We would like to go on vacation during spring break this year and am at a loss for what to do. Our oldest will be graduating so it may be the last time we all take a big trip together! Flying is really not an option with the size of our family (and budget). We are about equally split between liking outdoor activities and just lounging. A trip near outdoor activities but with nearby modern accomodations (from cabin up) would be ok. Trips over the years (to help with our interests) have included camping in the Black Hills of South Dakota, all things tourist in San Antonio, white water rafting in Colorado, all things tourist on the East coast from North Carolina to Massachusets, visiting family and doing tourist type things in Alabama and Minnesota. We try and do different things/places to reach all areas of the country. It has been a few years since we have been on a big trip together (too many teenagers with too many activites).
Do you have any suggestions for your state? Our kids are 12-18. Trip would be March 15 - 22, 2008
Kansan looking for 2008 vacation ideas in your stateHead to Ponca Arkansas and paddle one of the most beautiful stretches of river in America, Ponca to Pruitt on the Buffalo River. It%26#39;s about a 24 mile run. Leave time for hiking the Goat Trail or to the waterfall at Hemmed-in Hollow, buried deep in the Ozark hills. Dry off and head to Little Rock%26#39;s Peabody Hotel for a real sleep after nights out on the Buffalo sand bars. Arise to the high-tech Clinton Presidential library and museum, which even his detractors find a fascinating musem experience. If time permits, drive another 90 miles to America%26#39;s only diamond mine, in Murfreesboro Arkansas to try your luck digging in the fields for sparkling trreasure. Head back to the historic Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs for hot spring water baths and hiking through the national park above and around the historic town. And it%26#39;s back to Kansas,
Kansan looking for 2008 vacation ideas in your stateTry Calico Rock, Arkansas in the Heart of the Ozarks. All of the things below are an easy drive from there - most less than 30 minutes.
WHAT TO DO:
The list is literally endless because you basically have every outdoor activity known to mankind available within an hour%26#39;s drive of Calico Rock, AR. Here is a description and helpful links to
some of the places and other items that guest have enjoyed.
BLANCHARD SPRINGS CAVERNS (NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE)
Without question Blanchard Springs Caverns are the best underground cave system in the United States. People who have visited Carlsbad in NM or Luray in VA say there is no comparison – Blanchard Springs Caverns are the best – namely because they are living caverns with all the color and water still present. Two trails, Dripstone and Discovery, are fully handicap/wheelchair accessible with Dripstone open year round. The third option is the “Wild Cave Tour” and is a new addition. It takes 3 to 4 hours
and you are guided on a walk and crawl through undeveloped portions of the cavern system. It is truly a remarkable experience. For the ';Wild Cave Tour'; advanced reservations (3 or 4 days before is usually sufficient) are required and no one under 10 is permitted on that particular trip.
FISHING (RIVERS %26amp; LAKES):
A Fly Fishers Paradise Awaits - including World Record Trout
Without a doubt, trout fishing on the White and Norfork Rivers is what the vast majority of visitors to the area partake of. World record Brown trout have been caught on the Norfork River and the Brown and Rainbow trout in the White River are plentiful. From downtown you are a two minute walk to the docks of the White River, the Norfork River is 20 minutes north on Hwy. 5.
Trout fishing not your cup of tea, want to catch that prize bass? Then you are in luck as well, as Bull Shoals and Lake Norfork, two of the best fishing lakes in the Ozarks are less than one hour away.
If you want any interesting twist on fishing and an educational opportunity for the kids, don%26#39;t miss the US Fish and Wildlife National Fish Hatchery at the base of the Lake Norfork dam. It is truly amazing to see literally 1000s of Rainbow, Brown and Cutthroat trout used to stock area rivers.
