On our visit to Hot Springs, we were told to check out Garvan Woodland Gardens. It was definitely a…read moregreat decision to come by and have a nice long stroll through the various gardens, forests, streams, and just nature. Its not too hard to find and there's plenty of parking out front. Leaving the parking lot is a little confusing though (signs would be helpful...). But its well worth the trip out! There were a variety of slices of nature and we spent a few hours here and still did not get to see it all. There's a whole nature preserve that's part of it and apparently great in the dawn/dusk to spot and hear various birds. We did see quite a bit of wildlife and fun plants around so even if we missed the preserve it was fun to see everything else. I think this is a great spot to reconnect with nature for a bit. There were well marked paths so it wasn't too strenuous and there were some more kid friendly areas as well for them to explore and run around.

Options for autumn when Canada was "closed" (1 of 2)…read more - - - - - Covid may seemingly be a thing of the past, but, for some, it will never be forgotten because it affected them or their loved ones in far more serious ways. It changed how we interacted, shopped, circulated, and even limited our options as to where we could travel. For a while, Canada was closed and it always comes to the top of my list when it comes to fall colors. That said, other options became New England, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and the Ozarks. Garvan Woodland Gardens is located just outside of Hot Springs, Arkansas, thus in the general Ozarks area. Hot Springs itself was already on the map as place of touristic import. Along a major avenue there is nationally registered "Bathhouse Row," a string of private spas in ornate mansion-sized facilities that rose to fame during the 20th Century. Its most famous visitor may have been Al Capone. I came to learn that Capone died a natural death. One might have thought otherwise. I vaguely knew about these gardens - the Garvan Woodland Gardens. However, if in town and you ask questions about things to do, their existence, and their details, become front and center. It's an easy drive from the small city of Hot Springs. The gardens began as a private garden that then flourished when they were donated and "privatized," or realistically operated by the University of Arkansas. As such, there is an admission fee. As can be expected, the gardens are segmented and themed. The most notable might be the Japanese Garden and the manicured plantings that go with that. There are also other themed areas, including some areas which are a little natural, or scruffier, if you prefer that word. There are other areas such as a toy railroad sort of old town, walkways abutting the lake, and odd contraptions that serve as stairs, bridges, and tree houses. Then, there are some areas with art installations of sort that look sort of granola. I didn't have time to read every placard explaining the logic, if any, of some of these things. There is also a non-denominational chapel on the grounds and it closely resembles the state's Thorncrown Chapel designed by the University of Arkansas's famed alumnus E. Fay Jones. I had already seen that chapel in Eureka Springs, but, if you can't make it to its remote corner of the state (actually just south of and somewhat close to Branson, Missouri), this one will almost enable you to check Thorncrown Chapel off your list. Seasonal blooms will affect what you see. Note that, if seeking fall color in the state, it will come later than other parts of America owing to the more southerly latitude. In the fall, it won't be as "flowery." The forested lands in which Garvan Wooodlands Gardens sits appear to be studded in Southern pine, and reminded me of the vegetation surrounding the Atlanta area. The employees on hand were very helpful. Note that, in this state, your bucket list ,at the very minimum, would be about 3 state parks, 2 more rugged natural areas, the historic areas of Little Rock, Eureka Springs, and Hot Springs, which would include these gardens. The beauty of everything you see may exceed your expectations. Just about everyone is giving Garvan Woodlands Gardens 5 stars. For its context and area, it should fetch 5 stars. However, compared to other places with a similar admission fee, I felt it was closer to 4 stars. It is nonetheless impressive and recommended and you should also consider the month in which you plan to visit. However, it could also be that the few hippie-dippy things there made for an eye roll. They always do.

Beautiful rock formations in a gorgeous natural setting! Hard to believe you're on a golf course!…read moreIt's a short hike from the parking lot down several sets of stairs but totally worth the effort! I am not familiar with the history but am excited to look for information on how it was used!

A sandstone cave used as a shelter by Native Americans that's thousands of years old?! In the…read moremiddle of a golf course?! Plus, it's on the National Register of Historic Places! Oh and there are ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings). Uhhhh, what kind of a jerk would I be to give this less than 5-stars?? FYI from what I can tell, this cave shelter has several names...Indian Rock Cave AKA Indian Rock House AKA Indian Rock House Cave AKA Edgemont Shelter. And most of the rock art is located on the west side of the shelter. You can see the depiction of several human figures as well as a four-legged animal of some variety. There are also a number of lines and geometric shapes. Rad! You can access the shelter in a couple of different ways. There is a museum in the Indian Hills Golf Course parking lot and another log cabin next to it. There's a short trail with some stairs that start at the log cabin. You can also access the shelter from the golf course itself. Took the kids on a nice neat-ture walk along the trail that runs in front of the cave along with a stretch of cool rock formations. Easy hike for the most part - or you can always bail onto the golf course. We did get some bug bites and did see poison ivy along the trail. Forgot my measuring devices, but from what I've read, the rock shelter is a 100 feet wide, 50 feet high, and 97 feet deep. I've never been able to handle spelunking, so this is kinda the perfect cave size for this girl who is terrified of being underground and in tight spaces. None of that necessary here!

