ARKANSAS

Blessed with natural features, ranging from the rugged Ozark and Ouachita Mountains to the level fields of the Mississippi River Delta region, Arkansas has beauty and nature in abundance.
Travel the beautiful Scenic 7 Byway to El Dorado. The early 20th century oil boom here financed a growth spurt that is still visible in the restored architecture of the quaint downtown area. Self-guided walking tours wind past shops and restaurants, as well as the fully restored art deco-era Rialto Theater.
Keep on the 7 Byway, and you will soon reach Arkadelphia, a picturesque town, where the Ouachita Mountains meet the gleaming DeGray Lake. Consider staying at the DeGray Lake Resort State Park, with its 96-room lodge, 18-hole golf course, marina, and horse-back riding trails, it’s the perfect place to enjoy scenic Arkansas. Venture out of the lakeside paradise to check out Reynolds Science Center Planetarium, where visitors can view the night sky using high-powered telescopes, and learn the history of space exploration.
Sooth your road-weary body in the town of Hot Springs, where you can soak away your cares in one of the famous spas of Bath House Row, or lose yourself in the simple serenity of the 210-acre Garland Woodland Gardens. It’s a win-win proposition no matter which one you choose.
Our little jaunt ends near the border of Missouri, in the pleasing borough of Harrison. Pass the time fishing at the local trout farms, visiting the Boone County museum, having a picnic by the Lake, or shopping at the little boutiques downtown.
However, make sure to hike over to Mystic Caverns, where you can travel into the heart of the Ozark Mountains and witness the spectacular eight-story cave dome. It is a breath-taking end to an exciting Arkansas trip.
www.arkansas.com; 800/NATURAL.