Even though most of the student body heads home for the summer, there are a number of students who stay in Searcy to work, take classes or intern. Whatever the reason may be, have no fear, because there is plenty to do if you are stuck in Searcy for the summer.
Petit Jean State Park
Known for its beautiful views, the Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton, Ark., is a great place to go hiking. It has three categories of trails based on the desired difficulty level. The park also has trails for biking, camping sites and canoeing. While at Petit Jean, do not miss out on the Cedar Falls Overlook which is known for being one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Arkansas. Petit Jean State Park is two hours away from Searcy.
Buffalo River
If you are able to get a group larger than four together, the Buffalo River in Yellville, Ark. offers canoeing, rafting, tubing and kayaking. Not only does the Buffalo River offer water activities, but fishing, camping and hiking are available as well. Only two and a half hours from Searcy, the Buffalo River is close enough for a day trip with a few friends.
Pinnacle Mountain
Looking for somewhere closer to Searcy to hike? Pinnacle Mountain is just west of Little Rock and offers a wide variety of hiking trails, two mountain bike trails and caving.
River Market
Is the great outdoors not your thing? The River Market District in Little Rock is a cool downtown scene with many good restaurants and boutiques. Check rivermarket.info before you go to see if any live bands are playing and to find out when to catch the Farmer’s Market.
Heber Springs
Heber Springs is a popular place to swim and hang out on a warm summer day and is only about 45 minutes from Searcy. Take a group of friends to Heber to lie out, relax and enjoy the water.
Riverfest
If you love music, you are not going to want to miss out on Riverfest, May 24-26 in Little Rock. River Fest is a large, outdoor music festival that features several artists, vendors and food. Featured artists for 2013 include Peter Frampton, Dierks Bentley, Bush, Darius Rucker, Lupe Fiasco, Daughtry, Kelly Rowland and Florida Georgia Line. Visit riverfestarkansas.com for ticket information.
Searcy Summer Dinner Theater
The Searcy Summer Dinner Theater will be putting on three productions this summer if you are in the mood for a play. “Never Too Late” will be shown June 6-9 and June 13-15. “An Evening of Culture in Faith County” will be shown June 27-30 and July 4-6. If a musical is more your scene, you are in luck, because the last production of the summer will be “A Year with Frog and Toad” July 18-21 and July 25-27. Tickets can be purchased through hardingtickets.com.
