Tag Archives: Arkansas

Spooktacular Halloween Travel Destinations

How’s this for a freaky Halloween-related trip… this weekend my family traveled to a pumpkin patch and picked gourds, Indian corn and pumpkins in 87 degree heat… and we didn’t have to travel to Hawaii to do so. We went pumpkin picking in Wisconsin where the average temperature this time of year is 62. Wearing shorts in a pumpkin patch in the Upper Midwest during the month of October on day with temperatures 25 degrees above normal—-now that’s freaky. I plan to write about our pumpkin picking adventures in depth in a future blog, but for now I figured it … Continue reading →

The Natural State: Diamond in the Rough?

I have had people ask how the heck I can live in Arkansas after being born and raised a city girl. People tend to have some pre-conceived notions until they visit and see how beautiful it is here. Now, mind you we do have cities, malls, electricity, and indoor plumbing, besides all these country miles and “hills and hollers.” We also have something else, something unique to Arkansas. In fact, it is the only place of its kind in the world. We have a park called the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro that is a diamond mine, where … Continue reading →

Luxury B&B in Arkansas

Most people think of Arkansas as a remote, laid-back state with beautiful scenery but little more. In reality, my husband and I decided to take a trip for some much-needed R&R and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. I had done quite a bit of research first, trying to find the “perfect” place, something nice, romantic, but also affordable. I found this charming bed and breakfast called Empress of the Little Rock or better known as “The Empress”. This Victorian style inn was beautiful with each room conveying the sense of a private sitting are. The double staircase … Continue reading →

Watermelon Festivals (Coming To A City Near You)

Do you know any good watermelon recipes? Our local grocery store is currently selling entire watermelons for $1.50. I bought three. I’m not sure why. My husband and daughter don’t really like navigating around the seeds, which means I am now desperately searching for unique dishes that incorporate the refreshing fruit. (In retrospect, I realize my purchase was fueled more by the price than our collective love for the fruit.) So what am I going to do with 10 pounds of watermelon? Throw my own Watermelon Festival? It’s not such a bad idea. During my search for watermelon recipes I … Continue reading →

Fitness Report Cards

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2 years ago, the Arkansas schools began sending report cards and letters home to the parents grading not only their children’s academic progress, but also their fitness and weight levels. If you can imagine that receiving those letters were not pleasant – then you are not in the minority. Getting a school letter telling you that your child is fat is not a thing any parent wants to receive. However, these letters did do something. They provided the impetus for parents to take their kids to the pediatrician for talks about weight problems, enroll them in fitness classes and keep … Continue reading →

Let’s Talk about Home States

You may have noticed that I live in Arkansas. Most states have cities or towns with unusual names, and Arkansas certainly has its share. It is interesting to imagine how some of these places got their very descriptive names. Some towns are named for food, such as Strawberry or Tomato. Some are apparently named for crops, such as Cotton Plant and Pea Ridge. Others may be named for indigenous creatures, including Bee Branch, Deer, Dogpatch, and Ravenden, which features a huge statue of a raven in the center of town. Little Flock, not to be confused with Little Rock, apparently … Continue reading →

Nature’s Finest: Mammoth Spring State Park

Nestled in the Ozark Mountains of North Central Arkansas, off U.S. 63, is the “Natural State’s” largest spring. Mammoth Spring, a quaint and charming town dotted with historical buildings and storefronts, goes hand in hand with the park it is named for and makes exploring the history of the area an adventure. The park lies adjacent to the Missouri State Line, and is easily accessible from the highway. Mammoth Spring State Park is also a National Natural Landmark, and it is a wondrous place. Perfect for relaxing with family and friends, or all by yourself, this park features nature at … Continue reading →