A Conway Christmas Open House

 

How about going shopping this weekend? It’s a great time to get started on shopping for the holidays. One central Arkansas community has activities going on so you can get a head-start on your Christmas buying while enjoying an absolutely beautiful fall afternoon in The Natural State.

Make plans to head to Conway Sunday afternoon for the annual Downtown Conway Open House. All shops in the downtown district will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and, just in time for the event, an old shop that formerly specialized in vintage clothing, has reopened with a new focus.  Vintage to Vogue now features old-fashioned candies and gifts as well as handcrafted jewelry, and Arkansas Products. The shop is located at 829 Chestnut.

Rare Bird Sightings

Wakarusa 2010 Reserved Campsites Go On Sale

Jill M. Rohrbach
jillsjourneys@gmail.com
It may be somewhere between fall and winter, but take a moment to think about Summer 2010 and Wakarusa because tickets for reserved campsites go on sale tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 5) at noon.

According to the Wakarusa folks, the reserved campsites are the most sought after and have a history of selling out in minutes. The entire campground is shaded and includes permanent restrooms with showers.  The campsites are equipped with electrical and water hook-ups, so they're ideal for those of you with RVs. Up to eight campers and two vehicles are allowed at each campsite. New to 2010, all purchases of the reserved campsites will includetwo reserved campsite full event passes.

Visit http://www.wakarusa.com/to see a map of the campsites and pricing for camping and event passes.

Civil War Weekend Coming to Historic Washington S.P.

 

Southern Tenant Farmers Union Marks 75th Anniversary

Kimberly J. Williams
DeltaTraveler@gmail.com
 

In 1934, a movement of change was born in the small Delta town of Tyronza. Eighteen tenant farmers, both black and white, met and decided to confront the widespread unethical practices of landowners. At that meeting, the Southern Tenant Farmers Union was formed. The organization would break racial barriers throughout its existence, most notably the inclusion of women and blacks in the organization and administration of the union. 

Today, the building that housed H.L. Mitchell’s dry cleaner and the service station owned by Clay East, two of the original organizers of the Union, is home to the Southern Tenant Farmers Museum, an Arkansas State University Delta Heritage site. The building became the unofficial headquarters of the STFU, due mainly to the fact that two of the founders of the organization worked from the location.

The museum offers visitors the opportunity to explore the history of the Southern Tenant Farmers Union and includes exhibits focusing on the story of tenant farming and sharecropping and the movement to remove abuses from the widely used system.    

The Rialto is Haunted-But You Knew That

 

Halloween Happenings

I was at the Old Spanish Treasure Cave a few weeks ago as they were beginning to stage all the scares. I’ll admit right now that I’m too chicken to go in the Haunted Cavern. You take a self-guided tour through the cave, which will be filled with things I’d rather not meet in the dark. And that’s not all. There is also a Trail of Terror, a self-guided walk through the haunted woods of Treasure Hollow. You can also see if you can make it through the Lost Treasure Maze that is part of the trail.

The haunting at the Old Spanish Treasure Cave take place on Thursday, Oct. 29 through Saturday, Oct. 31 starting at 7 p.m. The cost is $12 for the Haunted Cavern, $9 for the Trail of Terror or $18 if you want to experience both. Find out more at www.spanish-treasure-cave.com/.

I get the heebie jeebies just thinking about it.

This is the 13th year for the Howl-O-Ween Party at the Big Cat refuge, which makes it even spookier if you’re superstitious about numbers like that. It will take place on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. In addition to the rare nocturnal viewing of over 100 large cats and other exotic animals, the festivities at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge include a “haunted Trail of Terror,” a children’s costume contest and parade, plus games and prizes.

Admission to the Howl-O-Ween Party is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and children 3 to 12, and free to children under 3. Visitors to the Refuge during the day are allowed free entry to the party in the evening. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is located 7 miles south of Eureka Springs on scenic Ark. 23. For more information,  visit www.turpentinecreek.org or call 479-253-5841.

Now, what shall I be for Halloween?

Mount Victoria B&B Wins – Again!!!

