January Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks

Jill M. Rohrbach and Kimberly J. Williams, travel writers
Arkansas Tourism

Note to the Print and Broadcast Media: In order to better serve your needs and to keep you from getting extremely long documents from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, we have decided to break down our Travelin’ Arkansas release into regions organized by date. This way you will be able to look only at the areas you are interested in covering. The territories covered in Travelin' Arkansas adhere to the six geographical regions found in the Arkansas Tour Guide. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions: [email protected] or 501-682-7606.

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Each year approximately 100 Bald Eagles visit the Bull Shoals area. Enjoy programs and activities centered on our national symbol during Eagle Awareness Weekend at Bull Shoals-White River State Park on Jan. 7-8 in Bull Shoals. Activities include lake and river cruises, guided bird walks, guest speakers, live bird demonstrations, and entertainment. The event is free except for the lake and river cruises. Contact the park at 870-445-3629 for a detailed schedule. Visit www.arkansasstateparks.com/bullshoalswhiteriver for additional information.

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An “America’s Most Haunted Hotel” Ghost Seminar is set for Jan. 7-9 in Eureka Springs. Recognized by paranormal aficionados as one of the most “active” hotels in the world, the 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa has built an entire weekend into learning “how to hunt and what to look for.” Participants also share their discoveries during these three days of getting closer to those “guests who checked out but never left.” Call 479-253-9766 or visit www.americasmosthauntedhotel.com for reservations and information.

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The 6th annual Kings Day Mardi Gras Kick-Off is Jan. 8 at the Rowdy Beaver Restaurant and Tavern in Eureka Springs. The King and Queen for 2011 and the royal court will be introduced. There also will be music, food, and a cash bar. The event starts at 5 p.m. and is for adults only. The restaurant is located at 417 W. Van Buren Ave. Call 479-981-9551 or visit www.Krazo.Ureeka.Org for more information.

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Quilting is a time-honored kind of needlecraft and a true art form. Powhatan Historic State Park in Powhatan offers Learning to Quilt: A Sampler Quilt Workshop on Jan. 22. The workshop focuses on teaching quilting methods by making a sampler of blocks specifically chosen to familiarize participants with different techniques. Participants meet one Saturday each month during 2011 to create a finished quilt. For questions or to register for the workshop, contact Powhatan Historic State Park at 870-878-6765. Admission is $30.

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The Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area Wonders of Winter Wildlife program is Jan. 22-23 in Rogers. It is a weekend of wildlife-oriented activities designed to delight every member of the family and to cure the early onset of winter's cabin fever. Admission is free. Call 479-789-5000 or visit www.arkansasstateparks.com for more information.

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Freshwater pearls and the pearling industry are a part of Arkansas’s heritage. Learn to make beautiful jewelry from the stunning orbs as Powhatan Historic State Park in Powhatan offers a Pearl Stringing Workshop: Necklaces, Bracelets and Earrings on Jan. 29. Participants learn how to make the stunning jewelry and learn about the history of the freshwater pearling industry on the Black River.