Welcome to the sights of ARKANSAS . . .

Today is my day. You can see the Arkansas block at the end of this post. But first,  a tour of some of the interesting places to visit in Arkansas.

First stop, my current home place,  Paris. Yes, many times I get kidded about being from Paris, France. Maybe some day I will get to visit there. 

 

A few years ago, an area business man decided to take on the task of lighting up the square during the Christmas holidays. All it took was one man, dedicated to our city, to boost morale and bring a community together.

Next stop . . .

About 13 miles south of Paris on the highest peak in Arkansas is Mount Magazine State Park.

 

Back in 1939, there was a small lodge and cabins located on the top of the mountain. But in 1971, a fire  destroyed everything. Locals continued to visit the mountain for the views it offered. In 1988, the mountain was declared a state park.   Years later, a lodge was built, cabins constructed, camping sites added and numerous trails built. It was officially opened in 2006. A visitors center also sits on the outer edge of the park. Frank Willems, a state representative from Subiaco (5 miles to the east of Paris), played an instrumental part in developing the mountain top. Unfortunately, Mr. Willems died in 2000 and never saw his work completed.

On to . . .

My hometown, Subiaco, Arkansas.  It is a very small town about 5 miles east of Paris.



It is the home of Subiaco Abbey and Academy.  I grew up about a half a mile down the road from this beautiful monastery and school. It was my home church and the church where Larry and I were married. This is where Craig attended high school and Craig and Becca were married there. It will always be home.

My dad did some of the rock work on this beautiful church. My mom tells the story of my dad working on the top of the bell tower and his mother became ill. She says the wait for him to climb down so she could tell him seemed to be an eternity.

Next stop . . .

Shoal Bay.  It is a Corp of Engineer Park.  Arkansas has many Recreational Areas for swimming, picnicking, and camping. This one is within 20 miles of my home and our favorite. 

On down the road about 90 miles, we visit Little Rock, the state capital. Also, home of the Clinton Library.

I'm embarrassed to say that I have never been inside it. I do believe that may have to be a day trip this summer.

Looking for a girl's best friend? Then visit the  Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfeesboro. 

 
It is the only diamond-producing site in the world where the public can search for diamonds. And the policy here is "finders, keepers," meaning the diamonds you find are yours to keep. Sad to say, I haven't been here either. But this is another place I plan to visit this summer. Maybe I'll even find a diamond.

Next stop is



Blanchard Springs Caverns   These caves are located near Mountain View (which is a lazy little town known for the Ozark Folk Center and its' love of folk music). I have actually been to these caverns but it was when I was a tween. I vaguely remember my dad doing some work here before it was opened in 1973.  I don't remember if he worked on some of the walkways and railings inside the caves or on the visitors center.  I will have to ask him.

Our next stop will be the eclectic town of



Eureka Springs.  It is well-known for the hilly downtown area of cobblestone roads lined with shops of every type you can imagine. It is also considered a wedding town because of the Thorncrown Chapel.  This chapel is made almost entirely of glass. Just beautiful.



http://host.newspin360.net/thorncrown/pano.html

Our last stop will be Bentonville in Northwest Arkansas



to visit Crystal Bridges. This is a fairly new museum built in November, 2011.  It was funded by Alice Walton and the admission is sponsored by Walmart. It is truly a unique art museum with some changing exhibits.

Now we have traveled all through the state and have come full swing. A beautiful 1 1/2 - 2 hour drive will bring you back to Paris.

If you read through the whole post, you will know why I chose the trees and diamonds to add to the block. The block with the large diamond is actually modeled after our state flag.

AMB is giving away a pack of eight fat quarters to a blogger who comments on this blog. And . . .  a pack for each state,  so go check out the other states'  plates! 



To win here, just leave a comment on this post telling me which place you would like to visit in Arkansas.   (You must live in the US to enter.) A winner will be announced June 7th.  Then drop by tomorrow and enter to win another giveaway.

Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting.