The May edition of “Discover Arkansas” is available at www.arkansas.com/discover-arkansas. Published by Arkansas Tourism, the monthly digital publication highlights events, activities and trip ideas in The Natural State. With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your…
This long and arduous year imposed on us and the world a darkness we have never known, but we were guided by the light of the heroes among us, some of whom came from surprising corners, providing hospitality, food, warmth,…
New trails opening Thursday, May 6, offer access to more areas of the park to hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners (WEST FORK, Ark.) – Arkansas State Parks will dedicate the latest expansion of the Monument Trails system with 12…
The latest episode of the Discover Arkansas podcast is now available online. Hosts Colton Faull and Melissa Conley went to Walnut Ridge to learn more about how an impromptu visit by the Beatles changed the town decades later. They also…
Share your Arkansas vacation photos Arkansas celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week May 2-8 to spotlight the critical role travel plays in driving economic recovery efforts post-COVID. Across the nation, the tourism and hospitality industries will unite around the week’s…
Fairbanks, Alaska (AK) – Explore Fairbanks Board of Directors Chair Buzzy Chiu announced today that Scott McCrea, director of tourism and convention sales for the organization, was selected by the board to be the next president and CEO beginning June…
NORTH LITTLE ROCK (April 28, 2021) – Due to weather forecasts, Ballet Arkansas Presents Live at the Plaza classes and performances scheduled for Sunday, May 2, at Argenta Plaza (510 Main Street, North Little Rock) will be postponed. A “pop-up”…
AUGUSTA, Ga. (April 27, 2021) – Aggressor Adventures® announces today the positive results of its latest Consumer Travel Index, which tracks consumer travel sentiments on a bi-monthly basis. Vacation Deprivation Leads to Longer Trips The survey asked respondents to share…
North Carolina is continuing to see fast and fair vaccine distribution. Now as the weather heats up, inquiries to the Visitors Bureau have increased with a similar theme: where can I get married or host a family and friends event outdoors?…
The travel industry in Arkansas and across the globe has been hit hard over the past year. We’ve all the seen the headlines about lost revenue and economic instability because of COVID-19. Yet, hope is now on the horizon, and…
(MORRILTON, Ark.) – Officials gathered at Petit Jean State Park today for a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony for the Dr. T.W. Hardison Visitor Center. The newly constructed building, which provides space for camper registration, interpretive exhibits, meetings, special events, and…
Submitted by the Sultana Disaster Museum Marion, AR (April 14, 2021) The Sultana Steamboat explosion of 1865 is the “Greatest Maritime Disaster in United States History”. While many people have never heard of the tragedy, a small group in Marion,…
Like spring itself, the world feels like it’s rising again, about to bloom in the coming summer sun. In this new and brighter light we have an opportunity to see what’s changed and how we can do what we did…
COLUMBIA, MO – There are many reasons to love Columbia – the food, the festivals, the art, the music, the people – but many have an affinity for this college town for the opportunities it offers for an outdoor escape.…
The generation that grew up with Black Lives Matter — increasingly activist, attuned to inequity, see George Floyd’s case as an orienting point for all their political values coming to life. “Black Lives Matter definitely allowed us to put on the…
(MORRILTON, Ark.) – Gov. Asa Hutchinson will join in the dedication and grand opening of the Dr. T.W. Hardison Visitor Center at Petit Jean State Park. The newly constructed facility provides space for camper registration, interpretive exhibits, meetings, special events, and staff…
NORTH LITTLE ROCK (April 13, 2021) – After eleven years of different incarnations, the Argenta Farmers’ Market in downtown North Little Rock has found a new home at Argenta Plaza at 510 Main Street in North Little Rock and will…
The April edition of “Discover Arkansas” is now available at www.arkansas.com/discover-arkansas. Published by Arkansas Tourism, the monthly digital publication highlights events, activities and trip ideas in The Natural State. The sweet melody of spring is in the air! This month’s…
Stick a pin in Fayetteville, Arkansas on the international map for elite mountain biking and cycling races. This city, the first in the United States to be given a Bike City label by Union Cycliste Internationale, and Northwest Arkansas as…
Before the pandemic, an average of 7 million people a year used the Chapel Hill bus system. And each and every one of them rode for free. This is remarkable and remarkably wonderful. Since 2002, not a single passenger has…
(BRINKLEY, Ark.) – Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park, located near Brinkley, is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, April 7th after renovations to preserve this National Historic Landmark. While smaller than most Arkansas state parks, the site is of major significance.…
COLUMBIA, MO – One of the world’s “coolest film festivals,” Columbia’s True/False Film Fest, is heading outdoors for 2021. This year’s True/False Film Fest will take place May 5-9, 2021 at the picturesque Stephens Lake Park, just a mile and…
Farmers’ Markets Extend Hours Shop for Spring produce, flowers, plants, meat, baked goods, specialty foods and crafts and Orange County’s Farmers Markets. You can visit Hillsborough Farmers Market online. In person markets include the Chapel Hill Farmers’ Market, the Eno…
Members of our community gathered last week on the Chapel Hill Post Office Plaza to remember and honor the victims of the recent shootings at Atlanta-area spas. They held signs that read “Stop Asian Hate” and “Asian is not a…
