Carrboro Music Festival
One of the first impressions I had of Carrboro was in 2005, when I made a trip down here to house hunt. In one of those wonderful accidents that can change a life, I turned a corner and walked right…
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Things to do this week in North Little Rock (as of 7.26.21)
*Denotes FREE admission Full calendar of events: https://northlittlerock.org/events *All week: pick up free STEM “Family Pets” crafts at Laman Library Main Branch (2801 Orange St.) Thursday, July 29 *8a–7:30p|The Old Mill at T. R. Pugh Memorial Park (3800 Lakeshore Dr.)…
Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Officially Begins Operating Lake Sylvia Recreation Area
(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) – The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (ADPHT) held an event today at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area to officially mark the beginning of operating and managing the area as a unit of Pinnacle Mountain State Park.…
NO TIME TO TARRY – THE BOONE DAWDLE IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER
COLUMBIA, MO – There are so many things to enjoy about Columbia in the summertime. There are the leisurely bike rides on Columbia’s celebrated trails. There are the numerous outstanding outdoor concerts. There’s delicious and seasonal locally-sourced food and Columbia’s…
North Little Rock “Setting the Table” Culinary Initiative
The North Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has launched a new effort to define and strengthen culinary tourism for the city called “Setting the Table” which will optimize the local food ecosystem as a key driver for the city’s brand.…
New, Expanded, and Changing Restaurants in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough
Seafood Destiny, a Greensboro-based business that serves made-to-order crab legs, lobster, shrimp, and more is opening on the corner of Columbia and Franklin Street in the site formerly operated by Lotsa Pizza, announced the Downtown Chapel Hill Partnership. The owner…
Columbia’s Roots N Blues Festival Makes Its Highly-Anticipated Return
COLUMBIA, MO – After more than a year without live music, the driving beat of a snare drum, the pulsing rhythm of a bass guitar and sweet vocal melodies floating through the air around Stephens Lake Park will be welcome…
Things to do this week in North Little Rock (as of 7.19.21)
*Denotes FREE admission Full calendar of events: https://northlittlerock.org/events *Weekdays: Reptile & Amphibian Take & Make STEM crafts – William F. Laman Library Main Branch (2801 Orange St.) Wednesday, July 21 *8a–7:30p|The Old Mill at T. R. Pugh Memorial Park (3800…
Fairbanks, Alaska Hosts Annual World Eskimo-Indian Olympics
Fairbanks, Alaska (AK) – The annual World Eskimo-Indian Olympic Games (WEIO) will take place at the Big Dipper in Fairbanks from July 21 through 24, 2021. A four-day series of traditional Alaska Native athletic competitions, WEIO draws Native athletes and…
Things to do in North Little Rock (as of 7.12.21)
*denotes FREE admission Friday, July 16 – Sunday, July 18: Main Street (Broadway to 5th Streets) closed for Argenta Dogtown Throwdown Friday, July 16 5a-6a|Happy Hour (Half off drinks OR buy 1 get 1 drink) – Dark Side Coffee Co.…
Cave City celebrates sweetest watermelons
Cave City bills itself as having the “world’s sweetest watermelons.” Find out for yourself July 29-31 during the 41st annual Watermelon Festival, which offers three days packed full of fun and entertainment for the entire family. Activities include a children’s…
Moorefields Hillsborough is a Special Place that Invites You to Visit
Old houses tell a story. They have a history. How many, over the course of the last two and a half centuries, have walked these floors before you? Soldiers, artists, men and women in elegant finery contradancing across the ballroom…
July Edition of ‘Discover Arkansas’ Available Online
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. This month, we’re introducing you to some new (and not-so-new) museums…
4th of July weekend in North Little Rock
Need something to do to celebrate the weekend for the Fourth of July? Here are some fun things to do over the holiday weekend in North Little Rock! Things to do this weekend in North Little Rock (as of 6.28.21)…
Fitzpatrick Named Executive Director of Lake of the Ozarks Tri-County Lodging Association
Lake of the Ozarks, MO – During it’s June meeting, the Tri-County Lodging Association Board of Directors, representing and acting on behalf of the Lake of the Ozarks Area Business Districts of Camden, Miller and Morgan Counties, named Lagina Fitzpatrick…
Welcome Back
Orange County is beginning to feel like its former self. Restaurants and bars are open, buzzing with students, visitors, and townies. The simplest things – a drink, a meal, a walk downtown – feel celebratory. Our fare-free buses are filling…
