Catch Justin Bieber Thursday at Verizon Arena

July has been quite a month in Arkansas for music fans. The latest of entertainers on the schedule is teen phenom Justin Bieber who appears Thursday, July 29 at Verizon Arena in North Little Rock.

Ticket prices are $51.50, $41.50 and $31.50 and are available at the Verizon Arena box office and all Ticketmaster Outlets. They can be ordered online or by calling 800-745-3000. Doors open at 6 p.m., show time is 7 p.m.

Must See Monday: MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History

Kerry Kraus

The 1840 Tower Building of Old Arsenal in MacArthur Park is one of the more fascinating buildings in the state. It has a storied past that began long before Douglas MacArthur, the future Supreme Allied Commander of the Southwest Pacific in World War II, was born there in 1880. The Tower building is all that is left of the Little Rock Arsenal which, at one time, contained more than 30 buildings. The almost three-feet-thick exterior brick walls speak to its original purpose as a munitions warehouse.

During the Civil War, Confederate forces used the building until Union troops captured Little Rock. It garrisoned troops until its closure in 1890. One of the more obscure facts of both Arkansas and American history is explained in the new marker located on museum grounds. The Arsenal Crisis marker is in honor of the Sesquicentennial observance of the Civil War.

According to the plaque, “The Civil War could have begun at this U.S. Arsenal. As other states seceded, rumors that reinforcements were heading for the Arsenal led around 1,000 militia from south and east Arkansas to demand the surrender of the garrison. On February 12, 1861, Captain James Totten, with no orders from his superiors, abandoned the Arsenal ‘to avoid the cause of Civil War.’ Little Rock’s ladies gave him a sword to show their appreciation of his action. Two months later, Fort Sumter was attacked.”

Be sure and visit the museum to see Civil War artifacts, including the exhibit on and stained glass window of the “Boy Martyr of the Confederacy” – David O. Dodd. Related exhibits currently on display include The Camden Expedition and War and Remembrance: The 1911 United Confederate Veterans Reunion.

Geocaching Friday: By the Numbers!

I hope everyone had a GREAT week!!

Today, I thought I’d we’d discuss some geocaching “numbers!”

1,135,668…the number of active geocaches throughout the world RIGHT NOW!

8,901…number of caches and events in Arkansas as of today.

341…number of caches located within a 10-mile radius of Little Rock.

313…number of caches located within a 10-mile radius of Searcy.

174…number of caches located within a 10-mile radius of El Dorado.

104…number of caches located within a 10-mile radius of West Memphis.

98… number of caches located within a 10-mile radius of Jonesboro.

68… number of caches located within a 10-mile radius of Texarkana.

60… number of caches located within a 10-mile radius of Stuttgart.

57… number of caches located within a 10-mile radius of Pocahontas.

25…number of caches now included in the Great River Road Geocaching Project in Arkansas.

53…number of caches included in the Arkansas State Parks ParkCache Program (includes the final cache).

28…number of cachers who have successfully completed the ASP ParkCache Program.

974…number of times the Arkansas portion of the Great River Road Geocaching Project caches have been found.

3,937,477…the number of cache logs that have been posted on Geocaching.com in the last 30 days!!

4-5 million…estimated number of cachers worldwide!

7/22/2010…the date of the last new cache placed in Arkansas.

Last-Minute Idea: Ding Dong Days in Dumas

Okay…so it’s Friday…and you’ve STILL not made plans for the weekend! Hey, that’s why I’m here!!

The 31st annual Ding Dong Days Festival is going on in Dumas through Sunday. There’s something for everyone at the fun-filled event! Watch as the Ding Dong Daddy and Ding Dong Momma are crowned. Join in for the Ding Dong eating contest. The festival also features rides and activities for children, a parade, live entertainment, and a variety of booths and concessions. Make sure and check out the Desha County Museum Open House and Celebration from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday.

Just click HERE to see the entire schedule of events.

Have a great weekend!

Arkansas Trivia Route Two -- Answers

How did you do this week? Bonnie Turner submitted the correct answers. Here they are in case you'd like to check yours. Watch for more trivia next week.

