Little Rock, AR

Little Rock, AR had two sites that we visited. The River Market District that consists of a beautiful park and many shops and restaurants in this redeveloped former decaying industrial area.

The other attraction is the Clinton Presidential Center and Park.

The building that houses the museum/library is very modern and simple and is right across the Arkansas River from our campground. It is described as “a modern architectural masterwork that evokes, by some accounts, both a $165 million double-wide and a Star Wars battle cruiser hovering in flight”.

Below are several pictures of the center that have a 100-foot time line (1993-2001) and exhibits of the early years, life in the White House, and even a life-size replica of the infamous Oval Office! There were short movie blips and pictures of many different areas of his public life and what happened while he held office.

Here is a caricature of Bill and his saxophone.

This is one of the twelve presidential Libraries. The others are Hoover, Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, and Bush.

Hot Springs, AR

The thermal waters of Hot Springs, Arkansas are legendary for their medicinal value.

Native Americans and early settlers are said to have flocked to the area to discover the mystical healing power of the water in Hot Springs.

At 143-degrees, the natural springs produce almost one-million gallons of water each day.

It’s hard to tell exactly how long humans have been visiting the springs. Spanish and French settlers had each claimed the area early on in the 1500’s, 1600’s and 1700’s. In fact, famous explorer Hernando DeSoto was the first European to visit Hot Springs in 1541.

The healing baths of Hot Springs were such a coveted natural wonder that, in 1832, Congress granted federal protection to the area, naming it the Hot Springs Reservation. In 1921, it was renamed Hot Springs National Park.

Bathhouse Row during the 1920's was a hub of activity. The impressive bathhouse structures lined one side of Central Avenue, their doors open to a steady stream of patrons coming to "take the cure". Most of the baths closed in the 1970's. There are still two of them operating today. The water is even available at city fountains, drawing thousands of visitors each year who seek the healing power of the water in Hot Springs.

Hot Springs Mountain Tower built in 1983, is 216’ high at an elevation of 1,040’. It overlooks the Hot Springs Valley and the Ouachita Mountains. The tower is a modern structure with two viewing levels. It was built in 1983 and is the third tower in that location.

Petit Jean State Park, AR

Petit Jean State Park lies in a unique area between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountain ranges in west-central Arkansas. It is Arkansas' first State Park.









The campsites were very large, in a densely wooded area. We spent three days here enjoying the beautiful scenery. Our last day we really relaxed, as it rained continuously.








We decided to hike the Cedar Falls Trail, which besides being the most popular, is moderate to hard. A warning sign said that "Only those in good shape should attempt this walk" - we fooled them.

The first half mile descends more than 200 feet down steep steps cut from the rock by the Civilian Conservation Corps more than 50 years ago. With all of the climbing over and around rocks, we decided that we must be part billy goat.

The falls cascades more than 90 feet to the canyon floor.

Judy really surprised all the other hikers. Although there are signs everywhere that say "NO SWIMMING", she threw her hiking stick down, took off her blouse, jeans, and boots, and immediately dove into the water and swam across the pool. I guess when your hot - your hot.

It was really humid. If you look closely you can see how Mike's light gray shirt is dark gray. It was so wet he could wring it out.

Mountain View, AR

Mountain View, Arkansas is known as the "Folk Music Capital of the World".

It is best known for the impromptu picking sessions that are a nightly event around the courthouse downtown or on the porches of the surrounding houses.

Bluegrass, folk music, country, and good fiddle tunes are all within earshot of the courthouse, depending on how many musicians are on the square at the time.

Washington Street Park has four lighted gazebos where groups play.

Many tourists carry chairs and go from site to site, listening to all kinds of music. Here is a short clip of some of the music.

It is also home of the Ozark Folk Center State Park, the only park in America dedicated to the perpetuation and interpretation of the heritage of the Ozark region. You can see artisans demonstrate pioneer skills and homestead crafts in the craft village during the day, and enjoy their Music Theatre during the evening.

Eureka Springs, AR

Literally built into the side of the Ozarks, the tiny village of

Eureka Springs is a charming collection of Victorian architecture and higgledy-piggledy streets snaking past cliff-clinging homes.

Folks easily fall in love with this place. It is the only city in the country whose entire downtown area is on the National Register of Historic Places - and there's not a traffic light to be found (although they could use some)

It was founded as a health resort in 1879. Eureka benefited from its 63 springs used for drinking and bathing at a time when society was mad for water cures.

It was rediscovered by the hippies in the 1970's, and ever since has been a haven for artists.

One of our stops was Thorncrown Chapel. This forty-eight foot wooden structure contains 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass. It is nestled in a woodland setting that is beyond words. The chapel's simple design and majestic beauty was magnificent. It is very simplistic and reminded us of Frank Lloyd Wright's work.

We stopped to see the Christ of the Ozarks Statue which is seven stories high and outstretched finger tip to finger tip is 65 feet. Quite a sight. It is on the grounds where they perform The Passion Play.

We were told that the best food in town is barbecue. Never argue with

the locals. Bubba’s BBQ was suggested where we had barbequed ribs,

pulled pork and a hot sausage. All of these items were yummy and only

the first of many to be sampled on this trip.

Devil's Den State Park, West Fork, AR

This park is in a valley of the rugged Boston Mountains. It is 2,500 acres with lodging, camping, and many trails to hike and caves to explore. State geologists say the Devil's Den crevice area is the largest in the United States. As the hillside slid, adjoining layers of sandstone separated. Surface layers stopped, while those below continued to slide. Often this lower portion cracked vertically, creating crevice caves.

The hike took 1 1/2 hours to complete. We saw many ferns and flowers growing and many waterfalls and crossed several creeks.

Here is Judy standing next to one of the cave entrances.

Some of the going was rough since it rained during the night and the rocks were slick in spots. Our walking sticks really came in handy.

The waterfalls were a refreshing break.

That evening we drove into the little town of Westfork, 17 miles north. What a treat - another camper told us that at 7 pm there was the "Little O' Oprey, a 3 hour show with a band and local Oprey Stars performing Gospel, Bluegrass, 50's Rock n' Roll in addition to Country.

The entertainment was thoroughly enjoyable, all for $7/person. By showtime the theatre was packed.

Watch this video of our favorite performer. This nine year old fiddler was teriffic. He had such poise and would bow to the audience after each selection. If he sticks to it, he may be a rising star some day. It was truly a fun evening.

The Hard Drive Is Over

After 4 days and 1,500 miles the hard driving is over. We skipped sightseeing at the places we've been before. Driving through Arizona and New Mexico there were sooooo many trading posts, and/or outposts with Indian casinos galore. You can spend and/or lose your money in many different ways.

They all seemed to have blankets, jewelry, dolls, moccassins and whatever else your heart desired.

We drove by all of them!

One of the funniest things we saw was in a rest stop east of Oklahoma City. There was an area set aside for doggie pooping with the two signs you can see below.

One thing we have never encountered before in a campground was a below ground "Tornado Shelter" that can accommodate 50 people. Thank goodness we didn't have to use it.

Now we have a short drive to Devil's Den State Park south of Fayettesville, Arkansas where we'll spend the weekend. We will then be taking 2 weeks to see what surprises Arkansas has in store for us at Eureka Springs, Mountain View, Petit Jean State Park, Hot Springs, and Little Rock.