Help with itinerary!

My husband and I are planning a trip in Arkansas. We have a few days that are not set in stone yet and want some input as to where we should go and what we should see. So far, our itinerary takes us from:

Little Rock, Arkansas - Robinsonville, Mississippi - Cherokee Village, Arkansas - Mountain View, Arkansas -

We are staying, or plan to stay in Mountain View on the night of 7 Mar 2006. Our next reservations are for staying in Hot Springs, Arkansas on the 9th %26amp; 10th of Mar 2006.

I have thought about driving from Mountain View - Fayeteville - Fort Smith - Hot Springs. Spending the night of the 8th probably in Fort Smith and then driving to Hot Springs on the 9th.

Now I am wondering if we should go from Mountain View to Eureka Springs, then down to Hot Springs.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. We enjoy beautiful drives in the mountains, around water, etc.

Thanks

Melissa

Help with itinerary!

I definately think you should go to Eureka Springs...it would make for an interesting visit.

That is a lot of driving in a short time. The roads are very curvy and hilly so it will take extra long to get anywhere in the northern part of the state!

HWY 7 is a beautiful drive to Hot Springs.

I personally dont think there is much to see in Fort Smith. But it is one of the larger cities and there are some historical sites.

The Fayetteville area is much prettier.

My recommendations:

1. Mountain View, Eureka (stay night), Hwy 7 to Hot Springs.

2. Mountain View, Eureka (stay night), Fayetteville, (if you want drive through Fort Smith here) Hot Springs

Just my opinion as an Arkansan!

Help with itinerary!

where are you staying in robinsville? the grand is a good casino, as well is sams town. If you make it to little rock, go to the river market and see the clinton museum. and eat at the under ground pub in the river market.

Thanks for the info. We are staying at the Hollywood Casino, a friend got us a room for 2 nights using his comps. We are flying into and out of Little Rock, but no plans to spend any time there. I am looking forward to the curvy mountain drives, will remind me of home in Northern Idaho.

If in Mountain View, you must (and I mean must) go to Blanchard Springs Caverns. They are the best kept natural cave system in the US. The only reason no one knows about them is the US Forest Service has no budget for marketing. You will talk about them with everyone you tell of your trip to Arkansas.

Thanks again for all the info. Our trip is pretty much layed out now. Arriving on the 5th in Little Rock, driving to Tunica. Staying at the Hollywood Casino 5-6 March. Leave Tunica on the 7th and drive to Cherokee Village where we will spend the night with a friend. Taking a side trip to Mountain View to see Blanchard Springs Caverns and returning to Cherokee Village for the night. Leaving Cherokee Village on the 8th, driving to Eureka Springs, staying in the Tree House at the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. Leaving Eureka Springs on the 9th and drive to Hot Spring via Scenic 7 hwy. Spending 9th %26amp; 10th at the Clarion Resort on the Lake in Hot Springs. Leaving Hot Springs on the 11th, driving to Little Rock to fly home.

If anyone has any suggestions for additional sights to see along the way, I am all eyes!!

Thanks again.

I%26#39;m presuming you know (as I didn%26#39;t!) that Mountain View is in a dry county - and that the %26#39;park%26#39; that was in Cherokee has closed.

Ari

PS And I would thoroughly recommend Blanchard Springs Caverns (and perhaps a stop-off in Fifty Six for lunch afterwards?)

Ari

hi --

you might want to consider staying in mtn view on the day you go to blanchard springs. every afternoon and evening (even during the week) when the weather is tolerable, musicians come to the square and jam. this is free and very enjoyable.

if you are at all a fan of bluegrass/early country/traditional/appalachian/gospel, you would want to have some time for this.

i agree that blanchard springs should not be missed. the tours are spectacular. i have taken both the long one (more than an hour) and the short one (about 45 mins). my opinion was that the shorter one had more beautiful caverns than the longer one.

and by the way, mtn view is only two hrs from little rock, very easy to get to.

arkansas is a wonderful place, and i know you will enjoy your trip.

-- susie margaret