After arriving in Arkansas, I was traveling west on Highway 62 just outside of Alpena when my wife suddenly shouted "Quick! Pull over!" Thinking that there was an emergency vehicle coming, I quickly pulled over --- into what I discovered was a quilt shop parking lot. My wife then explained that this is where all of the local quilters get their supplies. When I asked her how she learned that bit of information, she said that the lady at the last quilt store we stopped at just outside of Harrison had told her! Fortunately, I learned long time ago that when we travel I only pack my suitcase half-full when we leave home, so that I will have room for all of the "great bargains" that we acquire along the way!
Arriving in Berryville we toured The Saunders Museum, which has a really awesome collection of firearms, including handguns owned by Billy the Kid, Buffalo Bill Cody, Annie Oakley, Jesse James, Wild Bill Hickok, and many others. There are also historical items that belonged to Chief Sitting Bull and other famous people. Unfortunately, no cameras are allowed in the Museum.
Eureka Springs is a beautiful town with numerous restored historic commercial buildings and Victorian era homes and mansions. They even let you climb a lookout tower for a better view of the surrounding area. (You really feel the pain in your legs the next day.) Other attractions in and around Eureka Springs include the Thorncrown Chapel, Christ of the Ozarks statue, a 10X10 section of the Berlin Wall, Wind Chime Music Park (The smaller wind chimes in the park were constructed from pieces of the World's Largest Tuned Wind Chime that was destroyed.), Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway, and a Historic Bridge that they call "The Godden Gate Bridge of Arkansas."
We also drove by Pea Ridge National Military Park, but it was closed.
A stop at the Rogers Daisy Airgun Museum brought back many childhood memories of when we had our Daisy Red Ranger B-B guns. On display are airguns from 1888 to the present, a special World War II display, video presentations, limited editions airrifles, and historic advertising materials. You can even fill your own BB tin from a large wooden barrel of full of BBs. If you are ever in the area and stop by the museum, be certain to check out the bathrooms.
No trip to northwest Arkansas would be complete without a visit to Bentonville - "The Birthplace of Walmart." Sam Walton's original 5-10 Store has been converted into a museum that includes everything from Sam's original F-150 Ford pickup to his home office that was removed from his house and reassembled in the museum. After touring the museum and watching the various videos about Sam Walton, it makes you want to go to work for Walmart! You come away with the feeling that today we need more leaders like Sam Walton!
Also in Bentonville is the recently opened Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art that was acquired by the Walton Family and is open free to the public. Over the years, Alice Walton collected American Art that includes Gilbert Stuart's "George Washington" and Norman Rockwell's "Rosie the Riveter" paintings. The museum also has a restaurant featuring Chef Matthew McClure (a James Beard winner) that serves gourmet dinners at very reasonable prices.
The museum is located in a large park that contains lakes, hiking trails, and outdoor works of art. As you leave the grounds in the evening, there is a large neon sculpture that is fascinating to watch as it continues to change colors.This is really a spectacular museum complex that should not be missed if you are ever in the area!
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