1.             Must have in order to send letters

ANSWER: Stamps

2.             A small stone

5.             Kiss me again!

ANSWER: Smackover

6.             2,000 pounds of pork

ANSWER: Hampton

7.             A manufacturing place for fibers

ANSWER: Cotton Plant

8.             Not weak, but….

ANSWER: Strong

9.             European city for lovers

ANSWER: Paris

10.          Award-winning historical epic

 ANSWER: Ben Hur

Test Your Knowledge: Arkansas Trivia Round 2

It’s time for Round Two of Arkansas Trivia. Here are this week’s clues. 

Kerry Kraus

1.             Must have in order to send letters

2.             A small stone

3.             Transported the pilgrims to America

4.             Single hardwood tree

5.             Kiss me again!

6.             2,000 pounds of pork

7.             A manufacturing place for fibers

8.             Not weak, but….

9.             European city for lovers

10.          Award-winning historical epic

Revisit the Ol’ Swimmin’ Hole in Central Arkansas

NaturalStateBlogger@gmail.com

There are numerous ways to beat the heat as the dog days of summer descend upon us. Staying indoors, eating ice cream and watermelon, playing in the water – these are just a few suggestions. 

For the later, you have several choices as well. For a different type of experience, how about visiting an old-fashioned swimming hole? 

Forty-acre Lake Bennett at Woolly Hollow State Park is another popular place to wile away the hot summer hours. Situated 18 miles north of Conway near Greenbrier, you'll find a sandy beach and lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day. To reach the lake, take U.S. 65 north from Conway through Greenbrier to Ark. 285, then go six miles east to the state park.

Sixteen-acre Lake Sylvia, located on the Perry-Saline county line near Perryville in the Ouachita National Forest, has long been a popular Central Arkansas place to cool off. Facilities include a swimming beach, picnic sites, a wildlife interpretive trail, a tree identification interpretive trail for the physically challenged, and outdoor theater programs in season. Travel Ark. 10 west of Little Rock for 30 miles to Ark. 324, then drive about four miles to the campground and swimming area.

Willow Springs Water Park

The 90th Annual Independence County Fair Starts Today!

Today marks the beginning of the 90th annual Independence County Fair in Batesville!

One of the largest county fairs in The Natural State, the Independence County Fair runs through July 24 at the Independence County Fairgrounds in Batesville. This year's event features rides, exhibits and live entertainment.

Live entertainment is always a part of the fair and this year is no exception. Wednesday night’s entertainment is country music artist Daryl Singletary. Thursday night features a performance by Savannah Jack. Ricochet takes to the stage on Friday night, and Arkansas’s own Buddy Jewell is the headliner for Saturday evening. All performances begin at 8 p.m.

Carnival rides are always a large part of the fair, and this year fair-goers can experience a brand-new ride, the Nemesis 360, a European inversion ride. Click here to see a YouTube video of the Nemesis 360 in action. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights are Armband Nights at the Independence County Fair. Beginning at 6 p.m. each night, ride as many rides as often as you like until 10:30 p.m. the same evening. Armbands are $15 each.

Check out complete schedules for the fair by clicking here.

Arkansas Tourism Launches Green Travel Site

Choosing to rent a bicycle and touring our many urban and rural trails or searching out a slow food dining establishment are just a few of the little things that will make a giant step to preserving our planet. The Natural State offers an abundance of green options to those visiting Arkansas.  Now, there is a comprehensive website dedicated to green travel information.

This new website contains sections featuring Arkansas green lodging, dining, and attractions including a list of LEED certified buildings. Looking toward the individual traveler, a section offering ideas to help the tourist find wellness options such as yoga studios and running trails is also included. The Department has even added a tool to help you keep a little green in your wallet. Special promotions offering green discounts and packages are available by clicking on the Arkansas Green Deals and Packages tab.

Must See Monday: The Last Rodeo Tour

NaturalStateBlogger@gmail.com

I am frequently asked what I consider the “must see” destinations in Arkansas, especially from those who have never been here before. Each Monday, I’ll be writing about a city, an attraction, a restaurant or an outdoor area that I consider to be “must see” Arkansas.

Tickets are now on sale for the concert which includes Miranda Lambert, the 2010 Academy of Country Music Female Vocalist of the Year, joins the duo for the 7:30 p.m. concert. Ticket prices are $69.75, $49.75 and $35 and are available via Ticketmaster website, any Ticketmaster outlet, or the arena box office by calling 800-745-3000. For information on Verizon Arena, visit www.verizonarena.com.