Two weekends of free, live performances and fitness classes in Argenta Plaza NORTH LITTLE ROCK (March 30, 2021) – Ballet Arkansas and the North Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) announced their partnership in the launch of Ballet Arkansas…
COLUMBIA, MO – The 2021 Unbound Book Festival, a free celebration of literature of all kinds, marches onward with literary panels, discussions and events taking place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. CST now through April 23. All 2021…
In 2020, a time of deep reflection, recovery and desire for open spaces, more than 1.1 million people took to Orange County’s great outdoors and harnessed the healing powers of the Eno River to help them navigate some of the…
This year marks an interesting milestone: the 50-year anniversary of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, MKARNS. At the time of its opening half a century ago, the endeavor stood out as the largest civil works project that the U.S.…
In Orange County we are feeling a renewed appreciation of spring. Sun and longer days bring hope and light of better days ahead. As our local community works to slowly and safely welcome residents and visitors to our streets, we…
Spring into something together in North Little Rock. Beauty, relaxation, refreshment awaits in North Little Rock, Arkansas! A few hours’ drive – especially this year – can feel like a truly reinvigorating getaway. With plenty of outdoor activity, natural beauty,…
The future of the Earth and the people who live on it is dependent on the management of land and water. This is essential and something we can all agree on. After that opinions vary, and then every once in…
Arkansas Tourism was recently selected as a silver award winner in the 2020 North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) Awards Competition. The award recognizes the 2020 Arkansas Travel Guide. The publication won in the category of visitor’s guide (printed or…
Virtual tours have become a go-to avenue for tourism entities across Arkansas to carry on with programming during COVID-19. The Sandwiching in History tours offered by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, AHPP, has not only continued via virtual means, it…
AUGUSTA, Ga. (March 4, 2021) – Aggressor Adventures® announced today the results of its latest Consumer Travel Index which tracks consumer sentiments on a bi-monthly basis. Everyone Wants Sunshine The first survey question asks respondents for their travel preferences in 2021. Given…
(Branson, Missouri, March 4, 2021) With adventure-loving travelers seeking great outdoor activities, Silver Dollar City kicks off the 2021 season revving up 40 themed rides & attractions and tuning up live entertainment on stages throughout the “City.” Silver Dollar City…
(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) – Due to the health emergency brought on by COVID-19, many facilities at Arkansas State Parks have had reduced hours and limited occupancy for the past year. Beginning Monday, March 1, 2021, park visitor centers and museums will…
Fairbanks, Alaska (AK) –Under the veil of darkness, the aurora borealis, like magic, appears and dances across the sky. This mesmerizing and compelling natural phenomenon lures travelers to the Fairbanks region where the northern lights are commonplace. Because this awe-inspiring…
In March 2020, life changed in Arkansas. Events were cancelled. Social distancing became the norm. Yet plans for the annual King Biscuit Blues Festival continued, as organizers hoped life would return to normal by October. Historic Helena’s King Biscuit Blues…
What does it mean to manage a town? Is it even possible? A town would seem, by its very nature, to be unmanageable: too many moving parts, too many moving people. That’s why the job is not for everybody and…
SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, Mexico — This Mexican colonial jewel of a city is probably best known for its architecture, traditions and art scene, but some may find it surprising that its natural light and beauty is also favored by…
Tourism partners from across the state will gather March 2-3 for the 47th Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Hospitality. This year’s conference is virtual and free with the theme “GRIT: Generating Recovery in Tourism.” It builds on last year’s…
We are feeling the love this February. We ended January with a fantastic branding celebration, including the reveal of our new brand anthem video. The momentum continues with Kansas’ Black History Month, International Pancake Day and a Super Bowl commercial…
The tourism industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Creativity has helped many industry members weather the storm and succeed during this difficult time. Some new ideas were born of the pandemic, while others were adapted to help…
Jim Merritt The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression. — W.E.B. Dubois There are a few things to know about Chapel Hill resident, Jim Merritt, in order to understand the kind of man he is. In…
COLUMBIA, MO – The 2021 Unbound Book Festival, a free celebration of literature of all kinds, is in full swing with literary panels, discussions and events taking place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. CST now through April 23.…
The February edition of “Discover Arkansas” is now available at www.arkansas.com/discover-arkansas. Published by Arkansas Tourism, the monthly digital publication highlights events, activities and trip ideas in The Natural State. Hit the road for some Arkansas cuisine! From north to south,…
In an area like Chapel Hill, where the tourism industry isn’t as obvious as it is in, say, Orlando or Las Vegas, Aspen or Nashville, many wonder what our local tourism actually looks like around campus and throughout Orange County.…