Kerry Kraus

NaturalStateBlogger@gmail.com

You know you must be doing something right when you win the same award two years in a row. That’s exactly what Mount Victoria Bed & Breakfast Inn in Eureka Springs is doing. For the second time, this beautiful inn has been selected as the “Most Romantic Inn in America” in the annual Best of BedandBreakfast.com awards for 2009-2010. The inn was originally chosen for the same honor in 2007-2008. The Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards are based upon a qualitative and quantitative review of the nearly 100,000 independent reviews submitted to BedandBreakfast.com, the leading online B&B directory and reservation network worldwide.

Innkeepers Lisa and Chris McCants commented "It's a true honor to be a two-time winner for this Best of BedandBreakfast.com award, and we thank our guests for the positive reviews that resulted in this award. It is gratifying that our guests took the time to share their comments about the exceptional experience and romance they felt which set Mount Victoria Bed & Breakfast apart."

In addition to the romance, Mount Victoria is also known for its gourmet breakfasts. Having had the pleasure of eating breakfast there, I can attest it is an incredible experience. Chris' signature smoked turkey breakfast pastry is out-of-this-world. Visit Mount Victoria at www.mountvictoria.com or call 888-408-7979 for availability and rates.

Congratulations Lisa and Chris!

Celebrating Hazen's Farming Heritage

Kimberly J. Williams
DeltaTraveler@gmail.com

Agriculture has played a very important part in the history and culture of Arkansas but especially so in eastern Arkansas.

Celebrate Hazen’s farming heritage as the town hosts the 33rd annual Grand Prairie Rice Festival on Oct. 24. Activities will be held in the Hazen City Park and include an antique farm equipment parade and show, and a mini-tractor pull. The youngsters will enjoy a special activity section just for kids. There will also be live music and a variety of food vendors on hand. For more information on the 33rd annual Grand Prairie Rice Festival, email dhardke@mebanking or phone David Hardke at 870-255-3042.

Fort Smith's Frontier Fest

Jill M. Rohrbach
jillsjourneys@gmail.com
Fort Smith is a city of convergence. Its first fort was built at Belle Point, where the Arkansas and Poteau rivers unite. Federal marshals rode out of the United States and into Indian Territory at this juncture. Outlaws collided with Hanging Judge Parker. During the Civil War, the North met the South here with devastating results. Soldiers’ lives intersected with settlers during frontier days.

This military settlement has grown into a city that is a meetinghouse for the past, present and future with its well-preserved frontier spirit, its establishment of contemporary arts and entertainment venues, and its thriving community that is building for the future. Fort Smith bills itself as the place “where the new south meets the old west.”

So what could be a better place for a Frontier Festival? Fort Smith’s annual Frontier Fest will be this weekend, Oct. 24-25. It’s held along the banks of the Arkansas River where much of Fort Smith’s frontier history took place.

It’s sure to be a good time – just check out this list of activities:

• Championship Liars Contest
• Live music by The Crumbs, cowboy singers & other favorites
• Bank robbery re-enactment with antique cars
• Tours of the Fort Smith National Historic Site
• Tales from the Crypt storytelling•
• Children’s crafts and games
• Boy Scout camping and Dutch Oven food tastings
• Frontier cooking demonstrations with  AETN’s Phyllis Speer (now there’s a treat)
• Frontier Fashion Show
• Simulated gunfights
• “Fashions & Rations” Living Timeline of U.S. Military Life
• Photo-friendly re-enactors in costume
• Horseshoe tournament
• Vendors selling their handmade frontier wares, including unique Christmas gifts

The weather is supposed to be nice for the weekend, so make plans to find your Frontier spirit. For more information you can visit http://www.fortsmithfrontierfest.org/index.htmlor phone 479-783-8888.

Japanese Journalists Visit the Arkansas Delta

As you may have read in an earlier blog, Arkansas had two visitors from Japan this week with Ocean Life magazine. Editorial planner and writer Mr. Norio Konno and photographer Mr. Yasutake Ito are traveling the state preparing for an upcoming feature in the magazine.

 

The gentlemen visited Gaston’s White River Resort, Hot Springs and Little Rock before heading east to the Arkansas Delta on Wednesday.

Little Rock’s “Little Harlem” Revisited

If you’re looking for something to do Friday evening and happen to be in the Central Arkansas area, head down to the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center  for “Ninth Street Revisited: Pure Jazz from the Good Old Days.” Featured performer is James Leary, an Arkansas AM & N/UAPB Alumnus, who currently plays with the Count Basie Orchestra. Leary has also appeared with “Rat Pack” members Sammy Davis, Jr., Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Songstress Nancy Wilson and musician extraordinaire Dizzy Gillespie are other famous entertainers he has accompanied.