Free Friday: Little Rock Central High Visitor Center

Kerry Kraus

It’s hot. One way to beat the heat is to just not get out in it but that means hanging around the house. You can have the best of both worlds – get out and having fun while staying cool. Go somewhere air-conditioned.

The Little Rock Central High School Visitor Center is such a place. The museum recounts the actions that took place on September 23, 1957 at the school. The historic events were groundbreaking and changed the course of human rights. With 3,000-square-feet of permanent exhibits, there is plenty to experience.

A varied and entertaining schedule of interpretive programs accentuate the museum’s offerings. One such event takes place tomorrow, July 18: Fabulous Fifties Fun Family Day. It takes place across the street from the new museum in the restored Mobil Service Station, the former visitor center that is now used for special programs. The station was a gathering place for the media on that September day in 1957.

Fabulous Fifties Fun: Family Day at the Historic Mobil Gas Station is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities scheduled include 50s games such hula hoops, jacks, slinky, yo-yo and jump rope. To keep things cool, Coleman Dairy is providing ice cream. The event is free and no reservations are necessary. Visitors under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

The National Park Visitor Center is located across from the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site at 2120 Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive. Call 501-374-1957 for more information.

Geocaching Friday: A New GRR Cache...and Another Favorite!

Happy Friday!!

I’m happy to announce that we have a new cache in the Arkansas Great River Road cache program. It was published earlier this week…and, believe it or not, it still hasn’t been found! So there’s an FTF just waiting on someone in Lake Village!! Lake Chicot State Park Visitors Center replaces the Into the Woods cache, which I recently archived. 

I’m headed to Little Rock this weekend and thought I’d do some caching while I’m there. Which also made me remember another of my FAVORITE caches! Two of my caching buddies did this cache before me…and they kept talking about it and how it was a little “spooky.” But they wouldn’t tell me anything else! So I finally went to find it…and it IS spooky! Not scary spooky…but it’s a strange feeling to be where you have to go to get the cache. I know…I’m being evasive! Actually, the cache I found was Fast Lane, which has been archived. Luckily, someone has adopted the cache and now it’s known as Fast Lane Redux. It’s just one you have to find. The original one wasn’t hard or sneaky…but it was definitely memorable!

I hope you all have a great weekend!!

Arkansas Trivia: Answers

Arkansas Trivia: Test Your Knowledge!

It’s the middle of the summer and the temperature keeps rising. Summertime doldrums have set in…. so here’s a little game help pass the time. Test your knowledge of Arkansas town names. See how many you know. Check tomorrow’s blog (Thursday, July 15) for the correct answers. More trivia will come in later blogs.

Enjoy!

1.            What you do when you come to a bridge 

2.            Well-known city in Germany

3.            U.S. law officer

4.            Evergreen tree upon a steep bluff

5.            Flower not yet opened

6.            Three state’s names

7.            Famous Indian maiden

8.            Larger than a town with lots of trees

9.            Ice cream flavor

10.          Name of Burt Reynolds' last television series

Benton’s Gann Museum: An Arkansas One-of-a-Kind

Upon first sight, the Gann Museum of Saline County in Benton doesn’t look much different than others except that it has two front doors, each topped by gable, making it architecturally interesting. That’s not what makes it unusual; it’s what the construction material of the building that makes it unique. The museum is the only known structure in the world made completely of bauxite.

Bauxite is another name for aluminum ore and most commonly formed in deeply weathered rocks. The ore was named after the French village of Les Baux de Provencewhere geologist Pierre Berthier discovered it 1821. The only place in the United States where it has been feasible to commercially mine the aluminum is Saline County in central Arkansas. The industry took hold in this area in 1899 with top output coming during World War II, when demand increased because German subs were sinking foreign ore ships. The mining thrived for many, many years before the high grade, low silica bauxite ore gave out.

In 1893, patients of Dr. Dewell Gann, Sr. who couldn’t afford to pay the doctor for his services, built the office.At the time, they didn’t know what the ore was – they thought it was some sort of clay plentiful in the area. All the blocks were cut with handsaws and had to air dry for six weeks before being used. The bricks are a colorful mix of tans, browns, rusts, yellows and oranges with a touch of pinkish-red.

