Arkansas Travels Bucket List

So - I snagged this -- from TieDye Travels. Blog... http://www.tiedyetravels.com/2014/12/arkansas-bucket-list.html (mainly because it's a good list so I wanted to save it somewhere handy)

I think it's a great basic list for Arkansas. Only one thing on this list that I've done - and I've lived in Arkansas my whole life (37 years) the rest listed, sad to say, are things I haven't. I'll add my thoughts to each number - in red. ...and if I happen to mark any of these trips off my Arkansas Travels Bucket List, I'll be sure and share my thoughts and adventures!

The Arkansas Bucket List - 8 Must-Take Trips for 2015.

Everyone has something they've always wanted to do.  These days, that collection of daring acts and adventures is often called a "bucket list" (things to do before you kick the bucket) -- and it usually includes a good deal of places people want to go, see and do in their lifetime.

When I talk about places I go here in Arkansas, there's usually a person in the crowd who mentions they've always wanted to go there, or eat something I had there.  Rather than wait for my next adventure, here's a suggested list of things that should be on your Arkansas bucket list.

1. Dig for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park.  The only place in the world where you can pay a small fee and go search a big field for diamonds to your heart's content.  There have been some pretty big diamonds found at the park, but most folks go away without a large specimen to take home.  Still, it's fun and it's a good story for later. Click here for park information.
TO DO -- never done this and always wanted to!

2.  Float the Buffalo National River. The very first national river, this free-flowing stream cuts through the heart of the Ozarks, and when the water is high enough to float (spring to early summer and fall), it's a wet path to glorious views.  There are outfitters all along the river, so you don't even need to own your own canoe.  Find one to book, here or here.
DONE - been there, done that...even tried it a second time, but failed. I suppose I'll gladly go again - IF - someone is in the canoe with me that is stronger than me.

3. Ride a motorcycle through curvy, mountainous terrain.  The Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains sport great two-lane blacktop for challenging riding.  The Arkansas Dragon (Highway 123), Push Mountain Road and Talimena Scenic Byway are all really great scenic runs. Check out some great routes, here.

TO DO...if someone has a motorcycle and wants a nervous passenger, sure!

 4.  Make a culinary pilgrimage.  While many of the places I talk about at Tie Dye Travels are great unknown diners and barbecue joints, there are a few that have obtained national renown and even presidential visits, including AQ Chicken House in Springdale, McClard's Bar-B-Que in Hot Springs, Jones Barbecue Diner in Marianna and Rhoda's Famous Hot Tamales in Lake Village.
TO DO! This will take some planning... but sounds yummy to me!

5.  Ride the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad in the fall. The excursion train through the Boston Mountains takes passengers from Van Buren to Springdale and back, and in autumn the colors are glorious.  It's a pretty cool ride even when it's not autumn. Book your excursion here,

TO DO! I didn't even know this was a possibility here in Arkansas!

6. See where Johnny Cash was raised.  Head to Dyess to visit the town where the Man in Black grew up.  Visit a museum that talks about the Dyess colony and then ride out for a tour of the Cash family home, restored to the era when Cash was a boy. Learn more about the home, here.

TO DO! Hasn't this recently been restored? I'm not a huge fan of Johnny Cash.. but, history is history, right?

 7.  Walk in the steps of the Little Rock Nine.  Visit the Central High School National Historic Site in downtown Little Rock.  Learn about desegregation efforts in the 1950s and take a tour of the high school itself, where you'll hear tales of the nine brave black students who attended and the turmoil they experienced. Find information about the visitors center, here.

TO DO! Shame on me for not having this already checked of my list!

8.  See the elk at Ponca.  These majestic beasts come out to feed in fields at Boxley Valley and along the upper Buffalo early in the morning and late in the afternoon.  Viewing the elk has become very popular for folks who head out into the Ozarks.  Get educated on elk at the Ponca Elk Education Center.

TO DO! Nature at it's finest!

 Have an item you think should be here?  Leave your suggestion in the comments.

 

Looks like I've got a few things on my TO DO list when it comes to seeing and doing in Arkansas. I would say one more thing that should be on here --- is Crystal Bridges Art Museum. It's a must see! We've been twice and each time I enjoyed it. It's a pretty big deal...at least to the art lover in me!