Other performers are vocalists Irene Crutchfield-Brown and Dee Dee Davis, pianist Tom Cox, Dave Rogers on drums plus other invited guests. The shindig begins at 8 p.m. with a $20 admission at the door. There will be a cash bar.

Lum and Abner

Many are probably familiar with the Lum and Abner name. Chester “Chet” Lauck and Norris “Tuffy” Geoff of Mena created Lum and Abner in 1931. Their radio broadcasts of the ‘30s and ‘40s were among the most popular on the air and they were the first network program broadcast from Radio City in New York in 1933. Their career also spanned movies and T.V.

The show was based on small town life and was set in the Jot ‘Em Down Store (which reflected country stores across the nation) in a fictional town called Pine Ridge. In 1936, the citizens of Waters (the town the show was based on) officially changed the town’s name to Pine Ridge in honor of the duo.

 

89-Mile Ride

This incredible ride begins in Jasper and travels east for a very challenging 28-mile loop with several short, very steep climbs and ends with a 4.5-mile climb out of the Mt. Judea valley - including an extended 12-15 percent grade section in the last .5 mile of the climb. It then descends back down into Jasper to begin the second loop.

The second loop travels west out of Jasper, is 61 miles long and consists of two long c limbs - one 3 miles and the other 2.5 miles with both climbs averaging 7-8 percent for the duration of the climb with a few steeper pitches mixed in. The remainder of the second loop includes several .25 to .5 mile steep rollers and some of the most amazing views in this part of the country.

The ride concludes with a technical and fast descent into the Parthenon valley for 6 relatively-flat miles back to Jasper.

Registration is $40 and includes a shirt, fully-stocked rest stops and post-ride meal. The event begins at 10 a.m. and parking is available at the Jasper School. For more information visit www.Ride8968.com. brandnewbus is the bus ministry of Brand New Church, which serves three campuses in Arkansas.

Japanese Journalists Tour Arkansas

 

A Stop Through Arkansas’s First Contemporary Art Museum

For those art fans out there, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) at the Ozark Bathhouse on Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park is now open. MOCA is the first contemporary art museum in Arkansas. The 14,000 square foot facility, formerly known as the Ozark Bathhouse is a solid addition to the art community and displays modern art pieces from around the world. Renovation work on the Ozark Bathhouse took over four years to complete. The museum can be found at 425 Central Avenue.  For more information call 501-609-9966 or visit   museumofcontemporaryart.com

New Conference Center Breaks Ground In El Dorado

 

Bloody Barn and Haunted Hayride

The wind will howl and the trees will groan…the summer breeze is dead and gone.   

Spooks and spirits from days gone past…dance about and shadows cast.

To Reed’s Bridge their souls return…to relive the time the bridge did burn.

The Men in Blue and the Men in Gray…come to life at night… they say.

So if you’re brave and if you dare…

The family friendly event features the Bloody Barn Tour and Haunted Hayride. Hours are 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a $2 per person admission. The admission for a family is $8. Refreshments will be available. Reed’s Bridge Battlefield is on Ark. 161 in Jacksonville. Proceeds benefit the Reed’s Bridge Battlefield Preservation Society.

Civil War Event Planned for Next Weekend In El Dorado

 

Love and Fear at StoneCreek Ranch

Jill M. Rohrbach
jillsjourneys@gmail.com

I HAVE to go back to StoneCreek Ranch and Resort near Mountain Home.

Now understand, there are many reasons why I WANT to go back. I want to experience a country setting again and be reminded of my youth growing up on a farm. To breath in the sweet aromas, a mixture of fresh cut grass and sawdust, in the barn. To hear the horses snort and bray. To stroke the animals’ soft coats and manes. To hold on tight and lean with a horse as I try my hand at cutting the mechanical cow running on a pulley along the wall of the arena. To see the owners Arvell and Karry Bass again – warm, inviting folks that make me feel like I’m home.

But, I HAVE to go back to face my fears. To prove I can gallop on one of those fine cutting horses. You see, I had a bit of a scare last time I was there.