Consumer Travel Index Points to the Return of Group and Celebratory Travel
Adventure brand dives deep into 2021 travel plans and reasons for travel with fascinating results AUGUSTA, Ga. (June 24, 2021) – Aggressor Adventures® announces today the results of its latest Consumer Travel Index, which tracks consumer sentiments on a bi-monthly…
North Little Rock’s award-winning SETU Hospitality opens one of first Home 2 Suites/Tru by Hilton in Arkansas
NORTH LITTLE ROCK (June 24, 2021) – This week SETU Hospitality of North Little Rock opened its newest hotel, the dual-branded Home2 Suites North Little Rock and Tru by Hilton North Little Rock at 4221 Stockton Drive in North Little…
Eksplor creates engaging games for Arkansas travel destinations
Submitted by Eksplor Gaming Eksplor Gaming recently released its first series of games to promote travel to regions and destinations as part of a program designed with Arkansas’s Department of Tourism. To view the games, visit: www.arkansas.com/eksplor-games. Eksplor is a startup…
Carrboro’s Heritage Embraces Preservation of the Town’s Early Architecture
Affectionately known as “The Paris of the Piedmont,” Carrboro was first settled in the late-1800s along a University of North Carolina railroad spur and quickly became a mill town. Today, 20,000 people call it home. The town’s railroad depot, first…
Test your Arkansas knowledge with new digital games
Travelers in The Natural State have a new way to enhance their explorations. A new series of digital games will help visitors delve deeper into Arkansas destinations and test their knowledge about the state. To view and play the games,…
Arkansas State Parks Reopens Shooting Range at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area
(ROGERS, Ark.) – The shooting range at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area reopens at 8 a.m., on June 18, 2021. The redesigned shooting range has five shooting lanes, including one lane designed for wheelchair use, is 100 yards long, and is…
Legacy of LGBTQ Community Celebrated During Pride Month
LGBT Pride Month occurs in the United States to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969. As a result, many pride events are held during this month to recognize the impact LGBT people have had in…
First concert of Argenta Plaza Summer Music Series held this Saturday
NORTH LITTLE ROCK (June 15, 2021) – The Argenta Plaza Summer Music Series, hosted by the North Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau (North Little Rock CVB), will kick off this Saturday, June 19, at 5 p.m. at Argenta Plaza…
Ozark Folk Center State Park Announces Bluegrass & Fried Chicken Festival
(MOUNTAIN VIEW, Ark.) – The Bluegrass & Fried Chicken Festival is Aug. 6-7, 2021, at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Ark. The music festival will feature an extended show on Friday night, a Saturday matinee, and a…
Dame’s Chicken & Waffles has opened at 147 East Franklin Street
Chapel Hill, meet Dame Moore and Randy Wadsworth; Dame and Randy, Chapel Hill. They are the founders and owners of Dame’s Chicken and Waffles. Dame’s has opened in the heart of Chapel Hill in the location that formerly housed Biski’s…
June 7 – June 13 Things to Do in North Little Rock
*denotes FREE admission Wednesday, June 9 *9a – 4p | North Little Rock Welcome Center open (600 Main St.) 10a – 6p | Kayak or bike tours with Rock Town River Outfitters *10:30a – 4p | North Little Rock Heritage…
Nationally touring Green Book exhibit makes stop at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock
The Green Book was a guide used by African American travelers to find businesses that would be welcoming to them during the volatile Jim Crow era of segregation. The travel guide was published and distributed across the country and included…
North Little Rock CVB kicks off new Argenta Plaza Summer Music Series June 19
Three weekends of music, fun and outdoor dining NORTH LITTLE ROCK (June 2, 2021) – To provide free entertainment to the local community and highlight local talent, the North Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (North Little Rock CVB) will…
Juneteenth 2021
Juneteenth commemorates the day the enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally received the news that they were free. The news came two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, on June 19, 1865. Flash-forward almost exactly 100 years, to Chapel Hill…
Argenta Community Theater reopens for its 2021-2022 season
After being closed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Argenta Community Theater (ACT) at 405 Main Street in North Little Rock recently announced that it will be reopening its doors in August 2021. ACT will kick off its 2021 season with…
Visitor Finds Two-Carat Diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park