An amazing piece of Americana that has been rehabilitated for use as a substation for the Sherwood…read morePolice Station. Not only is there nothing else like it in Sherwood, there's nothing else like it in Arkansas! If you haven't been to see the Roundtop, especially if you love vintage gas stations and unique architecture, make a trip to see it!

The Old Mill is a beautiful spot in North Little Rock, AR amongst a charming neighborhood…read more It's listed as a National Register of Historic Places. Rightly so... the mill is supposedly the "last standing structure" from the movie "Gone With The Wind." The gates opened at 8 AM. Entry was free. By the time we got there, a small group was already taking professional-like photos of their model. The landscaping was nicely manicured. Some of the plants and flowers or trees were labeled with little signs. My girls liked climbing up into the replica "water-powered grist mill." We didn't stay long as dogs were not allowed on the grounds. Our dog stayed in my Jeep while the air-conditioning was on since it was in the upper 80s already. For more info plus an interactive map, go to: https://nlr.ar.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/old-mill/

It's very relaxing and beautiful there and it just takes you back to bygone era, and it's pretty…read moreneat it was in Gone With the Wind.

Bathhouse row is so neat and clean. It's such a beautiful way to walk around Hot Springs. I…read moreactually went into Lamar Bathhouse and was not disappointed.. it has so many lovely options for you to choose from. I promise they don't disappoint.

There are 7 bathhouses still standing in Hot Springs National Park. The thermal springs gave it…read morethe name Spa City. Many from all walks of life came here for wellness & healing. Superior boathouse from 1829 is now a brewery restaurant. The fourth, is now the National Parks Visitor Center. We walked through the old bath house exhibits. We wandered into dressing rooms, hot tubs, medical rooms, and even a room with very old fitness equipment.

This was awesome! Very friendly people along the walk, ride. We even saw deers at the time we went…read morealong the walking past in the forest area. Hefty hill going up but you can do it! The views are epic! I wish I got more pictures!

Little Rock did a great job with this public space, it's a beautiful outdoor area that's super…read morewalkable and very accessible, for pedestrians and cyclists alike. The fact that it's a dam and a bridge is cool, I guess? But what's great about this space is its value as a park, really worth a visit on a nice day!

We heard that this place was a "must see" so I had really high expectations; especially when…read morecompared to mount Nebo. My first impression was "where do you park?!" Lots of people come here, and the main parking lot is always packed near the visitor center and restaurant. Sure there's lots of parking near the hiking trails, but up front not so much. This place reminds me of Top of the Rock in Branson. There isn't much in the way of activates here. I wish I was told more about this place. It seems Petit Jean is more centered around hiking and mountain biking. Lots of trails for both, and then a restaurant on a bluff that hikers, motorcyclists, and tourists seem to flock to. If you don't really hike, or bicycle, and don't really care about eating at a restaurant that looks over a bluff then save yourself a trip. I mean if I was an avid hiker I might really like this place, but since I'm not there's other places around just as beautiful without the drive.

A few friends ( 8 trailers with 16 people and 5 dogs) came to camp for a few days and although the…read moreweather wasn't as good as we had hoped for, rain for 1 1/2 days, temps dropped to the mid 40's during the day and 18+ mph winds, it was a great trip. We all, at different times, explored the surroundings, walked trails, and some enjoyed dinner and/or breakfast at nearby restaurants. Us Texans sure did enjoy Arkansas and its fall beauty.

This gorgeous pedestrian path spans the Arkansas River. Many were kayaking under r biking over the…read moreArkansas River. Information here about the history of the bridge, which started out in the 1800s as a rail bridge.

We parked near the Clinton Library and decided to take a stroll, not really sure what to…read moreexpect--but the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge ended up being one of those quiet gems that sneaks up on you. What used to be an old railroad bridge has been given a second life, now standing proudly as a pedestrian walkway stretching over the Arkansas River. As we walked across, the breeze picked up just enough to keep the July heat from being unbearable. The view of the Little Rock skyline on one side and the riverbanks stretching out on the other made it worth the steps. It was calm, wide open, and gave us time to slow down and just enjoy where we were. The kids ran ahead, pretending they were on some kind of adventure, and we just soaked in the peace. It's not flashy or loud, but it has that thoughtful kind of presence--like it knows it's not the main event, but it still wants to make the moment better. If you're visiting the library, make the time to walk it. Bridges don't usually make memories--but this one just might.

The bridge was constructed in 1970 & converted to pedestrian use in 2008, this bridge is lit every…read morenight with thousands of LED lights as a part of the River Lights in the Rock art installation.

The bridge is very well lit at night and easy to find, it is also a pretty unique bridge compared…read moreto others I've seen. The bridge offers an elevator for those with physical disabilities, but I'm not sure if it works ir not.