Arkansas is known for its natural beauty and diverse landscapes. The state is famous for its abundance of outdoor activities, with the Ozark Mountains offering breathtaking hiking trails and beautiful lakes for fishing and boating.
Arkansas is also home to the stunning Hot Springs National Park, where visitors can relax and rejuvenate in the natural thermal springs. In addition, the state is recognized for its rich history and cultural heritage, with attractions like the Clinton Presidential Library and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Arkansas is also renowned for its southern hospitality and delicious cuisine, particularly its barbecues and fried catfish.
Birthplace of Walmart
You might be surprised to learn that the birthplace of Walmart is in Arkansas. Sam Walton opened his first store in Rogers, a city about 25 miles north of Bentonville. Today, Walmart is the largest retailer in the world and its headquarters are still located there as well.
Rice Production
Arkansas is known for its rice production. It’s the second largest producer of rice in the United States, with over 100 mills and an average yield of 25 bushels per acre. Each year, Arkansas produces over 1.5 billion pounds of rice–that’s enough to feed more than 4 million people!
Watermelon
In Arkansas, the watermelon is a popular fruit. It’s estimated that over 1.5 billion pounds of watermelons are produced each year in the state. That’s enough to make 80% of the nation’s watermelons!
The Arkansas Watermelon Festival takes place every year during June or July and features various competitions including seed spitting (don’t try this at home) and seed-spitting distance contests. There is also an annual Watermelon Queen pageant where contestants compete based on their knowledge of all things related to this tasty fruit; it’s not clear whether contestants must demonstrate any actual knowledge about watermelons themselves though because I was unable to find any details about what types questions were asked during these interviews but regardless it’s still fun watching these young women get excited about something as simple yet delicious as one single slice from one great big juicy red fruit!
Arkansas Possum Pie
Possum pie is a dessert made with a pastry crust and a filling of possum meat. It originated in Arkansas, where it’s customary for every household to make it once per year on Possum Pie Day, which is celebrated on the first Saturday in March.
Cheese Dip
It’s a spicy cheese dip that’s popular in Arkansas and across the South. You can find it on menus as queso, but it’s actually Tex-Mex in origin. It’s made from melted cheese, chiles and spices.
Fried Pickles
Fried pickles are a southern delicacy that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone, even those who don’t like pickles!
To make fried pickles: Cut the ends off of each dill pickle spear, then cut it in half or thirds (depending on how big your fryer is). Dip them in batter and fry them up! You might want to add some spices like cayenne pepper or paprika into the batter for extra flavor. Serve with ranch dressing on the side so everyone can dip their own fried pickle bites.
Where do I find fried pickles? Check out these restaurants that serve them around Arkansas:
Chocolate Gravy
Chocolate gravy is a Southern dish that originated in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. The thick, rich sauce is made with milk, butter and flour. It’s similar to a roux-based gravy but has cocoa powder added for additional flavor. Chocolate gravy is typically served over biscuits or toast as part of breakfast or brunch meals.
Barbecue
- Barbecue
Arkansas is known for its barbecue, which can be made with pork, beef, chicken or lamb. Barbecue is a traditional southern dish that’s enjoyed year-round and not just during the summer months. It’s traditionally served as a main dish but can also be used as a side dish.
Johnny Cash
You may not be a country music fan, but you probably know about Johnny Cash. He was born in Kingsland, Arkansas and went on to have one of the most successful careers in music history. His most famous song is Folsom Prison Blues (which he wrote while serving time at Folsom Prison). If you’re interested in learning more about him, there is an exhibit dedicated to him at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee!
Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton was born in Hope, Arkansas. He is the 42nd President of the United States and the first president to be impeached (for lying about an affair). He married Hillary Rodham Clinton in 1975, who later became a U.S. Senator from New York and then Secretary of State under President Barack Obama.
Bill Clinton received his bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and then attended Yale Law School where he met fellow student Hillary Rodham (now Clinton). They married in 1975 and had one daughter together before divorcing in 1992 after Bill admitted having an affair with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky while president. In 1976 he ran for Attorney General but lost; two years later he ran again successfully winning election as Governor over Frank White who had just been elected Lieutenant Governor so that they could run together on what was known as “The Reagan Revolution” platform which promised lower taxes but was also responsible for cutting off welfare benefits causing many poor families living below poverty line levels including children whose parents were unable to find work due mostly due lack skills needed perform tasks required today such as computer literacy needed type emails etcetera
Little Rock
Little Rock is the capital of Arkansas and the most populous city in the state. It’s also home to several colleges and universities, including the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Hendrix College, Philander Smith College and William J. Clinton Presidential Library.