Discovery made during cross-country gemstone quest (MURFREESBORO, Ark.) – It’s thrilling when hard work pays off. For years, 26-year-old Christian Liden, of Poulsbo, Wash., has wanted to find the raw materials to make his own engagement ring. He started by panning…
University Place in Chapel Hill is Open for Business
There’s a shopping center in Chapel Hill that’s fun to visit because many longtime Chapel Hill retailers are at the helm and their experience adds to the feeling of community. University Place (formerly known as University Mall) is anchored by SilverSpot Cinema. The mall…
Listen to the latest episode of the Discover Arkansas Podcast
The latest episode of the Discover Arkansas podcast is now available online. This month’s topic focuses on lesser known parts of Arkansas. Host Colton Faull traveled to Marion to learn about the Sultana Disaster Museum, which tells the story of…
Acrobatic Air Show Wings Over Bryant Debuts Father’s Day Weekend
A new acrobatic air show in Arkansas debuts in Bryant on June 19 over Father’s Day weekend. Wings Over Bryant is the only air show scheduled in Arkansas this year and is set to take place at the Saline County…
Arkansas State Parks partners with Arkansas Department of Health to provide vaccines
10 state parks to hold free public COVID-19 vaccination clinics (LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) – Arkansas State Parks, a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism (ADPHT), is partnering with the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) to host…
Historic Preservation
Historic preservation has been around forever. In one form or another, people have always wanted to maintain the past – the old homeplace – while at the same time inviting in the new. The new takes many forms: a road,…
Arkansas Delta Byways Launches New Tourism Games
Submitted by Delta Byways Arkansas Delta Byways, one of the 12 Regional Tourist Associations recognized by Arkansas Tourism, has introduced two new interactive games – a trivia game and a Scenic Byways Challenge – aimed at educating visitors and residents…
Be Part of the Largest Boat Parade in the World at the Lake of the Ozarks
LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MO – Boaters from across the country are encouraged to come to Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks on Saturday, June 12 to attempt to set a new official record for the largest boat parade in the world. According…
North Little Rock prepares for second weekend of free Ballet Arkansas classes, performances
Ballet Arkansas reports 600 attendees for first weekend, anticipates more NORTH LITTLE ROCK (May 13, 2021) – The second weekend of Ballet Arkansas Presents Live at the Plaza, featuring free recreational classes and performances, will be Friday, May 21 – Sunday,…
Welcome to the Midway
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro border, one block east of where Franklin Street melds into Main Street, is home to a concentration of creative energy and retro-innovation where the businesses are chic – nerd-chic – in the best possible ways. Consider: a…
May Edition of ‘Discover Arkansas’ Available Online
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…
Thanks to Service and Hospitality Workers for Delivering Hope
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,…
Newest Monument Trail to Be dedicated at Devil’s Den State Park
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…
Listen to the Latest Episode of the Discover Arkansas Podcast
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…
National Travel and Tourism Week 2021: Celebrate the ‘Power of Travel’
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…
McCrea named President and CEO of Explore Fairbanks
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…
UPDATE: Ballet Arkansas adjusts “Live at the Plaza” schedule due to weather
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”…
Aggressor Adventures Consumer Travel Index Points to a Readiness to Plan and Book Travel
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…
Post COVID Event Planning In Orange County, NC
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 Power of Travel: Arkansas can help drive America’s economic rebound
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…
Arkansas State Parks Dedicates Dr. T.W. Hardison Visitor Center at Petit Jean State Park
(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…
Future Sultana Disaster Museum Board Announces Capital Campaign Kick-Off
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,…
Bringing Tourism Back
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 is for the Birds… And Bird-Watchers!
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.…
Shaped by Black Lives Matter, UNC Student Greear Webb Watches Chauvin Trial and Asks: ‘What’s Next?’