AUGUSTA, Ga. (January 27, 2021) – In light of the of the Executive Order on “Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel,” Aggressor Adventures® announces today its Return Travel Testing Services available to travelers returning to the United States…
The Mid-American Science Museum in Hot Springs is Arkansas’s largest hands-on science center and first Smithsonian affiliate. There are more than 100 exhibits and workstations to explore at the museum, which opened in 1979. The museum, which sits on 21…
SILAO, Guanajuato, Jan. 25, 2021 — The Mexican state of Guanajuato is strengthening sanitary and preventive measures in light of the new U. S. executive order to increase sanitary safety, due to COVID-19, in domestic and international travel signed on…
• Initiative aims to facilitate transit of U.S.-bound passengers who wish to visit state or are already there.• As part of health bubble offered by Yucatán, domestic and international airlines have been certified for biosanitary protocols to form part of…
It’s not news, of course, that our long and divisive election cycle happened to take place amid a devastating pandemic, compounding our difficulties and intensifying our tragedies. Many of those you talk to, no matter their political allegiance, seek a spirit…
The 2021 Arkansas Travel Guide is now available at Welcome Centers and tourism locations across the state. You can order a print edition or view the guide online at arkansas.com/publications. “For those of us who call The Natural State home, the…
National Plan for Vacation Day is January 26, and now is the time to start planning for travel when the time is right.
National wildlife refuges, or NWRs, belong to the people and are entrusted to those who work for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to manage for the benefit of wildlife.
COLUMBIA, MO – For most people, it is very rare to have award-winning authors and poets reading and discussing their work in your very own private home. But, that’s just what will happen for the 2021 Unbound Book Festival.
The North Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (North Little Rock CVB), the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce and the City of North Little Rock’s Economic Development announced today they will host North Little Rock Restaurant Week January 25…
It’s a new day in the Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough communities. Get out and try something new. Thank you for following safety guidelines – wearing a mask and maintaining six feet of physical distance – as we all work…
Arkansas Tourism’s 2021 media kit is now available online, providing updated content and inspiration about The Natural State. In addition to story ideas, the media kit also includes a list of 2021 anniversaries – one highlight of this year is…
DARDANELLE, Ark. – Arkansas State Parks has completed the restoration and improvement project for the Rim Trail at Mount Nebo State Park with support from the Walton Family Foundation and the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation (APRF).
The January edition of “Discover Arkansas” is now available.
Explore Fairbanks presents the Official 2021 Visitors Guide, a free 65-page, full-color booklet.
The Carolina Inn, a colonial-revival-style structure on the western rim of the UNC campus in the heart of Chapel Hill, is the sort of place people go to celebrate the important milestones, the moments we tend to measure the rest…
A national organization dedicated to supporting and promoting state parks has recognized distinguished people, projects, and programs across the country for extraordinary achievements in managing state park systems.
When I relocated to North Carolina fifteen years ago, I was excited about many things, but food topped the list.
In all 50 states, hikers in America’s State Parks will kick off the new year with healthy, fun, outdoor experiences as part of the annual First Day Hikes event.
The Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights continues now through the end of the year with a statewide celebration of the holiday season.
The North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) is 1,175 miles long (that’s the distance from Portland, Maine to Atlanta).
Tim Scott, Community Bank President, The Bank of Missouri, and Chairman of the Board, Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB, is pleased to announce that Jason Outman will be joining the Chamber/CVB organization as the new President/CEO.
Columbia has a reputation for world-class festivals, big-time collegiate sporting events and outstanding outdoor recreation. There’s always a palpable feeling of excitement as the city does everything in style.
The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, LRCVB, has unleashed four new self-guided tours this year as an added way to experience the varied culture and history of the state and showcase Little Rock in a new way.
A food blogger, a historian, a hippie, and an activist walk into a bar – a joke which, in these Covid days, has not aged well. But if such a thing could happen it very well might happen in Chapel…
Visitor information centers, museums, restaurants and two marinas at Arkansas State Parks will see a reduction of operating hours to efficiently manage available resources during the recent statewide increase in COVID-19 cases.
The state of Yucatán announced this afternoon that two of its municipalities, Sisal and Maní, have been awarded the designation “Pueblo Mágico,” or Magical Town, by Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism (SECTUR)
From the popular 12 Days of Christmas at The Carolina Inn, to holly walks, holiday craft sales, lantern walks and even a winter wonderland with goats, there is something for everyone as you plan your holiday celebrations.
The Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights returns this week with a statewide celebration of the holiday season.
If the University is closed, how do you get people to visit Chapel Hill?
(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) – A new historical marker is now in Emmet for the Ephesus Cemetery announced the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst.
As Winter Season begins to settle in around Fairbanks, we invite you to come see the captivating light of the aurora borealis, frolic in a playground made of ice, experience the exhilarating sport of dog mushing and visit the charming…
(MURFREESBORO, Ark.) – It was all treat, no trick this Halloween for Steven McCool of Fayetteville, Ark., at Crater of Diamonds State Park. The 34-year-old found the third-largest diamond of the year. “Arkansas is the only state in the country…
How do you get family together to enjoy the holidays during a pandemic? Is it safer to just stay in your small pods, try FaceTime and wait for next year? The answers will differ from family to family, from community…
Lake of the Ozarks, MO – Missouri Life Magazine announced on Thursday, Oct. 22 that the “Welcome to the Lake of the Ozarks” episode of Missouri Life TV has been nominated for a 2020 Mid-America Emmy Award. The National Academy of…
By Zoie Clift Photos available here. The St. Francis Sunken Lands Water Trail is a new water trail for people to paddle that meanders through 10 miles of the Sunken Lands, offering an interesting peek into both nature and history. “The forested…
Orange County has always been good at re-envisioning. Instead of focusing on what might have worked in the past we look to the future and ask, “How can we do this better?” This is the spirit animating our chefs as…
(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) – As the old saying goes, good things come to those who wait. For those people who love staying at the DeRoche Ridge campground at DeGray Lake Resort State Park, that patience has paid off! After being closed…
Farm & Garden Center in Hillsborough was never a tourist attraction. It wasn’t a gourmet grocery store or knick-knack purveyor. Technically the business served as a gas station, country store and produce stand near the intersection of NC-86 and Walnut…
October may look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy fall fun. North Little Rock attractions are getting creative with some fun and spooky things to do. October Dining Deals Make a day of…
Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico – October 19, 2020 – The Santa Lucia International Festival, which started on the 11th of October, has reaffirmed its position as one of the largest cultural events in Latin America with a 27-day program scheduled to broadcast performances…
By Travis NapperDirectorArkansas Tourism From a business perspective, the global travel industry has been one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, the attributes of The Natural State are ones that resonate in today’s environment. Arkansas is the…
(MOUNTAIN VIEW, Ark.) – Ozark Folk Center State Park is holding a virtual craft showcase on our Facebook page Oct. 5-16, 2020. Craft Village artisans share videos of their shops, their creative processes, and the items they make and sell. The Craft Village…
Camping is a wonderful way to enjoy Arkansas’s natural beauty. The views, fresh air and nighttime under the stars can revive the mind and refresh the spirit. Plenty of opportunities to pitch a tent can be found across the wide…
Columbia, Mo. – Mid-Missouri in the fall is a breathtaking sight. The state’s hardwoods put on a colorful show providing visitors many great vantage points and fun ways to take in the splendor of the season during a getaway to Columbia.…
MÉRIDA, Yucatán — Oct. 5, 2020 — Increases in air connectivity and visitor arrivals, support for tourism infrastructure and product development, the creation of health and safety protocols, and several accolades and recognitions — all are the direct result of the…
(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) – Arkansas State Parks now has a new Region 3 supervisor to oversee the operations and management of 13 parks in eastern Arkansas. John Stewart has worked at other state parks for the last 13 years and…
San Miguel de Allende is the ‘Best Small City in the World’ According to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Award: ‘The Heart of Mexico’ returns to RCA as one of only two Mexican destinations to be included in the World’s…
The Dynamic Decade It’s possible that you’ve never heard of Bruce Runberg, but if you live in Chapel Hill you’re surrounded by his accomplishments. And you’re going to see more of them, soon. In The Dynamic Decade, a book written by…
The October edition of “Discover Arkansas” is now available at www.arkansas.com/discover-arkansas. Published by Arkansas Tourism, the monthly digital publication highlights events, activities and trip ideas in The Natural State. The crisp, cool mornings are returning to Arkansas and that can only…
To keep locals and visitors aware of Autumn 2020 activities, the Visitors Bureau is publishing quarterly newsletters highlighting Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough and Orange County. The printed four page piece for Fall features outdoor trails, preserves, tours, farmers markets, gardens,…
As the fog lifts in Boxley Valley and the morning sun warms the dew on the grass, elk move from the mottled shade at the edge of the forest into the open pasture to graze. Before long, cars stop on…
(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) — On Labor Day, Kevin Kinard, a 33-year-old bank branch manager from Maumelle, Ark., visited Arkansas’s Crater of Diamonds State Park and found the second-largest diamond found in the park’s history. Kinard has visited the Crater of Diamonds…
Fall is a wonderful time to take a scenic drive as you head out in search of seasonal color. Fall drives are also perfect for social distancing, and Arkansas’s lodging, dining and attractions are following safety protocols so you can…