I attended a leadership conference for corporate groups in 2005; think of it as a team building exercise like those rope courses. At first we rode inside the arena so Arvell could size up our horsemanship abilities. Since I grew up riding horses (although that was more than 20 years ago), I was soon okayed to ride with a group in the pastures. As our party became more comfortable on our steeds, Arvell told any of us that wanted to try a gallop to go for it.

Now, it’s a bit of a blur to me. But, according to Arvell, I pointed my horse toward the open field and instead of telling it to go to second gear my body language said let’s go warp speed. I also happened to steer toward a bush the horse had to jump around. I do remember thinking it might not be such a good idea to ride up under the tree we were barreling down on. Thank goodness I had enough wits left in the fear of the moment to remember Arvell’s words on how to stop a horse – slide one hand down the reins, grab it and pull it slowly to your hip, bending your horse into a circle. A horse can’t run wild when its head is pointed at its rear. Of course, my rear then came off the saddle as inertia carried me forward. Somehow I managed to keep my seat.

Hearing a cowboy whoop from Arvell – he apparently enjoyed the show and was pleased I had remembered that last part – I watched him retrieve my hat that had flown off as he came riding to see if I was okay. I was fine, except for the dent in my pride and the thudding in my ears of my own racing heart.

Arvell encouraged me the rest of the day to try short trots, just five or ten feet before walking again. I hate to admit I couldn’t do it. I did have some success the next day during the cattle drive. I’m quite competitive and was able to perform short bursts of speed to keep the cows from getting past me. I didn’t want to be the one to cause our team not to do well.

But, that small success isn’t enough for me. I still have the desire to go back, mount up and show my horse that despite the twinge of fear it may sense, I’m ready to run.

If you go:

Don’t let my little mishap hold you back. If you’re looking for an adventure and a home away from home, I highly recommend StoneCreek Ranch.

The guest ranch focuses on horseback riding vacations with its indoor and outdoor arenas and trail riding. There’s no merely plodding along with horses nose-to-tail at StoneCreek. You can also experience cattle sorting, the cutting horse experience or even a cattle drive. The ranch also offers leadership conferences for corporate groups and organizations (an incredible experience, which you’ll hear more about from me in the future).

There are cabins and cowboy apartments above the barn. While the cabins are beautiful, the smells and sounds associated with the barn experience are unmatched.

The ranch is located between Gassville and Mountain Home at 626 Circle B Lane. For more information, phone (870) 424-7433, 1-888-203-7433 or visit www.stonecreekranchresort.com.

Related article: http://www.arkansasmediaroom.com/news-releases/listings/display.asp?id=684 

Award-winning Arkansas Lodging

Read Ray and Kristie's reaction to the award here. 

And check out the comments from visitors that make Hilltop Manor a winner.

An Evening with David Sedaris

Sedaris will also be speaking in Fayetteville this week at the Walton Arts Center on Oct. 13. Here is what they are saying about the show:  “With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, David Sedaris has become one of America's pre-eminent humor writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today.”

 

Japanese Film Crew Covers Mt. Ida World Championship Crystal Dig

A Japanese film crew from Nihon TV covered The World Championship Quartz Crystal Dig in Mount Ida this weekend. The footage is expected to be viewed by 15 million Japanese TV viewers. The event is held annually the second weekend in October. A Gem & Mineral show as well as a Quilt show is also held over the weekend. During the dig, contestants compete for cash and trophies and can keep all the crystals they mine during the contest. Due to rain the crystal fields were quite muddy but that didn’t stop competitors from digging in.  Dig sites this year included Sweet Surrender, Arrowhead, and Fiddler’s Ridge (Bear Mountain).  The Mount Ida area has been identified as one of the major deposits of quartz crystal in the state and makes up a major “quartz belt” within the Ouachita Mountains. For more information visit www.mtidachamber.com. 

 

Celebrating October Feast at Whitton Farms

Kimberly J. Williams
DeltaTraveler@gmail.com

At Whitton Farms, located five miles northeast of Tyronza, they have a motto. “If you know your farmer, you know your food!” They are committed to growing high quality, locally grown food and flowers, including heirloom vegetables, flowers, herbs and native plants.

 

This Sunday, Whitton Farms will host Octoberfeast, a celebration of the Delta’s finest locally grown food, along with music and art, from 2-7 p.m. More than a dozen chefs will be on had to serve their culinary creations. Also on tap are hayrides, tours of the farm, pick your own pumpkin patch and a pumpkin carving contest. The event is $30 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under (no admission charge for babies).

