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Step 1
If flying, the code for the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport is "XNA." It's usually listed as a Fayetteville location, but actually exists in Highfill, Arkansas, just outside of Bentonville (see Resources below).
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Step 2
Fly in to the Tulsa International Airport (TUL) in Oklahoma and drive approximately 2 hours east to the state line.
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Step 3
If driving, use Mapquest (see Resources below) or a good road atlas to plot the best route. Typical arteries into the area are Interstates 30, 40 and 540, and U.S. Highways 71 and 412.
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Step 1
Hotels and motels are plentiful in Northwest Arkansas because of the vast number of business travelers. Rooms book up fast during peak seasons such as the Wal-Mart shareholder's meeting each June, craft season each spring and fall, and the Bikes Blues and BBQ rally each September.
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Step 2
For bed and breakfasts, check out bbonline.com. The site lists those that are in the state and is searchable by location. Be sure to search under all the towns that make up Northwest Arkansas: Rogers, Bentonville, Bella Vista, Springdale and Fayetteville. Also search in Eureka Springs, a quaint little Victorian village not far outside the metro (see Resources below).
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Step 3
Cabins are available in areas such as Lake Wedington, or as far south as Devil's Den State Park. Be sure and check with the Arkansas State Parks Association to get availability and rates.
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Step 4
Camping is another option for visiting Northwest Arkansas. Many campgrounds are located along Beaver Lake. These are suitable for RVs or tent camping. Again, check with the Arkansas State Parks.
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Step 1
Elk Horn Tavern, Pea RidgeVisit military parks. The Pea Ridge National Military Park is a 4,300-acre battlefield offering visitors a close look at the historic Elk Horn Tavern, which was used as a temporary hospital during the Battle of Pea Ridge in March of 1862. It also has hiking, bicycling and horseback trails, a driving tour, a museum and a visitors' center. The Prairie Grove Battlefield is similar, and only about an hour from Pea Ridge in neighboring Washington County. This park is an 840-acre preserve including a driving tour, scenic overlook and visitors center. Both parks have yearly re-enactments. Check their websites for specifics, and plan at least half a day for each park (see Resources below).
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Step 2
Waton's 5 & 10 and Wal-Mart Visitors' CenterVisit museums. Bentonville, Arkansas, is the home of Wal-Mart. Drop by the historic downtown square to visit the old 5&10, which has been converted into a visitors' center and museum. Drive a few blocks down the road and see the behemoth's home office up close (see Resources below). The famous Daisy Red Ryder BB gun was created by Daisy Outdoor Products, headquartered in Rogers. The company has a rich history, which can be explored and celebrated at the Daisy Airgun Museum in downtown Rogers. The Peel Mansion Museum & Garden is an 1875 Italianate mansion that was once home to Col. Samuel West Peel, his wife and 9 children. It was a working farmstead, which has since been preserved. It now serves as a beautiful reminder of the area's history. The garden area is well-kept and has native plants. It's a great backdrop for photos. Plan at least a half a day at each museum.
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Step 3
University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. If you're an academic, this campus is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. While you're there, visit Old Main. This 1875 example of Second Empire architecture is the heart of the campus. Other points of interest while on the campus are the Chi Omega Greek Theater and the arboretums and gardens.
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Step 4
Historic Monte NeMonte Ne, Arkansas, was once a booming resort town known for its cool spring waters. When the White River was dammed in the 1960s and Beaver Lake was formed, much of the Monte Ne valley flooded. An amphitheater lies under the lake, as do two stone bridges and the foundations of what used to be the town. The concrete tower of what locals call the "Old Motel" still stands, empty and ghostly against the backdrop of hills. When the water recedes during droughts, other parts of old Monte Ne can be seen. This is a great place to take pictures or just hang out and listen to the locals tell tales of the old town.
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Step 5
Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs (Photo by Mandy Hougland)Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs. This historic, haunted hotel is a must see. Take the ghost tour, bring your camera and try to catch an orb. Eureka Springs is about 45 minutes east of the heart of Northwest Arkansas.
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Step 1
Arts and crafts shops are plentiful in Northwest Arkansas. Some have flea market set-ups, like Shelby Lane Mall in Rogers. Others are more tourist driven, like War Eagle Mill just outside of Rogers.
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Step 2
Hit the Applegate show in Bentonville and the Rogers showing at Frisco Mall, as well as the tent fair at War Eagle.
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Step 3
One can also visit the Pinnacle Hills Promenade in Rogers or the Northwest Arkansas Mall in Fayetteville. The Pinnacle Hills mall is a new upscale shopping center with the appeal of a downtown area. The Northwest Arkansas Mall is entirely indoors, and therefore more pleasant on days with extreme weather.
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Step 1
Visit Beaver Lake and Hobbs State Management Area. Whether it's camping, boating, skiing, swimming or picnicking, Beaver Lake is the place to go. Try Hickory Creek, Horseshoe Bend, Rocky Branch or Prairie Creek. These are all beaches and recreation areas on Beaver Lake. If hiking, hunting or an outdoor gun range are your thing, Hobbs State Park is your hook-up. This expansive wilderness area is very near the lake, so you can hit both in the same day if you like.
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Step 2
Go caving in Devil's Den State Park. The park has several caves that are accessible via hiking trails. It also offers a mountain-biking trail, cabins, a campground, waterfall and swimming pool. Be sure to bring your camera.
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Step 3
If sports is your thing, take in a Minor League baseball game at Arvest Ballpark or catch a college game at the University. You can watch the Diamond Hogs play baseball or the Arkansas Razorbacks play football.