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…
Gov. Asa Hutchinson to Join in Dedication of Petit Jean State Park Visitor Center
(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…
Argenta Farmers’ Market boasts new location, extended hours in North Little Rock
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…
April Edition of ‘Discover Arkansas’ Now Online
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…
Fayetteville part of world stage for mountain biking and cycling event
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…
How Free Transit Works in Chapel Hill and Carrboro
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…
Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park Reopens April 7 After Renovations
(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.…
True/False Film Fest Announces New Dates, Location and Details for 2021 Fest
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…
Check It Out! Chapel Hill/Orange County April Happenings
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…
Orange Slices – Orange County Condemns Asian Discrimination
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…
Ballet Arkansas and North Little Rock CVB announce “Live at the Plaza” in May 2021
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…
UNBOUND BOOK FESTIVAL EVENTS FOR APRIL 2021
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…
Orange Slices – The Eno River’s Ribbons of Color
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…
Corps sites offer access to countless outdoor activities along the Arkansas River
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.…
Orange Slices – We are off to another season.
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…
Up to something refreshing in North Little Rock
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,…
Soil. The stuff of life.
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 Travel Guide Named Silver Winner in National Competition
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…
Sandwiching in History tours make statewide move
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…
Aggressor Adventures Consumer Travel Index Highlights Warm Weather and Blue Mind Science
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…
Great Outdoor, Coaster-Riding, Fun-Loving Family Spring Break; Silver Dollar City’s Spring Ride Days Open March 17
(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…
Arkansas State Parks Announce Return to Regular Hours for Park Visitor Centers
(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…
Explore Fairbanks Spotlights New Aurora Tracker Video
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…
The COVID “blues:” King Biscuit Blues Festival
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…
Maurice Jones: Town Manager, Chapel Hill
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’s Burgeoning Wine Country Takes Visitors Across the Dramatic Terrain and Architecture of the Heart of Mexico
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…
Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Hospitality goes virtual March 2
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…
Travel Kansas Media & PR February Newsletter
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…
Tourism industry offsets COVID’s impact through innovation
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…
Orange Slices – February 9, 2021
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…
Unbound Book Festival Events For February
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.…
February Edition of ‘Discover Arkansas’ Now Online
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,…
Orange County Tourism
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.…
Aggressor Adventures Puts Customer Safety First with Return Travel Testing Services
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…
Mid-America Science Museum uses creative means to connect to community during COVID-19
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…
State Of Guanajuato, Mexico, Offers COVID-19 Testing At Airport, Hotels To Address New U.S. Government Requirements
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…
State Of Yucatán To Offer Rapid COVID-19 Testing For Travelers Flying To U.S. From Mérida’s International Airport
• 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…
Seeking Unity Globally and Locally
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
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…
Celebrate ‘National Plan for Vacation Day’ January 26
National Plan for Vacation Day is January 26, and now is the time to start planning for travel when the time is right.
Enjoy birding at a national wildlife refuge
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.
THE 2021 UNBOUND BOOK FESTIVAL… COMING TO A HOME NEAR YOU
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.
Up to Something Delicious: North Little Rock Restaurant Week 2021
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…
21 Things to Get Excited About in 2021
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 releases 2021 media kit
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…
Collaboration Brings Repairs to Historic Trail
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
The January edition of “Discover Arkansas” is now available.
Explore Fairbanks Releases 2021 Visitors Guide Spotlighting the Northern Lights, Midnight Sun and Winter Season
Explore Fairbanks presents the Official 2021 Visitors Guide, a free 65-page, full-color booklet.
Orange Slices: The Carolina Inn
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…
America’s State Parks Recognizes Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation
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.
Orange Slices: Food Loves Us Here so Let Us Love it Back
When I relocated to North Carolina fifteen years ago, I was excited about many things, but food topped the list.
Kick-Off 2021 with a Hike at an Arkansas State Park
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.
Don’t Miss the Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights
The Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights continues now through the end of the year with a statewide celebration of the holiday season.
Orange Slices: North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail
The North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) is 1,175 miles long (that’s the distance from Portland, Maine to Atlanta).
Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB Welcomes New President/CEO
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.
The “Spirit” of Columbia
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.
LRCVB unleashes self-guided tours to showcase Little Rock in a new way
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.
Orange Slices: Collection of Characters
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…
Arkansas State Parks Adjusts Operations to Respond to Statewide COVID-19 Increase
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.
State of Yucatán Gets 2 New ‘Magical Towns’ with Designation of Sisal and Maní by SECTUR
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)
The Holidays in Chapel Hill & Orange County
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 is this winter’s perfect social distancing activity
The Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights returns this week with a statewide celebration of the holiday season.
Chapel Hill: Plan Your 2021 Visit
If the University is closed, how do you get people to visit Chapel Hill?
Arkansas Historical Marker Program Highlights Local History and Heritage
(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.
The Explorer: Imagine Celebrating Winter in Alaska. Explore Fairbanks Responsibly
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…
Visitor Finds 4.49-Carat Diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park
(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…
Celebrating the holidays safely in North Little Rock
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…
“Welcome to the Lake of the Ozarks” Episode of Missouri Life TV Nominated for Emmy Award
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…
Paddling the Sunken Lands
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…
Wall Street Journal Gives Props to Carrboro United: A food hub for our times
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…
DeGray Lake Resort State Park Reopens Treasured Campground
(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
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…
Up to something fun in North Little Rock, Arkansas
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…
International Festival of Santa Lucía Brings Mexican Art and Culture Home
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…
Let’s Go There: Arkansas is ready for travel
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…
Virtual Craft Village Showcase at Ozark Folk Center State Park
(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…
Start camping in Arkansas
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…
Fall in Love with Colorful Columbia This Fall
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.…
State of Yucatán: Two Years of Sustained Growth in Tourism
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…
Parks Veteran Named New Region 3 Supervisor
(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’
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…
A Dynamic Man
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…
October ‘Discover Arkansas’ Now Online
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…
Safely Visit Orange County this Autumn
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,…
Majestic elk draw wildlife watchers to Buffalo National River country
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…
Arkansas Visitor Finds 9-Carat Diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park
(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…
Hit the road on a scenic fall drive
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…
A Beautiful Garden of Art Now Open in Chapel Hill through December 6, 2020
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.com receives outstanding achievement award
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…
Florida’s Historic Coast Has Wide-Open Spaces, New Exhibits, New Hotels and Restaurants
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,…
Arkansas tourism industry continues to strengthen state economy
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…
Silver Dollar City Presents Crafts, Cowboys & Pumpkins
(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…
Explore Fairbanks 2020-21 Winter Guide Featuring Northern Lights Viewing is Available for Free
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…
Carrboro, North Carolina
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…
Get Out and Give Back
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 across Arkansas continue to serve as community cores
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,…
Investment club enjoys a successful meeting on Mount Magazine
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…
September ‘Discover Arkansas’ Now Online
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…
Increasing Number of Visitors Focus for State Park Staff
(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…
September Business News In and Around Our Communities
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.…
Division of Arkansas Heritage sites provide virtual experiences for travelers
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…
Dear Tourists, We have missed you.
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…
Arkansas Welcome Centers provide a safe setting for guests
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…
North Arkansas offers safe adventures and fun
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?
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…
Mama Dip’s Legacy Lives on in Chapel Hill and beyond
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…
Ozark Highlands Radio Receives Arkansas Country Music Award
(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…
Remembering a Good Woman
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…
Shop Owner Finds a Way for Branson’s Locals and Visitors to Take a Shine to Wearing Face Masks
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…
Arkansas Tourism Director Travis Napper named to Travel South USA Board of Directors
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…
Big Bend National Park Reopens For Day Use August 7th
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…
August ‘Discover Arkansas’ Now Online
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…
Arkansas State Parks: Making memories safely
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…
BREAKING: Silver Dollar City WINS USA TODAY Award
(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…
Celebrate National Tequila Day with Viva Tequila Festival
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…
Explore Fairbanks Regions Where Caribou Outnumber People
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.…
Up to something unexpected in North Little Rock, Arkansas
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…
Readers’ Choice Awards – Please consider Voting
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…
Silver Dollar City announces Mystic River Falls is OPEN!
