Cstone

We'll be attending a family reunion (staying in Bella Vista) in northwest Arkansas in mid June..... we'd like to extend our time in the area if there are interesting sights and areas to visit. Via this site, I've read favorable things about Eureka Spring, while Bronson doesn't suit us.... please suggest other places to visit. Should we fly into XNA (Fayettville), or Tulsa? Is there another airport to consider that would allow us an interesting "loop drive"? Any and all suggestions are welcomed! And a big thanks to all of the folks who graciously share their experiences and recommendations.

lisa

There aren't many flights into Fayetteville and you usually have to take a "puddle jumper." The drive from Little Rock to Fayetteville is likely to be more interesting than from Tulsa since it will be mountainous -- you will be driving through the Ozarks.

Eureka Springs is nice and you will enjoy it. You might also visit Table Rock Lake in the NW part of Arkansas -- very beautiful. If you are into outdoorsy stuff, try canoeing or white water rafting -- there are lots of places near there to do it, including the White (I *think* it's the white) River.

Honestly, other than that, I can't think of many other attractions. Enjoy!

pineville booster

Only 12 short miles north of Bella Vista is the canoeing center of Pineville. June is usually a good time to go and no real level of skill is needed. The cost is reasonable and launching and pick up are included. It's a good way to see the ozark scenery and meet people at the same time. There are web sites connected with this activity, try searching Pineville, Mo. for some choices. Or contact me and I'll get some numbers.

ryan

XNA is fine to fly into. There are connections from all the major hub airports in the region (Dallas, Chicago, St. Louis, Memphis.) If you happen to be coming from New York, there is a direct flight every weekday from LaGuardia.

I've done the canoe trip (with the nice folks from Wal-Mart.) It is fun. Just watch out for the snakes.

connie

I agree with the drive up from Little Rock being a nice drive. Eureka Springs is a nice drive also. You could drive over to E.S. and then up to Table Rock Lake and then back as a loop.

If you are a Christian, they do an excelllent outdoor play outside E.S. called the Passion Play every evening based on the last days of Christ's life. You would need to call ahead for tickets.

Further east is the Buffalo National River. The river is actually a national recreation area and very scenic to float on.

If you like shopping for outdoor stuff, the original Bass Pro Shop is up in Springtown. It is awesome just to walk around in--looks like a big national park lodge. Next door is their outlet where they sell stuff that has been returned or overstocks VERY CHEAP.

We do this trip as a weekend getaway from northeast Texas.

cl9

I'll second the opinions you've gotten so far.
There are all kinds of things to do around there if you like scenic drives, lakes, and trails. The drive down highway 71 to Fayetville is one of my favorites (I'm from SE KS). As is the drive from Tulsa to Springdale for that matter. Tulsa has a zoo and some other attractions if you're interested.
Devil's den state park is a very nice (althoug farther south) area with short but interesting trails.
Pea Ridge National Military Park (Civil war battle site) is very close to Bella Vista. It's interesting and worth a couple of hours.
There are lots of caves (Fantastic Caverns if you go up by Sprinfield, MO).
I hope you have a good trip

hens4th

to cl9: have never heard from ANYONE from SE KS on this forum, so I'm curious: where are you? Anywhere near Independence?.....

Brenda

I would fly into XNA. I wouldn't advise traveling from Little Rock. There is alot of construction along I-40 that can be dangerous. We enjoy Eureka Springs. There is alot of great little shops downtown and some very nice bed and breakfast inns. We stayed at the Piedmont B&B recently and it was very nice. The Crescent Hotel is really fun too-they even have a late night ghost tour! Hope you enjoy your trip. Eureka Springs has a good website that can help with info too--eurekasprings.com. Silver Dollar City is just an hour north of there at Branson and always a good time

cl9

hens4th
yep, real close to Independence.
I grew up outside of Parsons.
Hard to beleive I know, we don't seem to get out much do we.

Californian

If air fare cost is a concern.....
you will likely get a cheaper price into Tulsa than into XNA simply because of the volume.
At least that's the way it works for us here in California who fly to Arkansas to visit relatives in Hot Springs.
While Hot Springs is MUCH MUCH closer to Little Rock, the fares from San Francisco to Little Rock are almost always much higher than into Tulsa; often $200 per person R/T, (I can do a lot with that $400 saving).
We rent a car in Tulsa and drive down to Hot Springs although Little Rock is only about 45 minutes from Hot Springs.
Just the way it works for us..so check air fares for the various airports.
Obviously, this may NOT apply from YOUR depature airport but worth checking.

hens4th

cl9: yep, don't get out much, what with the mowing and garden and all. But ain't this site great for dreaming? (BTW, I live outside of Cherryvale.....)

cl9

Wow,
That is wild.
I went to grade school in Mound Valley and my Mom and sister bowl in Cherryvale.
I live in Iowa now. But yes this is a great place for dreaming (and defending the places I love).