New Web Sites for 2007

Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism

In addition to www.Arkansas.com, the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism is developing Web sites that further explore niche interests in The Natural State.

The state’s general tourism Web site, www.Arkansas.com, provides a plethora of information on themes, including: outdoors, things to do, places to stay, state and federal parks, dining, lakes and rivers, maps, city listings, hot deals and packages, calendar of events, kids and families, trip planning, relocating to the state, and much, much more. The site is a comprehensive tool for gaining information on tourism attractions, cities and regions in the state.

Many of these topics deserve further coverage, and are of specific interest to various groups of people that want to take advantage of Arkansas’ offerings. Last year, the department with Aristotle, its Internet service provider, created three niche Web sites: www.birdingarkansas.com; www.fishing-arkansas.com; www.watersports-arkansas.com.

In 2007, the new Web site projects currently in the works are:

Food Festivals & Cook Offs

In the Natural State, food is serious business. Food festivals and cook-offs are abundant throughout the state, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to showcase their cooking talents. From the Purple Hull Pea Festival in Magnolia to the World Championship Duck Gumbo Cook-off in Stuttgart, food festivals and cook-offs are part of the state's culture. Alma, "Spinach Capital of the World," hosts a spinach cook-off. Tontitown celebrates with the Annual Grape Festival. And you can't forget the Annual Hope Watermelon Festival. From chili to tomatoes to peaches, Arkansas is home to a virtual feast of food festivals and cook-offs. This site provides all the information you need, so you don't have to worry about leaving hungry!

Uniquely Arkansas

Discover what makes The Natural State different from the 49 others through this Web site. You'll find out-of-the norm places to stay, wacky and different roadside attractions, "one and only" places not found anywhere else in the world, plus world-record holders, "capitals of the world," famous Arkansans and more.

History & Heritage

This site provides an in-depth look into Arkansas' diverse history and culture. Whether you want to learn about our part in the Civil War, sample a slice of life in the Delta, or walk in the footsteps of a U.S. President, the state has engaging history to share. Visitors can learn about our past and access tools to help plan and create heritage-themed tours. An updated calendar of events also presents information on historically-themed events around the state.

Arts, Crafts & Antiques

This site provides insight into the best locations to find visual arts, crafts, antiques and flea markets. It not only describes the hot spots, but also gives up-to-date information on elements such as Arkansas’ renowned spring and fall crafts fairs and coming attractions such as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. A calendar of events pertinent to these themes and links to arts and crafts guilds, public arts centers, art in public places, and craft heritage are included.


Links to these new Web sites will be on www.Arkansas.com and are expected to be completed by the end of this fiscal year (June 30).

In addition to Web sites, some new pages will be added to www.Arkansas.com: Historic Anniversaries; Southern Music; Southern History; Southern cooking (with recipes); Dinner Theaters; Dinner Cruises and Riverboat Cruises; Tours; Spelunking; Rodeos; Spring Activities; Alternative Dining and Lodging; Famous Arkansans; Music and Entertainment; Caves, Caverns, and Spelunking and Geocaching.

A new page focusing on Arkansas’ Top 100 Attractions can be found at www.Arkansas.com/top100poll.asp. People cast votes for their favorite places in Arkansas to stay, eat, drink, shop, relax, be indoors, be outdoors and a whole lot more. While voting is now closed, the results will be tallied and the top submissions will appear on the Web site. The poll is part of the new "Amazed by Arkansas" partnership with Channel 11/Today's THV, and voting results will also appear in the station's on-air promotions.