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…
CITY OF SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE REOPENING TODAY, JULY 15
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
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…
BREATHE EASY IN COLUMBIA’S GREAT OUTDOORS
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…
July ‘Discover Arkansas’ now online
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 reopens with health and safety protocols in place for locals and visitors
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…
Two Visitors Find Large Diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park
(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…
Arkansas Welcome Centers reopen to visitors
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…
Kansas Tourism Launches “To The Stars” Campaign
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…
Visitor Finds 2.23-Carat Diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas
(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…
The Explorer: Fairbanks, Alaska is Open for Business
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…
Arkansas State Parks Launches Passport Program
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…
Five cities Tequila lovers must visit in the state of Jalisco
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…
June ‘Discover Arkansas’ now online
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…
Video: North Little Rock debuts “My City”
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…
Al fresco dining in North Little Rock
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…
Summer Sundays are Open on Florida’s Historic Coast
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…
Take a Trip to Branson – No Need to Pack
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…
Destination Health & Safety Guidelines Messaging
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…
Arkansas State Parks to Re-open Tent Camping June 1
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…
Diamond Search Field to Re-open on May 22 at Crater of Diamonds State Park
(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…
Florida’s Historic Coast Welcomes Frontline and Essential Workers with Special Offers
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…
Lake of the Ozarks Golf Council Launches New “Pass it On!” Campaign to Raise Funds for Local Charities
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…
10 Ways to Visit Québec City Virtually
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…
Ozark Folk Center State Park to Open Craft Village on May 19
(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. …
Start Your Virtual Vacation Now in Fairbanks, Alaska
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…
Arkansas celebrates the ‘Spirit of Travel’
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…
Arkansas State Parks to Begin Phased Reopening of Camping and Other Services
(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…
Housebound Unbound Book Festival Events Begin Tonight
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:…
Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Announces Limits on Camping at State Parks
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…
Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism Limits State Parks to Day Use Only
(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…
Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism Temporarily Closes Some Trails and Areas Due to Storm Damage
(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…
New Whatcom Arts Project Keeps Artists Connected to Community – Staying Together While Apart
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…
NINE WAYS TO TEACH YOUR KIDS ABOUT FLORIDA’S HISTORIC COAST WITHOUT LEAVING HOME
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…
A Message regarding COVID-19 and Catalina Island
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…
Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Announces Closings and Limiting of Some Services
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.…
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, HERITAGE, & TOURISM ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL CLOSURES
(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…
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, HERITAGE, & TOURISM RELEASES SAFETY TIPS FOR USING TRAILS AND OUTDOOR SPACES
(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…
Liverpool Legends Invade Lake of the Ozarks March 13 & 14
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…
2020 Henry Awards presented at Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism
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…
Art scene on the upswing in Conway
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…
Discover Newport Releases 2020 Destination Guide
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…
ADMINISTRATOR OF TRI-COUNTY LODGING ASSOCIATION RETIRES AFTER 27 YEARS
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…
ÖTILLÖ SWIMRUN CATALINA WEEKEND ATTRACTS MORE THAN 500 RACERS FROM 18 NATIONS!
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…
The Explorer: Land of the Midnight Sun
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…
Fort Smith to host award-winning Arkansas Tourism photography exhibit
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…
46th Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism begins March 1 in Fort Smith
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…
Arkansas State Parks Names Top Chef
(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 SHOW CAVES OFFER YEAR-ROUND ADVENTURES
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…
LOOKING AHEAD TO FUN FESTIVALS AND EVENTS AROUND COLUMBIA
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 lands State Tourism Office of the Year award
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 traveling photo exhibit receives award from AAA Southern Traveler
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.…
The 2020 Oaklawn Live Meet Starts This Friday
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…
Hit the Sheets: Rhode Island Launches First-Ever “Hotel Week RI” January 18-31, 2020
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,…
Southern Tenant Farmers Museum explores Arkansas sharecropping story
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…
Maximize your vacation time in The Natural State
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…
OTILLO Comes to America with race on Catalina Island, Ca
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 online
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…
