Love being there. The staffs are friendly, the gardens and grounds are soothing and peaceful. I go…read morethere at least twice a week, maybe 3 times when I can escape from my hustle and bustle. Every time I was there, I feel a sense of peace and joy. Where else can you get that kind of relaxation in a city? It's just beautiful.

Options for autumn when Canada was "closed" (1 of 2)…read more - - - - - Covid may seemingly be a thing of the past, but, for some, it will never be forgotten because it affected them or their loved ones in far more serious ways. It changed how we interacted, shopped, circulated, and even limited our options as to where we could travel. For a while, Canada was closed and it always comes to the top of my list when it comes to fall colors. That said, other options became New England, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and the Ozarks. Garvan Woodland Gardens is located just outside of Hot Springs, Arkansas, thus in the general Ozarks area. Hot Springs itself was already on the map as place of touristic import. Along a major avenue there is nationally registered "Bathhouse Row," a string of private spas in ornate mansion-sized facilities that rose to fame during the 20th Century. Its most famous visitor may have been Al Capone. I came to learn that Capone died a natural death. One might have thought otherwise. I vaguely knew about these gardens - the Garvan Woodland Gardens. However, if in town and you ask questions about things to do, their existence, and their details, become front and center. It's an easy drive from the small city of Hot Springs. The gardens began as a private garden that then flourished when they were donated and "privatized," or realistically operated by the University of Arkansas. As such, there is an admission fee. As can be expected, the gardens are segmented and themed. The most notable might be the Japanese Garden and the manicured plantings that go with that. There are also other themed areas, including some areas which are a little natural, or scruffier, if you prefer that word. There are other areas such as a toy railroad sort of old town, walkways abutting the lake, and odd contraptions that serve as stairs, bridges, and tree houses. Then, there are some areas with art installations of sort that look sort of granola. I didn't have time to read every placard explaining the logic, if any, of some of these things. There is also a non-denominational chapel on the grounds and it closely resembles the state's Thorncrown Chapel designed by the University of Arkansas's famed alumnus E. Fay Jones. I had already seen that chapel in Eureka Springs, but, if you can't make it to its remote corner of the state (actually just south of and somewhat close to Branson, Missouri), this one will almost enable you to check Thorncrown Chapel off your list. Seasonal blooms will affect what you see. Note that, if seeking fall color in the state, it will come later than other parts of America owing to the more southerly latitude. In the fall, it won't be as "flowery." The forested lands in which Garvan Wooodlands Gardens sits appear to be studded in Southern pine, and reminded me of the vegetation surrounding the Atlanta area. The employees on hand were very helpful. Note that, in this state, your bucket list ,at the very minimum, would be about 3 state parks, 2 more rugged natural areas, the historic areas of Little Rock, Eureka Springs, and Hot Springs, which would include these gardens. The beauty of everything you see may exceed your expectations. Just about everyone is giving Garvan Woodlands Gardens 5 stars. For its context and area, it should fetch 5 stars. However, compared to other places with a similar admission fee, I felt it was closer to 4 stars. It is nonetheless impressive and recommended and you should also consider the month in which you plan to visit. However, it could also be that the few hippie-dippy things there made for an eye roll. They always do.

I love this place! Great photo op at the Eiffel Tower, and the cowboy hat on top is a hoot! Such a…read morefun area to take family when they visit from out of town. The veteran's memorial is so peaceful and nice.

Wow I was excited to stop and get some cool photos but the memorial is where it's at! They did an…read moreamazing service to those that served. Really felt the spirit here. Walking and feeling the emotions of all those that gave for us to have the freedom we do.

We enjoyed our time on the row and really liked Quapaw. The staff were polite and helpful. The…read morepools were lovely and relaxing.

Bathhouse row is so neat and clean. It's such a beautiful way to walk around Hot Springs. I…read moreactually went into Lamar Bathhouse and was not disappointed.. it has so many lovely options for you to choose from. I promise they don't disappoint.

First off: I think this has GREAT potential. As the world's tallest hill (at 1,999 ft, 2,000 would…read moreclassify it as a mountain), it's definitely a landmark! Visit The World's Tallest Hill!!! The World's Tallest Hill boasts beautiful views of the rolling hills of Eastern Oklahoma, those same hills and mountains that reach over from Western Arkansas and the Ozarks. In the fall, I can imagine these hills are on "fire" with fall color, a great destination for central-south America for fall-color viewing. Why does it earn only 3 stars? 2 things knock a star each off: 1. The road up to The World's Tallest Hill (yes, I'm going to keep saying that!) is a nightmare upkeep-wise. Pot-craters, crumbling roads, you could almost consider it an off-road experience. As a hiker, I typically care loosely about the road to the top of a high place, but if there is going to be one, it should be in good repair. 2. The top, or "peak" could use some sprucing up. The viewpoint is great! And the official sign is wonderful! But it's a little awkward up there. Again, probably just another "unkempt" issue that is easy to resolve. Eventually I could see a cute gift/snack/trinket shop up there to cash out on literally being The World's Tallest Hill, almost a satirical approach, while still pretty impressive! Who would have thought Eastern Oklahoma was the home of The World's Tallest Hill. I was impressed as it was, but could stand to be even more impressed again!

