Arkansas: Ozarks & Beyond

Day 1 – Arrivals into Little Rock
Plan to arrive into Little Rock by 2pm for departure to our overnight destination of the Ozark Mountain Folk Center State Park Lodge. Once at the Lodge, we will have time to freshen up prior to dinner and the evening’s entertainment. Ozark Mountain State Park Lodge (D)

Day 2 –  Folk Center to Eureka Springs
After a hearty homestyle breakfast you will have time to enjoy the Folk Center, visit with the local artisans and browse through the various shops and boutiquies at the cultural center. Lunch will be included at the Skillet Cafe. Following lunch we will travel to Eureka Springs. As you settle into your comfortable and spacious rooms, you will have time to refresh before dinner at the Historic Crescent Hotel and an evening of live mountain music at a local theater venue. Best Western Inn of the Ozarks (B, L, D)

Day 3 – Eureka Springs to Bentonville
Following breakfast, you’re certain to enjoy a guided trolley tour of Eureka Springs. Known as “Little Switzerland” you’ll be amazed at the architecture and charm of this little mountain village. Following the tour, we will have time for lunch and shopping on your own. Mid-day we will travel to nearby Bentonville. After check-in at the hotel and a refresh break, we will visit Crystal Bridges for tour and dinner. Along with the Museum’s permanent collection, rotating exhibits and collections are often featured in the guest gallery. Simmons Suites (B, D)

Day 4 – Bentonville
Following breakfast at the hotel, a guided tour of Bentonville will hold many points of interest. See the area that boasts more millionaires, per capita, than any other region in the US. Today’s touring will include a visit to the Native American History Museum, Walton’s 5 & 10 – the beginning of WalMart, Terra Studio’s – where the “Bluebird of Happiness” is created, a visit to yesteryear at the the Daisy BB Gun Museum, beautiful War Eagle Mill and more.  Both lunch & dinner today will be especially delightful as we sample some of the regions best farm to fork experiences. Simmons Suites (B, L, D)

Day 5 – Bentonville to Mount Magazine 
An early breakfast at the hotel will give us a great start to a day of scenic bliss! It’s all aboard the Arkansa Missouri Railway as we trek through the fall flavored, wooded wonderland, crossing over tressels and purging through tunnels, experiencing some of the most scenic regions in Northwest Arkansas.  After our rail excursion, our motorcoach will climb to the top of Mount Magazine – the highest point in Arkasnas – where we’ll enjoy our posh lodge accommodations.  After settling in with time to enjoy the breathtaking view, we’ll have dinner in the Sky Crest Restaurant and then enjoy a bit of good ol’ Mountain Music. Mount Magazine State Park Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 6 – Mount Magazine to Little Rock
A full breakfast buffet will be ours to enjoy this morning before we make our way down the mountain for a visit to the Subiaco Academy, the Benedictine College Prep Academy for young men. We will tour the campus and learn of the simplistic and unique way of life of these residents of the Ozark Mountains. Making our way into Little Rock, we will learn of the diverse culture of Arkansas’ capitol city during our guided tours. We will visit historic Central High School and learn of “the Arkasas Nine”, we’ll see Antebellum homes, and even visit the Mill that was featured in the opening scene of Gone With the Wind. An afternoon check in at the hotel will allow us to freshen up before a delicious dinner at the Marlsgate Plantation. Holiday Inn Presidential (B, L, D)

Day 7 – Departures
A hearty farewell breakfast buffet is prepared for us this morning. Then, we’ll be off to visit the Clinton Library. Located on the banks of the Arkansas River, the building is lends both grace and elegance to this once barron landscape. Afterwards, we’ll just a visit to the River City Market for a bit of shopping & lunch opportunity before your afternoon departures. (B)