To find out more about Octoberfeast or Whitton Farms, check out their Web site at www.WhittonFarms.com or phone 870-815-9519.

Tour Operators Scout the State

A group of Oklahoma tour operators visited the state this week as part of a scouting trip via Red Carpet Charters. The name of the tour (Oct 6-8) was “Presidents, Pharaohs, and Plantations” and they visited the Arkansas Arts Center “World of the Pharaohs” exhibit, Heifer headquarters, Marlsgate Plantation, Clinton Presidential Library, downtown Conway, and Miss Laura’s in Fort Smith on their three-day venture. The goal of the trip was for tour operators to receive ideas to tap into when planning their tours. For more information visit www.redcarpetcharters.com. 

 

Little Rock’s Clinton Avenue is a Top 10

The organization selected President Clinton Avenue “because of the city’s ability to turn a rundown warehouse district into a thriving entertainment district and tourist destination.” When selecting their choices, the association looks for streets that have unique and authentic characteristics. The River Market district includes numerous restaurants and bars, museums and galleries, the Clinton Presidential Library and Riverfront Park.

Conway Celebrates the Arts

Kerry Kraus

Conway has joined a growing list of Arkansas communities proud of their arts reputation. Out of this cultural explosion has come the annual ArtsFest, which starts today and runs through Oct. 10.

This artistic happening is a family friendly event for all ages. On Friday, Oct. 9 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. there will be kid’s scavenger hunt entitled “The Art and Music Amazing Race.” Ten locations along Front Street will have clues, with the first one handed out at the Eiffel Tower in Simon Park. Bailey Library on the Hendrix campus is prize headquarters for the finishers. The Eiffel Tower is a 21-foot sculpture replica of the Paris landmark constructed of re-bar by Finton Shaw, a local artist. It will remain in the park through the month of October.

Another “large” special guest is the 31-foot inflatable Pittsburgh’s Painted Pachyderm, another Front Street attraction. The whimsical sculpture is on loan from the City of Pittsburgh and serves as the festival mascot. It will be unveiled at UCA at 7 p.m. on Oct. 7 and remain there until being moved to Simon Park on Saturday.

Non-art themed activities on the docket include a bicycle tour of historic homes (bring your own bike), the Show and Shine classic car display and a chili cook-off. Visitors can choose from two event-ending activities at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday evening. The Conway Symphony and 150 chorus members from UCA and Hendrix gather in Reynolds Performance Hall on the UCA campus for ArtsFest Rocks Reynolds! The Hendrix Dance Ensemble offers a finale of “Fragments from Sappho,” a collage of poetry, movement and music. Reves Recital Hall is where it takes place.

A complete list of activities is available on www.artsinconway.com or can be obtained by contacting the Conway Downtown Partnership at 501-548-9950.

Visit Elm Springs This Weekend

Small-town Americana at its finest -- that’s what you’ll find in Elm Springs this weekend during the 3rd annual Yester Daze Festival. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the city park, on downtown Water Street, at the United Methodist Church and at Curran Feed Store.

I’m always up for a pancake breakfast, and that’s just how festivities will begin. You’ll find the flapjacks at City Hall. There will be exhibits of antique and classic cars, motorcycles and tractors. A disc jockey will play rock and roll music throughout the event. The Brush Creek Singers and Siloam Springs Dance Team will perform. Or you can get in the action yourself in the jitterbug contest, street dance and cake walk. The retail shops on Water Street will hold a sidewalk sale, and will stay open until 5 p.m.

Kids activities include games, pony rides, fire and police vehicle tours, dog walk, cutest pet contest, and dog show. There will also be a story teller in the park. Whether a vendor or festival-goers, the event planners encourage everyone to dress in 50s attire. The theme of this year’s festival is, after all, “Rewind to the 50s.”

In case of rain, the vendors will move inside City Hall, and the children's activities will move under the park pavilion.

For a complete schedule of events, vendor information, or other information, you can call 479-696-8115 or go online to www.downtownelmsprings.com.

