5 minute read
Savings Times 2
Arkansas ... Explore the possibilities
Savings times 2
We have made it through the majority of the summer with all the June and July association meetings and the AAC Annual Conference. It has been a brutally hot summer, but hopefully the days of 105- to 110-degree heat indices are all behind us. It is time to take a breath, regroup and recharge our batteries. What better place to do that than in our very own state.
“Arkansas Counties, Explore the Possibilities” was a great theme for the AAC Annual Conference. We need to explore this great state. We go all over the country to sight see but forget to see what we have to offer in our own back yard. I have lived in Arkansas for more than 34 years. But, like many people, I have not taken the time to explore enough of the beauty and majesty of the “Natural State.”
There are some amazing places across the state for hiking, camping, fishing or just a simple picnic. The beauty of the Arkansas landscape is truly breath taking and worthy of some exploration. Even something as laidback as a stroll along a path in one of our 52 state parks will create many treasured memories.
With a little online research I was able to find numerous lists of picnic possibilities, places to hike labeled “easy, moderate and strenuous,” trails for bicycling and so much more. Here are just a few bits of the wealth of information that I found.
Looking for a great place to picnic close to home. The Only In Your State website (http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/ arkansas/ar-park/) has a list of the “15 Gorgeous State Parks in Arkansas That Will Knock Your Socks Off.” Here are a few examples that made the list and the county where you can find them: Chicot County — Lake Chicot State Park; Greene County —Lake Frierson State Park; Little River County — Millwood State Park; Yell County — Mount Nebo State Park; Polk County — Queen Wilhelmina State Park; Faulkner County — Wooly Hollow State Park.
If you would like to give hiking a try, go to the Arkansas State Parks website at www.arkansasstateparks.com. Go to the “trails” tab, and you will find hiking trails classified as easy, moderate and strenuous. Pick a trail, click on it, and you will find directions, phone number, e-mail addresses, GPS coordinates and more. This is an example of added information given about the Little Missouri Trail at the Crater of Diamonds State Park listed as an “easy” trail in Pike County:
The trail winds its way through the woods from the campground to the scenic Little Missouri River. The trail then loops back through the forest to the trailhead. This trail provides a relaxing one-hour hike over level terrain. Half of the trail has paved barrierfree access and is the longest wheelchair accessible trail in southwest Arkansas. The unpaved left-hand section of the trail is easily walked.
Wallet & waistline
While you are at the Arkansas State Parks website, take a little time to peruse the site. It has terrific material about our 52 state parks. It also lists just about any kind of trail you can think of — mountain biking, horseback riding and ATV, Becky Comet AAC Member Benefits Manager to name a few. Furthermore you can find things to “see and do,” an events calendar and places to stay — camping, cabins, lodges and other facilities. This is definitely a one-stop shop for Arkansas State Parks.
It is hard to believe, but the Arkansas Tourism official site at www.arkansas.com has even more to offer than our state parks website. They have tabs for special events, places to stay, things to do and all of the outdoors activities that are available all over the state. They also have a really cool “places” tab that has the state broken down by region as well as various cities. If you have a particular area or city that you would like to visit in this great state you can find it here. Once you choose an area you will find maps, upcoming events, attractions and so much more.
One more thing about the Arkansas Tourism site that I really like is the “Deals & Coupons” tab. I always love a good deal. There are pages of specials to take advantage of. In fact, the last time I checked it there were 232 items listed. If you are planning a trip in the state, do not forget to check for special deals.
As I said, the theme for the AAC Annual Conference — Arkansas Counties, Explore the Possibilities — was a great theme. However, it should be more than just a theme for an event. Exploring all the possibilities this amazing state has to offer should be what we do year round. So make the time to get out and enjoy the beauty and wonder in this remarkable state that we call home. Do not miss the opportunity to explore the astounding amount of beautiful nature we’ve been blessed with. They don’t call Arkansas the “Natural State” for nothing.
www.arcounties.org
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