For many, starting the second half of summer may feel like the grandeur of vacations has passed, and the dog days have begun. Luckily, because of where we live, the freedom of summer is not over. Before the busyness of fall and the school year starting, Northwest Arkansas provides opportunities for the season's last adventures.
Exploring South
Do- Parrot Island in Fort Smith has everything one imagines for the quintessential waterpark: a lazy-river, a wave pool, and plenty of slides, like the 265-foot Pelican Plunge.
See- Mount Magazine has many cabins and camping spots, making it the perfect place to enjoy the solace of nature with family or friends. Being the tallest point in the state at 2,753 feet, it’s the best place to see the vibrant green and glowing waters of summer.
Drink-The Benedictine monks of Subiaco Abbey started selling to the public in 2018. Handcrafted options include Abbey Amber, Scholastic Stout, and Peter’s Chair Pale Ale, which can be enjoyed in their tasting room on the property.
Exploring East
Do- Buffalo River Canoes on Kyles Landing Road near Jasper is the perfect place to set off into the majesty of this state to see the waterfalls and bluffs of NWA.
See- The mission of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is "to provide lifetime refuge for abused and neglected 'Big Cats' with emphasis on tigers, lions, leopards, and cougars." Interested in learning about wildlife and efforts to care for these animals? Head to Eureka Springs.
Eat- The Low Gap Cafe in Jasper is owned by chef Nick Bottini, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America in New York City. The Arkansas Democratic-Gazette called it "backroad gourmet."
Exploring North
Do- Near Bentonville, the Slaughter Pen mountain bike system includes trails ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert. Ozark Trails says, "The 40- plus miles of single-track flow alongside the paved Razorback Regional Greenway and by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, where the path is dotted with public art." With plenty of places to rent bikes nearby, Slaughter Pen is a great place for family and/or friends to spend a Saturday.
See- In Bella Vista, E. Fay Jones' Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel stands over Lake Norwood. The breathtaking building has tall, beautiful arches made from 31 tons of steel. With 4,400 square feet of cut sheet glass, the natural light pours in.
Eat- Voted "the best fried chicken in Arkansas," the Monte Inn near Beaver Lake is the perfect place to bring loved ones for a large, delicious meal. With a family-style serving arrangement, the Monte Ne Inn rivals your best home-cooked meal.