Ouachita Art Trails Studio Tour

 

Folk Music Alive in Little Rock

Lumberjack Championships in Sheridan

Yesterday the Arkansas State Lumberjack Championships took place during Timberfest in Sheridan. Events during the competition included the ax throw, horizontal chop, springboard chop, and many chainsaw events. Carson Bosworth of Lake Geneva, WS won the event this year (and last year) and is an avid national competitor who has been featured on ESPN during the National Championships. I had a chance to check out the competition this year and it's quite an event. Here are a few shots I grabbed of the action. The competition lasted almost 5 hours and these lumberjacks were working and competing this hard the entire time. Timber has long played an important role in town with towering pines found throughout the region. This heritage is honored annually during this celebration each October. The community is somewhat of a rarity in that it is a Southern town named for a Union general -General Phillip Sheridan. If you want to check out the town sometime or the competition next year, the town is 30 miles south of Little Rock via U.S. 167.

 

Culinary Cook-Off for a Worthy Cause

Kerry Kraus

If Iron Chef, Chopped or Top Chef are on your "must see TV list," then you won’t want to miss the Celebrity Chef Cook-off Thursday, October 8, at Pulaski Technical College in North Little Rock. Some of Arkansas’s most noted chefs will compete in the challenge. Recipes prepared are ones submitted to AY Magazine’s 2009 Reader Recipe Contest.

Judges are Mark Abernathy of Loca Luna, Faith Anaya of KidsCook Arkansas, Peter Brave of Brave New Restaurant, Todd Gold of Purple Cow and Mary Twedt of KUAR’s “Arkansas Cooks” program. Tickets are $50 per person and proceeds support the Arkansas Culinary School at Pulaski Tech. The AY Magazine Web site -- aymag.com/go/cookoff -- has more details or you can call 501-244-9700.

The 6:30 p.m. event is at the Campus Center Grand Hall, 3000 West Scenic Drive.

Learning about Stuff

Ever wonder about the origin of “stuff?” Heifer International will explore this topic on October 10 when it hosts Know Your Stuff Day. You can learn the beginnings of such stuff as toys, food and clothes and where it all goes when you no longer own it. 

Bring Your Appetite to Fall Foodie Fest

If the opportunity to sample creations by some of Arkansas’s favorite restaurants, then grab a red pen and circle October 17. That’s the date for the 2nd annual Argenta Fall Foodie Festival. It which will be held along Main Street between 6th and 7th Streets in downtown North Little Rock, next to the Argenta Farmers Market. Some of the who’s who of restaurants that will be on hand include the Argenta Market, Starving Artist Café, Ashley’s Restaurant at The Capital Hotel, Simply the Best Catering, Cheers in the Heights, Lilly’s Dim Sum, Best Impressions and The House.

Chefs from restaurants and catering companies will create their own specialties using locally grown produce and meats. In addition to grazing to your heart’s content, you can also partake of live music, shop arts and crafts vendors, plus select some great homegrown produce.

Joining forces with the Foodie Fest this year is the 2nd annual Virginia Clinton Kelley Festival for the Cure. Deck out in your favorite pink outfit, bring an appetite and some join the festivities. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. John McClure can provide more information at jmcclure@arconventionsandevents.com.

Arkansas Traveller 100 miler

 

MusicFest this weekend in El Dorado

 

Pratt Place Inn Receives Four Diamonds

Jill M. Rohrbach

jillsjourneys@gmail.com

 

I finally found one negative thing about living in Fayetteville. Because I have a home here, I have no need to stay the night at the city’s new Pratt Place Inn on Sassafras Hill. I was lucky enough to take a tour of the inn about a week ago, and I sure would love to spend one night soaking in the hand-carved replica of Cleopatra’s marble bathtub.

Pratt Place Inn has been in operation for less than a year, yet it just earned the coveted AAA Four Diamond designation. It is only the fourth property in the State of Arkansas to receive this distinction, and the only hotel in the Northwest Arkansas metropolitan area to attain this rating.

The inn is a boutique hotel with the finest of furnishings, like French armoires. The large walnut doors that welcome guests are also imported from France. AAA describes Four Diamond lodging as “upscale in all areas, offering refined and stylish accommodations. The defining characteristics at this rarified level include an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service, and attention to detail.” Less than four percent of the over 58,000 AAA-rated hotels and restaurants in North America earned the Four Diamond rating this year.

The exquisite décor consists of fine antiques as well as modern conveniences set together with perfection.