After the building was completed, engineers determined the bauxite wasn’t a stable enough material for construction. The structure has defied the warnings, is still sturdy, and now houses the Gann Museum.  Don’t miss the large exhibit of Niloak, a highly collectible art pottery made in the area from 1909 to 1946. Trivia tidbit: Niloak is "kaolin," a type of clay, spelled backwards.

To learn more about this fascinating piece of construction history, visit the Gann Museum of Saline County at 218 Market Street in Benton. Call 501- 778-5513 for hours of operation and more information.

Must See Monday: Revisiting an Old Favorite – Historic Arkansas Museum

Growing up in Little Rock, there were three places that you knew would be a field trip in school: the Historic Arkansas Museum (then known as the Arkansas Territorial Restoration), the Old State House and the Arkansas State Capitol. If you didn’t go anywhere else in the state for a field trip, you could bet you’d go to these three.

The Historic Arkansas Museum has changed a great deal since its days as the Territorial Restoration. The foundation is the same – the oldest existing buildings in Little Rock. It is a quite an experience to tour these historic structures and see how the different demographics lived in Territorial Arkansas. From the rough-and-tumble Hinderliter Grog Shop to the more classical Brownlee House, you discover various eras of Arkansas history. Also on the grounds are the McVicar House, the Woodruff Print shop, the Plum Bayou Log House, and the 1850s Farmstead.

The ultramodern visitor center has six galleries featuring various permanent and traveling exhibits. Items from the museum’s permanent collection are showcased here as well: quilts, guns, pottery, jewelry and furniture, just to mention a few. Don’t miss the Knife Gallery where one of the finest collections of Bowie Knifes is housed. A museum store full of handcrafted items is a great place to find the perfect gift.

In addition to the structures, the museum boasts an innovative living history program where you can experience up close and personal. Hourly tours given between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily include a living history vignette.

The Historic Arkansas Museum is located at 200 East Third Street in downtown Little Rock. Revisit an old favorite…or visit for the first time. It’s an entertainment introduction into Arkansas history.

Geocaching Friday: Desha County

We’ve reached the close of another week…and it’s time to get out and do some geocaching this weekend!

Some of the first geocaches I ever logged were in southeast Arkansas. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, one of my favorite caches, Shell Game, is located on U.S. 65 between Dumas and McGehee. This is a great area for caching. The caches are diverse…everything from park-and-grabs to micro magnetics to cemetery hides. That’s one of the things I love about caching in this region.

Between Dumas, McGehee and Arkansas City, there are over 120 caches within a 35-mile radius. I wanted to do the entire county because I wanted to include several of the Great River Road caches that I think you would enjoy, not only for the find but also for the historical significance of the area.

Dumas is where I discovered my first “micro magnetic” cache. At first, I thought part of the container was missing…it was THAT small. But it was all there…it was just sneaky! Make sure and check out our Great River Road geocache, Mud in Your Eye, while in town. You’ll also want to go in and look at the amazing Arkansas Delta pottery at the shop where the cache is located. Another one of my favorite caches is the Disciple Cache. I searched for it at LEAST four times since 2008…and finally found it two months ago. I’ve learned a few geocaching tricks-of-the-trade since I originally tried to find it.

If you’re out caching in the area around lunchtime, swing in to Pickens and find the Great River Road cache Reach Out and Touch Someone in Pickens. And if it’s open, do NOT miss a visit to the Pickens Commissary. The food is SO good…and the dessert is just amazing!

Between Dumas and McGehee, you’ll want to check out the Shell Game cache. There’s also several great caches near Winchester and Tiller.

In McGehee, make sure and search for Delta Roots, one of our Great River Road caches. It’s located at one of my favorite shopping locations in the Delta! McGehee Cemetery and Hello McGehee are two other caches you’ll definitely want to locate.

There are two of our Great River Road geocaches located in Arkansas City, Cover to Cover and Lookin' at the Levee. Arkansas City was once a vibrant river town of nearly 10,000…until it was almost destroyed during the Flood of 1927. It is home to the beautiful Desha County Courthouse and the John H. Johnson Museum and Cultural Center. Johnson, who was born in Arkansas City, was the founder and publisher of Jet and Ebony magazines. His life story is absolutely fascinating. He was a man who refused to let obstacles stand in his way. He was often quoted as saying, “Failure is a word I don’t accept.”