Welcome to the world of The North Carolina Botanical Garden where garden design, horticulture, education, and the arts interplay to inspire and enlighten visitors from across the globe.The North Carolina Botanical Garden is a conservation garden. Their guiding mission is…
Arkansas Tourism was recently selected for an award in outstanding achievement in web development by the Web Marketing Association (WMA). The award specifically recognizes the Arkansas.com page “Virtual Arkansas: Staying inside doesn’t mean you can’t have fun,” which was created to…
St. Augustine, Fla. (September 2020)– This northeast Florida destination with its 42 miles of pristine Atlantic Beaches, has been a favorite getaway for 455 years. And there are always new adventures to be had. What’s New Attractions & Tours Lightner Museum,…
2019 economic impact report indicates solid growth The positive economic impact of tourism in Arkansas continues to be significant, according to data released from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. In 2019, just under 69,000 Arkansans worked directly…
(Branson, Missouri, 9/17/2020) As part of a 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee, Silver Dollar City presents one of the longest running and most-attended craft festivals in America, The Harvest Festival featuring Crafts, Cowboys and Pumpkins, September 23-October 31, 2020. The 1880s theme park…
Fairbanks, Alaska (AK) – The 2020-21 Fairbanks Winter Guide is now available for free. The 24-page full-color booklet is designed to help plan vacations during the winter season. Fairbanks enjoys world-class northern lights viewing as well as an array of…
Carr Mill Mall, in the heart of Carrboro, NC, was named for Julian Carr. The mall was a former cotton mill. Carr bought it in 1914, donated electricity to the community, and in honor and thanks the town changed its name from West…
For those of us who call Orange County home – and there are a lot of us, from natives and transplants to students and retirees – it’s time to take stock of how much our community has done for us…
Main streets represent the heart and core of communities. Every community and commercial district has its own distinct sense of place and heritage that it shares. “Our small businesses positively impact our communities in so many ways,” said Greg Phillips,…
In late January, before COVID-19 hit, the Eden Isle Blue Chip Investment Club blocked rooms and booked a trip to Mount Magazine State Park near Paris for its June 2020 meeting. Fast forward to the trip dates of June 12-13…
The September edition of “Discover Arkansas” is now available at www.arkansas.com/discover-arkansas. Published by Arkansas Tourism, the monthly digital publication highlights events, activities and trip ideas in The Natural State. If you’re in the mood for fall road trips, pumpkins, and scenic…
(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) – An increase in visitors at several state parks has prompted park officials to remind the public that COVID-19 restrictions remain in place and will be enforced. Pinnacle Mountain, Petit Jean, and Devil’s Den State Parks have all…
Wegmans Chapel Hill to open early 20201, now hiring Wegmans is set to open in early 2021 in Chapel Hill. The supermarket will be located between US Interstate 40 and Highway 15-501 at the former site of Performance Auto Mall.…
Although it isn’t quite business-as-usual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still ways you and your family can enjoy visiting Division of Arkansas Heritage sites across the state. Enhanced security procedures onsite and digital offerings are allowing visitors to…
From the energy you bring to our streets, to the sound of the applause greeting a local performance of music, dance or sport – we miss you. We miss your laughter, and hearing your sighs of contentment following one of…
Kim Williams, travel writer ; Arkansas Tourism – Arkansas Welcome Centers have hosted guests from across the globe for decades, providing information on attractions, lodging and dining to millions of visitors. In mid-March, as COVID-19 began to circulate, the centers…
While travel looks a little different right now, Arkansas is still very much open for business. Locations across the state are taking special measures to make sure visitors can continue to enjoy all that The Natural State has to offer.…
What do walrus heads, warriors and dragons all have in common? They all play a role in the mythos surrounding the aurora borealis. Nowadays we look to the heavens and know that electrons from space are colliding with nitrogen and…
It’s been a long hot summer in Chapel Hill. Local independent restaurant owners are nervous, because their future has never been more uncertain. To sustain us until the path ahead is clear, all we can do is look to the…
(MOUNTAIN VIEW, Ark.) – Ozark Highlands Radio (OHR), the Ozark Folk Center State Park’s public radio program, received the award for “Podcast of the Year” recently at the 2020 Arkansas Country Music Awards. The radio program, which is currently in its fifth…
In this year of irrevocable change and loss, another name must be added to that long and growing list of what was but is no longer. Donna Baker died July 31, 2020 in her Orange County home. Donna was the…
Aug. 12, 2020 — Branson/Lakes Area, Mo. – A Branson/Lakes Area business owner has found a way to use her unique skill set to help others make the best of the current situation and encourage them to have a little…
Travis Napper, director of Arkansas Tourism, has been named to the board of directors for Travel South USA and will serve as the 2020-2021 chair of the Advertising Committee. Travel South USA is the official regional destination marketing organization for…
