Trip to Bella Vista July 15th

My family (hubby and 2 kids) and brother are going to spend a week in a condo in Bella Vista (Escapes to Bella Vista). We definately plan on visiting the original Wal mart, Daisy BB gun factory and scuba diving at Beaver Lake. What other things do you seasoned Arkansas folks recommend? Are there some neat places to hike? Not interested in Eureka Springs as we have been there on one of our frequent trips to Branson. We have also been to the glass chapel. My son is 13 and plans on fishing and my grandson is 2, but we will be taking a stroller that can go ';off road';. Suggestions on must do things or places to go?

Trip to Bella Vista July 15th

If the kids enjoy animals there is the Gentry animal farm and the Turpentine Creek Refuge. The Gentry spot is not politically correct- it is a drive through safari with occasional babies - but my son still fondly remembers holding a baby black bear.

Fly fishing is good in the White River and Roaring River State Park. And we%26#39;ve had plenty of rain so canoeing is also good - try the Elk or the Little Sugar River near Bella Vista (over the MO border).

Friday means Picking on the Square and you can check with the Arend Arts Center, Arts Center of the Ozarks, the AMP, and Walton Arts Center for other performances.

In the hot summer caves are cool and there are lots in the area. War Eagle cave has a particularly good tour and you can combine it with lunch and shopping (and feeding the ducks) at the War Eagle Mill.

Hiking opportunities abound - try Devil%26#39;s Den as a start and there is rock climbing at Lake Wedington. Hobbs State Recreation Area has some walks that combine natural history with human history.

Don%26#39;t forget the local history...biking the loop at Pea Ridge or exploring Prarie Creek Military Park. There is also a great new mountain bike trail between Bentonville and Bella Vista.

And come check out the beautiful new Bentonville Public Library - great for kids and you can stop at the coffee shop, right before shopping at the Saturday farmer%26#39;s Market on the square.

Have a great visit and just a heads up - we had a lovely dinner last night in the new Bella Napoli on HWY 102.

Trip to Bella Vista July 15th

Ockerman: This is an astonishing post. Thanks for the great rundown of NW Arkansas offerings.

Thank you for the information. I am looking forward to our trip. I will definately check out some of your offerings. I am hoping that we can locate a visitors center and be able to pick up some brochures. Those are handy as they have hours of operation, admittance charges etc...on them. We are coming down through Hiway 70. I have heard there is a Super Walmart right before you cross the stateline. Anyone know if this is accurate?