Fun at a bargain
Posted: October 6, 2009 at 5:13 p.m.
From bluegrass and bluebirds to a grist mill and glass chapels, Northwest Arkansas has something for everyone, with no need to break open the change jar. Activities include rugged trips through the scenic outdoors, reverent walks through a chapel of glass, and rock 'n roll in city parks.
Favorite free or low-price destinations include:
Boston Mountain Scenic Loop
arkansas.com/things-to-do/scenic-drives/boston-loop.aspx
From Fayetteville, take U.S. 71 over Mount Gaylor to Alma. From Alma, take Interstate 540 through the rolling hills of a pastoral countryside, through a mountain tunnel and back to Fayetteville.
Cross Overlook
(479) 443-4531
This spot atop Mount Sequoyah is the highest point overlooking Northwest Arkansas. The view at night provides a sparkling scene of the lights of downtown Fayetteville.
Devil's Den State Park
(479) 761-3325
arkansasstateparks.com
Devil's Den State Park is on Arkansas 74, north of the Washington-Crawford county line in the Ozark National Forest. Walk or bike more than 10 miles of trails, or explore Devil's Den or Devil's Icebox caves. Cave visitors should bring lights and water.
Fayetteville Downtown Historic Walking Tour
(479) 521-1710
experiencefayetteville.com
This self-guided tour begins with a trip to the Fayetteville Visitors Bureau, 21 S. Block St., Suite 100, where a brochure describing the tour is available. Twenty-five sites of interest are explained in detail, including the Old Washington County Courthouse, Headquarters House and Guisinger's Music House.
Jones Center for Families
(479) 756-8090
jonesnet.org
Founded by local philanthropist Bernice Jones, the center's purpose is to provide a "safe harbor" for the community.
The center includes the Joel Carver Ice Arena, available year-round. Local skating clubs offer group and individual ice-skating lessons. There's also an indoor basketball court, indoor track and pool area. The pool area includes a family leisure pool, water slide and fountain.
The education department offers subjects including basic computer classes, boating and belly dancing. A computer center is also available.
Other programs include child care, community health and wellness, and after-school activities.
The Community LIFE program includes Senior LIFE, Teen LIFE and a ropes course.
Mildred B. Cooper Chapel, Bella Vista
beautifulbellavista.com
Situated on a wooded hilltop overlooking Lake Norwood, the chapel of steel and glass is a popular site for visitors. Arkansas native architect E. Fay Jones and partner Maurice Jennings designed it based on the pointed Gothic arch, which is repeated throughout the length of the structure.
Pig Trail Scenic Byway
arkansas.com/things-to-do/scenic-drives/pig-trail.asp
Known as "The Pig Trail" to generations of University of Arkansas students and Razorback fans, the scenic byway includes 19 miles of Arkansas 23 from the south boundary of the Ozark National Forest north of Ozark to its intersection with Arkansas 16 at Brashears.
The meandering route is said be reminiscent of a trail created by pigs.
Rogers Historical Museum
(479) 621-1154
rogersarkansas.com/museum
The museum features a main exhibition hall, research library and the 1895 Hawkins House, which is representative of a middle-class family home at the turn of the 20th century.
The Attic, popular with children, is a permanent hands-on exhibit where visitors are encouraged to try on clothes and play with old tools, kitchen wares and other interactive links to the past.
Also featured is the Centennial Caboose on the corner of First and Walnut streets. The caboose is managed by the museum and open for tours during regular museum hours.
Shiloh Museum of Ozark History
(479) 750-8165
springdaleark.org/shiloh/
Use a grinding stone, try on clothes from the past or hear folk music. Exhibits and six historic buildings are available to explore. The museum is also the site of numerous club meetings and educational programs for kids and adults alike.
Tanyard Creek Nature Trail
localhikes.com/Hikes/tanyard_creek_2580.asp
This Bella Vista loop includes a swinging bridge and an overlook of a waterfall. The 2.5-mile trail is 1.5 miles west of U.S. 71 on Arkansas 340, next to the golf practice facility.
Terra Studios
(800) 255-8995
terrastudios.com
Located in the Ozark Mountain town of Durham, near Fayetteville, the studio houses artisans who produce glass and pottery housewares, gifts and fine-art pieces.
Visitors can stroll among the mural and sculpture gardens and visit the Bluebird Gazebo, home to about 1,800 glass "Bluebirds of Happiness."
Guests also can watch glass workers making the bluebirds and other creations.
Thorncrown Chapel
(479) 253-7401
thorncrown.com
Designed by noted Arkansas architect E. Fay Jones, the Eureka Springs chapel has been named among the top four buildings of the 20th century by the American Institute of Architects.
The chapel uses 425 large panels of glass to showcase the natural beauty of the Ozarks. Open March-December, it features a nondenominational staff of musicians and ministers who will arrange a special one-hour devotional service upon request.
Groups can reserve the worship center for private services, revivals and retreats.
Wal-Mart Visitor Center
(479) 273-1329
walmartstores.com
Located in Sam Walton's original Bentonville variety store, the center traces the formation and growth of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Containing exhibits such as founder Sam Walton's desk, the center is an educational and informative facility for those interested in this American retailing success story.
War Eagle Mill
(479) 789-5343
wareaglemill.com
Visitors can watch this water-powered grist mill in operation on War Eagle Road about 13 miles east of Rogers. An 18-foot water wheel splashes and mill stones grind corn meal daily from corn grown organically in a pastoral setting that includes War Eagle Creek and a historic bridge.
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