Publisher’s Letter

The holiday season is over. Most of you know how sad that makes me. When the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 26, my tree is down, carols stop playing and the Elves of the Shelf are put away until next season and I am laser focused on 2023 and have a new outlook on life. Who knows what exciting things January has in store!

It is January, and that means we are all thinking it: healthy eating! I am excited that Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe has sponsored our first Bucket List of 2023. Nichole Niemann from KARK’s “Arkansas Style” show and I will visit Taziki’s and showcase delicious healthy eats for anyone, no matter the diet, because they have so many different options. Tune into that show on Jan. 4th at 2 pm.

Another resolution I’ve set for myself this year is to cruise the highways of Arkansas more and phone less. I love to hit the open road in our convertible. I plan to do that more this year. And I plan to do so without worrying about my phone. I spent so much of the last few years with it glued to my ear. Not this year! It’s time for some peace and relaxation. I also want to devote more time to enjoy the outdoors. Arkansas is loaded with great opportunities for outdoor adventures.

You’ll find plenty of outdoor options inside our pages. This month alone, you’ll find several amazing outdoor adventures, including a road trip on AR-21, one of the state’s scenic byways, extending from Clarksville north. It’s smack dab in the middle of fabulous scenery and passes through fascinating places such as Ozone, Boxley and Kingston. Much of the route bisects the Ozark National Forest and crosses the Buffalo River. In addition to the byway, we also feature the 52 amazing state parks, focusing on the all-new Visitor Center that is going in at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. My favorite feature is on some of the region’s most spectacular hotels! After reading, I know you will want to book your next weekend getaway. You’ll find beautiful accommodations at these magnificent destinations that are perfect for the whole family. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy the excellent restaurants, spas, bars with live music, and so much more?

I am definitely a fan of country music and am so honored that AY, won Publication of the Year last year at the Arkansas Country Music Awards for the second time. We are hoping to win again this year. Speaking of country winners, we shine the spotlight on Susan and Cliff Prowse, a musical duo about to hit it big, the couple mentors students on how to market, record and hone necessary skills to make it in the music industry. This issue also features Jettway Performance, the fastest-growing music lesson and performance studio in Arkansas. Learn. Play. Sing. Perform.

I hope you enjoy our January issue. From all of us here at AY, we wish you a happy and blessed New Year!

Heather Baker, President & Publisher hbaker@aymag.com / heatherbaker_ar