Alpine, Texas – (August 6th, 2020) The Brewster County Tourism Council and Visit Big Bend have received notice from Big Bend National Park and the National Park Services that beginning Friday August 7th at 9am, Big Bend National Park will reopen…
The August edition of “Discover Arkansas” is now available at www.arkansas.com/discover-arkansas. Published by Arkansas Tourism, the monthly digital publication highlights events, activities and trip ideas in The Natural State. It’s time to explore the tours and trails of Arkansas! For our…
By Kim Williams Photos available here. For nearly nine decades, Arkansas State Parks have been a destination for generations of residents and visitors alike. During the pandemic, parks throughout Arkansas were a respite during unprecedented times. The department’s mission, to “enhance…
(Branson, Missouri, 7/31/20) A 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee comes with a great big bow as Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri takes the crown for #1 Amusement Park in all the land by 10Best/USAToday Readers’ Choice Awards. In total, Silver Dollar…
Looking for a way to join this year’s celebration of National Tequila Day? Viva Tequila Festival is more than eager to share some cocktail recipes for your consideration. Please feel free to download our recipes and photos here for your use. If…
Fairbanks, Alaska (AK) – In Alaska’s Interior and Arctic, the caribou far outnumber the people. In fact, according to Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s Bob Hunter, there are almost five caribou to every one human in Alaska’s Interior and Arctic.…
To curb the spread of COVID-19, some North Little Rock attractions and restaurants are temporarily closed or have reduced hours. Please check NorthLittleRock.org and free planning app for updated information. Starting Monday, July 20, the state of Arkansas will require masks in public. As always, our…
The Choice is Yours! Voting for the Travel Weekly’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards is now open. Cast your vote today to determine who the finalists will be. We ask that you consider: San Miguel de Allende as Best Mexico Destination, Buenaventura Hotels as Best Hotel Chain…
60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Celebrates Tallest Drop Adventure Water Ride – (Branson, Missouri, 7.2020) With great anticipation of Silver Dollar City’s2020 promise to present The Tallest Drop on a Water Raft Ride in the Western Hemisphere, Mystic River Falls is now open. The water…
SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, Mexico — July 15, 2002 – San Miguel de Allende, located in the State of Guanajuato and known as the “Heart of Mexico,” will start reopening to tourists today, with hotels working with a maximum 40% capacity…
The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel just launched Shellcast – its new podcast. Take a boat ride through Pine Island Sound and out to the Gulf of Mexico with one of their favorite outdoor guides. Grab some beach time…
Columbia, Mo. – Anyone looking to escape the crowds and spend some time outside will find many great escapes in Columbia. With 73 city parks, 10 conservation areas, three state parks, a celebrated nature trail and numerous outdoor venues, Columbia offers…
The July edition of “Discover Arkansas” is now available at www.arkansas.com/discover-arkansas. Published by Arkansas Tourism, the monthly digital publication highlights events, activities and trip ideas in The Natural State. Feeling cabin fever but need to vacation on a shoestring? Arkansas is…
PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico — July 1, 2020 — The first visitors to arrive in Puerto Vallarta since the reopening of its hotels and beaches last week found not only a renowned tourism offering intact but also a destination engrossed in health and…
(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) — Confirmation of two large diamonds found at Crater of Diamonds State Park made for a busy week last week at the park, one of the only places in the world where the public can search for diamonds…
Travelers can now stop at an Arkansas Welcome Center for trip planning advice, tourism information and the opportunity to stretch their legs while on the road. After temporarily closing March 20 to prevent the spread of COVID-19, The Natural State’s…
TOPEKA – The Tourism Division of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism introduced its new tourism marketing tagline and campaign last week, which honors and celebrates the perseverance that defines what it means to be a Kansan. The…
(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) — The summer of 2020 started with a sparkling surprise for one western Arkansas woman. Fifty-six-year-old Beatrice Watkins, of Mena, visited Arkansas’s Crater of Diamonds State Park, in Murfreesboro, on Saturday, June 20, with her daughter and granddaughters. Within 30 minutes of arriving, she had unknowingly picked up…
Welcome to The Explorer! – While it’s currently Midnight Sun Season, the start of Aurora Season is quickly approaching and with Alaska being open for business, there’s plenty of reasons to plan a trip to Fairbanks – this season or next. If…
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas State Parks, a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, now has a way for guests to document their experiences at all 52 state parks. Visitors can pick up their free passport…
Atlanta, GA – June 15, 2020 – The state of Jalisco is Mexico’s most emblematic region, having given birth to so many of the country’s iconic cultural offerings, including the charro, or Mexican cowboy, and, of course, Tequila. This multi-destination state has…