MOUNTAIN BIKING - TRAILS FOR ALL AGES
SYLLAMO BIKE TRAIL (NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE)
Internationally Acclaimed Mountain Biking
The International Mountain Bicycling Association in 2005 rated the Syllamo Bike trail as one of five Epic Rides. One of the trail heads is less than a 15 minute drive from Calico Rock. This challenging trail will bring hours of exercise and visions of great beauty in the forest. A great description of the 50+ miles of trails is provided here by
local experts and a great article here. The trail is home to the annual Syllamo%26#39;s Revenge Race, plus several other events throughout the year. If you are a rider you don%26#39;t want to miss this.
PIGEON CREEK TAIL SYSTEM
If you need more mountain bike adventures (or a warm-up for Syllamo) head north to Mountain Home to the Pigeon Creek Mountain Bike Trail System. Here you will find a system that is a bit shorter, but suited for all levels of Mountain Bikers.
HIKING
There are several hiking opportunities through out the region and there are several trail books. The nearest developed trail is at the Visitor Center for Blanchard Springs Caverns, a 20 minute drive from the Lodge. The Rangers at the Center have plenty of maps and will update you on what the best trail is at that time. The closest and one of the best in the Ozarks is the North Sylamore Creek Hiking Trail - This 14-mile trail follows North Sylamore Creek from Allison, Arkansas to Barkshed Recreation Area. It is located 15 miles southeast of Edsrock Lodge at Blanchard Springs Caverns visitor center. You can also hike the Syllamo Bike Trail. The ';White River Loop'; has several scenic spots along the way.
The National Forest Service has host of information and maps available at its web sites for activities within the Ozark/St Francis area.
CANOEING
There is often nothing better than heading down the river on a canoe and enjoying all nature has to offer. This includes getting a canoe or kayak from one of the local outfitters, then floating down the White River by its scenic bluffs. Also Calico Rock is an hour from the famous Buffalo National River. This is one of a few
unpolluted and free flowing river in the lower 48 states and provides a paradise for all levels of experience. You can reach several put in points within one to two hour drive from the Calico Rock.
SCUBA DIVING
Some of the clearest inland water in the nation is found at both Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes. Many of the boat docks provide rentals for divers.
VISITING HISTORIC CALICO ROCK
One of the simple pleasures of staying in this area is a stroll down the hill to historic downtown Calico Rock. Make sure you stop at the visitor’s center to pick up the latest brochures. One of the favorite things for the young grandsons of residents is an afternoon treat at the old fashion soda fountain at Clinkingbeard Family Store on Main Street. Also you can visit the oldest public structure in Arkansas - the Wolf House just north of Calico Rock near Norfork.
WORLD RENOWNED FOLK MUSIC
If nature is not enough, then let music fill the air. The Ozark Folk Center is world famous for keeping the art of folk music and folk life alive. There are shows several times a week that you will find very enjoyable, plus classes and seminars on many aspects of ';Folk Life';.
And if you really want to ';step back in time'; you should head to Mountain View on Friday and Saturday night and make your way to the Court House Square. There you will find several small groups of musicians who meet simply for the pure joy of playing together. Pull up a chair, or better yet bring your own instrument and join in.
Make your way around the groups to get a wonderful cross reference of all types of genuine folk music.
GOLF
For many no vacation is complete without a round (or several) of golf. At Calico Rock you are just 30 minutes from Big Creek Golf in Mountain Home. Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Golf Digest in May 2004, this course will present a challenge and a nice day of golf for any handicap and level of experience.
PLACES TO EAT
In Calico Rock on Main street is Don Quixote%26#39;s Cafe and the Clinkingbeard Lunch, while just out the highway one finds the White River Cafe, Leatherwood Restaurant, with Roscoe%26#39;s 7 miles from Pineville. You can find most anything between Mountain
Home, Calico Rock and Mountain View. Here are a few of our guests favorites:
JoJo’s Catfish Wharf (Our favorite place for Catfish)
Tommy’s Famous Pizza (Voted best pizza in Arkansas – if you like cheese, go here):
GOT TO SHOP
So you need a little break from nature, and want to hit the shops, there are several excellent shops in downtown Calico Rock and on the Square in Mountain View, there you%26#39;ll find some of the best local crafts at the Arkansas Crafts Guild, as well as at the nearby Arkansas Folk Center. In Mountain Home and nearby Hardy, you can find great crafts and antiques. Mountain Home has several fine Shopping facilities.