The city has been recognized as one of America’s most livable cities by several publications over the years because of its combination of natural beauty (including two rivers), cultural attractions (like museums) and outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking trails or canoeing down a nearby river.
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park is a national park in central Arkansas. It preserves one of the country’s largest collections of hot springs, including Bathhouse Row, a group of historic bathhouses on Hot Springs’ main street. The park also contains North America’s tallest waterfall (120 feet), which flows over a cliff into the Lower Hot Springs Valley; this waterfall was once part of an extensive series that fed pools used by Native Americans and early settlers before being dammed up for spa baths during the 19th century.
Hot Springs National Park encompasses portions of Hot Spring County, Garland County and Saline County; it was created as part of legislation passed during 1908-1909 to create National Parks in every state by 1916 (this goal was not met). As such it includes lands from three counties: Hot Spring County includes much land along Black River Bayou with its associated waterfalls while Garland County contains most other areas within park boundaries including Bull Shoals Lake where visitors enjoy boating activities year round!
Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs is a popular destination for honeymooners and wedding parties. The town was originally built around a natural spring, which led to the name “Eureka Springs.” In addition to its Victorian architecture, Eureka Springs is known for its healing waters–it’s one of Arkansas’ best places to visit if you’re looking for natural beauty and relaxation. If you’re planning on visiting in the spring or fall months, take advantage of all the walking trails in this area!
Fayetteville
Fayetteville is the county seat of Washington County and the third-largest city in Arkansas, United States. The city is located within the Northwest Arkansas metropolitan area which spans Benton, Carroll, Madison and Washington counties. As of 2017 Fayetteville had a population of 76,899 according to the U.S Census Bureau.
Bentonville
Bentonville is the county seat of Benton County, Arkansas. It is the second largest city in Northwest Arkansas and the fourth largest city in Arkansas.
The city is situated on the Arkansas River near the westernmost point of this river’s flow through Oklahoma and into Kansas.
Buffalo National River
Buffalo National River is a National Park Service unit in northern Arkansas. It’s the first national river to be designated in the United States and the first river to be designated as a National Wild and Scenic River System.
Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park is a popular tourist destination in Arkansas. Located in the Ozark Mountains, Petit Jean State Park was named after the mountain it sits on. The park has many trails that lead to waterfalls and scenic overlooks, making it a great place for hikers and nature lovers alike.
Minerals
Arkansas is known for its mineral wealth. The state’s natural resources include lead, zinc, and copper; molybdenum; silver; gold; bauxite (aluminum ore); and tungsten.
The major mining operations in Arkansas are located in the Arkansas River Valley near Fort Smith–the birthplace of Billy the Kid–and Van Buren along U.S. Highway 70 between Little Rock and Texarkana.
Ozark Mountains
The Ozark Mountains are a physiographic region in the U.S. states of Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. The Ozarks extend southward from the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas through eastern Oklahoma into northeastern Texas. The region is also commonly known as the Ozark Plateau and contains over 500 lakes and reservoirs.
Mount Magazine
Mount Magazine is the highest peak in Arkansas, located in the Boston Mountains. This part of Arkansas is known as the Ozark Plateau, which is characterized by rolling hills and longleaf pine trees. Mount Magazine was named after General James Jackson who led a group of settlers to this area in 1819.
World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest
The World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest is a three-day event that takes place in Harrison, Arkansas. It started in 1964 and is the longest running duck calling contest of its kind.
The winner of this competition gets to wear an awesome belt buckle for one year!
Magnolia Blossom Festival
The Magnolia Blossom Festival is a great event that takes place every year in Little Rock, Arkansas. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the state, its history and culture, as well as its people.
The festival takes place over a two-week period every spring (from April 1st to April 14th). The first week is dedicated entirely to arts and crafts vendors who sell their wares on the streets of downtown Little Rock; there are also concerts featuring local bands playing throughout this time period as well.
The second week kicks off with an opening ceremony where attendees can see performances from various artists around town before heading into one of several tents set up around downtown where they’ll have food vendors selling everything from funnel cake fries to barbecue sandwiches–and yes! You can get both at once!
Rodeo of the Ozark
The Rodeo of the Ozarks is held in Fort Smith each June. This is the largest rodeo in the state, featuring bull riding, steer wrestling and bareback riding.
Hope Watermelon Festival
The Hope Watermelon Festival is a great event for families to attend. It’s held in September, so it’s not too hot out, but you can still enjoy the festivities without freezing your butt off.
The festival includes a parade, carnival rides and games and contests like watermelon eating and seed spitting!
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