The June edition of “Discover Arkansas” is now available at www.arkansas.com/discover-arkansas. Published by Arkansas Tourism, the monthly digital publication highlights events, activities and trip ideas in The Natural State. Now is the best time to rediscover Arkansas! With safety as a…
The City of North Little Rock has debuted a new video, “My City,” featuring North Little Rock small businesses and the local community. Local poet and entrepreneur, Chris James (The Roots Art Connection, Arkansas Theatre Festival, House of Art), narrates the video with an…
With the coronavirus limiting dine-in for restaurants, it almost seems like North Little Rock – home of walk-up barbecue stands and dairy bars – was made for this. As Arkansans, we’re used to eating outdoors. We’re used to withering humidity…
St. Augustine, Fla – (June 2, 2020)…Florida’s Historic Coast is safely welcoming visitors back to Northeast Florida to take in the history, enjoy the 42 miles of beach, to relax with friends and family and, most importantly, to make new…
Join Explore Branson for a virtual and interactive FAM tour as we bring our city to life through highlights specifically for you and your attendees. Get a Real Feel for Our Destination From Wherever You Are As the entertainment capital of…
Industry Partners: We are keeping a pulse on the latest measures in place and news related to COVID-19 in Puerto Rico, to continuously update our messaging and inform our marketing. Communicating our Health and Safety measures will be critical to instill…
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Tent camping will open in all Arkansas State Parks beginning on Monday, June 1, announced Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “Whether frequent guests or those new to our Arkansas State…
(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) — The very popular diamond search field at Crater of Diamonds State Park will open tomorrow with some restrictions, announced Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “We are pleased to be able…
St. Augustine, Fla– (May 5, 2020)…First things first. As Florida’s Historic Coast enters phase one of re-opening for business, it is sending out a big “thank you” to those who were the first to respond to the COVID-19 challenge. From…
Osage Beach, MO – Beginning today, the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Council launched a 45-day “Pass it On!” fundraising campaign to benefit four Lake-area charities. During the “Pass it On!” campaign, anyone that makes a minimum $20 donation between now…
As we all know, travels and travel plans are currently suspended. Over the following weeks, we will continue sharing the inspiring stories happening in our area, as well as making sure you are up to date on the latest news…
(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) — The Craft Village at the Ozark Folk Center State Park is scheduled to open on Tuesday, May 19, following Arkansas Department of Health guidelines, announced Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism. …
Fairbanks, Alaska (AK) – Grab a front row seat and start your virtual vacation now. Explore Fairbanks is showcasing five brand new virtual experiences including an exhilarating dog sled ride through a snowy pristine forest, a float down the Chena River…
National Travel and Tourism Week May 3-9 Arkansas will celebrate the “Spirit of Travel” during National Travel and Tourism Week, May 3-9. This year, the week will highlight travel’s ability to provide resilience and hope.“There’s no doubt this has been an…
(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) — Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst today announced that beginning May 1, campgrounds at Arkansas State Parks will reopen for RV campers with the following limitations: Campers must use private recreational vehicles with…
WHAT: The First Event of the “Housebound” Version of the Unbound Book Festival, “Future Imperfect” Literary Conversation WHO: Authors Amber Sparks and Alexander Weinstein WHEN: 7:00 p.m. CST tonight, Thursday, April 23 WHERE: Streaming Live on Zoom ABOUT “HOUSEBOUND” UNBOUND:…
LITTLE ROCK—Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (ADPHT), today announced ADPHT is limiting use of campgrounds to RVs with self-contained bathrooms. Primitive camping areas for backpackers are available at Cane Creek State Park, Hobbs…
(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) —Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism (ADPHT), today announced all Arkansas State Parks will be open for day use only effective 8 a.m. on Friday, April 3, until further notice. ADPHT…
(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) — Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism (ADPHT), today announced some trails and areas in the Arkansas State Parks system that have temporarily closed due to damage from the storms over Easter…
Bellingham, WA. – As a gift to the community, during Washington State’s Stay Home – Stay Safe Order, Bellingham and Whatcom County artists, musicians, actors, storytellers, dancers, filmmakers, performers and arts supporters have come together to create the Whatcom Arts Project. Free, daily online…
St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach is a fun place to learn about history and nature. As the health and safety of our residents and the visitors to St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra Beach is paramount, Florida’s Historic Coast is…
Dear Visitors: We’re asking anyone who is not a primary resident of Catalina Island or providing essential services to our residents NOT to visit Catalina for the time being. The reason is simple: as a small, remote island community our…