Well, it's a hot day, we ended up spending a bit of time here learning about the history of Fort…read moreSmith, how integral it was into the colonization of the west, as well as their turbulent times trying to manage both the tribal communities and the white settlers who were moving into the area rapidly. It's a fascinating history And one that you have to spend a little bit of time going to the museum and understanding the different angles. I guess that's a purpose of a museum, right? We learned a little bit about Judge Isaac, Parker, as one of the first influences that had to deal with the wild West murderers and people committing heinous crimes that until he arrived, didn't face many consequences as there was no federal government system that was in control of the area and the tribunal process did not cover non-native Americans. Fascinating history. You can even see a replica of the courthouse as well as the gallows as they were over 160 people hang here. Take a rock across the railroad tracks and read a bit about the trail of tears. There are plenty of areas to contemplate the history. Bring a picnic, there are many places to relax and spread out. The museum is actually free, is air-conditioned and had clean restrooms

Really interesting historical site. We've been to a ton of National Parks and National Monuments /…read moreHistorical Sites. This is top 10 for sure! The information is presented in a fun way that really grabs your interest. There's a nice out door area to walk and explore more. The rangers were all very friendly and informative. Worth a stop for sure!

One of the first stops my daughters and I made during our first ever visit to the Natural State was…read morethe Arkansas Welcome Center in Texarkana. It was fairly hot on July 19, 2025. I hustled our dog to the cooler grass which unknowingly to me was supposed to be pet-free. (Where we parked there were no similar signs so that was confusing.) We didn't go inside the visitor center because dogs were not allowed. My oldest went to use the restroom and walked straight back out declaring, "There are way too many old ladies waiting in a line. We can just go, Mom. I can wait." Lol. This place makes for a nice photo with the large "Arkansas: The Natural State" sign out front. Easy access for all size vehicles exiting and entering back onto the eastbound Interstate 30.

I stopped at this welcome center on my way to hot springs over the Juneteen holiday…read more There were plenty of parking and they look to have plenty of street lights (i visited during the day so could not tell if they work). There were lots of brochure and maps available for people visiting the state. The real gem at this welcome center was the staff behind the counter. This lady asked me where I was going and what I had brought me to the state. I told her my plans were go to hiking in hot springs and just go with the flow. Yall she brought me everything that had to do with hot springs, hiking in the nearby area and she gave me some cool "hiking in Arkansas" sticker that were only given out to hikers! I felt so welcome by her and that friendly hospitality was the same by everyone I encounter during my trip to Arkansas. The bathrooms were clean and pretty empty when I visited however, they could use an upgrade and the lighting could be better. Overall good bathrooms. There were some vending machines and picnic tables outside but did not stop to hang out since I had to get back on the road. The "natural state" not only had beautiful hiking trails but it also had some many people with beautiful souls. I will for sure be back in the future.

On top of Hot Sprigs Mountain this 216ft tower hs spectacular views of the surrounding mountains…read morecovered with dogwood, hickory, oak & pine. We winded up a single lane road passing Picnic areas and rest stops before we got to the top. There was a small parking lot with magnificent views. We walked to the gift shop & found the register. We have a parks pass & paid $12 pp to take the elevator to the top of the tower. We took in the view on the top and then went down a floor to see the history of Hot Springs starting in 1875. Photos and artifacts from the old hotels and bath houses were presented with a timeline.

My crew wasn't allowed up to the top of the Hot Springs Mountain Tower because we had our…read morenon-service dog with us. This place was still cool to check out. It was too damn hot for 3 out of 4 of us to hike up the mountain, so I drove up. Parking was free, but a bit crowded on July 20, 2025. If you don't find a spot, there is a loop to drive back around. Historical info of the tower is out front. TIP Shout out to Greg J. who on 7.9.2024 pointed out that going back down the mountain on the one-way road, folks will pass the Happy Hollow cold spring fountain. It's a free refill of any jug or bottle!

What a find! We were enjoying breakfast at the Sherwood Bistro located right across the street and…read morewent to check out the cool train depot with an old car outside of it. The Mena Depot Museum & Visitor Information Center is located inside the old train depot and houses a museum that is steep in local history and artifacts. The museum was restored in 1987. Everything is labeled and beautifully displayed. Take a step back in time and look up to enjoy the collection of old pipes, sit in an old bench or and see old travel trunks, telephones and typewriters. There is a completely restored 1939 Dodge police car, lovingly named "Flossie" under the covered outside area. Upstairs there is a huge beautiful mural depicting historical items from the area and other artwork is also displayed. You can find lots of pamphlets for surrounding points of interest and a nice lady was there and she answered some questions we had. What a treasure trove of beautifully preserved history!

It's fun to see for sure!! The building it is attached is closed and/or abandoned. The driveway is…read moreon an incline and there are potholes and broken glass everywhere. Just keep your eye out and you can avoid them.

Funny photo op in Ft Smith. No idea about the building and if it actually opens as a business…read moreduring the holidays. But the World's Largest Christmas Pickle is definitely worth a stop if you are in the area. Bonus: there's a cool looking water tower next door too.