I hope you take some time to geocache in Desha County. I promise you, you’ll enjoy the trip. Have a wonderful weekend!!

Beat the Heat with a Soda Fountain Treat!

July is National Ice Cream Month. In the South, we’ve become adept at ways to beat the summer heat and ice cream is just about one of the best ways around. Kids love it, grown-ups love it, teens love it.

Why not make your quest for ice cream an adventure? Arkansas is fortunate enough to still have a nice variety of old-fashioned ice cream parlors available. There are original historic ones still in working order and there are brand-new shiny ones. Pack the car and head off to some town you’ve never been and have a frosty concoction. Here are some of the ones to try.

If you know of any not on the list, please let me know.

Family Shoe & Dry Goods, Calico Rock   (photo right)
A step back in time, this venue is a lunch counter with an old-time soda fountain as well as shoes, clothing and unusual gifts.

Enjoy a refreshment from the old-time soda fountain, and then explore artifacts that depict the history and culture of the Fort Smith area from Native Americans to the present.

Cherry's Olde-Tyme Soda Fountain, Hope 
Menu includes soups, specialty sandwiches, and quiche

Ozark Café, Jasper (photo right)
The history of this soda fountain in Arkansas goes back 100 years. The century-old café features burgers, steaks and seafood in addition to its soda fountain offerings.

Jones Drug Store, Lepanto
Features an original soda fountain from days of the past.

Purple Cow, Little Rock
Two locations serve up premium, hand-dipped shakes from the soda fountain; also offers gourmet burgers and diner specialties

Palace Drug Store & Soda Fountain, Mammoth Spring
Along with the soda fountain, this lunch counter serves soups, sandwiches, salads and desserts, and has a selection of gifts.

Kelley's Drug and Selections, McGehee (photo right)

Woods Pharmacy, Mountain View (photo left)
Soda fountain menu includes ice cream sodas, cones, phosphates, shakes, malts, sundaes, banana splits; food menu includes sandwiches, salads.

Futrell Pharmacy, Pocahontas (photo right)
One of the oldest pharmacies in Arkansas to remain in the same location; features an old-fashioned soda fountain.

Dixie Café, Statewide
All in-state locations of this Arkansas-based chain have soda fountains; features home-style cooking, burgers, salads

Looking for a Travel Deal? Try Affordable Arkansas!

Think you can’t afford a vacation this year? Or perhaps you’ve taken on and would like to take another but don’t have the budget? Au contraire. Arkansas offers a number of ways to have an enjoyable trip without it costing a lot. 

First, check out.ArkansasHotDeals.com for hot deals, packages and coupons. The packages and hot deals offer ideas where the businesses has done all the work for you. All you have to do is make reservations then pack the car and go. They all include lodging plus “extras,” whether it’s a spa visit, admission to an attraction or a fishing trip. 

The coupons are varied as well -- from restaurants and attractions to golf courses.

You’ve chosen the deal just for you and printed out the coupons – or found them on the Arkansas Tourism iPhone App. "But Wait...There's More!" These are not your only options. We’ve compiled a list of over 100 Free Things to Do in The Natural State. You’ll find a surprising range of offerings, both indoors and out. You can even calculate the approximate cost of gas you’re going to use on the trip. 

What are you waiting for? Some great affordable travel opportunities await you in Affordable Arkansas!

UPDATE: Country Music Star Joe Nichols Performs for a Good Cause

Kerry Kraus

Nichols’ concert is Wednesday, July 7, in the East End community to help raise funds to rebuild the local fire department. A May tornado destroyed the station.

The parking lot adjacent to the East End Baptist Church at 4701 East End Road is the site of the outdoor concert which beings at 7 p.m. Admission is free but donations are more than welcome.

 

East End is located in Saline County. Head south on I-530 then take the Sheridan exit. Follow it until you reach the stop light at Woodson Lateral Road. Turn right and continue to the stop sign at Springlake Road. Go right on Springlake Road for approximately a block, then turn left onto East End Road. Continue on East End Road until right before the stop sign at Arch Street. The church is on the left. An alternate route is take Arch Street south until you reach East End Road, then turn left. The church is on the right.