LITTLE ROCK—Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (ADPHT), today announced that ADPHT is instituting closings and/or limited access to some of its parks and museums in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, effective March 20.…
(LITTLE ROCK, ARK.) – Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism (ADPHT), today announced that to ensure the safety of guests and employees during the COVID-19 public health emergency, ADPHT is closing the lodges at…
(LITTLE ROCK, ARK.) – Arkansas State Parks remain open at this time to provide needed outdoor spaces for our guests. While we have some diminished services, the parks are open for day-use activities including hiking, running, cycling, fishing, paddling, wildlife…
Visitors to Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks will have the opportunity to see the Grammy-nominated Liverpool Legends this Friday and Saturday evenings, March 13 and 14, at the Main Street Music Hall in Osage Beach. The Grammy-nominated Liverpool Legends will be performing at…
Arkansas tourism partners from across the state tonight honored the 2020 winners of the annual Henry Awards for Excellence in Arkansas Tourism during a ceremony at the 46th Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism, held March 1-3 in Fort Smith. The…
Conway is a town that has had a pulse on the arts for a long time. The art scene in Conway is really on the upswing,” said Rachel Shaw, executive director of the Conway Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Local artists, musicians…
Newport (R.I.) February 27, 2020 – Discover Newport’s 2020 Destination Guide, the largest to date, has just debuted and is being distributed to travelers from coast to coast and across the globe. The 68-page travel guide features more than 130…
Lake of the Ozarks, MO – At today’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Tri-County Lodging Association (TCLA) Board of Directors, Administrator Jim Divincen announced his retirement after 27 years of service. “It’s truly been an honor and a privilege…
THE RACE WEEKEND This first edition of the ÖTILLÖ Swimrun Catalina weekend has a fantastic turn out with more than 520 persons from 18 nations coming to participate in the first races of the year.The first of eight World Series…
Sun’s Up in Midnight Sun Season The sun is almost always up during Midnight Sun Season in Fairbanks, Alaska, where you can experience 24 hours of sunlight for 70 straight days. Cast away your clock, forget about time and immerse…
The Fort Smith Convention Center will host a new photography exhibit, “Arkansas’s Scenic Tourism Landscapes,” beginning Sunday, March 1, with a meet-and-greet event for the public at 2 p.m. that day. The opening coincides with the annual Arkansas Governor’s Conference…
Tourism partners from across the state will gather at the 46th Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism March 1-3 at the Fort Smith Convention Center. This year’s conference theme is “Tourism Takes Grit.”The annual meeting of Arkansas’s tourism industry offers sessions…
(LITTLE ROCK, ARK.) – Queen Wilhelmina State Park took home the top prize today at the Arkansas State Park’s Top Chef Competition. It was the first time they won in the seven years of the contest. Five park restaurants participated in…
Lake of the Ozarks, MO – With over 7,400 registered caves around the state, including 20 “show caves,” Missouri has certainly earned its nickname as “the cave state.” Home to over 300 wild caves and four of the state’s 20 show…
COLUMBIA, MO — As we ease our way into a new decade and a new year, there is plenty to look forward to in Columbia, which was recently named by Reader’s Digest as “the Nicest Place in Missouri.” Home to the…
Arkansas Tourism has been named the State Tourism Office of the Year by the Southeast Tourism Society. The 2020 Shining Example Award winners were announced during the Southeast Tourism Society’s annual Connections conference in Little Rock, which was attended by…
Arkansas Tourism’s first traveling photo exhibit has been recognized by the AAA Southern Traveler as an official Southern Travel Treasure. “Arkansas’s Scenic Tourism Landscapes” debuted at the Ritz Theater in Blytheville in November and will be on display until February 15.…
Submitted by Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort HOT SPRINGS, AR (Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020) – Oaklawn kicks off its 116th live racing season this Friday, January 24 with a special 12:30 p.m. first post. The 57-day season is highlighted by a record…
Unbeatable Rates for Affordable and Luxury Accommodations Across the Ocean State Providence, RI (December 9, 2019) – Visit Rhode Island, in conjunction with 22 hotels throughout its six tourism regions, announces the first-ever “Hotel Week RI,” taking place January 18-31,…
Museum recently named an International Site of Consciousness Kim WilliamsTravel Writer Photos available here. The Southern Tenant Farmers Museum, an Arkansas State University Heritage Site in Tyronza, has been accepted into the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, a global association of…
By Kristine Puckett, Deputy Director, Arkansas Tourism This time of year, many of us make a resolution to relax and recharge. Travel is a great way to achieve that resolution. Travel can have a positive impact on your emotional and…
Please find at the link below, a new media release regarding the 2020 OTILLO Race event on Catalina Island. ÖTILLÖ, THE ORIGIN OF THE UP-AND COMING-SPORT OF SWIMRUN, LAUNCHES ITS FIRST AMERICAN RACE ON FEBRUARY 29TH, 2020. For all of…
January ‘Discover Arkansas’ now onlineThe January edition of “Discover Arkansas” is now available at www.arkansas.com/discover-arkansas. Published by Arkansas Tourism, the monthly digital publication highlights events, activities and trip ideas in The Natural State. After the nonstop hustle and bustle of the…
