Arkansas was another one of those states that I visited and didn’t quite know what to expect. Quite honestly my first impressions weren’t good since I first came across some lower class neighborhoods and commercial areas in great need of renovation. The gloomy weather during my entire trip certainly didn’t help either. Once I got around and began to explore Arkansas I ended up finding more things than I had time for, despite my two trips to the state. On my first trip my highlight was the historic town of Hot Springs. Most recently I returned and spent my time in the the Ozarks, no doubt one of the most beautiful deciduous forests in the United States.

Never really seen as a tourist destination, most Americans only associate Little Rock with Bill Clinton who was governor here before his presidency. Little Rock’s most important site is its giant Central High School which was the site of the 1957 integration of blacks and white students. The Arkansas River is a great place to visit, and has lots of shops and restaurants. In the right time of year you can even find river cruises.

A plateau that stretches into three other states, the Ozarks are the only significant highlands between the Rockies and the Appalachian Mountains. Arkansas’ share of the Ozarks have many scenic views. Whitaker Point is considered to be the most famous and beautiful point in Arkansas. There are endless opportunities for the outdoors here such as hiking, camping, canoeing, and rock climbing. A new 700 miles (1,125 km) trail that begins in St. Louis finishes in Arkansas. The vast rural land provides a haven for deer, elk, bear, and numerous species of birds and reptiles.

Valley of the vapors to Native Americans, explored by Hernando De Soto, hometown of Bill Clinton, and for centuries a vacation spot for tourists, Hot Springs, Arkansas is one of the most exciting sites in the state. The natural spring flows water at 147 degrees which has drawn in luxury hotels and spas. Hot Springs is also very close to Arkansas’ great outdoors so is a great place to relax before or after a trip to the great oudoors.