Some consider local getaways as summer destinations
Posted on Saturday, May 17, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/bcdr/News/61892/
BENTONVILLE — Summer is just around the corner, gas prices are up, and families are considering their vacation plans. While some may not flinch at the climbing pump prices, some families may be rethinking summer road trips.
Bentonville resident Terry Fisher said she and her family usually drive to Florida for a beach vacation, but this year they may stick closer to home.
“ We haven’t decided yet whether or not to take that trip, ” Fisher said. “ We might just go for a weekend up to Branson or something. ”
The following are a few ideas of places within two hours of Bentonville that may work for a day or weekend trip that the family can enjoy. War Eagle Mill
The gristmill, which can trace its roots back to the Civil War and Arkansas’ first white settlers, is now a tourist attraction full of Arkansas tradition. Set on the War Eagle River on Arkansas Highway 303 south of Beaver Lake, the mill offers country-style meals at the third-floor Bean Palace Restaurant, gifts and souvenirs in the War Eagle Mercantile and the opportunity to watch how buhrstone grinding was done 150 years ago. More information is available at www. wareaglemill. com. Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari
Locally known as the Gentry Safari, the 180-acre park setting for exotic animals has been a favorite of families and school kids for nearly 40 years. With more than 85 species of animals, the safari includes a five-mile drivethrough, a petting zoo and a picnic area. Admission is $ 7 for adults and $ 6 for kids ages 3-12. Group rates are available. The safari, south of Gravette off Arkansas Highway 59, is open 365 days a year. More information is available at www. wildwildernessdrivethroughsafari. com. Devil’s Den State Park
For hikers, campers or those looking for a cabin getaway, the state park in West Fork has camping for as little as $ 10 per day, canoeing for $ 8 an hour and cabins from $ 100 to $ 180 nightly. A variety of summer events include pick-up softball games with the park interpreters and the 75 th annual Bat-o-Rama, a program to showcase and educate about bats. More information is available at www. arkansasstateparks. com / devilsden. Eureka Springs
The Victorian village in Carroll County draws tourists for arts and crafts stores, “ The Great Passion Play, ” and the Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway. The “ Passion Play” outdoor drama runs evenings throughout the summer. The train ride through 4 1 / 2 miles of Ozark hills is $ 12 for adults and $ 6 for kids ages 4-10. Precious Moments Inspirational Park
Just more than an hour north of Bentonville in Carthage, Mo., the Precious Moments Visitor Center and Chapel, which opened in 1989, showcases through architecture and artwork Sam Butcher’s Precious Moments characters and faith. Admission is free to the chapel. The Fountain of Angels dancing waters show is also a visitor favorite. More information is available at www. preciousmoments. com. Branson, Mo.
Nationally known for its live-music theaters, Branson is also home to three amusement parks, various museums and activities such as miniature golf and go-carts. Silver Dollar City has a number of programs and specials throughout the summer, as does White Water and theme park Celebration City. The Titanic, Roy Rogers and Ripley’s Believe It or Not museums attract different age groups. For a two-hour cruise on Table Rock Lake, the Showboat Branson Belle offers lunch or dinner and entertainment. More information is available at www. branson. com. Tulsa, Okla.
A two-hour drive from Bentonville to Oklahoma’s second largest city can offer city-setting activities for everyone in the family. The Tulsa Zoo is home to 1, 500 animals. Bell’s Amusement Park and Big Splash are daylong activities. The Tulsa Drillers, AA affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, have home games scheduled through August. Also, with around 15 malls and countless restaurants and hotels, the city can make a nice weekend getaway.