Guests are served breakfast at their convenience on the porch, in their room, or on their private veranda. They are invited to relax and soak up the surrounding beauty as afternoon refreshments are served in the lounge or one of the parlors. If desired, Inn staff will arrange a full set of in-house services from East Meets West Spa & Salon.

Julian Archer is the third generation owner of the 140 acres that comprise the Pratt Place property,

located just one mile west of the University of Arkansas campus. The original house was built in 1895

and was purchased, along with the surrounding property, by the Pratt family in 1900. The Archers began

work in 2006 to restore and renovate the family homestead as a premiere luxury inn. If you go to Pratt Place, I hope you get the opportunity to chat with Mrs. Archer. She’s is pleasant, upbeat, great at conversation and not the least bit pretentious.

The Archers opened the inn October 2008. In addition to the its seven guest rooms and an adjoining two bedroom cottage retreat, Pratt Place Inn has over 8,000 square feet of meeting and event space . Pratt Place Barn, built in 2003, is space that has become Northwest Arkansas’s premiere wedding venue. I’ve been to at least one wedding there, and it served as a great venue for the wedding and then the reception as well.

For more information visit: www.prattplaceinn.com or phone 479-966-4441.

46th annual Weinfest

I’ve been to Wiederkehr many times to eat, to try wines, and to tour the cellars. But I’ve yet to make it there during the annual Weinfest. Celebrating 46 years, the festival will take place this weekend on Saturday, Sept. 26. Once again, I have a conflict and can’t be there. But I wanted to share the information so others don’t miss it.

Weinfest begins early with tours of the historic cellars at 8:30 a.m. Other activities throughout the day include the ever-popular grape stomp; the Stein Stemmen (throwing large rocks similar to a shot-put); Baum Stossen (log toss ); Wine Barrel Rolling Contest; Alpine Horn Blowing Contest, and more. You can enter the games or just watch.

The tasting room is always a popular place where visitors may sample award-winning Wiederkehr wines at no charge. There is plenty of food, of course - sausage, knackwurst, bratwurst, and hot apple strudel, just to mention a few. Buy tickets in advance or the day of the festival for the Festival Dinner in the Weingarten.

Show bands provide continuous entertainment throughout the day, and free polka lessons are available. A free, open tram takes festival-goers on a tour of the vineyards, and horse-drawn carriage rides go by the vineyards and round the 34-acre Alpine Lake. Vendors sell arts and crafts. St. Mary’s Church opens for visitors to tour. Built entirely by immigrants who volunteered their labor, the historic church is decorated with murals for which the area's early residents posed as models.

Along with these special events are the appealing characteristics of Weiderkehr’s that keep visitors coming back all year long. On the National Register of Historic Places, the Weinkeller Restaurant serves Old World cuisine and is located in the winery’s original hand-dug cellar. It was voted “Most Romantic” and “Best Ethnic” restaurant numerous times in the Arkansas Times' People's Choice Awards.

The Wiederkehr family is celebrating 129 years of history in the Arkansas River Valley.

Wiederkehr Village is located at exit 41 off Interstate 40. Follow the signs to the grounds of Wiederkehr Wine Cellars. Visit www.wiederkehrwines.com or call 1-800-622-WINE for festival details. Admission to the grounds is free. Festival-goers can also c heck out Wiederkehr's new Wine Country Tourist Center at exit 41 on I-40, which houses Wiederkehr Village Wine and Spirits, and the Swiss Family Bistro. The latter offers family-style meals, a gift shop, and wine tasting room. All are open seven days a week.

Maynard Celebrates Gospel Music and the Pioneer Lifestyle

The Hills Are Alive With Tradition

Since Interstate 540 was built, there’s not been much reason for most people to travel the old Ark. 71 over the Boston Mountain. But there is a reason to head to that pinnacle this Saturday, Sept. 19 – the Fiber Arts Fair and Competition at Ozark Folk Ways Heritage Center, located between Winslow and Mt. Gaylor on the Boston Mountain Scenic Loop.

The event will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Regional fiber artists that submit their work for this juried show have a chance to with $1,500 in prize money.

The whole family can enjoy fiber arts demonstrations, such as quilting, rug hooking and weaving. There will be vendors on location. Plenty of food will be available as well, including Fleeta’s Famous Chicken and Dumplings, a tradition in the hill region of Winslow. How yummy does that sound? That alone draws me up the mountain.