If you are in need of more modern finds, visit Branson, MO, some 2 hours from Calico Rock. Besides the great musical shows, there are numerous outlets and other shopping venues.
So, these are just a few of the things to do. You will find many more along the way and also discover your own.
Yes, the greatest attraction in Arkansas is the Buffalo River. Check the river levels at http://www.buffaloriverandrain.com before you leave. Ponca to Kyles is the best one-day float on the river, but the water isn%26#39;t always running up that high. down around 65 bridge and below is pretty reliable. If I had a week, I would probably stay in or around mountain view, which is a very scenic town and a destination in it%26#39;s own right, and from there float the buffalo, go to blanchard springs caverns, day-hike sylamore creek (excellent from barkshed to gunners pool) fish the white river...
you will absolutely love the buffalo river if the conditions are right (air temperature, water flow). It might be a little cool in March but fun.
Hi,
The ozarks are a good choice. Lots of caverns, boating etc..
Below is some info on our resort. Be sure to check out our website.
Three Oaks Resort is located on the shores of Lake Norfork, here in the beautiful
Ozarks. Our cottages are exceptionally clean and neatly decorated. All the cottages are
LAKEFRONT, most with PANORAMIC views. The cottages have kitchenettes that include: range/oven, microwave, refrigerator, coffee pot, toaster, dishes, utensils, and cookware. All linens and towels are furnished; we just ask that you bring your own beach towels. All cottages have heat and air conditioning as well as cable TV. Rates include the use of one boat stall. We are the only resort on the lake with a cable trolley which carries
our guests the short 200 feet to the water. All cottages are smoke free. Please, NO
Pets. Visit our website at: www.3oaksresort.com or call toll free 1-877-636-3541.
Thank You,
Michael %26amp; Joyce Roe
P.S...., we have cabins with panoramic views available, and this time of year they
are at a 20% off savings. Please check our Fishing Package Specials-boat and cabin for
3,5, or 7 nights stays at extra savings! We are the Best Waterfront Value on Lake
Norfork.
i recommend blanchard springs caverns as well. blanchardcavetours.com.
there are several lodges/cabins near very nice hiking trails. first I%26#39;d recommend mount nebo. there are several different trails with beautiful scenery as well as hang gliding all within walking distance of cabins. mountainstateparks.com for mt nebo info. mountmagazinestatepark.com is another nice place with several trails and a new lodge. Petit Jean has some nice trails and water fall at end of one of them. stateparks.com/petit_jean.html There is another trail with a beautiful view of ozarks called Whitaker Point (aka Hawksbill crag). this website has pictures: ozarkconnections.com/gallery/…whitpoint.html. this site has info: harrisonarkansas.or/hikingtrails_hawksbillcr… For a 35%26#39; waterfall in a cave (take flashlight), go to eden falls. it is at the end of the Lost Valley Trail. This hike is located off of Hwy 43 between Ponca and Boxley. this site: arkansas.com/things-to-do or this one: nps.gov/archive/buff/lv-trail.htm. Another place to do canoe or kayaking is at Hardy on the Spring River. This site: hardyarkansas.com/outfitters.htm or 3riversoutfitters.com. one other place to consider is Eureka Springs.com. shopping, several attractions and some hiking. also near there is turpentinecreek.org/visit.html. it is a large wildlife refuge for many different big cats that were unwanted or abused.
In central Arkansas in Little Rock is Pinnacle Mountain. for scenery and bike riding: bigdambridge.com. Recently saw some info from another poster about bike rentals for here: rivertrailrentals.com. littlerock.com or littlerockguestguide.com. you could visit the downtown River market as well.
Thanks for coming to our state. Hope you all have a great visit together here.
forgot to mention one other site to check out: arkansasstateparks.com/camping-cabins-lodgin…
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