parks
Arkansas Spa Life
Don’t miss out on the fantastic spa attractions in Arkansas. Arkansas is famous for hot springs, most of all Hot Springs National Park, the smallest National Park in the U.S. Bathhouse Row is lined with beautiful bathhouses, where people would travel from all over the US to soak in healing mineral waters.
Driving Through Arkansas
Driving through Arkansas is a pleasant surprise. Given all of the natural beauty, there is a lot to look at as you drive through the state. Try to get off the main interstate and take some of the more scenic roads and byways of Arkansas. There are nine scenic byways in Arkansas, and while they may take a bit longer than the highway, the views are worth it. Just know that they can be narrow, winding roads, so remember this if you travel with someone who gets carsick.
Arkansas Pigs, they are actually Razorbacks thank you!
On your Arkansas vacation, you will quickly notice an obsession with pigs. Yes, they have good pork and barbecue, but the real obsession is over the Arkansas Razorbacks. The University of Arkansas football team is practically a religion in Arkansas. You will see (and hear) a lot of Razorback fans no matter where you travel in Arkansas.
Food in Arkansas
You will be shocked at the amount of fried food that is served in Arkansas. They love their fried food in Arkansas: fried pickles, fried chicken, fried pork tenderloin, fried catfish, fried green tomatoes, and much more! This may not be the best destination for healthy food fans; our advice is to embrace it and enjoy the fried cuisine of Arkansas.
Official Arkansas Tourism Website: CLICK HERE
Liquor Laws in Arkansas
Ever hear of a dry county? Arkansas has 34 dry counties, which means they don’t allow the sale of any alcohol. That’s nearly half the counties in Arkansas that do not sell liquor. If you enjoy a drink or two, you may want to check ahead of time to see if you’re visiting a dry county.
Small Towns of Arkansas
We were pleasantly surprised by all of the quaint small towns in Arkansas. If you take our advice and take the scenic byways of Arkansas, you will pass through many small towns, each with its own character and charm. You’ll see historic buildings, unique shops, and antique stores. Hot Springs, Eureka Springs, and Yellville are just a few of our favorite small towns in Arkansas.
Midwest Vibe in Arkansas
In many ways, Arkansas may be considered a Southern town. The fried food, the football obsession, and the warm weather all feel Southern. But when it comes to the vibe of the state, it really is more Midwestern. The people and culture are more fitting of the Midwest,
Wal-Mart Museum
Wal-Mart was founded by a family from Arkansas, and Bentonville is still home to the world headquarters. The Walton family started with a Five-and-Dime shop, which is now the Wal-Mart Museum in Bentonville. They still have a soda fountain and it really feels like a shop from the 1950s.
The Pronunciation of Arkansas
While Kansas is pronounced just like it is spelled, Arkansas is not pronounced like “AR-Kansas.” The last “s” is silent, so it’s pronounced “Ar-kan-saw.” It’s one of those things that doesn’t make any sense to non-English speakers, but that’s just how it is.
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Arkansas really has something for every type of traveler! We enjoyed the amazing food, historic tours, and natural attractions found all over Arkansas. We highly recommend planning an Arkansas family vacation.
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