For students staying in Searcy for fall break, choosing how to spend the long weekend may seem like a difficult undertaking. However, with time, a tank of gas and an eagerness for excitement and adventure, students can experience the natural state and a few of its free festivities.
Compiled here is a list of five places within the region that offer a variety of activities, both indoors and out.
1. Located in Morrilton, Ark., Petit Jean State Park offers camping accommodations, hiking, canoeing and a number of panoramic views. The park was established 300 years ago and offers views of Cedar Creek Canyon, Bear Cave, Natural Bridge and its own waterfall, Cedar Falls.
2. Heber Springs, Ark., offers multiple locations for camping, hiking, fishing and dining. Sugar Loaf Mountain offers an overlook of the Ozarks, Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery provides an ample supply of fish for a great catch and food can be found at the Cleburne County Farmers Market or the Red Apple Inn & Country Club.
3. Jonesboro, Ark., will be hosting its second annual Johnny Cash Music Festival on Oct. 5. Musicians include Johnny Cash’s daughter Roseanne Cash, Willie Nelson, Dierks Bentley and The Civil Wars. The event will be held at the Arkansas State University Convocation Center at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds will go toward the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home project in Dyess, Ark., to establish a museum, honoring and restoring Cash’s boyhood home.
4. Little Rock River Market, located in downtown Little Rock, is full of live music, fresh farmers market produce, boutique shopping opportunities and various local restaurants to satisfy the stomach and soul. The Museum of Discovery within the river market district will host a traveling exhibition on Oct. 5 and take guests behind the scenes of what goes into building a roller coaster.
5. Bridal Veil Falls in Heber Springs, Ark., offers a unique, serene and natural view of one of Arkansas’ little known waterfalls. The area offers a spectacular view of the falls and is a quick nine minutes from the Heber Springs business district.
Whether staying in or heading out for the three-day weekend, students have options to experience Arkansas’ natural beauty, live music from both local and national celebrities and dine on delicious meals at unique restaurants. Enjoy the hiatus for an extra day and make the most of your weekend in The Natural State. For more information, visit petitjeanstatepark.com, heberspingsparksandrec.com, rivermarket.info and jonesboro.com.