The Ozark Folkways Heritage Center, located in the scenic Ozarks in northwest Arkansas, supports local artists and craftspersons by offering their work for sale in the Golden Hands Gallery. It is a teaching center, upholding the traditional arts and crafts of the people of the Ozarks.

For more information on the Fiber Arts Fair or the juried Fiber Arts Competition, contact Connie Wright at 479-634-3791 or visit www.ozarkfolkways.com. 

And with fall coming on, don’t forget that the Boston Mountain Scenic Loop is an exceptional drive for enjoying the colors of autumn foliage! Read more about the drive here: One Scenic Drive Offers Two Views of Arkansas's Ozarks.

Arkansas Inn is a Wheel of Fortune Prize

Kerry Kraus

The popular game show, Wheel of Fortune, has had an Arkansas flavor quite a bit this year. Numerous contestants, chosen from tryouts held in Conway in November 2008, have appeared.  Several have been big winners. 

On September 30, the show will once again have an Arkansas angle, this time as a prize on the wheel. A week-long luxurious stay at Lookout Point Lakeside Inn in Hot Springs will be up for grabs as the players spin the wheel. According to owner Kristie Rosset, the prize includes “ soaks in the Hot Springs thermal waters, diamond mining, and a private boat tour of Lake Hamilton.” The package is part of “Rooms with a View” week on the game show.

W heel of Fortune airs in 28 countries to 44 million viewers each week.  The show is the longest-running syndicated television program, celebrating 27 seasons.  To check local times for the show to air, visit www.wheeloffortune.com/showguide/showtimes/. 

The good news is you don’t have to participate in a game show to experience Lookout Point for yourself. The award-winning property, which is situated on the shores of Lake Hamilton, features first-class rooms with all the amenities, and outstanding breakfasts.

For more information on Lookout Point Lakeside Inn, visit www.lookoutpointinn.com or call 866-525-6155.

Arkansas Equestrian Gathering

If you love horses, or just love watching horses, then head to the Saline County Fairgrounds in Benton September 19 and 20 for the Arkansas Horse Fest.  “The Arkansas Equestrian Gathering” will feature the Equine Masters competition with Suzanne Myers, complete with awards of prizes and money; barrel racing, the Arkansas Classic Drill Competition, and “Horse Idol,” the search for America’s ultimate horse. A retail trade show with vendors selling a variety of horse merchandise and supplies is also being held. According to local sponsors, “sole purpose is to educate others about the wonderful equine that we all love so much.” The complete rules for the Equine Masters competition can be obtained by going to www.NextLevelHorsemanship.com or by contacted Suzanne Myers at www.MyersStables.com.

Hot Air Balloons and Big Smith

Jill M. Rohrbach 

jillsjourneys@gmail.com

There are two great reasons to head to Harrison for the weekend:

1) The 14th annual Arkansas State Hot Air Balloon Championship event Sept. 11-13

2) Big Smith in concert at the 1929 Lyric Theater on Sept. 12

Get there by 7 p.m. on Friday for the balloon glow and tethered rides (which only cost $3). On Saturday at 7:30 a.m. there will be Ring Grab event. Balloonists will compete for prizes by flying into the soccer complex from various locations and trying to grab a ring off the top of a pole. The Hare and Hound Race will be at 5:30 p.m. Watch the “hare” balloon take off and see how fast the “hound” balloons can inflate and chase. The closest to the target wins. The event ends Sunday morning at 7:30 with another Ring Grab.

The balloon event will take place at the First National Bank Soccer Complex, located at 202 Old Stonewall Road.Parking is available at the junior high school parking lot located adjacent to the soccer complex. Admission and parking to the hot air balloon championship is free.Bring your kids, your camera, and your lawn chairs for some great family fun.

Want more info? www.harrisonarkansas.org or 870-741-1789

On top of that, Big Smith, one of my favorite bands, will perform with special guest Charliehorse. This group definitely captures the Ozark Mountain spirit. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Charliehorse will perform at 7 p.m. with Big Smith taking the stage at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15. Phone 870-391-3504, 870-204-6900 or go to www.visionamp.com/concerts for tickets or more info. The Lyric Theater is on the downtown square (113 W. Rush Ave.).